Does anyone else not "get" designer purses/handbags?

[beaujolais]

To me it says "1940's safari across Africa, glamorous prop planes, Bogart just around the corner".

O.K, now I'm starting to see some of the other side and understand it. Thanks for the insight ! I do have to say, Ilander, you seem a very sophisticated, elegant & educated woman - way cool.

You all are right - I just browsed purses at Bean & Lands End - most of them do have a bit rugged of a look. I believe I've seen some pretty ones there before, though. (Right now Land's End have two less rugged styles but they are $200- $300.)

These are my daily wear bags, due to the fact that I have a bad neck & shoulders from working in medicine (many years of lifting people). They really do feel much lighter to carry. (Don't worry, I do have some dress up bags, though, for occasions.):

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/40341?feat=30116-ppxs&dds=y

Has anyone else tried or uses a Healthy Back Bag?

 

[mich_t]

I recently got into designer bags after 'not getting it' for 20 something years. I now love them and whilst I can definitely feel the difference between these and the cheapo bags I used to get, it really just comes down to how they make me feel when I wear them.

In that sense they are exactly the same as diamonds. I guess in terms of being able to hand diamonds down etc versus bags, you can actually hand down classic Chanel, Hermes etc bags to your children and they absolutely hold their value...some at better rates than diamonds in the shorter term.

But all that aside, it's the same between diamonds and bags for me. Both make me feel really good when I wear them. I enjoy using both and I personally admire both when I'm out and about with them. It's all about me appreciating what I have. Also, the bag you choose to carry can help to send a subtle message about your personal style, which is why certain bags are named after particular celebrities (ie. the 'Kelly' or 'Birkin').

I guess bags are no more arbitrary than cars (which are generally the worst investment ever, unless they are rare and then the same applies as to classic bags) or stamps or anything else. I don't get it but Heck, my husband collects basketball shoes because that's what he's passionate about.

Just a perspective from someone whose been on both sides of the fence!

 

[Haven]

I don't buy bags because of their label. Anymore. I did buy a couple Coach bags for myself in HS and college, but it wasn't because I really loved them. I was just being a sheep.

I don't think Coach bags are designer bags. I do think many young people believe them to be status symbols, and every HS student around here seems to have one slung over her shoulder. Coach bags remind me of Tiffany silver jewelry--recognizable and affordable, and for some reason coveted by teens for some *image* that they believe the pieces give them.

Birkin, Prada, Chanel, now those are designer bags. I still don't get the appeal, but I understand that they hold the same appeal for some as diamonds hold for me. I can at least relate on that level.

I carry an amazing leather bag now. Bought it while we were in Bruges two summers ago and I'm so glad I did. I think the brand name is Saccoo? No clue if that would mean anything to anyone over there. It cost around 125 or 150 euro, and it's wonderful. Beautiful leather, the perfect size, well-made, and quite a handsome little bag. It wasn't all that much money, but I love it.

 

[smitcompton]

Hi,

To me designer bags are from the top end designers that cost a small fortune. Now, I couldn't tell the difference from a fake Channel bag vs a genuine Channel bag. But, I understand that status is involved in carrying a high end bag. I think it does proclaim some sort of success just as much as a large diamond. Its meant for the wealthy.

I also do not consider a Coach bag to be a designer label bag. This brand reminds me of a brand in the 70's called Laura Ashley fashions. It was mostly for the suburban middle-class woman. You never saw city people wear it. Coach reminds me of that type of brand. Good middle-class stuff/ I have a niece who is a stylist and just around 40 yrs old. She told me she wouldn't be caught dead wearing a coach bag. Sooo middle-class. I have a coach bag. that is indestuctable. My bags last a long time, but all are leather.


Annette

 

[Tuckins1]

Yep, another girl who just isn't into the whole "bag" thing. I usually just get a cute one that functions for me, and use it till it falls apart or i'm sick of it. I don't like storing things that I don't use (I'm like the anti- hoarder), so I just can't justify having a bunch of different bags for different occasions. And forget about paying a ton of money for a bag... Over $30- $40 is out of the question!!

