What If No One Noticed?

[iLander]

What if no one ever noticed your status symbols? What if no one glanced at it, gazed longingly, or remarked on it?

Would you be disappointed?

If no one saw your bling, or your car, or your fancy handbag? Would it take something away from the experience?

Honestly, now.

I don't think I would be into fancy handbags if no one saw them, truthfully. Sales ladies seem to love me when I carry them.

I do like to look at my own sparkly bling, so that's just for me.

I don't bother with lux shoes, since I don't notice it on others, and I am just going to tromp through mud in them.

Not a soul notices my watch, but I didn't think they would, so that's fine. I like the old-fashioned aspect.

My car is laughable to some people, but I like the cheap operating cost.

What about you? What's just for you, and what's (honestly) for other people?

 

[Haven]

The only thing I own that could be considered a "status symbol" would be my ring. I don't care if others notice it or not. I spend more than my fair share of time gazing at it. In fact, my original ring was far more noticeable because of the setting, but *I* think my upgrade is a million times better.

I don't buy things so other people will notice them. I buy them because I either find them to be beautiful, or extremely useful. I think I'm too cheap to buy things just so others will notice them.

 

[Dancing Fire]

i don't own any status symbols.

 

[decodelighted]

It's funny ... I *love* to check out other people's stuff. Am a "scanner" ... always scanning for new haircuts or lipsticks or outfits or accessories. And I really do enjoy when people mention liking things of mine -- but mostly those things aren't very expensive or "statusy" -- they're usually just funky in some way I guess? Maybe I value QUIRK over brand-names/expensive stuff? But it's still self-centered & materialistic HA!

As to the question though ... would I still buy Quirky or expensive or statusy things if no one ever saw me/them? YES! I'm practically a hermit sometimes (I call it "agoraphabulous") and I'm a sucker for things that appeal to my senses & sense of aesthetics. I scan & scan things I find enjoyable to look at & they give me great pleasure even if no one else ever sees them (or what I see in them.)

 

[armywife13]

In all honesty, I don't think I would mind. We don't purchase a lot of status symbol worthy items-we do not own luxury cars, designer clothes, expensive furniture, ect. The only items I own that could/would be considered status symbols would be my ring and my coach diaper bag. But those two items were purchased for my own happiness, not for the attention of others, so I am completely ok with them going unnoticed.

 

[athenaworth]

I'm with you on the handbags. I love that salespeople treat me differently when they see what I'm carrying.

Probably the same with my car. I love that valets comment on my car.

But with bling - that's all for me. In fact, hardly anyone ever comments on it. I think I'm just a sparklewh*re to my soul.

 

[Dancing Fire]

I'm with you on the handbags. I love that salespeople treat me differently when they see what I'm carrying.

Probably the same with my car. I love that valets comment on my car.

But with bling - that's all for me. In fact, hardly anyone ever comments on it. I think I'm just a sparklewh*re to my soul.

i need a Hermes guy bag...

 

[athenaworth]

I'm with you on the handbags. I love that salespeople treat me differently when they see what I'm carrying.

Probably the same with my car. I love that valets comment on my car.

But with bling - that's all for me. In fact, hardly anyone ever comments on it. I think I'm just a sparklewh*re to my soul.

i need a Hermes guy bag...

A very astute salesperson will notice wallets.

 

[soocool]

I live in area filled with status symbols. My one neighbor just leased 2 Mercedes and is letting her 17 year old drive one of them at times to show off in front of her "friends". They do not own it, they lease it so everyone else can see how well they are doing or would like others to think they are doing well.

I buy things that I like and suit me and not for the reaction they may elicit. I have neighbors who are successful and have tons of money, but they do not wear their money for everyone to see. We often shake our heads at those who try so hard for everyone to think they are successful. I am all for living within one's means and the hell with what everyone else thinks.

 

[decodelighted]

A very astute salesperson will notice wallets.

I hope not WHILE I'm just browsing!

 

[Haven]

I live in area filled with status symbols. My one neighbor just leased 2 Mercedes and is letting her 17 year old drive one of them at times to show off in front of her "friends". They do not own it, they lease it so everyone else can see how well they are doing or would like others to think they are doing well.

I buy things that I like and suit me and not for the reaction they may elicit. I have neighbors who are successful and have tons of money, but they do not wear their money for everyone to see. We often shake our heads at those who try so hard for everyone to think they are successful. I am all for living within one's means and the hell with what everyone else thinks.

So do we! It's interesting--our area is a firm mix of subtle old moneyed folks and gaudy new moneyed folks. And regular folks like us, too! DH and I love going out for dinner in town and observing the very different types of people who live here.

