Bag vs Bag, What Brand is Better than Who?!?!

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red30

red30

O.G.
Jul 22, 2008
159
0
#1
Hi I am a new registered memeber but have been coming here for a while and I enjoy peeking at all the BAG FANATICS (like myself) and their wonderful bags collections. However, I do have problem and I didn't notice this until I started really really checking out the board and alot of the different post outside of admiring the bags. I am sure this topic has been talked about and it is what it is, but nonetheless it bothers me and I want to say something about it. The disdain that some people have for other brands verses their favorite brand or higher end bags is so dishearting to me as a fellow bag lover.

1. I was looking at a thread and someone asked the question that if LV's went on sale would the LV lovers still buy them? Everyone said NO like they would literally die if they ever did. They were saying it would to them lessen the value or the status of the bag if they ever did. How? Answer me this, if your favorite pair Louboutin, Parda, Guiseppe Zanotti shoes went on sale (which I know they do) none of you would hesitate to run out and get them. Or if you could get your favorite designer dress, skirt, shirt etc.. on sale again you wouldn't hesitate to run out and get it, why is it different with handbags? If you could get your favorite car at a lower price at one car dealership then you could at another which one would you go to? The dealership that had the car at the lower price. That doesn't mean any of the items I listed are no longer a status of success, you were just able to get a better deal on it. Why is it different with handbags?

2. Why do people look at bag brands like Coach and Dooney as a "middle class" brand? Like it is beneath those that can actually afford to buy LV, Gucci, Hermes, Fendi etc... No I don't mean those maxing out your cards to buy 1 or saving months to buy 1 I mean those that can walk into a store and buy for 3 or 4 bags at a time and it not put a dent in their accounts. Is it because of the price? Is it because they are less than $1,000? Or is it that some think that you have to be a millionare or close to it to afford them? I have seen many post and I would even venture to say more than half the people on this board aren't millionares or close to it, but they do have LV, Gucci, Hermes, Chanel, Doir. Some say they have maxed out CC getting these bags, so does it make it less appealing to those that are millionares that" middle class" people actually carry the bags? I know many millionares that buy Coach and Dooney as well as LV or Doir. Marc Jacobs has a line in the same price range as Coach and Dooney do you look down on that brand? L.A.M.B and Longchamp have bags that are less than $1,0000 and they aren't wristlets or wallets either, are they less than the bag brands that don't? Then to see the people that were shocked to see so many celebs carrying Coach was so funny to me like they shouldn't carry Coach because they are multi-millionares or to think they were paid to carry them like Coach needed to pay a celeb to carry their bags. The comments about people that carry less expensive bags and the bags themselves is stereotypical and almost racist to me.

Yes you like what you like, you have that right I am not saying you have to like the less expensive bags. Yes I can easliy afford LV, Gucci, Dior, Balenciaga (and I do own alot of these brands), but not all of the more expensive bags appeal to me so that is why I buy Coach because it does, I even have a Gianni Bini bag that I love and carry more often then my other bags because I love the style, but it is taken care of like my LV, Gucci, Diors, I get more oohs and aahs from it than my more expensive bags. However, for anyone to think Coach or Dooney are less because of the price and the people that they perceive to carry them is wrong. I mean people come on is it that serious, some people in here really need to wake up and get a clue!!

One more thing, for those that don't like the less expensive bag because they are carried by everyone and are easliy knocked-off, I don't know what it is like where you like but in USA and here in GA I see knock-offs of LV, Gucci, Fendi, Doir, Chanel and Hermes just like Coach and Dooney. Oh and if what was being said in one thread about everyone's beloved Balenciaga and that well over 50% of those bags that are being carried are fakes then tell me how they are different from Coach or Dooney?

Ok I have said my peace, now I am off to enjoy more of the beautiful bag collections of all designers and prices!!! XOXOX:wlae:

BAG FANATICS UNITE!!!!
 
#2
I agree, that at times, it does seem ridiculous. I have read a lot of comments- that people have written concerning certain celebs, and there disdain of the fact that the celeb was wearing shoes that "looked" like CL's and said- Why didnt the celeb just purchase them. Just recently Miley cyrus was carrying a bag that resembled the sasha but was obviously not, and someone knocked her for it- Maybe she just liked the look of the inspired one better.

I personally think it's FAB when Celebs mix it up, it shows that they have a TRUE sense of style. And that they are not just dressing for a brand...

