Bling Bling - Are you for or against it?

[BethElena]

As a spinoff of another thread, I'm just curious what opinions are out there on this topic. How do you feel about designer clothing & accessories?

[Mrs. M.]

I personally find anything (real or fake) that is plastered with logos tacky.

I just can't imagine being a walking billboard for some company AND paying for it (overpaying even) on top of giving them free advertising. I'll never get what the appeal is to that.

I decide on a specific piece rather than a brand. No-name does not neccessarily mean low quality, and big brand name does not neccesalrily equate quality.

[KarenS]

I personally find anything (real or fake) that is plastered with logos tacky. Not all designer items are "plastered with logos". In fact most designer stuff is not. :)

I voted other because the choices given really did't describe how I feel about designer clothing. I do own some pieces of designer clothing - especially shoes. I will not buy an item *just* because it is a designer item. I do buy designer items that are unique in design, well made, and that I feel are worth the money.

I will admit that there are some items that I wear (or carry, in the case of a purse) because they are recognizeable as being by a particular designer - but I do not and will not wear something *just* for that reason. Kind of hard to explain, but for example: I carry a well made black leather purse. Given a similar purse at Target and a Coach purse, I will buy and carry the Coach purse. And part of that is becuase it appeals to my clients - and it's part of the image that I have to keep up.

Karen

[maplekitty]

I wish I could buy designer stuff, because I know it is better quality and will probably last longer than cheaper clothes. But unfortunately, my budget just does not allow it. One day though, I *will* own a nice designer purse gosh darn it!!

[Mrs. M.]

Not all designer items are "plastered with logos". In fact most designer stuff is not. :)

I wasn't saying that they are. Just that I dislike items that are (example: most LV bags).

[PG-rated]

I put "can't afford it," but the truth is if I could afford it I still wouldn't care all that much. I would buy better-quality stuff if I had more money, but I don't always think that designer label = better quality.

[pocket]

Nothing is tackier than an ostentatious display of wealth.

[KarenS]

Nothing is tackier than an ostentatious display of wealth.But not everyone who buys designer is doing so to ostentatiously display wealth.

Karen

[Sunshine]

Well, I usually cant afford the designer stuff....I have a designer purse, and some of my shoes are "brand name" but that is about it.
Then again, alot of stuff, like some of my clothing, I dont need ot be designer, if I like it, I will buy it:)
And I agree with pg-rated, designer doesnt always equal better quality:)

[BethElena]

I will admit that there are some items that I wear (or carry, in the case of a purse) because they are recognizeable as being by a particular designer - but I do not and will not wear something *just* for that reason. Kind of hard to explain, but for example: I carry a well made black leather purse. Given a similar purse at Target and a Coach purse, I will buy and carry the Coach purse. And part of that is becuase it appeals to my clients - and it's part of the image that I have to keep up.

Karen

I've heard a lot of professionals say this. Okay, I'm getting off track here: for instance, this one sales guy we had work for us (although he was a complete @sshat) drove an Infinity b/c he felt it gave a better image than a Toyota. I don't know if that's true or not.

[emmjay]

I posted in one of the other threads, but I don't care at all about labels. I will pay more for something of higher quality, but I don't care who makes it.

I prefer either saving my money or else spending it on other things like traveling.

[LyLMyssChaos]

I put other only because there is some stuff that I think is totally adorable and I would love to have because there is no way I could afford it, but even if I could afford to spend the money they want for things, chances are, I wouldn't be willing to spend as much as they want for them, i.e. my $4.99 knock-off purse suits me just fine. I think the style is way cute, but it's what my wallet can afford. I just wish more of the designers of low-cost items would realize that frugal doesn't mean you don't have/want to have taste/style, ya know?

[pocket]

But not everyone who buys designer is doing so to ostentatiously display wealth.

Karen

sorry, but i think that's 90% BS. people think that they are doing for the quality, but i actually think they are mostly doing it for the status. Even the quality issue is acutally about status.

[amorey]

My official stance is against conspicuous consumption, whether it’s a house or a car or a TV or a handbag.

I think the “brand names are better quality” argument only takes you so far. After a while the law of diminishing returns kicks in. At some point you have to admit that you buy designer and luxury labels because you enjoy them and that’s where you choose to spend your money. I mean, they're shoes, not index funds!

[kris97]

Mostly, I don't care. Every once in a while I'll like something "higher end" but even that's pretty mild compared to the big ticket names (i.e., Coach as opposed to LV). I don't think I've ever spent more than $50 or so on a bag or a pair of jeans.

I am vehemently against the term "bling bling" though. It's so ridiculous! ;)

[Lil_Mrs_0702]

I vote other.
I have some name brand stuff but I don't think it is because of a status symbol or that I want to be a walking billboard. They are just items that I thought were cute and at that time I had the $$ to blow on an $170 handbag.

I hate when people talk about how bad they want something simply because it is name brand (Like my cousin who is dying for a pair of seven jeans even though she has never tried them on), or people that refuse to by stuff that is not name brand (think like Karen on Wll & Grace).

[KarenS]

sorry, but i think that's 90% BS. people think that they are doing for the quality, but i actually think they are mostly doing it for the status. Even the quality issue is acutally about status.Wow. That's just insulting. I don't even know where to begin to respond to that.

I buy things that are designer because *I* like the look of them. Yes, part of what I buy, I do because it helps me in my business. But even if I didn't feel that way, there are certain designer things I'd buy because I think they're well made, uniquely designed, and worth the money. I have a pair of Prada shoes that are the most comfortable things I've ever put on my feet - not heels or fancy-dancy Sex-And-The-City shoes, but suede loafers that make me feel like I'm walking on a cloud. I would spend the money on them again in a heartbeat becuase they're so comfortable and they look fabulous on me.

So if you think that makes me a status seeker, go right ahead. But anyone who knows me in real life would laugh their asses off to hear you say so. :D

Karen

[kalogrias]

I truly love clothing. Clothing, in any form, is my hobby -- shopping, looking at, etc. I don't buy designer stuff from the "high end" places because I usually can't afford it and I generally am not a fan of the way a lot of that stuff looks, but I do generally tend to shop at places like Banana Republic, JCrew, etc. I don't know if those count as "designer stuff" in the sense of what the OP meant. Clothing from there is good quality, in my experience, and fits me well. But that doesn't mean that I don't like "lower end" places like Target, either -- Target is phenomenal for certain things. I guess I'm a mix, but none of it's done for the showiness. I just like the way certain things look.

[artist]

I voted "don't care". (Don't have the $ either.)

But don't even ask me how much I've spent on oil paints!

[pocket]

*shrug*

that's what i think. it's even more pathetic if you overspend on brand names to overcompensate.

[PG-rated]

I think the “brand names are better quality” argument only takes you so far. After a while the law of diminishing returns kicks in.
ITA. Most things have a certain price point you need to reach to get a "quality" example of that item, and after that you're just paying for the name. I think there are plenty of people who buy into the idea that the more something costs, the higher quality it is.

[paiger]

I wouldn't say that I was a brand name junkie, and really, my idea of brand name is not even designer. I shop at the same stores over and over, b/c I know that their clothes fit me well as well as liking the general style of the place. I have the weirdest body, I think, b/c I have such a hard time finding a good fit in some stores.

With shoes, I'm going for comfort. I don't own any designer shoes unless Birkenstocks are designer, but depending on the situation, I might go looking for Liz Flex shoes or Merrill's if I know that I need a shoe that will be comfortable from the first time I put them on. But again, when I say brand name, I mean like The Loft, which is high end to me.

[Elenna]

I voted that I don't care. I've never been into fashion and showing off. I buy what I like and don't pay attention to the label.

[greenbunny]

I will buy certain things that are expensive because I know they are well-made and will last. For example, I insisted DH get Doc boots because he wears his out so often. (That would be "wear out" as in they get holes, not "wear out" as in going out on the town.)

But usually when I insist on a brand, it's because they have a distinctive style that I like that I can't find elsewhere. For example, in college I really wanted a certain kangaroo pocket sweater at A&F. I looked high and low for something similar at another store, but just couldn't find anything quite the same. Finally I caved and bought it, even though I hate that store.

[Jen&Dan]

I guess I just don't pay that much attention to labels. If I try something on and I like it and I can afford it then I buy it.

[camberne]

I think a lot of "designer" clothing is BS. I'm not about to spend (and never have been one to spend, even when I was the right shape for it) 10 - 100 times as much for a blouse/dress because it has a certain label in it. It's materialism to the worst degree. There's very little reason why "designer" clothes have to cost what it does other than to feed the vanity of the designer and to make materialistic people feel good for spending their money on something they feel is now worth something. Unless there is special needlework, beading or something else that makes a piece labour-intensive to do; it's all hype.

[yby1]

I don't care most of the time. I used buy designer/ brand name, but I realized that it was mainly a waste of money. Lots of my clothes are off-brand, but good quality. Some are cheapy off-brand trendy items that I wear a few times. But there are those times when I want a certain look the a brand or designer label provides, like Adidas apparel. I like Juicy Couture hoody sets because they fit me well and I can't find the equivalent in a less expensive brand - they don't fit so good. But I also wait for these brands to go on sale before I buy them, but I digress.

I guess I just buy what I like.

[laura]

I buy a mix. I like designer handbags, so I buy them - no apologies and no justifications either way. I don't own any designer jeans or many/any pairs of truly "high end" shoes. I make the choices that personally work best for me and my budget, the same way I make choices for everything in my life.

I actually agree on the law of diminishing returns, that's why I drive a Honda Civic instead of a Mercedes/Jaguar. Like my clothes, it's the mix that works right for me. I don't really care what anyone else thinks or does.

[bensgirl1222]

I buy designer things bc of the quality. And I tend to have expensive taste anyway :p

This includes clothes, shoes, bags, etc...

ETA--when I talk about designer clothes...I mean, Express, Limited, Bebe, Abercrombie, etc... Not Marc Jacobs or designers of that nature (I can't afford a $150 top). So when I say clothes, I mean the more reasonable designer clothes.

[yby1]

Designer ≠ quality. Most designer items are not very well made now, it's disappointing.

[ejs]

I buy things, no matter who they're by, if they meet my requirements.

It's very hard for me to find jeans that fit well. I've tried jeans on at places ranging from Target to Nordstrom. The best-fitting brands for me are Levi's and Ralph Lauren. So that's what I buy.

I'm particular about what I want/need for a purse. I use the same purse year-round. I want it to be black, have a shoulder strap that's down past my elbow, not have a flap on the top, have at least one zippered pocket, have other pockets that can be closed with by zipper or snap, have an outer pocket for my keys and lip balm, and be made of leather. If that purse turns out to be by Coach, I'm buying it. If it's Mervyn's store brand, then I'm buying it.

If I'm buying a pair of shoes for a one-time (or few-times)-use (as in I need them to match a dress I bought for a wedding, I won't spend $200. I'll buy inexpensive ones. But if I'm buying shoes that I'm going to be wearing every day, I'll pay for comfort. I wear Danskos. They're a bit pricy, but they are comfortable, they relieve my plantar fasciaitis, they caused no pain trekking though the UK, so I'll keep buying them.

For myself, I can't justify spending $50+ on a plain, cotton t-shirt by a designer when I know I can get a plain, cotton t-shirt for much less somewhere else.

So I guess I'm an other.

[Natasha]

Can't afford it, and I'm not sure I would buy it if I could...

[ejs]

By the way, what counts as "designer"? Does Isaac Mizirahi's Target brand count as designer? Does Liz Claiborne? Vera Wang? And what about just store brands such as BR and Ann Taylor?

[villanelle75]

I coudl afford them but chose not to. Then again, perhaps the biggest reason I'm in a position to afford them is that historically I've chosen not to, because we don't make a ton of money an dwe live in a very high Cost of Living area.

I don't totally get the concept of why I'd want to pay $500 for a purse but I must admit, I get it more now than I used to. I've never paid more than $40 for a purse and I carry that bag every day until it dies, usually about a year. I never even bothered to enter a Coach store, for example, because I knew I'd never consider paying their prices.

However, when recently shopping for a new purse, I went to the Navy Exchange and low and behold...they carry Coach and from what I understand theri prices are a fairly hefty discount off of the Coach stores prices, coupled iwht no sales tax. Without know what I was lookign at, i instantly gravitated to several bags, all of which turned out to be Coach. Not only were the designs beautiful, the materials were obvioulsy high quaility and they were clearly well-made. They sat better on my shoulder than my cheapie purses do and they just felt more solid. I still wouldnd't pay $250 for a purse, btu it did help me understand a bit better. (FWIW, I walked out of there wiht a $9.99 purse which doesn't look like it cost $10, but which I'm also expecting will not lat past spring.)

I still don't get paying hundreds of dollars for a purse and I'd never consider it, but it was interesting to learn that there do seem to be differences that go beyond the label sewn inside.

[KarenS]

There's very little reason why "designer" clothes have to cost what it does other than to feed the vanity of the designer and to make materialistic people feel good for spending their money on something they feel is now worth something. Unless there is special needlework, beading or something else that makes a piece labour-intensive to do; it's all hype.Well I disagree with that, but maybe it has something to do with my chosen profession. As a photographer, I work hard to sell *me* - my eye, my style, my images. Let's face it ... there are hundreds of photographers out there, maybe even thousands, who are as good as or better than I am (of course there are thousands who are worse, too, so I'm not being overly modest or anything - I think I'm in the top 20% as far as quality and style go). A client could go to another photographer and get the exact same product for less money. But what they wouldn't be getting was *me*. And I feel I'm worth more. So when I buy something by a designer, I'm not just buying a shoe or a purse or a pair of pants. If that's all I wanted, I'd go to Target. I'm buying that designer - their style, their look. I'm also buying what comes along with that style - which is partially their name, but also their SERVICE.

I will admit freely and w/out shame that I am addicted to high end customer service. When I walk into Nordstrom, I get *excellent* customer service. When my friend had the spike heel break on her Jimmy Choo shoes (her fault as she walked across a grate wtih spike heels and got one stuck), she took them back to where she bought them and asked them about having them fixed. They didn't fix them. They replaced them. Even tho they'd been worn. Even tho the break was her fault. A $450 pair of shoes. And they were nice about it. She wouldn't have gotten that at Target or Payless.

I believe that if someone can make their name into a brand that is sought after and expensive ... more power to them. I admire that.

Karen

[honeygirl]

Deleted b/c I misread what Karen wrote.

[Asha]

living in nyc, i must admit that sometimes i do get envious of the ladies who go around wearing their very "fashionable" clothes. the thing is even if i tried, i just don't have the skill to pull it all together, so i guess it has just given me the attitude that i just don't care. especially, as a graduate student, it really doesn't matter what i wear on a daily basis. i agree with karen that in a lot of professions, you have to present yourself in a stylish manner. i know my step father was given flack at his old law firm in nyc bc they saw they he wasn't wearing a designer polo shirt on "dress down fridays." he promptly went out and bought the "required" clothes bc his job was important to him. they would even look down on you if you brought your own lunch to work bc you looked cheap.

i guess, i do have a few designer items that i have gotten at marshall's. though compared to my stuff from target or ny & company, that stuff doesn't last as long. i have been wearing the same pair of target shoes almost every day for two years and they look almost new. my ny & co. blouses still are holding up 5 years later.

[villanelle75]

Karen, I think the differnce is that when I client choses you, they are gettign you. If a client choses Kate Spade, they aren't really getting her. That sounds weird but what I mean is that when I client hires you, then get photos taken by you which are presumabely better than those taken by someone else might be. Sinc eyou can't check out the specific photographs that will be taken ahead of time, it makes sense to rely on experience and reputation as a means of increasing the liklihood that you'll be satisfied with what you get.

But Kate Spade isn't making you a bag that you dont' get to see ahead of time. You can look at it and decide if you like it, just liek you can with a target brand. For me, that's where wanting to go with a good reuptation (liek I would with a photographer) ends.

[trefoil]

For me, it is a mixture of not caring and not having the money. I suppose if I had the money that someone like Paris Hilton has available to spend, I might be more inclined to consider purses that cost thousands of dollars. On the other hand, we are able to save for big ticket items, but, for us, those big ticket items are never designer shoes, jeans, or purses. So, I guess that it is mostly not caring that influences my lack of designer products.

There is nothing inherently superior about the choice to spend extra money on travelling versus designer items versus home improvements versus saving every penny versus a combination of those things. It's really about what makes you happy. Our extra money tends to go towards home improvements, savings, and an out of control stamping habit on my part. We save for vacations, but the savings add up much less quickly than some of other accounts because we don't make it as high of a priority as other things. I assume that everyone does that, right? Sometimes I feel like people are putting down other choices in these types of threads, which seems strange to me. As long as your money is going towards what you value, why would it matter if someone else's money is going towards something different, which that person values?

