[tacobell]

I've been reading through the thread, 'List your latest fashion purchases' and it's got me wondering how do you guys justify spending your money on expensive clothes? I'm not saying you shouldn't spend your money on expensive clothes, but what are some of the things you tell yourself to justify your purchase?

I make about $60k a year, I'm not a cheap person, I spend money, I like to think I have ok fashion sense, but I can never convince myself to spend $400 on a hoodie or $200 on a t-shirt. Actually in the fashion purchases thread, saw a few ppl posting jackets they purchased for over 2 grand.

Some ppl i've talked to say they work hard for their money and they deserve whatever item they are purchasing, but how do you overlook the price on a 2 grand jacket? Even if you make over 200k a year, which i think accounts for only 2% of the population, 2k is still a lot of money (at least to me)

Other say the more expensive items are of better qualify, I won't dispute that, but how much longer will a $400 hoodie last as opposed to my $60 dollar hoodie?

I'm not painting anyone in a negative light, just wanting to know how you guys go about it.

[MR_BIGGS]

Someone making $60,000 living at home has a lot of disposable income, so maybe they have some extra cash to buy these things? I like going into 'List your latest fashion purchases' thread, because some of these people have some great fashion sense and good tips to how to save cash by buying online and even going websites to purchase stuff from.

[illicitstylz]

simple.
for this forum, a good generalization would be that members prioritize spending money on car parts pretty far up the list.

People have different priorities for spending money, it's as simple and straightforward as that.

[SkinnyPupp]

Because people feel inadequate and need to compensate for it by spending a lot of money on fancy brands and trendy clothes? I heard one member say quite literally that "the clothes make the man". Well if you are that pathetic, I feel bad for you.

[greendb7]

People want to look good, or somewhat good by the clothes on their back. It just so happens that good usually means $$$

[Bonka]

If they earned their own money, they can spend it however they like.

With that in mind, I don't get fashion trends. A lot of people I know always have to wear the latest and the greatest and are constantly replacing their clothes. Don't people know how to dress themselves anymore?

[filth]

It all comes down to what you prioritize first and where your interest lies. A person might spend 2 grand on a jacket where you think is completely unjustified, but at the same time he might think your crazy for spending 2 grand on your computer. If he has an interest in fashion more than computers, then thats where he will place his money.

Greendb7, a person with a true sense of style can make themselves look great even with a low budget, thanks to brands like Zara, Banana Republic, and Gap.

If they earned their own money, they can spend it however they like.

With that in mind, I don't get fashion trends. A lot of people I know always have to wear the latest and the greatest and are constantly replacing their clothes. Don't people know how to dress themselves anymore?


That's why some of us do not follow trends. I've stayed close to simple quality pieces of clothing that really pay attention to detail instead of buying something thats "hot" at the moment.

[Mr.Jay]

I am with you on this one OP

I make decent money and live at home (gotta pay rent tho haha) but I could never justify to myself spending more than 100 on an article of clothing.

I understand tho people wanna look nice and shine sometimes

[tacobell]

People want to look good, or somewhat good by the clothes on their back. It just so happens that good usually means $$$

I agree that style comes with a price, but i'm more referring to things like a hoodie and t-shirt - these aren't exactly the most fashion forward items in the industry. Assuming not everyone is a drug dealer, I just can't wrap my head around how many ppl can afford to wear this stuff on an average salary.

[Harvey Specter]

Designer vs. non Designer has been debated on this fourm before so I'm not going to start up that debate again but I will say that for some people fashion is a passion. There are people out there that will buy designer stuff just because of the brand name and to flash the logo around but people who have a passion for fashion will not only buy high end designer brands but they'll buy less known designer brands for the sake of fashion. Think of fashion as art, people spend crazy amounts of money on art and fashion is no different.

This forum has a great mix of members who buy high end designer stuff and mid to low end designer stuff but know what they're talking about. And people who buy say $300 shirts and $3000 blazers are most likely making way more than your average salary because I can't see a person even living at home making $50,000 dropping a few g's every month on clothing. It wouldn't be a smart idea.

[StealthFighter]

i don't like people that pay $200 on in-your-face branded clothes like christian audiger(don't care if spelling is right) but i have no problem with anyone spending $200 on a bespoke/mtm dress shirt. usually the in-your-face crowd are the ones who are insecure.

From American gangster: "The loudest one in the room is the weakest one in the room"

i look for clothes that don't have logos or at max have a logo that's the size of a thumbnail.

for investment pieces(usually made of wool) i am willing to pay more. e.g. sweaters, suits, coats. big fan of merino, lambswool, cashmere. but for items like t-shirt and jeans, i will find stuff that fits well but i without breaking the bank. like an american apparel t-shirt.

