Last week I was "chatting" to one of my lovely blogging friends Leigh, and we were talking about how different our wardrobes are now, to when we were both in the corporate world.
After our conversation, I started thinking about the obscene amounts of money I used to spend on my wardrobe and bags. Just thinking about it was making my toes curl. Let me explain my frivolity :
*it was the late 80's early 90's and I had just started working
*I was young, free and single
* my love-affair (encouraged by my late mum) started with the gorgeous Louis Vuitton boutique in London (so much so that the then shop manager is still a good friend of mine!)
*my Mum used to encourage me by saying my purchases were "investments", so it was OK ;-)
*I had a boyfriend (now my husband) who indulged my passion.
*It was the decade when everyone had "cash to flash!"
my very first bag; my favorite style which is now 20+
years old
I bought 2 pieces a year! Looking back, it was obscene. I spent enough to pay off the debt of a small African state (and I'm not proud of that) :-(
my last purchase about 6+ years ago
Every time I had extra money, it wasn't put aside for a rainy day, for my first property or for my next holiday. No, it went on my next baby-a LV piece. Each new piece became my next BFF:-)
I bought big and small items; from wheelie luggage to the smallest change purse.
My wallet, Filofax and pouch (which clips into the bag above).
However, over the last 6+ years, I've fallen out with my BFF's. Apart from my smaller items I never use these bags anymore. Why?
* maybe I've become more socially conscious as I've got older, but I feel very conspicuous wearing heavily monogrammed pieces; it just feels very vulgar and ostentatious for me now
* I currently live in a country where there are 4 million unemployed; it feels really distasteful to be flaunting such frivolous items in this current climate
*One medium-size bag costs more than the average monthly salary in Spain.
*My daily wardrobe has changed since living in the "wilderness". I can be found in smart casual rather than Armani suits. Add a heavily monogrammed LV bag, and I end up looking like a gangsters moll
Don't get me wrong. I LOVE designer bags and still ask Hubs to buy me one for a special occasion. But I prefer the more discreet designs; Loewe, Mulberry, Carolina Herrera etc. Maybe I will feel differently and use them again when I move back to London. Or maybe these will just contribute to my future pension fund. However, at the moment I have fallen out of love with monogrammed bags.
What do you think? Do you love wearing monogrammed designs in particular?
Are these types of purchases really superficial?
Is it just a way of flaunting to the world that you have "cash to flash"?
I would love to hear your thoughts.
Vanessa, that was my first designer bag too! And like you, LV became my obsession but now oh you could not pay me enough money to carry that LV logo, I just loathe the type of person that goes for that ostentation/branding now, it's just instant naffness in my eyes.
ReplyDeleteI too now adore Loewe and Carolina Herrera, I dislike obvious branding. I even cringe now when I carry my Chanel 2:55.
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DeleteTabitha...that Chanel 2.55? Let me cringe for you....I have NO shame!
DeleteOh my friend, I can so relate to this post!! Pre-accident , working in the corporate world, my self-reward for closing a big deal was a new pair of heels(usually MB, JC, D&G, etc.) and of course hand bags... Chanel, Prada, LV, Gucci ... but post accident even when hubby suggests a hand bag for a gift, I' m not so easily tempted. Maybe it's because I'm no longer in corporate and can't justify the purchase (reward) or that there are so many people buying "FAUX" ones that it's lost the luxury feel, to having saved to purchase a genuine one... so I'd rather mine not be confused with a fake.
ReplyDeleteMy shoe shelves are filled with heels I should no longer wear .. but I miss them, and can't part with them.. Yet a ballet slipper or driving shoe style is much more sensible (and comfortable).
As for the handbags, I do try to use the ones I have ... living in the countryside just doesn't provide the opportunity or need for such bags on daily basis.
Wonderful post! xo HHL
Hi Celia! Maybe it's something that just comes with the wisdom of age?
