How to dodge the "how much did that purse cost" question?

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#196
tamburger said:
Some people are asking because they are genuinely curious--not because they're trying to make you feel ashamed. And I hate hate hate when peopke say "if you have to ask... You can't afford it". For someone to call others rude for asking a question, that itself is a very arrogant remark.
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I hate that quote too! I always ask the cost of everything (at a store, not to people about their personal property). I am a CPA and am meticulous about my personal finances. I ask, not because I can't afford it, but because I don't make uninformed decisions with my money.
 
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#198
MJDaisy said:
Hi ladies--

I don't know if anyone deals with this, but I work in a small work environment with only 3-4 other people on a daily basis. Everyone I work with is very fashion aware (can't get away with "they don't know how much it costs"). I really like designer things (hence why I am on tpf!)...but every time I get a new item someone makes a comment.

Today I wore my brand new Tory Burch bag that I just purchased yesterday. My coworker said "aw that is cute, who made it" and when I said "Tory burch" she said "holy sh*t!". It makes me feel like everyone is going to think I'm getting overpaid or something (maybe I am being overly sensitive).

I work really hard though and choose to spend my money on bags whereas the people I work with may carry less expensive brands and choose to go on trips, etc. It's just hard to deal with and I feel like it's a money issue when it is the people who are employing me.

Thoughts? Stories? anyone!?
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This is why for over thirty years in my career, I don't take recognizable designer bags to work. I feel that there's a time and place for them and don't feel that it's at work as it can present major problems.

I do take my Jerome Dreyfus Billy M to work, but no one has a clue as to who that bag is made by. And back in the early 80s, when I bought my LV briefcase, I took it to work, but back then few knew who LV was so it didn't present a problem. Plus, the briefcase, brand new in Paris, cost me less than $200 back then. So,it's not like carrying around something that now costs thousands of dollars, like some people who go to work with LVs and Chanels and the other high end bags pricing out in the $1500-$3500 price range. One thing that I have noticed at work, over many years, is that the ones showing up with such high end bags are young women and ones who are usually at the bottom or near the bottom of the salary scale.

And I understand that what people spend their money on is their business. But, in the real world, there are going to be petty people who will judge an expensive handbag differently from how they judge a co-worker driving an expensive car, for example. That's life. So, if women don't want to deal with the problems that expensive bags can present at work, then leave them at home.
 
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#199
I just say politely I can't remeber but if they are curious they can always go check in stores or online.
Alot of the people who have asked about my LVs are doing it to be rude not because they are curious.
 
#201
Upstarr said:
I recently walked into an establishment with my backpack where no one knew me and I was immediately asked "how much..." My response "about 2 much 4 you" The look on their faces was priceless (no pun intended) I was an instant villain for the remainder of my visit.
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I can't imagine a stranger asking how much you paid for something.....were these young people?
 
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#202
Upstarr said:
I recently walked into an establishment with my backpack where no one knew me and I was immediately asked "how much..." My response "about 2 much 4 you" The look on their faces was priceless (no pun intended) I was an instant villain for the remainder of my visit.
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With the amount of crazies and thieves these days this is actually pretty risky. :crybaby:
 
#204
sdkitty said:
I can't imagine a stranger asking how much you paid for something.....were these young people?
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I'd guess and say 35 yrs old +. It happened in an airport on my way back from Las Vegas and previously in a waiting area of a car dealership as I got an oil change. When I see someone flexing something nice I simply smile, head nod and say "nice" and keep it moving. I'll do my research later on what I saw if I'm that curious, but I'll never quiz anyone on the $$$. That's ill advised nasty work!
 
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#205
I can’t even fathom someone asking me how much something costs. But then, I don’t tend to get people questioning me on my personal business. I’m friendly but definitely have a “don’t overstep my boundaries” air about me. :lol:

Why is there even a question on this? Meet the rudeness directly. With a cool smile say “I don’t answer rude or nosy questions.” And then happily keep on with your day.
 
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#206
Sparkletastic said:
I can’t even fathom someone asking me how much something costs. But then, I don’t tend to get people questioning me on my personal business. I’m friendly but definitely have a “don’t overstep my boundaries” air about me. :lol:

Why is there even a question on this? Meet the rudeness directly. With a cool smile say “I don’t answer rude or nosy questions.” And then happily keep on with your day.
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same here....I don't think even my close friends or my sister ask how much stuff costs. If I get a bargain, I might volunteer the price. I could maybe see if someone was asking about something like salon services and they were looking for a new place to go, it wouldn't be unreasonable to ask about the charges.
 
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#207
If it’s my best friends, I will tell them the actual cost because they don’t judge me as they too love bags. If it’s a stranger, I would like to tell them it was a pretty penny. Lol.
 
#210
You don’t have to answer any question. I’ve adopted three responses for none-of-your-beeswax situations:

Nosy Nellie: “How much did you pay for your bag/bracelet/shoes/husband?”

Me to friend:”Thanks I like yours too.”
Me to acquaintance: “Funny you should ask. I was just talking to a friend about her research on the influence of Instagram on meat space social interactions.”
Me to stranger: (Walk away)
 
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