[Zyzz]

yes there are lots of clothing that look good on brands like energie, zara and banana republic, etc.

but they can be less concentrated than in brands such as pringle, dolce, and hermes, etc.

and i dont like wasting time shopping, therefore i only go to a few selected stores and get whatever i like and leave, because i know that every season there has to be a few items that i like. Whereas if I shop at like zara, the time will take much longer to find an item that i like. Its all about the material and cutting imo.

An item that has good cutting and good material can pretty much be worn forever.

[MarkyMark]

Buy and wear what you dig if you can afford it.

That being said it's still funny watching people go to a Canucks game dressed in an Armani suit.
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

[unit]

can i just say that clothing that is grossly overpriced is usually the ugliest?
you couldnt pay me $200 to wear a typical $200 tshirt in public.
skulls and jewels on tshirts, bedazzled hats, big fancy graphics, etc... no thanks. i'll stick to my plain, well fitting, not overly fashion forward clothes that i know how to combine to actually look good.
even if it has a "small" designer logo on it, i still think its flashy. a designer that is confident in its designs shouldnt need to say, "oh yeah, its d&g" by sticking a metal plate logo on it.

[RollingStone]

There are a lot of benefits to spending a litttle time and money on clothes because image is very important. It means you respect yourself, your profession, and the people around you. Its also a subtle form of communication. With that said, its very possible to look stylish and professional without breaking the bank.

Brands is not analogous to style. People that shop brands are just brand whores. People with real fashion sense look for quality and style, not brands.

[TRDood]

i'm surprised that you make 60k and you don't realize how the economy works.

it is about different people's preferences.

ask yourself,
why do people drive BMWs when a sticky pedal Prius can still get you to your destination?
why do people lease cars that is worth more than their salaries?
why do people buy Volks and Advans when Rotas are still round?
why do people have fake tits when real tits are healthier?
why does Hyde put lobster in his hotpot when prawns will probably taste the same?
why does Jeffield drive a c63 when he should be in a spaceship?
now, why does Jah Gekko buy $2000 D&G jackets?

Different preferences.

by the way, without preferences, the economy will not grow. and you will not make 60k, so you will not even be able to afford $30 shirts. .
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

[bladenemesis]

Clothes are never a bad thing to spend money on. They retain their value over time.

Unlike electronics, which become garbage in a couple of months.

[tiger_handheld]

interesting read...

[Sid Vicious]

Because people feel inadequate and need to compensate for it by spending a lot of money on fancy brands and trendy clothes? I heard one member say quite literally that "the clothes make the man". Well if you are that pathetic, I feel bad for you.

i bet you're really ugly

[Not really racist!]

^ :lol

[SkinnyPupp]

I'd take that bet actually. And his mom can be the judge! :lol

[hal0g0dv2]

i dont mind splurging on some nice clothes here and there, even no i don't go out much or dress up much, i like spending money on shoes and gym stuff since i freak there lots

[shawn79]

i wonder how much jah makes a year and what does he do

[rice cooker]

Obviously op has no fashion sense if hes makin a thread like this. Same goes to anyone who bitches about designer brand prices
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

[RevYouUp]

"why does Hyde put lobster in his hotpot when prawns will probably taste the same?"

lmaoooo :haha:

[unit]

Clothes are never a bad thing to spend money on. They retain their value over time.

Unlike electronics, which become garbage in a couple of months.

you can only say this if you've never bought something that was trendy and went out of style. everyones bought something that they later thought, "what was i thinking?"

[welfare]

^^this is true. and fashion goes out quite rapidly. which is why i find the argument of quality to be quite absurd. unless your more into a classic flavor, the "quality" garment you just paid dearly for will be out of style loooooong before service life is up. but i guess that's a part of the idea.
comes down to priority, i suppose. and, for some, a sense of security. like walking around with a jock strap.
i personally don't want to project the image that i rely on anything besides my charisma to carry the attention of others.
that is definitely not to say that that's all this is about.
the topic demands much more than a paragraph. i'm just not interested enough to throw any more than that out

[Not really racist!]

There's also something else to consider.. since 95% of RSers are still living at home with their moms, me included. Most people that live at home don't have priorities, at the most probably lease/finance on a car and going out so the extra money they have probably can be justified on buying designer brands even though they should be saving up for a down payment on a house..

[Marco911]

Clothes are an indication of status. I like indicating that I am higher status than most proles on this planet.

[mr85]

aw man.. think i spend about or very close to 10 grand or more a year on clothes.:thumbsup:

[filth]

aw man.. think i spend about or very close to 10 grand or more a year on clothes.:thumbsup:

lmfao, you poor as fuck. I spend 10 grand in a week. Get on my level son.











:rolleyes:

[welfare]

...

[liu13]

lmfao, you poor as fuck. I spend 10 grand in a week. Get on my level son.


:rolleyes:

lol

i've spent less than 4k on all my clothes in my lifetime, and that includes formal wear

[twitchyzero]

i've probably spent less than 2-3k in my lifetime on clothes
it's too bad guy clothing doesn't goes on sale oten and is so much more than the girl clothing

[azn_beef]

when consumption goes up, output goes up, good for economy!

