Knock off purses. Why?

[Jockaroo]

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.

And thank you too. So many people don't understand the importance of our pets--they are family. You do everything you can for them, even when you know the inevitable outcome. It is all about giving a quality of life.

 

[tinatark]

I don't/won't carry a fake purse ... I do have quite a few authentic Coach bags (thanks to the outlet location 5 min from my house), Dooney and Bourkes, and a Brahim. All authentic. Just my personal preference.

Our friends vacationed in NYC recently, she called me, loving a Fendi bag she saw tons of girls carrying. It was $1400 - she was wondering about all those girls with that bag, paying $1400 each, until I reminded her her about the back rooms in Chinatown!

 

[JennaWest]

I personally have many real desinger bags, simply because I have a sick obsession, but I really don't understand why people think they can pull one over with a fake one, if you are carrying a fake simply because you like the bag and don't want to spend the money on a real one so be it who cares, but if you are sporting it and telling people its real when you know its not shame on you. I also can spot a fake a mile away but I am not into the coach bags with c's all over them or lv's although I have both, I really love to carry my all leather supper nice quality bags that last forever, look great because they are a great bag and are supper functional with tons of organizational tools.

 

[Miss Ree]

And thank you too. So many people don't understand the importance of our pets--they are family. You do everything you can for them, even when you know the inevitable outcome. It is all about giving a quality of life.

Actually thank you both!!!

I have 3 adopted dog fur babies that started out as fosters.

Ninny, I raised on a bottle since he was 2 weeks old his mother died
Pumpkin, was 22 lbs underweight when she came to us
Harley, was 12 weeks but her previous owners would hit and kick her in the head so she is special needs.

I can't imagine not spending what they would need to make sure they have a happy life, no questions asked.

If the fur babies were to need it you would find a very nice collection of Vintage Dooney's for sale!!

I budget my purse purchases the same way I budget for our vacations, every time I have to go shopping and pay bills any 1's that I have when I get home go straight into the vacation jug as well as all the change.
Any extra money from the previous payday also goes in the jug..
Plus 100 from each payday and 1/2 of federal and state tax returns.

I don't spend just because I have it saved
I could get a concerige level room but we would rather have the difference in price to spend while we are on vacation and just stay in a value resort since we are just gonna be sleeping there anyway. Any money we bring back goes back in the jug for the next vacation since we usually take 2 a year.

but that's just MHO

 

[MUFFYCAT]

Oh please, who cares if a purse is real or fake? If you like it and it holds your stash, what's the big deal?

There are more important things in life.

Exactly!

 

[nunzia]

Bruce Makowsky is Katy's husband. He started separate line of bags just couple of years ago. His bags in contrast to Katy's are all from real leather. They cost from $70 to under $300. I do not have his bags but they are pretty and well done. Good thing, they do go on sale at Macys from time to time. Just wanted to let you know what you got.

Ah, thanks, I was a little fuzzy. My friend works for them, but I got confused about the connection. Anyway, it's a very nice bag and I look forward to using it, and would have never ever bought it

 

[disneyfan2kids]

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.

 

[nunzia]

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.

I have to say I applaud you on your dedication to financial responsibillity. We are making up lost ground after the great restaurant debacle of 2000...long way to go but same mindset

 

[Purseval]

Actually thank you both!!!

If the fur babies were to need it you would find a very nice collection of Vintage Dooney's for sale!!

You mean like this?

D&B and Coach are pretty common at yard sales, we never pay more than $5 and we are very picky when it comes to condition. IMO those new Dooneys with zebra stripes and LV-wanabee designs are crap, much prefer the old all weather leather look.

 

[luvmy3]

You mean like this?





Edit: I removed a pic, it was way too big. I'll put it back up when my regular hosting service comes back online

D&B and Coach are pretty common at yard sales, we never pay more than $5 and we are very picky when it comes to condition. IMO those new Dooneys with zebra stripes and LV-wanabee designs are crap, much prefer the old all weather leather look.

I have a couple Coach and D&B signature bags but my favorites by far are their plan leather ones. They still make them, just with an updated style. Of course you won't find them at yard sales for $5
Its funny I remember when the now vintage D&B bags were in and I thought I would never carry such an ugly bag but I am loving that one in your pic

 

[OceanAnnie]

I don't concern myself with what other people chose to buy. What I chose to buy shouldn't be of any concern to anyone else. I have a designer bag I got a a fraction of the cost. Doesn't make it any better or less than anyone else's bag. I bought it because I like it. That's good enough for me.

