Style Forum member's H experience...

[ouija board]

Exactly. I could not have said it better.

Clint, welcome to the Purse Forum

Clint,

It's not really hard to understand if you really think about it. It doesn't matter what the object is that's being talked about. For instance I really got into fly fishing. One thing lead to another and I eventually got myself a very expensive custom made bamboo rod from a well known rod maker. To me it was the Holy Grail. It was a work of art, the best of the best in materials and craftsmanship. I certainly had bragging rights in the circle of those who knew rods and every time I went out with it it seemed my day was that much more pleasant. It also marked a specific point in my career and getting it was an act of sheer indulgence and a complete waste of several thousand dollars in the eyes of most people. I didn't care what people thought about it. All I cared about was the fact that I had it and I felt good about my decision.

Sound familiar Clint?

These are the typical reasons people give for buying their respective poison whatever it may be. Parts of the decision are rational, other parts are esoteric in nature or could be based on an emotional attraction or a feeling. Most of the time it's all of the above.

In the end it doesn't really matter to me what anyone buys. What matters is whether or not they are honest with themselves and others as to why they bought it.

 

[Jadeite]

*******f - i love that you here struggling to figure out why any of woman would buy an expensive handbag.

LOL. you know, many tpfers here struggle with the same thinking. the OMG moments thread is an example. the price tag of an Hermes bag is stupendous to a good many of us here, yet for some compelling, unknown, magnetic reason (well, we actually lose reason when it comes to H i think , we're happy to slide down that slippery Orange road.

beats me, really. But i love it anyway.

 

[allanrvj]

Clint,

It's not really hard to understand if you really think about it. It doesn't matter what the object is that's being talked about. For instance I really got into fly fishing. One thing lead to another and I eventually got myself a very expensive custom made bamboo rod from a well known rod maker. To me it was the Holy Grail. It was a work of art, the best of the best in materials and craftsmanship. I certainly had bragging rights in the circle of those who knew rods and every time I went out with it it seemed my day was that much more pleasant. It also marked a specific point in my career and getting it was an act of sheer indulgence and a complete waste of several thousand dollars in the eyes of most people. I didn't care what people thought about it. All I cared about was the fact that I had it and I felt good about my decision.

Sound familiar Clint?

These are the typical reasons people give for buying their respective poison whatever it may be. Parts of the decision are rational, other parts are esoteric in nature or could be based on an emotional attraction or a feeling. Most of the time it's all of the above.

In the end it doesn't really matter to me what anyone buys. What matters is whether or not they are honest with themselves and others as to why they bought it.

I your post.

 

[Bartolomeu]

Veni Vidi Vici. It is the challenge of the conquest, expecially of Birkin and Kelly, which makes the acquisition sweeter and climactic. just a quick note.

Yes the "serotonin hit" is strong. We're all susceptible to compulsion that can be fed by acquiring bags, watches, shoes, what-have-you. It's important to realize that too, as it's a topic that is often NOT discussed on the forums. The online fuels our compulsions, and helps us justify it, but as soon as the serotonin wears off, some of us are like heroin addicts looking for the next "fix."

I've been rather susceptible to such compulsions, be it acquiring "things," online gaming, or other "activities" which are not properly discussed in public. Over the years, I've found the fellow forumites are often in similar situations. It's the side of this discussion no one really wants to have, but I understand why.

 

[Notorious Pink]

I just wanted to add that, for me, it is a combination for factors - such as quality, design and value - but also that I am a creature of habit style-wise and tend to stick to the same designs and designers. It is very much quality over quantity, and on a regular basis I get rid of the things that I do not wear or use. I have found what works for me (dresses, nautical looks) and what does not (blue jeans) and I tend to stick with that, pretty much every day.

The Hermes designs mesh well with my aesthetic and I like not having to really think about putting an outfit together (throw on a dress, add a scarf...), or whether something will go with everything else, and still I am really put together and happy with the way I look when I run out the door. And the quality means that the leather goods will be there for me, ready to grab on the way out, always looking as good as new.

