Perspective gained from tPF!

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#16
This is a great thread! It hit home for me because I haven't logged onto The Purse Forum for at least a year!
Back in the day, I just wanted suggestions for replacing a worn-out $25 bag. Then I started collecting. Obsession followed. My finds
didn't go into thousands but I was thinking of using cash back rewards on a Chanel 2.55. That's when I knew I had to chill.
Just stay cool. Examine the bag before buying. Take reasonable care of it. It's all good!
 
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#18
lulilu said:
LOL. Sad but true. And the posts about such perceived "flaws" are supported by numerous other members, who urge that the bag be returned for a "perfect" one. I have to quickly close out of such threads as soon as I look at the photos because I have a hard time not responding (not 100% successful) that the emperor has no clothes. IMHO perhaps that person can't really afford the bag to enjoy and use, but must be putting it on a shelf like artwork. Fair enough, but see yourself through clear eyes. I treat my things with reasonable care and they all look pretty good. But if I don't use them, what am I really spending my money on? JMHO
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Very well put! I heard horror stories - cases of people abusng the system, say they buy something on eBay, discover a hairline mark on it and file snad. It kind of ruined it for everybody, since good sellers, no longer feel comfortable going through this charade.
 
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#19
I am fussy with my bags and shoes that fall under the affordable luxury an up category. I just don't like damaging my stuff; I like using it but I don't like damaging it. For example, I probably wouldn't set a bag that wasn't saffiano or patent (thus easily wipeable) on the floor. I'm careful about what bags I carry when I wear jeans, especially dark wash ones, because I already had a color transfer issue. I wipe my shoes clean every now and then, let them air before I put them back in their box, treat suede with suede spray (for spills), choose carefully which shoes to wear in rainy weather, etc. I think that falls under the category of being mindful of my things vs being neurotic. While I do what I can to prevent damage, I am perfectly a-OK with normal wear and tear, and I don't think I'm over the top; I don't baby my things but I don't go around dunking then in puddles either. One of the main reasons I don't have vachetta or vegetable tanned leather items in anything but black is that the scratches, stains, and discolorations would drive me absolutely bonkers. Does that make sense?

Also, the more I pay for something the more mindful I am. When all my shoes and bags were inexpensive (as in about $50, tops), I was much less careful.

As for perspectives learned from tPF, I learned not to compare myself to other people because everything is relative. For some people my collection of bags and shoes is astronomical in size and cost, but for others it's laughable. Some people will always have less, and some people will always have more. Comparison is futile. But that's a lesson for life in general, no?
 
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#20
lulilu said:
LOL. Sad but true. And the posts about such perceived "flaws" are supported by numerous other members, who urge that the bag be returned for a "perfect" one. I have to quickly close out of such threads as soon as I look at the photos because I have a hard time not responding (not 100% successful) that the emperor has no clothes. IMHO perhaps that person can't really afford the bag to enjoy and use, but must be putting it on a shelf like artwork. Fair enough, but see yourself through clear eyes. I treat my things with reasonable care and they all look pretty good. But if I don't use them, what am I really spending my money on? JMHO
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I'm glad you said it because I sure think it. I often feel that people who have to have the "perfect" flawless bags either can't really afford to carry it (it's a obsessed over museum piece) or are OCD and need a hobby / job / BFF / cat to put the bag in perspective.

:lol: But, heck. I have my "little weird ways" so whatever. I'm sure I'm doing something odd too. So, I try to shake my head clear and live and let live. I, like you, jump off the post or thread and keep it moving.
 
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#21
Sparkletastic said:
I'm glad you said it because I sure think it. I often feel that people who have to have the "perfect" flawless bags either can't really afford to carry it (it's a obsessed over museum piece) or are OCD and need a hobby / job / BFF / cat to put the bag in perspective.

:lol: But, heck. I have my "little weird ways" so whatever. I'm sure I'm doing something odd too. So, I try to shake my head clear and live and let live. I, like you, jump off the post or thread and keep it moving.
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Likewise :biggrin:
 
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#22
I don't care about small flaws that aren't noticeable unless you inspect it. They are purses made out of mammal hide usually. they are going to get worn out eventually. I actually really like the patina that shows how much the item has been loved and enjoyed in the world, on lots of adventures! Our purses should be our partners in crime, not taking up our attention out in the wild, but helping us stylishly live our lives!
 