I like observing people, because I think the way they present themselves shows a lot about what they value. I don't think there's anything wrong with wanting to appear rich, but I do think it's telling.

All that being said, I can't really spot many of the status symbols people carry. I wouldn't know a designer handbag if it hit me in the face.

 

[Jennifer W]

I'm pretty sure nobody would ever notice where I live. If they did, they would be more likely to roll their eyes than covet. We aren't what you'd call fancy round these parts.

 

[Gypsy]

Honestly, I don't buy for other people anymore. I buy for me. I like really nice quality stuff. And I generally don't pay for designer markups.

As far as I know, no one really does notice my stuff. Except my DH.

I just like nice quality stuff.

 

[Elmorton]

I live in the land of no one notices - seriously. I'm fairly certain that there is a old-fashioned Midwestern code that states status symbols are silly and you are not to comment or notice them (doesn't keep me from noticing them). So very rarely do I think anyone notices my handbags or jewelry. When I carry designer bags, I've never gotten a compliment about the designer - only "What a pretty color!", which is the same compliment I'd receive on a $20 tote bag (and actually, my $20 tote gets more compliments than my nice leather items). I choose things based on the look and feel rather than whatever symbol it might carry.

 

[Circe]

It's a tangled skein, I think: I don't run in the sorts of circles where people really play "Spot the Label." My friends notice when I'm wearing something cool, sure ... but I have the sneaking suspicion that most of them think my jewelry is fake. On the other hand, *I* know what things are in terms of quality, value, etc., and that makes me happy - I guess I'm an introverted materialist?

I know my preference for some things probably comes from my knowledge of their quality/status, regardless of contact: when I'm internet shopping, for example, my eyes go big when I see that something is vintage Cartier, Hermes, Asprey, Penhaligon, Smythson. And I'm sure that's because in my head, those names spell S-T-A-T-U-S as well as assuring me of a kind of luxurious rarity. I like unusual, rare things. But on the other hand, no matter how rare it might be among my friends - I wouldn't want a modern Louis Vuitton purse. Or a Coach. Or even, really, a modern Hermes - I just don't think they're very pretty. Bizarrely old world snobbery for a nouveau riche 1st-gen immigrant ....

 

[ame]

The only things I own that I would think qualify are my wallet(s), my bag (and that's got no logo on it at all), and my rings. Possibly my car. But I don't think anyone notices my stuff besides my rings anyway. And it wouldn't bother me either way.

 

[HollyS]

I prefer to fly under the radar. If you aren't overt, if you can go unnoticed, you can observe so much more freely - - and learn a great deal.

I think class and taste don't reside in expensive consumer goods.

I would prefer not to be 'known' by the choices I make. I'd not like anyone to make assumptions because of my attire, my ride, or my bling.

I would absolutely hate being thought of as a snob. A snooty snob or a silly snob; either one.

 

[Rhea]

I don't think I have many status symbols. I don't drive a car. I don't own a flat or live in a great postcode. Most of my clothes are handmade or hand-me-downs. My handbag was bought off of Etsy and has holes in it after I've toted it everywhere for a couple of years.

I do think I'd care if no one noticed, but it's not a certain thing, it's an overall look. I was riding my bike the other day, in my lycra, tank top, and helmet and my close friend said I looked good, that riding suited me. My husband recently complemented me when I was wearing a skirt (£25) and shoes (£90). I wear and buy most stuff for me, I think. I could be fooling myself though.

I do often receive comments from clients when wearing something they may consider to be status symbols such as real levis, new converse, and my flash new North Face jacket I wear while riding my bike. I don't like their comments, it feels awkward that I have money and they don't. I purposely chose what I wear very careful when I'm expecting to see clients.

 

[movie zombie]

i buy for me.
don't like paying extra for "name".
don't like wearing a "logo" and being a walking advertisement.
don't understand why people want to wear jewelry that everyone else is wearing.
rather at a disadvantage re clothing being a short round woman of a certain age....sigh.
buy used vehicles.
comfort and practicality trumps status symbols.
actually, i'm more surprised when someone does notice something...........
its more like "who me? are you sure you weren't talking to that woman next to me?"

 

[isaku5]

i don't own any status symbols.

What about your Lange & Sohne watch (es)? Is your memory starting to fail you? You'd better look back at Suze Orman's advice

 

[Madam Bijoux]

It wouldn't make any difference to me - actually, there would be less risk having them stolen if nobody noticed.

 

[Laila619]

I prefer to fly under the radar. If you aren't overt, if you can go unnoticed, you can observe so much more freely - - and learn a great deal.

I think class and taste don't reside in expensive consumer goods.

Ditto all this.