 

[WingNut]

Thank you for your observations, I completely understand the rational of resale value and I appreciate that the second hand market must be vibrant for this type of bag.

I know that there will be (many) people who love the stuff that brands such as H produce. I wouldn't be truthful if I were to say that I don't have "favourite" brands for my clothing and footwear.

But are bags such as these bought entirely for their quality? You and other's suggest that not in every case. But I can imagine for someone to be "rocking" a $10k bag and for them to know other people know how expensive it is must give a thrill to at least a some.

I do understand that there are people (such as you, baggrl, et. al) who purchase the stuff because of what you know you'll get (very high quality merchandise). However, for pure utility and uniqueness, there must be other (cheaper) alternatives.

On a less serious notes, do people actually sell these very expensive bags once they have purchased them? I thought H would make every buyer sign some contract not to have the bag leave their sight at ANY point (as they now supply Birkin Bag shower caps) until they "shuffled off this mortal coil".

Back to serious, aren't you people afraid that someone will attempt to steal your bags. Usually, a man can walk around in a $10k suit and not have anyone really bat an eyelid (most wouldn't have a clue). However, with the publicity that these bags bring, you may have people recognise what you're "wearing".

I'm honestly curious. I have no dog in this fight (other than to learn something new).

Cheers

Clint

Hey Clintf,

I'm going to chime in as well to some of your points...some may have already done so but I haven't read beyond your post. Keep in mind I can only definitively speak for myself here ..others may (or may not) share my views.

Many moons ago, I would spend 1/10 of the price of an H bag on a <insert brand name here> bag of my choosing. Within a year, it would usually be either torn or scuffed or I'd be tired of it. For whatever reason I'd want another one and the original one would go up on ebay and be sold for a very low price. Do this 1-2x a year (trust me, I am NOT easy on my bags!!!) and in a few years you can see where spending more $$ on ONE bag that can take it with style makes just as much financial sense. So you get the cost-per-wear out if it. Could I get one bespoke of exactly the same quality? I guess so, but I don't know of anyone who would do it and the time and effort of going through that can also be costly (time=$). I've acquired quite a few bespoke suits, and jackets and pants separates over the last 2 years and the number of repeat trips to get it right can be rather annoying (they're just not good with female bodies, I guess ).

So I carry my Hermes bags, the few that remain (more on that...) every day. I carry my shoes, food (separated, of course!), water bottles, files, the occasional (cleaned) car tool or part, scarves, whathaveyou and it all just fits in there and the handles aren't stretched, the bag isn't scuffed, and it still looks appropriate with business attire. Right now my primary one is a Box bag (I can hear the gasps of shock now)...2 years and counting and it hasn't yet needed to go to the spa.

Getting to your resale point, I realized I had more than I needed, so I unloaded a few. Suffice it to say it worked out well for both parties, primarily because despite some use, the bags were in excellent shape. So yes, they DO retain their value.

And finally, about the "recognition" that one "has arrived" and that carrying such a bag can induce glares of envy from passers-by. This is NOT why I buy Hermes, or any other product. It is because I derive pleasure from it. For an analogy, I don't race sports cars because it makes others envious (although if I compete well, a nice side effect is then they are jealous and hire me to coach them ), I do it because it pleases me...it is the same, get it? We all derive pleasure from different things, and no one can really judge whether it is appropriate for anyone but themselves.

I am actually somewhat uncomfortable when people recognize my bags, and I live in an area where people think Coach is the ultimate holy grail. I don't want people to know how much I spend, and I won't discuss it.

So yes, believe it or not, it is about the quality for me...as it is with other brands (I'm not stuck on only H you see) such as Bottega Veneta, etc. Should the quality drop to a level that dissatisfies me or one too many Kardashian sisters flouts her H again, I could go elsewhere.

So hopefully this sheds some light on some of your questions.

