Some people are nasty and jealous--but thankfully most folks I encounter on the streets and in stores, even at work, walk up to me and say "nice bag", or "I want one" or "I wish I could find one." These are perfect strangers to me. And as another poster mentioned, this happens even when I turn the bag toward my body, hiding it's front and brand, am in a NorthFace coat (cold in DC right now!) and sans heels, etc. I'm talking Lanvin or Ferragamo flats which most don't recognize. But that's all good, I get much love from strangers who generally ask me where I got a, b, or c. And usually, I tell them. For me, it's been the folks that I actually consider solid acquaintances or friends that make me pause and shake my head. Two female friends of mine, within a week of each other, said things to me that literally rocked me back, because I consider them solid friends. As a matter of course, i wear a B in the day time, and transfer to a clutch or other "evening"-type bag at night. And in the day, I alternate Bs according to my clothing, shoes, etc. match them with a scarf, add on some gems and viola, I'm ready to face the world. And I like a classic look so everything is understated. So, last month, right before Christmas, when I went to lunch with one of my friends, she said--"You always look like a million bucks but don't you think you spend too much on items?" I just stared at her, speechless. **What I wanted to say was "Hello, I have every retirement vehicle available, including a guaranteed pension, health care paid for in perpetuity, and own my own homes. What??!!" But I didn't say anything and just changed the subject. That got to me because I analyzed it as "does she think I'm silly or stupid--that I'm just blindly buying things or spending on credit or something?? And has she thought this the entire time we have been friends?? For Christmas, I gave her a pair of 18kt coffee bean and emerald earrings that I purchased in Colombia--that nation's two main economic trade engines--she took them, excitedly. But I felt bad. I have not seen or heard from her as yet and, as noted, this happened last month. My other friend and I were on the Hill (she used to work there-since she was 25 yrs old and had worked both the Senate and House side)--and now was quite comfortable in her new highly paid job which leverages her knowledge and contacts therein. Well, we were walking to the trolley in the underground "subway" on the Hill when she told me of some family issues she was dealing with (divorce, etc.) and then blurted out that all of the bags and most of the jewelry I have could, individually, put all three of her children through school (i.e. college). I politely smiled and said nothing but inside I was dying. I just could not believe it. I didn't know if she was trying to be funny or just making some point but it really made me ill. The notion that I was blindly spending money on something I should not be buying because it was too expensive to her was (and is) ridiculous to me. The correlation between a material item and a college education made me feel bad. I really had a moment when I asked "do my friends think I'm dumb, materialistic, or both??" To top all of this off, I had bought her a Burberry jacket and H bracelet for Christmas--which she gladly took! In any case, I have yet to see her as well since this incident. While I don't give up friendships easily, I am somewhat leery about being around either of them. What am I supposed to do--throw out my closet? And I will continue to buy what I want (that won't change) but my relationship with them may....and despite all of this I really do not believe they were being mean or malicious, but I just felt like saying, wow....you should know me by now: People then Possessions.....sheesh.....
nothing was said! so she must not have recognized it. i do know i will be going above and beyond to smile more at her.
, i really appreciate everyone validating that it was a little inappropriate. but really what struck me is how observant people are and i am not aware of it. when i am in sweatpants, a northface coat and a parchment B turned in, i figure no one is thinking twice (it isn't like i am running errands in fur and those crazy louboutins i have) 
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I agree! Someone that said something that nasty deserves to be messed with a little. When she said "Don't you know you could've purchased a car for that?" I would've smiled sweetly and said, "Of course I know that.... but I don't like buying cheap cars..." and then walked away. (NOT that I think a 40K car is "cheap" but it sounds good to say to a snitty stranger!)
