A few years ago I read Crying in H Mart and followed that up by watching some interviews with the author, Michelle Zauner. A major theme of this memoir is the death of Zauner’s mother (spoiler alert). One interview question stood out to me: What do you think your Mom would think of all of this [professional success] if she were still alive?
Without missing a beat, Zauner replied: I think she’d ask…Where’s my bag?
As in, if you, my daughter, have been successful, I want a luxury bag as a tangible representation of that success.
And that got me thinking – I would never, ever want to spend my money on a designer purse. A nice purse is one thing (though even that would be a stretch for me), but a “designer” purse holds zero appeal.
A few weeks ago I read a section in Wired magazine devoted to watches.
Here are a few highlights:
- The Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ulta COSC – €600,000.
- The Speedmaster Flight Qualified – only available for purchase by military pilots. Darn, I’m out of luck on that one.
- The “steal of a deal” IWC Portugieser Eternal Calendar priced at only €175,000. This watch can keep accurate track of dates for 400 consecutive years. (Not sure who’s going to still be around to verify this claim.) Even more impressive is the lunar tracking – it’s accurate for 45 million years, deviating by one day in that time as “a train of wheels translates the lunar cycle of 29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes and 2.8749 seconds.” Developers used computer simulations to whittle down 22 trillion combinations of gear sizes, teeth counts, and alignments.
Ahem. Alrighty then.
Obviously, we’re all different. For some, a designer bag might be a much-loved addition to their wardrobe; for others, it could be a fancy watch. But not me!
Your turn.
- What high-end luxury doesn’t hold any appeal for you in some theoretical windfall that must be spent on superfluous items (e.g. you can’t donate the money to charitable organizations or pop it into an investment account).
- What can you see yourself spending excessive amounts of money on? I think I’d choose property. A beach-front villa somewhere warm, perhaps?
Header photo by Yash Parashar on Unsplash
Discover more from The Optimistic Musings of a Pessimist
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
mbmom11
I have no interest in fancy dresses or shoes. And my Timex watch from Walmart tells the time just fine. So I’ll also pass on the Bulgari.
I think I would spend that imaginary fortune on a lakehouse somewhere cool in the summer- Vermont or New Hampshire maybe? So lots of family can use it.
Elisabeth
That’s my thought with the watch, too (admittedly, I do have an Apple Watch, but it’s a Series 3 from 2017) – I mostly just need the time!
Yup, I’m with you on the property thing. Somewhere with a view of the water (or mountains) – maybe a lakehouse with mountains in the background?
Nicole MacPherson
Oh, I am the same about bags. Do not get me wrong! I like a good bag! But I’d never spend huge $$$ on one. I read a book – what was it called, what was it called – Primates of Park Avenue! That’s what it was. It was fascinating. It was all about very wealthy women in NY and one of the plotlines was obtaining a Birkin bag. I can’t recall the exact cost of the Birkin but it was in the tens of thousands. That would be wasted on me for sure. I don’t know what I’d splurge on that I don’t already have. I would probably spend money on vacations rather than vacation property, business class all the way. I don’t want the headache of a second place. But then if I had that kind of money I guess I’d just pay someone to care for it.
Elisabeth
Yes, I think my untold millions would go toward a property manager! Home renovations and maintenance are not part of my skillset.
Grateful Kae
Yeah, I see no need for a nice bag. Honestly I feel like sometimes when I see the “fancy bags”, I personally often think they’re ugly, and I wonder if they didn’t have the “name”, would people still want them? Know what I mean?
Hmm, I’m not sure what my answer would be. EVERY TIME we travel to a beach destination with my parents, we inevitably end up having the conversation about “we should buy a place here!” Hahaha. (Not that it’s errr, quite that simple, like buying a beautiful beachfront property is like buying a popsicle! lol) But we have the conversation about “how amazing would that be”, but then we also always start mulling over, Well, would we even really use it enough? I mean, we only get so much vacation time… and we like to go other places, too….realistically, if we owned a beachfront place, then we’d feel we needed to be there a lot to get use out of it, etc etc.
I think I’ll join Nicole and just go with unlimited vacation money (sure, let’s throw business class in!). Then I could just splurge on a beautiful beachfront any place/ anywhere I wanted, any time, no strings attached. 😉
Elisabeth
I agree that I don’t necessarily like the aesthetic of “nice” bags. I do suppose many of them hold up for longer than cheaper counterparts. But I could buy a whole lotta thrift store purses for the same price as a LV bag.
I laughed so hard at your comparison: “like buying a beautiful beachfront property is like buying a popsicle!”.
