Extra, Extra - Most Desirable designer handbag

[baltimoron]

Agreed

Yeah, I also don't understand the need for ostentatious displays of wealth and name brand recognition. When I was a teenager, it was Izod and Ralph Lauren. Now it's LV and Gucci. Then those will become old, and some other brand will be the hottest thing. When does it end?

But if women and others feel the need, live and let live, oh well.

For clothing and accessories, I am definitely 100% function over form. I just want my stuff to fill my functional needs and be durable; I'm not too picky as to what brand it is or how good it looks.

Wallet - Eagle Creek
Toiletries Bag - LL Bean
Computer Back Pack - Targus
Luggage - Samsonite (it lasts)

 

[RTRD]

I'm with you...

Yeah, I also don't understand the need for ostentatious displays of wealth and name brand recognition. When I was a teenager, it was Izod and Ralph Lauren. Now it's LV and Gucci. Then those will become old, and some other brand will be the hottest thing. When does it end?

But if women and others feel the need, live and let live, oh well.

For clothing and accessories, I am definitely 100% function over form. I just want my stuff to fill my functional needs and be durable; I'm not too picky as to what brand it is or how good it looks.

Wallet - Eagle Creek
Toiletries Bag - LL Bean
Computer Back Pack - Targus
Luggage - Samsonite (it lasts)

...though I will admit to having a "bit" of an attraction to labels.

But with Coach, Tumi and Hartman, they became "desirable" because they first gained INCREIDABLE reputations for quality (which came with an associated price). Again, my mom says Coach isn't what it used to be, but Hartman and Tumi still have amazing warranties - if something goes wrong, you take it to an authorized dealer, and it gets fixed. Period. That is what attracted me…not any sort of “cache” factor. And the stuff is so well made, it is amazing...I've had these things for YEARS, and they still look good...used (as in "this isn't just for show...it gets regular use") but not damaged in anyway. I used to go through an attaché a year back when I was young and could not afford something like a Hartman. This bag I have now has lasted more than 10 years.

And, with Tumi, if you take the time to register the piece, they guarantee you will never lose it (ok, not really...but). Every Tumi piece of luggage comes with a METAL ID tag riveted on the inside. If someone finds your bag and takes to time to mail it, Tumi will receive it from that person, pay the postage (meaning it costs them only time, not money), and then send it on to you, again at no costs. Hotels and Airlines return Tumi luggage everyday that finds it way back to its owners. How can you beat service like that?

 

[Hard Idle]

It's been a few years since I've had the privelage of shopping for such things.

In the 90's I had a preferrence for ARMANI accessories - especially the simpler, more classic ones - although my SO was more into the less exotic Guess & Cole looks. Chanel was either too funky or too dressy. I personally find alot of Vuitton to be vulgar and cheap looking. But if you want to make a shallow statement, I guess going with a name like Vuitton or Gucci is a safe bet unless you know her tastes for something else.

 

[goodtime]

...I have never understood the appeal of the hyper expensive designer handbag...

None of these things are flashy – you don’t carry them to get noticed. But they are all impeccably well made, and timeless in style. And every once in while…every rare blue moon…I find that someone will see me with either a Tumi piece or my Hartman attaché and give a little knowing nod of approval…

Women carry it to be noticed. A status symbol. The perceived value. Just like guys with the expensive Rolex or Armani suits, to say "I made it".

Try this next time, walk into a high-end store, watch the Salesperson's eyes, how they size you up. They often scan for these status symbol as potential big spender.

I'm often dress casual and see salepeople's reaction change as they spot the status symbols my LF or companion may be sporting.

As a matter of fact, my 1st time on Rodeo drive was like the scene from Pretty women, we weren't getting any service by the way we were dressed. My cousin had the urge for shoes after a day at the beach. Boy, did the Salelady changed her tunes when she spotted my cousin's Gucci bag. The other Salesgirl kicked herself later as my cousin brought bunch of pricey shoes.

 

[goodtime]

And it's not just Salespeople...

Whether it's the streets of Tokyo, Paris, London, Milan or NYC, like an episode of Sex in the city, women size each other by their designer dress, shoes, hair, bags, accessories.

How successful are the shopping outing by the shopping bags they carry.

 

[goodtime]

And the survey saids...

L.V. appeared to be the most desirable. Especially among Asians & Europeans women flock to various fashion capitals for their object of desired.

Interesting how a Legendary non-destructible trunk-maker turn into such global fashion icon.

 

[RTRD]

Thoughts..

Women carry it to be noticed. A status symbol. The perceived value. Just like guys with the expensive Rolex or Armani suits, to say "I made it".

Try this next time, walk into a high-end store, watch the Salesperson's eyes, how they size you up. They often scan for these status symbol as potential big spender.

I'm often dress casual and see salepeople's reaction change as they spot the status symbols my LF or companion may be sporting.

