Cheap Clothing, Expensive Handbags

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#46
I love premier handbags all the time but with clothes it's different. I like to mix and match depending on the occasion. I go with cheaper basics - camis, tanks, etc, my jeans are always high end, work clothes are probably mid range and for special occasion I go all out. I get tired of clothes easily so spending a lot on a tee shirt that I won't want in 3 months isn't practical for me. Even with an H&M outfit that costs $20 from head to toe, I can combine everything and match my $3000 bag. It's all about mixing and matching! :smile1:
 
#47
There are no 4 seasons in my country so fashion is pretty much the same whole year round. There are still dry days during the wet season, so on those days one would pretty much wear what she would during the dry season. My point is, I wear my clothes year-round, so after some time I tire of them, plus of course the wear and tear, and would want new ones. If I invest in expensive designer clothes, even if they are still good after maybe 2 or more years, I just don't want to use them anymore because I've been seen in them for quite some time already. So for me, it is not cost effective to buy expensive ones since I tire of them. But with bags it is different, if you have expensive bags (ideally should translate to good quality) they will last you a long time. And handbag styles don't change a lot so you could pretty much hold on to them for a long time. especially if you take care of them.
 
#48
So, bags and "premier" accessories (like Burberry scarves) are wealth statements that can be faked -- and often are!! Having walked around Istanbul and HK and other status-obsessed places inundated w fakes... WOW. People on this forum know bags well enough to recognize most fake LV... but one of my least favorite looks is ostentatious display of logo bag + clearly cheap clothes. I saw it so often in China and Turkey, especially with Coach "C" and LV/Burberry prints, where the bag was PU/fake but not obviously -- it makes me associate those patterns with "wannabe".

Looking at my closet, I have more designer clothes than bags -- lots of pieces that retail at $400-600 (but I almost *never* pay retail). My most expensive thing is a Burberry coat followed by a Burberry bag and for a long time I proudly carried a $50 vintage Dooney with it. My reason? Great clothes are flattering, feel better, and don't cost much more, if carefully chosen and kept for a while: you can get amazing deals when things don't sell out. For this reason, I won't wear Gap jeans -- they feel awful -- but as I write this I am rocking Paige jeans for which I paid $20 on eBay. Plus nothing from Forever 21 has lasted more than 2 weeks... but I will have my DVF dresses for years! I'm not yet 40 and I don't have enough money to even consider $1000+ designer clothing pieces just for fun. But you have to be careful about quality, and higher-end brands simply better fabric and design.... an ill fitting pair of jeans, acrylic/polyester top/dress, or pilled cotton cardigan will make everything look cheap.
 
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#49
elisian said:
So, bags and "premier" accessories (like Burberry scarves) are wealth statements that can be faked -- and often are!! Having walked around Istanbul and HK and other status-obsessed places inundated w fakes... WOW. People on this forum know bags well enough to recognize most fake LV... but one of my least favorite looks is ostentatious display of logo bag + clearly cheap clothes. I saw it so often in China and Turkey, especially with Coach "C" and LV/Burberry prints, where the bag was PU/fake but not obviously -- it makes me associate those patterns with "wannabe".

Looking at my closet, I have more designer clothes than bags -- lots of pieces that retail at $400-600 (but I almost *never* pay retail). My most expensive thing is a Burberry coat followed by a Burberry bag and for a long time I proudly carried a $50 vintage Dooney with it. My reason? Great clothes are flattering, feel better, and don't cost much more, if carefully chosen and kept for a while: you can get amazing deals when things don't sell out. For this reason, I won't wear Gap jeans -- they feel awful -- but as I write this I am rocking Paige jeans for which I paid $20 on eBay. Plus nothing from Forever 21 has lasted more than 2 weeks... but I will have my DVF dresses for years! I'm not yet 40 and I don't have enough money to even consider $1000+ designer clothing pieces just for fun. But you have to be careful about quality, and higher-end brands simply better fabric and design.... an ill fitting pair of jeans, acrylic/polyester top/dress, or pilled cotton cardigan will make everything look cheap.
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:yes::goodpost: excellent. Cheap clothes are poorly made and they look it people...no expensive bag is gonna cover this up whatever anyone says.
 
#50
I would love to wear expensive, designer clothing, but most are dry clean only and are sadly not lab/clean room friendly. I work with many chemicals and to have an accident in a garment that cost me $$$ would be such a travesty.

So I'm stuck with a small amount of designer work wear (trousers and jackets) mixed mall brands such as Uniqlo, Banana Republic, and Gap for important occasions or on the days I'm at my desk. This small amount of designer items gets used, but not as often as I'd like, but my cost per wear isn't abysmal since I had gotten most of it on clearance. I do splurge on coats and items that would last years since my intention is to have it last for years (and they aren't worn in the lab). But as far as really pretty

Some people can rock fast fashion stuff and the like with a designer bag. Look at fashion bloggers, they mix stuff all the time. One I see rarely buys designer clothing but always has expensive bags and shoes.

