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Original poster

To feel conned by 'luxury' handbags?

163 replies

realhousewifeofmodor · 29/12/2021 22:35

Have been fortunate enough to have had a bit more disposable income recently,and have found myself lusting after bags from certain well known middle-high end brands, such as Mulberry, Aspinal, Strathberry, Demellier etc.

Have bought a couple, and although they're nice bags, I can't now help but feel that I was conned into buying them from people on Instagram and I only ever really liked them for the name printed on the front. I can't afford the likes of Hermes etc so it's not even super high end, but do feel a bit disgusted with myself that I've spent so money on branded goods when that money could have done so much good.

Anyone else splurge a bit and then get buyers remorse? Or is it possible (or indeed OK) to own a plethora of such handbags etc and to not feel an ounce of guilt/shame about it? Or to truly believe people buy these items because they genuinely love them, not because of the brand name abs therefore status attached to them?

OP posts:
Cactu · 29/12/2021 22:39

They’re nice bags but you can a get a good quality leather bag for a lot less. It’s what they symbolise that’s important - wealth, status and power mainly. If you don’t care about that they’ll be hollow purchases.

SoniaFouler · 29/12/2021 22:47

If only you weren’t forced into buying one

MsAgnesDiPesto · 29/12/2021 22:48

I really don't understand this obsession with labels - perhaps I'm missing something, but I just don't care if people look at me and think I've got money, or not. Most of those expensive bags are vulgar and look cheap in terms of design, to my eye. I've never spent more than about £70 on a bag, and ironically, the one which has elicited most admiration (from stylish people, too) is from Tesco and cost under £20.

People will come and tell you they are an investment. I think tying up cash in a bag for some future date is beyond weird. There are much better ways of investing, which don't involve having things stashed in the top of my wardrobe for decades, being afraid to use them for fear of damaging your investment.

Buy stuff you like, regardless of the label. Enjoy using it. Don't worry about what other people think of you. If they judge your worth by your handbag - or worse, if you do - then that's all kinds of wrong.

rosewater20 · 29/12/2021 22:49

I own some of the brands mentioned and do not feel buyers remorse. Mostly, because I can afford them and when I see them/wear them they bring me a lot of joy. I don't own things that make me feel guilty or remorseful and I have no issue with buying things and then returning them if they aren't making me feel good.

LeifSan · 29/12/2021 23:03

You bought into the idea that a ‘status’ bag of some kind would make you feel good about yourself. Load of other people go that - this is why we have these types of goods after all!!

At the end of the day, some people really do get a kick out of buying items they feel shows a certain status or style - you’ve found you’re not one of them, so chalk it up to experience and next time splash your money on something you’ll truly enjoy.

justasking111 · 29/12/2021 23:05

I'm a fan of coach tote bags they're roomy can fit all my stuff, grandchildren bits and bobs they're easy to keep clean but look good. I haven't worn one out yet

MrzClaus · 29/12/2021 23:09

Tbh I'm biased, I love designer bags! I sometimes get buyers remorse, but I never buy anything I can't afford to buy twice without touching my savings (that's my rule to make sure it's a sensible purchase).

I like some mulberry bags, especially the cross body ones. I have a belted Bayswater for work which holds so much and is cute too!

I've gone a bit higher now and love YSL / Prada, which I've bought more recently. They look amazing, feel so soft and nice and I just love wearing them.

Tbh I don't care what people think when they see me wearing them, I just enjoy them. Currently planning my next purchase - fingers crossed a Chanel!

Justrestingmyeyes1 · 29/12/2021 23:10

I am a big fan of Mulberry. Yes they are expensive but I like them because I like the quality and style of the bags, not just the ‘name’. I have quite a big collection and feel no guilt whatsoever.

PrincessNutella · 29/12/2021 23:11

My husband bought me a Coach bag. The zipper broke, and we took it back to the store to get it fixed. They couldn't fix it, so they gave me a new one for free. I have to say, that really impressed me. I felt as if they really stood behind the product they made and had a certain kind of pride about it.

MamaWeasel · 29/12/2021 23:13

Googles coach tote bags totally misses point

SituationCritical · 29/12/2021 23:14

I've got a bag from your list...its now 5 years old and absolutely pristine despite everyday use. No cracked leather, no zips broken or fallen off. I love it and it's been worth every penny. I've had cheaper bags that haven't lasted even half as long. No buyers remorse from me!

PegasusReturns · 29/12/2021 23:16

but do feel a bit disgusted with myself that I've spent so money on branded goods when that money could have done so much good

I think there’s a balance to be found between obscene consumerism and the infamous S&B thread where someone looking for bag recommendations was told to buy a bench Grin

I have a lovely collection of bags. I don’t feel any shame. But I understand that some people would spend their money differently. That’s ok too.

