Does your jewelry/watch/clothes/car/home confer status?

[Madam Bijoux]

My jewelry, watches, clothes and purses scream status. I don't have a car (I rent one when I need one) and my house is an 87 year old wreck.

 

[cygnet]

I am not interested in buying brand name things for status-- but it is true that expensive clothes fit me better. I have odd body proportions and most of the cheaper clothing I try on just makes me look weird and frumpy. So if I want to look good, I usually end up buying nice clothes.

I am willing to spend a little extra money on purses because they're everyday items that I expect to be durable, classy and match well with my wardrobe. The purses I own happen to be designer purses but that's because I have a hard time finding nice quality non brand purses in a texture I like (I'm very picky about that) and also because it's hard to find a classic purse that isn't covered in extra zippers or rhinestones or studs or weird stuff like that.

Whether my possessions convey status on their own is another thing entirely, but do I purchase them for the purpose of a status boost? No.

 

[NewEnglandLady]

Growing up poor made me insecure about money, so I have a lovely complex wherein I feel unnatural guilt when I buy any semi-expensive depreciating asset. This includes clothes, bags, shoes and most especially, vehicles. The only area I seem to be willing to part with cash without too much whining is when making improvements on our home.

I don't have any status, I consider myself solidly middle class. But one day, after my house is paid off, the kids' college accounts are fully funded and I'm content with the (conservative) amount we have in retirement, I'm going to buy an obnoxious sports car. It will be a complete waste of hard-earned money and I'll enjoy driving it every second I'm in it.

 

[ame]

Growing up poor made me insecure about money, so I have a lovely complex wherein I feel unnatural guilt when I buy any semi-expensive depreciating asset. This includes clothes, bags, shoes and most especially, vehicles. The only area I seem to be willing to part with cash without too much whining is when making improvements on our home.

I don't have any status, I consider myself solidly middle class. But one day, after my house is paid off, the kids' college accounts are fully funded and I'm content with the (conservative) amount we have in retirement, I'm going to buy an obnoxious sports car. It will be a complete waste of hard-earned money and I'll enjoy driving it every second I'm in it.

 

[rubybeth]

I don't think that owning--or borrowing money to own--certain products or items confers status upon anyone. I think that social status or class has to do with people's perception of you, and items and products help them to make that decision about you. However, those assumptions are probably incorrect just as often as they are correct. People may think that someone living in a McMansion is rich, but they could be mortgaged up to their eyeballs. Reading 'The Millionaire Next Door' was a good reminder for me that all is not what it appears.

My Kate Spade purse, 2005 Ford Focus, wardrobe mostly from Old Navy, $30 Relic watch, and one bedroom apartment near the university tell others a variety of things about me, but I think my occupation, advanced degree, and the name I've made for myself in my community are more important to my 'status.'

 

[ladidalola]

I don't think that owning--or borrowing money to own--certain products or items confers status upon anyone. I think that social status or class has to do with people's perception of you, and items and products help them to make that decision about you. However, those assumptions are probably incorrect just as often as they are correct. People may think that someone living in a McMansion is rich, but they could be mortgaged up to their eyeballs. Reading 'The Millionaire Next Door' was a good reminder for me that all is not what it appears.
'

I totally agree with this! My mom and grandfather taught me to save and the value of money at a very early age. They lived what they preached and lived always below their means. When my grandfather passed away, we were so surprised that he was living so frugally with his retirement money. He really meant to pass it on to us to ensure our future. It's a good thing we all learned how to keep the money and not squander it on frivolous things... we're all not touching it and still keeping in several investment funds.

 

[smitcompton]

Hi,

I'm always a bit perplexed by these threads as so many on here never do anything to show status. I had hoped Madam Bioux(sp)
would reply and as I thought she would be, has been as honest as she always is. . Thank You.