 

[Toad_Passenger]

I'm sure things are different in the hand bag/purse world, so this isn't directly on-topic, but I felt it related well.

Early on in my life I was a manager of a retail store selling high-fashion Sunglasses. We were a legitimate company and did NOT sell knockoffs of any sort.

We carried Ralph Lauren, and we also carried Gucci sunglasses. The price point for the Ralph Laurens were about $50-$60, the Gucci were $200-$250.

I know it was wrong of me, but I had to laugh whenever people came in and had to have the Gucci sunglasses because they were, "sooooo much better."

The reality? Both lines of sunglasses were produced with the same materials, in the same factory, by the same company. The company then PAID Ralph Lauren and Gucci for the right to put their name on the glasses.

Were people actually getting more for their money? No way. They were paying for a name. And, in actuality both lines of sunglasses were lacking key features that other brands had (read: they were pretty crappy).

I'm sure some would be surprised to find out how close in materials, workmanship, and production-style a Coach bag is, when compared to a Fossil bag. Especially given the large difference in price.

Just food for thought.

 

[Pixie Princess]

I also can spot a fake a mile away but I am not into the coach bags with c's all over them or lv's although I have both, I really love to carry my all leather supper nice quality bags that last forever, look great because they are a great bag and are supper functional with tons of organizational tools.

I am with you on the bags with the "c" or the "lv" (or other designer letter logo) on them. I don't find them appealing, but do like a nice quality leather bag that is a classic design that I will be able to use for a long time.

 

[OceanAnnie]

I'm sure things are different in the hand bag/purse world, so this isn't directly on-topic, but I felt it related well.

Early on in my life I was a manager of a retail store selling high-fashion Sunglasses. We were a legitimate company and did NOT sell knockoffs of any sort.

We carried Ralph Lauren, and we also carried Gucci sunglasses. The price point for the Ralph Laurens were about $50-$60, the Gucci were $200-$250.

I know it was wrong of me, but I had to laugh whenever people came in and had to have the Gucci sunglasses because they were, "sooooo much better."

The reality? Both lines of sunglasses were produced with the same materials, in the same factory, by the same company. The company then PAID Ralph Lauren and Gucci for the right to put their name on the glasses.

Were people actually getting more for their money? No way. They were paying for a name. And, in actuality both lines of sunglasses were lacking key features that other brands had (read: they were pretty crappy).

I'm sure some would be surprised to find out how close in materials, workmanship, and production-style a Coach bag is, when compared to a Fossil bag. Especially given the large difference in price.

Just food for thought.

Yes it is food for thought. I'm glad you posted.

 

[crisi]

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.

Exactly, to me, purses are SIMPLY a practical thing. They need to be big enough to carry two trade paperbacks, my wallet, my cell phone and all the stuff my kids give me. They need to sling over my shoulder with a single movement of one arm. They need to hold up well. And they can't be so expensive that if the cat throws up in them or the kids hand me a bottle of pop without the cap firmly on that spills, or makeup gets all over the bag when the lipstick pops open, I get angry.

But I never switch purses, I buy one and use it for years until the strap or lining give out. It doesn't need to match my outfit.

So I find purses to be amusing and fascinating. But I do know a Birkin from a Radley from a Coach - in part because I find them facinating.

On the other hand, I enjoy wine. You are projecting on me again, I'm not buying it as a collectible, I have a $500 bottle of wine downstairs so I can drink it. We fairly regularly drink $100 bottles of wine. We did drink a $250 bottle of Dom for New Years.

(I'm not a collector of physical things - When I choose to splurge, I splurge on experiences - travel, food, wine, theatre tickets).

 

[Goofy'slady]

Who bloody cares; will this matter extend your life any either way? I highly doubt it and this is coming from someone who has at least 16 Coach bags. I buy them because I like them, not because I think they're better than other bags or what people will think of me when I carry my Coach.

I can't end hunger, cure cancer, rid the world of wars and make butterflies fly outta my butt when carrying it so what does it matter? A purse is prettied-up bag in which to carry things such as car keys, hand cream, rice puffs (if you're a mum of a toddler) and maybe a phone. It shouldn't matter so much what kind it is. Spend 1$ on it or 1200$'s at the end of the day we should be judging on the value of the person who carries the bag and not the other way around.

T.

 

[Gabes_mommy]

OK, I just read this whole thread and this is what I don't get. The main purpose for buying a designer bag is for the prestige - it shows people that you can "afford" said bag. OK, that's fine, whatever floats your boat.