DeleteYes, you are right, I think LV is the most copied design of all counterfeit items. It no longer feels special or luxurious. Thank you for popping by Sweets x
Ah those were the days, my life before, well and after kids, whilst I commuted to London everyday was pretty much the same as yours. I do still love my Monogrammed bags, I sold lots of old ones on ebay and just tend to stick with the Neverfull as the size is so useful when out shopping. Now I've talked about it I might get it out again!
ReplyDeleteWhat a brave woman you are. Despite not wanting to use them ,I don't think I could ever sell them. They are part of my history; who I was . Also many were gifts from Hubs, and I wouldn't want to sell those.
DeleteVanessa,
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I have totally changed through the years, and I never really had the money to buy a lot of pieces, but I do have some high-end designer purses (LV, Gucci, and Fendi) and I rarely carry them any more except to dinner on occasion. I just don't care about labels any more because I've realized a label does not make me who I am. However, I am still a fan of luxury travel. I also live in NC, and people wearing these bags are in the minority, and you stick out. I do prefer to be more discreet. There are some very expensive boutiques here that have $200 plus tops which I don't purchase because I have two small children, and don't want oatmeal from a little hand on my top. I don't even walk into them because that is just not my lifestyle. I spend my money on food, and travel when I travel. That is more important to me.
Hi Leigh. I think it's just something that comes with a diverse life; what excited us in our 20's no longer presses our buttons in our 40's. I call it growth ;-) Our perspective changes and that's a good thing I think xx
DeleteSo interesting, that especially after so many knock-offs were being made, some of the designer bags lost their allure. I feel badly as well when I think of how much I spent, even on sale. I loved Bally for several years!
ReplyDeleteNow even in Corporate life, it is so business casual it is unreal. Also hard to give the expensive pieces away...the Mondi, Donna Karan etc.
Xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Hi Karena-lovely to see you here. Yes, I think that's another reason LV lost it's allure-the copies. I agree with you, although they are no longer my BFF's, I still can't part from them.
DeleteI saw many, many LV bags while I was in NYC two months ago, my co-worker has one too (LV bags are not that prevalent where I live) but I've never really wanted one. I am quite satisfied with my classic Dooney & Bourke tote that I'll carry for years.
ReplyDeleteInstead I would rather spend the $$ on vacations and paying down our house LOC.
Yaaay! I get that now. It took me two decades, but I'm a slow learner ;-)
DeleteVanessa, you're too lovely to be a gangster's Moll.....but I know what you mean about the branding thing...apart from Tabitha's bag (which I would just tell people (muggers!) is a knock-off New Look Special)I don't go for the branding thing at all....but you would look gorgeous with my special SK branded Velvet & diamante collar...I'll send you one! Meow!x
ReplyDeleteLOL!! You are too sweet. Listen Sweets I,live very near Marbella, also known as the Costa del Crime, as more fugitives are housed in luxury there then perhaps anywhere else in Europe. So trust me, I could quite easily blend in as a gangsters moll ;-)
DeleteI guess I am the only person left still using LV bags! I have the same one but use it mostly when I go into the city or to meetings - it's handy for carrying everything I own :O) I have a neverfull that I use all summer - I like that it stands up and I can quickly toss things in it.
ReplyDeleteI have had my eye on a Mulberry bag for a while now! I do need something practical for toting folders, netbook etc.
Lovely to see you here Sweets. Whatever makes you happy :-) I have many friends that still use them, and many friends like me who will probably only dig one out to go and collect my pension in the hope of looking like a "money lady" ;-)
DeleteHi Vanessa! Thanks for popping by "I Dream of" all the way from Spain! We just visited your adopted country a couple months ago and had the most lovely time. I work in the fashion industry and admittedly shell out much more that the average girl on pretty things - not so much for the flash of it, but because for whatever reason I truly love the art fashion, both high and low, and because it's part of the territory of the job. I do have to say though, that I've never been much of a logo girl, I like to fly a bit beneath the radar with my choices... but I think its all a personal preference! Whatever makes you happy, and like I said, I would be the pot calling the kettle black if I judged anyone for her purchases, that's for sure!
