Knock off purses. Why?

[mumom95]

Why do I carry a Coach purse?

Because, frankly, it makes me happy. I like the purses and when I get a new one I'm like a little kid at Christmas, I get all excited. So, $300 every 18-24 months for something that makes me happy, really isn't all that much money or that big of a deal.

 

[dvcgirl]

That is your right to live the way you want. But some may argue that $20,000 is too much for vacation budget/"big purchases"(whatever you mean for that) but will spend $5,000 for vacation, and $5,000 for lables, their right as well. To each its own. So why lough at them for buying expensive staff(I am not talking about you but Crisi). That is judgemental.

As a percentage of my world, 20K is not an excessive amount for vacations/large purchases. Keep in mind, I mentioned that we save 60% of our net income......we live on 80K, save 120K. Yes, maybe that's a little extreme, but I read an awful lot and watch the news.....and our country is in a bit of trouble. But I can guarantee you that most people in our income bracket aren't saving anything close to what we're saving. They're spending it....

I'm 42 now and have been saving and investing for 20 years now. I met my DH, and he was the same way....so we've put away quite a nest egg. The older we get, the more I realize how rare we are in this department. Most of our friends are living "large" compared to us....but they have very little to show for it.

I don't know, I think that a nest egg equals options. And after this latest crash an awful lot of Americans are experiencing a major downsizing in lifestyle. And during the "good times"....our savings rate in this nation was pitiful. Savings in IRAs and 401K in all age groups are horrific. Take the top 20% of earners in this country.....those making 75K on up. We all should be saving 15-20% of our income towards retirement savings....so, 11K at a minimum on the bottom end of the top 20%. Many workers in that group have access to 401Ks. And of those who do....only 3% max out their 401K (which was $16,500 this year).

I don't know what people think is going to happen as they age, but I can guarantee you that they will need to work much, much longer than they ever anticipated.

I stand by my initial statement....a lot of people with those real LV bags can't afford them. Maybe a 1/3 can....those who are making enough and saving enough. The middle 1/3 can probably afford the bag without carrying debt, but aren't saving enough or anything at all. The bottom 1/3 aren't saving at all and buy the bag on credit.

 

[Liberty Belle]

I can spot a fake LV from a mile away. Even DH now can spot the fakes. If you are carrying a fake LV you must know that we all can tell it is fake and we are laughing at you for being a poser.

Wow. How sweet and mature of you.

I carry a fake Coach bag. My sister in law gave it to me for my birthday and I don't want to hurt her feelings or "waste" it. It's not really my style and I would absolutely NEVER buy a fake bag myself. Designers don't mean much to me at all (except I do tend to usually like Nine West bags). If I like a bag, I like it. It makes no difference to me who designed it or how much it cost. Now, I won't pay much for a cheap bag, but I don't pay a lot for a bag to "flaunt it."

I've got a lot of compliments on my fake Coach bag. I usually say "Thanks, it's fake." or something like that. I don't want anyone thinking I'm trying to fool someone. I certainly didn't think anyone over 12 would be laughing at me and calling me a poser, though.

 

[Ember]

I carry a fake Coach bag. My sister in law gave it to me for my birthday and I don't want to hurt her feelings or "waste" it. It's not really my style and I would absolutely NEVER buy a fake bag myself. Designers don't mean much to me at all (except I do tend to usually like Nine West bags). If I like a bag, I like it. It makes no difference to me who designed it or how much it cost. Now, I won't pay much for a cheap bag, but I don't pay a lot for a bag to "flaunt it."

I was given fake Chanel earrings once. I have never worn them, but I don't know what to do with them. If it was a retailer you could report them. (Not that anything would be done, but it is really the only course of action you can take other than making the choice not to buy counterfeit.) I guess, if I were you, I wouldn't want to carry a fake bag, but not for the people who think you're a "poser" but because I wouldn't want to be seen as supporting the counterfeit black market. You're in a tough spot though because you don't want to insult your SIL. I totally understand that, because even with my opinions on knock offs, I sure did politely say "thank you" for my fake earrings... Maybe find a new purse that you could say goes with more of your outfits?

 

[KellyNY]

I stand by my initial statement....a lot of people with those real LV bags can't afford them. Maybe a 1/3 can....those who are making enough and saving enough. The middle 1/3 can probably afford the bag without carrying debt, but aren't saving enough or anything at all. The bottom 1/3 aren't saving at all and buy the bag on credit.

