Why are people so mesmerized by labels and pricey items?

So one mom had a very pricey item, and another mom commented later on
WOOO She must have
MU-LAH !!!!!

I just laughed to myself.

Yeah, either MU-LAH or BIG CREDIT CARD BILL

It's sad that our society is so about materialistic things, and even the kids in schools are being brought up this way.

and Ive seen way too many cases where its just a big show, the big ticket pocketbook that carries an empty wallet

just had to babble

Re: Why are people so mesmerized by labels and pricey items?

ITA!! people automatically assume that people with pricey things have $$$, when really they probably just have big credit card bills.
its really sad- i see it in the school i work at, too. i have a 10 year old who when i asked her what she wanted for christmas, she said " a fendi bag, a TIffany necklace..." this is the same girl who walks around wtih coach shoes and a coach purse! at 10 YEARS OLD!! its nuts, and very sad that we have become so into these types of things...

Re: Why are people so mesmerized by labels and pricey items?

I always tell my Economics students, when looking at other's lifestyle choices... "All that glitters is not necessarily gold".

It's not how much you make, it's how much you spend.

And how you treat money/spend money is largely based on other psychological issues for good and for bad.

Re: Why are people so mesmerized by labels and pricey items?

honestly- I like nice things but, there is a difference with people who are so obsessed. If I like a designer, etc., it's because it fits me well, or I really appreciate the style NOT for the name brand.

People seriously need to get over it-- don't they know that it's in good taste to NOT flaunt and be so into labels? IMO label obsession is the equivalent of a woman trying to dress too young.

Re: Why are people so mesmerized by labels and pricey items?

ITA, I but what I like and don't pay attention so much to labels. To me quality and price (and I mean sale or discount price) of the item are the most important factors when buying something.

Re: Why are people so mesmerized by labels and pricey items?

I like nice things, but I don't always go for the pricey designer items. Some of the designer clothes, bags, etc.. are ugly, and people only wear them because of the name. I really don't get it.
I new someone that had a pair of $500 sneakers. They weren't even that nice, and they are just sneakers.

I admit that I have a few designer bags, clothes, but I got them because I liked them, and they are a good quality, not because of the name.

Message edited 3/21/2007 7:55:55 AM.

Re: Why are people so mesmerized by labels and pricey items?

I have a theory about this:

Once upon a time - like in the 50's to 80's - all the Hollywood glamour people - actors, actresses, models, etc - all were the ones with the STUFF - you know - the expensive stuff... us normal people never even had access to it - it wasn't even for sale for us... that is what set us apart and made them more glamorous...

Some marketing genius really hit the nail on the head when they decided - hey - why don't we make whats available for THEM available for the average working shmo?

So, now we can wear the same shoes, clothes, handbags, etc as the celebs and feel like we, too, are a little higher on a pedastal - a little closer to glamour and a little further from our everyday lives.

That is why some people get a thrill at thousand dollar LV bags and 800 dollar shoes. I can't ever afford this stuff - but man, I am tempted at times, I'll admit it!!!





Its not having the money for it so much as having the stuff. And people seeing that you have it. Plain and simple.

Re: Why are people so mesmerized by labels and pricey items?

Theresa- I totally agree that it's psychologically based. The fact that people will buy "fake" bags just so it looks like "the real one"? I cant even wrap my mind around the mentality of that one.

m110 - a ten yr old ? I see this often too, at the schools I sub at. Last year, the 1st graders were talking about what they would do with a hundred dollars. The boys were all about sports and toys, and then come the girls with "limos, butler, jacuzzi, etc"
FIRST GRADE !! I didnt even know what these things were in first grade. and should a 6yr old be concerned aboutthese things ????

It's really instilling such terrible values in these children. Yes, they should work hard, become something and earn money, but not so they can have all these material things...

It really is sad that society/the media sets this all up for us, from a very young age.

I love when I see these "young kids" teens/20's, driving a car that they probably spend their entire monthly minimum wage salary on to pay off.
and that's their goal in life, and as far as they see it: mission accomplished.

Last week my cousin was over and I was clipping coupons and I started telling her 14yr old that some stores double and triplle coupons and she was like and she got a scissor and started cutting some out for herself. I told her that as soon as my boys are old enough to understand, Im going to give them half of what they save us if they help with coupons (wishful thinking)

The insatiability of "kids these days" is another thing that makes me nuts..
that could be a whole other post..

Re: Why are people so mesmerized by labels and pricey items?

ITA - The materialism is out of control and I think all of us can name more than one person we know who is OBSESSED with having the "it" item with the label blaring for all to see.

I love having nice things - especially things that are made well and are of high quality. I drive a nice car, carry a great bag, and I still live within my means.

Re: Why are people so mesmerized by labels and pricey items?

Re: Why are people so mesmerized by labels and pricey items?