I can afford to buy designer/high end things, but I really don't feel the need. I am frugal to my core, and I get more of a thrill buying something cheap! For instance, I wouldn't even be able to enjoy wearing a Tiffany or Harry Winston e-ring, because all I would be able to think about is how much I overpaid, or how I could have gotten nearly the same thing for much less. I'm weird I know.

 

[iheartscience]

It's funny ... I *love* to check out other people's stuff. Am a "scanner" ... always scanning for new haircuts or lipsticks or outfits or accessories. And I really do enjoy when people mention liking things of mine -- but mostly those things aren't very expensive or "statusy" -- they're usually just funky in some way I guess? Maybe I value QUIRK over brand-names/expensive stuff? But it's still self-centered & materialistic HA!

As to the question though ... would I still buy Quirky or expensive or statusy things if no one ever saw me/them? YES! I'm practically a hermit sometimes (I call it "agoraphabulous") and I'm a sucker for things that appeal to my senses & sense of aesthetics. I scan & scan things I find enjoyable to look at & they give me great pleasure even if no one else ever sees them (or what I see in them.)

I'm stealing that! Although I've been getting out a TON lately, so I may no longer actually qualify as agoraphabulous, sadly!

 

[Dancing Fire]

i don't own any status symbols.

What about your Lange & Sohne watch (es)? Is your memory starting to fail you? You'd better look back at Suze Orman's advice

IMO,it is not a status symbol b/c 99.99% of the people on the street will not reconize the brand. IMO,a gold Rolex watch = status symbol...

 

[rubybeth]

Honestly? I like it when I get complimented on my nice things, but I *buy* them because I love them, or I know they will last forever (nice leather purses, for instance). Weirdly, I get compliments all the time on my Old Navy cheap-o jewelry (people often think it's from J.Crew, I guess?) and my clean 2005 Ford Focus is super impressive to my mom friends who have Cheerio crumbs blanketing their back seats.

 

[isaku5]

IMHO, Rolex watches are seen everywhere - they're 'ordinary'. No offence meant to anyone who loves them.

I wonder what percentage of people in the US own a Lange - now they're special

 

[Missy]

I wouldn't care. I buy for my taste and no one else's when I make a personal purchase. Sure, I like it when my dh appreciates what I purchase because he has great taste and I respect his opinion but the only person I have to please when I make a purchase for myself is me. I buy for aesthetics and quality. I enjoy receiving sincere compliments but that isn't a motivating factor in any way when I make a purchase.

 

[yssie]

I'd love my diamonds just as much if I was the only one who ever saw them.

I don't bother with expensive bags or shoes - I haven't found that branded stuff is all that durable and it's infinitely more aggravating when they do fall apart. Granted, I haven't and would never buy the *really* big-name brands, so maybe I just wouldn't know

I drive a Pontiac Vibe and I love it. We're borrowing it and I've already declared that when the owners return next year and we give it back, I'll be getting another standard.

I buy red KitchenAid appliances and Republic of Tea teas because I like a few products especially, and I like collecting things in sets - even if deep down I think Twinings Earl Grey tastes better.

My electronic gidgets are all simplistic and out of date. I do have bit of a Thing for cameras, and I upgrade my P&S pretty regularly and have a bunch of off-label stuff for it. I'm staying far, far away from DSLRs - they would not be good for my purse!


I do love owning a full complement of silver flatware, it's just so utterly luxurious, and I love when people notice and comment on it

 

[makemepretty]

This is funny to anyone who lives in a rural setting, like I do, because no one notices ANYTHING. When the big mall was getting a MAC counter, I'd say something about it and people would think I meant Max Factor. I'm pretty sure most people assume my diamonds are faux because it's super common to see a teenage boy wearing larger earrings than I've ever owned, it's the land of purse parties(knock offs) and most jewelry is purchased from a store ending in Mart or one of the chains.

Tiffany? That's the name of a movie right? IF they've even heard of it. Most people don't know that's a jewelry store. There are no status vehicles when fun can come from "mudding" around here. You park your muddy vehicle in your front yard to show it off and show just how much fun you had.

Coach is high end for a purse and most likely if you see a Coach, it's from a purse party. So, no one notices what I buy. I only buy what I love. I want a Chesterfield distressed leather sofa so bad I can taste it. I'm sure I will have one someday but people will only notice that my old leather sofa sure looks good and is comfortable.

 

[Dancing Fire]

IMHO, Rolex watches are seen everywhere - they're 'ordinary'. No offence meant to anyone who loves them.

I wonder what percentage of people in the US own a Lange - now they're special

Rolex produces over million watches per yr while Lange only produces about 8,000 watches per yr,but if you go to a watch forum some of those guys owns 3 to 4 Langes ...