[welfare]

dunno if this has been covered already or not.
what are your thoughts on the higher end fake goods? like the HK stuff?
do you buy them? be honest

[Conan]

nope. a fake is a fake is a fake is a fake.

i'd rather buy something that had no names or lesser of a brand than a high-end fake.

[welfare]

keep in mind i'm talking completely identical in every way fakes

[Conan]

Even if it's those A++ grade stuff i still wouldn't.

for example i had a family member buy a fake cartier watch... identical in every way that it looks down to the smallest detail.. however the defining difference was in it's weight. wasn't off by a lot but there was still a difference.

i'd rather buy some no name thing than a fake. it's like who you trying to fool?

[welfare]

yes, that's what i'm referring to. the A++ stuff.
your opinion has been appreciated.
more inputz please

[- kT]

I think the only reason you're asking this is cause you wanna get an A++++ fake and you want to see if anybody else does it so you feel less guilty.

Truth?

[hotjoint]

I'll buy it but I'll tell everyone its fake but looks real and I saved money :)

[vmec]

I would! But I won't taint my authentic collection, if I have one. For example Coach? Won't buy a fake only because I have an all authentic collection and I'd like to keep it that way, I will buy used cheap stuff if I need to save money. If it was another designer rip off, I would though... I saved money and if it really is an A+++++ replica, you won't be able to tell.

I would not buy fake Cartier watch becasue of quality and nothing else.

[f00tzilla]

a fake will always be a fake .. all you need is one person to notice and then you'll be like "shit..."

[vmec]

a fake will always be a fake .. all you need is one person to notice and then you'll be like "shit..."

Meh... if it's really good the average joe won't have a clue, but I wouldn't try to pass it off as real and be all pissy when asked if it's fake.

[kwanzor]

if u cant afford the real deal GTFO

[Powerslide]

do you care about quality or only looks?

That being said, I think rolex needs to step up their game if fakes are being made that outperform them

[gl0910]

don't buy fakes,
don't lie to yourself

[Ulic Qel-Droma]

i'd buy the most complex extravagant A+++ fake item for kicks, it would be so bling that i'd look ridiculous wearing it.

[Fobman]

just buy, who cares and who would know
saves some money lol

[TRDood]

buy whatever you like.. lol

whocares wat other people think about you?

it's just like walking down the street, holding your gf's hands, knowing that she has a penis in her pants or airbags in her bra. no one will notice since they don't give a shit about you. at the end, it's you that have to deal with the consequences of seeing an extra penis in the bedroom.

[Z3guy]

don't buy fakes,
don't lie to yourself

that is one of the best quotes I have heard in a while..........it is a personal thing for me, but I don't buy fake watches, clothes, perf auto parts, wheels, etc, however, I have no problem buying fake cosmetic parts (ACS pedals, carbon fiber interior, etc)......I do feel I am lying to myself though.... but I rather spend $700 for a fake ACS CF interior Vs $3200 for the real deal.....just too big of a price gap Vs quality difference.

[yellowpower]

Your goof if you wear something like that, what is the point of pretending to be rich? Its not a matter of saving money, its a matter of position.

A rich business man could be wearing a fake Rolex watch while everyone compliments him on this pricey item. While the other guy in the room who happens to be a waiter, but saved up enough to buy an actual REAL Rolex watch, is questioned by everyone around him.
"Is it fake?"
"Looks like one of those high end fakes".

[yellowpower]

it's just like walking down the street, holding your gf's hands, knowing that she has a penis in her pants or airbags in her bra. no one will notice since they don't give a shit about you. at the end, it's you that have to deal with the consequences of seeing an extra penis in the bedroom.

I like that lol

[BlitzBlitz]

I only buy fake clothing in hong kong cause its cheap. i dont really care about the brand, but the fact that im getting a 2$ t-shirt is unbelievable... i mean, you cant get a 2$ tshirt in canada.

[tiger_handheld]

question should be:

why pretend to own something that you can't afford to own?

ot: did any one catch simpsons from last night - mapple - myphone - myphonies ;)

[hal0g0dv2]

what is the point spend 20-40 more bucks and get the real deal. wont look like a fucking fool

[nathaniel]

if you dont belong in a higher status
why try to look like you do?

there is nothing wrong with affordable fashion like GAP, old navy, american eagle etc.

there's nothing more stupid looking than a decked out LV, prada, gucci wearing guy getting out of a '88 civic.

[micbain]

if you dont belong in a higher status
why try to look like you do?

there is nothing wrong with affordable fashion like GAP, old navy, american eagle etc.

there's nothing more stupid looking than a decked out LV, prada, gucci wearing guy getting out of a '88 civic.

:haha: +1

[welfare]

I think the only reason you're asking this is cause you wanna get an A++++ fake and you want to see if anybody else does it so you feel less guilty.

Truth?
false. i actually buy all my clothes, aside from shoes, socks and underwear, at thrift stores. i purposely stay away from name brands, let alone fakes. so many reasons why i choose to shop at these places, but i won't get into that.
this is a fairly large sized forum, and i just wanted a general consensus

[MelonBoy]

if you dont belong in a higher status
why try to look like you do?

there is nothing wrong with affordable fashion like GAP, old navy, american eagle etc.

there's nothing more stupid looking than a decked out LV, prada, gucci wearing guy getting out of a '88 civic.

gap is expensive sometimes =/ lol

[- kT]

false. i actually buy all my clothes, aside from shoes, socks and underwear, at thrift stores. i purposely stay away from name brands, let alone fakes. so many reasons why i choose to shop at these places, but i won't get into that.
this is a fairly large sized forum, and i just wanted a general consensus

I wasn't accusing, I was inquiring. Good to know you don't buy fakes.

gap is expensive sometimes =/ lol

True story, some of the denim runs 200-300 dollars, nice quality stuff

[unit]

I only buy fake clothing in hong kong cause its cheap. i dont really care about the brand, but the fact that im getting a 2$ t-shirt is unbelievable... i mean, you cant get a 2$ tshirt in canada.

ive seen $17HKD shirts at uniqlo, so thats a brand name $2 shirt thats legit!!

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

the truth is a fake is a fake


if u cant afford the real thing, u are tryin too hard dude. who u tring to fool??

a NSX with F360 conversion will never be a real F360, it will still be a NSX

i rather have one clean JDM NSX than a half ass ferrari and a half ass NSX within.

pretty lame in my opinion, i cant understand why the fuck would anyone buy fake stuff. It aint real, doesnt matter how real it looks like, it is not from the OEM manufacture. Sporting fake shit is just pure ridiculous, cant afford it why not buy something that fit ur budget.

[Care]

.

[Ulic Qel-Droma]

if you dont belong in a higher status
why try to look like you do?

there is nothing wrong with affordable fashion like GAP, old navy, american eagle etc.

there's nothing more stupid looking than a decked out LV, prada, gucci wearing guy getting out of a '88 civic.

???


...guy getting out of a civic.

fixed.

[BlackZRoadster]

I would! But I won't taint my authentic collection, if I have one. For example Coach? Won't buy a fake only because I have an all authentic collection and I'd like to keep it that way, I will buy used cheap stuff if I need to save money. If it was another designer rip off, I would though... I saved money and if it really is an A+++++ replica, you won't be able to tell.

I would not buy fake Cartier watch becasue of quality and nothing else.


lol i laughed so hard, fakes of coach? or was that an example, cuz i never knew they made replicas for cheaper stuff

[yuusha]

People who buy fake clothing are only concerned with the fake logo/brand.

[winson604]

for clothing never. I've said it before and i'll say it again, the only fake shiet I buy are the occasional fake dvds from chinese stores

[Type-SIR]

if you can afford it, just buy it. who cares about people who buys fake ones, just because they can't afford it, does that make you a better person? HECK NO! They're probably don't care about the clothes and have more money than you.

