I am interested in people views on branded versus unbranded clothes. From a purley monetory point of view there seems to quite a large price differential between the two.

However, what I am most interested to discover is how important are the 'right' lables when trying to attract the opposite sex. Do women prefer men to wear branded clothes, unbranded clothes or are they not bothered either way?

Most branded clothes (and I presume you don't mean sports brands) only have labels on the inside anyway, so if you just met someone you'd probably not know any difference unless the clothes were noticeably cheap as well as unbranded.

I mean all brands. I suppose I mostly mean those clothes which are obviously branded.

For example; you can get a pair of unbranded jeans at Primark for £4, yet a pair of ,say, Levi's jeans would cost over £50. Obviously, this is quite a big saving but what I want to know is would a potential girlfriend be put off by a man wearing the cheaper pair or not?

Originally posted by slimsid2000
I mean all brands. I suppose I mostly mean those clothes which are obviously branded.

For example; you can get a pair of unbranded jeans at Primark for £4, yet a pair of ,say, Levi's jeans would cost over £50. Obviously, this is quite a big saving but what I want to know is would a potential girlfriend be put off by a man wearing the cheaper pair or not?

if your weraing a pair on stone island or evisu jeans the bird knows you aint no pikey so your well in,birds love men with dosh,i'll give you an example i was doing a function in our upstairs bar,it was getting a bit busy so i nipped round to collcet some glasses..two gorgeous birds were sat talking as i cleared their table..i tried to make conversation like i would have if they had been a pair of old dears or even a couple of blokes..one of them looked at me like i was a piece of ****..so i thought stuff you then you stuck up so and so...any way half an hour later the bird that had booked the partyone of her work mates) came over to talk to me.....this posh tart was at the bar she says to her mate the glass collector tried to chat me up...her mate says he aint the potman he owns the place..then she started givin me the come on all night,and later on when she was ****** i got an offer no man would refuse...but i did.....she was a stunner but also an arrogant tart..now i know all birds arnt like that but they like a man with a few quid.

fact.

Looks like you'll have to get rich then Sid. :lol:

Originally posted by Pauly
Looks like you'll have to get rich then Sid. :lol:

i aint rich..no way but she thought i was......:loopy:

If it matters to the person who you fall in love with then i would say that there not worth knowing...

What difference does it make in what clothes people wear? (i dont mean rags lol just unbranded)

The person you choose to be with should be based on an attraction... Personality... Sense of humor... the way they present themselves... maybe their eyes their smile etc... surely not for their clothes...

Clothes do not make a person... But there again it could show that they have money... should this be the case... you could be classed as a 'Gold digger'?

I personally like people for who and what they are... everyone deserves chances... dressed in labels or not! Money or no money!

Originally posted by kirky
if your weraing a pair on stone island or evisu jeans the bird knows you aint no pikey so your well in,

Not sure about a pikey but if you're wearing Stone Island the "bird" (if that's really the term we must use to describe a female) will definitely know you're a chav. (http://www.chavscum.co.uk)

Originally posted by t020
Not sure about a pikey but if you're wearing Stone Island the "bird" (if that's really the term we must use to describe a female) will definitely know you're a chav. (http://www.chavscum.co.uk)

chavs only wear fake stuff.....20 quid jeans and 5 quid burb caps

Originally posted by kirky
chavs only wear fake stuff.....20 quid jeans and 5 quid burb caps

Yes but less face it, money doesn't buy class. Stone Island may be expensive but it is generally worn by scum, hence some some pubs banning wearers from their premises. And fake or not, Stone Island looks.... well, chavvy.

Originally posted by t020
Yes but less face it, money doesn't buy class. Stone Island may be expensive but it is generally worn by scum, hence some some pubs banning wearers from their premises. And fake or not, Stone Island looks.... well, chavvy.

wel ive got a pair of stoney's a pair of ben sherman and a pair of evisu and the quality is 2nd to none, so comfy and smart...and i aint scum

Clarks shoes
George jeans from Asda
Shirts - M & S to poundstretchers Elite range

What's up with those? :hihi:

I'm not sure I'd be very happy if someone was only interestd in me because of the labels I wore.

And why the heck should I want to offer my pockets, chest, back, bum and whatever else as free advertising hoardings for companies that make millions by getting clobber made cheap in the Far East and flogging it for vast profits over here to label junkies?

As Angel said, it should be about more than what you wear or can afford to wear. If you want to use labels as a 'short hand' for finding the sort of people that might share your goals and aspirations, then cool, but it wouldn't work for me.

Joe

Originally posted by Lickszz
Clarks shoes
George jeans from Asda
Shirts - M & S to poundstretchers Elite range

What's up with those? :hihi:

nothin

wot do u mean only chavs wear stone island you sound like some one who's just so up tight with there money and wont spend it on the right type of clothing because i wear stone island wot does that make me?

Originally posted by spike40
wot do u mean only chavs wear stone island you sound like some one who's just so up tight with there money and wont spend it on the right type of clothing because i wear stone island wot does that make me?

Well given you seem to be defending football violence you seem to be a low brow, chav stereotype!

Indeed. The Stone Island just reinforces that stereotype.

Originally posted by spike40
wot do u mean only chavs wear stone island you sound like some one who's just so up tight with there money and wont spend it on the right type of clothing because i wear stone island wot does that make me?

You superficial piece of dog poo, billions of people haven't got enough to eat to keep themselves alive, and you're worried about 'the right type of clothing'?

'Tard.

I used to be absorbed by labels (in my early teens), as I saw it as a status symbol.

Nowadays, as a wise 20yr old ;) I don't care whether my stuff, or anyone elses for that matter is branded or not. I wear Burton, Top Man, George, Matalan, along with Kangol, ****, Nike etc.

The only thing I make sure is branded is my trainers - purely because they tend to look nicer than the unbranded copycat versions. And when you can pick up a pair of Dunlops for £25, the label doesn't necessarily have to mean its 10x more expensive.

I think I'd have to agree with Dinp about the trainer thing. As a student I live in trainers and wear mine every day, so I don't mind paying a bit more for something that looks better and is made out of quality leather not plastic. As far as clothes are concerned though, I don't spend a fortune on mine even though I can afford to spend more. When I look at a pair of Diesel jeans for £90 I fail to see what they have that makes them worth more than others. Topshop do some similar ones in their MOTO range for between £30-40 and Primark have basic fashion jeans for a tenner.

I have some of the latter two and can honestly say the quality difference isn't even noticeable - maybe that's because Primark get their stock from some of the factories that Topshop, Dorothy Perkins, Miss Selfridge & Burtons (the Arcadia group) use yet charge 75% less. These days so many clothes are made in sweatshops all over the world, and paying more for your clothes doesn't necessarily mean they have been made by someone earning a proper wage.

From the looks point of view, yes some designer stuff does look nicer, but what with fashion changing every 2 weeks is it really worth it other than for basic wardrobe staples?

Hmm-

M&S + Goretex.

Must agree with Joe P.

The day the clothing companies start paying me for advertising space is the day I'll start 'consiously' wearing their labels.

I'm not a big fan of Stone Island and burberry sheeit either - it does symbolise the stereotypical footy hooligan methinks. It's almost like an unsaid dress code for them!

wot do u mean only chavs wear stone island you sound like some one who's just so up tight with there money and wont spend it on the right type of clothing because i wear stone island wot does that make me?

As the main person who's posts consist of wanting stuff very cheap or free. Did you say something about being tight??

If I was just starting to see someone, and saw they were wearing branded clothes I would be worried.

What if it turned into a long term relationship, he would cost a fortune in clothes.

Personally I don't see why clothes with a name are so much better. I just go for clothes I like, at a price I like. Matalan is quite good for clothes.

Sid is their a particular lady in mind you are trying to sweep off their feet?

If so what does she wear? Is she a label junky or a bargain hunter?

Its a personal taste.
I do find that branded clothes (not Stone Island or Lacoste) but more diverse labels tend to have an all round better fit and quality. I have worn TopMan and Burtons clothes in the past and found it difficult to get stuff with the right feel and fit because they are so mass produced. Quality branded clothing tends to be more bespoke and individual.
Personally I am a snob when it comes to clothes and I openly admit that , but I don't wear the brands to say "hey look what I'm wearing".I happen to dislike wearing clothes that have the brand name on show.
There's no disputing how good it feels to put on a £800 Paul Smith suit. Well its just the same for everyday clothing...it feels good to wear it.
I too also go for clothes that I like at a price that I like. In my case it happens to be more expensive clothing..just because its not to everyone else's liking doesn't make it any different to if you buy your clothes at ASDA..if thats what you like wearing then good for you.

I've never quite got behind the trendy labels thing - why would anyone want to spend a fortune to look like everyone else - when I spend money on clothes I like to look different to everyone else!!!

Originally posted by evildrneil
I've never quite got behind the trendy labels thing - why would anyone want to spend a fortune to look like everyone else - when I spend money on clothes I like to look different to everyone else!!!
Probably the same people that buy a Ford Focus, live in Wadsley Park Village, work 9-5 Monday to Friday, own a cat or a dog, have a fish n chip night...etc etc
Its conformist.

Originally posted by evildrneil
I've never quite got behind the trendy labels thing - why would anyone want to spend a fortune to look like everyone else - when I spend money on clothes I like to look different to everyone else!!!

I've never been able to work this out, either.

I can't see the point of having someone else's name emblazoned all over your person - it seems very sad to me that a person would do this in order to try to gain status. What does it say about their sense of self-worth/self-esteem?

Maybe I'm being (inversely?) snobbish or something, but when I see people in obvious designer clothes, I really have no interest in getting to know them. I immediately think they must be shallow and obsessed with appearances, and more importantly, have no thoughts or ideas of their own.

Just sheep, really. I guess it must be a "fitting into the herd" sort of thing, and I have very little time for people like that.

Hope this doesn't sound too harsh - I'm a nice, sweet person really! Honest!

StarSparkle :D

Thats like saying when I see someone in Matalan clothes I don't want to speak to them because they are cheapskates who don't take pride in their appearance.
That is a very judgemental stance to take. Good luck with that!!! :loopy:
What do you mean you never got the trendy labels thing??
You're the one that labels them trendy because they are expensive. A trend is a trend whether lots of people follow it or not. Wearing cheap clothes is a trend.
Its about choices that we all have..you choose to dress how you want and I choose to dress how I want. The majority of rock music lovers wear similar clothes as do goths, and skater types, etc etc..you going to judge them all when you don't know them???
you fit into your own type of herd even if you don't know it. I don't buy clothes just to fit in...I buy them because I like them and they make me look good.

Originally posted by wibbles
Thats like saying when I see someone in Matalan clothes I don't want to speak to them because they are cheapskates who don't take pride in their appearance.
That is a very judgemental stance to take. Good luck with that!!! :loopy:


Very well said. Personally, I like to keep myself looking sharp and I do like to spend that extra cash on designer labels as I've found they not only look and feel better, they also last longer as the quality is generally much better!

