How do other people react to your love for LV?

[Louis74]

My mom has always been quite negative with regards to designer items and people who buy them. One day, I asked her what it is she would buy if money was no object... She replied a LV bag and a Hermes scarf. Huh? So, for her 70th birthday, I surprised her with both a bag and a scarf and, believe me, she did not turn them down! Now that she is one of "those people", she isn't so negative anymore!

 

[Sonmi999]

I appreciate so much all the replies on this post. It is so comforting to see people who feel the same way I do and also people who don't, because I can learn from everyone and that is awesome. I truly wish I'm able to completely stop caring about other people's judgements at some point. And I also wish a lot of strength and self-confidence to the ladies who are having an even harder time. You don't deserve that, none of us do. Some people have written about spending less money on many bags vs. spending much more money on less bags and I totally agree. Back in the day I was one of those people who never thought they would spend so much money on a bag (even though I have never given anyone the stinky eye), and now look at me... And I'm happy doing so. I'm slowly selling most of my older non-luxury bags in order to save for the bags I still want to buy, but also because they don't really make me happy anymore, and it's not even because they're not luxury items, but because my taste has changed and I don't find them very pretty anymore. I'm keeping the ones I still like, but most are going away.

 

[Purseloco]

My mom has always been quite negative with regards to designer items and people who buy them. One day, I asked her what it is she would buy if money was no object... She replied a LV bag and a Hermes scarf. Huh? So, for her 70th birthday, I surprised her with both a bag and a scarf and, believe me, she did not turn them down! Now that she is one of "those people", she isn't so negative anymore!

Great Story! I think a lot of people are like your mom. What a great person you are to buy your mom those items. I sure she treasures them.

 

[Purseloco]

Funny this topic came up, as I am kind of dealing with this right now. My husband does not agree whatsoever with my designer purchases, whether it be my Louboutins, Jimmy Choo, Valentino etc, but for some reason my LV bags are the most hated.

He thinks it brings unwanted attention when we go out, and swears that I am the only person he knows that has multiple LV - never mind his best friend's wife that carries LV all the time.

To be honest it has soured my feeling for carrying designer bags, because I don't want to deal with his feelings about it. I still have some contemporary brands, Coach (I really like the new Coach collection. He'd most likely faint if he knew that Coach now has bags that are easily $500+), Michael Kors and even Dooney & Bourke. (I actually just bought 2 Dooney bags that look just like the Alma. I'd rather have the Alma but...^see above^).

We can certainly afford to buy the bags and other designer things, so that's not the issue. I actually am contemplating selling some of my bags because it's just not worth the hassle. Sigh.

I told my husband before I married him that I like expensive things and this is not going to change so if you marry me you can't say you weren't warned, with that being said at some point when you are married you will have to just be content to be yourself and to not let other people's opinion's bother you because if you do you will compromise yourself your entire life. It takes practice ignoring others including your loved one's when they are just being insensitive and rude but with practice you can get good at it and their opinions will bother them more than it bothers you.

 

[ASL4Allie]

Reading these comments makes me sad. A lot of you stated you purchased the DE print because it's under the radar/not recognizable, or that it's carefree. Not ONE of you stated its because you simply love the DE design. I do think the DE is beautiful, but for me when I made that over $1000 purchase I want it to be something that makes my heart sing. Mono makes me feel special. I almost got DE because of all the reasons mentioned, but then I felt why am
I going to spend $$$ on a purse for others opinions? I don't want a purse to be under the radar, it should represent me. Mono print to me is the classic design (DE came first I know). If you admire mono then get it. Don't get DE because it's the next best print. DE is gorgeous and there's one I want in a particular bag style that looks better than mono in my opinion. Do not compromise. People are still going to squawk at the cost of your DE anyway and it's the same price as mono. Like I told my husband, people buy a new Mustang or gun. I've seen the price of a new cross bow at Bass Pro Shop. Why? When they could have bought a new handbag for their wives. He understood.

As for my mom, she is against all unwanted attention so much, she rarely uses the gorgeous Coach bag with matching checkbook wallet I got her. It is a navy blue patent leather messenger flap, the rest of the bag is navy blue with grey CC signature fabric print. I borrowed a few times because it's a bit smaller in design to the Pochette Metis. I received a bit of compliments on it. That one was over $300. She doesn't like strangers talking to her and asking her about it. She has NO idea about my handbags. Thus, she never even asks about it. She calls my Delightful the brown bag. Haha
As to the topic of never spending over $100-500 handbags, I have had a few tell me that as well. I replied with, " I agree! I would never spend that on a handbag because I know it's not a Louis!"
They usually smile too and it ends our conversation. I'm not including pre-loved LV. Your very first LV should make your heart sing. You should experience the SA service. Though, I will tell you, my first LV was a Cabas Piano I got from Craigslist for $375 3 yrs ago. I did my research to know the difference of real vs fake. I couldn't afford to purchase new at the boutique at the time. I LOVED that bag and from that very one had come to appreciate the workmanship! That thing was 12 yrs old and not a loose thread! I then gave away 15 of my Coach signature fabric bags as I couldn't turn back. The uncoated canvas bothered me. The wearing of the fabric and the dirt showed so easily at the corners. I did keep two because I still love Coach. I have one MK. LV is just my favorite now.