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

for clothing never. I've said it before and i'll say it again, the only fake shiet I buy are the occasional fake dvds from chinese stores



werd thats the only fake ass shit i'd ever buy


heck even i stop buyin them years ago, just download

:haha:

[3xta]

just dont buy fake batteries, they can explode

[Cman333]

I can't afford a lambo....so If I made one out of my Honda civic and told everyone it was real. If it looked dead on, would it be considered a lambo still?

You'd basically be a poser. Yes alot of name brand stuff is overpriced. If you know so, why buy into it? If you can't afford the real deal why would someone bother with the fake ones. It like wearing a fake Rolex. Or wearing real flashy fake jewellery.

If you can't afford a 10,000$ Hermes bag, why FRONT like you can afford it. Most the time ppl buy this stuff for the name and not so much for the design.

[Powerslide]

ok to play devil's advocate, I want to put out the other side of the coin

If you gain some sort of social power or mobility from looking a certain part but you cant afford the status symbols, if you get fake ones that can convince everyone they are real then you are one step ahead. Its a power game, and if thats a technique you want to use to get ahead, then so be it. You place yourself in the higher status circle - just dont get caught or your game's up. Make sure you assert yourself enough when you get there so that even if you did get caught, it wouldnt matter anymore.

In that way, these expensive items are just a front anyways, even if you have the real ones. So do what you need to do

[westcoastgsr]

I wear knockoff dress shirts for work all the time. They fit perfect. Mind you they dont have a big logo or anything, they have a small stiched logo on the pocket (armani, boss etc). Also half my ties are knock offs too. Why the fuck would i pay 60-70 for one tie that no would even know if its some brand name, where I get them dirt cheap in HK or China.

[vmec]

lol i laughed so hard, fakes of coach? or was that an example, cuz i never knew they made replicas for cheaper stuff

Odd, I don't know what's so funny?

They make fakes for everything. They make GUESS fakes, Guess is way cheaper than coach.

Still though, what's so funny? I like Coach, I hate LV, you're laughing at a personal preference?

[BlackZRoadster]

^ im laughing at why they make fakes of coach, not your personal taste...i thought they only made replicas of expensive items,
I never knew they had fake guesss..

lol, dont tell me they have fake buffalo, fake le chateau fake american eagle...actually maybe they do now.. but i dont see the point when its affordable

[welfare]

I can't afford a lambo....so If I made one out of my Honda civic and told everyone it was real. If it looked dead on, would it be considered a lambo still?



that is a completely inaccurate comparison

[welfare]

^ im laughing at why they make fakes of coach, not your personal taste...i thought they only made replicas of expensive items,
I never knew they had fake guesss..

lol, dont tell me they have fake buffalo, fake le chateau fake american eagle...actually maybe they do now.. but i dont see the point when its affordable

if people will buy it, people will make it.
that's the point

[Yushimi]

Oki, this is just my opinion.

One who buys fake is only for the name brand itself.
One who buys the real deal is usually going for quality.

This is why a lot of people usually buy real Louis Vuitton(just an example) compared to the fake ones. The fake does not have that quality. And yes, it's true, the people with the real deal can usually take a fake from a mile away lolz.

**And no, I would never buy fake. I go for quality and if I got a fake it just ruins everything else I have lolz**

[RFlush]

I have fake Gucci socks and I think some Tommy Hillfilger and Diesal socks. They were cheaper than no name brand. I look at the costs, not the logo though. Can't go wrong for 6 pairs of socks for $1 haha

[jnesss]

Oki, this is just my opinion.

One who buys fake is only for the name brand itself.
One who buys the real deal is usually going for quality.

This is why a lot of people usually buy real Louis Vuitton(just an example) compared to the fake ones. The fake does not have that quality. And yes, it's true, the people with the real deal can usually take a fake from a mile away lolz.

**And no, I would never buy fake. I go for quality and if I got a fake it just ruins everything else I have lolz**


people buy fakes cause they're cheap!

[welfare]

Oki, this is just my opinion.

One who buys fake is only for the name brand itself.
One who buys the real deal is usually going for quality.

this is simply not true. 99% of people who buy authentic, buy it for the name as well. they are incapable of actually discerning a true quality item and therefore put their trust in that name brand. if you believe your statement then you actually believe the articles are worth what the companies sell them for. they are, in fact, only worth what the customers will pay for them. the higher they charge, the more desirable the articles become. it's a completely backwards system, and it's for fools.


This is why a lot of people usually buy real Louis Vuitton(just an example) compared to the fake ones. The fake does not have that quality. And yes, it's true, the people with the real deal can usually take a fake from a mile away lolz.
as stated in the title, i was referring to high end fakes, not flea market louis.
there are high end fake goods that are completely indistinguishable from the authentic ones, even to the most trained eye. exact duplicates that usually run for about half of what the "real" ones do. however, they are even still only worth that because that's how much people in that market will pay

**And no, I would never buy fake. I go for quality and if I got a fake it just ruins everything else I have lolz**

sorry to break it to you, but it's all in your head. they've run their game on you

[JLC]

people who buy fakes are losers...
whats the point of buying a fake anything? The only reason you would buy something fake is to try and trick people into believing its real...otherwise whats the point?

If you gotta "pretend" you're cool then you're as fake as the shit you buy...

I have absolutely zero respect for people who try to pawn off their fake shit as real...whether it be a fake watch, clothes, what have you..

If you can't afford it, dont pretend you can

[Yushimi]

Oh yawn. Welfare, that was my opinion. Flame me as much as you want. Like I've said before, AAA quality is still fake. If one buys one, one cannot lie to oneself.

[bomberben69]

for clothing never. I've said it before and i'll say it again, the only fake shiet I buy are the occasional fake dvds from chinese stores

hahha yeeeeees:haha:

[welfare]

Oh yawn. Welfare, that was my opinion. Flame me as much as you want. Like I've said before, AAA quality is still fake. If one buys one, one cannot lie to oneself.
so if it's AAA quality, and exactly the same from every aspect possible, what makes it fake? aside from the price, that is
i know it seems like i am defending fakes, but as i'd stated previously in this thread, that's not the case. i'm just curious to see if anybody has a logical explanation to the BS

[bomberben69]

so if it's AAA quality, and exactly the same from every aspect possible, what makes it fake? aside from the price, that is
i know it seems like i am defending fakes, but as i'd stated previously in this thread, that's not the case. i'm just curious to see if anybody has a logical explanation to the BS

because the authentic LV bag that cakefaced bitch with fake titties is carrying was stitched together by 5 year old LGs from a fucking sweatshop in china while the fake LV carried by that old asian lady was manufactured by huge factories which fund terrorism that later bomb our fuckin asses.

[flameboy54]

so if it's AAA quality, and exactly the same from every aspect possible, what makes it fake? aside from the price, that is


What makes it fake is the fact that it was not manufatured by the rightful trademark/copyright holder. Hence the price will reflect that.

[JSALES]

i don't like to buy fake shit, it feels embarassing. in my opinion i think someone who buys fake shit and tells people it's real is being fake because to me it's like they are being someone their not because they might not be able to afford the real thing..

[F3]

so if it's AAA quality, and exactly the same from every aspect possible, what makes it fake? aside from the price, that is


If this is the case then you didn't buy a fake, you bought something that was on sale. :rolleyes:

[welfare]

What makes it fake is the fact that it was not manufatured by the rightful trademark/copyright holder. Hence the price will reflect that.

i meant aside from the obvious BS that enables a company to charge a ridiculous mark up from what the product is actually worth in materials/labor/advertising.
i mean the difference of the actual product

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

i cant believe this topic can actually be debatable.


Fake shit = :rolleyes: .....fake shit


Just like all the china cars are fake ass shit and copy other manufacture cars.


