Honestly, I find myself laughing way too often when I’m on social media. Literally, no chill. From memes to hashtags to GIFS, to just the opinions of people. Apparently, last Monday was #NationalHandbagDay. No jokes. Like seriously. It’s banter all right but I saw a couple of people put up photos of their handbags. And when when I searched the hashtag at the time of writing this post, there were 15,737 posts on Instagram. Needless to say, it was filled with an array of designer luxury handbags.
Think Prada, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Celine, Gucci and the rest of them.
So I thought to myself “Maybe this is a good opportunity to write this post you’ve often wondered about?”
I’m not sure whether it’s the age or environment I find myself in at the moment, but those bags have begun to look appealing to me. Infact, I’ve chatted about these bags so often, the husband is a connoisseur as well. It’s so funny how now he’s the one to say “Babe, that’a a Channel Boy right; Or isn’t that the Fendi Two Jours”. Hilarious.
So I’ve often asked myself this question. To Buy or Not to Buy an Expensive Luxury Handbag?
My Frolleague totally thought so, and she’ll justify it using pretty much the reasons below. So I’m basically wondering what your thoughts are, and here are a few arguments for the pro side.
In some Posh restaurants, they provide a mini stool for your bag. I guess they agree with this opinion that such bags are investments pretty much similar to gold, and can always be re-sold. Hard to be convinced fully on this point. True there might be a market for re-sale. But unless it’s one of those special limited croc skin editions, you’re perhaps unlikely to get a great return on investment. Plus you’ll have to maintain it in totally pristine condition to be able to sell.
“The Best Things in Life are Free; the Second Best are Very Expensive”
Hello! If I’m spending thousands of pounds on a handbag, I’ll expect it to last longer. But how long is long to be honest? I know some people say you could totally hand it down to generations yet unborn. But I’ve also seen people with pretty worn out luxury bags that I’m pretty sure the next generation are likely to reject. Plus I had a pretty bad experience where I bought a pair of branded shoes that I was told will last ‘forever’ and the sole still came off rather quickly. We can blame that on my walking habits, but I’ve digressed. To spend £3000 on a bag which lasts me 20 years. Or £30 on a bag which lasts a year. In 20 years of buying such latter kind of bags I’ll have spent just £600. Hmmmm.
“Handbags Speak Louder than Words”
On this, I read a pretty hilarious article once (hilarious, because although they sounded serious, I refused to believe that they could be). Basically they opined that in some office environments if you don’t have such luxury handbag, you’ll be perceived as undeserving of a raise or a senior promotion, because you aren’t just at that level. There’s also the argument that people judge you based on external appearances first. So if you’re looking to mingle with a particular crowd, it’s worth investing in these pieces. That’s why we are often particular about the logo or the brand. If it’s Chanel, but only has the logo inside, many people won’t probably go for it. I think it’s for this reason also that quite a number of people are happy to purchase a not-original designer item.
I seem to be reaching the conclusion that it’s essentially a status thing, and then there might be an argument for quality. But I think it’s important to flag that we must continuously spend wisely and as our bank accounts permit. By all means if I have a fat bank account, I’ll probably be splurging (and find ways to rationalise it in my head). But if not, a decent handbag from a high street store should thoroughly do the job – we hope!
“It’s Not Always What You Wear, It’s How You Wear It!”
Are you a handbag person? Or more of a shoe person?
If you’re pro luxury items, what’s your reason? What are your favourite luxury brands and why! If not, do you think it’s just a matter of your account balance fattening up and then you’ll get yourself some? Or are you one of those who can’t really justify luxury items like a handbag, no matter how much you have!
Let’s talk this one through.
Love,
Kachee.. Xx
pS: Please subscribe and let’s hang on Social Media: @KacheeTee
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mide
October 11, 2016 at 23:39Very funny yet interesting post (as usual) personally, I’m more of a shoe person. It wasn’t until recently all thanks to a friend of mine, that I started looking at handbags. But I agree with you on the status thing, these days everybody wants to look classy and carrying a designer handbags is definitely one of the ways by which we can show that (I think, perhaps Linda Ikeji can shed more light?) As for me, if it’s pretty, has tendency of lasting long and not necessarily too expensive, ill take it!Portableisthenewhot.blogspo…
Tega Enai
October 12, 2016 at 08:55Like Mide said, If its pretty and has tendency of lasting long i’ll take it. I’m not all about that designers life especially now that I cannot even afford it. But if I have millions lying freely in my account then why not.When live hands you lemons, what do you do really?Tega Enai Blogxoxo
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 12, 2016 at 17:08I guess it’s all about the bank balance… We’ll get there.