 

[absolutpink]

I haven't really had any negative comments made to me... well except for a few people who say that LV is "out", but I just ignore those comments.

My husband didn't really get it until I compared it to his love for luxury cars, golfing and expensive suits. Now he gets it!

 

[LemonDrop]

I am lucky. Hubby has no problem with my LV purchases. He knows they cost more than the average bag. But he doesn't know how much. We joke that it's best that way. But he has a garage full of toys. He is happy with his toys and I am happy with mine.

 

[leechiyong]

Some people will judge regardless of circumstance. If you aren't contributing to the downfall of the economy, asking them for money, or making them otherwise suffer because of your purchases, try not to let it get to you too much.

 

[KCeboKing]

My very first LV was from Vegas. My husband bought it for me. It is the Totally DE. Do I get comments from friends? Yes. Has my family commented? Yes. Do I care? Not in the least. I actually don't use it everyday and my sister tells me "I don't even know why you got it". I told her it is up to me when and how I use it. My games and I both agree I don't need to use it all day everyday. I have a zillion other bags so I like to use them all. Do people make comments about all my bags? You betcha.

I just tell people it's my passion, I pay my bills, and to not worry about it. Until I need to start borrowing money to pay my bills, they can suck it. I love purses and I will continue to buy them. My husband gets it and encourages me, so that is all that matters to me!

 

[rosiier]

Judging from some of the responses on here, I think it really depends on where you live to how people "react" to your obsession.

I'm thankful to live in a major city where no one really bats an eye. Seeing a Birkin or Kelly on the streets is nothing out of the ordinary. So my friends don't care. Even the ones who wouldn't pay more than $50 for a purse aren't against it haha

Personally though, if I ever had a friend or family member make snide comments or judge me on what I choose to use my money for, our relationship would be over in a flash. I'm a grown women. I have no time for petty childish behavior.

 

[Divalish]

Personally though, if I ever had a friend or family member make snide comments or judge me on what I choose to use my money for, our relationship would be over in a flash. I'm a grown women. I have no time for petty childish behavior.

Amen sister. A.FRIGGEN.MEN

 

[LemonDrop]

Judging from some of the responses on here, I think it really depends on where you live to how people "react" to your obsession.

I think there is truth to this. I have a friend who lives in a small southern state in the USA. She went to NYC and bought some Canal street LV fakes. Her friends and family harassed her so much for the trip and bringing back LV. She explained that it was fake but they still made rude comments. And not that it was a tacky fake but that who did she think she was and they wouldn't waste money. She threw the bag out. Which is for the best but still crazy how people get jealous and over a fake no less.

 

[FancyPants77]

Hi, everyone!

I'm wondering how do people close to you react to your love for luxury items in general and your love for Louis Vuitton in particular.
I'm having a bit of trouble on that matter. My boyfriend doesn't really judge me or anything, but my mother does and I don't have the guts to tell her the price of the things I buy. Most of my friends don't have a lot of money (and I also don't, I just saved a lot for my purchases) and I'm really embarrassed to go out with them wearing one of my LV handbags, especially the monogram ones -- and even with the damier ones I just keep hoping they won't notice it's LV.
Does anyone else experience this? This is annoying and embarrassing.

