Thurston
Distinguished Member
- Joined
- Jul 4, 2006
- Messages
- 1,176
- Reaction score
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A few random thoughts.
I was heavily into watches before that passion suddenly and unexpectedly left me. Buying shoes and clothing of comparable quality to the watches I was buying (Sutor, C&J, Barbera) is actually a less expensive pursuit. Of course watches have much higher resale value....
I'm amazed at the activity in Neiman's shoe department. The Lobbs, Sutors, Barker Blacks and Ferragamos go relatively unnoticed while the Gucci, Prada, et cie, especially their sneakers, are being tried on and purchased every time I'm there.
I grew up in Philadelphia but was educated at Main Line schools (I assume most American posters are familiar with the term - old money, WASPish, similar to old Greenwich). As an outsider I can tell you that the norm was to buy very good clothing and then wear it until it was threadbare. That thrifty mentality has a few holdouts but many, many people have migrated to the disposable clothing mentality, especially regarding shoes. Joseph Bank (where I happily shop myself) is now considered high-end by many.
Where is the spending going? With the people I know it goes toward country club memberships, second homes, vacations and boats. I know quite a few people who had the benefit (IMO) of quality private education who are unwilling to provide that for their children so that they can afford a vacation home. Lasting quality has been sacrificed for current gratification. I believe that it is closely related to the 'the world owes me' mentality: I should be able to wear what I want, when I want, where I want; my comfort comes first; why should I save for tomorrow, I want to live today; etc.
Just my opinion, and probably worth what you paid for it.
I was heavily into watches before that passion suddenly and unexpectedly left me. Buying shoes and clothing of comparable quality to the watches I was buying (Sutor, C&J, Barbera) is actually a less expensive pursuit. Of course watches have much higher resale value....
I'm amazed at the activity in Neiman's shoe department. The Lobbs, Sutors, Barker Blacks and Ferragamos go relatively unnoticed while the Gucci, Prada, et cie, especially their sneakers, are being tried on and purchased every time I'm there.
I grew up in Philadelphia but was educated at Main Line schools (I assume most American posters are familiar with the term - old money, WASPish, similar to old Greenwich). As an outsider I can tell you that the norm was to buy very good clothing and then wear it until it was threadbare. That thrifty mentality has a few holdouts but many, many people have migrated to the disposable clothing mentality, especially regarding shoes. Joseph Bank (where I happily shop myself) is now considered high-end by many.
Where is the spending going? With the people I know it goes toward country club memberships, second homes, vacations and boats. I know quite a few people who had the benefit (IMO) of quality private education who are unwilling to provide that for their children so that they can afford a vacation home. Lasting quality has been sacrificed for current gratification. I believe that it is closely related to the 'the world owes me' mentality: I should be able to wear what I want, when I want, where I want; my comfort comes first; why should I save for tomorrow, I want to live today; etc.
Just my opinion, and probably worth what you paid for it.