So to sum up, I do prefer branded (certain brands in particular) clothes but don't look down on anybody that doesn't.. All boils down to what you as an individual prefer I guess.

I'm not shallow, I don't look down on people and I don't judge people on what they wear (branded or otherwise).. If you do, then that's your problem.

:thumbsup:

Originally posted by GazB
Very well said. Personally, I like to keep myself looking sharp and I do like to spend that extra cash on designer labels as I've found they not only look and feel better, they also last longer as the quality is generally much better!

So to sum up, I do prefer branded (certain brands in particular) clothes but don't look down on anybody that doesn't.. All boils down to what you as an individual prefer I guess.

I'm not shallow, I don't look down on people and I don't judge people on what they wear (branded or otherwise).. If you do, then that's your problem.

:thumbsup:
EXACTLY :clap: :thumbsup:

Originally posted by wibbles
There's no disputing how good it feels to put on a £800 Paul Smith suit.

I wouldn't be able to go out in a suit that cost so much. I'd have trouble with one that cost just £100 cos I'd be worried about it getting stained or something on the night out. :o

If someone can afford to wear that kind of clothing and they feel comfortable in it then fair enough but I couldn't justify spending that much money on any item of clothing. It seems such a waste when you can look decent in clothing that doesn't cost even a quarter of the price. Maybe it's something to do with being skint. :)

Saying that though I guess everyone has their priorities as far as money and quality is concerned. If it's something like computer parts or funky gadgets (boys and their toys) then I'd be prepared to pay the extra. :D

Originally posted by StarSparkle
Maybe I'm being (inversely?) snobbish or something, but when I see people in obvious designer clothes, I really have no interest in getting to know them. I immediately think they must be shallow and obsessed with appearances, and more importantly, have no thoughts or ideas of their own.

Just sheep, really. I guess it must be a "fitting into the herd" sort of thing, and I have very little time for people like that.


Well that's your opinion so fair enough, but to make such a big generalisation about people that are spending their hard earned cash on something they love is indeed very typical of one with a closed mind. Is it so wrong wanting something to show for your money? Not everyone wants to plough every last penny into their savings.

I take it you have the same view on people with nice houses? And nice cars? :loopy:

At the end of the day, of course you want a nice house, a nice car.. What's wrong with having nice clothes?

Rant over, apologies for any spelling and grammar slip-up's, it is late in the working day and I'm rather tired.

GazB, slightly frustrated :huh:

Originally posted by wibbles
EXACTLY :clap: :thumbsup:

Just thought I'd do a quick posting to agree with most of the comments from wibbles and gaz - otherwise this thread is looking a bit one sided!

I don't spend that much on clothes but I know the cost of some of my jeans might bring tears to the eyes. And just don't talk about what I can spend on shoes and bags... The key point here is that this is my choice. I like having 'good' things but that doesn't mean I'm 'better' than other people who choose differently (or for whatever reason cannot have the same things). Snobbery (for want of a better word probably!) is bad whatever direction its in. I've friends who think I'm a fool(!) to spend so much on some things but hell life would be boring if we're all the same.

Maybe that's why the forum is interesting...we've not got a clue what other people have got on/look like so any judgements we may make will probably be way out!

i like to look good, and do have designer label clothes,

although i dont like it being plastered all over, i prefer to have either just a small symbol or nothing at all, as you know what you are wearing is quality, thats all that should matter!!!

BUT saying that im a mug for my united shirts, and i suppose that is very following like sheep LOL

Reading through this thread I was surprised that no one has yet made mention of the issue of brand ethics. Does anyone out there find themselves buying (or not buying) based on the employment/manufacturing practices of certain clothing companies?

I have never been in Gap and will never buy from Gap if that is what you mean.

Originally posted by Skatiechik
I have never been in Gap and will never buy from Gap if that is what you mean.

Why not - are Gap really any worse than any other clothing company, or it just fashionable to dislike them???

Their advertising is both offensive and cretinous. That their clothes were produced by child labour is a footnote.

Originally posted by evildrneil
Why not - are Gap really any worse than any other clothing company, or it just fashionable to dislike them???


On the issue of brands and ethics this company may be of interest to some people

http://adbusters.org/metas/corpo/blackspotsneaker/

GAP are by no means the worst clothing manufacturer but they are one of the key market leaders, many companies just try and emulate what they have done.

If a specific and concentrated boycott of GAP has the effect have reducing their profits they will make changes and the rest of the competition will follow.

But anyway buycotting GAP was so yesterday.

I've never bought anything from GAP either, not because of their ethics though. I just think their stuff is pretty much like The Sweater Shop user to be - same stuff year in, year out and still no more appealing.

My friend has just spent £80 on a t-shirt! We're both students, I could get about 5/6 decent ones for that price! I find that Top Man t-shirts shrink, but ones from Burton don't so I tend to steer clear of Top Man for them.

Officers Club stuff has never let me down and its cheap.

Wibbles, GazB....

The whole idea of wearing branded / designer clothes IS that you're wanting to be seen as someone who fits a certain lifestyle. There's no real indication of quality (I'd agree with the comments on trainers to some extent - my 'Green Flash' survived years of abuse) but by wearing 'the badge' you're saying, in a form of shorthand, that my lifestyle (or the lifestyle I aspire to) is summed up by the publicly known 'brand aspirations' of Burberry, Paul Smith, Stone Island, Gap, whoever.

That's why these companies spend millions on advertising and marketing, brand placement, sponsoring events, etc. They want people to make that association.

The rest of us who haven't bought in to the lifestyle aspiration have still been exposed to the branding, marketing and positioning carried out by the companies - that's what the millions is spent do do, after all - so in our heads we have the image of the aspirational lifestyle that the brand promotes, and that's why we have the stereotypical views of it. We're SUPPOSED to have those views, just as people who wear the clothes have elected to share that vision. That's what developing brand image is all about.

Someone wearing anonymous clothes, stuff from Matalan or wherever is less interested in the lifestyle aspirations pushed by the designer brands, but has effectively bought in to the 'value for money and looks good at the price' brand image of the store they go to. The whole thing with brands is summed up by the line from the song 'Satisfaction' - 'You can't be a man 'cos you don't smoke the same cigarettes as me.'

If a Paul Smith suit was placed next to a suit with the same style and quality of construction, but without 'Paul Smith' on an inside label, would you genuinely get a better item of clothing simply because one lacks a strip of cloth with 'Paul SMith' sewed inside it?

Joe

Originally posted by JoePritchard
If a Paul Smith suit was placed next to a suit with the same style and quality of construction, but without 'Paul Smith' on an inside label, would you genuinely get a better item of clothing simply because one lacks a strip of cloth with 'Paul SMith' sewed inside it?

Joe

Hi Joe,

I do find that, generally, you get what you pay for. Paul Smith or not, the more expensive a suit is the better it is in quality and more often that not, looks.

Example: I've had a pair of Levi's jeans that cost me £58 about 2 years ago. I still wear them a fair few times a week (and have done since I bought them) and they still look as good as new and are the most comfortable jeans I have. In this time I've had cheaper jeans that have been and gone with the same treatment and wear.

There's a reason some jeans cost just £4.. They are mass produced and rather poor quality, depending on what you wear them for. Personally I wouldn't wear them. Not because I'm a snob or look down on people that do, I just find them uncomfortable and they don't look good at all (on me, before people start with the finger wagging). Fair enough they serve a purpose, but instead of 20 pairs of them I'd rather spend £80 on 1 pair.

Most people are thinking, this guy has no logic.. But I know what I like and I'm not going to change my dress code/style for the sake of people who don't agree with it.

I find it pretty insulting that people are looking down on me for wanting something to show for the money I earn, especially seeing as it's something I like.

Do you expect me to invest it all in a mortgage/savings/pension? Or if you like I can blow it all on getting wrecked at every opportunity, like most people my age that I know?

Geez, I'm only 19, let me mature a little 8) .

GazB

Hi GazB,

I'm not looking down on anyone; it's a lifestyle choice and it's up to you. I've got jeans that I paid a tenner for that have lasted me several years - my burgeoning tummy did the damage, not bad stitching.

I've also seen designer clothes that stopped being wearble after a year or so.

Most 'brand' clothes are mass produced in the same way that cheaper ones are. Same sort of facilities, same sort of people. Probably better quality cloth.

I'm not asking you to change your dress code to suit others. I usually find that the people who wear brands are more likely to have a downer on the people who don't wear the right brands than the other way around. There's a difference between wearing a brand and wearing clothes that suit you and make you look good.

If clothes are well tailored, suit your colouring and so on then they're good for you, irrespective of brand, and that's how I voted in the poll.

And you should be able to spend your cash on anything you want at any age at all!

Joe

Originally posted by JoePritchard
Wibbles, GazB....

The whole idea of wearing branded / designer clothes IS that you're wanting to be seen as someone who fits a certain lifestyle. There's no real indication of quality (I'd agree with the comments on trainers to some extent - my 'Green Flash' survived years of abuse) but by wearing 'the badge' you're saying, in a form of shorthand, that my lifestyle (or the lifestyle I aspire to) is summed up by the publicly known 'brand aspirations' of Burberry, Paul Smith, Stone Island, Gap, whoever.

That's why these companies spend millions on advertising and marketing, brand placement, sponsoring events, etc. They want people to make that association.

The rest of us who haven't bought in to the lifestyle aspiration have still been exposed to the branding, marketing and positioning carried out by the companies - that's what the millions is spent do do, after all - so in our heads we have the image of the aspirational lifestyle that the brand promotes, and that's why we have the stereotypical views of it. We're SUPPOSED to have those views, just as people who wear the clothes have elected to share that vision. That's what developing brand image is all about.

Someone wearing anonymous clothes, stuff from Matalan or wherever is less interested in the lifestyle aspirations pushed by the designer brands, but has effectively bought in to the 'value for money and looks good at the price' brand image of the store they go to. The whole thing with brands is summed up by the line from the song 'Satisfaction' - 'You can't be a man 'cos you don't smoke the same cigarettes as me.'

If a Paul Smith suit was placed next to a suit with the same style and quality of construction, but without 'Paul Smith' on an inside label, would you genuinely get a better item of clothing simply because one lacks a strip of cloth with 'Paul SMith' sewed inside it?