 

[WingNut]

Clint,

It's not really hard to understand if you really think about it. It doesn't matter what the object is that's being talked about. For instance I really got into fly fishing. One thing lead to another and I eventually got myself a very expensive custom made bamboo rod from a well known rod maker. To me it was the Holy Grail. It was a work of art, the best of the best in materials and craftsmanship. I certainly had bragging rights in the circle of those who knew rods and every time I went out with it it seemed my day was that much more pleasant. It also marked a specific point in my career and getting it was an act of sheer indulgence and a complete waste of several thousand dollars in the eyes of most people. I didn't care what people thought about it. All I cared about was the fact that I had it and I felt good about my decision.

Sound familiar Clint?

These are the typical reasons people give for buying their respective poison whatever it may be. Parts of the decision are rational, other parts are esoteric in nature or could be based on an emotional attraction or a feeling. Most of the time it's all of the above.

In the end it doesn't really matter to me what anyone buys. What matters is whether or not they are honest with themselves and others as to why they bought it.

This. Welcome

 

[Clintonf]

Hey Clintf,

I'm going to chime in as well to some of your points...some may have already done so but I haven't read beyond your post. Keep in mind I can only definitively speak for myself here ..others may (or may not) share my views.

Many moons ago, I would spend 1/10 of the price of an H bag on a <insert brand name here> bag of my choosing. Within a year, it would usually be either torn or scuffed or I'd be tired of it. For whatever reason I'd want another one and the original one would go up on ebay and be sold for a very low price. Do this 1-2x a year (trust me, I am NOT easy on my bags!!!) and in a few years you can see where spending more $$ on ONE bag that can take it with style makes just as much financial sense. So you get the cost-per-wear out if it. Could I get one bespoke of exactly the same quality? I guess so, but I don't know of anyone who would do it and the time and effort of going through that can also be costly (time=$). I've acquired quite a few bespoke suits, and jackets and pants separates over the last 2 years and the number of repeat trips to get it right can be rather annoying (they're just not good with female bodies, I guess ).

So I carry my Hermes bags, the few that remain (more on that...) every day. I carry my shoes, food (separated, of course!), water bottles, files, the occasional (cleaned) car tool or part, scarves, whathaveyou and it all just fits in there and the handles aren't stretched, the bag isn't scuffed, and it still looks appropriate with business attire. Right now my primary one is a Box bag (I can hear the gasps of shock now)...2 years and counting and it hasn't yet needed to go to the spa.

Getting to your resale point, I realized I had more than I needed, so I unloaded a few. Suffice it to say it worked out well for both parties, primarily because despite some use, the bags were in excellent shape. So yes, they DO retain their value.

And finally, about the "recognition" that one "has arrived" and that carrying such a bag can induce glares of envy from passers-by. This is NOT why I buy Hermes, or any other product. It is because I derive pleasure from it. For an analogy, I don't race sports cars because it makes others envious (although if I compete well, a nice side effect is then they are jealous and hire me to coach them ), I do it because it pleases me...it is the same, get it? We all derive pleasure from different things, and no one can really judge whether it is appropriate for anyone but themselves.

I am actually somewhat uncomfortable when people recognize my bags, and I live in an area where people think Coach is the ultimate holy grail. I don't want people to know how much I spend, and I won't discuss it.

So yes, believe it or not, it is about the quality for me...as it is with other brands (I'm not stuck on only H you see) such as Bottega Veneta, etc. Should the quality drop to a level that dissatisfies me or one too many Kardashian sisters flouts her H again, I could go elsewhere.

So hopefully this sheds some light on some of your questions.

Thanks for the explanation, I think that I may have caused some contention with my questions. I am not really expecting anyone to defend their purchasing rational. I just found it difficult to believe that the ONLY reason people purchased such an expensive item was for the perceived quality.

Please understand that I am no different with my purchases. I do look for quality and that's always been something that I wanted. But I do get your point about having to "find" someone suitable to commission any bespoke work you have done.

Therefore, I will retreat from my computer and let this thread take another possible course.

It's nice to know that people feel passionately about their clothing and accessories.

Thanks

Clint

 

[doloresmia]

Thanks for the explanation, I think that I may have caused some contention with my questions. I am not really expecting anyone to defend their purchasing rational. I just found it difficult to believe that the ONLY reason people purchased such an expensive item was for the perceived quality.