MsAgnesDiPesto · 29/12/2021 23:16

@PrincessNutella

My husband bought me a Coach bag. The zipper broke, and we took it back to the store to get it fixed. They couldn't fix it, so they gave me a new one for free. I have to say, that really impressed me. I felt as if they really stood behind the product they made and had a certain kind of pride about it.
Cath Kidston did the same for me, even six months after I bought it. They had one sent to my local branch to make it easier to collect.

Stupidly expensive brands don't have the monopoly on good customer service.

Everydaydayisaschoolday · 29/12/2021 23:22

I don't think you can call it a con. They aren't just selling you a handbag when you buy these brands. You are also paying for a luxury image, a status symbol. You knew that. You saw the bags before you handed the money over so you knew that they were no better and no worse than other handbags that were hundreds of ££ cheaper but you chose to buy them anyway. What you have now discovered that owning that particular status symbol doesn't give you any joy. That's a lesson learned. And luckily handbags like that hold their value very well so you can sell them on eBay and recoup the cost.

I recently bought my first ever designer handbag. Before that I'd never paid more than about £90 and more often it was around £30. But I saw this particular bag (small, discreet, no ostentatious branding) and loved it on sight. I walked away thinking I would never pay £700 for a bag but it stayed on my mind and a week later I made the 200 mile round trip back to the shop to buy it.

I can honestly say that to me it was worth it. It gives me a little frisson of pleasure and boosts my confidence every time I use it. I'll get my moneys worth out of it in enjoyment alone and as I expect it to last many years it probably work out quite thrifty in terms of pence per wear. I've also kept the receipt and packaging so if ever I fall on hard times and need to sell it I will be able to prove its authenticity.

AngelsWithSilverWings · 29/12/2021 23:23

I once went out shopping with a £1000 budget for a Mullberry handbag for a special birthday.

When it came to it I just couldn't justify that amount on a bag.

I found a gorgeous and quirky/retro looking Coach bag for £250 and bought that instead.

I've since bought another Coach bag for everyday use and another two to go with various outfits.

I've become a bit obsessed but I love the designs and the quality.

MaybeHeIsMyCat · 29/12/2021 23:23

I really like coach bags. I have the two attached (and you can see the price I paid as I'm a bargain hunter!!!)
They feel nice, look good and seem to be hard wearing - but I don't think I would pay full price

To feel conned by 'luxury' handbags?
To feel conned by 'luxury' handbags?
thegreenlight · 29/12/2021 23:24

I have 2 Mulberry bags - one was made in Turkey, one in China. Both cost the best part of £1000 (nearly 10 years ago before I had children and cared about stuff like that). The ‘hand crafted by artisans’ stuff is just rubbish.

Hawkins001 · 29/12/2021 23:25

I like e.g. Miltech brand for different items, but prefer to get the items second hand where possible rather than retail prices.

Covidclaire · 29/12/2021 23:29

I’ve never regretted spending a lot of money on a bag I love. Some of my bags are over 15 years old and still look great. Same with shoes. If you look after them they should last.

ShinyHappyPoster · 29/12/2021 23:29

I buy bags if I think they're pretty. Sometimes that means cheap bags from the market. Sometimes they're designer. I don't get buyer's remorse because I only buy bags that make me want to do a small dance. Xmas Smile

AngelsWithSilverWings · 29/12/2021 23:31

@MaybeHeIsMyCat they are gorgeous and absolute bargains! Just had a look at the sale but can't see anything as good as those.

justasking111 · 29/12/2021 23:32

Wealthy NY friend gifted me a Prada bag and a couple of LV bags, the handles came away, I did have them repaired but was warned that the repair wouldn't last because the leather wasnt thick enough to stitch to Glad I hadn't paid for those.

cruffin · 29/12/2021 23:35

@MaybeHeIsMyCat

I really like coach bags. I have the two attached (and you can see the price I paid as I'm a bargain hunter!!!) They feel nice, look good and seem to be hard wearing - but I don't think I would pay full price
Oooo that oxblood is a beautiful colour.
justasking111 · 29/12/2021 23:35

[quote AngelsWithSilverWings]@MaybeHeIsMyCat they are gorgeous and absolute bargains! Just had a look at the sale but can't see anything as good as those.[/quote]
Register with them they email regularly with offers

Eggmcmuffin · 29/12/2021 23:35

I have few mulberrys and I love the quality and have no remorse whatsoever. I intend to save up for more and will pass them on to my daughter if it makes you happy then do it, if it doesn't then don't!