You can imagine that as an Image Consultant, I love fashion! So, not long ago, when at the Giorgio Armani display, I grabbed the bag I had fancied for so long and went directly to the cash register. In a few minutes, I had just spent an arm and a leg. Quelle Follie! But, I had planned and saved for a long time to be able to treat myself to a designer bag. As crazy as it sounds, I really wanted it and am proud to be the owner of such a beautiful accessory. What can I say? I just got hit by the bag bug!
The phenomenon of owning high-priced designer’s accessories has become huge these last few seasons. Why do we dream about owning these accessories? Why have these status bags become cult objects? Because, for the last five years, millions have been spent on advertising and marketing to entice consumers (like us) to purchase designer accessories. And, they have been extremely successful as sales have increased by over 146% and represent approximately 20% of the sales of luxury goods.
Truth is, buying highly priced accessories is more than just purchasing a bag. It’s buying a universe of dreams for those of us who have bottoms in our wallets.
If you, like I, just LOVE designer’s deluxe signature accessories, they can be more accessible if you start with, what I call, designer accessories for beginners. For instance, if your goal is to, one day, own a Hermes Kelly bag, you could consider starting with a Hermes Kelly bracelet ($345) or a Hermes scarf ($325). Or, if you envision yourself as a regular shopper at Chanel, why not treat yourself to a beautiful pair of faux-pearl Chanel earrings ($400) or a pair of Chanel sun glasses…just to get acquainted? Louis Vuitton’s bags have been popular for many, many years…have you seen Louis Vuitton’s sun glasses? They are the best ($450). At Cartier, the beginners level could be a Trinity ring or a Cartier pen (for the business women) before working your way up to a Cartier Tank watch. And, if you need to satisfy the urge to carry a $2000 handbag, nothing could be simpler. It is possible to rent a bag for one day, one week, or one month at companies like http://www.bagborroworsteal.com or http://www.borrowdesignerbags.com.
But, don’t think that just because you are not a designer junkie, like some of us, you cannot be just as fashionable! My clients have a range of tastes, budgets, and styles. We have fun working together, and if designer bags are not their thing, the department and on-line stores have dozens of lovely bags from which to choose.
I will be in Paris this summer. I fervently hope I do not fall for a Hermes bag!
Michele
