Knock off purses. Why?

[dvcgirl]

Actually that's closer to the norm than you think. If you're ever near a library look for a book called The Millionaire Next Door This was a study done on the wealthy that found that your typical millionaire was in their fifties, not living in the biggest house on the block, a business owner who made their fortune by saving and frugal living. It's a classic and well worth the read.

Tom Stanley's latest book is good as well and goes into a lot of the sentiment expressed in this thread. The whole idea of "Aspirational" is in that book. They are typically people who are high earners with a low net worth. We have a lot of that going on in this country. We have even more people stretching to buy things like designer purses and luxury cars (using leases) to appear as though they are wealthy.

One stat from that book that stayed with me.....only 27% of the people who "own" homes worth one million dollars or more are actual millionaires themselves.

He gets into the typical amount that a millionaire spends on a watch.....$80, not the thousands for a rolex that people perceive. And on and on. These are the people that Americans should emulate. Instead we have too many people running around trying to dress like Paris Hilton or drive what George Clooney drives.

 

[Swimalie]

Actually that's closer to the norm than you think. If you're ever near a library look for a book called The Millionaire Next Door This was a study done on the wealthy that found that your typical millionaire was in their fifties, not living in the biggest house on the block, a business owner who made their fortune by saving and frugal living. It's a classic and well worth the read.

When you cannot afford it, it is realy easy to ignore lables, but when you can, you are on a very different shopping level.

Very true Purseval. My family is proof of that. You'd never know it by seeing what we drove or lived in when we were growing up or how we lived. Now it's paying off for my parents and they taught me well. One reason I would never spend much on a purse. A purse has a purpose - carry your money and a few other things. A $30 purse can do that just as well as a $1200 purse. I can afford both but I chose not to (in my opinion) waste my money on the later.

 

[KellyNY]

I wonder how many of those households would drop $1200 on a new computer, or a new TV? I think you would find that those people who can't drop that much on a purse wouldn't have a problem dropping it on a nice 50inch flatscreen

TV does not have a $20 alternative. The cheapest 50' will be around $800 from some uknown company that will break in 2 months. Also TV is not a luxury anymore, it is everyday item. I was forced to buy one this Thankgiving only because my old 27" tube broke(I had it for 10 years). But you are right everyone priorities are different.

 

[luvmy3]

TV does not have a $20 alternative. The cheapest 50' will be around $800 from some uknown company that will break in 2 months. Also TV is not a luxury anymore, it is everyday item. I was forced to buy one this Thankgiving only because my old 27" tube broke(I had it for 10 years). But you are right everyone priorities are different.

A 50 inch flatscreen is certainly a luxury item so therefore there is an alternative, not $20 but no need to even spend $800 on one. I just find it amazing that people will scoff at someone spending alot of money on a purse yet its perfectly acceptable to spend that on a big screen TV (not you, just in general). I personally would rather have that $1200 purse

 

[dvcgirl]

Exactly, that is why only 3% walking with real $1200+ bags unless it is some sort of gift for some sort of big event. The rest of us cannot spare this money for that easily.

Most of the people walking around with those purses are not in that league. They're trying to look like they are in that league.....

And I'm in that top 3% league and wouldn't spend anything remotely close to $1,200 for a purse. I'm more of a $40 purse kinda girl....who shops at Kohls.

 

[Swimalie]

And I'm in that top 3% league and wouldn't spend anything remotely close to $1,200 for a purse. I'm more of a $40 purse kinda girl....who shops at Kohls.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

Ladies, ladies, ladies... (my apologies to any men who may have posted)

The only thing that makes a purse expensive is the price. Not the stitching, not the material, not the quality. Quality craftsmanship can be had for $15 and for $1500. Designers know there are women willing to pay outrageous prices not because of the superior craftsmanship and material, but rather for the exclusivity they feel when they purchase them.

That being said, one of my favorite bags is a speedy I bought at the LV flagship store in Paris just off the Champs-Elysees (the bags there are always better made than those exported to the US)... for one thousand francs... which was about $100 USD at the time. And for what it's worth, I don't pay enough attention to what anyone else may or may not be carrying to determine the authenticity. I'm surprised so many of you do.

 

[quentina]

I can always spot them so I have no idea why someone would think they can fake people out LOL I am always shocked when I go into the LV store and see someone in there browsing with thier fake trying to pull off that it is real

What is "LV"?

 

[Vickilynn42]

I would never judge someone that was carrying an expensive purse, and I do realize that those bags are beautifully made- I understand there is some serious quality there. But I don't believe that justifies the price tag.

