Designer Guilt No More

“Designer guilt,” as I call it, is when you’re embarrassed to admit that you have (really) expensive taste.

Huh?

Let me explain.  I used to give myself such a hard time for loving expensive things—including designer brands like Chanel or Louis Vuitton (since that’s a whole “expensive” category of its own).  Sometimes I even felt ashamed of myself.  “Why would you spend so much money on a [pair of shoes/bag/lipstick/etc]?” I could hear friends asking; or better yet, comments like “that’s so foolish” and “I just don’t understand” from less inhibited friends and family.  Or maybe people on the street would judge me silently with similar thoughts.

But this is just another example of how other people’s opinions can insidiously infiltrate our own.  We all know designer items aren’t physically worth what they cost, but if they give you a giddiness you just can’t hide or a happy-go-lucky glow from head-to-toe, it’s nobody else’s business to judge you for buying it—and you shouldn’t judge yourself either.  (Now, if you’re buying a designer item to meet other people’s expectations of someone “successful” or “stylish”, maybe you should reconsider).  The other way around, if you don’t care for expensive (overpriced) things, that’s great too!  Whatever your preference, embrace it.

The above said, I declare that I unabashedly love nice things.  They don’t have to be expensive—in fact, some expensive, and even very expensive, items can still look cheap (e.g. ill-fitted, poorly worked or simply low quality)—but they have to look nice and of high quality.  For example, I just bought this gorgeous dark green, suede detail crossbody from H&M… for 30€!  (It pairs like a dream with this tartan cashmere scarf from Kiltane, £45).

That said, I’m also obsessed with these tweed and silicone bags from Chanel’s 2016 collection:

Retailing at about $6,000, there’s no way I can afford one.  BUT, if I could, I would be on it in a heartbeat!

Long story short, don’t let other people’s opinions (OPO) influence your pursuit of happiness, and show equal respect for other people’s shopping preferences.

What’s your experience with designer guilt?  Can you relate?  Please share your stories using the “Leave a Reply” function further below!