I think it's everyone's own choice to choose what they feel is worth spending their hard earn money for.

Money doesn't buy Style- Having a sense of Style is priceless ;)
 
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#4
Welcome to tPF!

I enjoyed reading your thoughts on this topic since I have also wondered many of the same things.

I've lost track of how many times people have wondered why a person would buy 3 less expensive bags from brand X when they could have bought 1 more expensive bag from brand Y. The person buying those 3 bags may have no interest at all in the more expensive brand. Just because a brand is more expensive doesn't mean that it is better or that everyone should want that brand.

Like most people, I have my favorite brands. However, I don't care at all about the status of the brands. I just got into bags a little over a year ago. After some smart purchases and some bad purchases (sitting in the closet unused), I now know that I prefer great leather bags that complement my style and are unique. I have absolutely no interest in the bags that so many women insist are must have bags or classics that every woman should have. Why would I want a bag that so many women have when I prefer to carry something that is not recognized?

We should be glad that we have so many different choices in brands when buying bags. If we all bought the same thing, that would be pretty boring.

Most important of all - nobody should look down on others because of the brand they choose to buy.
 
#5
I see fabulous italian leather bags in Loehman's, Marshall's, and TJ Maxx. What gorgeous styles! In fact, I'm not sure where they are sold around here full retail. Most are under $200. Fine leather, fabulous workmanship, great details, strong linings. I'd rather have one of those than a recognizable brand.
 
#6
I look for quality in a bag no matter who the designer is, the less initials the better as far as I'm concerned. Some of my less expensive bags get more use and compliments than my $1k's.
 
#7
Hey guys!! It is good to know that there are people here that feel the way I feel and aren't afraid to say so. I think some people here say the things they do about less expensive bags because they are trying to follow what seems to be popular and makes them seem more as some say "upper class." They don't want to seem unfashionable or "middle class" like is a bad thing. Like the very popular girl in High School and her groupies, when she liked something they did, but as soon as she didn't they didn't. They wouldn't dare speak out and go against what she liked for fear of being seen as unpopular.

Now speaking of "middle class", what does that really mean anyway? There is nothing about me that says middle class or that I have less class then someone considered "upper class." I perfer moderate income!!!!!:tup: I am far from lower income, but not yet higher/upper income I am moderate and I have more class than alot of higher income people I know.

I make my bags, my bags don't make me. I have the same amount of class with my Coach, Dooney's and less expensive bags as I do with my LV's, Gucci's etc..

SO LADIES ROCK ALL OF YOUR BAGS WITH PRIDE BECAUSE YOUR LEVEL OF CLASS STARTS WITH YOU NOT YOUR HANDBAGS!!!!!
 
#8
I wish LV would go on sale. :girlsigh:

A bag isn't a symbol of status to me. I buy what I like whether it's a $10 bag or a $2,000 bag. I just recently brought 4 LV's in less than a month.. and a few nights ago I wore one of my favorite Aldo bags.

I don't like Coach.. mostly because EVERYONE and their mom has one and while a ton of people own LV, it's not very common around my area.. you may see a Mono Speedy or two, but that's about it. I'm sure if Coach wasn't as popular around here, I would probably own one by now.

But yeah, too me A bag isn't a status symbol AT ALL. Anyone can save their pennies and buy a purse. And I don't think A bag equals class. Look at the Spear's family, Pamela Anderson, Foxy Brown, Trina, Denise Richards.. some of the LESS than classy women of Hollywood.
 
#9
Question 1) I don't buy for status. I buy things I like and if I end up not liking them I get rid of them. If it is on sale even better.


Question 2) Sorry, but it kinda sounds like you are really trying to defend your choices and have an issue with what other think about the brands you buy. If you like the bags and brands you have bought why care what anyone else thinks? It's your money, your items and your style.
 
#11
I like so many different bags, as long as they are well made and suit my style I'll carry them. In fact one of my favorite bags was purchased for less than $15. It's a homemade tote style bag with wooden handles and it is perfect for the beach. Would anyone else recognize it? No. Does anyone else have one? No. It's unique and it's perfect.

Siggy bags not included, it's very rare that I come across a well made bag that I don't like.
 
#12
I think one aspect of the handbag is that it is a status symbol and many people do carry labels for that issue alone. While I do own L.A.M.B., Coach, and Louis bags I can honestly say that I don't think many people genuinely would find the monogram Louis Vuitton print attractive without the reputation associated.