[azn_beef]

also, like everyone has said, it really depends on preference. I'd definately spend (invest) on a suit rather than a 160$ master mind t-shirt or a 120$ comme des garcon tshirt.

but then again if you look good you feel good ; )

[artmotion]

Agreed. But I think for certain pieces, it doesn't hurt to spend a bit more. Like if you get a really nice pair of jeans that you know you'll be wearing for quite a few years or like a nice tailored suit. I wouldn't bother spending all kinds of money on all clothes though.

^^this is true. and fashion goes out quite rapidly. which is why i find the argument of quality to be quite absurd. unless your more into a classic flavor, the "quality" garment you just paid dearly for will be out of style loooooong before service life is up. but i guess that's a part of the idea.
comes down to priority, i suppose. and, for some, a sense of security. like walking around with a jock strap.
i personally don't want to project the image that i rely on anything besides my charisma to carry the attention of others.
that is definitely not to say that that's all this is about.
the topic demands much more than a paragraph. i'm just not interested enough to throw any more than that out

[LC21]

COMME DES GARCON FTW <3 NOW WHY IS THAT SHIT SO EXPENSIVE????

[unit]

^i lost all respect for that brand when i saw randy jackson wearing a cdg cardigan.

[TRDood]

COMME DES GARCON FTW <3 NOW WHY IS THAT SHIT SO EXPENSIVE????

i managed to find the new store in hong kong last month when i went back.

the retail prices from the flagship store is about $20 more expensive than resellers. wtf.

i only like their PLAY stuff, all the other stuff are a little too metrosexual and expensive.

[Meowjin]

I don't see a problem on spending alot on coats, especially peacoats since they are timless and never go out of style.

[Gt-R R34]

Being on OP's question :

How i see on justifying buying something with more of a brand name, better cut so forth is cuz i'm in a suit all day, 5 days a week possibly 6 days a week. I rather fork out the money and buy something brand name, with better cut and quality (it helps if you know the type of mats and style.) VS something cheaper, quality might be below the brand but not like something out of your dollar store. Armani VS Zara for example.

That being said, on my weekends if i'm home or going out with some friends and just chilling, i can't see myself ever buying those C.Audiger stuff. I'm good with my A&F, Zara and athletic gear.

[filth]

^i lost all respect for that brand when i saw randy jackson wearing a cdg cardigan.

i swear that shit was fake, cause they dont make CDG in XXXXXL and for people that own the brand knows how small their sizing is.

[unit]

i only like their PLAY stuff, all the other stuff are a little too metrosexual and expensive.

just to clarify, you like their stuff with the hearts on it but think the rest of their stuff is metrosexual?

i swear that shit was fake, cause they dont make CDG in XXXXXL and for people that own the brand knows how small their sizing is.

i cant possibly see how a multimillionaire would wear anything fake. maybe it was specially made? who knows, but it ruined the brand for me.

[ajax]

I love my H&M!

[HonestTea]

How much do the CDG Cardigans usually go for, the "PLAY" ones?

[TRDood]

2800hkd = $400 cad when i saw it a month ago.

no matter how much i wanted it, i cant justify that price tag. haha

yes i like the hearts.
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

[Marco911]

I don't see a problem on spending alot on coats, especially peacoats since they are timless and never go out of style.

They go out of style if you wear the same peacoat over and over like most dirtbags who own peacoats.

[unit]

HAHA!

[svelt]

lol people get sensitive on this thread.

try posing this question on redflagdeals.com and then the same thing on styleforum.net. The gulf between the two extremes is like Bill Gates and a somali farmer.

Some people blow money on what *I* find to be the most ridiculous shit (90% of all car mods, $30 DVDs to be seen once, $200 on drinks at a club, a $2,000 14 day "vacation" that mostly involves lying on a beach, a $3,000 computer system to play WoW on to extend your virginity, a 400 sq ft yaletown condo for half a million, a BMW X6 etc.)

If you partake in any of those, ask yourself - Is a $1,000 suit or $350 oxford shoes that will both last at least 3 years really that unreasonable after all? Hell a couple of Canucks games will wipe that out. Now where do you get off on criticizing how others spend their own money, unless it's blatantly stupid (See: $250K jeans).

[Harvey Specter]

lol people get sensitive on this thread.

try posing this question on redflagdeals.com and then the same thing on styleforum.net. The gulf between the two extremes is like Bill Gates and a somali farmer.

Some people blow money on what *I* find to be the most ridiculous shit (90% of all car mods, $30 DVDs to be seen once, $200 on drinks at a club, a $2,000 14 day "vacation" that mostly involves lying on a beach, a $3,000 computer system to play WoW on to extend your virginity, a 400 sq ft yaletown condo for half a million, a BMW X6 etc.)