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely weekend and thanks again for stopping by!
TYSM for popping. Lovely reading your perspective. Like you, I prefer to fly beneath the radar. Perhaps it's something that just comes with age ;-)
DeleteI happen to still like LV and just got a beautiful wallet for my birthday from my husband that I see myself carrying for many years to come. I have several pieces and carry one on most days.
ReplyDeleteLV is the only designer with a conspicuous logo that I wear. Each and every piece I own was a gift from my husband.
I don't plan on buying or asking for anymore LV things and am moving on to designers less logo-ish like Mulberry. I have been eyeing one of their black satchels. But I love LV and will continue to carry my bags and accessories until it doesn't suit me anymore. If that makes me tacky or loathsome, then tacky and loathsome I am!
Adrienne, this post is not judging or labeling anyone that likes to use monogrammed pieces. This is just a post about how I feel; no-one else.
DeleteI'm with Sulky, Tabs...if that 2.55 is soon to be orphaned I think she and I could arrange for shared custody. Think about it.
ReplyDeleteI have never been drawn to monogrammed bags but I have admired a few LVs when worn by others. With the right outfit or look they can be quite smashing. Vanessa, I hope you will keep at least one of them--you may find yourself pulling it out for use when back in England. ~~Bliss
Bliss- I plan to keep all of them as they are part of my history, and I can remember when every piece was bought. Many were gifts from my Husband, so I wouldn't ever get rid of them. xx
DeleteGood post. We were all so careless when we were younger. I am also very different now, and certainly less flashy.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.thegirlieblog.com
The problem with LV bags is that you can almost never tell whether it´s an original one or a fake. There are so many fakes walking the streets out there, and it´s such a shame, because to me, LV is the epitome of craftsmanship and quality.
ReplyDeleteI can understand your point of view, sweetie, but then again, I don´t see why you should feel bad wearing your gorgeous bags in the current economic situation. I know it´s hard for many people, but then again, you didn´t steal those bags, you bought them with your own money that you earned, so there´s nothing you should be ashamed of :) Btw, I LOVE your collection :)
Happy Monday!
xx Ivana
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Macarons and Pearls
I like LV and have three items: a wallet that also holds documents and a passport, a vintage keepall I purchased from the original owner (and looks better because it is quite worn), and a toiletry bag. I will probably add the jewelry case at some point in time.
ReplyDeleteMy take on LV is that it was originally designed as hand luggage and that's how I use it: luggage. When I see a woman carrying herself and her nice bags (LV, Hermes, Chanel) discreetly and without showiness, I'm not drawn to the bag so much as I am drawn to the overall appearance of the woman.
But when I see teenagers or older women (anyone over 21) wearing Juicy Couture sweatpants and swinging their big LV bag around to make sure EVERYONE sees, then I'm pretty turned off. I hate the LV bags that are graffiti, shocking colors, or any other trendiness. I want to carry an LV bag that my grandmother would have carried (which she wouldn't have because she didn't have that kind of money!). So maybe it is the attitude behind the carrier of the bag that we are disgusted by (or admire) more than the actual logo on the bag...
These bags are meant to be used for a lifetime: the construction is superb and their traditional bags have a timeless shape. I'm not into the trendy bags, and I didn't see too many of those when I was in Europe last fall.