[emmjay]

There is nothing inherently superior about the choice to spend extra money on travelling versus designer items versus home improvements versus saving every penny versus a combination of those things. It's really about what makes you happy.
I think I'm the only one who mentioned traveling so I'm not sure if you were referring to my post, but I do agree with what you said.

I don't judge people for buying designer stuff - I couldn't care less how other people spend their money. I just prefer spending my money on traveling as opposed to designer merchandise (and most other things, to be honest! :) ).

[greenbunny]

I totally see what you're saying Karen, and I can see that for you as a photographer. I'd want someone whose style I can identify with when I'm hiring for work such as photography.

But, on the flip side, if you were, for example, an investor or the woman running my 401k plan, I might have exactly the opposite reaction. I might think "Wow, she's trained to work with money and she's obviously spending a lot on her wardrobe. She's either got a ton of cash to burn, or else her priorities are drastically different than mine." And I would be certain to try to investigate which was the case.

I don't give two hoots on a personal level what you (general you) spend your money on, be it Manolos or meatballs. It's only when said purchases reflect on a person's priorities in a way that affects me (as in the financial advisor example) that I put some thought into it.

[looch]

Wow, really surprised at some responses here. It doesn't matter to me what people spend their money on, it only matters to me what i spend my money on. I would never judge anybody, whether they purchased a $4.99 purse or a $450 pair of shoes.

[villanelle75]

I guess I don't think a vast majority of the posts in here are judgemental. Since we were asked about whether or not we make these kinds of purchases, I think most people were just giving their rationale for why they don't (or do) buy expensive designer whatevers.

I readily admit that the things Dh and I chose to spend our money on would probably totally confusing and odd to others. We try to travel and do it well, though we still don't allow ourselves to afford more than one major trip a year and eventhen it's only moderatley expensive. Someone else might think it's crazy that I'd want to spend two weeks in the Domincan Republic when I'm walking aroudn with a $10 purse. Or that it's unfathonable that I own 100 pairs of shoes but we don't eat out at nice restuarnats except for rare occasions.

I understand that my priorities are not everyone else's and that doesn't make me superior to them. But when asked about my priorities, I'll ceritnal explain why they are what they are, not for the sake of braggin, but for the sake of clarity I guess. That's what I took away from most of the posts here as well.

[nettreefrog]

Honestly, I really don't care. However, because someone asks—here is my rationale:

1. There are so many things that are vastly more important in the grand scheme of things—personally, socially, spiritually, and globally. While there is a huge amount of pork in any spending bill, and invariably global projects are padded all too well –I would rather money be spent on infrastructure, economic development projects, the building of small businesses, health care, and education.
2. Money that is spent on non-essential items or on items that are just excessive seems wrong to me… What void is the item filling is the concept that might cross my mind? When I was growing up, I desperately wanted to look like everyone else –but as an adult, I find much greater fulfillment in giving things to people who actually need them. The child I sponsor (and her family for example) live on less than $400 per year. Sending her extra money that she can use for “niceties” like food, education, and shelter in my mind is money spent more wisely than me going out and buying “bling”.
3. It surprises me too how many people live beyond their means, and are financially illiterate. If you can afford certain material items –comfortably, than you have the right to make that decision. However, how many people are purchasing on credit? Do these people have an emergency fund?

[trefoil]

I think I'm the only one who mentioned traveling so I'm not sure if you were referring to my post, but I do agree with what you said.

I don't judge people for buying designer stuff - I couldn't care less how other people spend their money, to be honest. I just prefer spending my money on traveling as opposed to designer merchandise (and most other things, to be honest! :) ).

I wasn't referring to your post with my comments. In fact, after you posted this, I went back to find your previous post and you weren't at all critical, just stating your preferences. I was just thinking of the things I most often see mentioned in this type of thread (i.e. where people spend their money). Travel is one that I see a lot, as are home improvements, aggressive savings, spending money on children, charity, etc. I don't see anything wrong with saying what you prefer to spend your money on. I just wonder a bit when I see posts that are strongly critical of other possible choices. As long as the individual is spending according to his/her own priorities, the harsh judgments about the choices of others seem a bit out of place. Again, I was just commenting on a tone that I sometimes sense in these threads. Since reading tone on the internet isn't an exact science, it may just be something that I sense that isn't really there.

[Heidi9771]

Nothing is tackier than an ostentatious display of wealth.

I agree...far worse I might add, is the obvious faux designer item trying to pass off as an original for the above reason.

[wendalah]

I like clothes, so I'm more apt to spend money on them.

When I travel I enjoy staying in nice places.

On the flipside:

I could care less about cars and having to put down a sizable car payment every month would bum me out big time, so I drive a cheapo, completely unsexy economy car.

Interior decorating bores me and I am a rotten entertainer so I don't spend much on house stuff.

Gadgets bore me so I use the crappy basic cell phone that came free with my phone plan. I have a regular boring TV. A $160 stereo from Best Buy. Our digital camera broke and we never got another. Our DVD player is broken, I think. I haven't used it in ages. It cost like 40 bucks at Frye's.

(Shrug) Think whatever you want.

[amorey]

Originally Posted by pocket
Nothing is tackier than an ostentatious display of wealth.

I agree...far worse I might add, is the obvious faux designer item trying to pass off as an original for the above reason.


How is it worse? Not trying to badger you or anything, but I don't see the difference.

[camberne]

I agree...far worse I might add, is the obvious faux designer item trying to pass off as an original for the above reason.How is it worse? Not trying to badger you or anything, but I don't see the difference.In my opinion, the faux designer trying to pass their stuff off as originals (now, most of the faux stuff I've seen on the side of the street is quite obviously not "real", but I'll play along with this for the sake of the discussion) are trying to cash in on someone else's work. If the designer has built their image for their products to have someone come behind them and sell fakes marketed as originals, that's just theivery to me. If they're selling knock-offs as knock-offs, more power to them!

[pocket]

Why not? If I see you driving around in a Hummer I would judge you. I would think to myself – that person cares about status, consumption and wealth. In my world Hummer = spendthrift, rich, selfish. I’ll agree that there are brands whose name means quality and service. I don’t really think that if you shop at Express you are brand-conscious. That’s a pretty accessible brand priced in the $30-$70 range. So you aren’t really making that much of a statement except that there is a mall near your house.

Shopping at Nordstrom because of the great customer service isn’t the same thing as buying $450 shoes because you think people other than some x-ray fashionista will notice. In any room you walk into, there will be only one person who will be tuned in enough to brand names to notice what you are wearing. The rest of us don’t even see it. I approve of buying quality items, but rarely are mass-produced clothing even brand names high quality. If your brand-name shirt says “made in Bangladesh” inside it, it’s mass-produced in a factory by a woman who is making $.10/hr and glad to have it. You are paying a huge premium for an advertising campaign that convinces you of quality and style rather than quality or style itself. That’s my problem with it. It’s all just pretend. And please do not try to convince me that Jimmy Choo’s are the Birkenstock’s of pumps. Nordstrom’s would replace that heel even if your friend had come on down to the brass plum and bought the nordstrom’s house brand.

[amorey]

In my opinion, the faux designer trying to pass their stuff off as originals (now, most of the faux stuff I've seen on the side of the street is quite obviously not "real", but I'll play along with this for the sake of the discussion) are trying to cash in on someone else's work. If the designer has built their image for their products to have someone come behind them and sell fakes marketed as originals, that's just theivery to me. If they're selling knock-offs as knock-offs, more power to them!

Is it the intellectual property aspect that's worse, or the wearer's deception?

[camberne]

Karen, people hire you for your work and what you will do for them on a personal level. They're hiring your eye and your creative outlook and the style you can bring to give them a one-of-a-kind photographic experience. Each wedding/special event brings different situations that can be caught in a myriad of ways. To find someone who can shoot them in a way that you find original/creative and what you're looking for is special.

If someone were to hire Vera Wang to create a wedding dress for them or to create a one-of-a-kind special outfit, then the expense would be in a totally different class to me. It's the designers who create a garment, mass-produce them, and then sell them at outrageous prices that I scoff at. To me, it's ridiculous.

[pocket]

If someone were to hire Vera Wang to create a wedding dress for them or to create a one-of-a-kind special outfit, then the expense would be in a totally different class to me. It's the designers who create a garment, mass-produce them, and then sell them at outrageous prices that I scoff at. To me, it's ridiculous.

Exactly!

[BethElena]

just got done with class...now to the beginning.... :)

[Georgiana]

I voted "Other" Wreather it's a Taget top or Coach bag, or a Louis Vuitton or Prada, I buy it because I like it. No fronting to make folks think I am something I am not, I just like clothes and accessories. I really do not care if someone has a knock off or not -it's none of my business. And I think it's rude for folks to approach someone questioning another person about the matter. (before someone gets ticked at what I just said, It is not aimed towards no one in here but on exprierences of seeing others do that) If that is what floats their boat, so be it. I have bought knock off Louis Vuitton bags and Gucci bags because I like certain styles and I think it is absolutely crazy to spend the price of a brand new car for a purse I may not like in a few months. I love the Hermes Birkin but I will not pay 10 grand for one. I can think of a ten thousand other things to do with that money...and look good with a knock off thinking about it...

[wendalah]

It's the designers who create a garment, mass-produce them, and then sell them at outrageous prices that I scoff at. To me, it's ridiculous.

That pretty much includes MOST wedding gowns. Are they really worth the money? Even the cheaper ones probably aren't worth what they cost.

[camberne]

Is it the intellectual property aspect that's worse, or the wearer's deception?I'm not sure I understand your question. Are you implying that the person who bought the faux designer knew that they were buying a fake product and are also trying to pass it off as an original? I think anyone who buys/sells "fake" designer items and tries to pass them off as originals are all liars. Neither is above the other in my eyes. Is it really that important to someone to been seen in a designer outfit that they would knowingly buy a fake and lie about it? It's a sad sad thing.

[dollface]

I voted other. Do I have bling - yes, and I own it proudly. I am not saying I walk around in Chanel clothing and wear Manolo's but I do drive a nice car, wear nice jewelry, have nice handbags and spend money on things like designer sunglasses (which BTW I but because they *are* of better quality - they have no logos so you wouldn't even know they are designer). But I also have inexpensive purses, wear Target jeans and cut coupons. It's all about what you like and if there are some expensive things you like and you can afford to but, I say go for it.

[camberne]

That pretty much includes MOST wedding gowns. Are they really worth the money? Even the cheaper ones probably aren't worth what they cost.Not really. There are several wedding gowns that aren't several hundreds/thousands of dollars. Mine was $600, which I was loathe to spend. But it had bead work on the lace underskirt (it was a split skirt) that had to be done by hand. There are several lovely dresses that I saw when I was looking at gowns that weren't elaborate that were reasonably priced. But, beading/sequining is a very labour-intensive process... if you want that, you're going to have to pay for it, which I said in my original post. Most elaborate wedding gowns have handwork that you're paying for, not just the name.

[wendalah]

Seriously, this seems like overthink to me personally. In the case of the fake LV I mentioned in the other thread--my DH's aunt knew I liked LV bags, so she got it for me. I thought "Wow, it's a pretty darn good fake! Cool!" And I carry it. I didn't put too much thought into the importance or non-importance of it.

But I like fashion in general and it's more about how the bag looks than what it is supposed to represent. I have a vintage logo Pierre Cardin bag that cost me 15 bucks in a thrift shop and that's probably my favorite bag right now.

[isign]

I think that there's maybe some confusion when you say 'designer clothes'. I know this was brought up before, but OP (unless i missed it) what do you mean by designer clothes? For me, there aren't alot of places here to buy higher end clothing/items such as Louis Vitton. We don't have a Nordstroms and we don't have stores that sell $450 shoes. For me spending alot of money differes alot from someone like Karen buying 'designer clothes' (not knocking you, just giving an example).For me, spending $85 on pants is alot, but that's just me and the area that I live in. If I do find something that's a bit more expensive that's worth the money I will spend the money because it's quality, not because of whatever logo/name is on the tag. I do agree with Karen - people are going to buy her product based on her appearance. They might not look for the little logo, but they are going to make sure that she is dressed nice especially if she is going for a higher end client. I do agree with the other that depending on how 'high' the high end merchandise is, that it's just about vanity and drawing attention to onesself.

[amorey]

I'm not sure I understand your question. Are you implying that the person who bought the faux designer knew that they were buying a fake product and are also trying to pass it off as an original? I think anyone who buys/sells "fake" designer items and tries to pass them off as originals are all liars. Neither is above the other in my eyes. Is it really that important to someone to been seen in a designer outfit that they would knowingly buy a fake and lie about it? It's a sad sad thing.

I'm talking about the wearer/buyer. Obviouslly selling conterfit merchindise is wrong. Is a person wearing a kock-off designer item just to impress people any worse than someone wearing the real thing trying to impress people? I don't think so, but Heidi9771 did, so that's why I was asking. :)

[BethElena]

Okay. I post a thread and then run off to class, and look how it has grown....

I have mixed feelings about designer stuff. I love a lot of the BCBG stuff...but realistically, can I afford it? No, unless it's on ebay or like 70% off at the store. I think about how much one of their items costs compared to like 10 things I could buy at Lerner New York that I know will last a long time....so I was just wondering how other's felt about this.

Do I care if somebody spends $400 on a purse? Not really. Which do I get more compliments on - designer stuff or less expensive stuff? Less expensive stuff. I've never gotten so many compliments then from my $10 each purses from Ross! :)

[wendalah]

But, beading/sequining is a very labour-intensive process... if you want that, you're going to have to pay for it, which I said in my original post

I'm not saying this to be argumentative, but there are evening gowns that have intricate beadwork that cost about half of what you would pay for a wedding gown. Most wedding gowns under a certain price are made of synthetic fabric, so it's not the expensive fabric factor. It's buying into a different sort of status thing--the "I'm a bride" thing. Everything wedding-related is jacked up ridiculously, we all know that.

BTW, I'm not saying this is shameful or bad. My gown was ridiculously overpriced. I am just making the point that this sort of statusy thing is everywhere. One could very easily get married in an evening gown that cost much less but is as beautifully made, but most of us buy into the whole princess bridal thing.

[pocket]

That pretty much includes MOST wedding gowns. Are they really worth the money? Even the cheaper ones probably aren't worth what they cost.

pretty much none of them are worth it especially the cheaper ones. If your dress was more than $3000 it's more likely to be worth it than if it cost less than $1000. Wedding dresses are mostly mass-produced polyester crap.

[BethElena]

isign - I was thinking designer like high end. To me high end is not the everyday Macy's Tommy Hilfiger, Polo Jeans, Banana Republic, J Crew.... That IMHO is more like lower/middle designer stuff. Does this make sense?? :p

[pocket]

I can think of a ten thousand other things to do with that money...and look good with a knock off thinking about it...

LOL - love this!

[KarenS]

For me spending alot of money differes alot from someone like Karen buying 'designer clothes' (not knocking you, just giving an example).No I agree ... I was trying to find some way to say something similar w/out sounding like a snot! :)

The thing is that I don't really own a lot of designer pieces. Probably 90% of what I wear is department store issue or Target or (*shhh*) Walmart! :) But the designer pieces I do own are because I love them and becuase they look good and classy and, yes, because my clients know quality even if they might not know the brand itself - not because I want the prestige of saying "My shoes cost $450."

But I also don't consider, say, Ann Taylor to be "designer pieces". I like Ann Taylor clothes but to me Ann Taylor is closer to being a "brand" than a designer. And honestly I couldn't tell you why I draw that line, but if you name a name, I could tell you if I thought it was "brand" or "design" - or some combination of both! :)

Karen

[BethElena]

BTW, I have no idea who made my wedding gown...still don't! :D All I know is that it was $700 marked down to $100, and my aunt said the fabric was worth more than $100.

[dollface]

pretty much none of them are worth it especially the cheaper ones.

Actually I would have to disagree. Mine was about $600 (one of the 'cheaper' ones) and it took 6 months to come in because it was made *when* I ordered it, not mass produced (and yes, it was a well known designer). And yes, I know for a fact it wasn't mass produced because I had specifications that cannot be mass produced.

[BethElena]

Kudos to anybody that can afford keeping their kids in clothing....I almost died at how expensive cloths were at Walmart! oh my word! Now I can see why we were "thrift store" kids. :)

[dollface]

Now I can see why we were "thrift store" kids.

No kidding - my dad bought my clothes at swapmeets!