If you partake in any of those, ask yourself - Is a $1,000 suit or $350 oxford shoes that will both last at least 3 years really that unreasonable after all? Hell a couple of Canucks games will wipe that out. Now where do you get off on criticizing how others spend their own money, unless it's blatantly stupid (See: $250K jeans).

+1.

[raygunpk]

lol people get sensitive on this thread.

try posing this question on redflagdeals.com and then the same thing on styleforum.net. The gulf between the two extremes is like Bill Gates and a somali farmer.

Some people blow money on what *I* find to be the most ridiculous shit (90% of all car mods, $30 DVDs to be seen once, $200 on drinks at a club, a $2,000 14 day "vacation" that mostly involves lying on a beach, a $3,000 computer system to play WoW on to extend your virginity, a 400 sq ft yaletown condo for half a million, a BMW X6 etc.)

If you partake in any of those, ask yourself - Is a $1,000 suit or $350 oxford shoes that will both last at least 3 years really that unreasonable after all? Hell a couple of Canucks games will wipe that out. Now where do you get off on criticizing how others spend their own money, unless it's blatantly stupid (See: $250K jeans).

LOL @ wow comment. you're right though.

every person though will always put a big chunk of their change on only a single thing. if somebody is criticizing you for spending too much on one thing, you can equally say the same to them for spending it on another.

my friend tells me it's stupid to go spend so much money to play hockey, but i can say the same in that he goes to the club so often.

NOBODY just works and then goes home and sits doing nothing.

[tacobell]

lol people get sensitive on this thread.

try posing this question on redflagdeals.com and then the same thing on styleforum.net. The gulf between the two extremes is like Bill Gates and a somali farmer.

Some people blow money on what *I* find to be the most ridiculous shit (90% of all car mods, $30 DVDs to be seen once, $200 on drinks at a club, a $2,000 14 day "vacation" that mostly involves lying on a beach, a $3,000 computer system to play WoW on to extend your virginity, a 400 sq ft yaletown condo for half a million, a BMW X6 etc.)

If you partake in any of those, ask yourself - Is a $1,000 suit or $350 oxford shoes that will both last at least 3 years really that unreasonable after all? Hell a couple of Canucks games will wipe that out. Now where do you get off on criticizing how others spend their own money, unless it's blatantly stupid (See: $250K jeans).


If you read my original post, i stated i wasn't painting anyone in a negative light, so please don't misquote me saying i'm going off on ppl, i just wanted to know how you guys justified your purchases - mainly referring to basic items like an hoodie or t-shirt.

I too want to spend money on these items, but I can't bring myself to throw $400 on a hoodie or $200 on a t shirt no matter how hard i try to talk myself into it.

If you are making good coin, spending this kind of money on t shirts and other basics would certainly be justified since you can clearly afford it, but i have acquaintances, some friends that make $10-$12 an hour and they are all up in this gear. Is everyone really living at home with a mountain of disposable income?

[Phil@rise]

I've been reading through the thread, 'List your latest fashion purchases' and it's got me wondering how do you guys justify spending your money on expensive clothes? I'm not saying you shouldn't spend your money on expensive clothes, but what are some of the things you tell yourself to justify your purchase?

I make about $60k a year, I'm not a cheap person, I spend money, I like to think I have ok fashion sense, but I can never convince myself to spend $400 on a hoodie or $200 on a t-shirt. Actually in the fashion purchases thread, saw a few ppl posting jackets they purchased for over 2 grand.

Some ppl i've talked to say they work hard for their money and they deserve whatever item they are purchasing, but how do you overlook the price on a 2 grand jacket? Even if you make over 200k a year, which i think accounts for only 2% of the population, 2k is still a lot of money (at least to me)

Other say the more expensive items are of better qualify, I won't dispute that, but how much longer will a $400 hoodie last as opposed to my $60 dollar hoodie?

I'm not painting anyone in a negative light, just wanting to know how you guys go about it.
Tacobell? really your rs name is tacobell? And you claim your not cheap.

I got nothin else :D

[Marco911]

If you read my original post, i stated i wasn't painting anyone in a negative light, so please don't misquote me saying i'm going off on ppl, i just wanted to know how you guys justified your purchases - mainly referring to basic items like an hoodie or t-shirt.

I too want to spend money on these items, but I can't bring myself to throw $400 on a hoodie or $200 on a t shirt no matter how hard i try to talk myself into it.

If you are making good coin, spending this kind of money on t shirts and other basics would certainly be justified since you can clearly afford it, but i have acquaintances, some friends that make $10-$12 an hour and they are all up in this gear. Is everyone really living at home with a mountain of disposable income?

I think that's where the term 'poseur' comes from? Someone mimicking a look of status and wealth in order to get the benefits from it (better treatment, more respect, more pussy etc). Buying a $200 hoodie is far more feasible than buying a $100K Porsche or living in a million $ apartment.