However, I've seen high end stuff that looks cheap on the hanger. So just because it's expensive doesn't mean it's much better than what F21 can churn out.

But if people want to judge me that I don't wear a matching designer outfit with my designer bags, then that speaks volumes on them than it does me. I wear what works for my life, and I think I look proper for the environment I work and live in.
 
#51
bakeacookie said:
I would love to wear expensive, designer clothing, but most are dry clean only and are sadly not lab/clean room friendly. I work with many chemicals and to have an accident in a garment that cost me $$$ would be such a travesty.

So I'm stuck with a small amount of designer work wear (trousers and jackets) mixed mall brands such as Uniqlo, Banana Republic, and Gap for important occasions or on the days I'm at my desk. This small amount of designer items gets used, but not as often as I'd like, but my cost per wear isn't abysmal since I had gotten most of it on clearance. I do splurge on coats and items that would last years since my intention is to have it last for years (and they aren't worn in the lab). But as far as really pretty

Some people can rock fast fashion stuff and the like with a designer bag. Look at fashion bloggers, they mix stuff all the time. One I see rarely buys designer clothing but always has expensive bags and shoes.

However, I've seen high end stuff that looks cheap on the hanger. So just because it's expensive doesn't mean it's much better than what F21 can churn out.

But if people want to judge me that I don't wear a matching designer outfit with my designer bags, then that speaks volumes on them than it does me. I wear what works for my life, and I think I look proper for the environment I work and live in.
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+1

I work in a casual, corporate office environment. I am typically in jeans and a top, sweater, etc. My style is very simple but I love my purses and jewelry and invest in those as they will last longer to me than any garment. My clothes are mainly from Express, The Limited, Macys, Banana Republic, and even Target. That's fine by me. I do have some nicer pieces, mainly dresses, but those get work like once or twice and done.

Moreover, when I travel for work, I stick to clothes I don't really care about (literally, uniform pants from Arizona from jcpenney) as there is a good chance it will get damaged due to the nature of my visits when I travel.
 
#52
Goodness, no one is suggesting that people should buy expensive clothes for the sake of it. Merely that quality clothes tend to cost a little more and that the quality should show, not the logo or the trade mark. Also, good quality clothes tend to fit better and are more comfortable in good fabrics that allow for the skin to breathe. Very cheap clothes tend to be made from synthetics , which cause static or even allergies and are unpleasant to wear. Casual clothes can be good quality, I think the everyday clothes are more important than the 'dressy' things we wear once every blue moon.
 
#53
GingerSnap527 said:
+1

I work in a casual, corporate office environment. I am typically in jeans and a top, sweater, etc. My style is very simple but I love my purses and jewelry and invest in those as they will last longer to me than any garment. My clothes are mainly from Express, The Limited, Macys, Banana Republic, and even Target. That's fine by me. I do have some nicer pieces, mainly dresses, but those get work like once or twice and done.

Moreover, when I travel for work, I stick to clothes I don't really care about (literally, uniform pants from Arizona from jcpenney) as there is a good chance it will get damaged due to the nature of my visits when I travel.
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I agree with this. It's ridiculous that people think handbags are copied but designer clothes are not?? - please go to Karama market in Dubai to see cheaply made designer fake dresses. I've seen cheap clothes that look expensive and expensive clothes that look cheap. I don't need permission to combine MY handbag that I purchased with MY money with whatsoever level of clothes I choose to wear. Whatever makes people happy.I don't get upset when I see someone looking nice with a $50 handbag and the $5000000 dress wearers will have to be okay with people who shop for way less and look fab!

the nerve! :roflmfao:
 
#54
missarewa said:
It's ridiculous that people think handbags are copied but designer clothes are not?? - please go to Karama market in Dubai to see cheaply made designer fake dresses. I've seen cheap clothes that look expensive and expensive clothes that look cheap. I don't need permission to combine MY handbag that I purchased with MY money with whatsoever level of clothes I choose to wear. Whatever makes people happy.I don't get upset when I see someone looking nice with a $50 handbag and the $5000000 dress wearers will have to be okay with people who shop for way less and look fab!

the nerve! :roflmfao:
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Of course you don't need permission to do whatever you like! We're discussing here how best to spend our own money and we all have our own opinions.

For me: I would never, never wear designer clothing that's about showing the label - no Burberry t-shirts for me. That market you mention offers the fake label and classic design (so but not the quality of clothes. Ostentation is so obvious fake that it ironically sometimes looks cheap!

bakeacookie said:
But if people want to judge me that I don't wear a matching designer outfit with my designer bags, then that speaks volumes on them than it does me. I wear what works for my life, and I think I look proper for the environment I work and live in.
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OMG, you should never be wearing designer threads around abrasive chemicals. No one's judging you for that!
 