 

[kenny]

I don't derive a feeling of status from expensive stuff I own, but I think it's perfectly fine when other people do.
So what, they're not hurting me.
It's just another way in which people vary.

I also think it is possible that a few women who buy the most expensive designer purses sincerely do not care about status, or anyone seeing the purse on them.
They buy it because they appreciate, and can afford, the absolute ultimate in quality of materials and workmanship.

I LOVE fine things but I'm a tightwad; I'm too cheap to pay what it costs ... unless it's an FCD.
My SO finds high end brand name clothes for me at thrift stores.
In fact, everything I wear was purchased used at a thrift store, expect underwear, socks and shoes which have to be new.
If he finds me a Ralph Lauren Polo shirt I DO meticulously remove the stitching of the guy on the horse, with a scalpel blade.

I'm anti-advertising.
I'm not ashamed of others recognizing I wear an expensive shirt, but I'm not proud of it either.
I just don't like to advertise for a company unless they mail me monthly checks.
What you own does not affect my impression of you very much; how good of a person you are outranks your wealth by FAR.

If any designer product SCREAMS, "HEY! LOOK AT ME! I'M RICH!" it's those Chanel sunglasses and purses with the MASSIVE double-C logo.
Again, nothing wrong with people who do want to say that via their outfit.
People just vary.

 

[lulu]

I'm another one who does not think of Coach as being a designer brand. To me, if you can buy it at a Macy's, it's not really "designer."

I'm a fashion oddball. I have no problem wearing old cargo pants with shredded hems and tees from Tarjay with flip flops, but as far as my bags and jewelry go, I'm an insufferable snob. I think a lot of this comes from having four dog children and two cats... I've accepted the fact that my clothes will take a beating and will be covered in pet hair, but as long as I'm carrying a nice bag and wearing my favorite jewelry, I'll feel presentable. Also, my bags last a long time, so I can rationalize the expense.

As far as brands go, my favorites used to be Balenciaga, Christian Dior, Proenza Schouler, and LV. LV has become as prevalent as Coach these days, but I love the minimal use of leather on the bags that I have. Lately, I have started feeling grossed out by leather, especially the soft, buttery leather on my Balenciaga bags. I'm a vegetarian who struggles with going full vegan, so carrying leather really does a number on my conscience. I rarely carry my leather bags lately. All I can think about is how I'm carrying around a slab of dead flesh from an animal that met a horrible, cruel death. I stored my Marc Jacobs Stella tote in its dustbag and discovered six months later that the leather was starting to rot. I've carried Stella McCartney vegan-friendly bags, but they're a little too fussy for everyday use.

This is where I'm at. I've been reading about where the leather comes from and now I'm looking at vegan options. I've always liked Coach and I'm sorry I have to give them up.

 

[MissStepcut]

I don't derive a feeling of status from expensive stuff I own, but I think it's perfectly fine when other people do.
So what, they're not hurting me.
It's just another way in which people vary.

I also think it is possible that a few women who buy the most expensive designer purses sincerely do not care about status, or anyone seeing the purse on them.
They buy it because they appreciate, and can afford, the absolute ultimate in quality of materials and workmanship.

I LOVE fine things but I'm a tightwad; I'm too cheap to pay what it costs ... unless it's an FCD.
My SO finds high end brand name clothes for me at thrift stores.
In fact, everything I wear was purchased used at a thrift store, expect underwear, socks and shoes which have to be new.
If he finds me a Ralph Lauren Polo shirt I DO meticulously remove the stitching of the guy on the horse, with a scalpel blade.

I'm anti-advertising.
I'm not ashamed of others recognizing I wear an expensive shirt, but I'm not proud of it either.
I just don't like to advertise for a company unless they mail me monthly checks.
What you own does not affect my impression of you very much; how good of a person you are outranks your wealth by FAR.

