Cheap Clothing, Expensive Handbags

TPF may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others

#121
I just stumbled on this thread!
I have to say that I was wondering the same. Although I wear all levels of clothing (Forever 21 and H&M for low, Madewell, BCBG, True Religion, Joe's Vince and Rag and Bone for mid/high-end contemporary and Burberry, Armani, Akris etc. for High-End) I tend to prefer higher-end bags, though I also do like contemporary such as Minkoff, Kate Spade and Coach.
For me, I don't mind if I'm toting Fendi but only wearing H&M, though I try to maintain a mix of low and high end in each outfit! I think that as long as someone isn't compromising on clothing quality to save up for high-end bags that they normally wouldn't be able to afford (AKA spending all of their money on Hermes/Celine/etc. and only buying clothes from KMart/Forever21 because otherwise they wouldn't be able to afford the bags) , than any level of clothing is fine!
 
#122
I wear a lot of Lands' End, Target, LL Bean, VSC, along with J Crew, too. Some of my best jeans are Target but I also have some Rag n Bone that I like a lot. I wear these clothes with my high-end bags no problem. I am mainly a jeans and sweater/tee shirt gal what can I say? I love expensive bags more than I do expensive clothes.
 
#123
I work with dirty, messy horses, and the practical people who ride them, so I need clothes I'm not afraid to wash. During work hours, I wear (depending on the barn I'm teaching at) pearl snap shirts from Tractor Supply Co, jeans, and well-worn cowgirl boots, or RL polos from the RL outlet, riding breeches, and tall riding boots that really are made for riding. The bag in my truck is likely a Coach these days, but has been Chanel and Versace in the past. I do go about my business in public in barn clothes, carrying a mid-plus range bag, without giving a care. On Sundays, I wear all of the high end stuff I love that is impractical during the week.
As a riding instructor, I always look professional. To the fashion conscious, in the seasons when tight pants and high boots aren't in style, I must look like a mess. lol
 
Last edited:
#124
misskris03 said:
Sorry I wasn't clear. I will buy from anywhere if the quality is good. & I know the workers are treated well. Boden, for example, manufactures in China but shows up on "ethical" lists, so am fine with that. I especially like buying from the US manufacturers because I live there & want to support my fellow workers. I am disgusted by manufacturers who produce in atrocious working conditions. The Rana Plaza disaster really brought that home for me.



Does that make sense? I don't want to sound sanctimonious, because the decision to buy second hand is also motivated by economic reasons.
Click to expand...

Thanks for clarifying. I completely agree with you and it makes me hopeful that more people will be concerned about buying only from ethical brands by hearing that you care as well. I actually design handbags that only use traditional weaves from ethnic groups in Vietnam. What ethical brands do you buy from? Would you say any of your friends buy with the same motivation?
 
#125
jadeaymanalac said:
Personally, I do own high end brand clothing like Givenchy, Dries Van Noten, Missoni, Andrea Pompilio and etc but in the same time I also own tons stuff from H&M, ASOS, ZARA, Gap, Club Monaco and Uniqlo. As much I like to spend more money on designer clothing it just not that cost effective especially if you are following the trend season. Unlike handbags, clothing don't have "staying power". I don't mind getting cheap clothing as long its well made and doesn't look cheap.
Click to expand...


Jadeaymanalac, I'm wondering what do you mean by "clothing don't have staying power"? May you please explain more? Cheers!
 
#126
I don't bother with expensive clothing. I donate it at the end of the season usually anyway. I'd rather buy cheaper clothing knowing I can throw it if it's damaged or stained.

I buy high end bags and shoes but not clothes. I get over clothes and styles so fast. I don't feel guilty when I get bored and it goes in the charity bin when it's so cheap.
 
#127
Fimpagebag said:
I wear what I like with whatever bag I choose. If I like what I see in the mirror, that's all that matters to me. I am not an actress stepping out on the stage or a celebrity pursued by paparazzi. A passing stranger's opinion does nothing to undermine either my composure or self confidence.

It's good to be old. :broom:
Click to expand...


I feel the same (though I'm only 23). How sad is it for people to judge others because they don't wear designer clothes?! I think it's hilarious, wear what you want!!
 
#130
I wear less expensive clothes, because as it was already stated here: they don't hold up that long. I prefer to wear quality clothing, but you don't I have to spend a fortune to find a good piece. I shop around at h&m, Zara, Bel&Bo, C&A, JBC etc... I wear an elegant style with nearly all basic pieces. I style it up with a designer bag and scarf, real jewelry (pearls, gold and silver, gem stones). And I dress my figure. I don't follow fashion and trends that easily. I get compliments all time for how well and nicely dressed I am.😄
 
#131
Forgot to ad:
As for shoes I wear leather, from quality brands like Clarks or Gabor, Scapa etc... I cannot justify spending so much on designer shoes. I mean, you walk in them, so they touch the streets 😄. (Eeew). To me that is throwing money on the streets, don't know how to exactly say it in English, but you'll get the idea. 😉
But that doesn't mean designer shoes don't appeal to me. The only thing I find so tacky and cheap are worn off Louboutins.... no. Just NO. 😉
 
#133
wildtussah said:
Thanks for clarifying. I completely agree with you and it makes me hopeful that more people will be concerned about buying only from ethical brands by hearing that you care as well. I actually design handbags that only use traditional weaves from ethnic groups in Vietnam. What ethical brands do you buy from? Would you say any of your friends buy with the same motivation?
Click to expand...

That's really cool that you are employing people to produce their traditional textiles for your handbags. I mostly buy second hand but I love Rag & Bone jeans & theory for suits/jackets for work. I have one friend who mostly buys secondhand as well for environmental reasons but I don't think anyone else I know cares much ;)
 
#134
LOVE this thread!

I don't spend a lot of money on clothes either. I do stick with colors that go well with my skin and hair, but I don't do the "in style" thing. I can't see my clothes when I am wearing them. Only other people can see them. I think that's why I'd rather spend most of my money on nice pocketbooks -- because I can take them off my shoulder or out of my hands, put them on my lap, and STARE at and FONDLE them. I mean, like, I'm not going to caress a blouse. But put some luscious leather near me? It will be touched and hugged and loved by my gaze!
 
#135
It irritates me to no end when i see girls with really expensive bags and cheap clothes.

i think it is all about mixing and matching different pieces to fit your lifestyle, but come on... there is a girl on YT who wears kmart clothes with her chanel bags 0_0...

i have some clothes from h&m and f21. but i am VERY selective about what i pick out from there. i have everything from Alice & Olivia and Helmut lang to H&M.

for me, i am at the stage in my life where Akris, JPG, Brunello Cucinelli- they just don't work for my lifestyle. love the clothes, just don't work for me
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top