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#23
I remember being fairly new here and reading a post from a member who said she was dining at a not-very nice establishment and didn't have anywhere to place her expensive designer bag, so she threw her daughters coat on the floor and placed her bag on that. She specifically mentioned the unhygienic dirtiness of the floor and seemed to think her actions were quite reasonable and even cute. That's when I realized, some people are just crazy, lol. I mean, I would never put my Chanel classic flap on a dirty floor but I have been known to place an LV down by my feet. It's canvas, not the pure virgin skin of a unicorn!
 
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#24
madamefifi said:
I remember being fairly new here and reading a post from a member who said she was dining at a not-very nice establishment and didn't have anywhere to place her expensive designer bag, so she threw her daughters coat on the floor and placed her bag on that. She specifically mentioned the unhygienic dirtiness of the floor and seemed to think her actions were quite reasonable and even cute. That's when I realized, some people are just crazy, lol. I mean, I would never put my Chanel classic flap on a dirty floor but I have been known to place an LV down by my feet. It's canvas, not the pure virgin skin of a unicorn!
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I remember that post.

I kept wondering if her poor daughter was going to have to wear a dirty coat. Throw down your own coat if your bag is too precious!
 
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#25
madamefifi said:
I remember being fairly new here and reading a post from a member who said she was dining at a not-very nice establishment and didn't have anywhere to place her expensive designer bag, so she threw her daughters coat on the floor and placed her bag on that. She specifically mentioned the unhygienic dirtiness of the floor and seemed to think her actions were quite reasonable and even cute. That's when I realized, some people are just crazy, lol. I mean, I would never put my Chanel classic flap on a dirty floor but I have been known to place an LV down by my feet. It's canvas, not the pure virgin skin of a unicorn!
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Was the daughter going to wear the coat after that? Wouldn't it be WAY worse to button up your daughter into a coat that had lain on the dirty floor?
 
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#27
I'm definitely a buy-to-use consumer. I don't bash my bags (I don't bash any of my possessions) but I don't baby them either. They exist to serve a purpose. I don't mind that they look a little worn after a time: this is life! Let's be honest, I look a little worn and will only continue to do so :p

I have considered getting a bag hook but I haven't taken the plunge so far...
 
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#29
I have met some of the sweetest, nicest, down to earth women ( and 1 man) on tpf who happen to like Chanel, Louboutin and Hermes. I would not classify them or myself as snobby by any means. The women and man I met work for their luxurious items. I will wear one of my Birkins while shopping at Payless, H &M and Fairway without concern. I don't baby my purchases, but in general I am careful with everything I have. Last weekend my cousin stepped on top of my shoes, I didn't say my shoes are over $1,000 or even check them. The thought didn't cross my mind, but if there are people who check, thats fine.

Does this forum make me buy more bags? Probably! That is why I left the Hermes section, I found myself buying everything I wanted that I saw and liked when I know it is better for me to turn a blind eye, ignorance is bliss.

bh4me said:
I always thought that I was very particular about caring for my bags. I learned that there's some people that are even way more nuts than me...lol. I get jokingly teased by my co-workers and family. If they only knew there's this whole community, they would freak out :biggrin:

Another thing I realized is that I will always buy what I want. I don't get influenced by negative/positive comments or what many people like. But I can appreciate and respect people's choices.
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It is a great place to vent when you know you can't say anything to others because they will look at you as if you are crazy. I think there is a valid concern that if the bag is irregular it might be a fake.

lulilu said:
LOL. Sad but true. And the posts about such perceived "flaws" are supported by numerous other members, who urge that the bag be returned for a "perfect" one. I have to quickly close out of such threads as soon as I look at the photos because I have a hard time not responding (not 100% successful) that the emperor has no clothes. IMHO perhaps that person can't really afford the bag to enjoy and use, but must be putting it on a shelf like artwork. Fair enough, but see yourself through clear eyes. I treat my things with reasonable care and they all look pretty good. But if I don't use them, what am I really spending my money on? JMHO
Click to expand...

I don't want a museum either, if I don't use it, it needs to go!

madamefifi said:
I remember being fairly new here and reading a post from a member who said she was dining at a not-very nice establishment and didn't have anywhere to place her expensive designer bag, so she threw her daughters coat on the floor and placed her bag on that. She specifically mentioned the unhygienic dirtiness of the floor and seemed to think her actions were quite reasonable and even cute. That's when I realized, some people are just crazy, lol. I mean, I would never put my Chanel classic flap on a dirty floor but I have been known to place an LV down by my feet. It's canvas, not the pure virgin skin of a unicorn!
Click to expand...
This made me laugh. You are joking right? That is even extreme for tpf. Sometimes I think people write insane stories to get a reaction or faux sympathy.
 
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