One issue I DO have with a Dooney/"lower high end" bag is that the quality is not always quite in par with the high high end Louis Vuitton, ect. But one aspect to keep in mind is that I do think I treat my Louis with more respect due to the price I paid/price to repair.

L.A.M.B. handbags are some of the lowest quality handbags I have ever carried, however, I LOVE the designs, colors, and prints so I make the sacrifice. You can't have it all.
 
#13
I noticed this too, especially in the "bags you can't stand" thread. People were listing entire brands they couldn't stand, and I suspect most of the hate was due to the name/status of the bag, not the actual styles. Now, I can understand a leather bag lover not liking Vera Bradley, but not liking all of Coach? Just because their signature bags are popular? They have some sleek, classic designs and great leather/craftsmanship.

I'm not really a "handbag" sorta gal, but I found this forum when searching for a bag I'd seen somewhere and couldn't find. I realized I was just carrying one beat up old bag and wanted a few new classics in versatile colors, but I'm not going to shell out thousands just for a brand name or to be "in." I just purchased a leather Coach because I had one for years and it held up beautifully, and I'll pay a few hundred for quality- but not for a name.

As for snobs, you'll find 'em for every "luxury purchase," whether cars, bags, jewelry, or clothes. The list goes on. The status that comes with a name means more to some people than others, but having your own sense of style and liking something not just because it has a certain name, but because it's well-made and classic is priceless.
 
#14
Well, that was a very interesting post, but I don't think I can adequately address all the points you brought up. I'll just address the parts that resonated with me.

First off, no one brand is superior to another. That's a purely subjective view. What is important to me in a bag may not matter to other consumers, and the reverse is probably true as well. While some look down on Dooney, I've found their bags exceptionally well made. I happen to like many Coach bags as well, and it doesn't bother me that people think less of them. If I'm buying them, I will carry what I please. When someone decides to gift me with a bag, they can purchase whatever they'd like me to carry. :supacool:

It does get a little old sometimes reading comments about the "lower" brands, but I think that one should only buy a bag with her/his own style in mind. If you're buying to please others, you're only cheating yourself. Compliments from others are always nice, but as long as you are pleased with your bags, that is all that should matter.

Finally, in regards to class, I also think that is subjective. I don't really agree with the notion of class anyway, as it's not at all classy to judge people based on their income. Personally, I'd like to think that I am always classy no matter my income or social standing.
 
#15
Good thread. Interesting discussion. I personally do not have alot of money, but- I recently purchased my first 2 LV bags. I used to think the brown monogram was ugly and I didn't get why so many people bought them. However, over time, I saw my first small manhattan and the shiny brass snaps and I fell in love with it (I thought it looked kind of vintagey (is that a word?) and I always liked a modern take on vintage. And the size was right and the salesperson said it's a "ladies bag" etc. etc. Then I saw the white mc Trouville and I totally fell in love with that one and I also bought it. I admit- because it was discontinued I wanted it even more. But I really bought both of them not only because I loved them, but because I paid half price (each) at a consigment store and I knew this was my chance to own an expensive LV or 2. I cannot and would not pay full price (unless I was rich). But I wonder if I have my own form of snobbery. For me it's all about where it's made. I don't like Coach because I heard they are making it in China, (and also I am not in love with their style so that's easy). For me, If I have to spend $200-$900 for a bag, then it has to be made in Italy or France to feel worth it. France is my preference. I even do not want the same LV made in USA, it has to be France. I have a thing about France. I feel the same about Burberry trenches. I only want the one made in England. I have a thing about England too. I think it's better quality in Europe (maybe it isn't? but in my mind it is) and I feel it's more special. I also like classic vintage brand name bags (like chanel or kelly) because vintage is so one-of-a-kind and unique. I admit I don't want to carry a bag everyone else has and yet, now I own the brown monogram LV so I guess I am like everyone else. (I mean every one who likes them, real or fake, just talking about style, I just see them everywhere).

Sometimes I wonder who would I be without these luxury items that I want to decorate myself with. Sometimes I do want them to increase my status in some way...to help me feel better when I feel bad, to be part of the group, extra attention or approval, etc. etc. But in the end, a bag is just a bag...and I certainly wouldn't want a "bag" to define who I am.
 
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