[darnold]

Two of my best friends are cops in Vancouver and they laughingly mentioned to me that 90%+ of the newer BMW/Mercedes vehicles that they pull over are leased.

The emergance of modern day credit can give anyone with even a half ass decent job the "illusion" of wealth.

[darnold]

Because people feel inadequate and need to compensate for it by spending a lot of money on fancy brands and trendy clothes? I heard one member say quite literally that "the clothes make the man". Well if you are that pathetic, I feel bad for you.

What he said.

If you're a hideous motherfucker, no amount of $$$ on clothing will save you.

[hal0g0dv2]

Two of my best friends are cops in Vancouver and they laughingly mentioned to me that 90%+ of the newer BMW/Mercedes vehicles that they pull over are leased.

The emergance of modern day credit can give anyone with even a half ass decent job the "illusion" of wealth.

:werd:

[tru_blue]

or paid by their parents

Two of my best friends are cops in Vancouver and they laughingly mentioned to me that 90%+ of the newer BMW/Mercedes vehicles that they pull over are leased.

The emergance of modern day credit can give anyone with even a half ass decent job the "illusion" of wealth.

[filth]

Two of my best friends are cops in Vancouver and they laughingly mentioned to me that 90%+ of the newer BMW/Mercedes vehicles that they pull over are leased.

The emergance of modern day credit can give anyone with even a half ass decent job the "illusion" of wealth.

Most people that own businesses also lease their vehicles. Just throwing it out there so you don't think all of them are broke as fuck and pretending to be rich. I can understand if the cops were talking about pulling over BMW 323s and Mercedes C250s and they were all leased.

[darnold]

Most people that own businesses also lease their vehicles. Just throwing it out there so you don't think all of them are broke as fuck and pretending to be rich. I can understand if the cops were talking about pulling over BMW 323s and Mercedes C250s and they were all leased.

My police friends were just talking about high end german cars in general.

Dont confuse owning a business with having a high income. Entrepreneurship isnt some sure fire road to financial independence. For every success story in my own field and other related industries, I can think of MANY other examples where guys who have their own companies still make fuck all.

[MR_BIGGS]

"To each their own"

[Sid Vicious]

Most people that own businesses also lease their vehicles. Just throwing it out there so you don't think all of them are broke as fuck and pretending to be rich. I can understand if the cops were talking about pulling over BMW 323s and Mercedes C250s and they were all leased.

hey dont you post on sufu under the same name? you got a neg train ran on you homie

[filth]

hey dont you post on sufu under the same name? you got a neg train ran on you homie

yea, i have like -1600 cause i asked a question in the TOJ thread when i first signed up. Pretty stupid, but it doesnt really matter.

[Sid Vicious]

yea, i have like -1600 cause i asked a question in the TOJ thread when i first signed up. Pretty stupid, but it doesnt really matter.

lol just repped u....u still at 0 hahahah

[j2oxstar]

you shouldn't be buying focused on expensive clothing if you're making 10$ an hour, there's a difference between being able to buy something and being able to afford it

[v.Rossi]

^ the term you're looking for is poser. dressing rich when you're not.

in the end it comes down to priority, buy what you like.

it's stupid yes to buy a $300 hoodie if you're making $10/hr. that's where personality comes in along with style. in the end, wear what you want. someone is always going to judge you, that's where being yourself comes in. if you're this judgemental about what to wear or what people think, then this isn't really about clothes nor money. it's about you being extremely self-concious.

now let's wrap this thread up.

edit: keep in mind majority of this forum is full of guys.

the goal is to impress girls not guys, i'm not implying with clothes. but if you blew $400 on a hoodie making minimum wage, we would laugh at you. the typical golddigger would LAVVVVV you, you would be getting blowjobs here and there. within a months time, she'll have that LV bag.

i would call you a dumbass, but as i stated earlier everyone judges.

[filth]

lol just repped u....u still at 0 hahahah

haha thanks, im actually at -1700 now. lmao. It's all good though, it's only bad if i want to buy something off there, then people might be hesitant about it lol

[mowontech]

people that run their own business gets discount for leasing cars.
some people don't like the hassle of selling the car later on and so they don't buy expensive cars. they lease them. Some people like to switch cars often so they lease them.

[shawn79]

how much discount do u get for leasing

[Professir]

It's rather tragic when I think about 21st century materialism. I'm definetely not clearing my own name off the list of the accused, but for heaven's sake... Why must we spend so much money on clothes?

