Do you own these sorts of things?!

[featherrr]

And if so what do you earn? I am in a professional career but don’t earn masses, it’s only really at the top when you tend to start making a lot. That said we are all on above minimum wage and salaries in range of 50-70k.

Everyone I work with has designer bags, coats from Reiss, Nike Air trainers etc. I have none of these and it wouldn’t occur to me to buy them as I would find it a huge outlay on my salary (mid range of the above). Do people just spend this? Even on a modest income? What do you sacrifice to buy it? I am in rented which is 1500 a month so maybe that is the difference?

People like different things and have different things as treats. Some people enjoy having luxury stuff, some people like travelling abroad, some people dining out & some would always prefer to save. I like going to the theatre & spend a lot on that and sure some people would think it’s a waste Or question how I afford it.
I remember a thread a while back with some people saying they’d be put off buying a treat for themselves in the sale as it wouldn’t be the same if it was reduced/cheap. I find that really weird as to me if you get it cheaper that’s even better as you have what you wanted and some spare cash but everyone is different and it’s understandable they enjoy spending (or saving) money in different ways

I don't think Nike-Addidas trainers are particularly pricy. My sister bought a pair for my nephew from Deichmanns last week for £50.

I have quite a few designer bags,some expensive jewellery and a few pieces of designer clothing. Most have been gifts. They absolutely do not reflect my salary!

I know a few people who kit themselves out in big name stuff but who then sell it on and use the money towards the next lot.

I’ve got some nice bits, including designer bags that I’ve collected down the years, mainly from sales and outlet places. I’ve always bought classic (what I think of as classic) rather than trendy items and I’m quite careful/good at looking after stuff so my 20 year old Mulberry bag still looks good and is in regular use. Same with coats, one of my fave winter coats was £500 full price, I got the last one in the sale for £80!
If you know what you like, what suits your style (I’ll freely admit mine is quite boring 🤣) it’s much easier to add things that will last for years

I've never been interested in designer stuff or bags, I buy clothes from next. My DH on the other hand loves designer stuff, he only wears designer clothes, has LV trainers, also massively expensive Bulgari aftershave, even has prada deck shoes for gardening.

He grew up in poverty on a scale not seen in the UK, no running water in his house, no oven/fridge or indoor toilet. He was working from age 6 (farming). Over the last 20 years he’s built a company from scratch that’s now doing really well. He looks after his family. I say go for it, if that’s what you enjoy and you can afford it.

He’s bought me lots of stuff over the years, is definitely much better quality than Next and has all lasted but then I don’t wear often. The only things I’ve never used are a few really expensive trainers (D&G).

Depends what your values are. I give not two hoots about impressing others or “keeping up with the joneses”

Have you ever bought something nice for yourself just because you like it? Or is it always about impressing others and keeping up?

No. I think spending £40 on a pair of Sketchers in TKMaxx is extravagant.
Designer stuff would be a burden to me, it might get damaged and can’t imagine where I’d wear it. Squelching through the mud dog walking is the same in a pair of £20 wellies or £100+ “ designer” ones.

No. That kind of stuff just doesn't interest me and it wouldn't suit my lifestyle.

But I'm sure I buy plenty of things other people wouldn't bother with - everyone's different and has different priorities and interests.

I think your rent is the issue. 1500 is huge for one person. If you shared, you'd have £750 a month of disposable income. That's a lot of shoes and bags.
But, to answer your original question, no, most people I know don't spend a lot on fashion, but we have different interests. My spare money goes on savings, then holidays.

A salary of 50-70k seems amazing to me.

Your rent is extortionate though, it's more than four times our mortgage 😬

I don't buy anything to "impress" anyone. If I buy something nice it's for me. Because I like it and it makes me happy to own it. I don't buy something for a label and, like others on this thread, I don't like anything overtly labelled.

I own lots of expensive and good quality clothes, bags and shoes. I decided in my early 20s to prioritise quality and it's paid off, I only buy a few items each season and keep them until they wear out. I've earned from £16-50k during that time.