[isign]

isign - I was thinking designer like high end. To me high end is not the everyday Macy's Tommy Hilfiger, Polo Jeans, Banana Republic, J Crew.... That IMHO is more like lower/middle designer stuff. Does this make sense?? :p

See I think alot of that depends on the area - we don't have a Macy's or a BR or Jcrew (well right now we don't have much of anything except old navy) so while that's not 'high high end' it's still considered designer to us. I realize this sounds naive but where do you buy desinger stuff?

[camberne]

Personally, if I bought a knock-off, I'd be laughing at the people who spent obscene amounts of money on the designer item, 99% of whom wouldn't be able to tell the difference either way. I'd tell anyone who asked about it... but that's the kind of person I am.

Wendalah - my plan was to get married in a bridesmaid dress that I really liked (to the tune of $120); but when it came in, it looked horrible and I was in a tailspin panic five weeks before my wedding. That's the ONLY reason I got what I did. My husband actually paid for it as my wedding present. My sister could have made it for half the cost... but there just wasn't time. I fully agree that anything "wedding" is at least twice as much as it should be.

[dollface]

I realize this sounds naive but where do you buy desinger stuff?

I think it depends on the designer. Most high end designers have flagship stores, boutiques or showrooms. Some designers you can get at high end department stores such as Saks, Neimans, Barneys, etc.

[wendalah]

If your dress was more than $3000 it's more likely to be worth it than if it cost less than $1000. Wedding dresses are mostly mass-produced polyester crap.


Right--so isn't it sort of pretentious to purchase a mass-produced poly crapola gown that's pretending to be this luxurious princessy gorgeous gown? Why not use the same amount of money to purchase, say, a bolt of beautiful real-quality fabric and have it made into a simple suit or dress? That would be completely unpretentious but almost nobody does it.

(Personally--I don't care--spend whatever you want on your wedding gown! But pretension is everywhere, is all I'm saying.)

ETA: Alice--I actually think the whole bridesmaid-dress-as-bridal-gown idea is a brilliant slap at the bridal industry! :p I considered it too but got sucked into the bullarkey magic bridal salon mirror trick. "This is YOUR DRESS, the ONE FOR YOU!" We all know how it goes. ;)

[dollface]

But pretension is everywhere, is all I'm saying.

True. Why not have a small wedding with 10 people at a pizza parlor or your favorite dive bar? Seriously, the weddings that almost all of us had are not true respresentations of our everyday life or really even a symbol of love.

[isign]

I think it depends on the designer. Most high end designers have flagship stores, boutiques or showrooms. Some designers you can get at high end department stores such as Saks, Neimans, Barneys, etc.

That would explain why I see things differently. We don't have ANY of those here and the closest Saks WAS in New Orleans. I think it's just where you are from and whats available in the area.

[pocket]

Actually I would have to disagree. Mine was about $600 (one of the 'cheaper' ones) and it took 6 months to come in because it was made *when* I ordered it, not mass produced (and yes, it was a well known designer). And yes, I know for a fact it wasn't mass produced because I had specifications that cannot be mass produced.

Have you read bridal bargains? I don't know about your dress in particular, but most dresses in the price range were almost certainly mass-produced even if they are finished to your specifications. That's why it takes 6 months to come in. they cut them all at the same time and stitch them all up in these huge factories. If you ordered special sleeves, or the skirt off of one and the top off of the other, they finish them in a different room. We just finshed a big proposal on the changes in the clothing industry with the ending of quotas.

My dress, BTW, also cost about $600 and was not mass-produced.

[pocket]

Right--so isn't it sort of pretentious to purchase a mass-produced poly crapola gown that's pretending to be this luxurious princessy gorgeous gown? Why not use the same amount of money to purchase, say, a bolt of beautiful real-quality fabric and have it made into a simple suit or dress? That would be completely unpretentious but almost nobody does it.

Yes that is the very definition of pretentious.

I just hate fake marketed crap, that's all, and people buying things because they are being marketed to rather than trying to figure out for themselves if they are buying something they like and think is beautiful and useful.

[dollface]

Have you read bridal bargains? I don't know about your dress in particular, but most dresses in the price range were almost certainly mass-produced even if they are finished to your specifications.

yes, I have read Bridal Bargains - many years ago. Your experience of having a $600 non-mass produced gown goes to show you that it can be done and is not uncommon. Heck, 2 of us in one thread with the same experience is not common at all!

[Brandy]

I buy what I like, it's pretty simple! I love my JCrew flip flops and my Gap jeans and I also really love my Coach Purse and BCBG dress. I'll save for the designer things I really like and want. And I find the designer things I do buy really are better quality.

[keska]

I think it's unjustified to assume that someone who owns designer clothes is selfish, as one poster said. I own an LV bag. It did cost a lot of money. However, I also gave more than 700 hours of unpaid legal work to low income people in the last two years, and I work at a non-profit that advocates for immigrant victims of domestic violence. I think I give a lot to society in terms of time, skill and money. Maybe someone who wears something expensive bought it as a reward for all that hard work they put the rest of the time you don't see them.

In addition, thinking rich people should spend their money differently overlooks that they pay the vast majority of taxes the government receives every year, which means they fund a majority of government programs and public benefits. Many also do a significant amount of charitable giving. So, while I'm not rich, I don't think they should be judged for spending their money.

Furthermore, buying American products or cheap products does not ensure that your clothes don't come from exploited workers. The number of lawsuits against K-Mart alone for employment law violations is astonishing. How do you think cheap places keep their prices so low? They do it by exploiting their workforce. So, it's not just high-end designers that cause such social problems.

[julietchicago]

I guess I have mixed feelings when it comes to this subject.

I do not shop at "high end" stores, but if I can find a good quality designer item at TJ Maxx I am all over it.

I can't justify spending $100 on one article of clothing. Do you know how many things you can do or buy w/ $100? I don't care about labels so much, but I do try to buy the best quality my budget allows for. I am definetly not the type of person who would buy a designer item just to show it off, c'mon now, that is ridiculous!

I do own a few designer bags, not because they are trendy, but because I really love the bag and know it will be something I will have for a long long time.

I respect the fashion industry and those people who truly enjoy fashion. It's sort of like a hobby I suppose (an expensive one! ;) ). But lucky for my wallet, I am not that interested.

[camberne]

FTR, I don't have anything against anyone who buys designer stuff... at all. I think the designers themselves are just overpricing their mass-produced items. If someone wants to pay the price they're asking, that's fine by me! I just think it's nuts.

[looch]

I can't justify spending $100 on one article of clothing. Do you know how many things you can do or buy w/ $100? I don't care about labels so much, but I do try to buy the best quality my budget allows for. I am definetly not the type of person who would buy a designer item just to show it off, c'mon now, that is ridiculous!


I would rather own one great sweater for $100 that I can wear from year to year over 5 $20 trendy sweaters that look raggedy after one wearing.

[julietchicago]

I would rather own one great sweater for $100 that I can wear from year to year over 5 $20 trendy sweaters that look raggedy after one wearing.

Hey, if you can afford it (and stomach it), you go girl!! :D

[looch]

it makes it a lot easier in the mornings when you have less choice!

[camberne]

it makes it a lot easier in the mornings when you have less choice!LMAO... good point!!

[HeatherFL]

I wear designer labels, not plastered with the logos all over the place. I find the quality better in most cases, the fit usually more comfortable and I enjoy fine quality. However, that is not to say I won't buy a cute tank top for $10 either. It all depends. But I definitely don't buy a Gucci bag or a pair of Manolos for anyone else. LOL unless anyone knows Manolos or is going to take off my shoes to look at the label, then they wouldn't know anyway. ;)

I don't go into debt for it. And I agree with some of the others. I'd rather spend a fair amount of money on shoes or a pair of pants that will be good for a long time, then $20 on an item when the threading will come apart on the first wear. That's not to say you can't find cheaper items that will last awhile. But going in knowing that I am spending something on quality items that will be guaranteed (shoes, for example) is better to me than not making that investment to begin with.

I personally don't appreciate anyone telling me how to spend my money. I like what I like and I shop for myself. :)

ETA: as for being selfish, I have worked hard since I was a teenager. I work hard now. I also do a lot of volunteering and charity work and I would just about give the shirt off my back for some of the organizations and people I'm affiliated with. It's no one's business but my own if I want to spend $600 on shoes. Why in the world would anyone care in the first place? <rhetorical>

I will admit freely and w/out shame that I am addicted to high end customer service. When I walk into Nordstrom, I get *excellent* customer service. When my friend had the spike heel break on her Jimmy Choo shoes (her fault as she walked across a grate wtih spike heels and got one stuck), she took them back to where she bought them and asked them about having them fixed. They didn't fix them. They replaced them. Even tho they'd been worn. Even tho the break was her fault. A $450 pair of shoes. And they were nice about it. She wouldn't have gotten that at Target or Payless.


I agree, Karen. I am a regular at Neiman's. They are attentive and I enjoy the service. My SO has a personal shopper at Nordstrom. She is great! I love walking in and knowing who is there. I love that they know me.

My SO drives a very expensive car. It has an incredible engine. A lot of people would find it outrageous. I am looking to take a step up from my current car. A large step up. I am looking for more quality and more features. I feel that way with designer stuff. I look at some of my handbags as works of handmade art. They are stitched with fine materials, by hand. Not one thing I own has the label splattered about, though. And Karen, you are right. It is insulting to have assumptions made about your personality/the person you are because of the clothes/accessories you own.

~H.

[dollface]

My SO drives a very expensive car. It has an incredible engine. A lot of people would find it outrageous.

Rest assured, I do not find it outrageous :)

[ManteoChik]

I totally agree with Heather. The nice things I have are because it's what *I* wanted to spend my money on, not what I think others will like. I don't wear things plastered with lables but I also agree that some things that are more expensive are also of better quality. I'll admit that when I need a pair of shoes to wear on a one time occasion, I hit up the Rack Room - BUT if I'm looking for a pair of shoes that I will be using a lot I won't hesitate to spend more money. I have a handbag addiction and they are my weakness.....I tend to spend a lot of money on them. My SO loves his Rolex but some people think it's a silly way to spend money, it's all about what you are comfortable with. I too enjoy the level of customer sevice you get when shopping at higher end store, it's a whole different level of service.

I was discussing this very topic with a group of friends the other day. Someone asked her why on earth she would spend so much money as she did on her LV purse. She simply answered, "I paid $800 for my purse and I've had it for 10 years and it still looks like it did when I bought it." How many people can say that they went to Target and bought a purse for $20 and it has lasted them 10 years????? Don't get me wrong, I *love* Target and love to shop there. I've even bought a couple of cute purses there, but that was just for example.

[nektarine]

i voted other.

i like what i like, sometimes it costs more and sometimes it costs less. sometimes it is designer, and sometimes it's at sears or even a thrift store.

i certainly don't think designer = quality. i've bought leather bags at sears that have held up for years, costing pennies compared to the coated plastic crap that others have paid hundreds for.

yes, i think it's telling when people will ONLY wear fancy-nancy clothes. and i'm sure it's filling some sort of ridiculous void for them. but, eh? to be honest... it usually just makes them look sillier in the end.

honestly, i drive a 1995 ford taurus that is missing half of the back bumper, and this doesn't phase me. i will pair sears shoes with jeans from a thrift store, a hanes t-shirt and a christian lacroix jacket. and i wouldn't have it any other way! it's about creating a look, being unique. i like finding a one-of-a-kind vintage item in a church rummage sale, or winning a designer dress that someone wore once on ebay! {i am well aware that in itself this is a whole other psychological can of worms!}

for me, i just enjoy having fun with fashion... and i like being creative about the way i do it. i am the same way with my home... mixing and matching something special ordered, with items i find on the street.

[amorey]

I am still not convinced that buying high end apparel is an investment after a certain point. Obviously buying everything from Forever 21 wouldn’t be a smart financial move, but I seriously feel like I am getting the most out of my money with my Old Navy/Gap/J. Crew wardrobe.

[KarenS]

Honestly I don't care what anyone else wears or spends their money on. What is annoying is the people who (a) make comments about all the "other" things that my money could have been "better" spent on (like it's any of their business how I spend my money) and (b) make comments about how pretentious I must be by buying designer items.

IMO it's far more pretentious to be holier-than-thou about how other people spend their money than it is to spend it in the first place.

Karen

[laura]

I am still not convinced that buying high end apparel is an investment after a certain point. Obviously buying everything from Forever 21 wouldn’t be a smart financial move, but I seriously feel like I am getting the most out of my money with my Old Navy/Gap/J. Crew wardrobe.

This is a conversation my husband and I have frequently. I do believe that buying a $200 Coach bag vs. a $20 Target bag does give me 10 times the quality in that bag. However, I don't believe that buying a $1000+ bag is 5+ times the quality of that Coach bag. Maybe I will eventually buy Gucci, Prada, etc. bags, but I think the "quality" argument only logically gets you so far. Ditto for things like Manolos - even if they are hand stitched, some of those sandals look like they would take about 2 hours to sew together and to me that does not = $600, no matter how you slice it. You obviously get more than just the item when you get to a certain level - ie. the service, personal shoppers, lifetime guarantees, repairs, etc. - and that very well may be worth it to people. If you appreciate a higher level of service, and you are willing to pay for products that solicit that service, more power to you. But I do think the quality vs. value argument does wear a tad thin around the $500 or so mark, depending on the item in question.

I'm not looking for anyone to justify their spending - certainly buy whatever makes you happy. If people's comments about "pretension" really bother you (general), then I feel like their comments (however inappropriate) are perhaps an indication of some of your own insecurity about your choices. Otherwise, why care?

[kimbyj]

LOL - my idea of bling bling is jewelry...diamond jewelry! In any event, I don't care where I buy my items or what name is on it. If I like it I buy it. Yes, I have spent a lot of money on many items but ONLY after searching around for something lower priced and not finding it. I don't buy for a name. I buy simply for the fact of liking something. I think deep down all of us want to be bargain shoppers and get the best price possible for something. That's my take on this!

[amorey]

Laura, that’s what I was getting at. I think a lot of people (not necessarily here, but I’ve been hearing it from my ILs a lot lately) like to rationalize buying luxury items. It bugs me when people try to make their pleasure purchases seem practical. No, they don’t *need* it, but they want it. Which is fine, but own it! Don’t act like I’m missing out on some basic life necessity with my J.C. Penny purse! :p

[Aimee]

I voted that I'm in it for the quality, but, really, I don't have all that much designer stuff. I'm into fashion and know what's stylish, but that doesn't mean I run out and buy something just because it's "in."

I definitely agree that price does not equal quality. I've heard so many complaints about how the nylon Prada bags fall apart, yet my much less expensive Kate Spade nylon bag was in perfect shape after 2+ years of near-daily useuntil it met an untimely demise at the shaky hands of a manacurist who dropped some white polish, splattering it on the bag. However, I've never had a department store brand bag (Sak, Etienne Aigner, Nine West) last more than a few months without something going wrong.

For me, if/when I tend to buy "designer" pieces it's for things that I know are well made and will wear a lot. Tiffany silver, for example, is so much heavier than other sterling pieces. I've never been disappointed with any of the silver I've owned from there. I had a necklace break and they replaced it, no questions asked. Same goes for a Coach bag. They're sturdy and just feel better on my arm. I don't care about the name, and don't want the items that are plastered with the logo - I want something well made and don't care if you know the brand. I just want something comfortable if I'm goign to have to lug it around all day.

[Heidi9771]

How is it worse? Not trying to badger you or anything, but I don't see the difference.

I was thinking more along the lines of the person who buys knock offs in the attempt to try to show wealth. At least the person who buys the real thing did that, buy the real thing...although I agree, a fine line.

edited to add...Note...this comment was in reference to people who specificaly go way overboard to display an ostentatious display of wealth. This is all said under the assumption that not everyone who can afford designer items or buys them in moderation does so to do this.

[Kimberland30]

I definately don't think that cost = quality. I have a pair of designer pants (I liked them and they were on sale), and the seam near the waist came apart - I've only worn them 4 times. I have a pair of dress pants that I bought from Walmart (also on sale) 5 years ago that still look new, even though I wear them often. I also spent more than normal on a pair of sandals this past spring, and the dang things broke after I wore them a few times. So the saying "You get what you pay for" doesn't really apply all the time.

If I'm at a mall store and I see something I like, and I think it's reasonable, then I'll buy it. Some with Target, Walmart, etc. I will never spend more than $20 for a purse, nor will I pay over $50 for a pair of jeans. I have better things to do with our money than wear it, KWIM?

