What an interesting discussion - I've read every post so far. I feel like I am on the brink of becoming handbag obsessed, and it was very sobering to read through these posts.
It's weird how these things can start. I've been somewhat of a minimalist all my life - I am in my thirties now. I'd buy a few decent quality things (clothes, shoes), wear them until they wear out, and then buy new ones. I would only own 2-3 bags at a time, one regular size every day bag, and a couple smaller bags, one dressy, one more casual.
But then a few months ago, I was shopping for my new every day bag, because the old one (nice black Cole Haan satchel) was dying after a few years of daily use. I saw Brahmin at Nordstroms and fell in love. So much so that I now own 9 Brahmin bags in various sizes, shapes and colors. I got good deals on them on Ebay, and also bought a couple styles I loved from Brahmin website at full price. I am now rotating my Brahmin bags and enjoying them immensely.
Yet, while researching Brahmin I came across this forum, and I keep returning to it. I've been learning about all the high end brands, and even began to toy with an idea of purchasing a real designer bag. I do live in a very well to do area and designer bags are not at all uncommon here. Some of them really are works of art. tPF made me think that it's ok to spend thousands on a bag!
What kept me from spending that much on a bag so far?
1) My lifestyle is pretty casual. I work in a very casual environment (I am a scientist). I could probably find a few occasions to use an evening designer bag, but not every day bag.
2) I would feel very uncomfortable (even embarrassed) if somebody recognized my bag and knew how much I spent on it. I like Prada saffiano bags, but the fact that it says Prada (which everyone knows about), stops me from buying it.
3) I realize that it only costs a small fraction of the money to actually make the bag, which would probably make me feel like I've been had by fancy marketing, and stop me from enjoying the bag.
So for now I am telling myself to just stick with Brahmins I have acquired, because I love the bags, no one recognizes them, and the quality for the price is truly exceptional.
Yet the irrational temptation for a true designer bag is there, and I don't know why. Thanks to this thread though, the temptation has decreased somewhat. I will go over to the ban thread, and see if I can get it under control.
It's weird how these things can start. I've been somewhat of a minimalist all my life - I am in my thirties now. I'd buy a few decent quality things (clothes, shoes), wear them until they wear out, and then buy new ones. I would only own 2-3 bags at a time, one regular size every day bag, and a couple smaller bags, one dressy, one more casual.
But then a few months ago, I was shopping for my new every day bag, because the old one (nice black Cole Haan satchel) was dying after a few years of daily use. I saw Brahmin at Nordstroms and fell in love. So much so that I now own 9 Brahmin bags in various sizes, shapes and colors. I got good deals on them on Ebay, and also bought a couple styles I loved from Brahmin website at full price. I am now rotating my Brahmin bags and enjoying them immensely.
Yet, while researching Brahmin I came across this forum, and I keep returning to it. I've been learning about all the high end brands, and even began to toy with an idea of purchasing a real designer bag. I do live in a very well to do area and designer bags are not at all uncommon here. Some of them really are works of art. tPF made me think that it's ok to spend thousands on a bag!
What kept me from spending that much on a bag so far?
1) My lifestyle is pretty casual. I work in a very casual environment (I am a scientist). I could probably find a few occasions to use an evening designer bag, but not every day bag.
2) I would feel very uncomfortable (even embarrassed) if somebody recognized my bag and knew how much I spent on it. I like Prada saffiano bags, but the fact that it says Prada (which everyone knows about), stops me from buying it.
3) I realize that it only costs a small fraction of the money to actually make the bag, which would probably make me feel like I've been had by fancy marketing, and stop me from enjoying the bag.
So for now I am telling myself to just stick with Brahmins I have acquired, because I love the bags, no one recognizes them, and the quality for the price is truly exceptional.
Yet the irrational temptation for a true designer bag is there, and I don't know why. Thanks to this thread though, the temptation has decreased somewhat. I will go over to the ban thread, and see if I can get it under control.
A lot of people where I live would think spending 100+ on a bag is ridiculous....but purses are beautiful, what can I say? It makes me happy to have, own, and use them....and it's kind of a personal thrill to try and keep them as clean as possible while still using them! Weird, I know 
