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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:
Original poster
realhousewifeofmodor · 30/12/2021 09:56

@Charliesgotachocolatefactory

It’s not a con. You are paying a premium exactly because it has the name and the recognisable design. You know that and they know that.

There are plenty of small UK businesses that you’ll never have heard of that make beautiful leather bags that are of equal quality or better than some of these big brands. I’ve got an extensive collection!

Please do share, as this is exactly what I would like going forward!
OP posts:
Original poster
realhousewifeofmodor · 30/12/2021 09:56

@yoyo1234

I like Russell and Bromley and Strathberry, I have found them to be smart and good quality. Certain brands (LV in particular) I think just look brash and tacky.
Agree with you on these points.
OP posts:
MrsMoastyToasty · 30/12/2021 10:03

Years ago I went for a job interview at Mulberry head office. I was given a guided tour around the factory by the interviewers. Yes a factory! About the only part of the process that involved manual processes was the selection or rejection of the animal hides. So they are made in the same way as your average m&s handbag.

ToykotoLosAngeles · 30/12/2021 10:13

I have a Mulberry and a Coach which I love and don't regret buying but I'm mainly using Longchamp at the moment (often on sale on Brandalley). I've just got a red backpack with leather trim for £45. It's designer enough that I enjoy using it as a "bag person" but can go in the washing machine which is useful when my 3 year old's snacks drop crumbs in the bottom...

I really enjoyed carrying my Mulberry at a work conference in September. It is heavy though!

SeasonFinale · 30/12/2021 10:19

@Justrestingmyeyes1

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.
Same here.
CrimbleCrumble1 · 30/12/2021 10:25

I have a few Dior bags and would rather save up for one of these than spend on the £500 bags.
I also have quite a few under £40 bags that I enjoy using, it’s the middle price range I’m not keen on.

Justonedayatatime11 · 30/12/2021 10:28

I have Mulberry regret. Just the one. An Oxblood python Willow tote. Cost me a small fortune and has never ever left it's dustbag. I feel it deserves a new home but I really don't want to let it go for the peanuts that second hand Mulberry bags now seem to go for!

saturning · 30/12/2021 10:33

I only buy expensive bags! Well in last few years that I have finally been able to justify the cost. I don't have a fancy car, I buy second hand clothing and do not spend a lot on my hair or nails etc. To me, having the names Mulberry and Louis Vuitton are my favourite things and do indicate a certain aspiration and have a specific style to them. I see people who drive eg a BMW, or Audi as having a luxury as they could choose a cheaper Ford or Vauxhall, Peugeot. I am not a car person but like some luxury.

sansucre · 30/12/2021 10:33

Most luxury handbags aren't luxurious in the least, how can they be when they're mass produced so that they can be sold online and in store, to hundreds of retailers and e-tailers.

I have a particular hatred of Dior, YSL and Valentino handbags as they are not worth a fraction of the money paid for them, not least because none of these brands focused on leather good originally and only introduced them as cash cows. YSL is especially guilty of this, most of their bags are basic and somewhat generic in design (and quality) and have a huge YSL logo slapped on them. Under Phoebe Philo, Céline bags were beautifully made and original. Since Hedi Slimane took over, quality has declined, the brand's name and logo has taken precedence over design and the bags are now sold online. I don't think they have anywhere near the cachet they once had and no longer buy them.

Chanel and Hermès are possibly the most luxurious in as much as they tightly control their output and for the most part, are not available to buy online. To my mind, these are probably the only brands I would consider buying, not least because these brands bags actually increase in value. Personally, I prefer smaller brands like Lutz Morris who keep production small and only really sell from their own website. I wouldn't spend money on any of the mid-market brands you mention because I don't think the product is worth their price tag.

Original poster
realhousewifeofmodor · 30/12/2021 10:36

@CrimbleCrumble1

I have a few Dior bags and would rather save up for one of these than spend on the £500 bags. I also have quite a few under £40 bags that I enjoy using, it’s the middle price range I’m not keen on.
What, in your opinion makes the £1500 bag better than the £600 middle of the market bag, other than the prestigious name? Just curious at to what what warrants the extra £££s?
OP posts:
Flingingmelon · 30/12/2021 10:39

I work for a company that makes these bags, the made in Italy ones.

