Got It, Don't Flaunt It

“Think about it this way: If a person buys a monogrammed Gucci handbag, or diamond earrings shaped like Chanel's double Cs, everyone knows where she made the purchase. If, instead, she chooses one of Bottega Veneta's braided satchels, or a handbag from Proenza Schouler's new line--which has no visual branding--she doesn't look like she's showing off.”

I'm always amazed by the need of some people to have designer stuff. Yes, need. For some, it is a must to be in possession of certain brands, even when the design is not great or the use is impractical.

I realise that there are only a handful of women working in the same building as me carry LV or Gucci handbags. In fact, on my floor, there could probably be one or two ladies. None of my MDs carry them. Not that they can’t afford one. On average, most of them have at least two to three homes around UK and a holiday home either near the beach or ski spots in Europe.

Yet, I must admit they have fine taste when it comes to handbag. Their collections are stylish and classy, with no obvious brand. For all I know, it could be the Birkin.

Apparently the sales of glaring designs have fallen in Europe and US. Some are cutting down their work force and closing down their factories due to lack of demand. During tough times, the last thing you want is to attract unnecessary attention. Probably it makes little difference in this country as jobless are entitled to dole. However, I doubt it is the same back home. A friend who called me today said that she has become more vigilant each time she goes out and about. She even changed her handbag to a less known brand to minimise risk.

Despite the recession, some people remain unchanged and continue to buy. Perhaps it is good that they are playing their role to the economy by spending but seriously, how many designer handbags does a person need in a year? Like an article I read in Forbes today, instead of buying 10 obvious brand handbags, why not getting one limited edition bag equivalent to the price of 10. Usually the value of these bags increases over time.

Or why not just follow Warren Buffet’s philosophy? He still lives in the old house which he purchased 50 years ago when his net worth stands at USD62 billion as reported in 2008.

Oh well, if you have the means to buy, then why not? Only that, I find it very amusing when these people make a huge noise upon knowing the meal costs at decent Malaysian cafes in London or insist that their kids should get scholarship or loan to pursue their studies. If you can buy handbags worth hundreds or thousands of sterling, surely you can afford those mentioned.

Unless of course, they were charged to cards or worse, fake goods.

You can read the full article here.

*Ms B would like to wish everyone Happy Chinese New Year and Happy Holidays!*