I think it would be nice to have “roots” in a beautiful place where it would be somewhere to make repeated memories, but I totally know what you mean about not wanting to be tied down with a second property. Time share, maybe? I also think I’d be happy with something VERY simple and rustic. I think it would be great to have a beachhouse where I didn’t care about keeping the floors pristine and it didn’t have a big yard to mow, etc.
Birchie
A couple of months ago I wrote about how I would spend one million dollars if I ever had the chance. I didn’t think to include a 600,000 GBP/800,000 USD watch on the list.
I’m with you, I’ll take the beach house instead.
Elisabeth
Birchie, you missed out. Better go re-write that post (and count on working a few extra years)?
Once I have the beach house, I’ll text you the address 😉
Jenny
No fancy bags or watches here. Honestly, I go back and forth on this. I know I should be non-judgmental, if you want a designer bag then you do you! But- there are people starving, homeless people, people who don’t have clean water to drink. I know it’s not that simple- “buy a designer bag or feed the hungry!”- but the distribution of wealth is… disturbing to me.
That said, I wouldn’t mind a nice chunk of money to spend on fabulous travel! Or if you insisted on giving me a lovely vacation home at the beach (or near mountains) I wouldn’t say no : )
Elisabeth
I don’t think I feel particularly judgey about it…I just don’t get it because it holds zero appeal to me. I’m confused!
I think the same perspective could be had on any big purchase with relation to the “starving” model. Because there are millions and millions of people that don’t even have the basic necessities of life, is any superfluous spending “wrong?” THIS IS A RHETORICAL QUESTION.
For example, our family recently spent $1,000s to travel to France. That could have been a very significant cash contribution to our local food bank instead. What about people that buy a new car instead of used, or purchase a home in an expensive city instead of moving to a location with lower real estate costs. It’s an ethical conundrum if you really dig down into it…and there aren’t clear answers.
Hey, you like philosophy!
J
If I were filthy rich, I think I might buy a Cartier trunk watch. I think they are lovely. They’re nowhere near the spendy of the watches you mention, though, ‘only’ a couple of thousand dollars. And I would have to be filthy rich before I would spend that much on a watch, there are so many other things I would want to do first. Like buy an apartment in Paris, and pay off my family’s houses and pay for their kids to go to college/graduate school, donate to my favorite charities, buy a house for us (we live in a townhouse which is fine but I’d prefer a single family home) – maybe in Berkeley, and then fix that up (and then move in, per your comment on my post today). I’d maybe buy a couple of horses if we had a place where that worked. Definitely some dogs. I have a LOT I can spend money on, but a fancy bag or watch really aren’t it for me (well, maybe that Cartier…)
Elisabeth
You have plans, J!
An apartment in Paris does sound dreamy. You buy that, I’ll buy the beachhouse, and we can swap a few times a year?
Suzanne
Ooooh I am currently in a major Coveting Fancy Handbags phase! But that doesn’t mean I HAVE a fancy bag, or would buy one. (Maybe????) Would I ever even use a fancy handbag? I would probably worry too much about ruining it, and then it would sit on my shelf collecting dust and be a waste of money.
Sometimes I find myself ogling people’s jewelry, too… but.. I just don’t know if I would WEAR a bunch of diamonds, you know? I have my engagement ring and my anniversary band and those seem like plenty.
What else can I spend this imaginary disposable income on? Luxury cars? I mean, I spent PLENTY of time in my vehicle, maybe it would be nice if it were a Porsche or a Maserati… but… I think it would stress me out. My car is a MESS and it would be a mess even if it was a Maserati, and then I’d feel guilty. My KIA has everything I need, except the drop-off line cache, and do I really NEED people to oooh and ahh over my vehicle in the car line? No, I do not.
I think I’m more like you in that I would reserve luxury purchases for property. (I would buy a ski-in/ski-out house on the side of my favorite ski resort.)
Elisabeth
I think it’s fun to have things we enjoy and I do really believe someone can appreciate having an expensive watch (though 600,000 euros…? I guess it could be an investment piece?). Also, I think window shopping is FUN. Browse the fancy jewelry and bag (and, if it’s something you really admire, there’s nothing wrong with buying it; I mean, I know John would move heaven and earth if he thought he could own a genuine van Gogh and is a purse or watch that much different from an art piece if it’s something that brings aesthetic pleasure)?
A ski-in/ski-out house. I never thought about that actually being a thing (we have a VERY tiny hill where we live), but that would be amazing. Ugh. Putting on gear inside would be a dream. I’m wrangling boots and helmets in a muddy parking lot.
Sarah S.
