Ever since I saved for and purchased my Speedy 25 at the tender age of 17, my approach to all spending has been only to buy high-quality things that will last. I have no real interest in the labels on the inside of my clothes. I buy high-quality, long lasting clothes and shoes (I'm probably far too practical for my age when it comes to this!), and I find to fulfil these objectives it mostly doesn't actually equate to things being designer. I hate buying things that wear out before I can decide I'm done with them. I definitely like to get my money's worth from everything I purchase! The only exception to this is that I like to buy designer jeans, but again, I find these just last and last for several years. I live in jeans, and I think great jeans make a huge difference to my outfits. You also just can't beat the fit of well-made denim! All my bag purchases are based on the fact I can see myself wearing and enjoying it for years to come - not what is the latest 'it' bag is. I am finding myself drawn to designer shoes of late (Louboutins particularly), although I can't bring myself to actually purchase because I feel like in just a few short years the styles/designs will be over. And of course, shoes will simply wear out even if the design is still in style.
Bags were my 'thing' for the last 6/7 years ago, but now I am really getting in jewellery in a big way! When I say jewellery, I mean diamonds, because I know these will literally last forever. This appeals to me with my obsession with quality and longevity! There are a few designer items that I like - i.e. the Cartier Love and a Rolex, but I mostly have no interest in buying branded jewellery.
I am only in my early 20s and know I am far too old for my time! Sometimes I do actually wish I could be a little more frivolous like my friends are, but maybe this will come down the road when I am in the financial position to be so. I can afford to buy the things I like and want right now, but I have to plan my money and can't afford to spend on whims. Overall I think I probably have a good balance, but I know my friends think I'm nuts to drop so much money on certain things at this time of my life when they can buy 10 things for the money I spend on 1 thing!