I dress on some occasions to show upwardly mobile status and dress down on other occasions to look downright poor. I believe people are influenced by how we are perceived by them and they react in a certain way. In real-estate you do have to look successful and dress the part. I have no doubt that Kenny's Rolex made the appropriate statement.

When Greg made more money he turned to the objects that have been shown as status symbols of success(each to his own). Most people do exactly that. So you think that European sports car is just this great piece of machinery that you love, or have you learned in life that it is a status symbol of the "good life"- rich life, to which you have become able to afford? It is a status symbol no matter how you wish to describe it.

Sometimes these small victory s, ala expensive handbags,etc. allow us to feel part of the good life. Look at the Chinese. They have flocked to the high end status symbols like they won't be there tomorrow. Status, its a part of life and most of us participate in some way. Its also fun.


Annette

 

[MichelleCarmen]

I do buy some brand name items for status reasons and for quality. Like handbags...I will spend a couple hundred on one and jeans, as well.

There are some ways though that I think status can be seen that are brandless - like having an excellent haircut. I really think that well-cut hair = class.

 

[GK2]

I think my jewellery,watch, handbags and scarves say one thing about me, but my home and car contradict that too!

I wear a Rolex and quite a lot of diamond jewellery every day, but it's because I like it and it gives me pleasure. I couldn't give a flying fig what conclusions other people draw from what I wear/ carry etc

Our home is tiny and our car is old, but they are both paid off (DH and I are both 42) and when we buy our next car we'll sell some shares like last time and pay cash

People will always make a judgment about you based on what they see - I'm not going to waste energy trying to appear to be something I'm not to people I don't care about!

 

[Harpertoo]

When I lived in Switzerland this was the x-pat explanation on status signaling there....watches of course.
Could be unconscious and performance driven or calculated for the effect...but it is signaling. And I, for one, learned to appreciate my mother's old Rolex once I started noticing the Brandt's popularity....the performance/craftsmanship developed from brand awareness for me.
Many people claimed good watches were/are the signaling device for good service in CH.

 

[Dancing Fire]

I own my own business.
I confess I bought a Rolex to appear successful, which in my field results in more business.
That's BS and garbage, but true.

I remember 20 years ago a real estate broker once told me her businesses skyrocketed immediately after she leased a Mercedes to drive clients around.

Funny world we live in.

yup,Rolex + Mercedes = you have made it to most people.

 

[rosetta]

I own my own business.
I confess I bought a Rolex to appear successful, which in my field results in more business.
That's BS and garbage, but true.

I remember 20 years ago a real estate broker once told me her businesses skyrocketed immediately after she leased a Mercedes to drive clients around.

Funny world we live in.

yup,Rolex + Mercedes = you made it .

Weird, I've had and sold off both of these.

 

[chrono]

I own my own business.
I confess I bought a Rolex to appear successful, which in my field results in more business.
That's BS and garbage, but true.

I remember 20 years ago a real estate broker once told me her businesses skyrocketed immediately after she leased a Mercedes to drive clients around.

Funny world we live in.

yup,Rolex + Mercedes = you made it .

Only if it is paid in full in cash.

 

[Dancing Fire]

When I lived in Switzerland this was the x-pat explanation on status signaling there....watches of course.
Could be unconscious and performance driven or calculated for the effect...but it is signaling. And I, for one, learned to appreciate my mother's old Rolex once I started noticing the Brandt's popularity....the performance/craftsmanship developed from brand awareness for me.
Many people claimed good watches were/are the signaling device for good service in CH.

so i should expect good service when i go to Switzerland?...
btw; that chart is wrong if we are talking about world wide popularity.

Lunch time!!

 

[Harpertoo]

DF,
It was meant for Swiss signaling purposes, not general popularity. And I think it was meant as a slam toward the "watch obsessed Swiss" rather than a helpful tool.