Joe

But you have bought into a lifestyle aspiration but because its cheap you think its different. YOU want to people to know you don't care about branding which is exactly the same as people who WANT everyone else to know they are wearing branded clothes. I can tell you now I have not seen many of the brands I wear advertised on TV..but I've seen Matalan,George, BHS, Marks & Spencers etc etc.
For you to comment on clothing quality would mean you have worn the expensive suit before??
You talk absolute nonsense when you say I aspire to wear a certain brand of clothing..but I don't have to aspire. I can afford it so I wear it...aspirations are all about wanting to be something. My lifestyle is exactly how I make it and no clothing brand makes me want to live it differently. If I choose to wear Stone Island would that automatically mean I want to go out and kick lumps out of people?? yet you make this judgement on purely my choice of clothing.Should I assume you are a cheapskate because you buy from Burtons?? Should I also make assumptions based on the car you drive and the newspaper you read?? I get the impression you are heavily into computers..should I assume you to be a nerd with no social skills who wears think rimmed glasses and has greasy hair and looks at pornography all the time??
Its a very bigoted stance to take..no different to assuming black people smoke dope, chinese people know Kung-Fu and Welsh people have an interest in farming animals.
Its opinions like yours that have created and fuel the stereotype
Its a simple choice. We all buy different makes of TV but all the components are the same. We all buy Renault or Citreon cars when the basic componentry is the same.

Originally posted by JoePritchard
Hi GazB,

I'm not looking down on anyone; it's a lifestyle choice and it's up to you. I've got jeans that I paid a tenner for that have lasted me several years - my burgeoning tummy did the damage, not bad stitching.

I've also seen designer clothes that stopped being wearble after a year or so.

Most 'brand' clothes are mass produced in the same way that cheaper ones are. Same sort of facilities, same sort of people. Probably better quality cloth.

I'm not asking you to change your dress code to suit others. I usually find that the people who wear brands are more likely to have a downer on the people who don't wear the right brands than the other way around. There's a difference between wearing a brand and wearing clothes that suit you and make you look good.

If clothes are well tailored, suit your colouring and so on then they're good for you, irrespective of brand, and that's how I voted in the poll.

And you should be able to spend your cash on anything you want at any age at all!

Joe

It also seems that people who DON'T wear the designer brands have a chip on their shoulder about the people that do as documented in this thread. I haven't seen anyone post a comment making judgements about people who don't wear branded clothing but I've seen a few the other way round.

Originally posted by wibbles
It also seems that people who DON'T wear the designer brands have a chip on their shoulder about the people that do as documented in this thread. I haven't seen anyone post a comment making judgements about people who don't wear branded clothing but I've seen a few the other way round.

Well, like it or not, someone wearing a jumper that's branded - ie, one with a noticeable badge, or brand name emblazoned across it - is inviting people to make value judgements. More often than not, that's the very point of wearing the item, to parade wealth and (what the bearer perceives to be) good taste.

Originally posted by Greenback
Well, like it or not, someone wearing a jumper that's branded - ie, one with a noticeable badge, or brand name emblazoned across it - is inviting people to make value judgements. More often than not, that's the very point of wearing the item, to parade wealth and (what the bearer perceives to be) good taste.

Not at all. So anyone that wears more expensive clothes are automatically assumed to be wealthy? Well I wear them, but I'm not wealthy at all.

It all depends on what you choose to spend your money on. You choose computer games, savings and action figures.. I'll stick with clothes.

8)

Originally posted by Greenback
Well, like it or not, someone wearing a jumper that's branded - ie, one with a noticeable badge, or brand name emblazoned across it - is inviting people to make value judgements. More often than not, that's the very point of wearing the item, to parade wealth and (what the bearer perceives to be) good taste.
Thats my point. Its been said in this topic about people wearing branded clothing judging people who don't but its exactly the same the other way round.
But isn't it a shame in todays society that we are so judgemental and its all based on what exactly?? a clothing brand??

Originally posted by GazB
Not at all. So anyone that wears more expensive clothes are automatically assumed to be wealthy? Well I wear them, but I'm not wealthy at all.

It all depends on what you choose to spend your money on. You choose computer games, savings and action figures.. I'll stick with clothes.

8)

Wearing branded items, where the brand is clearly visible to all and sundry, is making a statement. And that statement is, "I buy into this brand's corporate identity, am prepared to invest a lot of money in doing so, and want other people to notice." I never said there was anything wrong with it. Live and let live, I say.

You haven't got a clue about me, pal. :)

Originally posted by Greenback
Wearing branded items, where the brand is clearly visible to all and sundry, is making a statement. And that statement is, "I buy into this brand's corporate identity, am prepared to invest a lot of money in doing so, and want other people to notice." I never said there was anything wrong with it. Live and let live, I say.

You haven't got a clue about me, pal. :)
I think its very difficult nowadays to buy clothes that don't have some kind of visible brand name or corporate identity for everyone to see. Trainers are a classic example. I bet you don't search high and low to find a pair of absolutely plain white trainers with no label on them whatsoever. Do you look at what trainers people are wearing and sneer at them??
Everything has a brand name or a recognisable identity nowadays..cars, AV equipment, toys, consoles, food etc etc

Whoo hoo! Looks like I've managed to rattle a few cages!!

Good to see people can get so worked up over the REALLY important things in life like their inalienable right to wear a designer t-shirt ....

Sure, it's your right to waste your money on anything you like, just don't expect me to respect you for spending obscene amounts of money on clothing.

And I just don't believe it when you say you're wearing brand names only because of their alleged better quality, rather than wearing them to feel superior to others and to say "look at me, I'm so great". A few years ago, in a moment of madness, I did actually buy an Italian designer suit for work - and do you know what? - the hem fell down after 2 wearings! I've never had that happen with a skirt from a high street shop. So much for "designer quality" ....

To GazB - "Wanting something to show for your money" - what, clothes that will be passe in 3-6 months time, if that? Don't make me laugh.

To Wibbles - I admit I judge people who wear obvious designer clothes - but then I presume they WANT to be judged, or they wouldn't be wearing in-your-face labels. I just choose to judge them negatively rather than admiring them.

You appear to be the one who makes un-called-for personal judgements in your postings - some of your comments are downright offensive.

StarSparkle

Originally posted by StarSparkle
To GazB - "Wanting something to show for your money" - what, clothes that will be passe in 3-6 months time, if that? Don't make me laugh.

Stop talking out of your ar$e love, clothes last as long as you want them to. Clothes last 3-6 months yes... If you wear them 24/7 and sleep in them!

Or perhaps this is just the clothes you wear? Which just proves what I said which is, cheaper clothes are generally not as good quality.

For you to look DOWN on people who want to pay more to look better (that's my opinion.. like it or not this isn't up for discussion as it won't change) makes you a sad sad person who perhaps needs to get out more.

GazB, rattled cage indeed.

I've got a (newish) mate who's probably the richest (young) bloke in town and you'd never guess until you started talking to him. OK, so he drives amazing looking cars - but he certainly doesn't show off with labels. But you just know the clobber he's got on is inexpensive... not like high street inexpensive - I mean Bond Street inexpensive. You can see that his shoes cost more than my entire wardrobe. But he doesn't look rich - he just always looks "classically" smart.

And the women love it. They just melt at the sight of him. Here's me, now I don't look too un presentable, in fact I'm quite pleased with the way I scrub up. But this guy just attracts women... which could make him a genuine pain in the arse. I mean women talk to me just to be introduced to him... argh!:|

And you'd think it would just be a certain "kind" of glamorous woman that he attracts. Wrong... It's young ones, older ones, posh ones, chavy ones even grungy types and rock chicks just seem to flock.

And the worse thing is that he makes NO effort at all with them! He just smiles and gets on with everyone. Sickening :gag: He doesn't even notice! He's not arrogant or posy. Just a nice guy with good taste.

Other chaps look on with envy and others (like me, i guess) "hang on" just because he makes things interesting. Its like he's a celeb - but he's not!

So is it the way he dresses? I don’t know. What I do now know is that looking "classically" smart is a smart option.

Wibbles,

Yes, I work in IT by profession but I also have interests in other businesses - particularly a film production outfit and I do a fair amount of writing and software development. I guess they're all what you'd call 'geeky' jobs. But, they pay the bills.

However, I doubt I fit your stereotype of the typical geek - I certainly hope not, anyway. The difference is that I'm not attempting to stereotype anyone with what I say about branded clothes. I just say that from my past experiences I've tended to get on better with people who aren't serious brand fans than I get on with people who are. That doesn't make them worse or better people - just people who, from my previous experiences, I don't expect to get on with. What they wear is speaking louder to me than who they are. That may be viewed as a character defect in my personality, but it works for me.

I try and dress to suit the place I'm working and the people I'm with. I've worn expensive, quality clothes and also worn cheap stuff - I'm the same person underneath and I assume that even 'brand junkies' have the same personality when they're not wearing brands as they do when they are.

But, like I said, my own experiences have been that people with an ostentatious display of known brands tend to be people I don't get on with - so I usually avoid them.

I'm not going to try and proselytise that 'brands are bad' - just try and point out that brands are created by manufacturers for a reason - to sell more goods, at a higher price point than would otherwise be possible. Marketing and Brand Image 101, so to say. Somewhere in my MBA I was taught this stuff, but it's a long time ago.

Aspiration is what all branding is ultimately about. Congratulations on getting where you want to be in your life - that's excellent for you. But most mass brands are aimed at people who aspire to a particular lifestyle as exemplified in the marketing and advertising for the brand. This is why manufacturers are very interested in stopping bootleg copies of their goods and logos, and are also keen to distance themselves from people who are seen being bad lads whilst wearing the brands or rip offs of them. The brand is being corrupted and diluted, and that's not what manufacturers want.

As was pointed out, the very rich and the very confident tend to let themselves do the talking, not the corporate badges that they wear.

Joe

Originally posted by GazB
[B]Stop talking out of your ar$e love, clothes last as long as you want them to. Clothes last 3-6 months yes... If you wear them 24/7 and sleep in them!
Or perhaps this is just the clothes you wear? Which just proves what I said which is, cheaper clothes are generally not as good quality.

If you'd bothered to read my posting properly, you'd have seen that my experience with designer clothing is that the quality is NOT that good. Waste your money on them if you want, but I won't be.

Clothes that last as long as you want them to???? Please tell me where you buy your magical clothing that never wears out.

Regarding clothes lasting 3-6 months, this was a generous estimation of how long items remain in fashion. (OK, I'm not talking about classic wardrobe staples here - but they don't have designer names screaming at you anyway). If you're going round wearing designer gear that's older than that, you are clearly not as 'cool' as you think you are.

And resorting to personal insult is not big or clever - it just shows you're not bright enough to put forward coherent (look it up in the dictionary) arguments.

And don't call me love.

StarSparkle

Originally posted by StarSparkle
Whoo hoo! Looks like I've managed to rattle a few cages!!

Good to see people can get so worked up over the REALLY important things in life like their inalienable right to wear a designer t-shirt ....

Sure, it's your right to waste your money on anything you like, just don't expect me to respect you for spending obscene amounts of money on clothing.