So I suppose we should ask ourselves why we want/don't want to carry an LV bag in the first place? If you truly admire the construction and the logo design, then wear it well and discreetly (and dress appropriately, please). If not, happy Mulberry and Hermes to you! :-)
For me Rebekah, that's just it, I don't like the logo design anymore.Of course you can't fault the construction; I still have bags that are 20+ years old. It as you say, it's the Juicy Couture clan that have also turned me off this design. It no longer exudes luxury as it once did (for me at least) ;-)
DeleteHaving said that I have an 82 year old client here in Spain, and the other day when we met she was wearing her mink and using a small LV. She looked so elegant. So maybe I'll store them until I'm 80 ;-)
Gosh, I've been there too, from student to working girl in the fashion industry, so I still have lots of 'stuff' from sample sales and working for a brand... I also made a few investments - especially on the shoe and bag front, but I rarely take my designer bags out now... The Man & I are a quite discreet when it comes to wearing a 'brand/label'.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I find it quite hilarious that there are people that will go out of their way and budget to buy designer and flash it all about, it's very much a status thing here... but frankly I couldn't care less about that... we're also in a country which recession has hit badly too. Besides, these days I stash my cash in my pockets than carry a bag as too many people have been mugged lately here! (Guys on bikes - one drives, the other snatches).
Gotta say I do love a bit of Celine and Loewe - but the price tag is enough to give me a nose bleed, sigh!
x.o.x.o
p.s re: Kate, yeah after the coke incident I can't quite believe how she's risen to the top again...
Living in another Euorpean country that is in the grip of a recession, I knew you would "get" that aspect. It just doesn't feel right to ME. In the same way I doubt I would visit a Third World country with my LV luggage in tow.
DeleteYes, and those scooter muggings are happening here too Sweets :-(
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ReplyDeleteI find that as I've aged, my taste has changed. I tend to shy away from the easily identifiable designer logo, and am more drawn to subtle luxury. My late 90's era Chanel bag is in storage; it hasn't appealed to me in years. (It was a gift from my former husband, so that may have something to do with it!) It's black, but isn't the classic 2.55 bag; perhaps if I had chosen more wisely, both the bag and the husband would still be of use!
ReplyDeleteLOL!! Love your comments Tallulah about both bag and husband. Pity you couldn't put the ex in storage either ;-) xx
DeleteHi Vanessa!
ReplyDeleteMy style has changed over the years....your post reminded me of when I use to work. I worked in a Podiatrist office for 13 yrs and use to dress up everyday. I loved it, skirts, dresses, high heels and my favorite label to wear was Liz Claiborne. I left that office job after 13 years in 2004 to homeschool my daughter. When I think back....I see that I spent way too much money and the dry cleaning was so expensive. These outfits were my babies took such good care of them. All these outfits are still in my closet, but I don't spend money on labels anymore, I now look for sales. Dressing more casual these days and the labels are less important. Wish I thought this way years ago, I'd have a fatter piggy bank. LOL
Dee xoxo
Hi Vanessa! You pose the most interesting questions! One of the things that designer bags have that non-designer bags more often than not lack is quality, which is what makes me feel good about a bag, much more so than the label, I think. The smoothness of the leather, the strength of the stitching, the quality materials. I tend to like the more subtle designer bags, however, than the flashy logo pieces as a personal preference. I can understand both sides of the argument, but you certainly make us think! ;) Thanks so much for your sweet comment on Ooh La Frou Frou, Vanessa. You're always a darling in every way.
ReplyDeleteSandy at Ooh La Frou Frou
http://oohlafroufrou.blogspot.com
I'm with you Sandy. It's the quality of construction that is always second to none, but like you, and most of the comments here, with age we all seem to prefer subtle luxury;-) TYSM for visiting xx
DeleteI remember the days when I was working endless hours and getting paid "handsomely" in corporate. I would not think twice about splurging as if I was trying to "get even" with somebody. :-)
ReplyDeleteNow, when my life is more in balance, I'm more "reasonable" when it comes to my shopping behavior. I also tend to be more patient with searching for that unique something vs. anything that I can get my hands on.
Some of us are just born with more wisdom in the first place----------spend your money wisely
ReplyDeleteDon't necessarily agree ;-) Some of us use our youth to make those kinds of mistake. Isn't that what growing is all about? People who've never made mistakes have never lived!