I agree, some cannot easily afford bags, but they are so cute, blaming designers for their talent. Actually, my friends who is on a same money level like me and own one, just in love with a particular bag, not the whole line or lables in general. People cannot aford them but they save for them. Most of them have Coach, those are not that expensive and on sale are pretty affordable. I happen to be in love with a Fendi B buckle bag, $2,000 or around depending on what it is made of. No sales, no discounts. So I cannot have it. Will I settle for another brand just to have a lable, no way. I am happy with my Guess.

 

[KellyNY]

Wow. How sweet and mature of you.

I carry a fake Coach bag. My sister in law gave it to me for my birthday and I don't want to hurt her feelings or "waste" it. It's not really my style and I would absolutely NEVER buy a fake bag myself. Designers don't mean much to me at all (except I do tend to usually like Nine West bags). If I like a bag, I like it. It makes no difference to me who designed it or how much it cost. Now, I won't pay much for a cheap bag, but I don't pay a lot for a bag to "flaunt it."

I've got a lot of compliments on my fake Coach bag. I usually say "Thanks, it's fake." or something like that. I don't want anyone thinking I'm trying to fool someone. I certainly didn't think anyone over 12 would be laughing at me and calling me a poser, though.

Pretty often when you buy a bag on a street you do not even know bag is inspired, not talking about relicas, for those you have to go to some dark rooms(cannot even think about it, it irks me). Once I bought a snake bag on a street in a NY, those who stand around all they long. I liked the bag and it cost me if I remember correct $30. While after, I was at Fendi(Yes, you all can see by now I love Fendi). Sales girl approached me and complimented me on my bag and the fact that I am already their customer. Boy, it was a horror, my bag was on a shelf, and I had no idea. Sure if she had a closer look she would see it was not real but I thanked her and was out. I felt like a thief. I had no idea what kind of bag it was and it was assumed to be a real. Now I go with brands like Guess, Katy Van Zeland and so, those do not come in fakes(I hope) and I buy them only in Macys never on streets.

 

[crisi]

I don't laugh at people for buying expensive stuff. I laugh at them for buying expensive PURSES. Purses amuse me. I don't get them, yet I'm facinated by them and the people who buy them. (Shoes as well, I don't GET it, and find in facinating and amusing). There are so many expensive UGLY purses being carried around (and shoes, although the really bad shoe period is thankfully at an end - that was the late 90s).

Moreover, I'm willing to laugh at anyone who laughs at someone who carries a fake designer purse, thinking they are "better" with their real designer purse. If you choose to laugh at me in turn, the cycle is complete.

I have a $500 bottle of WINE in my basement. I can't exactly throw stones at people who waste money.

I don't laugh at people who don't save money. I don't expect other people to make the same choices I do. I do think its WISE to save money.

 

[KellyNY]

I don't laugh at people for buying expensive stuff. I laugh at them for buying expensive PURSES. Purses amuse me. I don't get them, yet I'm facinated by them and the people who buy them. (Shoes as well, I don't GET it, and find in facinating and amusing). There are so many expensive UGLY purses being carried around (and shoes, although the really bad shoe period is thankfully at an end - that was the late 90s).

Moreover, I'm willing to laugh at anyone who laughs at someone who carries a fake designer purse, thinking they are "better" with their real designer purse. If you choose to laugh at me in turn, the cycle is complete.

I have a $500 bottle of WINE in my basement. I can't exactly throw stones at people who waste money.

I don't laugh at people who don't save money. I don't expect other people to make the same choices I do. I do think its WISE to save money.

Not arguing or judging your weakness for expensive wine but if I had to choose I would go with a bag for a practical reason. You can use bag every day, once you opened this wine, it is over. I understand you did not buy it to drink but as a collectable item however, you do not really use it, you just know you have it. Everyone got different values after all.

 

[Purseval]

Not arguing or judging your weakness for expensive wine but if I had to choose I would go with a bag for a practical reason. You can use bag every day, once you opened this wine, it is over. I understand you did not buy it to drink but as a collectable item however, you do not really use it, you just know you have it. Everyone got different values after all.