Nike air are pretty standard wear, certainly not that luxurious. Reiss items are widely available in charity shops, I've got two dresses and paid £9.99 each, they were new with tags attached! The bags depend on the brand, vary a lot - mine is Radley but it was £90

Same. I buy stuff because I like it and it brings me pleasure. Whatever the label, designer or now. I don’t think liking certain items is always about impressing others.

Second hand, sample sales, gifts, prioritising them over other things.
I used to go to sample sales and had several designer handbags but nothing like full price.
These days I could afford them but have no interest and favour practicality! I have loads of stuff from eBay bought at a fraction of full price.

I am not really interested in designer brands tbh. I am interested in flattering, classic, well-cut clothes that will last, which tend to be the pricier end of the high street. Most of these I buy on Vinted. Also sometimes buy Community Clothing.

I own Nike trainers, but that's about it.

I don't. I see fashion for what it is, a way to get you to part with money that you don't need to spend.

A mug is something I drink out of, not a word that should be written on my forehead.

I have designer bags because they are made from good quality leather which lasts I use them until they are dead. I have a designer coat that I bought in the us where it’s cheaper. I have Nike air trainers because they are comfy everything is at least 5 years old and will be used until they are no longer fit for purpose. I also spend on walking boots because I have dodgy feet but again I expect them to last at least 3 years with daily use.

No. I would spend maybe £150 on trainers but I’d feel bad about it. Shoes are important though IMO, I have bad feet! Not into designer bags etc, I’d just ruin them.

I earn less than you and would happily pay £300 for a decent coat, but I wouldn't get a new one every year. I can't drive and walk to/from work every day come rain or shine so coats and footwear are important to me.

Some people buy less pieces. It's simply that. Plus they often last more. My cheapcoat lasted considerably less than my more expensive one. So over time, it costs very similar.
I have not found cheap trainers which would not give me back and joint pain.
I don't spend on other things some others do though. Neither of us are wrong.
It's just that. Different spending on different things 🤷

I guess it's buy cheap buy twice.

Nike trainers have never fit me well, so I don't buy them. I wear Brooks for running/sport - but that was because they were the ones that fitted me properly. For work, I wear Skechers (I'm a nurse) but am very tempted by the Birkenstock clog style shoes. A good quality and comfortable pair of shoes is really important to me for work! If they're on sale, then even better!

I don't have designer handbags, but did get a lovely one from a charity shop years ago, that would have had an RRP of around £500. I use that for "formal/best". My everyday bag is a Kipling one that I got from Ebay. I was looking to buy a new bag (my old one was broken) and one of my patients had one that was years old and still in perfect condition. She recommended it.

I don't buy designer labels/brands because of the name, but whether they will last/are functional and are good quality (all of my family are the same there - and they all earn many times more than me!). Having said that, my SIL has a BEAUTIFUL pair of Jimmy Choo shoes (they were a present from my brother) and I'd love a pair like that (even though I can't walk in heels and would hardly wear them). Would I pay hundreds for them? No, I will stick to my Birkenstocks/flats, but they do look beautiful!!

I have bought myself an ebike, a thermomix and robovac - but I use them all a lot :) I think it is horses for courses isn't it?

I'm happy to spend a lot on the things I value, like good outdoor gear etc. (because I know it will last, and I'm more like to get out and about if I have decent kit). I couldn't care less about designer labels though, so I don't buy those things.

I tend to keep a small wardrobe, and to wear things that I love to death, so even if I buy something high end high street, I usually get my money's worth. I also buy things from company's that I know and like on Vinted.

I think Buy cheap, buy twice is often true, so I like to consider purchases carefully.

I do shop with functionality at the top of my list though so yes it may be a designer bag but it’s a leather backpack with loads of pockets that can be wiped and polished to maintain it - I don’t follow fashion I just buy useful things that serve a purpose

/companies