But to each their own, I don't think that people who do spend their money on designer items (be it one thing or their whole wardrobe) deserve the flack they are getting. My DH spent over $100 on a Tommy Bahama shirt, and while for me it was ridiculous (JC Penney had dozens of tropical print shirts for $24.99), he HAD to have it and we could afford it, so why not? Now if he wanted a whole closet full of TB shirts, I may have shot him. ;)

[tlew12778]

For clothes I could care less. I do own some designer stuff but it's bc I bought it at the outlet for a great price (like my $40 Versace bikini or my $100 Versace little black dress).

For purses I care. I do believe that, more often than not, certain purse designers do equal better quality and I will spend the money on that quality -- not bc of the name but bc that purse is going to last me 20+ years (I only buy classic versions for those prices).

[BethElena]

See I think alot of that depends on the area - we don't have a Macy's or a BR or Jcrew (well right now we don't have much of anything except old navy) so while that's not 'high high end' it's still considered designer to us. I realize this sounds naive but where do you buy desinger stuff?

You know what, that's an interesting question! I never thought about that. I have a cousin who lives in South Dakota, and it takes them 1/2 an hour to get to what would be equivalent to a Target. So to them, that maybe designer...hmmm..

Let me read past post #41, and I'll be back!

[KarenS]

people's comments about "pretension" really bother you (general), then I feel like their comments (however inappropriate) are perhaps an indication of some of your own insecurity about your choices. Why is it that when someone indicates they find a blanket negative generalization to be somewhat offensive, someone else immediately turns that around on them and says "that's a reflection of your own insecurities"? Is it necessary to continually insult people who are different from you?

Karen

[JuliaK]

I'm not really against "bling-bling" but truth be told, I never even heard of Manolo's and Jimmy Choo's until I started watching Sex and the City. I've passed by the Coach, Prada, LV, etc... stores lots of times and always thought it would be funny to walk in with my Sears shoes and Macy's purse just to see what kind of "Customer Service" I would get but never felt like getting thrown out of store on any particular day so I passed. One thing about NYC though is that there are people with sh$tloads of money here and usually when I see someone dressed head to toe in what appears to be expensive designer clothing, I just figure that they're a socialite I just don't recognize, or that they or their DH's make more many than they need. It's not the way I choose to spend my money but more power to them if they want to.

On the other hand...Call me a hypocrite but I always always always shake my head and tsk tsk when I go to the South Bronx and see so many Hummers and Range Rovers, and people are wearing outfits that probably costs more than their rent but that's a whole new thread I suppose.

[KarenS]

I realize this sounds naive but where do you buy desinger stuff?

http://www.bluefly.com/
sometimes at department stores (saks, nords, etc.)
sometimes from ebay

Karen

[KarenS]

I've passed by the Coach, Prada, LV, etc... stores lots of times and always thought it would be funny to walk in with my Sears shoes and Macy's purse just to see what kind of "Customer Service" I would get but never felt like getting thrown out of store on any particular day so I passed. You would not get thrown out of those stores. I get better customer service when I walk into Coach in my Target bought Lee jeans and a t-shirt than I do if I'm in Target. Or Sears. Or Macy's. High end salespeople are specifically taught that it doesn't matter if the customer walks into the store in ripped pants and a tank top ... they are to be treated well.

Now, I realise there are some stores that will play snotty (a la Pretty Woman) but I am not a fancy dress-up girl when I go shopping and I have walked into some *high end* stores wearing some pretty cheap clothes - and I have always always been treated well. I think you'd be surprised by the majority of high end stores.

Karen

[nektarine]

However, I've never had a department store brand bag (Sak, Etienne Aigner, Nine West) last more than a few months without something going wrong.


this cracks me up, because i have several vintage etienne aigner pieces from the 60s and 70s, and they are STILL in amazing shape!

i don't think there's one hard and fast rule about what will last. i think you might be pleasantly surprised at the longevity in a non-designer item, and other times the designer items are just hype and a logo.

[JuliaK]

Maybe it's just in NYC but those stores usually have bodyguard/doormen out front which I assume are to help keep the riff raff and tourists at bay.

[KarenS]

Maybe it's just in NYC but those stores usually have bodyguard/doormen out front which I assume are to help keep the riff raff and tourists at bay.The stores here have them too. They're to keep thieves from running in, grabbing a handful of $600 items and dashing out of the store. It's something that happened here in the Coach store in Atlanta recently (to the tune of a nearly $10k loss) - now Coach at Perimeter Mall has a guard. And I'm sure they're (to a degree) there to make a statement as well! :) But they won't keep you out. That would be foolish on the part of the company - to exclude possible customers.

Our Tiffany's store has a guard, too, even tho most of their pieces are in cases.

[BethElena]

You would not get thrown out of those stores. I get better customer service when I walk into Coach in my Target bought Lee jeans and a t-shirt than I do if I'm in Target. Or Sears. Or Macy's. High end salespeople are specifically taught that it doesn't matter if the customer walks into the store in ripped pants and a tank top ... they are to be treated well.

Now, I realise there are some stores that will play snotty (a la Pretty Woman) but I am not a fancy dress-up girl when I go shopping and I have walked into some *high end* stores wearing some pretty cheap clothes - and I have always always been treated well. I think you'd be surprised by the majority of high end stores.

Karen

He he...Now I'm the one LOL. :D Here's my "Bloomingdale Story." I'm guessing it was back in 1997...I wanted the kind of evening purse that is sort of round and has a string tie with faux flowers on the top. Hard to describe, I know. BUT, Bloomingdale's had it the previous year, so I went to the counter, in my cheapo jeans and cute shirt and asked the clerk, "Ma'am, last year you had this cute purse, blah blah blah." She point blank looked at me and said (in a rather derogatory tone of voice, and looking down the end of her bifocals) "WELL, you should go look at a flea market for that."

And me, being as hot headed as I am, said rather loudly, "But you sold them last year! You're still selling those purses over there that have the globe printed on them!" And she said, "Well, that's a designer bag...that is their normal pattern." oooooooooooooooooooooo! shouldn't I have know that! :eek:

I have NEVER been treated equally at a high end store, EVER. I go in with a sweet attitude, and usually end up leaving very PO'd. But that raises the point of is it ageism or is it snootiness on the end of the sales person.

[isign]

I do have the same issue I am not a size 12, I do not always dress really nice. I have gone into 'regular' stores dressed in blue jeans and a pony tail ready to spend $$ but often get ignored and have to go in search of someone to help me only to have them wander off. The 1 time DH and I went into Nordstroms (in Columbia MD), it could have been a scene out of 'pretty woman'. Since the hurricane many people have been going to Mobile and other places to shop, and the DPT stores are packed. We have Dillards, Perisians, which are 'high end' for us. I don't like to go to those places, even when I can afford it, just because it is so hard to get good service, or even to find decent things in my size. It seems like more 'high end' fashion is reserved for those who are not an 18, but at 10.

(forgive me for the ramble, I just woke up.)

[R_mageddon]

I generally don't care one way or another but will occasionally 'invest' in something designer if I really love it and feel that i'd like a treat but it's more about the actual item than the label.

[BethElena]

Regarding the Bling-Bling title. It seems like that word is more in reference to jewelry....but I love saying it. :D

[KarenS]

She point blank looked at me and said (in a rather derogatory tone of voice, and looking down the end of her bifocals) "WELL, you should go look at a flea market for that." Yowza. Totally uncalled for. I'd have asked for the manager at that point. But then I don't tolerate being treated badly by a salesperson ever. :)

I have NEVER been treated equally at a high end store, EVER. I go in with a sweet attitude, and usually end up leaving very PO'd. But that raises the point of is it ageism or is it snootiness on the end of the sales person.That's a good question ... and I'm really sorry to hear about yoru experiences. As I said, I've never been treated badly ... but then by the time I could afford to even think about walking into a designer store, I was in my 30s, owned my own business, and was pretty self confident. Maybe my attitude had a lot to do with it. :)

Honestly if anyone is ever treated badly in a high end store, ask for the manager. I love the service I get in designer stores - even when I buy things on sale or when I go in and never buy anything. But even if I tried on every item in the store and didn't buy a thing, I'd expect to be treated well. And if I wasn't, I'd talk to a manager.

karen

[BethElena]

Karen - I'm definitely going right to the manager if this happens again. I'm in my mid-20's, and that shouldn't make a difference. $$ is $$, right? I'll tell you, I was tempted to tell her she was too old, and should retire, but then I figured I would be no better than her. :p

[KarenS]

in my mid-20's, and that shouldn't make a difference. $$ is $$, right? Absolutely. One of my best friends is 8 years younger than I am and she's been buying designer items since she was 25 or 26 (in fact she is the one who introduced me to a lot of the designers that I love now! :)). I'll have to ask her if she's ever gotten attitude because of her age.

K.

[kiddo]

I've passed by the Coach, Prada, LV, etc... stores lots of times and always thought it would be funny to walk in with my Sears shoes and Macy's purse just to see what kind of "Customer Service" I would get but never felt like getting thrown out of store on any particular day so I passed.

You won't get thrown out, but you'll probably be ingnored. A few weeks ago I was in NYC with my cousin and his wife. We went into some high-end designer store (don't remember the name, it was on Madison Ave somewhere around St. Pats) for my cousin to get a tie. The ties were $400! :eek: He couldn't decide on a tie, so he just got a belt instead. I went to the back to look at the women's clothing and was ignored, while my cousin's wife (with her prada bag) was fawned over.

I understand paying for quality. That's why I like stuff from LLBean. They are able to stand behind their product without charging a crazy amount of money. Their customer service is excellent and they will accept just about anything for returns and will either replace it or fix it. I find you also get superior customer service when shopping at small, locally owned stores. No matter how you are dressed.

We have a Coach outlet near me, so I'd buy something there if it were discounted enough (at the very least under $100), because I agree that they are excellent quality.

She simply answered, "I paid $800 for my purse and I've had it for 10 years and it still looks like it did when I bought it." How many people can say that they went to Target and bought a purse for $20 and it has lasted them 10 years?????

Right, but you would still need to own that $800 purse for 40 years to get back your return on investment. If you want the $800 purse, great, just don't try to justify it in any kind of practical way. I've had my *Charter Club* purse for 2+ years now and it still looks brand new and I probably spent $30 on it.

[JuliaK]

In regards to high end things lasting longer, maybe it's also because more care goes into them. DH bought his sweatpant and sneaker wearing wife (me) a LV and Coach bags because he wanted me to have something really nice to wear with my Coors Light sweatpants. The LV bag is really big so I use it as my daily bag since it's big enough for diapers, wipes and bottles, BUT you better believe that if it's raining or might rain, I switch to my 3 yr old Macy's bag and I store the LV in that storage bag it came in out of the reach of children so it doesn't dare get a scratch on it.

[BethElena]

Hey, about Coach bags, anybody near South PA? I want to ask for one for Christmas, but I would only be able to justify wearing one from the outlets (I don't really take care of my purses too well :o ), because I wouldn't want DH to spend too much on me. And I'm not sure where there's an outlet store around here?

[KarenS]

Right, but you would still need to own that $800 purse for 40 years to get back your return on investment. I disagree with that, but then maybe I calculate my ROI differently! :)

Karen

[Aimee]

this cracks me up, because i have several vintage etienne aigner pieces from the 60s and 70s, and they are STILL in amazing shape!

i don't think there's one hard and fast rule about what will last. i think you might be pleasantly surprised at the longevity in a non-designer item, and other times the designer items are just hype and a logo.

Well, I'm thinking that they don't make them like they used to. My mom has some etienne aigner stuff from the 70s/80s and it's held up. But all the stuff I've personally bought in the 90s and beyond hasn't been as sturdy.

[JuliaK]

Hey, about Coach bags, anybody near South PA? I want to ask for one for Christmas, but I would only be able to justify wearing one from the outlets (I don't really take care of my purses too well :o ), because I wouldn't want DH to spend too much on me. And I'm not sure where there's an outlet store around here?

I found these outlets in PA http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/directions.asp?id=59 but I don't know if it's close to you. If not, I know there are outlets somewhere in Delaware, or even in MD. It's a drive but most outlets are. Alot of the outlets also have daily bus service and coupon booklets you can sign up for.

[Rose]

I don't think there is one rule regarding price/quality. Some designer brands are great quality, and some aren't. Same with non designer brands. I don't think of Bebe as a "designer" brand but an expensive one. They have a lot of cute things and I used to shop there often but the quality sucks. Almost everything fell apart.

I have a couple Coach bags and one is in great shape and the other isn't, but that is due to the way I treated it. I tend to be mostly middle of the road with some Target/Old Navy and some designer clothes.

[BethElena]

I found these outlets in PA http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/directions.asp?id=59 but I don't know if it's close to you. If not, I know there are outlets somewhere in Delaware, or even in MD. It's a drive but most outlets are. Alot of the outlets also have daily bus service and coupon booklets you can sign up for.

Hey, thanks! We went to those outlets when we were on our honeymoon in the Poconos...I don't remember seeing Coach?? I probably just missed it! I know we went to BCBG, and I scored a skirt for $20!

[JuliaK]

There's also this place in Lancaster: http://www.padutch.com/mem-out.shtml My aunt lives in Harrisburg, I'll ask if she knows of any outlets near her.

[kiddo]

I disagree with that, but then maybe I calculate my ROI differently! :)

Karen

Ok, maybe ROI was a bad term. But to justify spending $800 on a purse because it lasts longer than a $20 purse, you'd have to own the purse 40 times longer to even out.

[BethElena]

There's also this place in Lancaster: http://www.padutch.com/mem-out.shtml My aunt lives in Harrisburg, I'll ask if she knows of any outlets near her.

Yeah, that's driveable! I like that area more than the poconos...not as cold this time of year as the poconos. :)

[nektarine]

But to justify spending $800 on a purse because it lasts longer than a $20 purse, you'd have to own the purse 40 times longer to even out.

or own it for a while, and then sell it on ebay or craigs list. there are plenty of people interested in buying gently used designer items!

[ManteoChik]

It all boils down to what you are comfortable paying for. Some people are okay with buying high priced designer items that's their business. Personally, I get a little offended when people make comments about how much I've spent on a particular item. I don't see why people care so much about what others have. I don't walk around putting people down for not spending a lot of money on particular things, in return I don't expect them to put me down for spending money on certain things. If I want to spend money on a purse, it's my money to spend.

[JuliaK]

No problem! Just wherever you go, check the VIP or customer service desk to see if they have any coupon books. DH and I bought a $5 book once and he saved $50 on a $165 purchase at Nautica so they're definitely a good deal.

[jnettie]

Interesting thread. :)

For me, I usually can't afford designers stuff. I'm not big on displaying labels. But sometimes I'll buy designer for special occasions or reasons. And I'm selective. I like Betsy Johnson because her designs are unique and you can get a piece that there isn't a million other ones like it in the world. So, for a special event a few years back, I got myself a Betsy Johnson dress. It's gorgeous and I love it and will keep it forever.

Otherwise, my favorite "label" is L.L. Bean! Not a designer, but I will always buy from this company because of customer service and quality. That's what's important.

I have a friend who bought a Movado watch. It was ruined while he was washing his hands...apparently you can't get their watches anywhere near water. So, he took it back, but they basicly told him too bad. $2000 for a watch and you can't wear it washing your hands? Then, they won't replace or fix it for you? I don't think that's right.

[Hello Kitty]

I'm not against it (unless I personally know someone can't afford it or is sacrificing other things just to have it) but it's not for me.

I like quality things, but I've been able to find those without spending tons of money. I really feel that we've gotten so wrapped up in branding that we lose sight of quality. Coming from a rural area, I notice people really like those off-designer brands because they feel they're purchasing the full designer brand (like Kenneth Cole vs. Kenneth Cole Reaction vs. Kenneth Cole Unlisted) I'd rather buy an item based on quality of construction (most store brands hold up really well) and function than spending money for the 'designer' label which many times is of lesser quality.

I don't understand a lot of the outlet mall phenomenon - I think some stores are true outlets (leftover clearance items from their mall stores, slightly imperfect items that come off the line) but many are 'factory stores' which seem to have designs all of their own, at a lower price. I'm not really sure how that works, because doesn't the discounted price of say, the coach factory store bag have to cut quality somewhere, making it so that it it's not really equivalent to the quality of the coach bag you buy at Nordstroms? Therefore you're not paying for quality, it's more the name? I'm not trying to attack anyone, just trying to understand what the 'factory store' line means.

[sandt8704]

I buy a mix. I like designer handbags, so I buy them - no apologies and no justifications either way. I don't own any designer jeans or many/any pairs of truly "high end" shoes. I make the choices that personally work best for me and my budget, the same way I make choices for everything in my life.

I actually agree on the law of diminishing returns, that's why I drive a Honda Civic instead of a Mercedes/Jaguar. Like my clothes, it's the mix that works right for me. I don't really care what anyone else thinks or does.