Fake shit = 14 dollar wonna be high roller


enough said, case closed


who the fuck would rock fake shit? cant afford the real deal? GTFO

cant take the heat in the kitchen? :gtfo::gtfo::IDL

same shit different day

[flameboy54]

i meant aside from the obvious BS that enables a company to charge a ridiculous mark up from what the product is actually worth in materials/labor/advertising.
i mean the difference of the actual product

Well, with that said, I would probably say materials and details. I've never compared a LV AAA vs the real deal, and I have no interest to but I'm sure there has to be a difference, be it the way it wears day-to-day (durability), or the how it's stitched, etc. etc. Unless, of course, it's the factory workers sneaking merchandise out and selling it as replicas.

[welfare]

well then, the content of your well articulated argument has definitely convinced me

i cant believe this topic can actually be debatable.


Fake shit = :rolleyes: .....fake shit


Just like all the china cars are fake ass shit and copy other manufacture cars.


Fake shit = 14 dollar wonna be high roller


enough said, case closed


who the fuck would rock fake shit? cant afford the real deal? GTFO

cant take the heat in the kitchen? :gtfo::gtfo::IDL

same shit different day

[welfare]

Well, with that said, I would probably say materials and details. I've never compared a LV AAA vs the real deal, and I have no interest to but I'm sure there has to be a difference, be it the way it wears day-to-day (durability), or the how it's stitched, etc. etc. Unless, of course, it's the factory workers sneaking merchandise out and selling it as replicas.


you can probably figure out the point that i'm driving at here
however, i realize this is becoming quite the dead horse, so i'll leave with this:
no one is going to know the difference between an extremely well made, unauthentic garment that costs roughly half the price of the authentic one, and the "real" article. it's all in the head of the buyer. you can lie to yourself all you want, but it won't change the truth. the authentic articles main area of cost is with the advertising, not the actual garment. and is still nowhere near the cost of retail. it is obviously, at least in my mind, reasonable to believe that they could be duplicated to exact specification for half the retail price and still be profitable. some people in this thread act as if these authentic goods are made by gods and not in the sweat shop next door to the one producing the fakes. to be honest, i used to buy into the whole versace, D&G, hugo boss garbage, but now i actually see things for what they are. the world is plagued with so much deceit, and the name brand is probably one of the simplest forms. in closing, i wouldn't be caught dead wearing a fake item, for fear that somebody may mistake it as being real

[superdanish]

i rather invest my money in the real thing, besides its better quality.

[alicewang0109]

i would never buy fake/wear fake things
id just feel like im trying to be someone im not

[Farfetched]

i rather invest my money in the real thing, besides its better quality.

sure you could look at it that way. and it would be true in most cases. but what about the items where high end doesn't necessarily equal higher quality. a super pricey t-shirt really isn't that much better constructed than a much less expensive one. the majority of 'designer' shoes are terrible quality, mainly glue jobs.

[ZhangFei]

Even if you wear the real thing and you look like a douche bag, people assume you are wearing something fake because you look like a douche bag. so there's really no difference haha

its the man that makes the clothes, not the clothes that make the man.

[ZhangFei]

the reason why they were so expensive in the first place as because only the WORTHY are supposed to wear them.

but you have people rocking on clothing with a ghetto grimey swag, who are they lying to anyways?

[chr1s]

welfare you are a good man.

[welfare]

well, you know i try to use my brain as often as possible to cut through the bullshit. maybe others will understand it the way i do and follow suit one day.
don't get me wrong, i'm probably just as concerned with my appearance, if not more, than half of the ones posting. after all, the way we dress is made to be a representation of ourselves. i like quality clothes, and am able differentiate a quality item without paying a ridiculous bill to somehow make believe that it justifies it. i used to buy into the high end label garbage, but realized that i don't want to project the image that i think i'm deserving of 300$ jeans or that i think i'm better than others because i wear an expensive label. basically, that's the label you're giving yourself. i mean really, who are we trying to impress? i don't care for the ones it would impress, i'll tell you that much.
i started going to places like winners and other marked down outlets, but soon realized i could find clothes that i liked for way cheaper. now i shop at places like sally ann and value village. though value village is getting ridiculous with their prices lately as well.
some of the pros that i've found to buying at these thrift stores:
price. obviously
originality. you won't some guy walking down the street with your 40+ year old cardigan on
the re-use of old items. the cornerstone of efficiency.
most of the profits are turned over to charities such as canadian diabetes, salvation army, and so on.
i don't buy all that many clothes though, but the ones i do buy i make sure i am 100% satisfied that it fits me exactly how i want and i like the look of it. besides, the more clothes you have, the more energy you have to waste on deciding what to wear.
when you go to these places, all you need is a keen eye. i think that's one of the reasons people buy high end labels. blind faith. they're putting there trust into that label believing that the price is justified by the quality. i'll tell you now, no level quality justifies the prices of the items you see at high end boutiques. just a blatant scam in my eyes

[trdees]

^ I think your just making up stuff to back up your "cheapness"

Personally I like high end brands because of quality and look not just because of the brand. You try to find a nice winter jacket that looks nice feels nice keeps you warm and will last you for ages at Value Village

[welfare]

^ I think your just making up stuff to back up your "cheapness"

what is it that i've said that seems unbelievable to you? i think that any logical person would see that it all makes perfect sense.
i spend money on things that i see to be justifiably priced, if i have the choice. it's called being efficient. don't try and dirty that title with a word like "cheapness"

Personally I like high end brands because of quality and look not just because of the brand. You try to find a nice winter jacket that looks nice feels nice keeps you warm and will last you for ages at Value Village

about 3 weeks ago, at the salvation army, i found a crazy dope jacket. fits like a glove. gore-tex, so i could stand in the shower with it and not get wet. bright red, one of my favorite colors. i love the style, like an old school ski jacket. looks like brand new too. i pay attention to the detail and quality, and believe me, this jacket will last for ages. understand i rummaged for two years before i found that, so you know i was ecstatic when i did. definitely worth my 12$. especially when that money went to charity

[Peanut Butter Jelly Time!]

too bad your logic falls on deaf ears. a lot of people on this board most likely have the disposable income to 'invest' in their appearance. and they most likely see it as just that, an investment in returns for things that are perhaps not so tangible. some say quality of the item some say for the 'cool' factor

some people invest their money in clothes, others in cars, others in things like real estate. to each their own right?

as for fake things though, i wouldn't by fake either. why spend the money for a fake when i can spend the same amount of money on something that won't have the stigma of being a 'fake' but works the same functionally anyways?

[brokentelephone]

what is it that i've said that seems unbelievable to you? i think that any logical person would see that it all makes perfect sense.
i spend money on things that i see to be justifiably priced, if i have the choice. it's called being efficient. don't try and dirty that title with a word like "cheapness"


about 3 weeks ago, at the salvation army, i found a crazy dope jacket. fits like a glove. gore-tex, so i could stand in the shower with it and not get wet. bright red, one of my favorite colors. i love the style, like an old school ski jacket. looks like brand new too. i pay attention to the detail and quality, and believe me, this jacket will last for ages. understand i rummaged for two years before i found that, so you know i was ecstatic when i did. definitely worth my 12$. especially when that money went to charity

You've made some excellent points regarding average consumers understanding of quality, but I think you're underestimating the importance of style and trend. You hint at some reasons why you've decided to forgo modern luxury brands, but its a bit patronizing to assume that some people don't experience true joy from owning luxury goods.

Whilst you might believe that you've have ascended to a higher-plane where materialism/consumerism aren't so important, to some people luxury and fashion are the source of all beauty in this world. As Oscar Wilde said, "All art is quite useless," and I completely agree -- things that provide the most satisfaction and fulfillment are often without real use -- I love watches, and am fascinated by their design and movement, but could easily wear a Casio to tell time.