And I just don't believe it when you say you're wearing brand names only because of their alleged better quality, rather than wearing them to feel superior to others and to say "look at me, I'm so great". A few years ago, in a moment of madness, I did actually buy an Italian designer suit for work - and do you know what? - the hem fell down after 2 wearings! I've never had that happen with a skirt from a high street shop. So much for "designer quality" ....

To GazB - "Wanting something to show for your money" - what, clothes that will be passe in 3-6 months time, if that? Don't make me laugh.

To Wibbles - I admit I judge people who wear obvious designer clothes - but then I presume they WANT to be judged, or they wouldn't be wearing in-your-face labels. I just choose to judge them negatively rather than admiring them.

You appear to be the one who makes un-called-for personal judgements in your postings - some of your comments are downright offensive.

StarSparkle

Why would I want YOUR respect?? ...do you think it would mean something to me?..that I may sleep at night know ing that you respect me??..You have a very high opinion of yourself.
Your opinions would be worth something if you actually read the posts properly. Show me a post in this thread where I have actually made a judgement about someone???
What you will find I actually did (and this is really clever so I don't expect you to understand) is liken your judgement of people because of what they wear to other people's judgements based on skin colour, music preferences etc etc.
How would you like it if you were judged on the amount of slap you wear?? or the length of skirts you wear?? Or your dress size?? or where you live??

By the way..who on here buys branded trainers???
Or do those that don't wear branded clothes buy plain trainers with absolutely no label on it at all or buy trainers then rip off all the badges??
We're all guilty of falling for the marketing and lifestyles that brand names supposedly offer us but some of you can't see it.

Originally posted by wibbles
By the way..who on here buys branded trainers???
Or do those that don't wear branded clothes buy plain trainers with absolutely no label on it at all or buy trainers then rip off all the badges??
We're all guilty of falling for the marketing and lifestyles that brand names supposedly offer us but some of you can't see it.

When I nede to wear trainers - gym, running, whatever - I tend to wear Green Flash because from my experience they've offered me the best value and the least blisters.

I guess it's habit that kept me buying them, and I now need a new pair - thanks for reminding me! If I came across something that was a similar price point and equivalent comfort then I'd swap brands. And if the new ones were 'unbranded' I wouldn't care less as long as they were fit for purpose.

I'm not sure what aspect of 'lifestyles of the rich and famous' wearing Green Flash trainers sets me up for....

Joe

Originally posted by StarSparkle
Regarding clothes lasting 3-6 months, this was a generous estimation of how long items remain in fashion. (OK, I'm not talking about classic wardrobe staples here - but they don't have designer names screaming at you anyway). If you're going round wearing designer gear that's older than that, you are clearly not as 'cool' as you think you are.

So you think it's only cool to wear clothes for 3-6 months?

Oh the irony. Bless.

Originally posted by wibbles
Why would I want YOUR respect?? ...do you think it would mean something to me?..that I may sleep at night know ing that you respect me??..You have a very high opinion of yourself.
Your opinions would be worth something if you actually read the posts properly. Show me a post in this thread where I have actually made a judgement about someone???
What you will find I actually did (and this is really clever so I don't expect you to understand) is liken your judgement of people because of what they wear to other people's judgements based on skin colour, music preferences etc etc.
How would you like it if you were judged on the amount of slap you wear?? or the length of skirts you wear?? Or your dress size?? or where you live??

Let me type this carefully so you can understand, Wibbles - I am only judging people who obviously desperately want to be judged on what they wear. Why else would they wear someone else's name all over them, unless they want a piece of that designer's glamour, status, etc, feeling they haven't enough of their own? If you truly believe designer quality is best, there are plenty of items of subtle designer clothing you can purchase that DON'T shout the name of their designer. Those wearing obvious designer brands clearly want others to look at them and be impressed.

I do NOT judge people who're not shouting at me to form an opinion of them. You're suggesting, for example, that goths who dress in a similar fashion to each other should incur similar judgement to the people that wear designer clothing. That's c**p. Goths aren't trying to put anyone else down dressing the way they do.

If you don't want my respect, why are you arguing with me? What does it matter to you what my opinion is? Sounds to me like you have a desperate need to justify your opinions.

As to your comment asking about where you've made judgements about someone - there are a number of postings you've made on the Forum where you are very careful to make oblique judgements on fellow Forum posters through making snide comments that are clearly designed to be taken personally.

You are obviously a master of verbal obfuscation - it may be clever of you, but it certainly doesn't inspire my respect.

I'm not wasting any more time on you.

StarSparkle

Originally posted by GazB
So you think it's only cool to wear clothes for 3-6 months?

Oh the irony. Bless.


Yadda, yadda, yadda.

I'm not wasting any more of my time on you.

StarSparkle

Whoops! Looks like a previous posting of mine has accidentally been re-posted.

Sorry about that - I've just cleared it.

StarSparkle

Branded clothes do seem to have a "psychological power" on me..
I hate people who show off obviously with brands are walk around like adverts..
I choose branded clothes for the design, I just don't see the point in buying a plain armani shirt when you can get the same one for a tenner at H&M..
Different brands have got their strong point for example:
Diesel have got their jeans. They look great, great cut, and not made in sweat shops as they are made in Italy.
Trainers are puma and nike.. They look trendy and different from all the others..etc.. etc..
Its kinda of a hard subject to talk about.. All I can say is I would never ever judge anyone on how they dress. I just simply have got an interest in fashion.

Originally posted by wibbles
How would you like it if you were judged on the amount of slap you wear?? or the length of skirts you wear?? Or your dress size?? or where you live??

You surely don't think that people aren't judged on these things???

Personally, i try not to make judgements on branded clothes. I have a friend who took the badge off his stone island top, and i understand why. I don't really care about brands, but i try not to wear any clothes more than 6 months old, which is just personal choice.

Originally posted by StarSparkle
Waste your money on them if you want, but I won't be.


Obviously you do not have teenage kids?
Try getting a teenager to wear non-branded trainers or clothing. Branded clothing is cool (to their minds) and they wouldn't be seen dead in non-branded stuff. I guess this brand craze is primarily implemented at teenagers as they are at that impressionable age. Now where the hell did I put my Reeboks?

Originally posted by StarSparkle

Good to see people can get so worked up over the REALLY important things in life like their inalienable right to wear a designer t-shirt ....

Sure, it's your right to waste your money on anything you like, just don't expect me to respect you for spending obscene amounts of money on clothing.

And I just don't believe it when you say you're wearing brand names only because of their alleged better quality, rather than wearing them to feel superior to others.

StarSparkle

Your rather strange (and OTT) statement about not respecting people for spending obscene amounts of money on clothes would suggest you are also getting worked up about unimportant things. I'm afraid I do not understand why it should matter whether people have your respect or not, especially in regards to buying clothes. Maybe you could explain this statement a little better as it might be just me who has misunderstood.

As far as trainers go, I would say that you are way out of line with your assertions about quality and feeling superior. Brand names have completely cornered the market in trainer-wear and it is almost impossible to find a decent pair of non-branded trainers anywhere. As for quality, I have worn both Ellesse and Reeboks. Both brands have lasted months longer than even cheaper name brands.

Killian,

I don't think StarSparkle's comments are strange - perhaps a little extreme in view but it's a valid view. As for 'unimportant things', this whole debate is quite unimportant in a world full of terrorists, dying babies, car bombs and what have you but we've chosen to debate the original issues around branded clothes, so here we are.

I do believe that there is an element of 'brand fetishism' about today - why else should people agree to be advertisng hoardings for large multinational companies, and then PAY for the priviledge? There are many high quality, low profile manufacturers of quality clothes that do not scream (imagine Edina from Absolutely Fabulous) 'Names, names, names.'

If teenagers want to buy labels - let them pay for it by working / saving from their pocket money / whatever. I would say that certain brands are good - I have my Green Flash trainers, Berghaus water proofs, etc. not because I value the label but because, like you said, some things are of quality.

But paying 50 quid for a branded polo shirt against 20 quid for one of the same quality but without the label seems rather strange to me, unless the purchaser feels that by being seen with that brand they are being seen as part of an aspiration group or 'tribe' whose values they share. The money being spent is effectively a membership fee to an exclusive club, like wearing a Guard's Tie (but with less status than a Guard's Tie).

People pays their money and takes their choices. Teenagers who can afford the brands and genuinely want them will buy them, or get their parents to buy them, those who can't will either get good rip offs or go without, and some, if they're slightly less bothered by not being part of the crowd, will go their own way and develop real self confidence and a personal sense of style that will see them well in adult hood.

Joe

Originally posted by evildrneil
You surely don't think that people aren't judged on these things???

Of course they are.

Originally posted by JoePritchard

I don't think StarSparkle's comments are strange

Joe

I don't think all of the coments are strange either, just the initial one I mentioned, meaning it was strange to me as I couldn't really understand the point of needing a total strangers respect when choosing clothes. Maybe I've just picked it up wrong (can't help it, I'm a Devon Dumpling, you know).

For my twopenneth - I very rarely buy branded clothes - unless the price is on a par with what I think they're worth!!

I have a pair of Adidas (currently on my feet) which I bought Feb 03 for £20. They are still white (washing machine), still have tread and still look in excellent condition. In fact I was out the other week in them just after they'fd been washed and a friend asked if I'd got some new trainers!!! Not bad for 18 month old trainers.

Saying that I also have some unbranded trainers, similar age - have worn them at the same rate as my adidas depending what colour jeans I'm wearing. Again, after a wash these are in tiptop condition.

I have in the past bought cheap trainers which have promptly disintegrated in the wash but my son had a pair of Nike TN's (cost me over £100). They were a few months old, got washed and the piping came off - not impressed at all.

I guess after all that what I'm trying to say is all clothes/trainers are basically the same - sometimes you get crap, sometimes not. A label doesn't always mean quality.

I dare any one of you burberry chavs to come to my house and find fault with anything in my wardrobe - you won't. I like to look good but I refuse to pay over the odds for it.

One thing I would like to point out is the stupidity of Evisu jeans. A mate of mine usually wears Tshirts that hang out of his jeans. He bought a pair of Evisu and whenever he wears them, his Tshirt is tucked in, just so people can see he's wearing Evisu jeans. Does he look a prat? Yes. Does he feel uncomfortable? Yes.
Why change the way you dress, that makes you feel comfortable, just so people can see that you spent £100 on a pair of jeans?

The flip side of the coin is that whenever I see people wearing Evisu/Stone Island etc I automatically think "he's bought a fake from Tenerifeeeeee" which goes against the whole point of showing your wealth doesnt it?

By the way - where can I buy a pair of Green Flash? I'd love a pair of those - takes me back to when my dad used to play squash!

Hiya,

As for where you can get Green Flash, I have no idea!

The last pair I had have now departed this earth and so I'll be shopping for a new pair soon.