As a matter of fact, my 1st time on Rodeo drive was like the scene from Pretty women, we weren't getting any service by the way we were dressed. My cousin had the urge for shoes after a day at the beach. Boy, did the Salelady changed her tunes when she spotted my cousin's Gucci bag. The other Salesgirl kicked herself later as my cousin brought bunch of pricey shoes.

Women carry it to be noticed. A status symbol.

Yet another reason to be glad I am not a woman. I have always maintained that WOMEN put far more pressure on each other regarding physical appearance than men have ever put on them.

Try this next time, walk into a high-end store, watch the Salesperson's eyes, how they size you up. They often scan for these status symbol as potential big spender.

I'm often dress casual and see salepeople's reaction change as they spot the status symbols my LF or companion may be sporting.

Try being Black...lol

Of course what you say here is true...for me, what I do is simply press forward with my prospective / intented purchase until the salesperson notices my watch. I collect higher end watches, and I will admit to using them as a "I'm a member of the club" status symbol on occassion. The Tumi and Hartman also serve the same purpose on occassion.

There are many, many Black women who will tell stories of how they go shopping with their designer purse held right out in front of them so that they can get service instead of dirty looks and inappropriate questions. I know both my wives swore by this technique.

All the same, NONE of this is worth a $6,000 handbag, IMHO. That is just stupid...

 

[DateMasamune]

Somtimes if you dress like shit, like me but want good service in a nice store, just subtley reveal your car keys ... LOL ...

But honestly I feel you about service. I look like a really young guy and young guys can't afford this kind of stuff. But I am kind of a "sissy" type of person when dressing. I like to wear bracelets, cufflinks, watches, scarves, etc. etc. just very subtle things ... and if the sales person knows their shit, then they'll know I really want to buy this shit ...

Maybe because of my young looks, I get better service at Sporting Life then at Harry's. People at Holt are always friendly maybe because I am East Asian ... and then when I pay with my credit car that has my alma matar crest on it they think I am a doctor or some shit ... again just because I am East Asian.

But I bet you, thirty years ago, an Asian guy like me would probably get no servrice or even ignored in Harry's or Holt's because we were all thought to be laundrymen or restaurant workers. It is interesting to see how the stereotyping of an ethnic group can actually work in your advantage sometimes ...

And if the sales do act like assholes, tell them that after taxes, you still be trippling their yearly income and they can't even afford the shit they sell.

 

[RTRD]

That reminds me of a story...

And if the sales do act like assholes, tell them that after taxes, you still be trippling their yearly income and they can't even afford the shit they sell.

...Condi Rice (yes, that Condi Rice) goes into a very high end store...I forget which, though for some reason I keep thinking "Tiffany's". Anyway, she looks around for a bit, with the girl behind the counter essentially ignoring her. Finally, she calls the girl over and asks to see a pair of expensive earrings. The girl refuses, and asks if she'd rather see a less expensive pair. According to the story, if I recall it correctly (this was from an interview of Condi in Essence magazine), Condi leans forward and whispers to the girl...

"Of the two of us standing here, only one of us CAN afford to purchase those earrings, and I think you know for certain which one of us CANNOT"

Cold...ice cold...but that bitch had it coming...

 

[DateMasamune]

...Condi Rice (yes, that Condi Rice) ...

"Of the two of us standing here, only one of us CAN afford to purchase those earrings, and I think you know for certain which one of us CANNOT"

Cold...ice cold...but that bitch had it coming...

It's cold but hey man ... some of those sales are just pricks ...

And how come the sales didn't recognize Dr. Rice? She's one of the most recognizable persons in contemporary (North)America ... HAHAHA

In terms of ease of recognition just relying on the face, I put her on par with Mr. Larry King, Chairman Mao, Donald Trump and Woody Allan. Talented, powerful and rich people just look "different" ...

 

[RTRD]

Well...

And how come the sales didn't recognize Dr. Rice? She's one of the most recognizable persons in contemporary (North)America ... HAHAHA

...that only goes to prove Condi's point, doesn't it? Just how ignorant (and by association relatively working class, at least in compensation) must you be to not recognize the most powerful woman in the free world?

 

[Berlin]

Talented, powerful and rich people just look "different" ...

You've been sucking too many toes lately, haven't you ?

 

[DateMasamune]

You've been sucking too many toes lately, haven't you ?

But it's true though ... look at the movers and shakers of world history. They all look "different". And to tone it down abit, look at all the "successful" people in our times. They have a different "look" to them ...