The majority of women in this world cannot afford a LV handbag- many can't even afford Coach. And we all have different tastes- some women love Vera Bradley bags- nothing wrong with that- I think many of them are really cute. Our differences are what makes the world go 'round. So if someone carries a "designer inspired bag", what is it to you? Seriously, why does it matter. What makes a woman believe she is a higher/better/more worthy human being because she can afford a $2,000 purse?? How can she sit back and laugh at someone and pity them because they are not carrying a LV? That is a pitiful human if you ask me. I don't care if someone is carrying a designer bag- I'm not impressed- it makes absolutely no difference to me. I don't look down on them for it, but I certainly don't think they are any better than myself for it. Why do we care? Why can't we all carry what we like, and be happy instead of being so critical of others choices?? If you can afford an expensive bag, and still put food on the table, pay your bills, and care for your kids- more power to you! But I'm willing to bet that many that are judging others for carrying lesser quality bags, are those whose credit card bills are sky high and don't really have the money to be buying them!

I do believe it's wrong to sell counterfeit bags- I understand the reasoning behind why it's a no-no. But I hate the message behind these bags- that in order to be someone of worth, you have to have it. I don't care if you carry a Vera Bradley, Coach, LV, Marc Jacobs, etc.... you are all the same in my eyes- it is how you are inside as a person that matters. And I really have no respect for shallow people.

 

[KellyNY]

Most of the people walking around with those purses are not in that league. They're trying to look like they are in that league.....

And I'm in that top 3% league and wouldn't spend anything remotely close to $1,200 for a purse. I'm more of a $40 purse kinda girl....who shops at Kohls.

Not exactly true. Lets say, most of rich women will have at least one of those bags. Very limited number of rich women will still shop for $20 bags. Some of the rest of population will carry those bags for different reasons but really only some, we have other places to invest and when it come to TV, vacation, education, bags for most of us on a very last place. So I would not say majority of $1200 bags owners are those who cannot afford them. Do not forget some carry replicas, not inspired bags but realy good replicas and you have to have a very good eye to see a difference.

 

[dvcgirl]

A 50 inch flatscreen is certainly a luxury item so therefore there is an alternative, not $20 but no need to even spend $800 on one. I just find it amazing that people will scoff at someone spending alot of money on a purse yet its perfectly acceptable to spend that on a big screen TV (not you, just in general). I personally would rather have that $1200 purse

That's a valid point. Part of me just doesn't get the purse thing.

Although, I'd argue that a 50 inch flat screen TV for $800 would provide a family with at least five years or so of use. Likely more, but technology moves quickly.....still, it would provide sound and picture for at least five years.

If you have an $800 bag....how many years will you carry it? If you care enough about fashion to spend that kind of money on a bag, clearly you wouldn't be caught dead carrying a bag that is no longer stylish. I'm just sayin.....

 

[Purseval]

What is "LV"?

Louis Vuitton: http://www.louisvuitton.com/

 

[binny]

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 and you do realize that most of us couldnt care less if someone is laughing about a purse? Im sorry but I think thats really petty. I would rather spend my money on something other than a purse and I love purses. But I buy what I like whether its a knock off or not. It just doesnt matter to me.

We all have our priorities but to laugh at someone because they made a choice to spend their money on something else? Thats seems rather childish to me

I love my Dooneys, but I have bought them at yard sales for very little money. I just cant see dropping that kind of money on one no matter how much I love them.

 

[smkiya]

Then you cannot afford it. You trully can afford it when you do not think about better places to invest your money, when other things are covered. When you can esily spend $1200 like $20, you do not know words like Kohls, JCPennie and so on. I am talking about really rich people, not middle or even upper middle class. And those peole support society as well, do not think all they do is spend money. I am not one of them unfortunately but I know some very rich ones.

If most wealthy people didn't think about better places to invest their money, they'd be filing for bankruptcy before long.

We do not talk about spiritual aspects at all.
If people buy house they cannot afford, how do they pay for it? Forclosure in 3 months. Not all grandparents can afford to pay for schools and far from many kids get full scholarships, esp. when we talk about school not college.
As for people traveling without check books, true, looks are not true. I look like a billion $$ when I go out, not because of lables, I got a good taste(no figure came with the taste however), so I know how to dress myself, but I am not rich at all.

Some people live on the egde of their means. They may make $500,000 a year, but because of overspending and a load of debt, live paycheck to paycheck. So while they live in a multimillion dollar home and drive an expensive car, if they were out of work for a few months or lost their job, they'd be in BIG trouble.

Sometimes people do not heat the whole house because they simply do not need it, not because canot afford it. Everyone who got this option with heatter, does it, just logical. But some like you said cannot afford it, true.
As for your friend, he was just cheap, sorry but if he had all that money he could live better and could do a lot of good for society as well, just waste of money.

People don't get "rich" or stay "rich" by blowing money, just because they can. Living better doesn't equal spending more. He may also have been quite the philanthropist but chose to use anonymity. Some people aren't flashy with their money, and shouldn't be expected to be just because they have money. Giving money to charity shouldn't be a status symbol.

My dh's friend is a waiter, and a multimillionaire. He lives in a modest home, drives a modest car, and doesn't buy things just because he can. He saves and invests his money. My dmil is very well off. My fil received his doctorate from MIT and was a very distinguished scientist holding many successful patents. While their home is VERY nice, they could've afforded soooo much more. But why? My fil was not cheap, he was very smart with his money. He invested wisely, he spent wisely. My mil has a secure future thanks to him. It's not really about how much you have, but about what you do with what you do have.