DeleteI completely agree, and I've gone from living in NYC where it was commonplace to a small southern town where I grew up, so it's all about the time in your life and the city you live in...totally with you on this!!
ReplyDeleteThat's so funny that you mention this because I was just talking with some co-workers today about LV bags. 2 girls we know got the same exact bag for the holidays from their significant others. And they didn't even ask for them. Anyway we got into talking about flaunting labels and the like and I said that I never use my LV anymore. It's tucked way back in my closet. Seems wrong, I don't know why. I use my Chloe every day but nobody knows it's a Chloe and that's fine by me :) xoxo
ReplyDeleteGotta love an LV bag! =)
ReplyDeletepinkchampagnefashion.blogspot.com
I love them. I have the speedy 35 monogram. Even though I don't use it as much as I used when I first got it, I still think it's an amazing basic piece that goes perfectly with almost everything! Nowadays I'm much more into the damier, but that's just because the monogram is worn EVERYWHERE!
ReplyDeleteLove your blog, btw. Going to subscribe
Check out mine;)
http://petitlivrenoir.blogspot.com/
i know what you mean Vanessa. i think it's natural when we get older to realize what is really important in life. i still love bags and shoes but i know that there are more important things in life to spend or save for or donate to.
ReplyDeletexo
http://rambleswithreese.etsy.com
http://rambleswithreese.blogspot.com
well girls I am a senior lady now and still carry my Lv bags . I have my first speedy bag I carry to work daily and I have the speedy 40 I carry when I travel.
ReplyDeleteI guess I am still love them and while traveling south last fall found a vintage piece of luggage and have it displayed on top of a bookcase along side of vintage LV boxes
guess I haven't grown up yet (so glad) well us say I look my age (matter of opinion)just don't act it LOL
I could have written this exact article...I was actually a little ashamed last summer when I cleaned out my closet. I put all my expensive handbags in a pile on the floor, stood back, and estimated how much money was in that pile. Money that could have been used for so many other, and more important, things. Things that really matter. I gave all but a couple of the bags away to my younger nieces, who adore them.
ReplyDeleteI purchased most of those bags when I worked in a Fortune 100 corporation and it was definitely a "status" thing. I work in an educational setting now and the need for that same "status" no longer exists for me. (Don't get me wrong, I still like really nice things, and I am not criticizing anyone else - everbody should do what makes them happy!)
I have stopped the "oh, this is new so I must have it" shopping sprees for bags every month. I still have a nice bag, but I didn't spend as much and I am going to use this one for a long time. Loved the article.
Love this post - your preferences change, the way you value and look at things even in a small period change. . . . I spent a lot of money in my early 20's! I still have nice items but most were purchased in that time period. Now I'm so much more focused on classic designs I can wear forever as well as a home :)
ReplyDeleteRed Soles and Red Wine
As someone who has just received her first LV Speedy in Damier Azur, I am glad to see that yours is still going strong!
ReplyDeleteI am 23, but even now I am thinking and regretting spending so much money on clothes back in the day!
Found your blog from Design Chic (one of my other obsessions!) I totally agree. Although I have the LV luggage, I would rather use my Samsonite. Something about the zipper doesn't work well with the LV. Thinking of selling it on EBAY. And I could care less if it has LV written all over it. I used to love that, but now don't care at all. Age of course matures the brain. Being 50ish means freedom from having to "fit in". I DO love the fake one I bought in Italy this past year, but it doesn't roll well. So, may have to invest in the real one. I'm contradicting myself huh? Glad to have found you!!!
ReplyDeletekendall boggs
This is such a fun post!! I couldn´t agree more. Monogram bags or purses look tacky to me now.
ReplyDeleteI have just found your blog by chance and couldn´t stop reading back!
I follow!
www.tatianadoria.blogspot.com