If any designer product SCREAMS, "HEY! LOOK AT ME! I'M RICH!" it's those Chanel sunglasses and purses with the MASSIVE double-C logo.
Again, nothing wrong with people who do want to say that via their outfit.
People just vary.

Well those are some particularly egregious examples of Chanel brand whoring. Among people who actually have money, it's my observation that they buy the toned down stuff. It would be a false dichotomy to imagine EITHER they buy it just so people notice OR they buy it for the quality, though. Most people are going to fall somewhere in the middle of both spectrums.

Though I have to say, I think it's pretty crazy and a bit reverse-snobbish to cut out a little embroidered symbol.

 

[kenny]

I think it's pretty crazy and a bit reverse-snobbish to cut out a little embroidered symbol.

That's about objecting to being a walking ad without being paid.
I don't remove the logo from my car since everyone could still tell what it is.

I'm still trying to wrap my head around the idea of "reverse-snobbish".

 

[kenny]

It would be a false dichotomy to imagine EITHER they buy it just so people notice OR they buy it for the quality, though. Most people are going to fall somewhere in the middle of both spectrums.

I am not imagining a dichotomy of either/or.
Since people vary there will be every possible blend of buying for status and/or/vs. buying it for quality.

There is also a HUGE demographic who buy for status but NOT quality, as evidenced by all the counterfeit design merchandise.

 

[4ever]

I guess in some ways I "get it" but I don't relate to it.

I would spend thousands on nice (unbranded) jewellery (if I had the money!) but my limit for a bag would be .....maybe up to around $400, $500 at a massive push.I don't think I've every purchased a bag over $250. And for $400 this bag better be pretty perfect and amazing in every way, look fantastic on and better go with EVERYTHING I OWN and the brand or lack of brand would not have much of an impact on the decision. I am extremely fussy about bags as it is so I can't really imagine finding a bag for that much money that I just NEEDED to own due to its obvious perfection and awesomeness. I guess I'm just too practical, diamonds I can wear pretty much everyday, they go with most things and I expect them to be around longer than me with a bit of care. Handbags I fear will go out of style as soon as I invest in a really pricey one, or if they don't are probably too "safe" and boring for me, because IMO whats the point on spending the money on something which doesn't look really special? And I leave them on the floor. And sometimes things spill inside them. and eventually they wear out...

In saying that, my next planned bag purchase should be around $350-$380 and I am currently in the process of planning what colour (or combination of colours) would still look special and different enough to bother, yet still be really useable and go with most things. http://the.leathersatchel.co/ unlike the Cambridge Satchel Company which people are usually more familiar with, these guys make them to order however you want (and very quickly!), from a longer strap and a weird colour combo to completely custom designed. I'm dreaming about the 15" satchel with almost all the extras; briefcase handle, longer removable strap, magnetic closings, shoulder pad and my initials embossed on the front *sigh*. Now if I could just work out what colour combination...

 

[kenny]

Now about the term "get" ...
Based on what I've written would you say I "get" designer purses/handbags?
I honestly can't answer the question, because of the baggage of the term "get".

Get is a loaded term, with subtle implications of approval, agreement, or taking sides, which I try to not do.
I attempt to not apply to others the standards I apply to myself, which I think blows up the term get.

At least that's my understanding of the term get.
Think of when someone says, "I just don't get it."

 

[beaujolais]

True, now I realize Coach is not a designer bag. The girls where I work (meaning girls, not women, and not necessarily that they are young at all, either ) are all into Coach. Yes, also the Tiffany silver items are popular in that same group (good point).

"I LOVE fine things but I'm a tightwad; I'm too cheap to pay what it costs ... unless it's an FCD. "

I can't not agree with you on that. (Btw, I just got back from Costco and had the best time with my champagne diamond under their lights.)

<My SO finds high end brand name clothes for me at thrift stores.>

Excellent & way to go.

<If he finds me a Ralph Lauren Polo shirt I DO meticulously remove the stitching of the guy on the horse, with a scalpel blade.>

You are truly a blast.

Yes, I agree Chanel is being disgusting with their big C's.