I think your issue is that you believe most people are stupid, and thus don't respect their decisions. Living in Vancouver, you see most people going out and buying the same LV bag, etc., for status, and I can see how this would distort your assumptions of people as a whole. Leave Vancouver, go to somewhere with real culture, and the trend isn't so much about status as it is about expression.

[welfare]

hopefully i didn't project a notion of self righteousness.
i don't think most people are stupid, as that would be placing myself above others and that's definitely not a healthy deliberation.
to each their own indeed.

[yiujun]

ive seen $17HKD shirts at uniqlo, so thats a brand name $2 shirt thats legit!!

+1

if you want brand name that badly, wait for sales. ive bought a 300 dollar CD bag @ HR when it was 50% off.. happens. buy burberry and coach @ the outlet. don't buy fakes

or buy lower end of the same brand name - if you're in hk/japan, get burberry black/pink/blue labels. these are super stylish but cost you way less. i got a burberry blue label bag in tokyo for 200 and a black label wallet for my brother for 200.
how about vivienne westwood? not too pricey but has some pretty good products.. last time i went back to hk it was still pretty popular.. pretty good quality

you can even buy used. some people go overboard and buy something too expensive and regret later. some take really good care of the bags so it's not much difference between buying new apart from the reduced price tag and no taxes.

you just need to know how to shop brand names if you're on a budget. or, if you want to look baller/cool or something, go get street brands that cost less, like head porter or whatever.

why buy fake when you can get real for a bit more? you're just cheating yourself...

[yiujun]

sure you could look at it that way. and it would be true in most cases. but what about the items where high end doesn't necessarily equal higher quality. a super pricey t-shirt really isn't that much better constructed than a much less expensive one. the majority of 'designer' shoes are terrible quality, mainly glue jobs.

+1

i have an LV bag where the gold link parts rusted or the paint faded away or something. i went back to LV to inquire abt it and she scoffed, "well what do you expect, that it's made out of gold? of course it won't last forever!"

and the other damier bag i have.. i don't even use it because its so non-functional.. the zipper scratches my hand (and i have very small handS) everytime i reach in to get something.. and there is only one inner flap in the bag and one huge compartment... very stupid for such a big bag.. if you keep a lot of stuff in it you just keep scratching your hand while you're hunting for your lipstick or wallet everytime cuz its so big in there with no small compartments.

[brokentelephone]

hopefully i didn't project a notion of self righteousness.
i don't think most people are stupid, as that would be placing myself above others and that's definitely not a healthy deliberation.
to each their own indeed.

Perhaps I misread, I tend to assume the worst from people on RS.

[t-sang92]

Oki, this is just my opinion.

One who buys fake is only for the name brand itself.
One who buys the real deal is usually going for quality.

This is why a lot of people usually buy real Louis Vuitton(just an example) compared to the fake ones. The fake does not have that quality. And yes, it's true, the people with the real deal can usually take a fake from a mile away lolz.

**And no, I would never buy fake. I go for quality and if I got a fake it just ruins everything else I have lolz**

+1 :)

[goo3]

you can probably figure out the point that i'm driving at here
however, i realize this is becoming quite the dead horse, so i'll leave with this:
no one is going to know the difference between an extremely well made, unauthentic garment that costs roughly half the price of the authentic one, and the "real" article. it's all in the head of the buyer. you can lie to yourself all you want, but it won't change the truth.

But they know. Maybe these ppl don't care about what others think. Maybe they do it for themselves cuz clothes are important to them. Or maybe they care about both. Yeah, some ppl do it for status alone, but what can you do?

If there was a copy-cat artist of Alicia Keys and no one could tell apart the real from the fake, would I buy the fake for $1? No. This copy-cat didn't make anything.

the authentic articles main area of cost is with the advertising, not the actual garment. and is still nowhere near the cost of retail. it is obviously, at least in my mind, reasonable to believe that they could be duplicated to exact specification for half the retail price and still be profitable. some people in this thread act as if these authentic goods are made by gods and not in the sweat shop next door to the one producing the fakes. to be honest, i used to buy into the whole versace, D&G, hugo boss garbage, but now i actually see things for what they are. the world is plagued with so much deceit, and the name brand is probably one of the simplest forms. in closing, i wouldn't be caught dead wearing a fake item, for fear that somebody may mistake it as being real

Like you said earlier, cost is irrelevant to the sale price. I think you understand good quality deserves high margins. What you ignore is originality, style, creativity, and the ability to create a brand that resonates with the market. Maybe you don't value these things but if everyone was just like you, we'd have THE GAP, beige PCs, Britney Spears :cry: and that's it. It could be clothes, computers, music, etc. Originality that works has value because it's rare. If it was easy, then first thing tmr morning you should be able to create an expensive brand of whatever and find endless buyers for 100x cost, right?

[Marco911]

when you go to these places, all you need is a keen eye. i think that's one of the reasons people buy high end labels. blind faith. they're putting there trust into that label believing that the price is justified by the quality. i'll tell you now, no level quality justifies the prices of the items you see at high end boutiques. just a blatant scam in my eyes

Whoa there! Of course there are going to be diminishing returns, but the high end labels are generally of superior quality to something you'd find at the Gap, Value Village or Winners. People who buy high-end fashion labels do it for the quality, the style, and the fact that they don't want people to think they shop at WalMart for their clothes.

[Marco911]

i meant aside from the obvious BS that enables a company to charge a ridiculous mark up from what the product is actually worth in materials/labor/advertising.
i mean the difference of the actual product

It's the difference between wearing something that is unique and bespoke vs. something that's designed for mass-market consumption. If you want to stand out, buy something unique and dope!

[Marco911]

well, you know i try to use my brain as often as
most of the profits are turned over to charities such as canadian diabetes, salvation army, and so on.


Heh, my consumerism helps the starving models!

[brokentelephone]

Heh, my consumerism helps the starving models!

Your consumerism justifies my consumerism.

[welfare]

as i'd stated prior, one of the many reasons i choose to shop at thrift stores is originality. what i can find there are true one of a kind items. though i can't blame you for the preconceived notion that they'd look like something from a wal-mart because i'll be honest, most of the clothes there do. a lot of the times, i won't find anything. it takes patience and a keen eye. i've been on both sides of the spectrum and can honestly say that i don't feel i've sacrificed anything at all .in fact, it's more likely that i've achieved a level of creativity that i probably wouldn't have shopping at high end boutiques. ive found what meets all my needs. if you can say the same, then i'm more than happy for you.

[nipples]

Whoa there! Of course there are going to be diminishing returns, but the high end labels are generally of superior quality to something you'd find at the Gap, Value Village or Winners. People who buy high-end fashion labels do it for the quality, the style, and the fact that they don't want people to think they shop at WalMart for their clothes.

actually dude, up until a couple years ago when i discovered winners, all my boxers came from the bay. joe boxers were like 30bucks + tax a pair.
along came winners and you know what, they last just as long, and just as comfortable. but for like 9bucks a pair.

Now, I'm no expert on winners - I've seen some fake stuff there i know that. But i'm not sure how they get them to sell at such low prices, but even if my boxers are deemed 'fake', i really wouldnt care. why? well because they last and feel just like the real ones i got from the bay. unless the bay sells fakes too.

-----
To the original topic:

I would buy fakes. But I also buy authentic. I like my expensive watches, I like my suits, dress shirts, and a few of my ties. I also like my fake(?) socks my fake(?) boxers from winners. Jeans that cost me $10 in richmond because a lady didnt know what the usd-cdn conversion rate was =)

I guess the only reasoning I can think of is the following:
If what I'm buying - real or fake - is something that I will go through and ruin and have to replace time and time again, I will buy a fake or whatever. I don't think anyone here with say D&G boxers can tell me they lasted 29years. As such, I would definitely buy a fake belt, or a fake wallet. Mainly because I don't care about those items.


