It's a well known fact that women like shoes. Sure, there's an outlier or two that don't care for those beautiful works of art that are generally more painful than a visit to the dentist. And if you dig a little deeper you'll probably find that the lady who doesn't really care about shoes, loves handbags. Or makeup. Or Alexander McQueen in general. And while we're getting it all out in the open, then chances are if you asked most women, the more expensive the item the more she covets it. She can't necessarily afford it, but that doesn't mean that she wouldn't love to have it (gentlemen, that doesn't mean that she doesn't adore that necklace you got her that certainly didn't cost a fortune - sentimental items are worth far more than any designer pair of shoes). But the one question that is lingering in every man's mind is this: "Why?"
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| Chanel Patent Calfskin and Cotton Sock, $1150, these are the perfect shoe to take you from Summer straight into Fall, Chanel's patent pumps are available in three different combinations of black and white. |
In fact, it was our very own Mr. Harbin that was the inspiration behind this article. He has finally conceded to the fact that he will simply never understand and now when we start drooling over the latest necklace hot off the runway, he just nods agreeably and smiles when we say "It's a girl thing." Now we certainly are NOT saying that fashion has to be incredibly expensive - there are beautiful items available for purchase at your local mall and number of other locations. Money doesn't buy fashion but there are some pieces that catch your eye and you want THAT piece. Not something similar, but that exact one. And here's where most people get lost - including our dear Mr. Harbin. We're quite certain that he still wonders what kind of demented logic is behind the desire to own an item that can cost anywhere between several hundred and several thousand dollars. What is it that makes a purse, a dress or a pair of shoes worth so much more than what you could find at your local department store? Ladies, we have a feeling that you already know the answer to this question but feel free to chime in. Gentlemen, read on, because this is a multi-faceted answer.
1. Premier designer duds aren't available everywhere. You can't walk into most local malls and purchase a Givenchy coat. Sure you might be able to shop online for some things but that isn't the same as actually seeing an item - touching it, feeling it and trying it on. And some brands don't do online shopping - Chanel, for example, only sells makeup and skincare online, for all other products you have to be in an actual brick and mortar store.
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| Givenchy, Felted Wool Cape Coat, $2279 - different is interesting and outerwear should never be boring - but this beautiful piece won't be available for long and when it's sold out, there won't be another shipment. |
Which goes along with...
2. They're limited edition. Part of what is so fascinating about the fashion world for those of us who keep up with that sort of thing, is fashion week. Twice a year brand new concepts are launched, colors are officially touted as being "in" and the new bags for the upcoming season are revealed. These pieces won't be around forever though - there are a limited amount made and when they're gone, they're gone. You can't order another piece (well, unless you're very, very wealthy - there's exceptions to everything, especially when money is involved). The purchase of a piece at the beginning of a season means that you have something that is very limited, almost one-of-a-kind. These pieces are investments for down the road and can be worth much, much more than the initial price if they are taken care of.
3. Not everyone will have the same item. It really is a bad feeling to see someone else wearing the same exact piece that you put so much time and effort into choosing. It's not that you don't love the idea that it's popular, it's just that it makes it less special to see that it is not that rare. Women want their clothing to be personalized, individual - if someone else owns the same exact thing that you do it somehow reduces the item's value.
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| Mary Katrantzou, Dependa Asymmetrical Mixed-Media Dress, $6125, this piece is practically one-of-a-kind although we're sure that there are a few in each size available - we would be willing to bet money that none of your friends would own this same piece. |
4. You can't find a comparable version for a cheap price. Those beautiful Prada swirl sunglasses can't be found at your local Target for $20. It's not the fact that they wouldn't say the brand's name, it's that the design can't be found in mainstream stores. That beautiful Valentino dress isn't replicated and available at your favorite local store and even if you could find something similar the quality just isn't the same and it won't last as long. If you want the real deal it comes with a pricetag.
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| Prada Baroque Sunglasses, $290, these sunglasses are unique which makes them special and something that isn't readily found on every street corner. |
5. You're taking home a piece of a runway show. There is simply something very special about owning a piece that walked down a fashion week runway. It's personal and something that a woman treasures for years and years to come.
6. The materials and craftsmanship are top notch. While the price may seem astronomical to some people (gentlemen), there is something to be said for what goes in to each and every piece that is made. Italian leather, fabrics that can't be purchased anywhere else, handmade items...luxury goods will stand the test of time if they are well cared for. The fit is better on garments and while we would like to report that incredibly expensive shoes are completely pain free (at least for your feet) they really aren't although they are less painful than any pair purchased at a Rack-Room-Shoes.
7. They lend fashion credibility. For those of us who work in the fashion industry, owning the dress, shoes or bag that was just presented at Fashion Week shoes that we actually do pay attention to trend. That fashion is so important to us that we make it a priority in our lives. This is extra important when you're representing a certain brand.
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| Marni Embellished Midi Skirt, $4100, we can't even find a basic midi skirt locally much less one embellished so beautifully like this one with oversized paillettes, feathers and beads. |
8. There's a large psychological aspect. Just like how men start feeling the urge for to trade up their truck when the brand new year models come out, women see that an item is new, on trend and only available for a limited time and they want it. Do some women carry bags just to make others jealous or brag about how much they spent on it? Sure, just like some men do the same thing with vehicles - but for many women, it's simply the fact that they own a real piece of Fashion. Something that is in a magazine is also the same thing that she puts her wallet, keys and lipstick in on her way to work and makes her feel special. And we think that anything that makes a lady feel special and confident is worth owning.
So there you have it gentlemen (and ladies!) - do all these reasons sway your opinion on whether or not you think the lady in your life is crazy for spending the price of your rent on a new handbag? We'd like to hear from you! And ladies, what was your first luxury purchase? Was it an impulse buy or did you contemplate it for months? What did you're boyfriend/husband/friends think?