I'm the same, right down to the Honda Civic:D

[HeatherFL]

dollface Rest assured, I do not find it outrageous

LMAO. :D ;)

One point in regard to quality is a gown I recently purchased from Neiman's. The beads were hand sewn onto the dress. NOT glued on. This may not seem all that important, but when it comes to preserving and cleaning the dress, it is. The dry-cleaner could care less who designed it, but she looked at it and told me what good quality that gown was and admired the hand sewn work. I liked that she appreciated the quality. I liked that I had bought quality. That's all I mean. Do I think every single piece of attire/footwear in Neiman Marcus is the best quality ever made? Of course not. But I also know that the items I tend to choose are high quality.

I don't think I have to spend a ton of money to look good. I shop in stores like bebe, Forever XXI, Express and The Limited. But when it comes to investing my money in something I want to have for a long time, I prefer higher-end. If that makes me a snob, or the people I love snobs, well then so be it. Until someone else is paying my way through life, they can keep their noses out of my spending habits just as I do theirs.

~H.

[justHB]

I don't buy high-end or designer handbands for a couple of reasons - (1) my husband would have a heart attack to know that I spent $400+ on one item and (2) I tend to spend $400 on many items. I guess because I never had anything growing up, I'm obsessed with having stuff.

The strange thing is, for all the atuff I do buy, I could just not buy those things and instead get myself the purse I want, but I just don't. Instead, I keep buying $50 sweaters. I think for me it's the mental barrier of spending that money on one thing.

I also don't buy designer jeans (but that's mostly b/c my ass doesn't fit into them). If it did, I'd probably own a couple of pairs.

While I don't dress designer, I'm definitely conscious of having nice things. It's this weird dichotomy. I will wear Old Navy and Gap, but you won't see me driving a Hyuandai. I'm still getting over the fact that the Toyota Highlander we got last year was actually the best car for our needs. To this day, I'm still sad we didn't get the Lexus or Acura (test drove the Mercedes but the car died on the test drive).

[KarenS]

I guess because I never had anything growing up, I'm obsessed with having stuff. Heh. I guess I'm just the opposite. My folks were both total packrats and so is DH's mom. And I'm just so over having lots of stuff. In fact over the last 2-3 years I've really been paring down all of our stuff - getting rid of the cheap junk and just keeping the well made, expensive, classic stuff (not just in clothing, shoes, etc, but even in our kitchen and our house in general).

karen

[SierraStar]

I spend the majority of my clothing budget on high end work clothes because I am an outside sales rep.
I see about 12 clients a day and I have to project a certain image.
I have found from experience that if I spend more $$$ on a suit that it will last longer than if I bought a cheaper suit.
This is how I see it, I would rather spend $$$ on a few high quality suits, than $$ on a lot of cheaper suits, because I'll just end up replacing the cheap ones anyway, which ends up costing me more $$.
That to me, is not a good ROI if you have to keep replacing your worn out suits, when you could have just spent the extra money once and been done with it for a couple of years.

My "play" clothes are a mix of Target, Walmart, Nordstrom, Macy's and really cute clothes from specialty boutiques that have clothes that are not selling in mass produced stores yet.
Think about Juciy and Seven Jeans before they got mainstream.

As for my purses, the vast majority are Coach.
The styles they offer appeal to me the most.
My oldest Coach bag is 15 years old and looks great.
They also have the best customer service.
If you get a defunct bag, send it back and they will repair it or replace it, no questons asked.
Just try that when the 90 days are up for returns for most mass department stores.

[dionysia]

I usually don't judge people for the money they spend on designer items (Hummers aside, which I think are environmentally irresponsible, but that's another thread!), but you can bet I do if the same person then complains about the high cost of necessities they feel they can't afford. I feel like saying "Sell your damn Blahniks on eBay and pay your bills!"

Di

[KarenS]

you can bet I do if the same person then complains about the high cost of necessities they feel they can't afford. I feel like saying "Sell your damn Blahniks on eBay and pay your bills!"Oh absolutely. Lord knows there have been times that we were tight for money and I bought Target purses or Payless shoes becuase it was what we could afford. I absolutely don't advocate buying designer when you can't pay your bills. But I also don't think it's wrong to save for a particular item (say if I put aside $5 a week for a year to buy a Coach bag for myself) even if normally you're on a pretty tight budget.

I also - and this may be hypocritical to some - am very anti- conspicuous consumption. It's one thing to treat yourself or buy designer because you like it and want to wear it. It's another to trick yourself out head to toe in blatant designer clothing and accessories as a way to say "look at me and how much money I have". :)

Karen

[ManteoChik]

I usually don't judge people for the money they spend on designer items (Hummers aside, which I think are environmentally irresponsible, but that's another thread!),

That just goes back to what people have said about it's all what you are comfortable paying. I don't think it's anyone's business what I or anyone else spends their money on. Some people think it's ridiculous to spend money on a high-end car...I on the other hand don't. It's all about personal preference. I happen to like the Hummer...not only for the way it looks but also for the way it drives. It's an amazing ride, but yes, it is a gas hog. If I had a need for a Hummer, I'd probably get one because I love them so much. Some people will disagree but I don't put anyone down for their choice in cars, clothes, jewlery, or anything else.

but you can bet I do if the same person then complains about the high cost of necessities they feel they can't afford. I feel like saying "Sell your damn Blahniks on eBay and pay your bills!"

I do agree with this one though. Too often people are obsessed with having items that they can't afford in an effort to 'fit in'. That drives me crazy because obviously the money could be spent in more productive ways. If you've got the money I see no problem in buying whatever you want. However, even for those without the means to afford expensive things it's still not my place to look down upon them or comment on how they choose to spend their money.

[julietchicago]

Wow, this is turning into that one thread about people with big houses.

I don't understand why people are getting so defensive in here. You don't have to justify how or why you spend your money. If you feel you need to, maybe you should re-examine the way you are spending, because it seems to me you have a guilty conscious.

We are all only here once. If you enjoy spending your money on designer items and expensive cars, go for it! If you would rather shop at Walmart and drive a beater, go for it! Nobody has the right to tell you what to do w/ your money.

[KarenS]

If you feel you need to, maybe you should re-examine the way you are spending, because it seems to me you have a guilty conscious. It amazes me that you don't see how offensive that type of statement is.

karen

[looch]

Aahhh, the danger of message boards. Let's face it, I wish i had $100 million in the bank, 5 paid for homes all over the globe, 10 cars, and whatever else. But i don't. I have my health, my family, people around me that love me and that I love, a job that pays my bills and affords me a little bit of luxury.

[greenbunny]

BethElena, the Crossings are nice. I go to the Reading Outlets too sometimes, but they are definitely more middle-class. I do notice here on CC that so many posters seem to have access to great stores that I don't have anywhere near me. Whenever I get jealous of their great wardrobes, I remember that.

I love the stories about getting treated lousy in a high-end store because I've always dreamed of doing this some day. Have you ever heard the urban legend of how John Bottom was treated poorly at a Rolls Royce dealership? I love that story. I always dream of making it big and then shopping at fancy places in ripped jammies. I guess I'm twisted. :p

[dionysia]

Wow, this is turning into that one thread about people with big houses.It is? :confused:

I must have missed the real estate discussion.

Di

[laura]

Why is it that when someone indicates they find a blanket negative generalization to be somewhat offensive, someone else immediately turns that around on them and says "that's a reflection of your own insecurities"? Is it necessary to continually insult people who are different from you?

Karen

I actually was not trying to be offensive with my statement. You are free to get your panties in a bunch all the live-long day for all I care (not that I was even talking about you in the first place). My point is that if you say you don't care what people think, but then you go on for 10 paragraphs about WHY you don't care, what you spend your money on, and why you *need* to or *deserve* to, then there is probably a larger issue going on. I buy nice things, as it suits me. I have several Coach bags, a Kate Spade (which is crap, but that's another thread), etc - some of my Coach bags are even the "logo" ones! *Gasp!* I buy them b/c I like them and b/c I can afford them - end of story. I don't need to justify that to anyone, for whatever reason. I didn't feel the need to come back here and justify my "logo" bags to the multitude of people who have said how tacky they are, b/c I honestly do not care. Does it annoy me when people make comments (like my MIL)? Yes, it does. But I don't respond to those comments w/ a justification of the hows and whys for buying what I do - frankly it isn't any of their business. Trying to "convince" someone you "deserve" or "need" things that they think are a waste of money is just a waste of time and effort in my opinion. If you (general) feel the need to do that, then I do believe it may be a symptom of a larger issue. Perhaps that isn't the case for YOU, Karen, but I don't believe that means it isn't the case for SOME people.

[kiddo]

I'm not really sure how that works, because doesn't the discounted price of say, the coach factory store bag have to cut quality somewhere, making it so that it it's not really equivalent to the quality of the coach bag you buy at Nordstroms?

Sometimes the items they have at the outlets have been discontinued or from last season. Or think of them as a giant clearance rack. Sometimes they have minor defects in them, like the stitching in one little spot isn't exactly straight, but it doesn't really affect the integrity of the item, it's just not up to the high standards of the company. But a lot of the items are the same exact ones you would find at a regular store, but the prices are more along the lines of 'sale' prices from those stores. And sometimes items at an outlet aren't any cheaper than what you could get at the department store.

The retail mark up on items is outrageous (esp. on designer stuff), so the wiggle room they have for pricing is pretty big.

[laura]

Sometimes the items they have at the outlets have been discontinued or from last season. Or think of them as a giant clearance rack. Sometimes they have minor defects in them, like the stitching in one little spot isn't exactly straight, but it doesn't really affect the integrity of the item, it's just not up to the high standards of the company. But a lot of the items are the same exact ones you would find at a regular store, but the prices are more along the lines of 'sale' prices from those stores. And sometimes items at an outlet aren't any cheaper than what you could get at the department store.

The retail mark up on items is outrageous (esp. on designer stuff), so the wiggle room they have for pricing is pretty big.

This is all true, but I just wanted to add that it depends on the outlet. Recently I was at a Coach outlet that has it's own line of bags created just for the outlet. None of the other outlets I've been to had this, or at least not as much of it, so I was surprised. I don't know what the deal w/ that stuff is, quality-wise, but I just thought I would add it.

[amorey]

I love the stories about getting treated lousy in a high-end store because I've always dreamed of doing this some day. Have you ever heard the urban legend of how John Bottom was treated poorly at a Rolls Royce dealership? I love that story. I always dream of making it big and then shopping at fancy places in ripped jammies. I guess I'm twisted. :p

I used to work at a luxury linen store at a very high-end mall. My favorite customer was a woman who would come in in ripped high waisted tapered leg jeans, a worn college sweatshirt, and dirty work boots. She was always the nicest customer to help, and she would drop a couple of grand whenever she came in.

I can kind of see how sales employees at high end stores can get annoyed with people, though. Lots of people come in just to talk with you to get some attention or because they’re bored. Most high-end sales people work on commission, and it’s really frustrating to spend time with someone who just wants the service with no plans of buying anything. IME, those people were usually the ones who were dressed head to toe in designer labels, though.

[Hello Kitty]

think of them as a giant clearance rack
Yes, a lot of the stores are like that, like Ann Taylor, A&F, Kenneth cole - and I think that's great! Usually the prices are very discounted.

But I'm referring to what they call 'factory stores' - I know BR and Gap have them, Coach has one - where the label inside the clothing says 'Gap Outlet' or 'Coach Factory Store' instead of just Gap or just Coach. The items in those particular outlets were never sold at the regular stores - like they create items just for selling at the outlet. And I guess that's what I think is kind of, interesting, from a socioeconomic perspective.

ETA - xposted with Laura - she knows exactly what I was talking about. And buying things from those factory stores (and treating them as an equal status symbol) is very common where I live.

[BethElena]

BethElena, the Crossings are nice. I go to the Reading Outlets too sometimes, but they are definitely more middle-class. I do notice here on CC that so many posters seem to have access to great stores that I don't have anywhere near me. Whenever I get jealous of their great wardrobes, I remember that.

I love the stories about getting treated lousy in a high-end store because I've always dreamed of doing this some day. Have you ever heard the urban legend of how John Bottom was treated poorly at a Rolls Royce dealership? I love that story. I always dream of making it big and then shopping at fancy places in ripped jammies. I guess I'm twisted. :p

Yeah, my older bro walked into a local snobby Lexus dealership (not all Lexus dealerships are this way, i assume.) They wouldn't give him the time of day. So he walked up to one in the showroom that had it's car alarm on, and opened the door. Wouldn't you know it! A sales guy was there pronto....he left b/c they were pompous @sses.

[Vishenka69]

Maybe it's because I'm in NYC but to me Coach, Kate Spade, J Crew, etc. is not designer. Designer is Gucci, Prada, Ferragamo, Chanel, Dior, etc. With those names, you definitely pay 50-75% of the prices for the name alone. To me knowing how hard it is to earn $5,000 makes it almost impossible to actually spend it on a purse of a dress. However, I have no problems spending $100-$200 on a single item of clothing. It's all relative.

[kiddo]

But I'm referring to what they call 'factory stores' - I know BR and Gap have them, Coach has one - where the label inside the clothing says 'Gap Outlet' or 'Coach Factory Store' instead of just Gap or just Coach.

Oh, gotcha. I don't understand treating anything as a status symbol, so I can't really say *why* those people buy those items. For me, I shop outlets pretty frequently, since I live closer to outlets than I do the mall. So I would buy something that said 'Brand Name Outlet' (don't know if I have) because I liked how it looked and thought it was a good price.

Now I am curious what the difference in workmanship would be for 'Coach' vs. 'Coach Factory Store'. My guess is that it would still be of good quality, because their name is still on it.

[camberne]

Maybe it's because I'm in NYC but to me Coach, Kate Spade, J Crew, etc. is not designer. Designer is Gucci, Prada, Ferragamo, Chanel, Dior, etc. With those names, you definitely pay 50-75% of the prices for the name alone. This is what I was referring to in all my posts as well.

[laura]

Maybe it's because I'm in NYC but to me Coach, Kate Spade, J Crew, etc. is not designer. Designer is Gucci, Prada, Ferragamo, Chanel, Dior, etc. With those names, you definitely pay 50-75% of the prices for the name alone. To me knowing how hard it is to earn $5,000 makes it almost impossible to actually spend it on a purse of a dress. However, I have no problems spending $100-$200 on a single item of clothing. It's all relative.

I don't think it's b/c you live in NYC, I agree there are different levels of "designer". I don't consider J.Crew, Gap, Banana Republic, etc. to be 'designer' in the true sense of the word - or the at least what the true sense has become. I consider Coach and Kate Spade sort of "in between". I agree that true designer is Prada, Gucci, Armani, etc., but I don't think that's true just based on where you live. Nice things are nice anywhere, but it doesn't necessarily make them "designer", even if you don't have a Saks or whatever near you that sells higher-end items.

[KarenS]

don't think it's b/c you live in NYC, I agree there are different levels of "designer". I don't consider J.Crew, Gap, Banana Republic, etc. to be 'designer' in the true sense of the word - or the at least what the true sense has become. I consider Coach and Kate Spade sort of "in between". I agree with this.

karen

[HeatherFL]

Ditto

[yby1]

Designer items are considered the high end ready-to-wear items from a fashion designer. Prada and Chanel RTW lines are considered "designer lines." These designers can also have "bridge lines" that are less expensive than their designer lineup but more expensive than their secondary lines, like DKNY, which are mass produced.

Brand name apparel are clothes like COH jeans, Lacoste outfits, Kate Spade purses, etc... You pay a premium for the brand.

[greenbunny]

I take it really literally. I consider "designer" to mean that the clothing is named after the person who started or inspired the line, whatever the price point.

Either way, I consider Kate Spade, Banana Republic, and Ann Taylor high-end stuff, and I consider stuff like Gucci and Prada way, way up there in the rich and famous stratosphere. I was shocked when I first joined WC and saw how many posters wear Banana as everyday clothes. To me that would be a super beg-and-plead special birthday outfit. The most expensive store around here is Macys.

[KarenS]

I was shocked when I first joined WC and saw how many posters wear Banana as everyday clothes. Really? I was at Banana the other day and I don't think they're any more expensive than a lot of stuff at Macy's. To me Banana R is just another mall store - Banana, JCrew, Eddie Bauer, Ann Taylor, Victoria's Secret, etc.

I don't really consider those designer stores - just brands.

Karen

[stevesbabygirl]

I'm not into fancy brand name stuff at all. Almost every single article of clothing I own is from Old Navy. I consider The Gap to be too expensive. I suppose that makes me cheap as well, but I just don't go for designer stuff. I'm too simple.