I think the military issue them to squaddies for training, so I guess we could always join up briefly....;)

Joe

Found em - never realised they would cost that much!!!

http://www.frontier-i.com/ishop/758/shopscr816.html

Originally posted by coopster1974
Found em - never realised they would cost that much!!!

http://www.frontier-i.com/ishop/758/shopscr816.html

Yes, isn't it ridiculous the prices they charge for these 'brand name' trainers.

Mind you - as it says they are one of the worlds biggest selling trainer EVER.

Wonder what the label slave sheep would say to that?

Plus they are an essential piece of kit for that retro look.

Originally posted by Killian
Yes, isn't it ridiculous the prices they charge for these 'brand name' trainers.

£20!! That's hardly expensive - I've got some and they were only £20. Nike trainers - more like £70

Rosie

Not sure if you're aware but I run classes on how to spot sarcasm if you're interested ;)

Originally posted by coopster1974
Rosie

Not sure if you're aware but I run classes on how to spot sarcasm if you're interested ;)

I think you've got a job on your hands there. :gag:

Originally posted by JoePritchard


I think the military issue them to squaddies for training, so I guess we could always join up briefly....;)

Joe

Nah, the military give squaddies Hi-Tec Silver Shadows...or the RAF do at least.

Hi slh73,

Obviously misheard or misread.....thought it was the Army but obviously not!

Thanks for straightening my facts!

Joe

Branded clothes ..... oh dear....

I dont see the fascination on spending £80+ on a pair of G-Star jeans, do you really need to look good spending that much on a pair of jeans....I know some people are obsessed with "labels" but after all thats what you are paying for, and its keeping the rich label companies even more richer.

I wear what I feel comfortable in and not what a "label" says I have to wear so everyone can see...

but each to their own..

It does my head in to see people proudly wearing Hackett across their chest or Kangol or whatever, thinking it gets them kudos, respect or whatever, when in fact it is just free advertising for the brand in question.

These companies pay a foooooortune for ad space, I used to work in advertising and saw their invoices, and there y'all are doing it for free.

Brands mean NOTHING, nothing at all. I saw heaps of branded goods next to non-branded goods in Thailand and they were just the same, but with a label stitched on. A pair of trainers, a watch, a t-shirt, just functional items.

How do you feel about brands when you go abroad and see brands that mean nothing to you but are the next big thing in that country? It doesn't mean jack. You realise how shallow it all is when you see that. :rant: Oops sorry!

Originally posted by t020
Yes but less face it, money doesn't buy class. Stone Island may be expensive but it is generally worn by scum, hence some some pubs banning wearers from their premises. And fake or not, Stone Island looks.... well, chavvy.

Spot on! :thumbsup:
The optimum sentence for me there- money does not buy class.

People can spend as much as they like on clothes, they can still be arseholes underneath them.

I like my Nike apparel and maybe sometimes Adidas but anything else, I'm not too bothered about.

Asda do nice stuff for blokes and it still looks good, and it wont break the bank- as did the Big W for a while!

fickle vaccuous people go around label spotting & judging others on their brand.

Originally posted by wibbles
By the way..who on here buys branded trainers???
Or do those that don't wear branded clothes buy plain trainers with absolutely no label on it at all or buy trainers then rip off all the badges??

The trainers i wear to the gym are by a generally unheard of company called Saucony. They've no noticeable branding on them and were bought specifically for their function as a running shoe. I run between 4-8k a day in them mostly on a treadmill and occasionally on roads. They were bought from a specialized running shop for more than i've ever paid for a pair of Nike Airs, yet i wouldn't have dreamed of wearing them as a teenager when it was Air Max or nothing.

My attitude to brands has changed with the stlye of clothes i've worn...

From around 16-18 i was very much into labels like Calvin Klein, DKNY, Ralph Lauren etc. Partly through having a bit of money and freedom to buy what i wanted, and partly because of the bars and clubs i went to at the time (in Hull) mostly had a strict dress code of trousers, shirt, shoes.

From 18-23 i was at uni in Leeds and realised there was a wider range of bar/club/music scenes that i was into. This was my skate/surf era in which i was mostly wearing Quicksilver, O'Neil, Mambo, Vans etc. because they were the brands that made the clothes i wanted to wear: mostly big and baggy. It was more about the stlye of clothes than the brands themselves.

Post uni i suppose i've become more mainstream/highstreet/trendy kind of look. I generally wear flaired jeans and more fitted plainish tshirt or shirt. I think part of my move away from labels is because places like TopMan, Next, Burtons etc. have caught up and sell decent looking fashionable clothes, which a few years ago i don't think they did.

On the down side though, i never wore out a pair of Levi's. Topman jeans seem to last about 6 monthes before they start getting holes.

-PK-

I suppose it doesn't make a difference to the person inside either way but I personally do wear branded clothes. I wear a lot of Ralph Lauren just because it's good quality and the trousers fit me well. I have quite a few Gucci / Prada / Fendi / Burberry shirts and trousers too [for work and more formal occasions].

But that's just me, I certainly wouldn't think any less of someone if they didn't happen to wear branded clothes.

I don't understand clothing labels, or even the whole fashion game in general, but then I've always viewed it as something optional. I class myself as being separate from that; I realise it's something important to other people but I don't play. The only thing that does annoy me is people who'll assess you on the criteria of the fashion game, when it's obvious that you're a non-participant. That's like an olympic skiier approaching someone who's never skiied in their life and saying "you're rubbish at skiing, absolute s***". Of course they're rubbish at it - they don't ski!!!!

Personally, I take the opposite view to most people when it comes to branded clothes. I'll deliberately avoid something that has a visible label. If it's something by a label brand that I like the look of and it doesn't have a visible label I'll buy it, but that's quite unusual.

Although I don't play fashion and I'm therefore not an expert on it, I can't help thinking that the meaning of fashion has somehow become lost. Isn't the idea supposed to be that you buy clothes based on how they look, not who they're by? I can understand people paying more based on the cut of a garment, its pattern, colour or style, but people pay far more for something that's basically an ordinary t-shirt, jumper, shirt or pair of jeans with someone's name on it. Am I missing the point here? :confused:

People who prefer Prada to Primark are no worse than people who prefer a BMW to a Skoda, a jumper is a jumper and a car is a car, it's just personal taste, some people think a BMW is worth paying the extra for, and some people think they are a waste of money.

Personally, I buy clothes from ASDA and from designer shops, mainly I go on what it looks like, not how much it costs, ASDA stuff is cheap but you can go out and see 10 people in the same shirt as you, designer stuff is more expensive but you're more likely to be the only one wearing it, sometimes you want to stand out, not blend in.

There are some designer things I wouldn't waste my money on, like Rolex watches, Gucci sun glases etc.

At the end of the day, it's all down to your physique. I've seen loads of girls wearing expensive gear, with their fat bellies and hips hanging out and enormous boobs straining to get out of their expensive little tops and great big shoulders & arms stuck out of strappy vests. I think they buy this stuff to compensate for the fact that they're obese. If you wear stuff that fits well, it doesn't matter how much you paid for it.

And of course the most expensive designer stuff doesn't have any visible labels.

its the threads that make you look good not the tags i try and spend as little money on them as pos but still think i look good





the one and only teflon
:thumbsup:

Originally posted by Greenback
You haven't got a clue about me, pal. :)

PSSSSST! Greenback... Three words.... BROWN DUFFLE COAT!!!

*****Lets cat out of bag***** :D :D :D

Seriously though, I can't believe the opinions of some people on this thread. What a giggle!!! Now here's a revelation for you all...

It's not what you wear, it's the way you wear it!

If you have style and class then you don't need to splash out on labels, you could make a binbag look good (probably). But if your don't have enough personality or prescence, then all the labels in the world won't help you.

Personally I spent a lot of money on 'brands' when I was a teen, mainly because I was still unsure of my identity. If you haven't got a strong enough personality or you're still developing your tastes then it's safer to run with the herd. Baaaa!

But now I've wised up, and would never spend stupid amounts of money on branded clothes. I don't need to, I look good enough in cheaper stuff! And I've got a bigger smile on my face because my credit card isn't maxed either!!! :thumbsup:

As for quality, I totally disagree with those who have said that expensive clothes are better quality. I've worn some pricey stuff in my time, but I wouldn't say it's any better than stuff from Asda or New Look. In fact I find that Asda and New Look jumpers and shirts for work wash very well. Jeans have been mentioned a lot, and I generally buy mine from Top Shop, because they fit my shape very well and they do a tall range for those of us with longer legs. They wash very well and don't break the bank. But about six months ago I bought a pair of Miss Sixty jeans, and I've honestly never been so dissapointed. Their colour has run really badly and they've totally lost their elasticity and shape. My Top Shop jeans last for years, and they flatter my butt, so I won't be making that mistake again!

Finally, to answer SlimSids origional question, I would actually be put off dating someone who wears too many labels, especially the really expensive ones. I've got so much I fill my life with, including an expensive hobby that I love, socialising and working for my future that I can't justify wasting money on expensive clothes, and I'd find it hard to date someone who did. I'm attracted to fun and interesting people with loads going on in their lives, not shallow, dull people who waste their time worrying about labels!!!!!

And before all you label junkies jump on me, that's MY OPINION. I wouldn't date any of you - but you probably wouldn't date me either!!!!

Originally posted by JBee
I'm attracted to fun and interesting people with loads going on in their lives, not shallow, dull people who waste their time worrying about labels!!!!!


It's a bit unfair to tar everyone with that brush, it's as untrue as to say that everyone who shops at Primark or ASDA is wonderfully interesting, witty and fabulous company, which they arn't.

Originally posted by nick2
It's a bit unfair to tar everyone with that brush, it's as untrue as to say that everyone who shops at Primark or ASDA is wonderfully interesting, witty and fabulous company, which they arn't.

Never said that they are Nick! I just said that I have too much going on in my life to waste money on expensive clothes.

But unless a person is very rich, then surely it's a fair presumption that if they are wearing expensive clothes then they have chosen to spend their disposable income on clothing, rather than more interesting things, like hobbies, going out, or (shock horror) charity.

I'm not really into computer games, but I can at least understand why a person would spend money on them. At least they DO something. Clothes just sit on your body, and arn't particularly entertaining at all, unless you then decide to talk about them.

Boring!

So yeah, maybe I am guilty of tarring people with the same brush, but IMO there are much more interesting things to spend money on than clothes. So if a person has chosen the dull option of spending money on clothes to try and look or feel good (which seems to have been the main arguement in favour of expensive clothes on this thread), that probably means that they're not as interesting to talk to as the person who spends his cash on a pastime that he feels passionately about.

Of course, this arguement falls apart in the case of the very very rich. But how many of them do we regularly rub shoulders with?!!!

I like to wear clothes that I like and that are flattering to my absolutely stunning figure.

If they are a bargain then they are a bargain. If they are expensive but classy and I'll get my wear out of them then I'll pay the extra. If they have a label then they have a label.

