Why is it that shoes and handbags are always the items pointed out as "wasted money?"

[prncess674]

I will say though, that I am afraid to use my Dooneys on a daily basis and use my Vera's instead.

I'm with you. I never had a name brand purse till DH bought me a Disney Dooney for Christmas. It has left the house once. On our Valentines Day (before) date. I just can't fathom the money he spent on it. I was so nervous to take it out. I have it on my fireplace. It is empty and I look at it every day. It is just beautiful. But I wonder when it will see daylight again.

Please, please, please just carry these purses! So many people keep things for a special occasion and then it ends up going out of style. Unless you bought (or were given) a handbag which is really a limited edition, say less than a 1,000 made and the retail price is less than $500 then go ahead and use it and enjoy it!

Owning beautiful things is a wonderful feeling, but putting them away for a special occasion that may never come is just a shame. After Hurricane Katrina I went through boxes and boxes of ruined things that my parents were saving "for a special day" and let's just say those items never got to that special day. I am not saying to carry a $1,000 bag to the dump, but if you have a regular weekly date night with DH then carry it!

 

[MickeyMomOfThree]

Please, please, please just carry these purses! So many people keep things for a special occasion and then it ends up going out of style. Unless you bought (or were given) a handbag which is really a limited edition, say less than a 1,000 made and the retail price is less than $500 then go ahead and use it and enjoy it!

Owning beautiful things is a wonderful feeling, but putting them away for a special occasion that may never come is just a shame. After Hurricane Katrina I went through boxes and boxes of ruined things that my parents were saving "for a special day" and let's just say those items never got to that special day. I am not saying to carry a $1,000 bag to the dump, but if you have a regular weekly date night with DH then carry it!

You are right, and I need to. I took it out on our date cause he kept asking me when I was going to use it. And I sure don't want to hurt his feelings not using it.

 

[prncess674]

You are right, and I need to. I took it out on our date cause he kept asking me when I was going to use it. And I sure don't want to hurt his feelings not using it.

Guys really don't understand saving it for some unknown occasion in the future. Just like a pretty girl, guys like to show off something pretty in their life, by not using the bag you are probably giving him the impression that you don't love it. Even if it wears out sooner, guys love it when you use something they give you.

For example, my Dad gave me a piece of jewelry by a local designer native to where they live. I love the jewelry and now make a point of wearing it whenever I visit, even when just going to the grocery at their home. I wear some when not at home but guys need reassurance that they bought the right thing. As a guy, he always notices when I wear it! The best was one day I was at the grocery with Dad and a little girl, not more than 10, pointed to my bracelet and it's very signature look and turned to her Mommy and said, "I want the XXX bracelet like that lady!" The mom looked and was quick to say "You need to be much older till we can afford to buy that for you." Needless to say Dad was beaming at being able to buy me something that every little girl from our hometown knew was special.

 

[MickeyMomOfThree]

Guys really don't understand saving it for some unknown occasion in the future. Just like a pretty girl, guys like to show off something pretty in their life, by not using the bag you are probably giving him the impression that you don't love it. Even if it wears out sooner, guys love it when you use something they give you.

For example, my Dad gave me a piece of jewelry by a local designer native to where they live. I love the jewelry and now make a point of wearing it whenever I visit, even when just going to the grocery at their home. I wear some when not at home but guys need reassurance that they bought the right thing. As a guy, he always notices when I wear it! The best was one day I was at the grocery with Dad and a little girl, not more than 10, pointed to my bracelet and it's very signature look and turned to her Mommy and said, "I want the XXX bracelet like that lady!" The mom looked and was quick to say "You need to be much older till we can afford to buy that for you." Needless to say Dad was beaming at being able to buy me something that every little girl from our hometown knew was special.

I am sure you are right, and I bet your dad loved that! I am going out on a date with him tomorrow, I promise I will use it!

 

[3goofyboys]

Here is the perspective from a guy....

