To feel conned by 'luxury' handbags?

[realhousewifeofmodor]

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?

My biggest fear, if I die before him, is that my DH sells my bags for what I told him they cost !!

( Prada, Gucci, Chanel, YSL, Mulberry, Jimmy Choo and one Birkin !!! )

My biggest fear, if I die before him, is that my DH sells my bags for what I told him they cost !!
That made me laugh.

Loads of compartments is important to be I’d love a big leather bag but I won’t pay designer for it.

I have a Coach bag that I bought in the sale for $250 when on holiday in New York some years back - it's still going! High quality items like this will last longer, I have cheaper ones I've bought after and they are now defunct - it's false economy 🤷‍♀️

I love the mulberry bag I bought with my first bonus! The brand got me into the shop but it was the bag itself that made me buy it. Although the best bag I ever owned was Lulu Guinness but unfortunately became very grubby over time so had to be retired.

I have a Mulberry bag that my Dad bought me. I use it almost every day, and have had it for about 10 years now and would love to buy myself the matching purse, but I don't have the money to do so. If I did, I wouldn't question it at all! I don't often buy myself things, and get buyer remorse when I do. I remember spending £4 on 3 vests from an H&M sale when I first started working, and I took them back because I convinced myself I should save the money instead! But, an investment piece, I could justify it I had money to treat myself.

I think if you're meeting all your other financial goals why not

As long as it's a high quality bag ( not all designer is high quality)

Personally I'm saving for a vintage Chanel rather than heaps of mid range bags but each to their own ! Just want one special bag

I think the labels you mention are OK if u go oh don’t know much about how to check for quality independent of the brand name. You’re paying for the security of knowing that the branded bag is reasonably well-made, solid leather (not coated), lined, etc etc.

Maybe if you like nice bags, start to learn about what is actual quality rather than brand name quality, and start to look for that in places like TK Maxx etc.

I don’t drive so don’t buy cars but do a have a say in what cars DH buys . We were just talking about it because we need to buy a small one DS can learn to drive in next y . We will get a bit more expensive quality make but a small used one we will also drive . If I ever learn to drive I will have what I want I’ve told DH but it’s unlikely because of my health . He also buys motorcycles , boats , expensive bikes , computers , sports equipment and recently machinery worth thousands for his workshop in our new garage because he enjoys making things . None of these I buy or use . I have jewellery that most of I use in daily life for years to come and will pass on and that will keep its value , a nice watch I love I use in everyday life too that was a 15 th wedding anniversary present and I do buy nice expensive bags and shoes most of which i use until they’re all worn out . I only buy things I love long term . It’s not all name they have the materials and the workmanship going into them too at least most of the time . And my cost per use will be much lower that any of my DH items . I have my share of investments etc though I don’t go wasting it all on material stuff and I appreciate what I have . In the past we were spending a lot on travelling every year and now nothing plus thanks to inheritance we are now mortgage free so suddenly have more disposable income . DH wants to retire early in the next 10 y and that’s when I expect he’ll invest in a big sailing boat and go off on adventures . His dad died in an accident and I have had several sudden deaths in my family too which drives home the message enjoy your life while you can . Ultimately I think experiences and travelling are more valuable than owning things and we’ve done a lot of that before and after kids and I do miss it and hope we can see more of the world again one day . For now I’m patiently waiting and thinking how lucky we’ve been to be able to do that at all . And no 1 is your health I think which I sadly don’t have anymore but I get by . Of yes I don’t smoke or drink either and that’s has paid for many a designer handbag etc .Each to their own !

And yes, I’m the one turning bags inside out(well not quite!) snuffing to see if it’s actually leather, checking zips to see how quickly and smoothly they run, unbuckling and rebuilding straps etc, or on clothes looking at the fabric composition label and the “hand” of the fabric, as well as checking seams and hem allowances.

And I think I’ve managed to quite successfully not spoil my kids despite their “ life of luxury “ as I call it to them when I’m annoyed since both save every penny of pocket money or on birthdays from aunties etc and my DS 16 especially thinks everything is very expensive and is careful with money hopefully that’ll help him as he moves out soon when he goes to uni !

My DH just bought a £500 watch in the sale. My bag cost around the same amount (also on sale). But i bet men wouldn't say he is insane, but they would say I am silly for paying so much...