#56
I love bags because I love bags. I have no higher love of fashion. I'm also allergic to many natural fibers including wool, so cheaper synthetics work great for me. I do volunteer work most of the week. Cheap clothes are appropriate for that because it's a physical job. All this aside, I don't feel like I owe an explanation to anyone necessarily. I spend my money how I wish.

I invest in nice bags, shoes, and jewelry because those items last longer for me and thus are worth a greater investment.
 
#57
LuvDesignerBags said:
There have been many threads on fake bags and why people buy them. But what about buying really expensive bag that are highly quality but not doing the same for your clothing. An example I love watching youtube videos, thats how i unwind. I have noticed that alot people buy expensive bags like chanel, and hermes but they buy 95% of there clothing from forever21, target, and h&m. I dont just observe this online but also in real life. Why put so much money into your handbags but not at least have nice quality clothes? I am not saying you have to be buying strictly high end designers for clothing. Whats wrong with something that cost a little bit more in a person wardrobe. To me its like raving about the quality of designer bags but saying it doesn't matter about clothes. I am not saying I buy the most expensive clothing but it just doesn't seem to connect. I wonder if I am missing something. Is it better to buy cheaper?
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I think one of the most honest reasons is because our bodies change a lot more than we like to admit. I may buy a nice blouse or something but if I gain or lose weight, now I can't wear it anymore, or it doesn't fit the same. With handbags, they never change and can always look good, so people invest. I think the same about shoes and jewelry too. Its because no matter how fat I get, my handbag will always look good on me, always fit right and I don't have to worry so much about it getting messed up.
 
#58
snsaundersva said:
I think one of the most honest reasons is because our bodies change a lot more than we like to admit. I may buy a nice blouse or something but if I gain or lose weight, now I can't wear it anymore, or it doesn't fit the same. With handbags, they never change and can always look good, so people invest. I think the same about shoes and jewelry too. Its because no matter how fat I get, my handbag will always look good on me, always fit right and I don't have to worry so much about it getting messed up.
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This. Lol. Not going to lie, if I had bought expensive clothing instead of bags I would be quite sad as I am not the size I was when I started buying bags. I put my money in things that will always fit.

I do know of people who have bought expensive clothing; designer blouses, dresses, everything. They no longer wear the clothing due to size or fit, or simply because tastes in clothing changes a whole lot faster than change in a bag.
 
#59
LuvDesignerBags said:
There have been many threads on fake bags and why people buy them. But what about buying really expensive bag that are highly quality but not doing the same for your clothing. An example I love watching youtube videos, thats how i unwind. I have noticed that alot people buy expensive bags like chanel, and hermes but they buy 95% of there clothing from forever21, target, and h&m. I dont just observe this online but also in real life. Why put so much money into your handbags but not at least have nice quality clothes? I am not saying you have to be buying strictly high end designers for clothing. Whats wrong with something that cost a little bit more in a person wardrobe. To me its like raving about the quality of designer bags but saying it doesn't matter about clothes. I am not saying I buy the most expensive clothing but it just doesn't seem to connect. I wonder if I am missing something. Is it better to buy cheaper?
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I'm a guy. My bags (I have a ridiculously large collection for a guy) and accessories are all Louis Vuitton, with 2 pradas a balenciaga and a bottega

My dress shoes are mainly ferragamo
My casual sneakers are balenciaga, LV, but also wear y-3 and nike

As for my clothes, I have a few fendi moschino and Versace shirts but for the most part its Ralph Lauren, Lacoste, zara, h&m etc.

To be honest I have a pair of gucci jeans. I don't see much of a difference in quality between those and my zara or even gap jeans. I don't think that labeled clothes are necessarily much nicer than non labels. But bags differ greatly. Also I know the value of my bags isn't going anywhere, but used shirts and pants don't really hold their value.

I guess I just enjoy carrying a beautiful luxury bag with basic nice fitting clothes. That's when I think I look best ;)

I used to like burberry clothing but for the price, the quality does not justify the price (unless it's 50% off)
 
#60
Bottom line- I think it's about how you wear your clothes and pull yourself together. I think someone could wear expensive bags and cheap clothing and look really nice- it's just how you do it. I saw a woman yesterday at a really nice mall wearing a Gucci disco bag. I could tell it was real, but at first I doubted the authenticity because she was wearing two stained sweatshirts one on top of another, a rain jacket, and an old school pair of sweatpants where they are stretchy at the bottom but loose everywhere else. It was 75 degrees out and sunny- no cloud in the sky. Also she had "I just rolled out of bed" hair, but not in a Victoria Secret way. In no way am I making fun of her, because I don't know her life or story. But, I am trying to say the way you pull yourself together, whether they are cheap clothes or not, can make someone doubt the authenticity of your bag. However, I've seen some beauty bloggers on Pinterest who look like they are wearing really expensive clothing, but when I look at the blog- it's all from h&M and target and F21.
 
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