I totally agree with this. I admit that I like brand names, but honestly, it is more because it is quality stuff that will last longer than I will probably like it. I would rather spend more on quality things that last. I am definitely not into trends.

back to the topic at hand... I hate posers! you know, people who buy things for show and are in debt up their eyeballs. enjoy your bills!

Re: Why are people so mesmerized by labels and pricey items?

I don't care what others have (unless I like it...then I want it. )

Isn't it worse that everybody is making judgements on the person's financial status than the actual person carrying a pricey item.

If I see someone with a $$$ bag, I think wow, that's a pricey bag (and then I decide whether I like it or not...if I feel it's worth the $$$.) My thinking never goes to how big their savings & investment accounts are or how much they owe on CCs.

Re: Why are people so mesmerized by labels and pricey items?

Posted by anna


Theresa- I totally agree that it's psychologically based. The fact that people will buy "fake" bags just so it looks like "the real one"? I cant even wrap my mind around the mentality of that one.

Re: Why are people so mesmerized by labels and pricey items?

I dont understand it. I admit I do like some of these items and I even own a few, but I havent bought any big ticket items in years.

Re: Why are people so mesmerized by labels and pricey items?

my 10 yr old DD came home from school the other day and said her friend has a coach wallet/purse
and I said Do you even know what that is??and in my shock she DID
we DON'T do brand names at our house(except sneakers...we like NIKE)
I have cousins who have money$$$$and they were always over on Christmas Day with their Prada bags and minolo shoes and they were the first people I knew to have a camera phone etc. They are spoiled brats and all they do is brag about their stuff

p.s. The only 3 people at my wedding to NOT give me a card or money was them

Re: Why are people so mesmerized by labels and pricey items?

I think it's worse that we live in an area where we constantly judge others, whether it is judging those without the big ticket items or with them. Live and let live, I say.

Message edited 3/21/2007 9:16:46 AM.

Re: Why are people so mesmerized by labels and pricey items?

Here's my opinion, and it may not be a popular one...but I've been seeing A LOT of threads about this lately...

Why do people care so much about what others do, wear, or carry?

Why is it such a big deal if someone is carrying on about having "designer" items?

We don't know whether that was bought on sale, whether it's a fake, or whether it was a gift....we don't know if it was stolen, purchased w/cash, or purchased with a credit card reaching it's max.

As long as that person is not asking to borrow money from me to purchase that item - I wish them luck and hope they wear it in good health.

The fact is that there is a name brand to everything - whether you're buying Kraft American Singles or America's Choice - there's a brand attached to it. Am I a big spender b/c I prefer to eat Kraft over America's Choice?

Same applies to whether or not I rock a handbag from Target or a handbag from Louis Vuitton.

Does it really matter? How does me carrying an LV bag effect others?

Re: Why are people so mesmerized by labels and pricey items?

Re: Why are people so mesmerized by labels and pricey items?

Re: Why are people so mesmerized by labels and pricey items?

Re: Why are people so mesmerized by labels and pricey items?

Re: Why are people so mesmerized by labels and pricey items?

Posted by lipglossjunky73

I have a theory about this:

Once upon a time - like in the 50's to 80's - all the Hollywood glamour people - actors, actresses, models, etc - all were the ones with the STUFF - you know - the expensive stuff... us normal people never even had access to it - it wasn't even for sale for us... that is what set us apart and made them more glamorous...

Some marketing genius really hit the nail on the head when they decided - hey - why don't we make whats available for THEM available for the average working shmo?

So, now we can wear the same shoes, clothes, handbags, etc as the celebs and feel like we, too, are a little higher on a pedastal - a little closer to glamour and a little further from our everyday lives.

That is why some people get a thrill at thousand dollar LV bags and 800 dollar shoes. I can't ever afford this stuff - but man, I am tempted at times, I'll admit it!!!





Its not having the money for it so much as having the stuff. And people seeing that you have it. Plain and simple.

Re: Why are people so mesmerized by labels and pricey items?

Re: Why are people so mesmerized by labels and pricey items?

Posted by BellaPaige

Posted by ChrissynRicky

Here's my opinion, and it may not be a popular one...but I've been seeing A LOT of threads about this lately...

Why do people care so much about what others do, wear, or carry?

Why is it such a big deal if someone is carrying on about having "designer" items?

We don't know whether that was bought on sale, whether it's a fake, or whether it was a gift....we don't know if it was stolen, purchased w/cash, or purchased with a credit card reaching it's max.

As long as that person is not asking to borrow money from me to purchase that item - I wish them luck and hope they wear it in good health.

The fact is that there is a name brand to everything - whether you're buying Kraft American Singles or America's Choice - there's a brand attached to it. Am I a big spender b/c I prefer to eat Kraft over America's Choice?

Same applies to whether or not I rock a handbag from Target or a handbag from Louis Vuitton.

Does it really matter? How does me carrying an LV bag effect others?

Great point, Christine!!

Re: Why are people so mesmerized by labels and pricey items?