But the main thing is that just because you spent $2000 on a purse or wallet or pen, does not make you any better than anyone else - least of all the person who bought an identical looking bag for $20! Any notions you hold of superiority or exclusivity based on the origin of manufacture of your accessories or clothes are a direct reflection of just how easily your mind is swayed by the marketing department of those goods.

And this talk about investing in clothes -- i mean c'mon, who're you kidding. unless you're elvis, your clothes will not be worth anything like what you paid for it. just take a look at our classifieds.

I find it funny that there are so many people here talking about fake goods like it's the plague! ""never never" "fake is a fake is a fake" "who you tryin to play?" "they're losers" "they're tricksters" like how fake goods are beneath you.
A close buddy of mine... his father is in the manufacturing business. the factory makes items for a variety of brands. high middle and low end. if you want goods for cheap, all u need to do is go there after hours and you'll see worker morale at its highest ever as they turn out products that will be sold on the streets later. what is the real difference between the ones made at 8am, and the ones made at 3am? oh about 80% of the selling price.
Anyone who says that the differences are easily discernible, is full of crap!! they're made with the same materials, in the same place, by the same workers, using the same blueprints.

Obviously though, this isnt the same for many items. But it is true of a substantial amount of the so called fake products out there.

Oh, btw...with what a previous poster wrote about the man making the clothes, and the person who said about the person of a certain status being able to afford the real would be the best candidate to pull off wearing a fake: my friends dad does that. super rich. wears a $90hkd knockoff. i asked why, and he said "because i can".

Also, I've got 2 identical watches...one real, one fake. no one has ever been able to tell when i'm wearing which. And if you wonder the reason for the fake, my original plan was to take the original to a pawn shop and see if my slight of hand can switch it. i've since given up hahaha

[Marco911]

as i'd stated prior, one of the many reasons i choose to shop at thrift stores is originality. what i can find there are true one of a kind items. though i can't blame you for the preconceived notion that they'd look like something from a wal-mart because i'll be honest, most of the clothes there do. a lot of the times, i won't find anything. it takes patience and a keen eye. i've been on both sides of the spectrum and can honestly say that i don't feel i've sacrificed anything at all .in fact, it's more likely that i've achieved a level of creativity that i probably wouldn't have shopping at high end boutiques. ive found what meets all my needs. if you can say the same, then i'm more than happy for you.

1) You've sacrificed your time.
2) You can only go so long playing off the "vintage" look
3) Look around at who else shops at thrift stores...how much of your lifestyle overlaps with theirs?

[Marco911]

actually dude, up until a couple years ago when i discovered winners, all my boxers came from the bay. joe boxers were like 30bucks + tax a pair.
along came winners and you know what, they last just as long, and just as comfortable. but for like 9bucks a pair.

Now, I'm no expert on winners - I've seen some fake stuff there i know that. But i'm not sure how they get them to sell at such low prices, but even if my boxers are deemed 'fake', i really wouldnt care. why? well because they last and feel just like the real ones i got from the bay. unless the bay sells fakes too.

That's because Joe Boxers aren't quality underwear to begin with. There is true "luxury" and then luxury marketing b.s. Many American luxury companies are about marketing B.S. (ie Coach, Tommy Hilfiger, Polo, A/X, ANF) because many North Americans aren't sophisticated consumers and just look at brand appeal. Most of these clothing items have the brands prominently displayed on the clothing because they know their target market buys these clothes to show-off to others so they cheap out and make these clothes in third world countries, while pocketing high margins. Look at your closet of supposed luxury clothes and tell me how many are made in Europe or the U.S.? If it isn't made in a first world country, it's as good as a fake. I can tell you that 90% of my wardrobe is not made in 3rd world countries, and I buy my underwear from a small Swiss label (Zimmerli) that still manufactures in Switzerland using Swiss cotton. The quality is far, far superior to anything you can find at The Bay.

The real luxury items don't have the brand plastered anywhere on the outside of the garment, but you can tell by the cut, the quality of the materials used and the country of origin (Europe). From the way you describe yourself, it is apparent that you are putting money into things that are apparent to others, while skimping on the things that are hidden from view (underwear, wallet, socks), so I wouldn't describe you as a true luxury shopper. I like beautiful things and I buy them for its appeal to me. As an ancillary benefit, most people know I have great taste. ;)



I guess the only reasoning I can think of is the following:
If what I'm buying - real or fake - is something that I will go through and ruin and have to replace time and time again, I will buy a fake or whatever. I don't think anyone here with say D&G boxers can tell me they lasted 29years. As such, I would definitely buy a fake belt, or a fake wallet. Mainly because I don't care about those items.


It's not just about how long they last, but the comfort, style and luxury these items bring you.


But the main thing is that just because you spent $2000 on a purse or wallet or pen, does not make you any better than anyone else - least of all the person who bought an identical looking bag for $20! Any notions you hold of superiority or exclusivity based on the origin of manufacture of your accessories or clothes are a direct reflection of just how easily your mind is swayed by the marketing department of those goods.

That's like saying just because you went to Harvard doesn't make you smarter than anyone else. It might not be true in every case, but generally it is true. You either opt in to play "the game" of cosumerism or you opt out. If you purchase aspirational luxury items like a nice watch, or a Lacoste top or whatever, you are opting into this game. Yes, that guy that buys the $2000 wallet is better than you (exceptions being people who spend a lot of money on clothes but have no taste i.e. mainland chinese)

My older brother is totally the opposite of me and completely opts out of the game. He's probably worth a couple of million $ but he does not care about luxury items whatsoever. He drives a Jetta Diesel and buys items for function rather than style. Since he has opted out of the game, then no, I cannot say I am better than him.


A close buddy of mine... his father is in the manufacturing business. the factory makes items for a variety of brands. high middle and low end. if you want goods for cheap, all u need to do is go there after hours and you'll see worker morale at its highest ever as they turn out products that will be sold on the streets later. what is the real difference between the ones made at 8am, and the ones made at 3am? oh about 80% of the selling price.
Anyone who says that the differences are easily discernible, is full of crap!! they're made with the same materials, in the same place, by the same workers, using the same blueprints.


This is a myth and is not how manufacturing businesses operate. As a contract manufacturer, the factory that makes polo tops for Polo Ralph Lauren charges the same if not less than if I approached the factory to make polo shirts for Marco911.

[welfare]

1) You've sacrificed your time.
2) You can only go so long playing off the "vintage" look
3) Look around at who else shops at thrift stores...how much of your lifestyle overlaps with theirs?

1. patience is a virtue, marco. with rewards far surpassing any material object. all time is sacrificed
2. i wouldn't say vintage, so to speak. but classics never die
3. that is completely irrelevant to me.
i appreciate that you've chimed into this thread, marco. as i do value your knowledge on the subject

[brokentelephone]

1. patience is a virtue, marco. with rewards far surpassing any material object. all time is sacrificed
2. i wouldn't say vintage, so to speak. but classics never die
3. that is completely irrelevant to me.
i appreciate that you've chimed into this thread, marco. as i do value your knowledge on the subject

I'm not sure if you're fucking with everyone here because a lot of your other posts don't speak so much of your 'enlightened' persona.

Used clothing is disgusting unless it was worn by wealthy celebrities and purchased at auction. My dead-beat highschool friends buy ugly 'ironic' sweaters and look like absolute ponces.

[nipples]

That's because Joe Boxers aren't quality underwear to begin with.

The real luxury items don't have the brand plastered anywhere on the outside of the garment, but you can tell by the cut, the quality of the materials used and the country of origin (Europe). From the way you describe yourself, it is apparent that you are putting money into things that are apparent to others, while skimping on the things that are hidden from view (underwear, wallet, socks), so I wouldn't describe you as a true luxury shopper. I like beautiful things and I buy them for its appeal to me. As an ancillary benefit, most people know I have great taste. ;)

you might be right, but i would not consider any underwear or socks etc to ever fall into the realm of luxury items. i mean, i take off my shoes and enter a restaurant and i can basically make my own appetizer from the bits n pieces on the bottom of my socks from other diners. They're basically disposable good.
Same for a wallet. I almost never use a wallet and so I could never justify spending even $10 on one.