 

[CharmedOne]

Re: Does anyone else not "get" designer purses/handbags?

Honestly, it's way too many important things in the world to care about what other people have: name brands, designers, big diamonds, little diamonds etc. If they are not hurting anyone, including themselves than who cares. My motto is "If you like it, I love it!"

I personally don't care about name brands. I buy what's on sale and fits. If it keeps me covered up and warm, then I'm ok. I must say I am very picky about my food and where it comes from. I hardly ever eat out, not so much because of the expense (however I do have a cap, if I do) but I don't trust what the food preparers are doing behind the scenes with my food at any level restaurant.

 

[kenny]

What is perceived as "designer" varies too.
It's relative to the world your income level buys.

I once heard of a survey.
They asked a wide range of people what they thought America's "average" annual income level was.
They got some answers north of $250,000.

My SO's family is VERY poor and believe me the ladies there do consider Coach as a very high-end designer brand.
You can't get it at Walmart.
I've heard them gush over Coach as being TDF, and a bag they will NEVER be able to afford.
I'm sure they've never heard of a Hermes Birkin.
I hadn't till I came here, though of course I'm a guy.

 

[kenny]

Yes, I agree Chanel is being disgusting with their big C's.

Whoa partner; hold your horses.
I did not say it was disgusting.
That would be a criticism of those who like that.
In fact I made a point of saying if people like stuff that screams "I'M RICH!" then it's groovy for them.
It just ain't for me, and yes I've spent more on diamonds than I spent on my house.

I'm odd in that I not only have double standards, I'm proud I can apply one standard to myself but another to others.
I don't see it as hypocrisy; I see it as respecting diversity in all things ... as long as nobody is hurting anyone.

Chanel's double C is the most quintessential example I could find of a designer label that screams at the top of its lungs.
As we know, some people are screamers.

 

[beaujolais]

Oops, sorry - you're right. I'll say that, though. Sorry.

 

[mich_t]

I understand the point you're making Kenny, but just an aside: I'm pretty sure the bag in the photo you posted is fake as Chanel don't put swing tags on their items and don't usually put big metal panels with their logo across it. That would explain some of the gaudiness in that particular example. The classic, iconic bags are quite understated and don't scream the logo at all (except the Cambon line which does have the CC logo contrasted in white) and most people won't even notice them unless they know what they're looking for.

I think the fakes actually do a lot to devalue the brands, but that's a whole other topic!

But I totally agree that value is subjective.

(Edited to correct word left out)

 

[iLander]

If it helps anyone, Chanel no longer makes the big CC sunglasses.

That was quite a few seasons ago.

Interestingly, they are designing most of their sunglasses for the typical Asian face shape lately.

If I could find a pair that didn't look like crap on me I would have bought them.

I think they're cool.

So shoot me.

And they look great with my Chanel bag. The purpose of which I posted earlier in this thread.

But again, there are lots of things I don't "get", like Thomas Kincade paintings, lighthouse sculptures, little Christmas houses, train layouts, breeding and showing cats, horses, or dogs. Be careful, or I'll post the whole list. I do enjoy having conversations with these people though, and I empathize with their enthusiasm. I had the BEST time at a cat show this spring. I don't "get" it, but I appreciate it, and I like to learn new things from people who have a different perspective than mine.

People enjoy different stuff. Fine with me.

Hey, people tend to . . . what's the word I'm looking for? . . . oh, yes; vary!

 

[Haven]

Chanel doesn't even design their own sunglasses anymore, a company called Luxottica does. They design many other brands as well, and just stick on the appropriate label.
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7424700n

 

[ksinger]

If it helps anyone, Chanel no longer makes the big CC sunglasses.

That was quite a few seasons ago.

Interestingly, they are designing most of their sunglasses for the typical Asian face shape lately.

If I could find a pair that didn't look like crap on me I would have bought them.

I think they're cool.

So shoot me.

And they look great with my Chanel bag. The purpose of which I posted earlier in this thread.