Yes, I'm a self proclaimed shop-a-holic. I must engage in my weekly dosage of retail therapy to maintain my saneness. But I often feel guilty of buying what I don't need. Obviously, some (probably most) of you reading this thread will argue that nice clothing is a mannered representation of self. It raises self confidence, and elevates self image. However, I believe some people on this thread have taken it too far. For $500, you can help pay for a kid's entire elementary and post-secondary education in China. How is it that we are able to justify our unnecessary purchases, when that money can be used instead to change someone's life? For some of the intense shoppers out there, do you really need that new Gucci jacket for $3000 even though your closet is already on the verge of explosion? Is it really that important you add another fancy dress-shirt to your already immense collection? I'm not religious in any sort of way... But I feel morally deflated when witnessing these events unfold infront of me. When did vanity overcome humanity? An insignificant loss for us can mean the entire world for someone else.

Plus, clothing is categorized as one of the worst possible investments. Unlike real estate, the price of clothing ALWAYS(other than a FEW rare cases) declines over time.
I think visual representation of oneself is nothing but a minority of his/her character. I've much more respect for the man dressed in GAP who gives back to the community rather than the white collar manhattan banker decked out in Prada.

Hope that wasnt too harsh lol. Whaddo you guys think?

[Ronin]

Money is money. It's for spending. Lots of quality stuff that looks good is expensive. If you enjoy style, usually you'll be spending a bit.

Of course, there are plenty of fashionable brands/stores that cost next to nothing. I mean, look at UNIQLO...great looking clothes made to decent quality. Minimalist, GQ-style at the same price as crap like Old Navy.

[Zyzz]

Two of my best friends are cops in Vancouver and they laughingly mentioned to me that 90%+ of the newer BMW/Mercedes vehicles that they pull over are leased.

The emergance of modern day credit can give anyone with even a half ass decent job the "illusion" of wealth.

it is cheap to lease a entry level german car, but it is even cheaper to lease most japanese cars. To me, that second sentence sounds like nothing but QQ

It's rather tragic when I think about 21st century materialism. I'm definetely not clearing my own name off the list of the accused, but for heaven's sake... Why must we spend so much money on clothes?

Yes, I'm a self proclaimed shop-a-holic. I must engage in my weekly dosage of retail therapy to maintain my saneness. But I often feel guilty of buying what I don't need. Obviously, some (probably most) of you reading this thread will argue that nice clothing is a mannered representation of self. It raises self confidence, and elevates self image. However, I believe some people on this thread have taken it too far. For $500, you can help pay for a kid's entire elementary and post-secondary education in China. How is it that we are able to justify our unnecessary purchases, when that money can be used instead to change someone's life? For some of the intense shoppers out there, do you really need that new Gucci jacket for $3000 even though your closet is already on the verge of explosion? Is it really that important you add another fancy dress-shirt to your already immense collection? I'm not religious in any sort of way... But I feel morally deflated when witnessing these events unfold infront of me. When did vanity overcome humanity? An insignificant loss for us can mean the entire world for someone else.

Plus, clothing is categorized as one of the worst possible investments. Unlike real estate, the price of clothing ALWAYS(other than a FEW rare cases) declines over time.
I think visual representation of oneself is nothing but a minority of his/her character. I've much more respect for the man dressed in GAP who gives back to the community rather than the white collar manhattan banker decked out in Prada.

Hope that wasnt too harsh lol. Whaddo you guys think?

The world doesn't work like that. Going by your definition, nothing luxury should exist then. Luxury items are made for successful people to reward themselves. If someone makes 200k a year, im sure he will treat himself a litte better. Accept it or not, clothing and cars are indicators used by most people to separate themselves into levels. And many people use them to show which level they are in.

[Professir]

The world doesn't work like that. Going by your definition, nothing luxury should exist then. Luxury items are made for successful people to show off their superiority and reward themselves. If someone makes 200k a year, im sure he will treat himself a litte better. Accept it or not, clothing and cars are indicators used by most people to separate themselves into levels.

To correct you, I never said luxuries shouldn't exist. And obviously our world doesn't work like this, or I wouldn't need to stress my point. There's a difference between buying a luxury good vs excess spending on unnecessary commodities. For example, I have 3 suits. Two blacks, one gray. Since they're all designed and produced by so-called luxurious fashion labels, I believe I've provided myself with sufficient luxury. I don't understand why some people have wardrobes containing 20 suits in each color, with each suit consisiting of arguably insignificant differences (for example, a gray suit with ultra thin white stripes vs a gray suit with thin white stripes) which allows the wearer to say they're "different".

Maybe you're saying luxuries provide good motivation for your average capitalist. Yes, I would definetely agree. Consumer goods are an excellent incentive, a key element of any free market society. However, just because we have the right to do something, should we do it? If I chose so, I could encrust my PS3 controller with exotic diamonds (Yes, I've actually seen someone attempt this on Cribs), but isn't that rather irrational?

