How much money do you have before buying a $2000 bag?

[DeepConvNet]

I think that your question is pertinent for all of us tPFs, and that all those who replied so far, have given great input.
I live in Europe, and bags, purchases and the amount of money in your account, as well as how much is 'ok' for you to spend on a bag, remain under your discretion. It is overall not considered polite to discuss bag prices, because these discussions pull the trigger to severe judgement.
Considering what you said, I think you should analyze whether 2k are still inside your comfort zone, or not. If you have a regular income, and you have been able to save some money in the past, you could just make another 'targeted' saving plan to reach 2k. If you have already saved 2k, and the rest is fine (i.e. tuition, living costs, mortgage, bills, savings), then you can totally make your purchase. I think it is important to avoid any sort of debt because of bags or designer stuff, or even holidays. But apart from that, you can buy what you like, without regrets.
IMO your topic is pertinent because people easily judge and blame you for buying bags. Especially when you're young, and when your parents are modest, and kinda when you have to pay for everything including living costs and tuition fees. Expensive purchases are perceived as undeserved, and like if designer stuff was reserved for those who were born rich, and never needed to work hard for what they have.
But somehow, students who have tons of electronics, and a car on top of tuition fees is considered appropriate by the same people. And often, the amount spent on a computer, tablet, smartphone, camera, car insurance etc. are 2k+, but are more 'ok' than spending 2k on a bag (although a bag will last you longer).
I also know that not all rich people are comfortable about spending 2k on a bag. Even if they have lots of money, they need to think (like the modest) before buying.
I believe that you can buy bags for 2k at young ages, and while being modest or a student. To do so, my advice is to be sure and confident about your financial situation. And confident about your decision to spend 2k.
Hth
A

Thanks for your kind reminder I think people here are quiet nice, giving me good advices in very polite way.

I couldn't agree more. The reason I post is that though I'm able to buy this bag I'm not sure whether I will regret, or I'm not confident spending 2k for a bag.

Since I'm still satisfied with my mini pochette as crossbody now, I will save the money.
I really like saving money actually LOL

 

[DeepConvNet]

I always ask myself: "In ten years will I be glad I spent this money on xxx or will I regret that I didn't save it instead or use it in some other fashion?"

Well I think this question is really really hard to answer. Suppose I have choice A and B, I cannot satisfy both at the same time. Now I value A more but ten years later I might value B more, this doesn't mean I'm wrong now. Just I'm growing up and I'm getting old, I will have different thoughts and opinions, this is very natural to me

No offense, I just think this way now.

 

[lovingmybags]

Thanks I really like people talking about their experiences.

Frankly speaking, I really want to buy but I've been hesitated for nearly a year (starting from May 2015 to be precise).

First reason is that I major in computer science, and there're only several female students let alone female students carrying designer bags. For male students in my lab, they bought $300 sweaters, I never did.

The second reason I hesitated is that I dont want to be "absolutely normal people" when I am young, but I also dont want to stand out A LOT. Being too unique will make me nervous -- this may sounds very strange but I really think so.

And the third reason, of course, 2k is REALLY big deal. I just feel I would regret some day...later in my life... But I still like the bag very much. Hesitate ... hesitate... hesitate... and 8 months passed... LOL

For now, after reading many posts I really think I should save the money. I dont have to spend it for trips or other staffs because I certainly have no intention to do so. Maybe later in my life when I dont value 2k as much as I do now, I will buy my dreaming bag.

Given that you're in computers, I don't think you need to worry about being judged by the male population-lots of them have no clue when it comes to anything designer. If the female peers are easy to get along, then by all means carry the bag. I always wear things under the radar, or by contemporary designers (happened to be into Coach recently); thanks to that, I've avoided a lot of the judgments that can go around. Have to say though, the few times people commented on the few remotely recognizable stuff I have (Ferragamo pumps, one and only Burberry toggle coat, and Burberry hat and scarves), it was very uncomfortable. At the end of the day, however, sometimes you just need to wear these things with pride .