[GeekGirl]

I guess my opinion is that there are some things I'm willing to pay more for, and some things I'm not. For instance, I will never again own a cheap pair of shoes...I had a really bad experience with a pair of Payless shoes this summer, and made the executive decision that shoes are something worth investing in. Now, this doesn't mean I won't shop sales or try to find the best bargain I can, but having shoes that are constructed well and won't damage my feet is important to me, so I'll stick to better brands.

I have a Coach purse and I absolutely adore it...but...I paid $10 for it at the Salvation Army. I would consider buying a Coach briefcase for work. I am in love with their Hampton bags.

I tend to spend more money on nicer clothes for work, for many of the same reasons that Karen listed. In my line of work, it is expected that I maintain a certain "image". Sometimes that's difficult for me, because there are times I feel as though I am projecting myself as something that I'm not - but I like my job, and it is what it is. I joke and say I work with the "beautiful people". That said, I do alot of shopping at places like Marshalls or TJ Maxx, where they carry "designer" clothes at a significant discount. Like my Anne Klein suit, which was originally $350, and I got for $30 on super-duper-last-one-left clearance.

Designer clothes at Walmart prices make my heart race! :D

[KarenS]

I tend to spend more money on nicer clothes for work, for many of the same reasons that Karen listed. In my line of work, it is expected that I maintian a certain "image". Sometimes that's difficult for me, because there are times I feel as though I am projecting myself as something that I'm not - but I like my job, and it is what it is. Absolutely. I'm really lucky in two ways: One is that I don't have to fit a preconceived notion for my profession. Being in an artistic profession, I can dress a little *differently* and still be perceived as being professional. So I can accomodate my need to dress down and be comfortable while still wearing some high end items. It helps that feeling a lot. The other thing is that I have a good friend who is super-savvy when it comes to designer clothes and trends and styles and she is absolutely brilliant about helping me coordinate clothing so that it fits who I am while still maintaining that high-end feel. God bless her - becuase w/out her I'd be a schlub in designer shoes! :D

Designer clothes at Walmart prices make my heart race! Amen to that!

Karen

[greenbunny]

Really? I was at Banana the other day and I don't think they're any more expensive than a lot of stuff at Macy's. To me Banana R is just another mall store - Banana, JCrew, Eddie Bauer, Ann Taylor, Victoria's Secret, etc.

Of all of those, Victoria's Secret is the only one we have around here. So maybe it's just that they are physically inaccessible to me. I don't know. Of course, I actually don't shop at Macy's, because I think they're overpriced. :p

[BethElena]

greenbunny - completely off topic: I finally understood your last avatar, and then you go and change it.....:confused:

[Vishenka69]

Designer clothes at Walmart prices make my heart race!


Me too. :D I think the only store I ever paid a regular price at was H&M. Even at the Gap I only shop the clearance racks.

[greenbunny]

greenbunny - completely off topic: I finally understood your last avatar, and then you go and change it.....:confused:

The basket one? Sorry. He will come back after NaNoWriMo. ;)

[BethElena]

The basket one? Sorry. He will come back after NaNoWriMo. ;)

I was talking to Ben on the phone and said "Honey, I don't understand this one...a hand basket, and arrows pointing to heaven, hell, pergatory....oh wait! Going to hell in a handbasket!" He was like "OH my Gosh...don't you do anything all day at work??" :D

[dollface]

But I'm referring to what they call 'factory stores' - I know BR and Gap have them, Coach has one - where the label inside the clothing says 'Gap Outlet' or 'Coach Factory Store' instead of just Gap or just Coach.

That's strange - I've bought stuff at all those outlets and none of them ever have labesl that say 'factory store' or 'outlets' - and almost everything I've ever purchased, I had seen in the regular store the season before. With the Coach outlet - every item there has been offered at Coach stores or Coach retailers.

[laura]

That's strange - I've bought stuff at all those outlets and none of them ever have labesl that say 'factory store' or 'outlets' - and almost everything I've ever purchased, I had seen in the regular store the season before. With the Coach outlet - every item there has been offered at Coach stores or Coach retailers.

I think most (if not all?) Coach outlets, if they do carry "Factory Store" stuff, they also carry discontinued pieces from their regular stores. It's possible you just have always purchased the 'regular' stuff. I never noticed the "Factory Store" stuff until I went to the outlet in Carmel - they had mostly "Factory Store" stuff there.

[JuliaK]

greenbunny - completely off topic: I finally understood your last avatar, and then you go and change it.....:confused:

Greenbunny, can you give me a hint on your siggy before that changes??

[julietchicago]

It is? :confused:

I must have missed the real estate discussion.

Di

Um, I wasn't referring to "houses". I was making a comparison. Obviously you do not remember the thread about people being jealous of those w/ big homes. Many people w/ expensive homes became very defensive, and so did some w/ less expensive homes.

[dollface]

Wow, this is turning into that one thread about people with big houses.

I don't understand why people are getting so defensive in here. You don't have to justify how or why you spend your money. If you feel you need to, maybe you should re-examine the way you are spending, because it seems to me you have a guilty conscious.

Actually I see both sides being defensive - not one or the other.

[Georgiana]

I guess my opinion is that there are some things I'm willing to pay more for, and some things I'm not. For instance, I will never again own a cheap pair of shoes...I had a really bad experience with a pair of Payless shoes this summer, and made the executive decision that shoes are something worth investing in. Now, this doesn't mean I won't shop sales or try to find the best bargain I can, but having shoes that are constructed well and won't damage my feet is important to me, so I'll stick to better brands.

I have a Coach purse and I absolutely adore it...but...I paid $10 for it at the Salvation Army. I would consider buying a Coach briefcase for work. I am in love with their Hampton bags.

I tend to spend more money on nicer clothes for work, for many of the same reasons that Karen listed. In my line of work, it is expected that I maintain a certain "image". Sometimes that's difficult for me, because there are times I feel as though I am projecting myself as something that I'm not - but I like my job, and it is what it is. .....

I agree with this.

I will spend money on a good pair of shoes and classics -stuff that will never go out of style. Good shoes you can have re conditioned and soles re done and they will last you forever. (I got that tip from Oprah) But anyway, classic styles will never go out of style and to me it is money well spent. I have suits I paid ..lets say "enough" for and they are classics that will look good year in and year out. Trendy stuff, I rather pay a little as possible for them. My palazzo pants that are "so in" :rolleyes: I didn't pay a ton of money for them -I think I paid more to fill my gas tank than I did for those pants.

[julietchicago]

Actually I see both sides being defensive - not one or the other.

Yep! So do I. I guess I don't understand why?? :confused:

I went to Wal-Mart earlier today to get some things like tooth paste, laundry detg., etc. and when I passed the clothes section this really cute sweater caught my eye. I picked it up and then put it back down. I actually thought of this thread and thought to myself "I like this sweater, it's cute and looks warm. I don't care if it's from Wal-Mart. I'm buying it"

I normally don't buy my clothes from Wal-Mart, just work out clothes, but today I said screw it!! If someone wants to judge me for that, I really don't care. We are all big girls and are perfectly capable of making our own choices. Do what makes YOU happy. We are only here once! ;)

[MidwesternGal]

As my name states, I live in a rural area.

Therefore, I don't even have access to any true *designer* items without traveling outside of my current state.

The "highest end" we have here is Ann Taylor (not just The Loft, but a *real* Ann Taylor--I have been led to believe there is a difference, but I'm probably wrong!) and Coach. Of course, we have JCrew, BR, Express, etc.

That being said, I also wouldn't be able to fit into a true designer item, being a size 14/16. If I ever got down to a size 6 or 8, I might save a few dollars to buy a couple lower-end pieces as a reward for losing the weight.

I used to shop at Old Navy a LOT, but realized I *had* to shop there a lot, as most of their stuff shrank, wrinkled, lost elasticity, faded, etc. and I constantly needed new items. Since then, I have realized I'd rather buy a more classic looking piece that FITS me, really fits, from a slightly higher end store--I'd rather have one great outfit than 6 that make me look fatter than I am!

I own things from Wal-Mart to Target to Old Navy to Anne Taylor Loft and The Limited. I buy whatever fits me the best, and also looks like it's made nicely. I agree with those who say to buy trendier pieces and/or basic staples (ie, white T's and cotton undies type of things) from lower end stores, and the more classic, "I'm going to have it forever clothing" from a bit higher end stores.

FWIW, I think as long as you have the money, and aren't putting yourself into debt (or bragging about it, or looking down on others for NOT having it--which I don't think anyone HERE has done, I'm not implying that at all, but I've seen it quite a bit IRL), it's your own choosing how to spend it, period.

[ysolde]

I wear good quality things, some of which are designer. Most of my designer apparel has no logos (I do have a couple of LV bags, because they travel well, last forever, and are repaired in-house).

[Georgiana]

Where I live our mall has those Ann Taylor Stores along with Marshal Field's -Soon to be Macy's. Still, they don't carry the same stuff in those stores as if I were to shop in Chicago or some larger city (pisses me off our Marshall Field's don't carry MAC Cosmetics :mad: ). We have a couple of outlet malls that has those Coach outlets as well as Movado. All the other stores are the run-of-the-mill mall stores. The only outlet stores I go to are the Movado Store and the Aigner Store as well as Perfume Mania.
However, I do alot of catalog shopping from stores like Neiman Marcus and J. Jill and that is how I get my higher-end stuff. However, I just love Target and I get alot of my work clothes (business casual) stuff from there.

[ysolde]

Heh. I guess I'm just the opposite. My folks were both total packrats and so is DH's mom. And I'm just so over having lots of stuff. In fact over the last 2-3 years I've really been paring down all of our stuff - getting rid of the cheap junk and just keeping the well made, expensive, classic stuff (not just in clothing, shoes, etc, but even in our kitchen and our house in general).

karen

Check out "A Guide to Elegance" by Mme. Dariaux. She is right up your alley.

[jnettie]

I take it really literally. I consider "designer" to mean that the clothing is named after the person who started or inspired the line, whatever the price point.

Either way, I consider Kate Spade, Banana Republic, and Ann Taylor high-end stuff, and I consider stuff like Gucci and Prada way, way up there in the rich and famous stratosphere. I was shocked when I first joined WC and saw how many posters wear Banana as everyday clothes. To me that would be a super beg-and-plead special birthday outfit. The most expensive store around here is Macys.
Hm, I guess I wouldn't lump Banana Republic in this group, necessarily. Yes, they can be on the expensive end, but I find their clothes to be high quality, classic peices that fit me really well. Meanwhile, I almost never shop at the Gap (same company as BR!) because I find it is too expensive for the quality of the clothes. I'm fairly broke, but don't consider BR off limits. Besides, they have some fabulous sales! I got some great suede boots for $20 one year - originally $150!

So, I'd say that I buy by price in relation to quality or usefulness. I'll buy from BR because of the above reasons, but not JCrew, which is only slightly more expensive yet not as versitile. Trendy stuff I get at Old Navy (low quality, yet cheep) or wherever, and usually on sale if possible. I rarely go true "designer" or "designer collection" mostly because of price, but also because these tend to be trendy AND expensive. I don't think I've ever even walked into a Channel store!

[kimthebride]

Such an interesting thread!

I've always considered "Bling Bling" to be jewelry (and I also "loathe" the term! lol!). In regards to that, yes I have nice jewelry I have accumulated over the years (DH's aunt is a jeweler specializing in diamonds). But each piece has a meaning to me, so it's not worn for anyone else other than me or DH.

But this thread seems to be about clothing, soooo.....

Whenever I buy clothing, shoes, coats or accessories, I consider:

1) Fit
Because I am too tall for regular clothes yet not tall enough for "tall" fit, I find in general higher-end clothing tends to fit better. But that doesn't stop me from trying on anything from a Target store to a Bloomingdales to see if it fits AND looks good on me (just because it fits doesn't mean it's flattering! ;) ).

2) Longevity
Is it a seasonal or 'trendy' item I will only wear for a short time? If so, it's not worth spending much on.
Is it a "piece" I can hold on to for a long time, such as a cashmere scarf, classic black dress, warm winter coat or high quality blouse? If so, I am willing to spend more.

3) Lifestyle
Is it *really* useable? Does it fit my lifestyle, mix in with the rest of my wardrobe?? The cute but pattered $15 sweater at Target that I adore won't get to much wear if I have no pants or anything that go with it. But the $100 classic black sweater at Saks that can be worn season after season with anything in my closet is a good idea.

That being said, my closet is a mish-mosh of everything from full-price to clearance, from Target to designer. My friends get a kick out of me, because I really am more concerned about my comfort and overall look than what names i am wearing. You never know if I just spilled coffee on a $10 or $300 coat. They like to guess how much I paid for something, because a lot of the time I find the better-quality "name" brands at ridiculous prices. Examples:
I bought 2 Nicole Miller gowns priced over $300 each...one for $75 one for $80 and have worn them both to multiple weddings.
I bought a Kenneth Cole $250 jacket for my FIL 2 Xmases ago for $35.

I love handbags, but have a ton of them and don't spend much on any of them because I go through my phases each season. However, because of the beauty, quality, practicality and longevity...if someone was to give me a Birkin bag I'd likely have a heart attack and use that bag daily til death. But I'd *never* buy one.

As for designer being better, I do find that some of my longer-lasting pieces that get the most compliments are names. I have a Christian Dior scarf DH bought me 4 years ago in Paris that is beautiful, unique, and looks as good today as it did the day he walked out of their store even though I've worn it literally hundreds of times.

That being said, if you ran into me on the street right now I'd most likely be wearing something bought at the mall or Target that was probably on sale. ;)

I'm for whatever makes each individual happy. I just don't like it when people are fake and use designer brands to create a marketable aesthetic rather than show who they really are. :)

[lisainpink]

I have to say that I adore clothing. All of it thrills me! I tend to mix designer and random pieces on a daily basis.
I buy designer shoes because of the longevity. I bought two pair of camel/khaki shoes three years ago: one pair of Chanel- one pair of Unisa. The Unisa shoes began to look worn after 4 or 5 outings. The Chanel shoes still look incredible. I wear them constantly- and they just don't wear out. The also have really neat rubbery taps on the heals that make them super-comfy (and you get replacement taps for when they wear out.)
I tend to find higher end pieces fit my strange body better too. I have a tiny upper body (bust= 33" waist is 25") with and enormous arse! The tailoring of my higher end suits helps to minimize my odd shape. I have bought lower end suits at banana or even target- they just don't offer my shape the same look. I love Adrienne Vittadini suits because they fit beautifully and the fabrics are wonderful. They generally don't go out of style. But I will wear that suit with a stretchy t-shirt from target or the gap. I guess what I am saying is that I enjoy my designer clothing- and it really doesn't have anything to do with status.
One final thought. I have a chanel purse that has the double c closure. I guess you could say that counts as a logo, but I adore the purse because it is the most classic, quilted, chain handled, old lady bag- that I will sooo be carrying when I'm 80. I like that. For some reason- I love the look of a really modern suit with old lady bags and shoes. I know. I'm strange.

[StephB1170]

I buy lots of high end stuff. Meaning, I have 2 pairs of Seven Jeans, Citizens, LV bags, Fendi, kate, etc.... I also have Gap and Old Navy. I find myself reaching for my "better" jeans all the time. They mold to me and fit me much better than anything I own. Old Navy is not great quality but it fits my everyday life as a SAHM just fine. If it gets ruined, I won't care. But I spend my money on high quality things. I worked at Bloomies for 6 years and you learn to spot bad quality just with your eye. I can see cheap bags, cheap shoes, jeans not cut to flatter but actually make the wearer fatter looking. Quality shows. Seams are straight, shoulders on shirts actually fit, you get what I am saying. I have alwys learned that you spned the most money on your shoes and bags. That doesn't mean that yo have to buy 'designer" but you won't catch me in a pair of payless shoes. I need better quality. Otherwise you waste your money on something that falls apart and last for a short period.

I could give 2 hoots what people think about what I spend my money on. I personally feel like people who spend their money on fake designer bags are more foolish than the people who spend the $$ on the real thing. Most fakes look bad, and why would you want to carry a bag that is SUPPOSED to be something else? If people ask if it's real, you won't say yes, so why spend your money on it? Get a nicer bag that is better quality than all of these stupid fakes.

That's my 02.

**Not bashing Payless- just answering OP on if I buy bling. (which IS jewelry) :D **

[KarenS]

I worked at Bloomies for 6 years and you learn to spot bad quality just with your eye. I can see cheap bags, cheap shoes, jeans not cut to flatter but actually make the wearer fatter looking. Quality shows. Seams are straight, shoulders on shirts actually fit, you get what I am saying.I wonder if this is a common denominator in many of the people who buy designer. I worked for a high end clothing makers for 2 years (not a "designer" by name, but a high end brand) and since working there, I have much lower tolerance for poorly or cheaply made clothing. That doesn't mean that I don't buy less expensive stuff for my everyday wear, but I can see and feel a quality difference ... and if I can't, I don't buy it, no matter whose name is on the design.