I have a 1981 Krug Clos du Mesnil, $1500+ if you can find it. I bought it at an auction for $25. "Collectibles" like wine lose their luster rapidly when the economy goes down the toilet. We go to high end auctions 2-3 times per month and they are loaded to the rafters with items people bought thinking they were a good investment.

I wanted to drink that wine on New Years Eve but my wife couldn't bring herself to do it, so instead I bought her a $35 bottle of Piper instead. It would have been cheaper to drink the Krug

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

Let me know when you open that bottle....

I don't laugh at people for buying expensive stuff. I laugh at them for buying expensive PURSES. Purses amuse me. I don't get them, yet I'm facinated by them and the people who buy them. (Shoes as well, I don't GET it, and find in facinating and amusing). There are so many expensive UGLY purses being carried around (and shoes, although the really bad shoe period is thankfully at an end - that was the late 90s).

Moreover, I'm willing to laugh at anyone who laughs at someone who carries a fake designer purse, thinking they are "better" with their real designer purse. If you choose to laugh at me in turn, the cycle is complete.

I have a $500 bottle of WINE in my basement. I can't exactly throw stones at people who waste money.

I don't laugh at people who don't save money. I don't expect other people to make the same choices I do. I do think its WISE to save money.

 

[KellyNY]

I have a 1981 Krug Clos du Mesnil, $1500+ if you can find it. I bought it at an auction for $25. "Collectibles" like wine lose their luster rapidly when the economy goes down the toilet. We go to high end auctions 2-3 times per month and they are loaded to the rafters with items people bought thinking they were a good investment.

I wanted to drink that wine on New Years Eve but my wife couldn't bring herself to do it, so instead I bought her a $35 bottle of Piper instead. It would have been cheaper to drink the Krug

That is funny or sad. Wonder, since I know absolutely nothing about wine, it should be $1,500 because of maker or because of year? And I must agree with your wife, when economy will go up, probably your wine will as well.

 

[Jockaroo]

First, I want a Radley purse.... And if I ever get to the UK it will be my splurge.

Second, to Ember--you may not be monetarily wealthy, but you have riches beyond compare. Being a humanitarian is a treasure. I know your mother is very ill, but I know that it gives her comfort to know that she raised a wonderful, kind woman.

Now, about the purses. Anyone who justifies the counterfeit market is supporting criminal activity and it has ramifications. By counterfeit I mean the "fakes" sporting brand logos, not designer inspireds. Just to put it in terms that many of you can understand..... Suppose I set up shop on International drive and can sell you a Disney park ticket for $25 and it will get you through the gates--is that right? Who gets hurt? After all, Disney charges way too much for the right to visit the parks? Disney has standards that all others are judged by. The person paying $25 for the counterfeit ticket is taking up que space for the rides, standing in front of your child to visit the characters and overall inconveniencing you who paid the correct ticket price. But at the same time, the fake $25 ticket person is taking the booth ticket price out of Disney's pocket--even if they spend money for food, drinks, etc. So it hurts the corporate bottom-line. Less money to pay cast members and offer benefits, less money to put into park maintenance, less money for research and development of new attractions. Theft hurts, be it purses, DVDs, artwork, etc.

I see nothing wrong with items that are designer inspired. One of my favorite purse lines is Relic (from Kohl's, Belk, Penney's). These are quality bags made by the Fossil company, but sold at a reduced cost than Fossil. I got my first designer purse for Christmas this year--a red Scottie dog bag from Dooney and Bourke--not a high-end designer, but still, to me it was expensive. I'm a sucker for a Scottie dog.

None of us should judge anyone on how they spend their hard earned cash. My husband and I spend a great deal of money on our dog(s). Many would say it is foolish. I've invested hundreds of dollars in my current dog for her obedience and agility training and will spend more. When my previous dog was sick, well, let's put it this way--we spent over one other poster's "vacation budget" trying to give her a quality of life in her final year. Yes, there is a balance between earning, saving and spending. It is up to each individual to determine what the balance is. If I get enjoyment from my $155 Scottie dog purse, so be it. I do however feel there are some morality issues to consider regarding the counterfeit merchandise.

 

[Purseval]

That is funny or sad. Wonder, since I know absolutely nothing about wine, it should be $1,500 because of maker or because of year? And I must agree with your wife, when economy will go up, probably your wine will as well.