This is a great thread, thanks for sharing your thoughts on this topic . At the age of 5 I got my first little $5 purse that my parents had me pick out to match my favorite outfit, and that was the day a monster was created. I've been known as a handbag lover since. I'm the only person in my family who loves purses though and I find myself making sure to switch out of my fancier/noticeable LVs before visiting certain family members who are hurting a bit more from the economy. It makes me feel bad that one of my bags is a couple months rent for them and I don't want to stroll into their homes flashing designer goods. I know they won't judge me, but I don't want to be in-their-face.
I'll never forget, right after I moved out of my parents' house I visited my childhood best friend, and I had just graduated college and gotten my life started- I walked into her parents' house to visit her with my first LV monogram speedy 25 in hand. She gave me a look that could've killed. I couldn't believe it. I knew right away she was thinking I was walking in with a chip on my shoulder. As I sat down and we caught up, she started telling me how her family was hurting financially and it was the hardest time of their lives- I immediately had a moment of awareness where I realized how I changed the energy of the meetup by walking in with this bag. I tried to change the energy back by engaging in our normal sister-like conversation, but wasn't successful. She ended up insulting me very bluntly. (In short, our friendship phased out after about a year because she started changing towards me after I graduated and started building my life).
So what is a healthy level of empathy for others' financial situations AND compassion for oneself enough to enjoy what we've earned in life?-- I pondered the thought. And after much consideration, I told myself that I didn't walk into her home dripping in diamonds or with my bank account statement attached to my forehead. I genuinely enjoy handbags, as I find them an extension of my personality. I don't buy them for the latest trend. I buy them because I love the look and comfort. For this reason, I'm going to enjoy them.
That day was an eye-opener for me though. Because I genuinely care about everyone in my life, I now put as much consideration into my bag for the day as I do making plans or putting together my outfit for the day- I make a conscious effort to not insult anyone and just stay mindful of who I'm going to be seeing and where I'll be going. I find my Epi and Damier LV is very understated and I like to use them if I'm going to be around someone who's hurting a bit more financially. I'm not going to not use my good stuff, but I don't need to walk into a family members house who's truly struggling with monogram LV.
So, for me, I love handbags and that's just fine because it's an act of self compassion to be kind and generous to ourselves. At the same time, if I ever sense that I may insult or offend with my luxury items, the bolder ones just stay home that day and out come the understated LVs. But I'm going to go to the grave with a purse collection, because I've come a long way in life from that $5 purse at the age of 5 .

 

[LemonDrop]

OMG. I remember my first two coin purses. I remember being obsessed with them. And my lunch boxes for school. With my little book bag. I would love to see a thread for this. I was about 5 too but I remember how much I loved my little coin purses.

This is a great thread, thanks for sharing your thoughts on this topic . At the age of 5 I got my first little $5 purse that my parents had me pick out to match my favorite outfit, and that was the day a monster was created. I've been known as a handbag lover since. I'm the only person in my family who loves purses though and I find myself making sure to switch out of my fancier/noticeable LVs before visiting certain family members who are hurting a bit more from the economy. It makes me feel bad that one of my bags is a couple months rent for them and I don't want to stroll into their homes flashing designer goods. I know they won't judge me, but I don't want to be in-their-face.
I'll never forget, right after I moved out of my parents' house I visited my childhood best friend, and I had just graduated college and gotten my life started- I walked into her parents' house to visit her with my first LV monogram speedy 25 in hand. She gave me a look that could've killed. I couldn't believe it. I knew right away she was thinking I was walking in with a chip on my shoulder. As I sat down and we caught up, she started telling me how her family was hurting financially and it was the hardest time of their lives- I immediately had a moment of awareness where I realized how I changed the energy of the meetup by walking in with this bag. I tried to change the energy back by engaging in our normal sister-like conversation, but wasn't successful. She ended up insulting me very bluntly. (In short, our friendship phased out after about a year because she started changing towards me after I graduated and started building my life).
So what is a healthy level of empathy for others' financial situations AND compassion for oneself enough to enjoy what we've earned in life?-- I pondered the thought. And after much consideration, I told myself that I didn't walk into her home dripping in diamonds or with my bank account statement attached to my forehead. I genuinely enjoy handbags, as I find them an extension of my personality. I don't buy them for the latest trend. I buy them because I love the look and comfort. For this reason, I'm going to enjoy them.
That day was an eye-opener for me though. Because I genuinely care about everyone in my life, I now put as much consideration into my bag for the day as I do making plans or putting together my outfit for the day- I make a conscious effort to not insult anyone and just stay mindful of who I'm going to be seeing and where I'll be going. I find my Epi and Damier LV is very understated and I like to use them if I'm going to be around someone who's hurting a bit more financially. I'm not going to not use my good stuff, but I don't need to walk into a family members house who's truly struggling with monogram LV.
So, for me, I love handbags and that's just fine because it's an act of self compassion to be kind and generous to ourselves. At the same time, if I ever sense that I may insult or offend with my luxury items, the bolder ones just stay home that day and out come the understated LVs. But I'm going to go to the grave with a purse collection, because I've come a long way in life from that $5 purse at the age of 5 .

 

[FancyPants77]

OMG. I remember my first two coin purses. I remember being obsessed with them. And my lunch boxes for school. With my little book bag. I would love to see a thread for this. I was about 5 too but I remember how much I loved my little coin purses.

Right? Purse lovers aren't created, they're born . Yep, lunch boxes were just as much an accessory as purses. I think my first lunch box was My Little Pony. I felt as fabulous with it as I do now with my LV.