No interest in watches or bags for me either. I think owning something that expensive would just make me nervous about spilling something on it or losing it!
I can see spending an excessive amount of money on vacations. I would particularly like to spend money to avoid spending time planning. I don’t know if that would look like hiring a trip planner or paying for a convenient location without shopping around or something else, but trying to be efficient and use my money effectively on trips seems to take a ton of time. I would love to just throw many dollars at trips and not worry about whether I’m getting a “good deal”.
Elisabeth
I agree – I’d be nervous, too!! That’s yet another reason I love that all my clothes are thrifted. It bugs me if I get a stain, but knowing I spent $5 on the sweater helps offset any frustration.
I would definitely throw more money at trips; I think I’d do more guided tours so I could sit back and relax and just go. And I would book business class. I’ve never had a lay-down pod yet and that is on my dream list for future travel experiences.
Sarah
I have MANY fancy bags. **shrug**
Sarah
I HIT THE WRONG REPLY AND THREADED THIS POORLY. BUT STILL. I like fancy bags.
Ally Bean
What high-end luxury doesn’t hold any appeal for you… jewelry, luggage, handbags, formal china, sterling silver
What can you see yourself spending excessive amounts of money on… artwork, landscaping, a college scholarship fund for senior year English majors with a B+ average
Elisabeth
Formal china. Right! That used to be a “thing.” Wait, is that still a “thing”…do people pick out china patterns anymore?
A college scholarship fund. LOVE THIS ANSWER!
And yes, we have almost zero landscaping at our place right now and I would love to invest some into that in the future. But shrubs and trees are pricey. Yikes.
Melissa
I am not a handbag, shoe, designer dresses kind of person. If it had to be a thing, then artwork, otherwise, I would always choose travel.
Elisabeth
I know John would say art, too. And travel! I’d be more travel and maybe home aesthetics. Like I would LOVE to have a kitchen with an island.
Lisa's Yarns
A nice bag is not at all of interest to me. I do not understand the obsession with luxury items. Fancy/expensive watches are a big thing in my industry. I know of a woman who probably spent $10k+ for a watch for her husband for their wedding. Yeesh.
If I had to spend money, I would spend it on travel and would fly first class for all flights, especially international! If I had to buy a home somewhere else, I’d buy an apartment in the Marais area of Paris and then maybe a mountain home in the Asheville, NC area? I like going to the beach but given the choice of beach or mountains, I would choose mountains.
Elisabeth
Including my wedding dress, I think we spent under $4,000 on our wedding 🙂
Yes, first class would be a dream. John is able to upgrade some on his flights and it makes such a difference. I’ve never had a pod and I am really hoping that happens eventually!
I think I’d prefer mountains, too. John would DEFINITELY be beach and his dream retirement situation definitely includes beach-front access. (I tend to like lakes better than the ocean.)
Alexandra
Luxury goods hold no appeal to me on any level whatsoever. Most of them are not that practical and some, downright ugly. Like those watches. I mean, really?
As for coming into any amount of money, I might invest in a property somewhere in the middle of nowhere or, the south of France. But mostly I would spend it all on two things, travel, and learning. Whenever I’ve had extra money, it’s always gone on either courses to learn something, or travel somewhere I’ve never been before.
Elisabeth
It does seem like an awful lot of money for something that tells the time!
Ha – I had to chuckle about investing in a place “in the middle of nowhere”…
Learning. That’s an interesting choice. I’d never really thought about that in the context of myself (of course I shudder to think what university will cost when my kiddos get that that stage).
Central Calif. Aritst Jana
When my Timex watch battery died, the back wouldn’t come off to replace it. I went to a jewelry store, and briefly considered spending $450 on a very beautiful watch, but that was ridiculously expensive. I fell back on my principle of sleeping on big purchases, and I got over the retail fever with no financial damage.
In the ‘90s, I saved for several years and then spent such an enormous amount on a Coach purse that I have repressed the actual number. It is still my only purse, used every day for 30 years. So, I would advise anyone who doesn’t want to own several purses, or who doesn’t care about trends to find a very high-end leather bag on eBay or at a thrift shop.
Big money windfall—a trip or two (in business class) and some polishing on the house, maybe adding a second bedroom, definitely getting it painted throughout. Maybe employ a minimalist declutterer to haul away things that I don’t use but feel foolishly attached to; if someone else did this, I wouldn’t have to notice what was going away and could just carry on in ignorant bliss. It would be good replace one of our vehicles, since all three are over 20 years old. . . wait, I have to do that soon anyway, because my beloved 3-pedal ’96 Accord just got diagnosed with cancer. Sob.