 

[Hobbsy]

Hehehe.
Can't say I disagree with most points.
And can't say I'm surprised student wants fancy bags.
I wanted fancy things as grad student. So saved for weeks to buy a new lamp. With a shade & harp.

Honestly, this entire forum is about being impressed by surface fluff.
A lot of life is about that, too.
Did I have inner strength enough to understand all this implied @ student age?
Probably not.
Do I now?
Sometimes. Until I see someone posting huge bag collections & gargantuan custom wardrobes.
Then a voice whispers I need more. To impress people.

Fortunately, having done other things mentioned by posters, I understand where voice originates.
And what I truly value. For myself.
So remain calm. And, hopefully, kind.

Op, I wish you luck with this choice.
Because it will rise over & over throughout life. Not always about bags.
And nice to know more about yourself, learn what you want to do, early as possible.

Excellent post.

 

[StopHammertime]

Possibly a little off topic, but maybe you should look into the pre loved market. I love LV and have a great job, just got promoted/a huge raise actually, but I still won't pay over $600 for a Louis Vuitton. You also mentioned you have a pochette... Which is a wonderful bag! Since you are questioning the purchase, it might be best to be happy with what you've currently got and look at the expensive bag when it's not a question in your mind anymore just my .02.

 

[forever.elise]

I think it's difficult for anyone who doesn't know you personally to give you financial advice. I am also a student. I work for the international office on campus. There, you will see MANY different nationalities wearing designer things (mostly Saudis, Koreans, Chinese, Japanese students) and some Americans.

I think everyone's personal story is quite different. I don't judge others for what they have. Different cultures lean into spending on designer things much more than others!!! We have a very diverse campus, and many students spend their "college funds" at the high end mall an hour away every weekend. Some people's stuff was a gift, for others they work, save, and buy.

I love this time of my life. I have no children, I'm engaged, on Deans List every semester, and will graduate with honors. My life wasn't always blissful, but it is now. I am defiantly that girl who uses my LV bags in class and I don't care. I'm not the only one. I love fashion, and that's what matters to me.

Those who know me personally and are my friends are happy for me and know my life. For those who judge what you should and shouldn't have, it's not up to them. It's your life, so do what makes you happy as long as you don't hurt other people.

I have surely met older people who probably think I don't need designer things, but I feel like they are putting their own opinions about how THEY should spend, on me.

Everyone's story is different. If you have been thinking about LV for an entire year and can't it off your mind, go buy it!!! I would say you took enough time to realize if you really want it, and it seems like you do! Many people out there have tons of money as a financial cushion, but they're still not happy...sometimes they never will be, no matter how much they save!

 

[DeepConvNet]

Possibly a little off topic, but maybe you should look into the pre loved market. I love LV and have a great job, just got promoted/a huge raise actually, but I still won't pay over $600 for a Louis Vuitton. You also mentioned you have a pochette... Which is a wonderful bag! Since you are questioning the purchase, it might be best to be happy with what you've currently got and look at the expensive bag when it's not a question in your mind anymore just my .02.

Thanks Yes, I have a mini pochette, I spend just few hundreds on it and think I will never regret buying it LOL

 

[babysunshine]

Thanks I really like people talking about their experiences.

Frankly speaking, I really want to buy but I've been hesitated for nearly a year (starting from May 2015 to be precise).

First reason is that I major in computer science, and there're only several female students let alone female students carrying designer bags. For male students in my lab, they bought $300 sweaters, I never did.

The second reason I hesitated is that I dont want to be "absolutely normal people" when I am young, but I also dont want to stand out A LOT. Being too unique will make me nervous -- this may sounds very strange but I really think so.

And the third reason, of course, 2k is REALLY big deal. I just feel I would regret some day...later in my life... But I still like the bag very much. Hesitate ... hesitate... hesitate... and 8 months passed... LOL

For now, after reading many posts I really think I should save the money. I dont have to spend it for trips or other staffs because I certainly have no intention to do so. Maybe later in my life when I dont value 2k as much as I do now, I will buy my dreaming bag.