That's like saying just because you went to Harvard doesn't make you smarter than anyone else. It might not be true in every case, but generally it is true. You either opt in to play "the game" of cosumerism or you opt out. If you purchase aspirational luxury items like a nice watch, or a Lacoste top or whatever, you are opting into this game. Yes, that guy that buys the $2000 wallet is better than you (exceptions being people who spend a lot of money on clothes but have no taste i.e. mainland chinese)

My older brother is totally the opposite of me and completely opts out of the game. He's probably worth a couple of million $ but he does not care about luxury items whatsoever. He drives a Jetta Diesel and buys items for function rather than style. Since he has opted out of the game, then no, I cannot say I am better than him.

I disagree. You make it sound like any singular purchase of an item that so much as borders luxury - whether by material, origin of manufacture, or brand (lacoste) - would necessitate similar purchases in every domain; and failure to do so results a lowering of score on some arbitrary scoreboard. Buying a montblanc starwalker simply because of i think the floating star is pretty cool does not mean that I will go out and buy silk or kevlar overalls for when i crawl under my car.
Spending money on nice bath towels because i'll be wrapping it around me does not mean I will buy the same quality of towels to do dishes with - one will last me at least a year, the other will last me maybe a 2weeks!

So I completely disagree that purchasing one luxury or near-luxury artifact demands that I maintain that line of purchasing.

And this whole ''someone else being better than you, you being better than your brother'' i think it's a crock! "James is better than me because he has a wallet, but Ernie's watch and shoes combined are worth more than Jame's car, but Helen's purse costs more than all of our houses combined." I mean, is your value and worth, everything that is you, summed up in the msrp and brand and place of manufacture of your swiss underwear + your wardrobe? Some guy in the states probably paid more for his freshman year of university than my entire undergrad here in canada. does that make him smarter than me too? even if we studied the same major? Is he better than me because he paid more?



This is a myth and is not how manufacturing businesses operate. As a contract manufacturer, the factory that makes polo tops for Polo Ralph Lauren charges the same if not less than if I approached the factory to make polo shirts for Marco911.
I'm sorry. I dont think i was clear about it in my last post. What I meant was that the workers don't approach my friends dad and ask if they can make their own clothes with their names on em. They go in after hours. There is no contract. There is no price. It's basically stealing electricity, and materials and increasing wear and use of machinery. None of which they pay for.

[yiujun]

It's the difference between wearing something that is unique and bespoke vs. something that's designed for mass-market consumption. If you want to stand out, buy something unique and dope!

something that is unique in richmond/vancouver, i can safely say, will NOT be LV, Gucci, Coach, Burberry bags.

sheesh for pete's sake every female from ages 16 to 92 carries one around.
and every in every 3 guys one guy uses a LV/Gucci/Coach/Diesel/Prada/whatever-crap wallet.

[brokentelephone]

I'm sorry. I dont think i was clear about it in my last post. What I meant was that the workers don't approach my friends dad and ask if they can make their own clothes with their names on em. They go in after hours. There is no contract. There is no price. It's basically stealing electricity, and materials and increasing wear and use of machinery. None of which they pay for.


Unless your friend's father is an absolute idiot there is no reason why he should be getting ripped off. Factories have electricity locks, guards, alarms, and DOORS which stop employees from gallivanting in the night. And 'being in China' is no excuse!

[Girl]

That's because Joe Boxers aren't quality underwear to begin with. There is true "luxury" and then luxury marketing b.s. Many American luxury companies are about marketing B.S. (ie Coach, Tommy Hilfiger, Polo, A/X, ANF) because many North Americans aren't sophisticated consumers and just look at brand appeal. Most of these clothing items have the brands prominently displayed on the clothing because they know their target market buys these clothes to show-off to others so they cheap out and make these clothes in third world countries, while pocketing high margins. Look at your closet of supposed luxury clothes and tell me how many are made in Europe or the U.S.? If it isn't made in a first world country, it's as good as a fake. I can tell you that 90% of my wardrobe is not made in 3rd world countries, and I buy my underwear from a small Swiss label (Zimmerli) that still manufactures in Switzerland using Swiss cotton. The quality is far, far superior to anything you can find at The Bay.

The real luxury items don't have the brand plastered anywhere on the outside of the garment, but you can tell by the cut, the quality of the materials used and the country of origin (Europe). From the way you describe yourself, it is apparent that you are putting money into things that are apparent to others, while skimping on the things that are hidden from view (underwear, wallet, socks), so I wouldn't describe you as a true luxury shopper. I like beautiful things and I buy them for its appeal to me. As an ancillary benefit, most people know I have great taste. ;)


I'm going to have to agree with that. Real luxury items is about the the quality and craftsmanship. Take this ugly Prada lacey purse that I just saw for up to $2000USD, it's tiny, it looks like my Great Great Grandmother's tea doily. Apparently swiss, handmade (all 500+ stitches) and takes 1 person 2 days to make. Okay so it's a bit over the top but the reasons are there and if people want to spend that much money on an ugly bag than kudos for them. But my point was that Real luxury items aren't suppose to be flaunted, they're suppose to be worn. All the actual socialites that I know aren't decked out in purses with huge LV monograms, they're wearing smart clothes fit for their cut and probably costs more than your car.

you might be right, but i would not consider any underwear or socks etc to ever fall into the realm of luxury items.

Are you kidding me? Okay maybe because you're a guy, so I'll let that pass. As a woman, I thrive in finding quality undergarmets. This might not apply to every woman, but I mean I need support for my babies and it's more so feeling comfortable in them. And most of the time the perfect bras for me are usually "luxury" brands in the bra world and I've easily forked out $1500+HKD for a bra.

As for socks and underwear, good quality is the way to go. Socks, you're on your feet everyday and the only barrier between your shoes and your feet. I recently went shoe shopping with a friend and the store lent him shitty socks that made his feet hurt. Luckily he still bought the shoes because when he got home, the shoes felt amazing on his feet...still I think. And underwear is the closest thing to your privates, it holds your balls in place, it acts as the drip pan to your bodily excretions/discharges. Don't you think they should at least be breathable, comfortable and won't chafe your ass?

something that is unique in richmond/vancouver, i can safely say, will NOT be LV, Gucci, Coach, Burberry bags.

sheesh for pete's sake every female from ages 16 to 92 carries one around.
and every in every 3 guys one guy uses a LV/Gucci/Coach/Diesel/Prada/whatever-crap wallet.

It's because Vancouver doesn't have a fashion scene at all. People will follow the leader when it comes to styles. Want to see Vancouver fashion trends? Go to Aritzia and Boyzco. You try on styles in Europe and/or Asia here and they'll call you eccentric. Fuck, it doesn't even have to be a luxury brand, it could be a $200pound boots I'm wearing from Top Shop and people will still scrutinize. The only luxury brands Vancouverites have heard of are the usual Gucci, Coach, LV, Burberry. If I ever mention Bottegga Veneta, Sergio Rossi, Balenciaga, Diane von Fürstenberg, YSL, or even Celine, people will look at me funny.

<breathe>
/rant

[goo3]

Unless your friend's father is an absolute idiot there is no reason why he should be getting ripped off. Factories have electricity locks, guards, alarms, and DOORS which stop employees from gallivanting in the night. And 'being in China' is no excuse!

i think he means they go make an extra batch since they have access to the manufacturing line.. these end up in the street sold for a slight profit but way below MSRP in the west.

it's like McD workers making a couple extra burgers at the end of the night and selling them to their friends for 1/3 price. Quirks of the job.