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 12, 2016 at 17:06Thank you Mide! I don’t think it has to be expensive automatically means better. So yes to pretty cheap and generally good quality.
Precious
October 12, 2016 at 04:05I love good-looking handbags. But not one that will cause me thousands of dollars! I just can’t see why a human on this earth will buy a bag for an outrageous sum of money… while some kids are starving elsewhere. Maybe there’s something to it but I don’t understand that. I’m not keen on getting something from a designer either. If it is functional, pretty and pocket friendly, I’ll go for it. If it is terribly expensive, I’ll skip.PreciousCore.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 12, 2016 at 17:10I think it’s a bit tricky honestly. Even as we buy the $50 bags, some kinds are still starving. Should we buy the $1 ones instead?It’s really dicey. And pocket friendly means different things to different people. But yes, to being rational according to your pocket, at all times.
Uzoma | Don't Touch The Hair
October 12, 2016 at 08:36I’m pro luxury goods. Unfortunately, my bank account is against it at the moment. ☺
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 12, 2016 at 17:04Hahahaha. Keep the faith. It’ll be fat in no time!
Ufuoma
October 12, 2016 at 15:23Hmmm. I honestly don’t know how I feel about it. My first instinct when I have a lot of money to spare is to buy a plane ticket. I assume that luxury goods might bring a warm feeling on the inside but right now, I cannot imagine dishing out $10,000 on a purse. I guess it’s about what we place value on and that’s how we make a decision on if we want to make a purchase or not. Maybe as I grow older or have a fatter bank account but until then, its #TeamHighStreetShopper and proud!Great post, by the way. As usual.www.theufuoma.comTravel | Lifestyle | Passion
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 12, 2016 at 17:13Hahahhaa. Travel is def your passion (and an arguably better on than bags! Collect experiences, not things). It all balls down to priorities and the bank account. Thanks Hun!
@ilola
October 12, 2016 at 16:20I’m a shoe person, but in my opinion, thosands of pounds or dollars is too much to spend on a bag or shoe.As for status thing, I disagree. What I wear or carry doesn’t define me. I define what I wear or carry. The real people who are impacting lives like steve jobs (even from the dead), mark zuckerbag, warren buffet, etc… all have status (doors open for them), and they don’t spend outrageous amounts on these.Journey to Marriage 11 – Highs and Lows of courtship
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 12, 2016 at 16:29I don’t think it’s an argument that you you wear defines you in the strict sense of the word. It’s more a case of at a certain status you begin to identify with such goods or items and they don’t leave a dent in your pocket. I’m sure some of these folks buy high quality luxury pieces. For fun, I googled Priscilla Chan and I spotted a few images of her with some pretty designer bags. So I guess it depends…
Tamuno Tonye
October 12, 2016 at 16:20I’d probably buy one if I can comfortably afford it, if I have to buy the bag and then drink garri for months,no way!. For now I’d just stick to nameless, pretty and affordable bags .www.tonyeigbani.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 12, 2016 at 17:04I think being able to comfortably afford it is very key indeed.
Glowyshoes
October 12, 2016 at 18:11Hahahah i couldn’t stop laughing while reading these post.. I wish they can also provide foot stool for designer shoes when in such posh restaurants. Am a shoe girl.Would you like to follow each other on GFC?Please let me know on my blog and I will follow back as soon as possible!Glowyshoes’s blog My Facebook
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 13, 2016 at 15:33Some people are def shoe people! Ooops. i’m not sure what GFC is. But I’m happy to connect on Twitter,Instagram or Bloglovin! Thanks for stopping by.
Abby
October 13, 2016 at 06:19I def wont be drinking garri, starve myself or save for eons to buy a luxury purse. The price tag on some of those things can cause a heart attack. I mean multiple times my phone has had a near miss with the floor and my heart jumped out of my mouth.I have a cracked screen now btw 😑Well maybe when I have a really really fat bank account I might consider. But till thenhttps://uploads.disquscdn.c…
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 13, 2016 at 12:13Abby!!! This image cracked me up. Love it!!! And yeah, of course no drinking garri because of a bag.