Elisabeth
I think you’re spot on about how long some of those high-quality purchases can last. Plus, it’s a lot better for the environment for someone to buy one bag and use it for 30 years vs. buying a new one every year.
Ohhh. Pick me, pick me. I’ll come declutter for you!
Sarah
I love fancy things! Especially bags. I am starting to feel personally attacked LOL. But srsly- – beach house is the winning choice here.
Elisabeth
Fancy things are great. Really!!! Like I responded to Jenny, what’s the difference between a fancy bag you’ll use a bunch of times and enjoy and a vacation? Our trip to Paris cost more than a fancy purse. I have pictures and memories, but if I want to visit Paris again, I have to pay the price again.
We all have different ways to spend our money and I think our preference for different luxuries is just that – preference. NO JUDGEMENT.
NGS
I don’t necessarily care about luxury items, but I care about quality items. I don’t care if my bag is from a designer house, but I want it to last. I bought a Fossil purse fifteen years ago and I’m still using it today. Sure, I spent a couple hundred dollars on it and that stung at the time, but it has paid for itself. Same with things like clothes and shoes – I spend more money than a lot of people, but my items last and can be repaired.
I don’t want a second home. It sounds exhausting. LOL. But I would pay a lot of money for a teleporter if I meant I could go new places without ever having to actually travel.
Elisabeth
Such an important distinction, Engie. Thanks for pointing this out. And I agree that one thing I haven’t always been great about it prioritizing quality. I think I struggle to commit to something long term. Like…am I still going to enjoy using a purse for 15 years. BUT, that’s ridiculous because it’s cheaper and much better for the environment.
I think the way I tend to get away this conundrum is looking for higher-quality items at thrift stores.
Shoes are definitely an investment piece.
I am here for teleportation.
Gigi
No fancy purses or watches for me thank you. If I had a windfall (or won the lottery) most likely I’d pay off my house and “retire” and travel.
Elisabeth
Travelling sounds like a wonderful way to spend one’s retirement!
Ernie
Elisabeth – I’m so on the same page as you. No fancy bag for me. A pen would explode on it in the first week that I had it. I’m not into pricey stuff (I do not drool over fancy cars or top of the line watches or jewels), but a nice vacation home would suit me just fine. That way I can share it with my people.
Elisabeth
Ha – yes to the pen!
I agree that having a vacation place where I could put down “roots” and make consistent memories would be amazing. My parents live on a lake in a very modest (built themselves!) house; I feel like in a way that has been my kids’ equivalent of a vacation home. It’s nice to have a place to return to over and over again and make lasting memories with “your people.”
jeanie
Oh, this is fun food for thought! Most hgh end luxury items hold little appeal for me. I’m not that big on jewelry or clothes or accessories. If I won big, (apart from donating) I’d travel. And if it was a LOT of money, get an apartment in London or Paris or Bath!
Elisabeth
Doesn’t having an apartment in Europe (really anywhere because it’s so easy – and inexpensive to travel between countries) sound dreamy??!!
Tobia | craftaliciousme
Yes! to it all. I can’t see why spending money on a bag – that gets used, put on the ground, rubs on your clothes – would be worth that kind of investment. And While I would never get a watch as status symbol I may have some appreciation for the craft work that goes into it… But not as much as spending such money on it.
If I had to invest into something it would be either property or books. Books are knowledge and that is a good thing to invest in. Maybe art because if live is too tough art can settle the soul.
Elisabeth
Love this perspective about the craftsmanship. YES! That is so true and something I completely overlooked. And things that are well-made, by hand really do take a tremendous amount of time and skill. Woodworking, making quilts, cobblers – these sorts of trades take a lot of care, precision, and time to master.
I am a library girl through and through, but I would definitely invest in property. That said, there is a lack of affordable housing around the world, so it does sound like an unwise choice to take up valuable space in a second location when many people can’t access anywhere to live. Thankfully, that is NOT something I actually have to battle against. We own our little house and Canada and I suspect that will be the start and end of our property ownership 🙂
Stephany
Luxury items also don’t hold appeal for me. I will admit that if I was filthy rich, I’d probably cave and buy a luxury car, like a Mercedes or something. I love my lil Soul, but I’d be tempted to trade her in for something fancier.
But what I’d really want to do is be able to travel in style. First class tickets to Paris? Yep! Spending two whole weeks traveling around Italy (with a private driver, of course!)? Sure! It would be epic.
San
I will also take the beach house.
Expensive watches, handbags, jewelry, or fashion do not appeal to me. However, I will invest in good shoes!
Elisabeth
The good shoes thing is spoken like a true European…and a distance runner! Quality really matters with shoes!