I got so tired of my wife's mom buying her knock off Coach bags and others at flea markets, vendors etc - they were literally FILLING a whole closet in our house. Did they look 'real'? For the first few weeks/months depending on how well they were made. Broken zippers, ripped seams, buttons/fasteners falling apart were par for the course.

So for our anniversary a few years ago, I finally bought her a real Coach bag. That bag looks as good today as it did the day I gave it to her. I have since bought her a couple more, and they hold up well, they don't wear out, and they are timeless.

I always thought expensive purses were a waste of money as well - however, buying cheap crap that rips, breaks, and literally becomes waste is FAR more wasteful than spending a decent amount of money on a high quality designer bag.

Just my opinion as a guy!

THIS!! Like anything, well made purses last longer. Often (but not always) well made means more expensive. I have several Dooney bags (authentic and I haven't paid more than $65 for any of them because I love a bargin) and they hold up SO MUCH better than a Target purse. For an item that you will carry and use for years, it's worth it to buy quality. I am also not a fan of the logo look (just my personal taste), so there's no "snob factor" involved.

Please, please, please just carry these purses! So many people keep things for a special occasion and then it ends up going out of style. Unless you bought (or were given) a handbag which is really a limited edition, say less than a 1,000 made and the retail price is less than $500 then go ahead and use it and enjoy it!

Owning beautiful things is a wonderful feeling, but putting them away for a special occasion that may never come is just a shame. After Hurricane Katrina I went through boxes and boxes of ruined things that my parents were saving "for a special day" and let's just say those items never got to that special day. I am not saying to carry a $1,000 bag to the dump, but if you have a regular weekly date night with DH then carry it!

Yes, please use them! These are quality purses, made to see use. Think of how much better a trip to the grocery store would be with a pretty purse on your arm!

 

[marie1203]

Shoes and purses are never a waste, video games in the other hand.... If you only knew how many disney D&B are in my closet that I only wear them when I am at Disney.

 

[threeblessings]

I have several Dooney bags (authentic and I haven't paid more than $65 for any of them because I love a bargin)

May I ask where you got bargain prices on Dooney bags? My sister has been dreaming of one for a long time now!

 

[luvmy3]

I would never consider a purse or shoes wasted money. I mean, I need to carry a purse and I need to have shoes on my feet

 

[Spacepest]

Looking at this Dooney Disney bags, now I want one...but...

...what I really need is a messenger bag. Do they make one in a messenger bag? If so, I'd buy one in a heartbeat.

I don't carry a purse. I carry a messenger bag. My current messenger bag I own is almost 15 years old. (And yes, its gone to Disneyland, overseas, multiple places with me). After all these years, I think I can afford a replacement. I'd gladly shell out a couple hundred dollars for a Dooney bag if I knew it was going to last me a decade.

 

[WeLoveLilo05]

I'd rather "waste" my money on Disney World...to each her own I guess right?

My thing with bags are I just don't have time to empty things from one bag to another and then to another. I have had my purse that I am currently carrying for 2 years now. Its a Nine West I got on clearance, well fiance did for me for Christmas. The only bag I'd "waste" money on would be a Disney Dooney, but I am too cheap. Sadly, I'd get my money's worth considering I've had my nine west for 2 years, and my purse before that.....wow...I think for 4 LOL!!!

Shoes...I have about 20 pairs. But I only really wear my Uggs in the winter, croc flip flops in the summer, and my sneakers when I run.

 

[cluvsdisney]

I would never consider a purse or shoes wasted money. I mean, I need to carry a purse and I need to have shoes on my feet

I agree. If it's something someone uses & enjoys then it's not a waste of money.

Now my gym membership fee...

 

[3goofyboys]

May I ask where you got bargain prices on Dooney bags? My sister has been dreaming of one for a long time now!

One I just stumbled upon as a really good deal at our local Macy's. A couple of others I bought at our local shelter's yearly fundraiser where people donate their old jewelry and bags and then the shelter has a big event to sell them. Some I bought on shopgoodwill.com. It's a great site, it takes items donated to various goodwills through out the country and puts them up for auction. I won't buy a bag unless it has Dooney registration papers with it and I've gotten some great deals!

