When I was visiting my best friend the other day, she mentioned going out of control and spending on a Louis Vuitton handbag, as well as a Coach one and a couple of Tiffany items.
I first told her how ugly I thought the logo of LV was, and then said that I never bought and will probably never buy anything haute couture designer intentionally just because it was a designer item.
She then countered that it was because I was still in frugal mode (even though I was almost debt free) and trying to save like mad, and I just got too used to NOT buying anything, period.
And she continued on to say that designer would be the last thing to buy on my mind being as it’s usually expensive, since I associate those names with luxury.
I told her that it wasn’t that I wasn’t spending any money at all. It was the TOTAL OPPOSITE and I recounted my spending spree of almost $2000 in the past 2 weekends.
But then it got me thinking. Why IS it that I don’t like designer goods? (Other than the fact that they cost an arm and a leg with half a kidney).
I thought about it some more and then it hit me.
I prefer unique, independent, preferably handmade designer goods
It’s why I went on a huge shopping binge on Etsy, it’s why I travelled to Toronto and ONLY purchased most of my clothes from independent designers like BIONIC or Girl Friday (wrap dresses).
It’s also why I bought that green purse from Concubine (concubine.ca) because I find it cute, unique, and not mass-made or mass-marketed.
I guess in my clothes, I love greys, neutrals and everything kind of plan and solid-colour looking with some metal hardware. But in accessories like purses, necklaces and shoes, I normally don’t like plain jane in my accessories.
I like wild, crazy, fun, classic, modern but bright kind of things because they make me happy every time I wear a piece that I know someone made, and for me to confidently know that I am one of the few (under a thousand I’d guess) who actually owns a piece like this.
That, and I get some killer compliments all the time about the necklaces I’m wearing, or the purses I own. Everyone thinks I bought them at some fancy shop, or that I spent a lot of cash on them. Which is partly true (like my necklaces), but they’re so unique, you can’t even find them in a store, which makes me love them even more.
I also know that someone made them. And it’s kind of cheesy, but a handmade item just feels more special than an industrial one. But if they looked exactly the same, I won’t lie, I’d buy the cheaper industrial version. But the beauty is that you CAN’T find industrial versions that look exactly the same!
That’s not to say that I will never buy a designer item, or wear a designer item, but I just seem to prefer independent designer items that are more unique and fun.
However, if the most amazing dress from Versace or Gucci came along and plopped itself in my apartment, I wouldn’t turn the poor thing out.
And I’d also spend good money on a designer item if I felt it was worth it. Like Christian Louboutin shoes (if I had the guts and the balance to wear those sky high heels).
But the truth of the matter is that the mix of my not wanting to spend a lot of money on good quality, coupled with my desire to buy independent designer goods (Canadian, American, Earthian, whatever), makes me avoid even going into stores like Chanel or Gucci, and running to stores like Cat’s Cradle or Propoganda on Yonge Street in Toronto. And that’s all even though I could afford it.
However as I was writing this I came across this Michael Kors Rehearsal Bag in the most amazing shade of grey…
Look at it. Simple, grey, supple, and absolutely breathtaking. But at $900+ (on sale nonetheless!!!) and originally $1500+ I can’t ever imagine forking over that kind of money for that bag.
If only there was a cheaper version.
What about you? Designer? Independent? A mix of both?
Just a girl trying to find a balance between being a Shopaholic and a Saver.
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those signature print bags are so tacky. incidentally, the LV logo is the most counterfeited logo and i also assume that they’re fake. i was trying to explain to my roommate who’s a total label whore that some girls are always comparing/bragging about what designer bag/jewelry they own. and her response? they shouldn’t think they’re better than everyone, because someone else in the room could have a Chanel. i wanted to tear my hair out! LV came out with a vinyl bag (like those Chinese vinyl plaid ones that cost $1 in most Chinatowns) that had LV stamped on the front and sold that for a couple hundred. Susie, of stylebubble blog, wrote how people would buy anything with a logo on it.
i totally agree – i will never buy an LV purse b/c then i would look like everybody else! i don’t care!
i like betsey johnson a lot but that’s because i love her use of colour, style, and youth – and not everybody goes in bunches to her stuff.
great post!
Actually, there basically is a cheaper version…Banana Republic has a very similar bag for under $200, and I think it just went on sale as well.
I love designer goods and independent alike. I’m an omnivore — if it looks great and the quality is there. I hate the brown LV bags, hate them! Hate the color combo, hate the logo, hate it. Until now I thought I was alone in this, and it was my guilty secret. Hear that, world, I don’t like LV!
When are you going to buy some WendyB independent designer goods? 😉
Oh my gosh, that Michael Kors bag is beautiful. But I’m right there with you, $900 is, like, three car payments! I went through a Coach phase and I was on the third or fourth bag when I woke up and thought, this is really stupid. All my bags looked the same and it was such a waste of $$$. Now I’m into independent bags. Once in a while I see something on ebags.com that I like, but I have a very hard time purchasing a bag online. I need to see it and feel it before I buy. My latest bag is from a shop called Hot Mama. They have a bunch of great handbags at more reasonable prices (I bought mine for $88). Their website is shopmama.com.