Here is info on the wine, if you click on the wine searcher link you will see the price. If you happen to be in the atlanta area when my wife finally gives in join us for a toast

http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=30100

 

[KellyNY]

Here is info on the wine, if you click on the wine searcher link you will see the price. If you happen to be in the atlanta area when my wife finally gives in join us for a toast

http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=30100

Thanks for link, very interesting, I might buy something as well.

When your wife will tell you to open the bottle, just wink, I will drive to Atlanta for that

 

[dvcgirl]

I don't laugh at people for buying expensive stuff. I laugh at them for buying expensive PURSES. Purses amuse me. I don't get them, yet I'm facinated by them and the people who buy them. (Shoes as well, I don't GET it, and find in facinating and amusing). There are so many expensive UGLY purses being carried around (and shoes, although the really bad shoe period is thankfully at an end - that was the late 90s).

Moreover, I'm willing to laugh at anyone who laughs at someone who carries a fake designer purse, thinking they are "better" with their real designer purse. If you choose to laugh at me in turn, the cycle is complete.

I have a $500 bottle of WINE in my basement. I can't exactly throw stones at people who waste money.

I don't laugh at people who don't save money. I don't expect other people to make the same choices I do. I do think its WISE to save money.

Totally agree.... We splurge on things, but our splurges are budgeted. When we do buy things that bring us pleasure, we aren't afraid to spend on them. I have a MacBook Air, DH just got a new iMac for Christmas just to put in his music room. But it's always budgeted. Savings goals have to come first.

And you bring up wine....that's another item that we're not afraid to splurge on from time to time. At our wedding in 1998 we served the 94 Opus One....it was a great vintage.

I would say that we do this mostly when we're dining out. We have a little 50 bottle built-in subzero wine frig, but nothing expensive in there these days. But we're not afraid to spend much more when dining out. I suppose a lot of people would see that as a waste, but that's about the experience to me. Same with travel.

Again though, we always set savings goals first.....I think that's where many Americans go wrong.

 

[mzlee]

Seeing this topic reminded of something my late grandmother use to say:

Why have a purse that costs way more than the average amount of money that you normally carry in the purse. Personally my limit for a purse would be around $250 and I like to change purses too much to payng over that amount.

 

[pigletto]

I can spot a fake LV from a mile away. Even DH now can spot the fakes. If you are carrying a fake LV you must know that we all can tell it is fake and we are laughing at you for being a poser.

For real? You just said that?
And I'm laughing at you for being completely shallow. Glad we could all have a good chuckle

 

[Califgirl]

*warning OT*

Oooh - I don't have any expensive purses, nor do I covet them, but I am positively drooling over some of the wine mentioned.

Should we start a OTBN thread and talk about 'the bottle' that we'll open on OTBN day? OpenThatBottleNow night is in February as I recall, and it encourages people to open that bottle that they keep aside for the special occasion that never seems to come.

disclaimer - I don't spend inordinate amounts of money on wine, or purses. I prefer experiences (vacation, travel, education) to material things. My newest car is a '97 and I try not to spend money I don't have.

We used our resources last year to remodel the house. Guess I'll have to wait to see Italy for a few more years.

 

[Ember]

Seeing this topic reminded of something my late grandmother use to say:

Why have a purse that costs way more than the average amount of money that you normally carry in the purse. Personally my limit for a purse would be around $250 and I like to change purses too much to payng over that amount.

Well that doesn't work, I almost never carry cash! I bet I don't generally carry more than $5 at any given time.

Second, to Ember--you may not be monetarily wealthy, but you have riches beyond compare. Being a humanitarian is a treasure. I know your mother is very ill, but I know that it gives her comfort to know that she raised a wonderful, kind woman.

When my previous dog was sick, well, let's put it this way--we spent over one other poster's "vacation budget" trying to give her a quality of life in her final year.

Thank you. Really, thank you.

Also, pets don't count when it comes to expenses. They are exempt from budgeting. If a furbaby needs something, then it's a given they will get it. It's not even a question.

 

[tasha99]

In the 80's I had a ginormous knockoff Gucci bag that retailed for $400 (back then) but was $20 on the streets of Osan (South Korea). I was young, off in the military in a foreign country, and I thought it was cool as could be that I could get a purse that looked like something expensive and designer. I loved that purse, far more than anyone could love a designer bag. To me, it had character and a story. Sigh . . . I wish I still had it, but it was, alas, cheaply made and fell apart a few years later.