Karen

[Aimee]

I wonder if this is a common denominator in many of the people who buy designer. I worked for a high end clothing makers for 2 years (not a "designer" by name, but a high end brand) and since working there, I have much lower tolerance for poorly or cheaply made clothing. That doesn't mean that I don't buy less expensive stuff for my everyday wear, but I can see and feel a quality difference ... and if I can't, I don't buy it, no matter whose name is on the design.

Karen

It's quite possible that's where some people get it. My mom, who is not a fashionista by any means, worked at a very nice department store in New Orleans when she was in college. She learned what made something "well made" - patterns lining up at seams, size of a hem, etc. She then taught me what to look for in quality clothing.

One thing I'm a fanatic about is natural fibers. I HATE synthetics. Of course, they are cheaper, but it just feels bad on my body. I can handle 2% spandex here and there, but if something is a majority synthetic, I'll pass it over. I'm willing to pay more for natural fibers because it's just more comfortable, which is part of the quality issue for me.

[jbenny75]

I'm only against using the phrase "bling-bling", not the bling itself.;)

[kimthebride]

I'm only against using the phrase "bling-bling", not the bling itself.;)
LMAO!

[Vishenka69]

I wonder if this is a common denominator in many of the people who buy designer. I worked for a high end clothing makers for 2 years (not a "designer" by name, but a high end brand) and since working there, I have much lower tolerance for poorly or cheaply made clothing. That doesn't mean that I don't buy less expensive stuff for my everyday wear, but I can see and feel a quality difference ... and if I can't, I don't buy it, no matter whose name is on the design.
I've never worked in high end retail but can also tell a difference between well and poorly made piece and also prefer high quality clothing.

[dionysia]

Um, I wasn't referring to "houses". I was making a comparison. Obviously you do not remember the thread about people being jealous of those w/ big homes. Many people w/ expensive homes became very defensive, and so did some w/ less expensive homes.Ah, gotcha.

I was wondering if I missed some posts or they were deleted.

Di

[yby1]

Probably, yet I still don't buy designer for the sake of buying a designer label. I went to a fashion trade school right after high school and soon after that, I had a job at Neiman's for a couple of years. My mom also is pretty knowledable about clothing construction, she would design her own patterns and sew them. Suffice to say, that I know what to look for when it comes to quality and it's not hard to find similar quality in non-high end items. I love private labels at higher end stores as well.

[looch]

I wonder if this is a common denominator in many of the people who buy designer. I worked for a high end clothing makers for 2 years (not a "designer" by name, but a high end brand) and since working there, I have much lower tolerance for poorly or cheaply made clothing. That doesn't mean that I don't buy less expensive stuff for my everyday wear, but I can see and feel a quality difference ... and if I can't, I don't buy it, no matter whose name is on the design.

Karen


For me personally, I have never worked in retail, so I didn't get it from there, but I grew up with a European mother. The concept of tailoring and buying a few very expensive, well made items came from her, 100%.

[greenbunny]

Greenbunny, can you give me a hint on your siggy before that changes??

That started with the horrifying David Hasslehoff picture yb1 posted in the "Why Popcorn?" thread. The link is broken but the comments are still there, starting at reply #71.

Sig History (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=8036&page=3&highlight=david+hasslehoff)

[PG-rated]

I also - and this may be hypocritical to some - am very anti- conspicuous consumption. It's one thing to treat yourself or buy designer because you like it and want to wear it. It's another to trick yourself out head to toe in blatant designer clothing and accessories as a way to say "look at me and how much money I have". :)
I actually think that people who have a good understanding of how ridiculous our society is when it comes to consumption are better at appreciating quality. Personally, I tend to be a harsher judge of people who choose to do all their shopping at Walmart even though they can afford not to, just because I think that choice is worse on a global scale. But I also accept that most of us are just doing our best, and every choice we make as consumers could be criticized by someone somewhere. And as much as I wish I didn't, I do own a couple of Walmart items, so I'm not trying to be holier-than-thou. :)

On the other hand, I think very few people would ever admit to being into conspicuous consumption. I think of a wedding I went to about six weeks ago, where the bride was very materialistic, and I actually lost a lot of respect for her as a result. A good example - she wrote on her wedding webpage that she didn't hear anything her FH said when he was proposing because she was so excited by the fact that the engagement ring came from Tiffany. :rolleyes: But I'll bet that if she were writing in this thread, she would be one of the ones insisting that she just appreciates quality. I think we all want to say we're not one of *those* people.

And FWIW, my wedding ring is from Tiffany, which is not something I generally tell people, but feel the need to disclose, given this post. :)

[yby1]

That started with the horrifying David Hasslehoff picture yb1 posted in the "Why Popcorn?" thread. The link is broken but the comments are still there, starting at reply #71.

Sig History (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=8036&page=3&highlight=david+hasslehoff)

Just to refresh everyone's memory

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v172/sumama/hasselhoffianrecursion7rb.gif
Bling Bling!

[julietchicago]

Lmao!!

[lisainpink]

Bwwwhahahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!

[dollface]

MY EYES!!! MY EYESSS!!!!

[jbenny75]

I had just gotten that out of my head!!

[sue-bert]

I personally find anything (real or fake) that is plastered with logos tacky.

I just can't imagine being a walking billboard for some company AND paying for it (overpaying even) on top of giving them free advertising. I'll never get what the appeal is to that.
ITA. On principle, I won't even buy a sweatshirt that says GAP or NIKE or any brand name across the chest unless someone is prepared to pay me for it.
----------------
Re: designer clothes:

I think many designer clothes are particularly well-made and quietly flattering (Armani suits, for example), without being "bling-bling" showy. If I had the money, I might buy more of these items, at least for special occassions. But I don't, and anyhow it really doesn't fit my everyday lifestyle (living in Israel, shloompy R&D engineer, and mom of an active toddler).

I don't begrudge other people for buying expensive designer clothes and accessories, although if their primary motivation is to show off, then I feel sorry for them for being so insecure.

sue-bert

[greenbunny]

I think it's very interesting about working in clothing = being able to better spot good pieces. I feel that way about jewelry. I worked in jewelry for about 6 or 7 years and I'm fairly good at spotting a quality piece, setting, clarity, etc. DH did NOT have fun ring shopping, let me tell you. Mall-type jewelry stores hate me because they give that emotional spiel and I just cut them off and ask for a loop. The ring I ended up buying is an estate piece. I wanted a heart-cut diamond and I couldn't find any new rings that offered a quality v prong holding the point.

On that note, does anyone buy vintage designer clothes?

[lisainpink]

I *aquire* vintage pieces from my Mom. I wonder if she has noticed her Hermes scarves making their way to live with me?

[JuliaK]

That started with the horrifying David Hasslehoff picture yb1 posted in the "Why Popcorn?" thread. The link is broken but the comments are still there, starting at reply #71.

Sig History (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=8036&page=3&highlight=david+hasslehoff)

Mission accomplished! I am now traumatized by David Hasselhoff's crotch.

[PinkMartini]

I put "can't afford it," but the truth is if I could afford it I still wouldn't care all that much. I would buy better-quality stuff if I had more money, but I don't always think that designer label = better quality.

Ditto that :D

[KrissyCat7]

I have some designer items...most of which I have gotten a great deal on. I really could care less if it's designer or not, I buy what I like.

[mayiko]

I buy the best quality my budget will allow. I tend to buy more expensive items and sacrifice quantity. And I also make sure the item has a good fit and flatters my figure. In the future if I have more disposable income I will buy high end designer items. Hermes Berkin bag and a Chanel Suit are part of my fantasy list.

[zhannushka]

The only designer items I own (a purse, a watch, etc.) were gifts from either DH, my parents, MIL or someone else. I don't think I have ever bought very expensive designer items for myself, mostly because I'm too cheap to spend hundreds/thousands of dollars on just one thing.

[Niobe]

I don't buy *really* high end items because I can't afford them and most of the stuff is totally not my style. But I tend to buy the designer items as opposed to knock-offs because of quality. It's a waste of energy and resources to buy crap that immediately falls apart, I'd rather invest a little more money in well-made merchandise that will last a while. So, I don't buy stuff just for the label (I usually try to avoid any visible labels/logos), but I do buy designer brands that have proven to have good quality.

[kemorr]

I avoid the really high end designer places like LV, Prada, RL etc. because I think most of the clothes are either impractical or ugly and I can't bring myself to spend $600 on a plain white t-shirt even though I could afford it I wanted to. I buy almost all my clothes from chain "designers" - Brooks Brothers, Ann Taylor, The Loft, BR and occasionally J-Crew. I went hunting for a new pair of jeans recently and tried on Sevens, Citizens etc and finally ended up buying a pair for $30 at Gap because they were (in my opinion) the only pair that didn't make my ass look fat and it was just a bonus that I saved $$ in the process. The places that I buy my clothes provide me good quality, a good fit and nice, conservative style and I don't feel guilty if I only wear them for a season or two because they didn't cost a fortune in the first place. I do believe in some circumstances, you don't get better quality with designer names. My DH bought my engagement ring from Blue Nile. It cost $X and is FAR better in all 4 Cs than something he could have bought at Tiffany's for $X. I much prefer my internet larger, sparklier ring than one of lower quality (and diamonds are truly something you can compare quality) from Tiffanys, just because it came from Tiffanys.

I think the name brand doesn't equal quality is very much reflected in cars. I drive a high end Mercedes. It's a really nice car and I think the price paid reflects it's quality. However, when I take my car in for service they give me a C-class as a loaner, the cheapest Mercedes made. That particular car is such an awful piece of junk, I wouldn't pay half the price they ask for it. A Toyota is much nicer than the C class. Just because it is a Mercedes doesn't make it a good car.

[phoenics]

I put other, as if I find designer stuff that is quality (not always is), then I might purchase it if the price is right.

I mix high and low and could really care less who makes it - I care about how well it fits and how it makes me look, and I care about how long it lasts.

I have noticed a woman at work, however, who wears the same suits (mixes and matches) to work generally - but they are really, really high quality. I'm trying to pare down my own warddrobe - but I have reached the point where I know what looks good on me, but I'm still a few sizes above the super-high end designer range, so I'm considering going to a tailor to have a few pieces made for me.

Case in point: I bought these AMAZING cuffed pants from Nine West and they fit fabulously and everything. So much so that I would buy them everytime I saw them so they could be a staple. Anyway, the ones I bought in the beginning fit great and I could even wash them with NO problem. No fading, no nothing - just great pants. Well, in the year after that, I saw more so I scooped those up - and those are fading. I guess NW realized what a gold mine they had and started to go cheap on the materials and it shows.

So, now I'm frustrated enough to just get some wool-blend (gabardine) pants (lined) that I know will last for years. I have a pair in my closet that I bought nearly 8 years ago and they look brand new! Some fabrics just wear better... and I did purchase those from Off 5th (Saks Outlet) - Tahari I think.

I'm ticked about those other pants though - I bought them on faith that the quality would be the same as the others and I was mad to find out they weren't.

[Anna Low]

It depends on the item. I wear clothing from Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Target, Neiman Marcus, Saks, Armani and pretty much everywhere in between. If it's cute and looks good on me, I'll consider buying it. Shoes generally are purchased in the high end stores and purses always are. But, I believe the quality of *most* high end apparel is generally much better (most - not all of it) and for me, part of the purchase price is the service received during the sale and afterwards.

[curlyjr]

I can't afford designer clothes and if I could, i would buy what appeals to me, not what has a certain label. What i think is funny is the women (I don't mean anyone here) who have no fashion sense and wear only designer clothes and still look like crap.

[daener]

I used to care...and I used to wear/carry designer brands. Now I find myself trying to hide designer brands when I do purchase them. I don't like being identified with them...although I don't exactly know why.

[nylons73]

I am a Neiman's Addict and I'll freely admit it. :p I absolutely love the service and I love the originality of design that they offer. The things I buy there, whether for myself or for others, are 99% of the time are made extremely well and last a long time. Until recently, I always worked with their personal shopper who knew my tastes and my body type to a tee. All I would have to do is call and say 'Stephanie, I need a dress for a wedding in August' and she would have 10+ selections picked out and ready to go in the personal shopping dressing room. No running around the store, no endless looking for something I like. My choices would be all lined up and ready to try on, and, also, frequently on sale! :) Unfortunately Stephanie has moved on, but I maintain a great relationship with 4-5 long time employees there and I trust them to steer me in the right direction in my shopping experience.

I also love the fact that the people at Neiman's really know what they have. I can't tell you how often I have walked into another store and said 'do you have X' to be told no by the salesperson. Then, after walking around the store on my own, I would find the X I was looking for, to the befuddled look of the person I originally asked. The department managers at Neiman's know their inventory backwards and forwards and often, if they don't have it in the store, they will bring it in for me, or ship it to my home. That's service! :) Just the other day, the jewelry designer "Saint" was having a trunk show at Neiman's. I was interested in a particular gold piece that they design, but my Neiman's did not have any of these pieces in stock. I talked to the Jewerly dept. manager and he said he would see what he could do. When the day of the trunk show rolled around, lo and behold they had 6+ of these particular pieces (in gold!) for me to look at. When I inquired why they happened to have so many, the Saint rep told me that Neiman's had called her on my behalf and asked her to specifically bring in the pieces for me! Talk about feeling like I was more than a 'shopper!'

I wrote about this in another thread recently (in Fashion and Beauty) but clothing sold at Ann Taylor, Banana, The Loft, etc, are not designer. These places knock off the styles and designs of the original designers sold at places like Neiman's (Chanel, Vera Wang, Kay Unger, Nanette Lepore, Cynthia Steffe, St. John, Elie Tahari, etc.) As I mentioned in the other thread, my coworkers and I play a game called 'spot the knockoff.) We'll see an original dress at Neiman's and then see who can find the 'copy' at Banana, Dillard's, JCREW, Forever XXI, etc. One of us almost always finds the cheaper copy within days.

[kam]

These places knock off the styles and designs of the original designers sold at places like Neiman's (Chanel, Vera Wang, Kay Unger, Nanette Lepore, Cynthia Steffe, St. John, Elie Tahari, etc.)

Well, sure, they are designers, but anything sold en masse at any department store is not exactly the high end of the designers' lines. And since you mention Vera Wang, one could also go to Kohls so if the types of designer lines dictates the type of store it is...

[nylons73]

Well, sure, they are designers, but anything sold en masse at any department store is not exactly the high end of the designers' lines. And since you mention Vera Wang, one could also go to Kohls so if the types of designer lines dictates the type of store it is...

Vera does make a line for Kohl's. It's not close to the same quality as her higher end lines, but it does have her name on it. However, I am talking about dresses that are clear knock-offs of a Vera original design, that are sold under another store's label.

[MLA]

Vera does make a line for Kohl's. It's not close to the same quality as her higher end lines, but it does have her name on it. However, I am talking about dresses that are clear knock-offs of a Vera original design, that are sold under another store's label.

I don't get what's so bad about that.

[nylons73]

I don't get what's so bad about that.

I'm not saying that there's something 'bad' about it, other than the fact that the store has taken someone else's hard work and copied it. If someone wants to wear a dress 'inspired by' someone else - perfect. I just take objection to someone calling Banana Republic 'designer' when what they have done is taken original designs by other people, and remade them with cheaper fabrics. In most cases the item is not an 'exact' copy, but it's close enough to see where the store got it's 'inspiration.'

[msnicolea]

ABS makes an entire career out of knock-off designs--I think it's nice that people without $ can afford to buy a dress that looks like something J Lo wore--it's very democratic. ;->

Anyone with $ can buy expensive clothes or bags--who cares? I am so sick of logo bags I could spit--they don't say anything about style--only about bank balance.

I admire people who can rock Target with high end, or vintage with Old Navy. THAT's style.

[Ali]

I can't afford designer clothes and if I could, i would buy what appeals to me, not what has a certain label. What i think is funny is the women (I don't mean anyone here) who have no fashion sense and wear only designer clothes and still look like crap.

I love to watch "What Not to Wear". One evening SO said to me, you know what's funny is that most of these women shop at the mall (he deduced that because the hidden camera footage often includes mall shots) and they still look bad enough to need an "intervention". He felt it was a shame that some people pay good money for clothing and still look like a fashion emergency.

[msnicolea]

Money don't buy class--or taste.