But again, there are lots of things I don't "get", like Thomas Kincade paintings, lighthouse sculptures, little Christmas houses, train layouts, breeding and showing cats, horses, or dogs. Be careful, or I'll post the whole list. I do enjoy having conversations with these people though, and I empathize with their enthusiasm. I had the BEST time at a cat show this spring. I don't "get" it, but I appreciate it, and I like to learn new things from people who have a different perspective than mine.

People enjoy different stuff. Fine with me.

Hey, people tend to . . . what's the word I'm looking for? . . . oh, yes; vary!

Ha! Kincade paintings: barf-worthy, yes. All I can do is think of something that was said to me once by an art gallery owner about southwest artist R.C. Gorman: "Same woman, different blanket." So, Kincade: "Same mythical forest, different cottage."

And while I would not go to the trouble to breed any animal, cat shows are just a screaming hoot aren't they?

 

[jeweln]

I bought cheap bags all my life because I throw them every 3-6 months ,although most of my friends buy designer bags .now that I turned 40 ,I bought my first coach bag for $150 ,although I dont consider it a designer bag .I see people in Walmart carrying coach all the time .
I searched for one that is subtle and does not carry the C allover ,found a white leather one .

 

[HollyS]

There are lovely things out there in the world that do not cost a fortune, and do not advertise to everyone exactly what you paid for them.

Class and style are not now, nor have they ever been, dependent upon what one spends. Or a label.

And if you are willing to spend thousands on an accessory, it isn't merely because you can afford to. Or because you admire the fine workmanship. Again, there are lovely things to be had that do not require that kind of investment.

You buy what you buy because it matters to you. If it didn't, you wouldn't.

I'm not gonna speculate as to WHY it matters to you. That's your deal.

 

[princesss]

I guess in some ways I "get it" but I don't relate to it.

I would spend thousands on nice (unbranded) jewellery (if I had the money!) but my limit for a bag would be .....maybe up to around $400, $500 at a massive push.I don't think I've every purchased a bag over $250. And for $400 this bag better be pretty perfect and amazing in every way, look fantastic on and better go with EVERYTHING I OWN and the brand or lack of brand would not have much of an impact on the decision. I am extremely fussy about bags as it is so I can't really imagine finding a bag for that much money that I just NEEDED to own due to its obvious perfection and awesomeness. I guess I'm just too practical, diamonds I can wear pretty much everyday, they go with most things and I expect them to be around longer than me with a bit of care. Handbags I fear will go out of style as soon as I invest in a really pricey one, or if they don't are probably too "safe" and boring for me, because IMO whats the point on spending the money on something which doesn't look really special? And I leave them on the floor. And sometimes things spill inside them. and eventually they wear out...

In saying that, my next planned bag purchase should be around $350-$380 and I am currently in the process of planning what colour (or combination of colours) would still look special and different enough to bother, yet still be really useable and go with most things. http://the.leathersatchel.co/ unlike the Cambridge Satchel Company which people are usually more familiar with, these guys make them to order however you want (and very quickly!), from a longer strap and a weird colour combo to completely custom designed. I'm dreaming about the 15" satchel with almost all the extras; briefcase handle, longer removable strap, magnetic closings, shoulder pad and my initials embossed on the front *sigh*. Now if I could just work out what colour combination...

Wow....I am totally dreaming of going back to school with one of those gorgeous bags. I just love a good, functional leather bag.

 

[imitcan]

There is a tiny store run by a family of leather artisans outside of Florence Italy that I buy many of my purses from. They make everything under the sun using the finest of leathers. Of course, there are no outside labels, logos or decals but the leather is sublime and the workmanship is so terrific it is guaranteed.
In fact, a relative of mine who now lives in England mailed a purse back to Italy for repair of some water damage on the bottom of a evening clutch they remade the entire bag and sent it back to her.
One of my everyday bags is now nearing 7 years old and it has weathered cold, snowy winters wonderfully. Everytime I go back I buy a bag, or two or three. The prices are really great for what you are getting and there is always room for bartering. When relatives are coming to visit or going over then I ask if they wouldn't mind buying me a bag. I just give them a rough idea of what I am looking for and about 100-150 Euros and I have never been disappointed. The average I spend is about 85 Euros.
This little arrangement definitely goes a long way in curbing any desire for ridiculously expensive designer bags that are sometimes made largely of fabric.