Even if you are making upwards of 200K per year (a vast minority of our population), why should you deserve more than anyone else? Someone who happens to make 200K or more is likely to be well educated, witty, and intelligent. But do you ever ask yourself... How did he get so rich? OPPORTUNITIES. In a country like Canada, we're heavily influenced by the notion of the American Dream; fortunes come to those who deserve it. In a country like Canada, success falls upon those who work hard (with a touch of luck, of course). But in a poor area, such as the villages of China, you're never given an opportunity. Even if you do have the potential to succeed, you're never given the chance to walk that path. I think its too often that we fail to consider ourselves in other peoples shoes; we think we "deserve" better just because we had a better starting position than someone who was less fortunate.

I have many Jewish friends. They are kind and moral people, nothing like the individuals who I will now begin to describe. Do you know the arguably most significant reason which sparked the holocaust? Before the war, Europe was going through the great depression. The people who had money (of which most were Jewish) had enough money to help people out. By help, by no means am I proposing they give it all away, but they could have lent people money. However, these people decided to spike the interest rates of loaning so high that people had a difficult time paying them back even after the depression. As the rest is common knowledge; Hitler, along with his Nazi regime, killed off millions of innocent Jews for the atrocities of a few. This is what an excess amount of selfishness and greed will do to a society, and by no means do I ever want to witness a neo-holocaust in the future.

If you put yourself in the shoes of a starving child, how would you feel if I came up to you and said "sry bro... your probably gonna die cause some guy decided to buy a new pair of jeans, since he got bored with his other 300 pairs". I just think it's rather pitiful how most of us would rather buy a "dead" piece of clothing opposed to saving a "live" person.

[Ronin]

If someone makes 200k a year, they've working in a field that is in high demand. That high demand is brought on by short supply of people in the field. For example, not everyone is qualified to be a doctor and the number of doctors required per unit of population creates demand for the job. If a person is qualified to be a doctor, then they deserve more than anyone else because otherwise, there would be no doctors.

Seriously, that's the flaw I've always seen with the communist model. High paying jobs usually require a high level of training and hard work. If a doctor got the same deal as a janitor or someone that works at McDonald's or a slacker sitting on his ass, no one would ever want to do anything that requires hard work. I sure as hell wouldn't.

Sorry but we are not responsible for the fortune of others. I'm not saying every man for himself but by no means should I feel bad for spending money on something while someone else is poor. Obviously there are those in extremely improvished nations that simply cannot help themselves but in a first world country, people are given every opportunity take responsibility for their own fate.

[Professir]

Theoretically speaking, Marx's proposal of communism should in theory provide a better living condition for all it's citizens than capitilism, eventually reaching a state of utopia. Lenin and Mao just incorporated their own theories into communism and governed using a twisted version of the Marx doctrine.

Think of it this way. You're going to be born into the world, but you don't know anything about the future of yourself. However, you're given full authority over the government of this global enterprise. What kind of society would you create? Only a minority of the world is blessed with the luxuries we see as common commodities (like an HDtv). Statistically speaking, you're more than likely to end up as "poor" rather than "rich", based on Western standards. Wouldn't you create a world that values collectivism opposed to natural selection?

I've never said people can't spend their money as they see fit. It's their money, I've no right whatsoever to infringe upon their liberty. However, as a first world country, shouldn't we be more willing to lend a helping hand? It's not as if the inhabitants of third world countries chose to live there, it just happened to be.

True, doctors are in high demand. But doctors already give back to the community, they're pretty much modern-day jesuses who cure people of illnesses. What does your average "high-demand" Goldman Sachs employee do for the community? Oh yeah... Trick people into buying bonds and set off a global recession, sounds pretty familiar doesnt it.

I'm tired of arguing. Sure, you have a right to pick between using $500 to save a life or chrome out your keyboard. If you choose the latter, may god have pity on you.

[Harvey Specter]

Two of my best friends are cops in Vancouver and they laughingly mentioned to me that 90%+ of the newer BMW/Mercedes vehicles that they pull over are leased.

The emergance of modern day credit can give anyone with even a half ass decent job the "illusion" of wealth.

You and your so called cop friends sound bitter. There's guys leasing out Lambo's and Ferrari's so wtf is the big deal? You still need to earn money to pay the damn payments every month.

[rickross888]

Theoretically speaking, Marx's proposal of communism should in theory provide a better living condition for all it's citizens than capitilism, eventually reaching a state of utopia. Lenin and Mao just incorporated their own theories into communism and governed using a twisted version of the Marx doctrine.

Think of it this way. You're going to be born into the world, but you don't know anything about the future of yourself. However, you're given full authority over the government of this global enterprise. What kind of society would you create? Only a minority of the world is blessed with the luxuries we see as common commodities (like an HDtv). Statistically speaking, you're more than likely to end up as "poor" rather than "rich", based on Western standards. Wouldn't you create a world that values collectivism opposed to natural selection?

I've never said people can't spend their money as they see fit. It's their money, I've no right whatsoever to infringe upon their liberty. However, as a first world country, shouldn't we be more willing to lend a helping hand? It's not as if the inhabitants of third world countries chose to live there, it just happened to be.