I just like nice clothes.

Originally posted by JBee
So if a person has chosen the dull option of spending money on clothes to try and look or feel good (which seems to have been the main arguement in favour of expensive clothes on this thread), that probably means that they're not as interesting to talk to as the person who spends his cash on a pastime that he feels passionately about.


What if someone had a hobby that required buying expensive (often branded) clothing/equipment, like skiing, or golf, or rock climbing, where do they figure on your boreometer ?

Or what if someones hobby is following fashion, like a trainee designer, and they are passionate about that, boring or not ?

And does the hobby have to be something wholesome, or will being passionate about F1 racing count or is that in your "waste of money" category ?

Just interested, not having a "go".

Originally posted by nick2
What if someone had a hobby that required buying expensive (often branded) clothing/equipment, like skiing, or golf, or rock climbing, where do they figure on your boreometer ?

Or what if someones hobby is following fashion, like a trainee designer, and they are passionate about that, boring or not ?

And does the hobby have to be something wholesome, or will being passionate about F1 racing count or is that in your "waste of money" category ?

Just interested, not having a "go".

Okay...

Point number one... Of course spending money on your hobby is fine, and there's a lot of difference to buying specialist sports brands for performance and buying them to look good. I spend a lot of time (and money) horse riding, and of course there's loads of expensive brands involved in that. Some are worth paying the money, and some arn't. For example, my horse wears Sports Medicine Boots (SMBs) which are a very expensive brand. You can buy cheap immitations, but they don't protect his tendons as effectively. However, I wouldn't waste money on branded jodpurs or other horsey fashionwear for myself. The only time I'll spend more on an equestrian brand is if it has a better safety record. But I really don't think you can compare choosing an expensive hard hat by a leading brand name that could very well save your life to choosing a Ted Baker shirt because you think it looks cool.

Point number two... Well, one of my best pals is a budding designer, she's just finished her fashion design degree and is currently freelancing for some very reputable galleries and boutiques, but she wouldn't bother with most of the brands that have been named on this thread so far. She prefers to make her own clothes or buy simple stuff and customise it. Surely the whole point of being a designer is to lead the crowd, not follow them? 'Fashion' does not necessarily involve branded and/or expensive clothing.

Finally, I'm not quite sure where the 'wholesome' comment fits into anything I've said??? Who am I to dictate to others what they enjoy doing? I've already said that I can understand people who spend cash on computer games, because at least they do something with their time and have a passion for something other than their appearence. In my opinion being interested in something other than yourself and putting effort into something is an attractive quality.

F1 is an exciting sport, and I'm sure someone who spends money going to races and has experienced the excitement first hand would be more interesting to chat to than someone who can't afford to go to a race because they'd rather spend their cash on Evisu jeans!!!! Siting in front of the telly is never cool - even if you're wearing an expensive shirt!!!

JBee - you've obviously given the topic a lot of thought [something I must confess not to have done]. I spend a lot of money on my passion which is wine but I also own a lot of branded clothes. I don't buy the clothes because they're branded because most of them don't have the name anywhere on them except in the neck. I pick clothes for their appearance, cut and fabric; if it so happens that they're branded then so be it. If indeed that makes me anyless wholesome then I'm prepared to accept that.

I don't mind sitting in front of the TV now and again either - but then I'm not trying to be "cool" by doing it.

Originally posted by JBee
In my opinion being interested in something other than yourself and putting effort into something is an attractive quality.


But going horse riding is purely for your own pleasure, it's not for the horses benefit is it ?

Whats the difference between feeling good because you've been horse riding and treating yourself to a designer handbag (which you have worked to earn the money for) ?

You might think "pretentious cow, in her designer skirt" but equally people might think "pretentious cow, spending a fortune riding horses", no ?

Originally posted by nick2
But going horse riding is purely for your own pleasure, it's not for the horses benefit is it ?

Whats the difference between feeling good because you've been horse riding and treating yourself to a designer handbag (which you have worked to earn the money for) ?

You might think "pretentious cow, in her designer skirt" but equally people might think "pretentious cow, spending a fortune riding horses", no ?

Absolutely, but SlimSid asked whether people would be more or less likely to go for someone in branded clothes. Our answers probably arn't going to help SlimSid anyway :rolleyes: but personally I would rather go out with someone who spends money, time or energy on something they feel passionate about, because I feel they would have more to bring to the relationship. I wouldn't look at someone in a branded t-shirt and think 'pwoor, look at the label on him'!!! For me it's a turn off when people are more interested in showing off than other, more important things in life.

And I'm all for treating yourself to something special occasionally, but it wouldn't make me attracted to a person if he was wearing expensive clothes, and if he was always clad in expensive designer gear I might begin to think that he's a bit shallow or 2D, unless he proved me otherwise.

As for my horse, I'm not quite sure what his position is on designer clothing, but I'll try to remember to ask him when I visit him this evening. :rolls eyes: He certainly looks forward to seeing me though, and definitely enjoys our adventures together.

I'm not quite sure why this is such a problem for people either? Surely what I'm saying is possitive for the guys out there - that as a woman I find personality and interests more attractive than whether you've got the "right" shirt on????

One finally point... I would never think "pretentious cow" about anyone just because of something they wear, because I'm not that catty! One designer skirt does not make a person pretentious. But a whole wardrobe of designer gear may lead someone to make assumptions about their priorities...

Originally posted by nick2
But going horse riding is purely for your own pleasure, it's not for the horses benefit is it ?

Whats the difference between feeling good because you've been horse riding and treating yourself to a designer handbag (which you have worked to earn the money for) ?

You might think "pretentious cow, in her designer skirt" but equally people might think "pretentious cow, spending a fortune riding horses", no ?

Not a horsey person myself but knowing them well. Horses love a good ride (no crude comments please) and anyone who has had any contact with them will know how much they love a good run out across the fields.

Owning a horse is not pretentious, its a responsibility, and not one that goes away unlike someones souped up escort or their latest designer outfit.

Clothes are clothes, they stop the world seeing our wobbly bits and keep us warm. I like to buy nice clothes but I buy what I like, not what everyone assumes is in vogue.

Originally posted by JBee
I wouldn't look at someone in an **** t-shirt and think 'pwoor, look at the label on him'!!! For me it's a turn off when people are more interested in showing off than other, more important things in life.


But what you're trying to imply is that horse riding is in some way a more important thing in life, which it isn't, it's just that it what your into, so it's more important to you.

What if you went into competative horse jumping, is that not showing off to some degree ?

Personally I'm not into horse riding and I'm not madly interested in fashion but I wouldn't class someone who was interested in eaither as "dull and shallow" just because they are.

Originally posted by nick2
I wouldn't class someone who was interested in eaither as "dull and shallow" just because they are.
Tell that to my 10 year old son who has been told if he doesn't wear a berghaus coat to school in secondary school he will be an immediate target for bullys.

Originally posted by fox20thc
Tell that to my 10 year old son who has been told if he doesn't wear a berghaus coat to school in secondary school he will be an immediate target for bullys.

so every other person will be wearing one ?

But thats not realy the same thing is it ?

Were not saying people who buy designer clother go round beathing-up people who dont.

Dunno, but thats the mentality of the kids today. My son has no desire for a B/h coat and thinks that people who insist on a label are sheep. (I raised him well) but that is what he has been told.

The losers are the kids who can't afford the gear, or refuse to conform. BTW the school is all uniform the only way they can intimidate their peers is via coats, phones and bags??? Insanity

Originally posted by fox20thc
Not a horsey person myself but knowing them well. Horses love a good ride (no crude comments please) and anyone who has had any contact with them will know how much they love a good run out across the fields.

Owning a horse is not pretentious, its a responsibility, and not one that goes away unlike someones souped up escort or their latest designer outfit..

Ahhh, thanks for the support Fox. I'm very touched that as a non-horsey person you have still taken the time to have an insight into the commitment and dedication involved.

It certainly makes me a more interesting and 'up-for-it' person than if I just mindlessly spent all my money on designer handbags!!!!

Yr welcome Jbee. I know how much hard work it is, and Im sure you don't do it in a berghaus coat - lol

Originally posted by JBee
Ahhh, thanks for the support Fox. I'm very touched that as a non-horsey person you have still taken the time to have an insight into the commitment and dedication involved.


Not to mention the money.

But thats ok, buying a £1000 horse is so very different to buying a £50 shirt.

Originally posted by nick2
Not to mention the money.

But thats ok, buying a £1000 horse is so very different to buying a £50 shirt.
Yes but how may £50 shirts, and £150 jeans, and the £100 trainers ect. I bet if the cost of clothing was added up for a year it would far outweigh the livery of a horse.

You forgot the souped up corsa, bmw or escort which usually accompanies such purchases (oooh very stereotyped ..sorry)

Originally posted by fox20thc
You forgot the souped up corsa, bmw or escort which usually accompanies such purchases (oooh very stereotyped ..sorry)

Yes, very sterotypical, which seems to be the order of the day on this thread.

so to summerise

spend £1000 on designer clothes = bad, shallow, boring person
spend £1000 on horse riding = good, interesting, wonderfull person

?

Originally posted by nick2
But what you're trying to imply is that horse riding is in some way a more important thing in life, which it isn't, it's just that it what your into, so it's more important to you.

What if you went into competative horse jumping, is that not showing off to some degree ?

Personally I'm not into horse riding and I'm not madly interested in fashion but I wouldn't class someone who was interested in eaither as "dull and shallow" just because they are.

You're twisting my words now Nick.

I'm not implying at horse riding is in some way a more important thing in life. Don't be ridiculous. I used it as an example of an important thing in MY life, and one of the reasons I don't blow all my cash on designer clothes. I spend money on lots of other things too... I have salsa lessons and do an evening Spanish course. I read and buy a lot of books, and I also like to spend money on food, cooking and eating out.

My point is that this is what I look for in a prospective partner. Varied interests that lead to interesting coversation, and show that a person has passion about something, and can dedicate their time and effort to something. It doesn't matter what that is. I think I'd rather date a man who was into stamp collecting or tiddlywinks than someone who just blew all their cash on designer lables.

And you've already proved my point that hobbies make a person interesting, because you've managed to get yourself so hung up on the issue of my horse! Like it or not, my hobby makes me a more interesting person than if I was trying to tell you about the branded shirt I'd just bought!

Since you ask, I do competitive show jumping, but it's definitely not to show off. I've never been a person who likes taking centre stage, so I often feel more 'on show' than anything else when I ride into the ring. But like any competative sport, it's fun, it's a buzz and it gives me goals to work towards. Personal goals.

And I've already said to you that I differentiate between fashion and labels. I find fashion of the sort that my pal has been studying very involving, but I fail to see what is interesting about buying clothing with a label on it, just for the sake of it.