I’m not a huge fan of designer labels…then again I do love Kate Spade handbags, but I have yet to buy one…
Maybe I’m just too cheap?
You floored me with so many designer names and the word “and” between them. That’s some shopping spree.
I have some coach and LV sunglasses but they’re totally fake. I’m not a label person, really. If I like, and it’s chic, I’ll wear it. Nuff said.
I love your blog!!! I’m so glad you hearted me on Etsy! You’re so cool and I just can’t help myself from being overly effusive right now.
I especially like this post. While I can’t ever see myself having the funds to buy something haute, it’s tickled my interests before. But right now I’m really into the handmade/indie scene–I truly believe you can find what you’re looking for AND you probably won’t see it on other folks walking down the street AND it will probably be cheaper. I just posted something similar on my blog, you’ve got to check it out.
I’m super glad to have discovered your blog.
I also assume that anything with a designer logo is a fake. I enjoy the occasional designer piece, but I won’t wear anything with a logo, whether it’s Old Navy or LV.
I think I don’t like designer goods because most of the people I know who own them use them as a status symbol. I’m just not into keeping up with the Jones’ so I don’t really care where my stuff is from as long as it’s non-exploitative and well made.
It’s the logos I hate, or “signature print” as they say now. You’re a walking billboard. Look at me! Look at me! I spent 2K on my purse.
I have a designer bag, but no logo print. Women who care about that kind of thing know how much it cost by looking at it. Most importantly, it’s a quality bag!
When I see that LV print, I assume it’s a cheap fake.
I believe that there are less risks when buying a good brand/designer article( atleast you know where to go with your complaints).
Not exactly the same, but I saw this similar bag last night in my j.crew catalog. $325.
http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/bags/leatherbags/PRDOVR~99990/99990.jsp
LOL! I feel the same way! I really do hate a lot of designer stuff — especially those brown LV logo filled bags. There are so many great bags (and other pieces) out there that aren’t “luxury brands”. Bag snobs are missing out, if you ask me.
For me, frugality isn’t just about not spending, it’s also about being picky when I spend so that I love what I get for a very long time. The great benefit to that (other than saving $$$) is that I’ve really gotten to know my tastes and feel less swayed by what others tell me looks good or not.
I’m open to buying cheap stuff if I like the design and the price/quality ration is right. I bought my current go-to bag at a turnpike service station for $10 and it’s great, lol.
Sometimes I spend more on things, of course. My fave bag is my Longchamp bag, but not because it’s Longchamp and retails for hundreds of dollars (though I got a discount). It’s pink with purple trim — which is sooooo me.
I feel very similarly. I am a “closet” snob though. I don’t like designer items simply because everyone else wants them and has them. On the other hand, I like things that no one else has. I don’t necessarily care that they’re designer as long as it has a look that I like and I haven’t seen them on anyone else.
I definitely feel the same way as you about handmade things….although unfortunately the price sometime drives me away (not saying they aren’t worth the money, it just pains me to pay that much for something).
I’m not much for designer items either. IF I have the money (which probably took me a few months to save) I’d rather not spend it on one item. The only thing I might see myself splurging on in the future are shoes. Because really, my Nine West heels last about 6 months, so I’d be willing to pay hundreds of dollars for some Manolos that last a few years!
I would have to say both. Now that I have an independent jewelry business, I am all for supporting small, indie businesses. Plus, they have unique, non-mass produced items. When I used to shop at big chain stores, I would see at least 2 other people who have the same thing. I don’t want to look like everyone else. Now my weakness is shoes, so I am all for Manolos, Christians, and Jimmys.
http://www.smartbargains.com/go.sb?pagename=prod&fcloc=product&deptid=11&catid=316&prodid=1111505822&aid=74&program=13244
http://www.dillards.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=301&storeId=301&langId=-1&productId=501635888
http://www.overstock.com/Clothing-Shoes/Michael-Kors-Medium-Top-zip-Shoulder-Bag/3351980/product.html
http://www.ebags.com/nine_west_handbags/grand_standing_double_zipped_satchel/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=117968&productid=1306867
I do have a Louis Vuitton wallet, but for the most part I don’t like labels much! I just bought a black clutch at Smart Set for $15. I think for me it’s a mix of high and low end things that’s most interesting. Today, for example, my tights cost more than my dress and sweater combined, and I love to buy things on sale…it’s VERY rare I will pay full price for clothing or shoes.
i like the independent/handmade stuff! so much more thought and usually something that no one has. usually the first thing people think when they hear handmade is eurrggh! cheap quality! but it has improved so much.
but then again, some designer goods are soooo lustful, but as you said, if only they were cheaper! and you usually want the next one they come out with, and the one you have may look outdated already.