The craftsmanship and quality is just off the charts. I can see why they're ££££.

But if you don't appreciate this stuff or you think there are better ways to spend ££££ then there's no point investing.

I was very lucky to get a discounted one and I love it, but there's no way I'd have spent full price.

anon666 · 30/12/2021 10:41

I've been pleased with my aspinal bag, it has lasted very well

saturning · 30/12/2021 10:41

I have only started buying mulberry in last few years and my Lily was definitely a made in England product, I'm sure I read on their website that they have returned operations to England again. I know my scarf was made in England too. All my Louis Vuitton (I buy bags pre owned but accessories new) are made in France and popular items have to be waited for or stalked on website for availability).
I agree with the above about ysl and some other brands but I would never buy a bag with ugly huge branding all over

montysma1 · 30/12/2021 10:54

For the life of me I cannot understand what anybody gets out of this.
Actually anything with a name on the front makes me snigger at the owner.

VestaTilley · 30/12/2021 11:00

I wouldn’t feel guilt as it’s your money, but I’ve never understood why people spend a lot on bags or shoes - nobody notices them anyway and I don’t think they look special.

But I’ve never seen the appeal of designer goods anyway, so I’m not the right person to ask!

DietrichandDiMaggio · 30/12/2021 11:05

@montysma1

For the life of me I cannot understand what anybody gets out of this. Actually anything with a name on the front makes me snigger at the owner.
Do you laugh at people who buy expensive cars too?
BerthaBlythe · 30/12/2021 11:06

I bought a moderately priced bag £400 and returned it the next day. I know what you mean about feeling tricked into thinking I wanted one. It’s marketing, I suppose. It was only when I got it home and the shop glamour faded a bit that I recognised that it didn’t align with my values at all.

I don’t mind spending money on long lasting, good quality, clothing because cost per wear makes sense. But having a status symbol on my arm was just not me.

Elphame · 30/12/2021 11:10

Yes - Mulberry is no longer the brand it was.

I have a vast collection of them but stopped buying about 10 years ago when the prices rocketed and the quality fell. They used to be timeless understated designs but now they are far too flashy and that huge rose gold buckle they seem to love is just tacky.

PinkWednesdays · 30/12/2021 11:10

@montysma1

For the life of me I cannot understand what anybody gets out of this. Actually anything with a name on the front makes me snigger at the owner.
You don’t actually come across well with that comment…
batmanladybird · 30/12/2021 11:17

@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.
It can't be good quality if it broke and can't be fixed 😳
batmanladybird · 30/12/2021 11:18

Good thing about a bag is that it fits however fat or thin you are. Unlike designer clothes

NameChangeCity123 · 30/12/2021 11:20

@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
These are beautiful!
Totalwasteofpaper · 30/12/2021 11:21

@montysma1

For the life of me I cannot understand what anybody gets out of this. Actually anything with a name on the front makes me snigger at the owner.
you must spend a lot of time "sniggering"... Confused

I see numerous people with branded clothing (everything from adidas and nike to Boss & Ralph Lauren) everytime i walk down the high street.

How loudly do you laugh when you see people "showing off" carrying their visibly branded reusable Waitrose/M&S freezer bags at the shops????

Omicrone · 30/12/2021 11:26

Anything over about £200 you are just paying for the label.

Some companies sell very good dupes (not fakes) of designer handbags. So they are in the same style as certain handbags and have most of the same features, but a couple of features to differentiate from the real thing and obviously no branding on them. Around the £150 mark. I have a couple and they are really beautifully made leather bags and I can't see how a 'real' handbag could be better in terms of quality tbh. Obviously some people would think that was totally tacky and sad and if you can't afford the real thing then don't bother at all, but I don't really give a shit!

cobblers123 · 30/12/2021 11:27

I bought a Coach bag this month, it was £400, the most I've ever paid for a bag but it does exactly what I wanted it for, looks really nice and I'm pleased with it.

I'd buy another but not right now. I also have Kate Spade bag I bought in the summer, not as expensive as the Coach bag but I will be using it next summer, I really love it.