****Sits back and waits for Nick2 to twist what has been written again****

Originally posted by fox20thc
Tell that to my 10 year old son who has been told if he doesn't wear a berghaus coat to school in secondary school he will be an immediate target for bullys.

To be honest, this is exactly how I regard people who have a desperate need to be seen in designer clothes - that as kids they probably were school bullies, or those who backed them up. The sort of people who have to do everything in packs, who either can't think for themselves or who are too frightened to look/be different from the rest of the flock.

People who feel threatened by anyone who isn't a clone of themselves. People who are so insecure in themselves that they daren't stand out in any way. People who potentially resort to violence to enforce their norms on others. Utter conformists and sheep.

Baaaaaaaaaa! as JBee so rightly says.

People whose 'brains' would explode if they had an original thought.

I so sympathise with you, Fox20thc. It must be a nightmare being a responsible parent in today's materialistic world. You don't want to buy into all this designer crap and encourage your child to be one of the sheep, but on the other hand, you don't want them being a target at school. I don't suppose there is an easy answer..... :(

I'm having a sense of deja vu with this thread..... :suspect:

StarSparkle

Originally posted by JBee
[B]You're twisting my words now Nick.

No I'm not.

I'm not implying at horse riding is in some way a more important thing in life. Don't be ridiculous.
I used it as an example of an important thing in MY life, and one of the reasons I don't blow all my cash on designer clothes.

Thats what I said, it's important and interesting to YOU, not everone is interested in the same as you, that doesn't make them shallow and boring.

Like it or not, my hobby makes me a more interesting person than if I was trying to tell you about the branded shirt I'd just bought!

Not to someone who isn't interested in horses, like me.

Since you ask, I do competitive show jupming, but it's definitely not to show off.

?

And I've already said to you that I differentiate between fashion and labels. I find fashion of the sort that my pal has been studying very involving, but I fail to see what is interesting about buying clothing with a label on it, just for the sake of it.


Once your mate qualifies and becomes a top desiner and people are clamoring for her label will you stop taking to her then ?

Originally posted by StarSparkle
I so sympathise with you, Fox20thc. It must be a nightmare being a responsible parent in today's materialistic world. You don't want to buy into all this designer crap and encourage your child to be one of the sheep, but on the other hand, you don't want them being a target at school. I don't suppose there is an easy answer..... :(


Of course forcing your child to be "different" just because you think you are is not doing him any favours either, perhaps he wants to be in a gang, or wear the same clothes as his mates, or read the same magazine, of collect footy stickers (or whatever kids do these days) ?

Being part of a group and going out riding your BMX and playing football can be much more fun than sitting at home with your mum doing basket weaving or some other "non conformist" activity.

Interacting with groups and conforming (to some degree) is a usefull social skill.

I don't give a chuff if the fella is wearing Armani or asda, so long as his bum looks good :o

Originally posted by nick2
No I'm not.



Thats what I said, it's important and interesting to YOU, not everone is interested in the same as you, that doesn't make them shallow and boring.



Not to someone who isn't interested in horses, like me.



?



Once your mate qualifies and becomes a top desiner and people are clamoring for her label will you stop taking to her then ?


OMG!!! You are so narrowminded.

When did I say that if somebody isn't interested in the same thing as me it makes then dull and boring???

I'd like you to go back through my posts, find that statement and quote it, because I'm starting to suspect that you CAN'T READ.

To my knowledge I've been saying that I find people with varied interests attractive, regardless of whether it's horse riding, F1 racing or tiddlywinks. At least, that's what I've been trying to say... Perhaps my computer's playing tricks on me and I've actually been typing something completely different.

I'll openly admit to thinking that people who have nothing better to do with their cash than blow it all on designer clothes are superficial and dull. I wouldn't bother dating anyone like that. But I hardly think that equates to saying that anyone who hasn't sat on a horse is boring!!! Get a grip on reality :loopy:

I've answered everything you've tried to throw at me so far as reasonably as I can, and I've explained the reasons behind my thoughts. Now you resort to using a question mark as a response?

I don't think you have to be interested in horses to be interested in having a conversation about it. I'm not interested in F1 racing but I'd take great interest in chatting to someone who is. Imagine all the stuff that they could tell me that I didn't know before... They'd give me an insight into a way of life that I've never experienced. I personally find stuff like that fascinating, but I wouldn't expect you to have the ability to comprehend that.

As for my pal, I'd back her up 100 per cent whatever choice of career she decides to take. And if she's smart enough to make money because a load of people are dumb enough to buy her clothes just because her name is on the label, then good on her. But to be honest she's more into designing bespoke and origional pieces, so she's more likely to set up a little boutique of her own somewhere.

Originally posted by Lindseyw
I don't give a chuff if the fella is wearing Armani or asda, so long as his bum looks good :o

LMAO :thumbsup: :D :thumbsup:

Originally posted by JBee
OMG!!! You are so narrowminded.


Ditto.

You have said, several times, that people who spend all their money on designer clothes (something you're personally not interested in, but they obviously are) are shallow and dull.

If thats not narrow minded then I don't know what is.

Originally posted by JBee
OMG!!! You are so narrowminded.

When did I say that if somebody isn't interested in the same thing as me it makes then dull and boring???

I'd like you to go back through my posts, find that statement and quote it, because I'm starting to suspect that you CAN'T READ.

Didn't you post: "It certainly makes me a more interesting and 'up-for-it' person than if I just mindlessly spent all my money on designer handbags!!!!"

Originally posted by JonJParr
Didn't you post: "It certainly makes me a more interesting and 'up-for-it' person than if I just mindlessly spent all my money on designer handbags!!!!"

Certainly did. And your point is???

From what I know of guys (and this is coming from my male friends so might not be representative) they'd much rather date a girl who has stuff to say for herself and interests to talk about than someone who just wants to inanely chat about shopping.

I enjoy all my hobbies, and I enjoy talking about them, and I enjoy listening to other people's. If someone has a genuine interest in fashion then I'd be interested in that, but I'd fall asleep if a date spent 20 minutes telling me about his new designer shirt.

SlimSid wanted to know whether women find men in brand labels more attractive. The answer is, I find people more attractive when they invest time and money in interests, not clothes.

Horse riding, or my other interests for that matter, make me more interesting than if I didn't bother with them and spent all my money on clothes. That doesn't mean that other people need to share my interests to be interesting, but (as I've said over and over again on this thread now) having varied interests OF THEIR OWN is a damn good start.

My point is that you ARE saying people are dull if they buy designer goods. You labelled people who collect handbags as, "mindless". If that's not the same as saying someone is dull and uninteresting then I don't know what is. It's certainly narrowminded.

I wear branded clothes but I can't ever recall having a conversation with someone about any of them. Instead we talk about wine, cooking, music or travel. But, according to what you've been saying for the past few hours anybody who buys branded clothes, in your not so humble opinion, lacks the intellectual capacity to entertain a discussion on anything else.

But then if someone talked to me for twenty minutes about a bloody horse I'd probably nod off too.

Originally posted by t020
Not sure about a pikey but if you're wearing Stone Island the "bird" (if that's really the term we must use to describe a female) will definitely know you're a chav. (http://www.chavscum.co.uk)


:o :o :o i have a stone island jumper :o :o :o

OMG!!!!!!am i a CHAV OMG!!!!!!!



best go buy some burbery i guess :D

Of course it's possible people could have several interesting hobbies and also wear designer clothes.

Originally posted by nick2
Of course forcing your child to be "different" just because you think you are is not doing him any favours either, perhaps he wants to be in a gang, or wear the same clothes as his mates, or read the same magazine, of collect footy stickers (or whatever kids do these days) ?

Being part of a group and going out riding your BMX and playing football can be much more fun than sitting at home with your mum doing basket weaving or some other "non conformist" activity.

Interacting with groups and conforming (to some degree) is a usefull social skill.

LOL! You really are so funny (unintentionally) sometimes, Nick2! The idea of me doing anything like basket-weaving is so ludicrous, it's hysterical! Thanks for the laugh.

Of course forcing a child to be 'different' if they don't want to be is just as bad as forcing them to be part of the pack. If a child of mine wanted to be one of the clones for a while, and that was their genuine choice as opposed to feeling they had to conform to avoid bullying, then I'd respect their choice.

It's the element of 'pack' behaviour that I despise - the mentality that if somthing's different, it must be attacked.

There's nothing wrong with being in a 'gang' of like-minded people - as long as it doesn't lead you to think you're better than others for being in that gang, and that anyone who doesn't conform to your gang's norms is somehow inferior (and wrong).

I would hope a son of mine would enjoy playing football with his mates - I confess I'd be slightly horrified though if he insisted on only playing in Nike boots, or whatever the fad was at the time (but I'd keep my opinion to myself!)

StarSparkle

Originally posted by nick2
Of course forcing your child to be "different" just because you think you are is not doing him any favours either, perhaps he wants to be in a gang, or wear the same clothes as his mates, or read the same magazine, of collect footy stickers (or whatever kids do these days) ?

Being part of a group and going out riding your BMX and playing football can be much more fun than sitting at home with your mum doing basket weaving or some other "non conformist" activity.

Interacting with groups and conforming (to some degree) is a usefull social skill.

Erm.. I am not forcing my son to be "different", different is as expensive to maintain as designer. He chooses to be different and despises football btw.

He rides his bike and has lots of mates who are 'normal' whatever that is. He just doesnt want to look the same as everyone else, his choice not mine.

He may want to be in a gang, that would be the gang of mates he has who admire his 'style' (if thats what you call it) and ask where they can buy the same stuff. The fact that he customises his own clothes and they cant buy it is unfortunate. My non comformist activities are far from basket weaving and I would hate to bore you with my wide and varied social activities. 8)

p.s bought him a pair of Ben Sherman trainers cos they were in the sale at TK's the other week. He won't wear them, for the simple fact they have a 'name;. He says he will save them for playing out in. :rolleyes:

Originally posted by JonJParr
Didn't you post: "It certainly makes me a more interesting and 'up-for-it' person than if I just mindlessly spent all my money on designer handbags!!!!"



whooo!!!!!

now hang on a min!

i have a hell of a lot of hand bags and i dont collect them if i see one i like i buy it its as simple as that!

anyway whats wrong with having loads of handbags?:confused:

Originally posted by katy1981
Originally posted by JonJParr
Didn't you post: "It certainly makes me a more interesting and 'up-for-it' person than if I just mindlessly spent all my money on designer handbags!!!!"

anyway whats wrong with having loads of handbags?:confused:

Nothing at all, I have tonnes of handbags, a girl can never have enough shoes or bags :thumbsup:

Originally posted by fox20thc
p.s bought him a pair of Ben Sherman trainers cos they were in the sale at TK's the other week. He won't wear them, for the simple fact they have a 'name;. He says he will save them for playing out in. :rolleyes:

I wouldn't want to be seen in a pair of Ben Sherman trainers either, sorry.