True, doctors are in high demand. But doctors already give back to the community, they're pretty much modern-day jesuses who cure people of illnesses. What does your average "high-demand" Goldman Sachs employee do for the community? Oh yeah... Trick people into buying bonds and set off a global recession, sounds pretty familiar doesnt it.

I'm tired of arguing. Sure, you have a right to pick between using $500 to save a life or chrome out your keyboard. If you choose the latter, may god have pity on you.

I get where you're coming from, but a person might not have to pick between the two choices. Who's to say those people wouldn't spend $500 on chroming their keyboard, $600 on a shirt or $3000 on their car lease payment AND still donate to those in need. Yes some people only donate for tax purposes, but then again some do it because they genuinely want to help.

At the end of the day we do things that make US happy whether that be buying what we want or donating to help others. And the only one that can judge us is God/Allah or whatever one may believe in.

[Professir]

I get where you're coming from, but a person might not have to pick between the two choices. Who's to say those people wouldn't spend $500 on chroming their keyboard, $600 on a shirt or $3000 on their car lease payment AND still donate to those in need. Yes some people only donate for tax purposes, but then again some do it because they genuinely want to help.

At the end of the day we do things that make US happy whether that be buying what we want or donating to help others. And the only one that can judge us is God/Allah or whatever one may believe in.

Word. I don't think anybody is morally obligated to help anyone else. In my own opinion, morals are extremely subjective in nature. What you believe as wrong may exist in my mind as being righteous. Therefore, I'll never say you're wrong for your actions, since I don't believe in this idea of an absolute right and wrong.

However, I'm still left with my opinions, and my opinions tell me that what separates us humans from brute mammals is our extraordinary gift of profound intellectual abilities. Whereas lions and tigers rule by natural selection, we as humans have the ability to help others. I'm not trying to lecture the people who do help, I'm attempting to open the eyes of the ones who don't, the individuals that curl up peacefully into their shell of greed every night and pretend that the world is a perfect place.

It's one thing to be thankful that you're wealthy... But it pisses off like no other when some people believe they're naturally better than others just cause they've got a few extra dollars in their pockets. Especially the young pricks driving their Lambos, thinkin they're all cool cause they've got a rich daddy. Success and respect are earned, not given. These kids were born into riches, and "deserve" their money no more than any starving child in Africa deserves that money. Not to sound arrogant in any sort of way, but I grew up in a very well off family. Unfortunately, I had a lot of friends who were much less fortunate in terms of wealth. I'm currently attending the U of T, an opportunity some of my friends will never have due to their family income. I really wish people can be equal some day. This sounds somewhat unrealistic, as I believe the love for power and money will make it immensely difficult for our society to become a egalitarian state. But hey... I doubt very few people would've believe me 2000 years ago if I explained to them the concept of Schrodingers Cat, so I guess anything is possible.

[SuperSlowSS]

hahaha, university kid and from rich family. No wonder you talk like this. :)

[jeff_alexander]

Word. I don't think anybody is morally obligated to help anyone else. In my own opinion, morals are extremely subjective in nature. What you believe as wrong may exist in my mind as being righteous. Therefore, I'll never say you're wrong for your actions, since I don't believe in this idea of an absolute right and wrong.

However, I'm still left with my opinions, and my opinions tell me that what separates us humans from brute mammals is our extraordinary gift of profound intellectual abilities. Whereas lions and tigers rule by natural selection, we as humans have the ability to help others. I'm not trying to lecture the people who do help, I'm attempting to open the eyes of the ones who don't, the individuals that curl up peacefully into their shell of greed every night and pretend that the world is a perfect place.

It's one thing to be thankful that you're wealthy... But it pisses off like no other when some people believe they're naturally better than others just cause they've got a few extra dollars in their pockets. Especially the young pricks driving their Lambos, thinkin they're all cool cause they've got a rich daddy. Success and respect are earned, not given. These kids were born into riches, and "deserve" their money no more than any starving child in Africa deserves that money. Not to sound arrogant in any sort of way, but I grew up in a very well off family. Unfortunately, I had a lot of friends who were much less fortunate in terms of wealth. I'm currently attending the U of T, an opportunity some of my friends will never have due to their family income. I really wish people can be equal some day. This sounds somewhat unrealistic, as I believe the love for power and money will make it immensely difficult for our society to become a egalitarian state. But hey... I doubt very few people would've believe me 2000 years ago if I explained to them the concept of Schrodingers Cat, so I guess anything is possible.

Well, maybe your friends just aren't smart enough to earn scholarships to university.

[Professir]

Well, maybe your friends just aren't smart enough to earn scholarships to university.

a scholarship to the U of T requires a 95% average among your top 6 grade 12 courses plus a spectacularly written essay, not so easy my friend lol

(p.s. oscar wilde is siiiiiiiick widdit)