EXACTLY! My life is about quality. Period. I want the best. It absolutely means I have less of it than my friends. I have less bags than most of my friends (which own multiple LVs, Guccis and Coach) but all of them are Hermes. I have less jewelry than my sister, but my jewelry is each the best I could get my hands on. I try to eat the best foods and give my children the best. It has nothing to do with status for me, but with quality of leathers/craftsmanship and the fact that even the simplest Hermes leather key wallet makes my heart sing when I hold it.
Hermes as a brand is very understated.
gazoo, I agree with you. As I get older and mature (a little..lol), I find that quality over quantity is more important to me. Had I saved and gone without the dozens of different designer handbags (that I ended up or will end up selling for less than I paid), I would have more than enough to purchase a couple of H bags. I admire my best friend's philosophy to have a couple of really nice things, instead of a ton of everything. Plus, I find you don't get to truly enjoy every piece (whether jewelry, handbags, etc.) if you have too much. My best friend establishes a signature look, carrying the same beautiful handbag and wearing the same gorgeous jewelry almost daily, besides special occassions or what not. I think it's kinda sweet.