Originally posted by nick2
I wouldn't want to be seen in a pair of Ben Sherman trainers either, sorry.

I am clueless, they looked ok and they were in the sale :D

JBee and Fox20thc,

It really is a waste of time and breathe to try to talk sense to some people on here about certain subjects.

Unfortunately, saying anything against designer clothing is one of those subjects.

This time last year I was having the same arguments we're having today with (some of) the same people, and you wouldn't believe the grief I was getting!

Some people are so sensitive about their fashion 'choices' - they seem to have a mental block about taking on board any rational argument about designer clothes. They react as if you're personally attacking them! You can't make headway with them - they're totally closed-minded.

It's quite sad, really.

StarSparkle

Originally posted by StarSparkle
JBee and Fox20thc,

It really is a waste of time and breathe to try to talk sense to some people on here about certain subjects.


Telling people they are stupid and shallow is not "talking sense" to them, it's just slagging them off because you personally don't approve of their choice in clothes.

:mad: I never called anyone stupid and shallow :mad:

You accused me of basket weaving :loopy: :loopy: :loopy: :loopy:

Originally posted by fox20thc
I am clueless, they looked ok and they were in the sale :D

I'd go more for DC or Duffs, or something a bit more skate-shoe related, they tend to be less branded and a bit more plain.

(though they are quite pricey)

I go for erm.. the black ones and the ones with the sparkly bits and a nice heel:D

Originally posted by katy1981
i have a hell of a lot of hand bags and i dont collect them if i see one i like i buy it its as simple as that!

anyway whats wrong with having loads of handbags?:confused:

Nowt at all Katy. I have tons of handbags too. But most of them are cheap because I think that cheap and cheerful is just as good as designer, then I've got money to do other things.

I can't believe how much my words are being twisted here. In John and Nick's eyes I seem to be wholesomely romping around the countryside naked on horseback like lady sodding Godiver!!!!!

Please, anyone who has just joined this thread, go back and read all of my posts, so you can see them in context.

What I've been saying is that I don't feel the need to wear labels to attract the oppositve sex and I find them unattractive on the opposite sex. I'd rather spend my money on interesting thinks that help me grow as a person and I would assume people who get too hung up on labels could better use their money elsewhere.

I have no problem with shopping for clothes. I love clothes. But I'm not going to waste my money on designer labels.

I like meeting interesting people who have varied interests. If people spend all their money on expensive labels just for the sake of buying labels, then that, in my (very humble) opinion, would make that person a bit shallow. And it would also leave little money to spend on other things, which would make that person (IMVHO) rather dull.

Jbee, :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

you are a good person and will go far:thumbsup:

Originally posted by nick2
I'd go more for DC or Duffs, or something a bit more skate-shoe related, they tend to be less branded and a bit more plain.

(though they are quite pricey)

Don't you think your a bit OLD for skate-shoes :hihi:

Dear, dear, dear, Nick2 - you're really slipping if you have to go back to posts I made over a year ago to try to catch me out...... :nono:

That's a bit pathetic.

I don't know about people who wear designer clothes a lot of the time being Stupid, but they certainly are Shallow if they think by doing that they'll be impressing others who matter.

StarSparkle

Originally posted by fox20thc
Don't you think your a bit OLD for skate-shoes :hihi:

For your son, obviously.

Though it would be terribly un-conformist of me to wear them at my age I bet, or would it, what if I met some of my mates wore them, then I would be conforming, but if I went somewhere were everyone was wearing cheap trainers I would be individual, but then I might look like I'd spent too much money on trainers and was dull and shallow.

It's so difficult, I'm so confused now.

Originally posted by nick2
For your son, obviously.

Though it would be terribly un-conformist of me to wear them at my age I bet, or would it, what if I met some of my mates wore them, then I would be conforming, but if I went somewhere were everyone was wearing cheap trainers I would be individual, but then I might look like I'd spent too much money on trainers and was dull and shallow.

It's so difficult, I'm so confused now.

Just make sure you take your board out with you man!:hihi:

Originally posted by StarSparkle
Dear, dear, dear, Nick2 - you're really slipping if you have to go back to posts I made over a year ago to try to catch me out...... :nono:

That's a bit pathetic.


I didn't check what you posted a year ago, I guessed what you put based on what you put in this thread.

And who are the people who matter ?

Originally posted by fox20thc
Jbee, :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

you are a good person and will go far:thumbsup:

That's very sweet Fox, thank-you for the compliment. You seem like you've got your head screwed on too!

Well, what an entertaining afternoon. I've really enjoyed this thread, and special thanks go out to Nick2, who has had me giggling with glee at many of his posts. I suspect that wasn't entirely his intention, but I enjoyed it!

Thanks Nick2! Your blinkered views make for very entertaining reading! :thumbsup:

But sadly I've got to leave work now, and go and get on with that full and interesting life of mine! So no more internet access for the rest of the night.

So I'll hand over the reins of this debate to StarSparkle, who I see is just weighing in and sharpening her claws! She's a little terrier, that one!!!!

Go on StarSparkle, who cares if you've said it all before... You know you want to give 'em what for again! Sock it to the label-wearing masses. Baaaaaaaa!

:D

Originally posted by JBee
You seem like you've got your head screwed on too!


ie. she agrees with you, and anyone who doesn't is obviously mad/wrong/shallow/dull.

I see how it works.

So I'll hand over the reins of this debate to StarSparkle, who I see is just weighing in and sharpening her claws! She's a little terrier, that one!!!!

I'm quaking in my designer trainers.

Originally posted by nick2
ie. she agrees with you, and anyone who doesn't is obviously mad/wrong/shallow/dull.

I see how it works.



I'm quaking in my designer trainers.


Baaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!! :wave: :wave: :wave:

***JBee puts on her non-designer coat, and exits the Forum!***

Originally posted by JBee
Baaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!! :wave: :wave: :wave:



How very grown-up of you.

Originally posted by nick2
How very grown-up of you.

Awwwwww, diddums. :(

Come on Nick2, it's only a Forum. I'm about to leave work with a huge grin on my face after this afternoon's entertainment, I'd hate to be the reason that you don't do the same. I get the feeling you're going to be 'bleating' on about this all night!!!

Peace be with you, my little branded-clothes-loving Forumer.

Bye :wave:

Originally posted by JBee
Peace be with you, my little branded-clothes-loving Forumer.


And with you my looking-down-on-anyone-who-doesn't-agree-with-me (there is a word for that, I can't remember what it is though) friend.

Originally posted by nick2
And with you my looking-down-on-anyone-who-doesn't-agree-with-me (there is a word for that, I can't remember what it is though) friend.

Aloof! :thumbsup:

Originally posted by nick2
I didn't check what you posted a year ago, I guessed what you put based on what you put in this thread.

Then I suggest you stop 'guessing', and check your facts instead. I haven't said anything about designer-clothes wearers being necessarily stupid. Shallow, yes.

And who are the people who matter ?

It seems to me the vast majority of people who are impressed by designer clothing are chavs - if those are the people you care to impress, you're welcome to them.

Personally, I prefer people with a bit more class and discernment.

StarSparkle

Originally posted by StarSparkle
[B]I haven't said anything about designer-clothes wearers being necessarily stupid. Shallow, yes.

Oh, thats alright then.


It seems to me the vast majority of people who are impressed by designer clothing are chavs - if those are the people you care to impress, you're welcome to them.

Personally, I prefer people with a bit more class and discernment.


Calling someone a "chav" because they choose to dress differently to you is not classy my dear.

Ding Ding!

Lets not let this deteriorate into a slanging match chaps.:shakes:

Originally posted by fox20thc
Ding Ding!

Lets not let this deteriorate into a slanging match chaps.:shakes:

Agreed.

It's almost home time now anyway.

Originally posted by JBee
So I'll hand over the reins of this debate to StarSparkle, who I see is just weighing in and sharpening her claws! She's a little terrier, that one!!!!

Go on StarSparkle, who cares if you've said it all before... You know you want to give 'em what for again! Sock it to the label-wearing masses. Baaaaaaaa!

:D

Not patronising at all, are we, JBee? :o

You're not talking to Nick2 now, you know! :nono:

StarSparkle

Originally posted by nick2
Oh, thats alright then.



Calling someone a "chav" because they choose to dress differently to you is not classy my dear.

I don't call people 'chavs' because they "choose" to dress differently from me, I call them 'chavs' because that's what they obviously are. I am only using the Queen's English. Where's the lack of class in that, dear heart? Pray tell.

StarSparkle

Originally posted by StarSparkle
I don't call people 'chavs' because they "choose" to dress differently from me, I call them 'chavs' because that's what they obviously are.

Because they wear designer clothes you said.

So all the people you might run into in a top London wine bar are chavs ?

Originally posted by nick2
Because they wear designer clothes you said.

So all the people you might run into in a top London wine bar are chavs ?

You're making things up again, Nick2. You really must get a firmer grip on reality.

I didn't say that everyone who wears designer clothes is a chav - just that being impressed by said clothes appears to be a chav trait.

Just as drinking in a top London wine bar doesn't necessarily say anything about a person's 'classiness' - having money doesn't automatically give you class.

StarSparkle

drinking in London, doesn't mean you have class or money. :hihi:

Originally posted by StarSparkle
You're making things up again, Nick2. You really must get a firmer grip on reality.

I didn't say that everyone who wears designer clothes is a chav - just that being impressed by said clothes appears to be a chav trait.


Perhaps I missread what you put.

So, wearing designer clothes is NOT chavvy, but being impressed by designer clothes IS, so if I wore a designer T-shirt, but wasn't impressed by it, I would be ok, yes ?

Could I turn from a non-chav to a chav if I liked a shirt someone was wearing that later turned out to be Vivienne Westwood ?

Please explain this logic

Originally posted by fox20thc
Ding Ding!

Lets not let this deteriorate into a slanging match chaps.:shakes: :|

Am I slagging anyone ?

No but the disagreement is just dragging on... :| the same thing being said again and again in so many different ways. Lets just respect people right to choose and be friends :D

Originally posted by fox20thc
Lets just respect people right to choose and be friends :D

Ermm, I do, I'm not judging anyone for their choice of clothing.

It's how you wear it!

Nick2, you like branded clothes but you mix them with non branded (and no doubt look quite good).

I've seen loads of men who wear too much branded stuff and end up looking ridiculous 'cause it's all a muddle.

Also I think I stereotype people by their clothes:

I mean there is the awful Stone Island, Hackett, Aquascuitum, Burberry lot. But also there's the 'trendy' mulleted Gstar, DAC, Y3 types.

I'm a big fan of Hugo Boss and find myself more and more just buying that. But I don't think I look good in anything.

My partner likes D&G and Lacroix (and a few others), but he mixes them with Deisel and even Next and M&S.