Do you think distaste for brands like MK and Coach is rooted in fear of being "basic?

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#31
Having read the article, I don't think I could be looked upon as basic even if I tried, not because of anything I wear but because I'm Asian in a mostly Caucasian town. That said, there is the basic stereotypes for people of color or ethnic minority as well. Asians are supposed to love premiere designer bags like LV and maybe expected to like Chanel over Coach. I don't know, personally I enjoy disappearing into a crowd of Asians, its relaxing to not stand out all the time.


If anyone judges a person for appearing too basic, or too common, it means they're not looking closely enough. And also life events will step in to break that mold so that by the time you hit a certain age, everyone wears what they've lived.
 
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#34
I own everything from MK and Coach to Gucci and Fendi. I wear what I like and never once thought that I was basic. My husband and my sons would probably look at someone crazy if they called me that. In all honesty, I consider an LV Speedy to be basic. I'm not interested in having one. Not apologizing for not liking it either.

I always tell people to wear what you like and to hell with anyone who has something to say. Some of my co-workers used to think that they had to wear expensive clothes to look nice, stylish, and professional. Not so. There's a difference between style and having very expensive laundry.
 
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#35
honestly, I would say this could apply to higher end brands too, take LV for instance. PPL [who don't know better] feel as though Louis Vuitton is a way to show the world you have made it, even if it's a knock off. I think I can count as many neverfull's as I can coach siggies on the street [real or not, sometimes it's very difficult to tell the difference, especially to the untrained eye] people around me walking around like they are GIVING AWAY Louis. So spending more does not mean less "basic"

I buy Dooney & Bourke over any other brand, because I just absolutely love their brand, but I have many Gucci bags, prada, and Louis Vuitton as well. I just prefer Dooney, period. I can afford more expensive, and occassionally I buy more expensive, but I'm certainly not going to stop buying Dooney because someone feels it's too basic or I'm concerned I'm not giving off enough of a "rich" vibe. because there are plenty of "not rich" ppl with $3000 bags.

anyone who uses a brand of handbag to define themselves or others is the epitome of BASIC. I hope you have something more to bring to the table than wearing SOMEONE ELSE'S NAME on your arm. I hope ur own name moves people in some way shape or form.
 
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#38
iluvbagsnshoes said:
Interesting article and topic- I am guilty of this. I try to buy/do things that are less common, but end up wearing things similar to the "Basic Girl" a lot of the time.
This reminds me of the book "Stuff White People Like-" has anyone read it? I was embarrassed by how many topics could have been written about me... It's a funny read!
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OMG! Me too. I was given that book as a gift and it's terrifying to realize how many of the topics resonated with me. It was a good laugh.
 
#39
Mariapia said:
I can't read the article but your question is interesting.
First I don't understand the distaste for the brands you mention. They are very successful and If they are there ´s got to be a good reason.
Ladieswho carry MK or Coach purses are very happy with their bags.
I don't find them boring at all and if some won't even think of looking at them, it's for reasons of their own.
Personally I have noticed that there is always a bag I like in all brands...
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I agree![emoji106]
 
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#40
Fimpagebag said:
I think it all comes down to personal likes and dislikes. I personally loathe broccoli rabe. However, I don't make gagging noises if someone next to me is enjoying it immensely. Nor do I mount the nearest soapbox to decry how broccoli rabe is merely a blatant attempt to be mistaken for broccoli.
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Great analogy... I agree! If it's not your thing just don't buy it. Why berate it when others love it.
 
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#41
I know this is an old thread, but here goes.

In another thread about buying habits, there was an explanation that stuck with me about how we buy either to blend in or stand out. Obviously that’s going to look different depending on each person’s community and social aspirations. So as another commenter said, one person’s MK is another person’s Louis Vuitton.

Where I think some brands get labeled basic has to do with the buying bloc and bandwagon effect. Take Uggs for example. I think there are plenty of people who appreciate the craftsmanship, warmth, service, etc., and they buy Uggs because it’s the best fit for their needs/taste/climate/whatever. But then there are people who buy Uggs simply because it’s an “it” item, and these trend enthusiasts can annoy brand devotees.

I think this is what happened with MK and Coach and even LV—an item becomes so common that people wanting to stand out aren’t interested anymore. So yeah, I think that some people probably do indeed avoid Michael Kors and Coach for fear of being labeled basic.
 
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#42
Annabel Lee said:
I know this is an old thread, but here goes.

In another thread about buying habits, there was an explanation that stuck with me about how we buy either to blend in or stand out. Obviously that’s going to look different depending on each person’s community and social aspirations. So as another commenter said, one person’s MK is another person’s Louis Vuitton.

Where I think some brands get labeled basic has to do with the buying bloc and bandwagon effect. Take Uggs for example. I think there are plenty of people who appreciate the craftsmanship, warmth, service, etc., and they buy Uggs because it’s the best fit for their needs/taste/climate/whatever. But then there are people who buy Uggs simply because it’s an “it” item, and these trend enthusiasts can annoy brand devotees.

I think this is what happened with MK and Coach and even LV—an item becomes so common that people wanting to stand out aren’t interested anymore. So yeah, I think that some people probably do indeed avoid Michael Kors and Coach for fear of being labeled basic.
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:goodpost:
 
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#44
I do think that many shun these brands to avoid being seen as "basic", "entry level", "gauche", "tacky", etc.

And, other people flock to these brands because they want to be seen as "stylish", "trendy", "savvy", "boss", etc.

At the end of the day, there are a very few people who pick bags solely on quality, function and value (and many who claim they do are lying to themselves and everyone else. lol!)

The desire to buy something that fits a psychological need/desire/dream is why companies build and market brand identities v just offering generic product. And, that's great. We can all pick the brand that has the style / panache / quality / function / value combo that appeals to us.

But! To a handbagless Hades with whomever would presume to tell us to trade up or down because they think we chose our bags for the "wrong" reasons. :lol: That kooky, brainless, condescending attitude is the epitome of "basic".
 
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#45
MamaSleepy said:
With a name like Sparkletastic, you simply must be in the group who dress to stand out!
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LOL! I don't dress with a goal to stand out. I just wear what I love with a glance at what's on trend. That being said, my style is chic / glam. So, no, it's not the general US (my home country) norm. :lol: However, when I'm in professional situations, I dress to blend, blend, blend. :sunnies:
 
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