Hi there, I really like your being honest that you thought to buy a 2k bag 'to show off', because that is true for me! It's not the primary or only reason, mind you, and although you'll also catch me feeling embarrassed while carrying my LV (holy grail, but oh I love it). As a student, I admire classmates' designer bags, and even set myself bag goals, I give myself around 5 years. So I feel that you can give yourself some more time, and if you really love the bag and will use it, and you can pay with your own money and not go into debt, then what the heck, just buy it. If you do, the bag will be a reminder to you to study hard and work hard. After all, earning lots of money for retirement and your family should be the long term plan, the bag? It can be a motivation of sorts. That's how I see it.

 

[forever.elise]

hi there, i really like your being honest that you thought to buy a 2k bag 'to show off', because that is true for me! It's not the primary or only reason, mind you, and although you'll also catch me feeling embarrassed while carrying my lv (holy grail, but oh i love it). As a student, i admire classmates' designer bags, and even set myself bag goals, i give myself around 5 years. So i feel that you can give yourself some more time, and if you really love the bag and will use it, and you can pay with your own money and not go into debt, then what the heck, just buy it. If you do, the bag will be a reminder to you to study hard and work hard. After all, earning lots of money for retirement and your family should be the long term plan, the bag? It can be a motivation of sorts. That's how i see it.

+1

 

[RedPlanet]

Thanks I really like people talking about their experiences.

Frankly speaking, I really want to buy but I've been hesitated for nearly a year (starting from May 2015 to be precise).

First reason is that I major in computer science, and there're only several female students let alone female students carrying designer bags. For male students in my lab, they bought $300 sweaters, I never did.

The second reason I hesitated is that I dont want to be "absolutely normal people" when I am young, but I also dont want to stand out A LOT. Being too unique will make me nervous -- this may sounds very strange but I really think so.

And the third reason, of course, 2k is REALLY big deal. I just feel I would regret some day...later in my life... But I still like the bag very much. Hesitate ... hesitate... hesitate... and 8 months passed... LOL

For now, after reading many posts I really think I should save the money. I dont have to spend it for trips or other staffs because I certainly have no intention to do so. Maybe later in my life when I dont value 2k as much as I do now, I will buy my dreaming bag.

FWIW I think you're making the right choice here. As others have pointed out, tastes do change a lot over a lifetime and not just aesthetics, but taste in how you wish to be perceived. There have definitely been times in my life when I would have fancied carrying a premier name on my arm over anonymous bags. There have also been times when I proudly carried the most inconspicuous Target or Old Navy bag I could find. You'll take pride in the way you are perceived in many different ways as your values and as your perceptions of the world change. So this might be an awfully big expenditure to take a chance on when you're this uncertain. There will always be other bags!

Also I get what you're saying with concern about how your peers will perceive you. That is what fashion is all about afterall... it's basically turning yourself into a canvas and painting it the way you think is beautiful and the way you think others will admire. There's nothing wrong with that.

I have the same concerns all the time in my profession because it is male dominated and I want others to view me "just so". I'm concerned what the men will think, how my fashion statements affect my "credibility" or how much I'm respected and taken seriously and also how the few other women will perceive me and think of me because I'm keenly aware that people gossip and it DOES matter and make a difference. My ideas about what is appropriate and what sends the right message while still differentiating me from others shifts around a lot and yours probably will too.

That is the other reason I don't run out and buy a Sac du Jour even though I would love love LOVE to carry that as my briefcase every day!

 

[BgaHolic]

A minimum of $2500 and it shouldn't phase you. Affording a bag on this forum has many different connotations. For me, affording a $2,000 bag should be pulling the cash or cc out of your wallet without any hesitation because the money for the bag plus is in the account.

 

[ryrybaby12]

I agree with having 2k cash. I also understand many of the points being made. I am a mother and in a male dominated world at work myself and I still love fashion. I carry what I want and wear classics with an edge. At work, you do have to carry yourself well and respectable but at the same time, be confident of your choices of style.