Just my $.02...

 

[Handbag Lady]

You support criminal activity when you purchase a counterfeit purse, thats is why to some its a big deal. You can buy a purse inspired by a particular designer but when you purchase one that illegaly uses the LV, Gucci, Coach, etc logo's you are supporting criminals.

Bingo.

 

[KellyNY]

That's a valid point. Part of me just doesn't get the purse thing.

Although, I'd argue that a 50 inch flat screen TV for $800 would provide a family with at least five years or so of use. Likely more, but technology moves quickly.....still, it would provide sound and picture for at least five years.

If you have an $800 bag....how many years will you carry it? If you care enough about fashion to spend that kind of money on a bag, clearly you wouldn't be caught dead carrying a bag that is no longer stylish. I'm just sayin.....

I am not in fashion and do not own any designer bags but isn't it about quality and model not season. I mean some models like some LV are classics, you can wear them 30 years from now, I guess. I personaly have a 20 years old bag. It is my evening bag. It was brought to me by my mother's friend from India 20 years ago. It does not have designer name or any lables at all, but it is adorable, hand made with real gems in design. I loved it back then and I still do and wear it to every special event. So I think it is possible to carry bag for a very long time.

 

[KellyNY]

If most wealthy people didn't think about better places to invest their money, they'd be filing for bankruptcy before long.


I did not say they do not invest, I said besides investments. If $1200 makes a difference in investment then sorry, not rich enough.

Some people live on the egde of their means. They may make $500,000 a year, but because of overspending and a load of debt, live paycheck to paycheck. So while they live in a multimillion dollar home and drive an expensive car, if they were out of work for a few months or lost their job, they'd be in BIG trouble.
Yes, there are people like that for sure. Taste of money makes people do crazy things, but lets talk about stable personalities. Spend, yes, get nutz, no.



People don't get "rich" or stay "rich" by blowing money, just because they can. Living better doesn't equal spending more. He may also have been quite the philanthropist but chose to use anonymity. Some people aren't flashy with their money, and shouldn't be expected to be just because they have money. Giving money to charity shouldn't be a status symbol.

My dh's friend is a waiter, and a multimillionaire. He lives in a modest home, drives a modest car, and doesn't buy things just because he can. He saves and invests his money. My dmil is very well off. My fil received his doctorate from MIT and was a very distinguished scientist holding many successful patents. While their home is VERY nice, they could've afforded soooo much more. But why? My fil was not cheap, he was very smart with his money. He invested wisely, he spent wisely. My mil has a secure future thanks to him. It's not really about how much you have, but about what you do with what you do have.

Just my $.02...

Well, living better, means spending more. Lets not go to extremes like flying private jet to MCO but better house, better clothes, better education and so on is defenition of living better. And yes, helping society is one of it as well. As for your friend, he inherited money, right? Just waiter and multimillionaire does not come together, unless there some really good tips(just having fun).

 

[brymolmom]

Imagine you could spend $1200 as easily as $20, would you go to the same store and pick up the same bag? Probably not. Not every designer bag is for everyone's taste. I do not like Vera Bradley as well, I like, not love Coach, but I am crazy about Fendi, very particular buckle bag in very particular color. Chanel is also very good quality, so is Dior. Never got Prada and sorry but do not even try to get Juicy. So for me it is not about labels but what I like. Sure it would be same for you. When you cannot afford it, it is realy easy to ignore lables, but when you can, you are on a very different shopping level.

I agree and disagree. Some people with money ARE obsessed with labels and designer ones at that. AND, some people with no money go into debt (or save for a long time or find great deals) and are obsessed with labels and designer ones. However, there are plenty who have the money but choose to be more practical with it and there are those without money who wouldn't spend that much on a purse even if they won the lottery.

I guess what I'm saying is that it can also be easy to ignore labels even if you CAN afford it.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

You support criminal activity when you purchase a counterfeit purse, thats is why to some its a big deal. You can buy a purse inspired by a particular designer but when you purchase one that illegaly uses the LV, Gucci, Coach, etc logo's you are supporting criminals.

And do we know for sure that those who purchase "real" designer bags aren't supporting slave labor and child labor in other countries? I'm curious as to what it actually costs to make a designer bag, and what they actually charge for it.

 

[hrh_disney_queen]

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.

LOL, I don't buy LV knockoffs, but I laugh at people who buy authentic vinyl purses with ugly gold letters on it and pay $600-$1000 for the privilege.

I like a nice leather handbag, and Coach and D&B consistently deliver this for me. I only shop at the outlets because I can't imagine paying full prices for these bags. I was at the St. Augustine D&B outlet before Christmas and bought two medium/large handbags, one small and a wallet for $350. I had a coupon I got in the mail that gave me two $25 GCs for spending over $300. I had over $1000 in retail prices. I don't care if they are made for the outlet or if they are last years styles. I won't pay that kind of money for vinyl.