 

[LetItShine]

I don't think so. The only jewelry I wear is my wedding ring and 1.5ctw diamond studs. They are nice but I don't think they confer status. I drive a brand new Enclave, but it's a Buick My house is nice but nothing special. We've actually outgrown it. We live well below our means and haven't had a budget in years. Status just isn't important to us

 

[Dancing Fire]

My jewelry, watches, clothes and purses scream status. I don't have a car (I rent one when I need one) and my house is an 87 year old wreck.

yeah,you own more Hermes bags than movie stars...

 

[Dancing Fire]

Growing up poor made me insecure about money, so I have a lovely complex wherein I feel unnatural guilt when I buy any semi-expensive depreciating asset. This includes clothes, bags, shoes and most especially, vehicles. The only area I seem to be willing to part with cash without too much whining is when making improvements on our home.

I don't have any status, I consider myself solidly middle class. But one day, after my house is paid off, the kids' college accounts are fully funded and I'm content with the (conservative) amount we have in retirement, I'm going to buy an obnoxious sports car. It will be a complete waste of hard-earned money and I'll enjoy driving it every second I'm in it.

in other words a mid life crisis car..

 

[Dancing Fire]

I do buy some brand name items for status reasons and for quality. Like handbags...I will spend a couple hundred on one and jeans, as well.

There are some ways though that I think status can be seen that are brandless - like having an excellent haircut. I really think that well-cut hair = class.

i have no class since i'm only willing to pay $8 bucks for an haircut.

 

[HopeDream]

Ha!

My accessories, appearance, and transit pass are great status symbols - They tell the world I don't have much disposable income.

Do you like my shiny new Casio? It was made in Japan~!

 

[HollyS]

Status symbols mean status to status seekers.

The rest of us are so, "Whatever".

However, to each their shopping thrills.

 

[charleston1]

I think it definitely does CONFER status (as per the question) whether you want it to or not and whether you buy or wear status symbols or not.
Status is funny word.
Status is not the same as a net worth or a reflection of your annual income.
Many high net worth people do not buy expensive jewlery, watches, clothes, cars, etc.
I think alot of people are really answering if their jewelery, clothing, car, etc. reflect their annual income and net worth.

 

[woofmama]

I grew up in a solid middle class neighborhood, comprised of blue collar folks-mostly cops, firemen, plumbers. Almost all the women were SAHMs. My dad always drove a Cadillac(still does), he and mom were snazzy dressers for that area, at that time. Dad was very status driven. Both were meticulous about their appearance. Kept in great shape, wore stylish clothes, well groomed.

The apple didn't fall far from the tree I now live in a solid middle class neighborhood. My house is okay..nothing special.
I drive a minivan, had a Jeep and a Mustang. DH's Harley is a bit statusy I guess. My rings are nice, I'm happy with them but not overkill for my area. Lots of the women I see IRL are still wearing their original rings from the 80's, though some of the women I see through my business are rocking some really gorgeous jewelry. I see alot of Coach & Michael Kors purses, so nothing true high end but statusy for here. Everyone has a Michele watch, I have one of those,a Citizen and a Movado. I would love a very high end watch but am probably not going to get one, can't justify it financially. I don't carry designer purses but do carry nice leather handbags. Clothes are from Kohls, Nordstrom, TJ Maxx. I wear some Steve Madden shoes.
So in comparison to many in my area I may look better off or equal to everyone else. I put a lot into grooming, great haircuts & color and manicures. If I could afford a better car, watch and home I would get them. Life is short, I see nothing wrong with enjoying the fruits of ones labor

 

[distracts]

My jewelry, watches, clothes and purses scream status. I don't have a car (I rent one when I need one) and my house is an 87 year old wreck.

yeah,you own more Hermes bags than movie stars...

I wasn't aware that Madam Bijoux owned ANY movie stars. I think she should lay THOSE out on her bed and take pictures of them - I may find those pictures more interesting than the ones of the Hermes bags (though I do like the Hermes bags).

