I absolutely agree with this, but have found, especially as I age, that finely tailored clothes (which are more expensive) really do look better. The fit is usually much better, along with the quality of fabric, sewing, etc. Better items are cut to flatter - skimming over the problem areas while accenting the positives. Younger women in great shape can look good wearing almost anything as long as the fit is okay.
While I do like a Birkin bag I truly lust for a Nancy Gonzales blue crocodile bag.
I wouldn’t know a Birkin if I saw one.
I don’t notice things like that, though. I’d be a horrible eye witness in a crime trial, because I don’t have the eye for details. I’m a very big picture person. I might see you at a function and think you look very pretty and happy. The next day if someone asked what you were wearing, I’d probably have NO idea. I wouldn’t even get the color right.
The wealthy people I know don’t ever comment on labels. I can’t imagine ever saying “Ooh, a Birkin!” I would simply say “I like your bag.” The “and I know it’s a Birkin” is implied. 
Yes, indeed. My DD can put on any old thing from the bargain bin and look lovely. My older body needs more structure to look presentable, and that tends to come with the pricier clothes.
I am most likely to buy from famous designers at Lenscrafters. I need progressive lenses so can’t get the cheap Warby Parkers, and it seems that all the frames have designer labels. I saw some that were a “maybe”, but ruled out because I refuse to advertise Versace on my temples.
^^^I hate logos on glasses as well!
I’m also not crazy about the Birkin bag. I don’t like how the flap comes over and attaches to the side straps - it’s either a pain to undo every time you open the bag, or it looks messy hanging open all of the time. I’m in and out of my handbag a zillion times a day, and I like easy access at the top. It’s also really boxy and briefcase looking…not my favorite look.
I have never even heard of a Birkin Bag…is it made by Birkenstock 
?
Did anyone read Le Divorce by Diane Johnson? Can’t remember if it was a Birkin or a Kelly, but a Hermes bag played prominently in the plot.
(Apparently it was the gift of choice given by (filthy?) old French great-uncles who sleep with young American tourists (who, it should be clarified, are above the age of consent).)
Even if I liked the look and had the money to buy one, the weight of a Birkin would be too heavy for me!
It was a Kelly bag. Sandra Bullock carried a Birkin bag in The Proposal, Gwyneth Paltrow has a Birkin in The Royal Tenenbaums, and of course it appeared in Sex and the City to cite just a couple of examples. While the Kelly bag has been a strong seller for Hermes, the Birkin bag seems to have taken a life of its own. Hopefully Kim Kardashian having it in a bazillion different colors does not tarnish the brand.
Thanks, skieurope, for answering my question.
I’ve never heard of a Birkin either. And while I’m not wealthy I do have some wealthy women friends. Maybe it’s not a California thing.
I’ve never seen anyone carrying a Birkin in LA either. As BB mentioned about Seattle, you see quite a few classic Chanel bags in LA, but not Hermes.
A brand that is really popular in LA right now is Goyard, which I don’t get at all. It is at a much lower price point than the Hermes or Chanel, but still ridiculously expensive in my view. Don’t mean to offend those of you out there who love it – you definitely have plenty of company! But it just is not for me.
If anyone wants to 'fess up to owning one, I’d love to hear why you love the brand!
My D1, living in NYC, works with a man, born in China, who buys his wife a Birkin almost every year. When his wife is no longer interested in an old one, he sells it in China for more than he paid for it.
I agree with gourmetmom that after a certain age, better made clothing looks better.I found this to be true for items even for teens. Taking teen D shopping, I was willing to pay more for more bathing suits that had more support and coverage, and some jeans that were not so low cut. One of my peeves is sheer tops. I don’t like layering in the summer- too hot, and also am not interested in showing every flaw. This year I found myself obsessively looking for a white t shirt that I couldn’t see through. When I do find something like that, I will buy several of them as I would wear them often with different things. If a certain brand fits me, I will prefer it.
However, some brands I am clueless about. I remember taking my mother shopping and a salesperson complimenting her on her brand name watch. I didn’t even know what they are talking about. She also has some brand name handbags. However, I have never heard her discuss brands or labels. I think she just really likes these items. I think Birkins though are not in her price range.
I think there are many reasons people like a brand name item. Some of them may be the quality and fit, and some people may be brand name conscious. I had to Google Birkins. They are pretty, however, I think there are many other very nice handbags that would work just fine for me at a small fraction of that cost.
Well, Alumother is from San Francisco and writes a blog and I’m sure she knows what a Birkin bag is.
I’m from LA and have known what a Birkin was since I was a teenager because I religiously read fashion magazines when I was younger. It just that you don’t see people carrying them here for whatever reason.
Pre-owned Birkins can sell at a premium here in the US, too. This one has a chance of selling for close to what it was purchased for 3 years ago:
http://www.yoogiscloset.com/hermes-35cm-etoupe-clemence-leather-palladium-plated-birkin-bag.html
And it comes with a rain cover!!! Perfect for carrying around my town. Look, I’m walking around with a Corolla covered with a plastic baggie!
I do not get Goyard either. Used Goyard bags sell out on Yoogi’s as soon as they get listed.
Wow ! I just googled Birkin bags…wow.
If I had that kind of money to blow on an accessory, I would become a philanthropist and do something meaningful with it instead
How about if you were Bill and Melinda Gates and had already established a foundation aimed at eradicating all sorts of illness worldwide? Then do you think it would be okay to carry an expensive bag?
And, why not carry your belongings in a plastic grocery bag and donate the money you would have used on a reasonably-priced bag to charity?
I wouldn’t assume that the people carrying Birkin bags are NOT donating or raising lots of money for charity. Many of them are.