[Toonces]

As I mentioned in the other thread, my coworkers and I play a game called 'spot the knockoff.) We'll see an original dress at Neiman's and then see who can find the 'copy' at Banana, Dillard's, JCREW, Forever XXI, etc. One of us almost always finds the cheaper copy within days.

Wow... I'm impressed that you and your co-workers find time to do something like that.

Personally, I give a rat's behind what label anyone is wearing. As long as they don't stink and are properly clothed, all's good with me.

[MLA]

You know, I also find the idea of shopping at Neiman Marcus or Saks to be pretty off-putting. Most people can't afford to do that, so they don't. And I bet that many who are shopping at these places can't really afford it. I think it's more fashionable to be debt-free than to be wearing "designer" clothes that you can't afford. Just sayin' . . . No one should be made to feel "less than" because they wear knock offs from Ann Taylor.

[literati]

I'm not really concerned with what other people wear but I steer away from clearly labelled items.

That said, I heart Neiman. First, the service there is unmatched. Whether I'm buying or browsing SO and I have always received unparalleled service. Second, there is a difference between some 'designer' goods and the knock-offs. The differences are in the fabric quality and the detail. I don't like to wear the same thing everyone else is wearing, particularly for a special event. So, I splurge every now and then. To be honest, all my special occasion items hold up well but my favorite Tahari blouse is timeless. I'll wear it and garner compliments for years to come, making the price more reasonable than at first thought. An example of the service: when I bought the aforementioned blouse, the seamstress added two hooks to conceal cleavage within two hours. Can't beat that.

For me, it's in the quality and the details.

[snowzilla]

Eww, eww, eww. I really dislike designer anything, and the shallowness that inevitably seems to emerge when those who are devoutly into designer goods talk about it. I do not want to be defined by my handbag or the stitching on the rear of my jeans. We spend far too much time in this life worrying about what other people think of us, and feeding into the whole designer/bling thing just perpetuates that even more.

I have a very difficult time finding pants that are long enough for me (I'm 5'11") without spending a fortune on pants that I don't even like that much...until I found out that a mid-level retailer was starting to carry "tall" pants at a totally reasonable price. At first, I was all embarassed to admit where I was getting my pants, but I really don't care anymore. They fit me well, they look good, and I can buy three pairs of pants at that store instead of one pair of "designer" pants that are probably designed to fit an anorexic 21-year old anyways.

[msnicolea]

I don't think there's anything wrong with liking beautiful things. I have a couple of "real" designer items and they are lovely--they do look and feel more expensive, so I get it. But to define yourself, or even worse--others--by what labels they are wearing--to make a game out of it--well, that's just sad.

[MLA]

I don't think there's anything wrong with liking beautiful things. I have a couple of "real" designer items and they are lovely--they do look and feel more expensive, so I get it. But to define yourself, or even worse--others--by what labels they are wearing--to make a game out of it--well, that's just sad.

I agree with you. And sometimes quality is worth the price, but my sense is that a lot of people buy these things because they feel they have to in order to be cool or whatever. And you know what? If you're working retail for next to nothing per hour or you're working as a low-paid receptionist, I don't think fine quality in your clothing needs to be your first concern. Your money should be spent on more important things -- or better yet, it should be saved so that you have a secure financial future. I doubt that you'll much care about the Yves Saint Laurent gown or whatever you once owned if you're 75 and living on social security because you've been unable to save for retirement.

[Niobe]

Okay, I'll admit to playing a few rounds of "spot the fake" with handbags. We get a lot of designer-purse carriers at my job, and a lot of "not-so-designer". Sometimes, it's amusing to try and tell the difference.

And personally, I like the service better at Nordstroms then at Bloomingdales or Neimans. The sales staff is more down to earth and doesn't look at me funny when I come in wearing comfy weekend clothing.

Even if I could afford it, I wouldn't wear really high-end stuff every day. I'm rough on clothes and too practical to not hate myself if I damaged something. Low-end clothing has it's place - it's affordable to destroy. I totally understand buying high-end items like bags, shoes, and formal wear though.

[msnicolea]

Well, to be fair, M, there was an old woman who lived in her shoe.

[MLA]

Well, to be fair, M, there was an old woman who lived in her shoe.

True. I heard it was a Ferragamo.

[nylons73]

You know, I also find the idea of shopping at Neiman Marcus or Saks to be pretty off-putting. Most people can't afford to do that, so they don't. And I bet that many who are shopping at these places can't really afford it. I think it's more fashionable to be debt-free than to be wearing "designer" clothes that you can't afford. Just sayin' . . . No one should be made to feel "less than" because they wear knock offs from Ann Taylor.

I wouldn't dream of making anyone feel 'less' because they are wearing Ann Taylor and I hope you are not saying that I was. In fact, I am wearing Ann Taylor right now. However, I do not have any illusions that "Ann" was sitting around designing this jacket. That's all I was saying. I don't consider clothes to be 'designer' clothes unless the actual designer designed them. Ok, now I am probably confusing myself. heh

I don't shop above my means. I think it's not correct to assume that you cannot shop at Neiman's or Saks and be debt free. You know, if you wait for sales and you take advantage of their special deals for card holders, etc, you can get some great quality clothes for not a lot more than one would pay, full price, at a Banana or Ann T.

[msnicolea]

True. I heard it was a Ferragamo.

Well, they are quite comfortable.

[Aimee]

I consider fashion a hobby and can usually spot the knockoff at Banana or Ann Taylor from the higher-end designers. That doesn't mean I don't shop at those stores. I just find it interesting to see the trickle-down effect of it all. I don't judge someone for wearing a Banana wrap dress that's a ringer for a DVF.

I buy what I like and I try to buy quality for the price. For example, since I switched to wearing Seven jeans instead of Gap jeans, I haven't needed to shop for jeans nearly as much. The Gap ones would go funky in the wash (shrink, rip, or fade) after a few weeks/months. I'm wearing jeans today that are going on 2 years old and aside from where I've worn the hem n the back and the faint Bare Minerals stain on the front (seriously, y'all, warmth does not come out of ANYTHING), they look nearly new. I don't even think about buying new jeans anymore because what I've got holds up fantastically. They were expensive at the outset, but cheaper in the long run.

Oh, and misnicolea - I wore my CL pumps with Old Navy pants and sweater earlier this week and I looked awesome.

[amorey]

I have a very difficult time finding pants that are long enough for me (I'm 5'11") without spending a fortune on pants that I don't even like that much...until I found out that a mid-level retailer was starting to carry "tall" pants at a totally reasonable price. At first, I was all embarassed to admit where I was getting my pants, but I really don't care anymore. They fit me well, they look good, and I can buy three pairs of pants at that store instead of one pair of "designer" pants that are probably designed to fit an anorexic 21-year old anyways.

Pssst! 35" inseam here! Could you maybe please disclose where you bought your magical pants? :)

[snowzilla]

LOL No problem - I buy them at Reitman's. I'm not sure if that's a chain in the US or not...I used to swear I would never shop there because that's where my mother shopped, but I discovered their long pants last year and I am just SO happy with them. You pay anywhere between 20-60 bucks for a pair of pants, and they go on sale all the time. I bought a pair yesterday for 19 bucks because they were clearing out their inventory for year-end.

And if I had a nickel for everytime my pants were called "magical".... :p

[MLA]

I buy what I like and I try to buy quality for the price. For example, since I switched to wearing Seven jeans instead of Gap jeans, I haven't needed to shop for jeans nearly as much. The Gap ones would go funky in the wash (shrink, rip, or fade) after a few weeks/months. I'm wearing jeans today that are going on 2 years old and aside from where I've worn the hem n the back and the faint Bare Minerals stain on the front (seriously, y'all, warmth does not come out of ANYTHING), they look nearly new. I don't even think about buying new jeans anymore because what I've got holds up fantastically. They were expensive at the outset, but cheaper in the long run.


I don't know. My favorite pair of jeans is from Old Navy. I've had them for about 5 years, and they look great. I get compliments on them all the time. I recently washed them w/some chapstick, so they're stained and I can't really wear them any more. Unfortunately, ON changed the cut of their jeans since I bought those, and I've been unable to replace them. But the fact remains that I spent about $30 on those jeans, and if not for my own stupidity, I could still wear them 5 years later.

[nylons73]

I don't think there's anything wrong with liking beautiful things. I have a couple of "real" designer items and they are lovely--they do look and feel more expensive, so I get it. But to define yourself, or even worse--others--by what labels they are wearing--to make a game out of it--well, that's just sad.

WTF? Are you saying that I'm 'sad' because I know enough about fashion to spot fashion knock-offs? I think you are sad for judging me when you know nothing about me. I certainly do not define myself or others by clothing. That's totally ridiculous. "Spot the knockoff" is just a way to pass time, not a way to make anyone feel less, or badly about anything that they are wearing. And I would never dream of pointing something out on a real person.

And...I have several ABS dresses. I can't afford the $10,000 price tag to buy the orignials, but I love the cut, style and the fabrics that ABS uses to recreate the higher priced dresses.

[Aimee]

I don't know. My favorite pair of jeans is from Old Navy. I've had them for about 5 years, and they look great. I get compliments on them all the time. I recently washed them w/some chapstick, so they're stained and I can't really wear them any more. Unfortunately, ON changed the cut of their jeans since I bought those, and I've been unable to replace them. But the fact remains that I spent about $30 on those jeans, and if not for my own stupidity, I could still wear them 5 years later.

I'll admit that the quality of Old Navy and Gap stuff has gone *way* downhill in recent years. I had and have Gap jeans from high school that are still in good shape (if not a bit too small!) but stuff that I bought fairly recently was just crap.

I think that the quality issue is something that can be said for most chain retailers as of late. I have a lot of basics from Gap, Old Navy, Abercrombie and Banana that are going on 10 years old and they've worn beautifully. Stuff that I've bought from those places recently are practically disposable.

[jajacobsen]

I really prefer clothing/bags/shoes, etc where the manufacturer's identity isn't obvious, be it a $5 Walmart tee for a $500 Dior blouse. I actually think logo anything is pretty gauche. It's hard to avoid, however. Every pair of running shoes has a logo. A lot of shoes have obvious logo or detailing and so I do wear shoes where the manufacturer is discernable.

The main thing people can do to look better is to understand their body type and buy clothes that closely fit it, and then have them tailored.

Because we can all talk about "designer" this or that, but we really need to realize that these label names are areally teh corporate manufacturer, not a specific designer. Even the clothes at Saks, Neimans, or Bloomies are all usually designed by someone other than the actual designer's name. You think Ann Taylor (if there even is such a person) doesn't design all the dresses at Loft? Well I'll tell you, Elie Tahari (who is a real person) doesn't design the suits at Neiman's either. An assistant does.

The designer develops key looks or viewpoints, which are interpreted by his team. He or she actually designs the runway "haute couture" looks which are custom-made for each customer. The rest of us, whether we shop at Neimans or walMart - it's off the rack.

[Niobe]

And I would never dream of pointing something out on a real person.

Well, I'd never do it to their face. Or someone I know. But yeah, we totally called out fake handbags to each other at work after the person left (at my old job as a cashier). Is that wrong? Fake designer bags, especially the ones covered in logos but obviously fake with no lining and cheap pleather, just amuse me for some reason. :o

In my defense, it is REALLY boring to be a cashier.

And fwiw, Seven jeans can often be found at Marshall's for not much more then the price of Gap jeans when they aren't on sale. I do love Seven jeans compared to Gap. But I always manage to find them on clearance somehow.

[jajacobsen]

To MLA's point - those Old Navy jeans really fit her best - so they were the best pair for her. Earl or Seven jeans do have aspects that may firtsome body types better - if so, great! I have no luck with them.

"Designer" clothes often have detailing (and better fabrics) which do make them look special. But I would argue that many of these details can be found at all price points.

When I was in public accounting and then in M&A work, I made a lot more money, was single, and i spent a lot on clothes. But I also learned a lot about fit and tailoring. I do have some key pieces from those days but I am able to "update" them with less expensive pieces from places like Target, even Walmart, because I focus on silhouette and fit. I almost always have jackets tailored, to ensure they fit my arm length exactly; same with trousers. I'm really picky about this. I get a LOT of unsolicited compliments on my attire and most people assume it is much more expensive than it is.

Truthfully, I really think most people could improve their looks dramatically by focusing less on labels and wearing a good fit, a great smile, and possibly losing ten lbs.

[msnicolea]

I think you can tell a lot about someone from reading their posts on CC, don't you? I suspect most regular members of this board know how I'll be voting, for example, or what I think about Johnny Depp.

I guess I just don't get the game. "Ha ha--her LV purse is a fake and it's so obvious"-who cares? If you don't think that makes you a snob or that it's having fun at someone else's expense, or that because you don't say it to someone's face, that makes it ok--well, I think you are in denial. At least own up to it.

I did laugh @ my BFF who bought a Kate Spade knock-off on the streets of NYC and didn't notice that the tag said "Kade Spate"--now THAT's funny.

And ITA re: tailoring--I really need to take some of my clothes to a good one--it would be like having a brand new wardrobe!

[amorey]

snowzilla, drat. Nope, we don't have that store here. But way to go finding pants that fit. Who cares where they came from! I would wear K-Mart pants if they fit! :)


I have always been a little bitter towards designer clothes because I couldn't wear them if I wanted to. They don't come in my size. I know there are some jeans that come with a 35" inseam, but I'm a real Amazon Woman, with a width that's proportionate to my hight, not a skinny supermodel.

Because of that, I'm starting to sew my own clothes. I'm working on getting to a place where I can design them, too. I have a bachelor's degree in design (graphic design, but who cares :) ) so that would make all my clothes designer. :)

ETA: I just finished sewing up a pair of jeans, and I went and snooped around at Saks and Neiman Marcus to see what the big deal about designer jeans is. The construction is identical to my Gap jeans. The only difference was the label.

[chefker]

The thing about knock-offs/copies - fashions have been done and re-done over and over again, it's hard to find something that we haven't seen before! Certain styles come back into vogue, some styles never go away, and then there are some styles that SHOULD go away (man-pris, for example).

That said, while I don't go for high end designer labels - don't care, and can't afford them anyway - I do find there's certain brands I gravitate toward because of the fit and the quality. Asics fit me better than any other running shoe I've ever owned; so I will continue to buy Asics. Jeans - Calvin Klein is my go-to brand. Always will be, because that's the brand that fits me best. I don't really care whose name is emblazoned on my butt, really. :)

[MLA]

I don't really care whose name is emblazoned on my butt, really. :)

Actually, one of the reasons that I loved my ON jeans so much is that there was no label on them. I don't much like to have names emblazoned on any part of me. ;)

[kristin]

I just look for something that makes me look good and has a good fit. I think the only "real" designer item I have is a pair of Joe's Jeans. I wasn't terribly thrilled after they started to stretch, but since i paid so much, you better believe I'm still wearing them.

This is totally my own hang up, and I don't know why I have it, but it irritates me to no end when I see people decked up in super expensive designer stuff. To me it just screams "Look at me, look at me, look how much money I have". Maybe I'm jealous, but even when I had alot of money to spend on clothes I never dressed like that.

I'm not talking about wearing just one designer item, but the whole ensemble. This morning, when I picked my son up from preschool, a ran into one of the very "trendy" moms. She had Gucci sunglasses on (even though it was cloudy:rolleyes:), Sevens, ugg boots, a Ralph lauren sweater, and a North Face Jacket. She was carrying two big "Gucci" shopping bags which held gifts for the teachers (even though we had all contributed to a group gift). Her 3 year old and almost one year old both had Ralph Lauren dresses on and Ugg boots. It just seem so showy. And as for the kids ridiculous, since I now my DS comes home covered in paint many times.

[greenbunny]

I can think of a few situations in which I would go out of my way to have or display a designer...for example, Stella McCartney, because I appreciate her animal-rights and ecologically-sustainable attitude toward her line.

I do think that items that are inconspicuously high-end are better made than logo items. Back in the 80s, Coach purses were practically indestructable. Now, pick out one with Cs all over it and I don't see a huge jump in quality. Companies know that a certain demographic is buying for the visibility, and they can get away with dulling down their standards on those items.

[jenahdawn]

I don't pay for names. I pay for what fits and is comfortable. And if people want to make fun of me for it, they have too much time on their hands.

[curlyjr]

Not that I could tell, but I think it would be funny if I saw someone with a fake LV or something with the logo all over it because it shows they are obviously trying to look cool.

[MLA]

Not that I could tell, but I think it would be funny if I saw someone with a fake LV or something with the logo all over it because it shows they are obviously trying to look cool.

I agree. But I feel the same way about people w/real LV with logos all over the place. I find it really tacky -- whether it's fake or real.