Sky
October 13, 2016 at 11:37there’s a place for everything in life, so high-street and luxury have their lanes, i don’t knock one over the other.In things like handbags, more often than not, the more-expensive luxury ranges come in better quality, neater and superior craftsmanship and design (which the lower-end guys go on to copy), and the BIGGEST factor; branding.In consumer insights and market research, it’s been seen over and over again how consumers automatically rate product levels according to price. The costlier it is, then the better it must be, they think, whether it is true or not. This happens across industries, globally. So the higher the premium placed on a brand/product, they more people are willing to pay for it and aspire to own it.If you are asked to pay N20,000 for a Vaseline cream, you won’t, but you won’t mind paying that same amount for a La Mer or Olay Regenerist creme EVEN THOUGH the brands are the same/similar in terms of function and basic active ingredients. The difference is in some extra fancy ingredients, fragrance and packaging.Summary, those luxury goods are expensive for a reason. It is branding, status and aspiration.As for the points you mentioned, i think the quality and status are the main things. Unfortunately, in this world, if you want to belong/hobnob with/attract a certain class of circles, you might have to look the part sometimes, so, status.For me, my lifestyle and mindset is very simplistic and minimalist so i don’t usually have a strong need for a lot of stuff, expensive or cheap. Like i buy just one functional black handbag and wear it everyday for years or months until it tears, i toss it, buy another one and so on in this cycle.Because i am not yet rich as of now (loud ugly-face tears), i usually go for the cheaper ones from Balogun market or even some used ones from Vespa market. When i become rich, i’ll definitely indulge in one or two luxury ones.My justification would be that i have worked so hard/suffered/managed all my life, now that i have much more, let me treat myself and enjoy the fruits of my labor before i become too old and die.. i’ll also build my luxury home, spoil my family, travel the world, use fancy skincare products/perfumes, buy the latest camera and lenses in the market and become soft-palmed and softer spoken and say “Tdarlin” a lot.. 😀 :DKachee, my comments are getting longer than your posts, STOP MEEEE!!SNF Taking Stock: 09
Deffinatlyshaz
October 13, 2016 at 12:03I dont know think luxury clothing is of cause about maintaining status and how people will perceive you. While I also on the other hand believe in the best possible quality when buying bags. So I guess I am somewhere in between.deffinatlyshaz.co.zw
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 13, 2016 at 15:32I think I’m somewhere in between as well. To the extent that my pocket allows. Thanks for stopping by!
Bubu Green
October 15, 2016 at 01:19I can’t afford one now but if/when I can afford it, I will get one. These choices are personal. I am comfortable just wearing basic outfits and rocking good accessories. I wasn’t a bag person but recently I’m loving good handbags. Just like someone would only wear high street couture, and not care about accessories, I’d wear a pair of Jean and something nice and basic but let my handbag speak. So I’d totally get one in a heartbeat if I can also afford it in a heartbeat. If anyone frowns at it, the wise words from the wise Banky W says: “Is it your money?” Lol.www.bubusboulevard.com
eurekanaija
October 16, 2016 at 11:51My grandfather used to say he couldn’t afford to buy the same thing twice. His friends called him, “Omimijojo”, which roughly translates as someone with a lot of money. His motto was to spend N1000 like it was N1,000,000. What does this mean? My grandfather would rather save and buy a pair of high quality shoes that would last him years, than buy a cheap pair that would last a year. In our own terms, he’d rather buy a pair of Gucci leather loafers and rock them for 8 years, than buy one pair of H&M imitation leather loafers, one pair of Forever 21 sandals and one pair of River Island sneakers. The result was that he always looked expensive.It’s a principle that I want to imbibe but vanity will not let me be great. Lol. I can’t imagine wearing one pair of shoes for years. But I’ve made small steps in that direction sha. My winter boots are knee-high, high quality leather from Geox. Super expensive but I’ll use them for years. I own a Tumi laptop backpack that I’ve had since 2011 and it still looks brand new. But it also cost a lot of money. That said, I don’t believe in being a walking billboard for a designer brand. I’ve paid a pretty sum for your product, why should I help you advertise? So I gravitate towards high-quality products with discreet labelling or tags on the inside. No Michael Kors or LV for me, thank you. Lol.
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 25, 2016 at 19:22I’ve been thinking about your grandfather a lot. Lol!Truth is this is what I’d rather do. But for me, I guess I’m not so sure what tis quality. I don’t mind having very few items if they’d last. But the times I’ve actually tried to buy such they don’t really last! So that’s annoying.Lo @ why should I help you advertise. That’s funny. i guess I need to find good high quality products that are not necessarily luxury.Never heard of Geox – I’m going to check them out because I do good need winter boots. Thanks for sharing!
Carina K Jacob
October 16, 2016 at 23:00If i have the money to buy an expensive bag that I love, I would but that does not mean I will starve myself. I love bags.www.ckjacob.com