Socrates looks like a bumb --- err actually he kind of was ... LOL
Plato looks like he's on crack
Confucius looks like a beggar
Aristotle looks like he's an aristocrat
Mencius looks like he's upset at the whole world
Machieavelli looks like he's some freak
Nietzsche looks like he's mad

Donald Trump - who did your hair Mr. Trump?
Larry King looks like an owl ...
Chairman Mao - looks like he's hi on some shit
Woody Allan looks so skinny looks like he's been on heroine for ages
Akira Kurosawa looks like he's mentally ill with that fisherman's hat
Wong Kar Wai looks like he's a migrant worker looking for work
George W. Bush looks like he's a monkey

I can go on and on ...

People who are above the crowd look different ...

 

[Jade4u]

None of those hand bags are exactly what I would like. I like my hand bags smaller less bulky (I do not like to feel like I am travelling someplace) with just a tad of feminine decoration but I am even picky with that. So out of all of them I had to go with the fendi spy bag particularly the straight Gold one because mostly I like a straight black hand bag with a little bit of Gold on it or a white diamond design. But, I would also preffer to see it up closer because I believe it still may be to large for my liking.

 

[PHNINE]

Tumi stuff rocks. That is my personal favorite. LV comes in second.

 

[pool]

Date M

But it's true though ... look at the movers and shakers of world history. They all look "different". And to tone it down abit, look at all the "successful" people in our times. They have a different "look" to them ...

pool looks like a bumb --- err actually he kind of was ... LOL
Plato looks like he's on crack
Confucius looks like a beggar
Aristotle looks like he's an aristocrat
Mencius looks like he's upset at the whole world
Machieavelli looks like he's some freak
Nietzsche looks like he's mad

Donald Trump - who did your hair Mr. Trump?
Larry King looks like an owl ...
Chairman Mao - looks like he's hi on some shit
Woody Allan looks so skinny looks like he's been on heroine for ages
Akira Kurosawa looks like he's mentally ill with that fisherman's hat
Wong Kar Wai looks like he's a migrant worker looking for work
George W. Bush looks like he's a monkey

I can go on and on ...

People who are above the crowd look different ...

Are you sure you're not just having a flashback from a TERB party .. heheh ... but seriously, if you truly look around most people do look different. Doesn't the beggar, the unemployed immigrant, the mentally ill, the addict or the disgruntled person you assimilate to also "look different".

Celebrity Lookalikes





As for status symbols, give me the a chick with a knapsack any day .. I couldn't tolerate being with someone who placed much value on such superficialities, which I suppose makes me superficial ... I could appreciate someone who bought a "knock off" or a bargain at Value Village ( just think of the historical mystery attribute ) and was aware of the humor in conforming to play the game.

That being said, the last jacket I bought was an authentic 'Alpha Industries' :þ

To each their own ... otherwise life would be [more] boring

 

[pool]

The way you think turns me on. LOL.

I am in seach of lingere that is made of good quality and still at a reasonable price. I still have bras and undies with tags still on them from 6 years ago ( quality and style was much nicer then). Having eight drawers of lingere ....

lace underwear getting holes in it in the heat of the moment. LOL.

Usually I find I will wear them for a while and the thread will start unravelling, etc even though I wash them in a bag on delicate cycle.

That makes us even then : )

What I find weird and even scary, judging by the responses, is how much guys know about women's lingerie and accessories - just makes ya wonder what's "in our closets" ... say no more. I certainly have a passion for women in lingerie ( and talking abt their lingerie), but I only know what I think is hot and what's not. Boy cuts are not hot ! ... uuuuuh

PS That spong, 'Music', by Dolce & Gabanna made me feel sexy

 

[DateMasamune]

Poolie,

The way you think turns me on. LOL.

But AT, I think you look like Sarah Michelle Gellar ... do I get a "pitty f$ck" for that?!?!? LOL

 

[goodtime]

For clothing and accessories, I am definitely 100% function over form. I just want my stuff to fill my functional needs and be durable; I'm not too picky as to what brand it is or how good it looks.

Wallet - Eagle Creek
Toiletries Bag - LL Bean
Computer Back Pack - Targus
Luggage - Samsonite (it lasts)

I used to be all no-name brands, whichever is cheapest until 1 trip overseas. My suitcase was falling apart mid-trip, just like the luggage commerical with clothes coming out of the conveyor belt instead of the suitcase.

Even since then I understand spend a bit more for the good quality - brands that last.

baltimoron, we shop at same stores, except don't have computer bag, my carry-on is an American Tourister.

 

[goodtime]

...for me, what I do is simply press forward with my prospective / intented purchase until the salesperson notices my watch. I collect higher end watches, and I will admit to using them as a "I'm a member of the club" status symbol on occassion. The Tumi and Hartman also serve the same purpose on occassion...

And I wear a Timex to be different!

Date, my philosophy is clothes and our 'worldly goods' do not make a person, it's what's inside that counts. As when we are 6 ft under, none of these things matter. If we don't get the appropiate attention, its saleperson's loss.

I wouldn't get any service if MPA judge me by the way I dress at MPs.

I tag along to the high-end shopping outings for the entertainment value as I like observing people.