2k is a lot of money. It could be a mortgage for some people or a few car payments. Can also buy you a beautiful piece of furniture or jewelry or whatever else. You have to decide if this is really worth it. You get the bag and now what? You have fulfilled your desire, and life goes on.

I have struggled with the bag thing for a very long time, and looking through all my bags and shoes, I tend to keep classics that will last a lifetime. I do NOT buy if I stress about the money as it puts a huge damper on the enjoyment of the bag and your life quite frankly.

I think you should really take your time on whatever you decide. The one thing that is for sure is there will always be another cool bag. Good luck deciding!

 

[soramillay]

Thanks I really like people talking about their experiences.

Frankly speaking, I really want to buy but I've been hesitated for nearly a year (starting from May 2015 to be precise).

First reason is that I major in computer science, and there're only several female students let alone female students carrying designer bags. For male students in my lab, they bought $300 sweaters, I never did.

The second reason I hesitated is that I dont want to be "absolutely normal people" when I am young, but I also dont want to stand out A LOT. Being too unique will make me nervous -- this may sounds very strange but I really think so.

And the third reason, of course, 2k is REALLY big deal. I just feel I would regret some day...later in my life... But I still like the bag very much. Hesitate ... hesitate... hesitate... and 8 months passed... LOL

For now, after reading many posts I really think I should save the money. I dont have to spend it for trips or other staffs because I certainly have no intention to do so. Maybe later in my life when I dont value 2k as much as I do now, I will buy my dreaming bag.

It sounds like it is not just a whim since you have wanted this bag for almost a year. I think you should start a fund for it, same as you would save for a vacation. $150 a month and maybe a few "birthday contributions" will get you there in a year and you won't have to feel guilty.

I know people are telling you to invest the money in education and all that but you sound pretty smart (if you are going down the programming path). Plan out your finances, be responsible and you'll be fine!

 

[DeepConvNet]

A minimum of $2500 and it shouldn't phase you. Affording a bag on this forum has many different connotations. For me, affording a $2,000 bag should be pulling the cash or cc out of your wallet without any hesitation because the money for the bag plus is in the account.

I agree with having 2k cash. I also understand many of the points being made. I am a mother and in a male dominated world at work myself and I still love fashion. I carry what I want and wear classics with an edge. At work, you do have to carry yourself well and respectable but at the same time, be confident of your choices of style.

2k is a lot of money. It could be a mortgage for some people or a few car payments. Can also buy you a beautiful piece of furniture or jewelry or whatever else. You have to decide if this is really worth it. You get the bag and now what? You have fulfilled your desire, and life goes on.

I have struggled with the bag thing for a very long time, and looking through all my bags and shoes, I tend to keep classics that will last a lifetime. I do NOT buy if I stress about the money as it puts a huge damper on the enjoyment of the bag and your life quite frankly.

I think you should really take your time on whatever you decide. The one thing that is for sure is there will always be another cool bag. Good luck deciding!

It sounds like it is not just a whim since you have wanted this bag for almost a year. I think you should start a fund for it, same as you would save for a vacation. $150 a month and maybe a few "birthday contributions" will get you there in a year and you won't have to feel guilty.



I know people are telling you to invest the money in education and all that but you sound pretty smart (if you are going down the programming path). Plan out your finances, be responsible and you'll be fine!

Thank you guys! I actually have enough cash, I even have cash for a Birkin -- I'm proud of this. I really like the bag, but I never spend that much money on simply a bag. Thus this is a big decision to me.

And another concern is that people always tell themselves: enough if I could buy this bag. However I think people will never reach this "enough" status. If I buy my dreaming alma bb, I may have another goal such as Miss Dior few months later. This is unacceptable... I'm not rich enough to buy a luxury bag each term.

 

[Stephanieg218]

Enjoyed everyone's thoughts on this subject as I often have an internal debate with myself about the price of bags and making good decisions.