In this thread people who buy these designer bags are called things like "shallow" or "materialistic" by others who say the fake bags are just as good.

So if you are buying a fake designer bag, what is the point? I would think it is to convey the same message as the person who buys the real bag - prestige. So, if you want the prestige too (for a fraction of the price) should you really be calling those who buy the real thing shallow? Seems hypocritical to me.

 

[Miss Ree]

You mean like this?



Yes like that I like the Tack bag(over/under) and doesn't appear to be navy is it the "air force" blue??
How did you get the pics on here???

 

[OceanAnnie]

OK, I just read this whole thread and this is what I don't get. The main purpose for buying a designer bag is for the prestige - it shows people that you can "afford" said bag. OK, that's fine, whatever floats your boat.

In this thread people who buy these designer bags are called things like "shallow" or "materialistic" by others who say the fake bags are just as good.

So if you are buying a fake designer bag, what is the point? I would think it is to convey the same message as the person who buys the real bag - prestige. So, if you want the prestige too (for a fraction of the price) should you really be calling those who buy the real thing shallow? Seems hypocritical to me.

It's an amusing thread on a "budget board". There's nothing "budget" about designer bags unless you snag one on a sale.

I think women in general tend to put way too much significance on handbags.

 

[KellyNY]

Exactly, to me, purses are SIMPLY a practical thing. They need to be big enough to carry two trade paperbacks, my wallet, my cell phone and all the stuff my kids give me. They need to sling over my shoulder with a single movement of one arm. They need to hold up well. And they can't be so expensive that if the cat throws up in them or the kids hand me a bottle of pop without the cap firmly on that spills, or makeup gets all over the bag when the lipstick pops open, I get angry.

But I never switch purses, I buy one and use it for years until the strap or lining give out. It doesn't need to match my outfit.

So I find purses to be amusing and fascinating. But I do know a Birkin from a Radley from a Coach - in part because I find them facinating.

On the other hand, I enjoy wine. You are projecting on me again, I'm not buying it as a collectible, I have a $500 bottle of wine downstairs so I can drink it. We fairly regularly drink $100 bottles of wine. We did drink a $250 bottle of Dom for New Years.

(I'm not a collector of physical things - When I choose to splurge, I splurge on experiences - travel, food, wine, theatre tickets).

I am material/spiritual girl. I do spend on travel, theather and so on but I do not spend on fancy food or restaurants unless on vacation. I am very simple in food department. I never did GF restaurant in a kitchen when they bring you all the rare and expensive food because for me those mashrooms that cost $10,000/lbs are just mashrooms, so is blue lobster and some fancy wines. I am a very good cook and I use good products but not going overboard. I was tought that if you plan your food you can actually save there. As for wines, you probably can say a difference between $500 bottle and $25 bottle, I cannot, so I am not getting expensive wine as well, waste of money to me.
As for designer clothes and staff, I am into quality not brands, however pretty often quality means brand. I shop for clothes in Kohls and same level stores and I constantly throw my clothes out, still I cannot make myself go and spend $100 on a tshirt even so I know it will last for years. I do have some Italian clothes brought to me by my mother years ago, no brand names just not made in China, they still look like new. If I could I would buy more expensive clothes maybe even designer but not for the name, infact I would never wear something with sparkling Chanel or something on a top, I am not flushy, my style is classic. I do however spend money on shoes, again practical and comfortable. I wasted too much money on Nine West, Steve Maden and Aerosole. Those are made out of wood and brake easily. I do BCBG and Coach now. Lasts forever, look great. No Monollas(SP) however, I would never spend $500 on shoes, or maybe if I could afford it, I would change my mind, do not know. Back to our cows, bags, for me again it is about quality. I like leather bags, many pockets inside and a good stracture. None of the cheap bags really have those qualities. They may look good when you buy them but you better get a new one in 2-3 months. I threw away an anormous amount of bags, probably would be a nice downpayment on a designer one. I stick with Guess and Katy Van Zeland for now. They are not made of real leather but looks pretty close, they are cute, functuanal and have stacture. They are under $100 on sale. They do not last more then 2 years however, but I am fine for now. If I ever will be able easily afford a $2,000 bag, I may get it. The one I like does not have logo all over so trust me unless you know Fendi bags you will never know what it is. I personally would not care if someone will recognize it or not, this bag would be for me not for others to discuss. So that is all. For some reason some people think to be a material is a bad thing, I think it is practical. Moreover none of us including you is just material or just spiritual, we all mixed.