Please understand that I am no different with my purchases. I do look for quality and that's always been something that I wanted. But I do get your point about having to "find" someone suitable to commission any bespoke work you have done.

Therefore, I will retreat from my computer and let this thread take another possible course.

It's nice to know that people feel passionately about their clothing and accessories.

Thanks

Clint

Clint, i don't think you have created contention with your questions. the responses seem like people are trying to thoughtfully answer your equally thoughtful questions.... and most responses do agree with your hypothesis that quality is not the only reason we purchase whatever it is we choose to purchase for little or lots of money.

 

[Notorious Pink]

You've been a pleasure to read, Clint - vey refreshing, I did not sense any contention at all.

 

[WingNut]

Clint, i don't think you have created contention with your questions. the responses seem like people are trying to thoughtfully answer your equally thoughtful questions.... and most responses do agree with your hypothesis that quality is not the only reason we purchase whatever it is we choose to purchase for little or lots of money.

Yes, absolutely. Hopefully I didn't convey that I perceived any contention on your (Clint's) part..I was really just answering your questions. And I wanted to see myself type. A lot .

Maybe you're just not used to people actually answering your questions over at SF ?

 

[Ammietwist]

There are those of us who purchase goods without regard to showing they have arrived. I own a kelly because its a practical handbag with the shoulder strap, I like the design and literally there was no other bag out that I was remotely moved to spend any amount of money on. Frankly, I wish there was something cheaper than Hermes I liked. I would not spend $8K+ hard earned dollars to impress others or showcase alleged status, because I havent "arrived" yet. The thought that the kelly, birkin or any other designer good is purchased to merely showboat for others is a generalization.

I have no problem agreeing with your first sentence because I certainly couldn't care less about what others think regarding the bag I'm carrying on my shoulder...BUT...there's still no getting around the fact that certain luxury and/or status items say something by their very nature if they're remotely recognizable. The fashionistas, snobs, fashion police, fashion mags, Hermes' marketers...or whatever/whomever have decided that the Birkin and Kelly are "the" bags to show you've arrived. It's not the Massai, it's not the Lindy, and it's not even the Bolide. I carry an LV that I adore, and I'm aware that those who know the line will consider what it cost while others may assume it's a fake. That's just part and parcel of carrying a lux/status brand. Of course right now I carry over $2,000 worth of Hermes accessories in a $70 Tignanello bag.

 

[Clintonf]

Hi all, maybe I've chosen the wrong word in "contention". I just wanted to clarify my position, which is that I am not judging anyone here on what they choose to spend their money on or what they value. To do so would be hypocritial for me.

My interpretation of some of the answers to my questions was that I didn't understand why someone would spend a lot of money on a bag. That wasn't really my question. I personally couldn't justify it. However, if I was in a very good financial position, then I doubt that I would give a high value purchase such as a bag a second thought.

What I will say to all the people in this thread, that you've been all good sports and taken most of the comments in the vein that they were meant.

To me it shows that you lot appear to be a thoughtful, insightful and intelligent lot. This does include some of my "brethen" from SF.

Now, don't get me wrong, I am NOT a creep/bootlicker. I have very strong opinions. However, the written word is very difficult to use to convey a plethora of thought processes and I am not a skilled writer. Therefore, I ask questions (often silly) so that I may learn more.

But I have enjoyed myself here. I will create a few more posts/threads once I have something that I feel may be worthy of comment.

Once again thank you all. I'm not going to say that I won't comment again, because I probably will .

Clint

P.S. What would people consider a good "mid range" brand for men's wallets? Or is this the wrong place to be asking this question?

 

[mistikat]

*******f, have you considered Valextra or Bottega for wallets? Or perhaps Delvaux?

 

[Clintonf]

...Maybe you're just not used to people actually answering your questions over at SF ?

Funny you should say that. I guess that I only try and comment on things that I have some idea about or something that I want to know.

But I have been ignored in the past. Maybe I'm a little too serious in my observations. Or maybe I've just asked stupid questions .

Cheers