It's not just name brand clothes in China, it can be golf clubs.. whatever.

[Marco911]

i think he means they go make an extra batch since they have access to the manufacturing line.. these end up in the street sold for a slight profit but way below MSRP in the west.

it's like McD workers making a couple extra burgers at the end of the night and selling them to their friends for 1/3 price. Quirks of the job.

It's not just name brand clothes in China, it can be golf clubs.. whatever.

This is such a myth perpetuate by those who subscribe to the fairy tale that "fake" goods can be the same as the original except they are snuck out the factory's back door.

Working on a garment or factory assembly line is not the same thing as working at McDonalds. For one thing, to perpetuate a fraud against the owners of the factory, there has to be some level of organization that gets all the workers from the material handlers, warehouse, security to the line workers to agree to defraud the company. Next, material has to actually disappear without raising any concerns with the accountants. Then the product has to be sold and some way of distributing the proceeds to the workers. It just cannot be done without formal organization.

The only legitimate alternative distribution method for real luxury goods is in the secondary market. These are either from excess inventory after the season ends, or batches that have been rejected for quality reasons. These are usually sold in places like TJ MAXX, or factory outlets.

[Marco911]

1. patience is a virtue, marco. with rewards far surpassing any material object. all time is sacrificed
2. i wouldn't say vintage, so to speak. but classics never die
3. that is completely irrelevant to me.
i appreciate that you've chimed into this thread, marco. as i do value your knowledge on the subject

You either like fashion or you don't. It is absolutely fine to shop at Value Village or a thrift store for your clothes if you don't really care about what you wear. But those of us who do, can pretty much eye up what someone is wearing and the origins/price-points of those clothes and accessories.

[goo3]

Working on a garment or factory assembly line is not the same thing as working at McDonalds. For one thing, to perpetuate a fraud against the owners of the factory, there has to be some level of organization that gets all the workers from the material handlers, warehouse, security to the line workers to agree to defraud the company. Next, material has to actually disappear without raising any concerns with the accountants. Then the product has to be sold and some way of distributing the proceeds to the workers. It just cannot be done without formal organization.


Formal organization still doesn't sound like too much of a roadblock if you're familiar with the Chinese mentality when dealing with piracy and fraud. :D

But my sources are second-hand, albeit from the ground, so I'll leave it to you or those with direct inside info to figure out the legitimacy of those layers of controls in the Chinese manufacturing biz.

[Marco911]

you might be right, but i would not consider any underwear or socks etc to ever fall into the realm of luxury items. i mean, i take off my shoes and enter a restaurant and i can basically make my own appetizer from the bits n pieces on the bottom of my socks from other diners. They're basically disposable good.
Same for a wallet. I almost never use a wallet and so I could never justify spending even $10 on one.

That is absolutely not true. Anything that is worn close to the skin can benefit from luxury. Feel the difference in a soft cashmere vs. crappy heavy knit wools that itch. http://www.customshirt1.com/ is a whole site dedicated to quality underwear and socks. I swear by the Zimmerli Royal Classic line. Once you wear it, you can't go back to regular underwear!

As for having a great wallet, it's one of the few accessories that men can legitimately carry and you can almost get a high from the fine leather scent just like you would smelling a the scent of leather in a new Ferrari or Porsche!


I disagree. You make it sound like any singular purchase of an item that so much as borders luxury - whether by material, origin of manufacture, or brand (lacoste) - would necessitate similar purchases in every domain; and failure to do so results a lowering of score on some arbitrary scoreboard.

All purchase decisions are a result of economic tradeoffs. The mere fact of being able to afford luxuries in every domain of one's lifestyle suggests that you have more money than you know what to do with which requires a certain level of wealth/income. Consuming is good for the economy; saving money is good for the economy. Therefore, since wealthy people contribute more to the economy, they should be afforded some leeway in their assholish behavior and possibly even looked up to.


Buying a montblanc starwalker simply because of i think the floating star is pretty cool does not mean that I will go out and buy silk or kevlar overalls for when i crawl under my car.

That's what mechanics at service centers are for.


I mean, is your value and worth, everything that is you, summed up in the msrp and brand and place of manufacture of your swiss underwear + your wardrobe?


Well nobody gets to enjoy my underwear except me, so I'd say I do it for myself and not for others.


Some guy in the states probably paid more for his freshman year of university than my entire undergrad here in canada. does that make him smarter than me too? even if we studied the same major? Is he better than me because he paid more?

If he went to an Ivy League, yes, he is regarded as having a better education than you. Just because you didn't pay as much doesn't mean that society didn't pay to put your ass through school in Canada. So get out there, make a lot of money, do with it what you may - save or spend, it doesn't matter, and contribute to society!

[AppleSugary]

Ever since I was a kid, I have always been obssessed by Mademoiselle Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel. Her wit, lifestyle, elegance, sophistication and classiness biography always amazes me.

I never had any of her stuffs until I could finally afford it. I refused to buy any fake stuffs of Chanel coz what's the purpose of having it if i cannot afford it.

And while I think the price for Chanels are ridiculous, I would never even buy a fake item from it. Someone told me, "Why should you buy the real ones if the fake ones look identical?"

I said...No they do not!

I guess you can say, I dont mind spending my money on Chanel's stuffs because I am paying her name with respect. It is more like obsession than anything else.

Besides, Chanel is an investment not like other designer stuffs like Gucci, Coach, Prada, etcetera. And, I am also planning to pass my Chanel collection to my daughters.

Right now, I am trying to save money for her 2009 sunglasses collection.

"A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous"

"THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE FREE AND THE 2ND BEST ARE EXPENSIVE!"

---> 2 quotes from Coco Chanel

[brokentelephone]

Ever since I was a kid, I have always been obssessed by Mademoiselle Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel. Her wit, lifestyle, elegance, sophistication and classiness biography always amazes me.

I never had any of her stuffs until I could finally afford it. I refused to buy any fake stuffs of Chanel coz what's the purpose of having it if i cannot afford it.

And while I think the price for Chanels are ridiculous, I would never even buy a fake item from it. Someone told me, "Why should you buy the real ones if the fake ones look identical?"

I said...No they do not!

I guess you can say, I dont mind spending my money on Chanel's stuffs because I am paying her name with respect. It is more like obsession than anything else.

Besides, Chanel is an investment not like other designer stuffs like Gucci, Coach, Prada, etcetera. And, I am also planning to pass my Chanel collection to my daughters.

Right now, I am trying to save money for her 2009 sunglasses collection.

"A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous"

"THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE FREE AND THE 2ND BEST ARE EXPENSIVE!"

---> 2 quotes from Coco Chanel

Coco Chanel is totally fascinating.

I love this quote -- "I invented my life by taking for granted that everything I did not like would have an opposite, which I would like.”

[ab-norma-l]

no no no no no

It is illegal. Plus, it promotes child labor, cheap labor, sweat shops, etc. etc.

[will068]

no no no no no

It is illegal. Plus, it promotes child labor, cheap labor, sweat shops, etc. etc.

child labour >>>>> child sex labour.

Sadly, a lot of these individuals in 3rd world countries are presented with only these options to survive.

[trduhs]

Ever since I was a kid, I have always been obssessed by Mademoiselle Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel. Her wit, lifestyle, elegance, sophistication and classiness biography always amazes me.

I never had any of her stuffs until I could finally afford it. I refused to buy any fake stuffs of Chanel coz what's the purpose of having it if i cannot afford it.

And while I think the price for Chanels are ridiculous, I would never even buy a fake item from it. Someone told me, "Why should you buy the real ones if the fake ones look identical?"

I said...No they do not!

I guess you can say, I dont mind spending my money on Chanel's stuffs because I am paying her name with respect. It is more like obsession than anything else.

