"Embarrassing to be seen w/ a show-offy bag?"

[bagdoll]

I wear both signature and leather and I don't live to please other people. If I like it then I wear it - plain and simple. If wearing a bag (with or without a logo) helps you make it through the day then go for it. Life is too short and there is too much stress. I try not to judge people by what they buy or wear. You have no idea what some hardships people have to endure day in and day out. My motto: Live and let live.

[gucci fan]

Articles like these really irritate me! Some people feel entitled to judge women who like to carry nice bags, assuming we only want to show off our "wealth". When I see a beautiful bag my heartbeat literally beats faster. I have a physical reaction. I'm sure it is much the same reaction my husband has when he sees a particular electronic. However, I don't see articles written about men and their big screen tv's or surround sounds. We all have our weakness in regards to what we like to spend money on and I don't intend on judging others just as I don't want to be judged. Handbag women of the world, carry on!!

[gypsumrose]

It seems like the writer missed the big picture. They are very quick to judge everyone who happens to have an expensive handbag as THAT stereotype rather than realize the diversity of backgrounds, finances, experiences, and lifestyles represented. It's always easier to criticize someone else than to actually fix the problem.

[emxowm]

Originally Posted by wordbox

Eh, whatever. People don't seem to care that others are still buying big screen TVs and iPods and expensive cell phones and sports cars, or a million other extravagant things. I'll carry what I want, and anyone that has a problem with it can mind their own business. There will always be someone richer than you, and you'll always see people that seem to be living an easier life than you. But you know what? To someone else, YOU are that person.

^^Well said! There are plenty of people who splurge on electronics, jewlery, a new set of golf clubs, a pool for their backyard, etc. I choose to carry my spluge on my shoulder. I do that because I love bags, not so someone else can take notice. I agree that walking into certain environments with a flashy, expensive bag is a disrespectful show of excess. If I want to go to dinner, work, or the market with my "show-offy" bag, then it is none of anyone's business.

[tadpolenyc]

Originally Posted by bag-mania

The author of the article is incredibly judgmental. Just because she has personal issues about women with expensive handbags, she assumes the fashion industry and all of society will soon jump in and agree with her wisdom. Her self-righteousness is worse than the pretentious women she's complaining about.

exactly what i was thinking. she's not presenting any new or original ideas here, but rather using her job to vent (what i feel to be) unwarranted anger/bitterness at other women for choosing to buy and wear what they like.

[xoxojennifer]

interesting article! i think she needs to remove the stick from her butt and mind her own business though. leave people to make their own personal choices. if she doesnt want to carry a big expensive bag, then she doesn't have to. if she has a problem with the industry, then she doesn't need to support it buy purchasing bags. to each her own.

[kimalee]

Originally Posted by Compass Rose

I don't care what other people think about what I do. Pure and simple. As much as I'd like to save the world, too, I can't live under a rock and deny myself what I need and want.

Amen!

[Stephid]

Originally Posted by bagdoll

I wear both signature and leather and I don't live to please other people. If I like it then I wear it - plain and simple. If wearing a bag (with or without a logo) helps you make it through the day then go for it. Life is too short and there is too much stress. I try not to judge people by what they buy or wear. You have no idea what some hardships people have to endure day in and day out. My motto: Live and let live.

Couldn't have said it better myself. Man I seriously get annoyed by people who write articles like that. But like you said, don't care what people think. I like my bags and if I wanna wear them I do. Doesn't matter about people's opinions.

Kinda annoys me too how women get blasted for the bags they buy and wear ESP when they're designer ones. With men and stuff they don't get blasted for the cars or electronics they're so into. I just don't understand it. But people like different things and if they happen to be a little expensive it's ok. I mean it's their choice. I don't think they should be crucified for liking those things.

[Brandless]

Wow, looks like the author of that article needs some therapy. She is so bitter and cynical-- and about bags? And how can getting a full tank of gas be bragging?

[LeeMiller]

Does this mean that its not out of touch when less people are suffering, like when the economy was better? Or when the economy is really only bad somewhere else are we supposed to be ok wearing designer bags because then we're in-touch with local conditions. I find her statement ridiculous.

[gingarita]

also to add: very often most people don't realize your bag is expensive they might even assume it is a fake....the ones who KNOW can afford them also!

meantime i spent plenty of years as a hippie wearing a woven hopi indian bag and now i love designers..... i do my own thing....love my bags

[angelthelson]

uhmmm, oookay???!! why do they waste their time criticizing other people's choices w/ how they run their life??? even if it's just bags??!! hmmmmm...

[notblushing]

OMG, I was about to type my reply when the HUGE ROCK on my finger knocked over my coffee cup.

[Florasun]

Originally Posted by acshih

I guess my response would be with several questions "what is considered a show-offy bag?" A bag that is plastered with Logos? A bag that costs a lot of money? A bag that make you "stand out" in the crowd? What is considered "wealth"? I look at this in relative terms. In different cultures and different environments, this can mean different things. In Japan, for example, a LV speedy 30 maybe considered an "entry-level" handbag for a 15-year-old. It is quite common to see teenagers wearing LVs or Guccis to school. As a matter of fact, the parents willingly shell out the money to buy the bag for their daughter because the Japanese value workmanship, and will consider buying the LV money well-spent because this will last a long time. Now, take the same LV speedy 30 to a US public school and a 15-year-old is wearing it. What might the reactions be? "Oh, it is fake, she cannot afford it." Or, "Oh she is flaunting how wealthy her family is." How about the same 15-year old wearing an Hermes Kelly to school now? Those of us who can recognize the handbag would be going. But the rest of the students and/or faculty probably will not react simply because they don't recognize the brand, and hence the cost/worth. Now which one is flaunting and "showing off" wealth?? According to HauteMama, if the "trend" is towards less flashy styles, aren't we falling victims to manipulations of fashion trends again, by wearing "IT" bags when they are "in", and wearing less recognizable bags when these are "in". For me personally, I would not spend a fortune on bags that only last a season. I buy according to my own budget and style. My bag, just like my wardrobe, shoes, jewelry reflect my personal taste and style. I tend to wear what is comfortable and appropriate in my own standards. And I do have my own set of standards in terms of what is appropriate or not.

Great answer. I think we are all trend follwers to some extent. From the article I can't tell if the author is more offended by the size, the logos or the cost of the bags.
Acshih's answer poses a good question. The kelly bag costs more than the speedy or a Gucci, but is less recognizable. So who is showing off? There was some quote - I think it was in somebody's signature - so if you know the one I'm talking about please post it - that true style is to be well dressed without standing out. I've been looking for this for half an hour and can't find it. Was it Chanel?

[MCAddict]

Originally Posted by Compass Rose

I don't care what other people think about what I do. Pure and simple. As much as I'd like to save the world, too, I can't live under a rock and deny myself what I need and want.

I agree with this 100%! The author of the article is way to judgemental.