 

[Purseval]

One I just stumbled upon as a really good deal at our local Macy's. A couple of others I bought at our local shelter's yearly fundraiser where people donate their old jewelry and bags and then the shelter has a big event to sell them.

You can find the older all-weather leather bags (which is the only D&B style my wife ever liked) in good condition at yard sales. We have 6 or 7 of them up in the closet, none over $20 most under 10. Older Coach bags are also common and you could fill a truck up with lesser known brands on any given weekend for a couple of dollars each. Here's a pic I took of some of them last year for another handbag thread:

 

[Liberty Belle]

You can "waste" money on any number of things: TV's, game systems, cell phones, cars, trips, furnishings, jewelry, power tools, etc. But yet, it's always the poor person who like shoes and handbags who gets raked across the coals for their shallow, wasteful spending. What's up with that?!

Anyway, my beautiful Burberry bag and I will be over here in the corner.

I would guess it's because there are other options that are so much less expensive that will provide the same service and they seem to be bought for the brand name only a lot of times and definitely (in my experience) more than tvs, cars, jewelry, tools, etc.

If someone is able to afford ten coach bags, more power to them. Just because I think it's a waste of money, doesn't mean they do.

 

[lucyem]

Anything can be wasteful or frugal depending on the person and circumstance and how you look at it. I think shoes and handbags take the brunt because women tend to buy more of those to match outfits etc and men do not. And then of course there was Imelda Marcos.

 

[estherhead]

Your drill example is pretty telling. Spending more money on higher quality tools can be a frugal choice. Higher quality tools generally last longer and perform better than cheaper tools. They are made of better materials and have better performance specs. People don't spend more money on good tools for no practical reason.

Designer clothing is purely frivolous.

I have to say what others have, quality whether in tools or purses or clothing is almost always a good idea.

I'm 36 & have only had 2 winter dress coats since I was 17 because I buy wool & cashmere and they last. I shop end of season deals at nice places or Goodwill for important items.

I bought my first (& only) Coach bag for $5.00 at a yard sale and there is a difference between it & the $12.00 I got at Walmart. I'll carry it for years to come & get it cleaned before giving it up.

Frivolous spending is spending money you don't have.

 

[MrsPete]

I think people use shoes and purses AS AN EXAMPLE of things people tend to buy in excess. If you're an adult woman, you likely own at least 20-30 pair of shoes. More is probably a WANT rather than a NEED. Likewise, you probably have at least 10-12 purses in your closet. Again, more is probably a WANT rather than a NEED.

If you're in great shape financially, buying more of these WANTS is fine. If you're stretched financially, it's probably not a great idea to buy when you already have items that would do. Yeah, sometimes your things are worn out -- but most of us have other things that would do. For example, right now my favorite black flats are worn out and almost cracked across the ball of the foot -- BUT I already another pair of black flats that aren't quite as nice, and I have short black boots that could serve perfectly well IF right now isn't a good time for me to replace the worn out pair.

In reality, the same thing can be said of other items. For example, if you have a perfectly good ipod, phone, or TV and are stretched financially, buying a newer or fancier model is a WANT rather than a NEED.

 

[pearlieq]

I would guess it's because there are other options that are so much less expensive that will provide the same service and they seem to be bought for the brand name only a lot of times and definitely (in my experience) more than tvs, cars, jewelry, tools, etc.

That's what I was thinking too.

Also, shoes and purses are more visible. I'm more likely to see your shoes than your power tools or the hotel room you stayed in on your last vacation.

Finally, shoes and purses are entry level luxuries/status symbols. They are relatively accessible. Most people can scrape up $300 somehow for a purse, even if it means they don't pay a bill that month. Fewer people have a reasonable expectation of getting enough together for a flashy car or ultra luxury vacation. Therefore purses and shoes are a more relatable topic when discussing frugality or wants vs. needs.