Besides, Chanel is an investment not like other designer stuffs like Gucci, Coach, Prada, etcetera. And, I am also planning to pass my Chanel collection to my daughters.

Right now, I am trying to save money for her 2009 sunglasses collection.

"A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous"

"THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE FREE AND THE 2ND BEST ARE EXPENSIVE!"

---> 2 quotes from Coco Chanel


worse grammar ever

[welfare]

worse grammar ever

oh that's good

[Jassanova]

90% of the people who buy real, are the same as those who buy fake. They don't actually have taste they think that spending $600 on a LV bang flashing off the designer name makes them higher than the lower-middle class that they are. It doesn't.

[AppleSugary]

worse grammar ever


You mean WORST grammar ever?
Dont you know the difference between worst and worse?

Anyways, me no speak English!!

;)

Laterzzz;););)

[sexyflanders]

^you know what they say... the key to a girl's heart is chanel

[micbain]

You can argue about value but at the end of the day the value of any good is relative, inherently subjective and based on perceptions of the individual consumer.

I think the bigger issue is that buying fake goods is essentially theft. It`s intellectual property crime and based on that principal, I would never buy a fake.

[the_rickster]

the problem lies deeper than other people noticing. yes, the idea behind brand names (especially those plastered all over the product) are geared towards appearance and what people think of you, read: status symbol. but lets face it... if you buy a fake, you're fooling yourself into thinking you're someone that you're clearly not.
typically, authentic designer wear is superior in quality alone, next comes trend... and 75% of the reason for its price is driven by its story of build quality and brand history (which knockoffs clearly lack)

the real benefit to buying high fashion is the experience of actually BUYING it. ever bought something from a louis vuitton boutique? it's a lot more gratifying that picking it out of a pile at a night market and passing it off as real... even if your dumb friends can't tell.

the moral of the story is self-honesty. be proud of what you have and live within your means... you'll attract the right kind of people by living an honest life. if you lose out on fucking some whore because you bought an esquire watch instead of a fucking knockoff cartier, consider yourself lucky... people who base their relationship decisions on brand names are even faker than the people wearing them.

if you can't afford it, it wasn't meant for you. deal with it.

[IfUCare]

i haven't read most of the thread, but all i can say is it's up to the the person buying it.
If you want to buy fake that are so well made that people can't tell the difference, go for it, flaunt it all you want.
It's your decision to buy it, and your decision to flaunt it. If you want to buy real, then buy it and flaunt it.
At the end of the day you know you didn't buy the real thing, but there's no need to justify whether or not it's real or not as long as you're comfortable with it.
I like to buy legit cause it pays for people's salary, the sales person, the designer, the producer, and transporter and it does make me feel good about myself,that i made enough to buy it legit. I will keep on buying the things i like so the designers can make more money so they have the motivation to design new items that i will like.
It's a free country, do what makes you feel good. If you like vintage items at value village go for it. I don't like the old vintage look. If you like to buy the fake stuff, go for it and pretend all you want. However, I like the whole fresh clean look, i like to wear new stuff. You can call me a consumer, materialistic whore, so what? I probably am, as long as i can support that habit in a legal way then it's alright.

It's like the whole downloading music problem right now.
You can download music for free or you can go buy the CD. If you want them to continue to produce good music then buy the good music. If you want people to stop producing music then sure download all you want because soon, there will be no one willing to make music.

Yes, i'm making the an assumption that 99% of people are money driven and will produce because of the monetary increase they will receive.

[welfare]

Yes, i'm making the an assumption that 99% of people are money driven and will produce because of the monetary increase they will receive.

well then. they're not really making music for the sake of artistic expression and communication then, now are they? then what are they making? aside from a paycheck and poor image?

[goo3]

well then. they're not really making music for the sake of artistic expression and communication then, now are they? then what are they making?

It's called making a living. Doing it for expression is called a hobby. If you suck @ your hobby and want to turn it into a living, then good luck to you.

I could build a bridge for fun on my free time and it would work, but it's gonna be half-assed. Why... because doing it properly takes extra effort, like 8 hrs/day effort. MOST ppl would rather use that time & effort to pay the bills. Welcome to the pressures of the real world.

[IfUCare]

well, because since they can money by their artistic expression and communication people would then follow that path.
if you can't make enough to eat/survive darwin will prevail, you die, and there's no incentive to take that route.
there are many artists out there that aren't there to make a quick buck. They make music because they love it, but they still need to eat or feed their family. If they make music that people enjoy and people will buy their CD and them being rich is a by product of them making good music. They get rich by their hard work and good luck.
But if you're looking for a good justification of buying fake goods, don't sweat it man, who cares what people think. Buy it, use it, and chuck it.

[3xta]

Ill buy the CD, if i like the artist and the music

[omega_cc]

buy whatever you like.. lol

whocares wat other people think about you?

it's just like walking down the street, holding your gf's hands, knowing that she has a penis in her pants or airbags in her bra. no one will notice since they don't give a shit about you. at the end, it's you that have to deal with the consequences of seeing an extra penis in the bedroom.

EPIC.

yea dont buy fake shit. buying fake shit = faker. unless if you THOUGHT it was real, then it turned out fake, then shitt....:(

[welfare]

It's called making a living. Doing it for expression is called a hobby. If you suck @ your hobby and want to turn it into a living, then good luck to you.

I could build a bridge for fun on my free time and it would work, but it's gonna be half-assed. Why... because doing it properly takes extra effort, like 8 hrs/day effort. MOST ppl would rather use that time & effort to pay the bills. Welcome to the pressures of the real world.

nice how you edited out the last sentence of my statement, by which would have given your reply no validity.
not to mention the irrelevant comparison.
it's actually interesting, and quite telling, that you would liken an art form to big business industry. completely straying it from what it's original centuries old intent was

[goo3]

well then. they're not really making music for the sake of artistic expression and communication then, now are they? then what are they making? aside from a paycheck and poor image?

you mean that? i took that as a cheap shot u threw in @ some ideology you're against. you're telling me it wasn't? :lol


not to mention the irrelevant comparison.
it's actually interesting, and quite telling, that you would liken an art form to big business industry. completely straying it from what it's original centuries old intent was

Who the fuck cares what I liken. I'm just telling you the truth. It's up to you whether or not you can handle it.

We were talking about ppl producing because of monetary incentives. Artists, plumbers, teachers, lawyers, cops, and most of the bell curve of rational PEOPLE are gonna go make a living doing whatever works for them - a balance of what they enjoy vs what they're good at that's in demand - and put effort into doing it well. Bills need to be paid. Lives need to be lived. Chasing dreams of forgone centuries sounds romantic, but it doesn't resolve the fact that you need money to survive in 2009.

If I wanna design bridges but I can't add 2+2 in a world of integration by parts, why would I do that as a living? Instead, I can build spaghetti bridges for fun, let the real bridge builders do their thing, and make a living @ something else. I satisfy my expression and I don't live in the poor house. Sounds like a win-win, validity & relevance up the wazoo to me.

[welfare]

what can i say? i put my foot in my mouth and you've called me on it. you post a very reasonable argument. i admit defeat, respectfully

[leun74]

no way, that is stupid. but i think you are referring to the fake stuff in china not hong kong

[homey_v]

question should be:

why pretend to own something that you can't afford to own?

ot: did any one catch simpsons from last night - mapple - myphone - myphonies ;)



+1

[KooPartyEnt]

I think the only reason you're asking this is cause you wanna get an A++++ fake and you want to see if anybody else does it so you feel less guilty.

Truth?


lol good point

[whtazn]

i tried to pass off that "fake phase" for a bit, i just couldnt pull it off
...went legit and buy the real shizzz now

[avinayyar]

I soooo wanna buy a Panerai watch, but can't afford one at the moment.

There are shitloads of homage watches available for $100 USD or less. I won't buy one. fake is a Fake. Period.