The GUCCI Experiment: Can I Live With The Decision To Purchase $1,200 Handbag?
The Baggage
Like many first generation college grads, I started from the bottom and I am lucky to be here. But along with my long road to achieve a hint of success, I still sometimes feel the need to prove to myself that I’ve made it. Many African Americans face this complex once they reach a level of success. Black folks have a tendency to wear their finances on their sleeves, literally. We like to boast about what we have, wear the best clothes, and drive the most expensive cars we can afford all to create a false sense of confidence to compensate for the fact that we came out of poverty.
You would think that because I am fully conscious of this complex that I could side step it. NOT! I have actually decided to go ahead and buy the bag. You see I grew up very modestly and although I know things don’t make me who I am, I have never had the experience of buying a luxury brand and would like to know for myself if I will get all of the benefits I’ve imagined.
I’ve decided to use my checks from my freelance writing work to make the purchase. In two weeks I will have just enough to make my first trip to the Gucci store with the intent to actually leave with a receipt. Then I will write about my experience and how it felt to drop a band (as the rappers say) on a handbag. After wearing the bag I will report back to let you guys know if it was worth it in the end or if I experience buyer’s remorse.
The Motivation
The point of this whole series is to get candid feedback from you guys on how you feel about this subject and to share your experiences as well. And in turn I hope to help anyone out there who’s dying to make that big splurge get more insight into whether or not you can actually pass and spend your money on something wiser.
Many people may feel like this topic isn’t worth the web space it’s taking up, but I know so many women who feel the need to make a thousand dollar bag purchase at least once in their lives. Maybe, just maybe, this series will help one diva avoid making a Gucci, Louie, Loubi, or Fendi faux pas.
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