Do you wear your designer bag to work/interviews?

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#136
Vikzenne said:
To the executive ladies out there, or actually, anyone who has subordinates, be honest: what do you think of your subordinates with an equally nice/expensive or even more expensive bag than your own? And why?

And has anyone ever had the experience of being judged negatively?
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In over 20 years of professional life, I personally never judged anyone on my staff for how they dressed or what bag they carried, but I have been present when other executives did the judging. It wasn't nice and it did cost people promotions if the employee was perceived as "shallow" or "not hungry enough to work hard." And to be fair, I never judged the more "casually dressed" employees by their clothing, either. Professional demeanor and strong skills was all that mattered to me, if the employee wasn't client-facing.

Some may say "I work hard for my bags and I deserve to carry them whenever I want." That's definitely true, but your boss and the gossips in your office may have a very different attitude.

I have had the experience of being judged negatively for carrying expensive bags, and I still am in some circles. The difference is that now I'm not in a position for it to affect my career.

Hope that helps.

ETA: One memorable event was a woman who interviewed for a management position who 1. showed up in a chaffeur-driven Bentley, and 2. wore a diamond solitaire that was over 4 carats. I remember the executives who interviewed her all saying "she can't possibly want to work for a living."
 
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#137
I have carried designer bags to work and I do dress well. People notice at work. They notice my client-satisfaction ratings and results more. As they should.

I don't think about people's material possessions having any impact on their professional capabilities. My subordinates, some have nice bags, some not so much. From my perspective, as long as they dress appropriately for the office, my focus is on their performance.

I think if people are gossiping or forming judgements based on material possessions, irrespective of whether those judging are superior or subordinate, then their own professionalism is a bit questionable. Seriously, what does it matter how someone chooses to spend their own money? If your mind is on that and not on your work (even if your work is about keeping your eye on other people's work), it just sounds like something's a bit off.
 
#138
Bitten said:
I think if people are gossiping or forming judgements based on material possessions, irrespective of whether those judging are superior or subordinate, then their own professionalism is a bit questionable. Seriously, what does it matter how someone chooses to spend their own money? If your mind is on that and not on your work (even if your work is about keeping your eye on other people's work), it just sounds like something's a bit off.
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Yep, but in the real world, IT HAPPENS... see doreenjoy's post... I have seen it happen as well.

I think especially when you're new in an office it's important to take the temperature of how people dress and what they wear and try to fit in at least in the beginning. Later on if the atmosphere seems appropriate you can branch out. But you never know what kind of place you're getting into at the start.
 
#139
gotracey said:
There are several other ladies in my office who enjoy great bags. It doesn't matter if they are "designer" or funky or vintage, we just enjoy our bags and love to ooh and aah over each others bags. I could not care less about someone who may judge me on how much I do or do not spend on myself. Don't let it bother you, just enjoy what you have:okay:!!
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^ I agree although some ppl do judge...I wear my bag to work because it was the bag that I was wearing all day...
 
#140
I do, and I'm a nanny...brave me huh:upsidedown: I guess my thoughts are I worked way to hard to get these to leave them sitting in a bag at my house. I like to look at them after I have had a sippy cup thrown at me (true story!) because the milk was not warm enough, at least I got a fab bag out of it!!!:nuts:
 
#143
I wear my designers bags to work, although they're mostly on the lower-end of designer (Coach, Cole Haan, etc.). For whatever reason, I do not feel comfortable wearing my one Burberry Nova Check bag (even though it's a small one). Part of the worry is that folks will think it's fake because Burberry is not sold in my area, or that they'll just think it's a little silly. If I had a more practical, subtle high-end designer bag, (and I'm sure I eventually will), then I wouldn't feel uncomfortable carrying it.

I am lucky in that I work with mostly guys, and they don't know much about brands. They'd recognize that a bag was a nice leather one, but unless it's one of the recognizable prints like LV or Burberry or Fendi, then it would never occur to them that it might be a really pricey one.
 
#144
I do wear my designer bags to work (I'm a college professor at a well-known college)..but then again, I tend to carry less recognized brands, like Belen Echandia, Rebecca Minkoff, Ignes, Bryna Nicole, and Treesje. I have one Bal that I have never carried there yet, but wouldn't hesitate to do so. I don't however think that I would feel comfortable carrying something with logos, though -- I considered getting some small LV mono accessories (like a card case, etc.) but decided against it because I wouldn't feel comfortable carrying them. That said, it wouldn't bother me in the least to see someone else at my job carrying whatever she/he likes!
 
#145
backstageAntics said:
Yep, but in the real world, IT HAPPENS... see doreenjoy's post... I have seen it happen as well.

I think especially when you're new in an office it's important to take the temperature of how people dress and what they wear and try to fit in at least in the beginning. Later on if the atmosphere seems appropriate you can branch out. But you never know what kind of place you're getting into at the start.
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I didn't realise the focus of the thread was on starting a new position. I agree if you are starting a new job, then it's best to be very understated until you have a feel for the general office 'vibe'.

However, in my personal experience in my job, I don't tolerate gossip in my workplace, on any topic. If you're gossiping, whether about someone's bag, shoes, or their annoying 'phone voice' (or whatever), then you aren't working hard enough. End of story. And I do pick staff up on it.
 
#146
Why not? I am in banking.. you HAVE to carry a designer bag! The thing is.. do you carry your designer bag to church? I dare not.. I will only carry a very old Anya Hindmarch to put my son's water bottle and our bibles in..I am going to start a thread on this....!!
 
#150
Only you can gauge whether it is appropriate or not .... but Designer is also about style and how you want to be "defined."
Anyone see Confessions of a Shopaholic?

I would at least try to integrate them into as many everyday situations as I could and then see how you feel... ultimately the opinion you most fear is the one you have of yourself!
You are blessed with taste and treasure so enjoy them! Haters be gone!
 
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