 

[Dancing Fire]

My jewelry, watches, clothes and purses scream status. I don't have a car (I rent one when I need one) and my house is an 87 year old wreck.

yeah,you own more Hermes bags than movie stars...

I wasn't aware that Madam Bijoux owned ANY movie stars. I think she should lay THOSE out on her bed and take pictures of them - I may find those pictures more interesting than the ones of the Hermes bags (though I do like the Hermes bags).

you know what i meant...

 

[monarch64]

I do buy some brand name items for status reasons and for quality. Like handbags...I will spend a couple hundred on one and jeans, as well.

There are some ways though that I think status can be seen that are brandless - like having an excellent haircut. I really think that well-cut hair = class.

i have no class since i'm only willing to pay $8 bucks for an haircut.

got you beat...I pay $7!

 

[fiona00004]

I don't care about brands much but some do actually perform better or have better quality than their non brand name counterparts... if I find a non brand item of great quality, I would always turn to it. Some people could be driving expensive cars, own expensive brand name items, but live in total debt and have a terrible marriage so I don't get impressed easily by what other people have... I can appreciate a nice brand name item, but that is about it... I don't judge a person much by the brand they carry except sometimes I tell myself "wow... they paid wayyyy too much for that" or "I would not overpay for something like that for my kid!"

Upgrading my ering and then adding a halo soon after... I do feel a bit funny about it because absolutely no one I know gets it at all... and once I get my halo, it might feel a bit weird wearing it because of the size... but it is for me, it makes very so happy just looking at it...it is not for status tho... it just means I love my quality bling!

We don't have a huge house.. we have a townhome, but it is in a nice area and larger than most of our friends'' homes. we do feel funny sometimes inviting some people over because we know they financiall aren't in a great situation compared to us.... but it is what it is. My DH and I made some good decisions in school and saved up wisely while living at home ... we were lucky,not better.

 

[fiona00004]

I do buy some brand name items for status reasons and for quality. Like handbags...I will spend a couple hundred on one and jeans, as well.

There are some ways though that I think status can be seen that are brandless - like having an excellent haircut. I really think that well-cut hair = class.

i have no class since i'm only willing to pay $8 bucks for an haircut.

got you beat...I pay $7!

Oh, I haven't got a haircut in AGES because I am too cheap to go get a haircut. Everytime I get one, I get disappointed because it always turns out blah... no on has ever been able to creatively give me a good cut!

 

[fiona00004]

I grew up in a solid middle class neighborhood, comprised of blue collar folks-mostly cops, firemen, plumbers. Almost all the women were SAHMs. My dad always drove a Cadillac(still does), he and mom were snazzy dressers for that area, at that time. Dad was very status driven. Both were meticulous about their appearance. Kept in great shape, wore stylish clothes, well groomed.

The apple didn't fall far from the tree I now live in a solid middle class neighborhood. My house is okay..nothing special.
I drive a minivan, had a Jeep and a Mustang. DH's Harley is a bit statusy I guess. My rings are nice, I'm happy with them but not overkill for my area. Lots of the women I see IRL are still wearing their original rings from the 80's, though some of the women I see through my business are rocking some really gorgeous jewelry. I see alot of Coach & Michael Kors purses, so nothing true high end but statusy for here. Everyone has a Michele watch, I have one of those,a Citizen and a Movado. I would love a very high end watch but am probably not going to get one, can't justify it financially. I don't carry designer purses but do carry nice leather handbags. Clothes are from Kohls, Nordstrom, TJ Maxx. I wear some Steve Madden shoes.
So in comparison to many in my area I may look better off or equal to everyone else. I put a lot into grooming, great haircuts & color and manicures. If I could afford a better car, watch and home I would get them. Life is short, I see nothing wrong with enjoying the fruits of ones labor

In my opinion, well said. I agree with all of it and I could say the same for myself

 

[Madam Bijoux]

Though many have perished on this glorious battlefield, I, Madam Bijoux, have lived to tell of the thrill of the fight.