 

[TravelingGal]

I am about function, not form. I'm getting older and my back is hating all bags. Now, if I find a lightweight bag that I love and is designer and nothing else will do? Sure, I'd buy it. But I haven't found that bag yet. Most bags in the size I might want are bulky, heavy, and have enough hardware to shackle 40 inmates. No thank you.

 

[Autumnovember]

I've never been into "designer" handbags mainly because I always ends up losing purses everywhere I go. If I didn't have such a problem with losing them/keeping them clean I would probably be really into them. I don't NOT "get" it though. I think thats probably because I'm really into OTHER things that I'm sure some people really don't "get" so it makes me not care enough to care either way. I love cars, shoes, jewelry and clothes. I can spot a really nice handbag when I see one and I can definitely admire one and appreciate the craft even if it isn't something I'm into collecting myself.

 

[Mara]

Self-confessed bag lover here.

Matata...3 Balenciagas!! Love!

I buy what I like, regardless of brand or label and sometimes price though I don't like to overspend and I always prefer a 'deal'.

I've gotten into RM bags lately...I love her colors...and the styling is similar to Balenciaga but more affordable, esp since her stuff is featured often on Gilt, HL etc, all of my RM bags have been purchased for about 50% of retail.

But really I just like great leather, doesn't matter about the brand. The texture of it, the smell. I have a few amazing bags I got in Germany, their leather is just so beautiful. One of my favorite bags is from Germany, it's my work bag and it is such a workhorse! I've had it refinished recently because I really put it through it's paces. Great travel bag too.

 

[ksinger]

I am about function, not form. I'm getting older and my back is hating all bags. Now, if I find a lightweight bag that I love and is designer and nothing else will do? Sure, I'd buy it. But I haven't found that bag yet. Most bags in the size I might want are bulky, heavy, and have enough hardware to shackle 40 inmates. No thank you.

Amen to that! Based on past experience, I figure EVERY purse is going to piss me off in some way - too deep, too big so it hurts to carry when full, too small to hold my "stuff", not enough pockets, too many pockets, too floppy, too stiff, magnetic clasp that doesn't work, or works when I don't want it to - something.

Bad back here too. And ALL purses fall off my shoulders all the time, and cross-body bags irritate even while they leave my hands free. The number of purses I dismiss on the basis of their impracticality on purse-shopping outings, is almost all of them.

So paying a huge amount of money for an item I need yet resent, and at times would like to set on fire and watch burn to a pile of ash, is not really all that appealing.

That may be why I've resisted buying that Oberon purse for so long. It's so beautiful, and I'm probably going to NOT like from a functional standpoint, as much as every other purse I thought I was going to work...

 

[Ravenne]

The only purse brand I really like is Sak. But I like them because they are sooo cute!! They look like handmade crochet bags, hippy-ish and earthy, but they last for ever. Right now I carry a less colorful brown leather (pleather? Not sure, really) simple purse. Looks like a million other purses, but it holds what I need it to (which isn't much. The older I get the less I carry around. Isn't it supposed to go the other way?!) and it goes with pretty much everything. I've had it for years and it isn't showing any signs of crapping out on me. As for the "crochet" style, I've got a large over the shoulder style brown one that I take on vacations because I feel more secure with it and a smaller lime green one that is my happy purse.

All of these were bought at yard sales for a few bucks. and I loooove them. I don't know if Sak is considered a designer brand. Probably not. Lol. I'm fine with that.

I also own a fake coach purse that I bought on the sidewalk in NYC during a trip up there. Hands down the most I've ever spent on a purse, but I don't carry it. It's big, bulky and ends up being so heavy. Oh well.