I look at LV monogram pieces from the opposite viewpoint. I quite like the fact that there are lots of fakes out there. That way, the muggers of this world will hopefully just assume mine isn’t the real deal and leave me alone!! I know it’s genuine and that’s all that matters to me.
I feel the same way. I don’t want to draw attention to myself, while still enjoying pieces that I really like. LV and YSL are brands that I am comfortable with
Yes I like YSL too and I feel more comfortable carrying my YSL envelope than I would a Chanel. Sophie makes a valid point about a Chanel potentially making you a target for theft.
I told myself almost a decade ago that I wouldn't buy another pair of UGG. Almost a decade later, I just bought a grey pair. No regrets. Love my UGGs and still wear them. They're so comfortable and cozy in Michigan falls and winters.
Lol, I love my UGG slippers, but I am only wearing them at home in a pajamas and a bathrobe while I am alone. Mein Gott, you shouldn't leave the house in them (the boots are a different story). You would look like you escaped a mental institution. I think I have a pair of gloves from UGG's somewhere from back in the days, they were so warm, but on a really cold winter day, I would wear them. (If I'll find them.)
I rock uggs all the time. I’ll never be shamed into thinking they are trashy. To each their own ya know. I think Hermes Birkin & Kelly’s are hideous. Old grandma bag. 💼
Same. My grandfather bought me my first pieces, then I bought the jumbo heart charm when I became an adult. Good memories, and it’s a precious metal, so you can always clean and polish.
As a Canadian I will proudly wear my UGGs this winter. They are the most comfortable and warmest boots I have ever owned. They’re not particularly good for a big snowfall or wet weather but on the dry days they’re perfection……in my most humble opinion.😂🥰
Hello Sophie! Thank you for this overview, I completely agree with you on Chanel and LV. They don’t feel as premium anymore, also jewellery like Cartier and VC, Instagram keeps ruining them for me as they seem too common now.
I don’t think ugg boots are luxuries or trendy things. I think they are life essentials. No other winter shoes are as comfortable as uggs. I have not stopped wearing them every winter since I first discovered them 20 years ago, even after a boyfriend told me they look hideous. I wore each pair until it’s completely worn out, and then I buy another pair. I always keep one pair in my closet.
Hi Sophie, i love your purse videos so today is great. I have been wearing Uggs every winter for 15 years and right now i am wearing those brown Ugg shoes you just showed! I had to wait a year to get them, everyone wants them now. And my favorite purchase of my lifetime are my two Cartier love bangles. i bought them in a Cartier store. They are real and i will never buy a fake anything. Even if a lot of people have fake Love bangles, knowing mine are real, make me feel good and i never take them off. I bought them 5 years ago.
I had no idea that crime had gotten so bad in london!! I've always felt like I got the most enjoyment from my luxury purchases from wearing them in my every day life
Hello Sophie! A quick question for you… if you don’t feel comfortable for security reasons wearing your beautiful luxury items when you go out, then when and where DO you wear them? I think you mentioned before that you don’t wear them to family events for various reasons and that you also don’t wear them to work. It makes me so sad to think they are just sitting or hanging in your closet 😢. By the way, that red sweater looks fabulous on you! Merry Christmas to you and David! 🎄⛄🎁❤
Hi Sophie, Love your honesty and your thoughts on luxury shopping. The pricing and quality on LV and Chanel are absolutely crazy these days and I totally agree to your point about security. I was going into Harrods few weeks ago and I didn’t felt safe after my husband’s backpack was unzipped ~ I just didn’t feel like buying anything after that ! Be safe when shopping around there ❤
Agree with everything on your list except for Uggs. They are so affordable and useful - maybe not stylish, but my feet love them in winter lol. Love that I don't have to wear socks with them.
Agree with you on most, except Ugg boots. There are some styles that look nice and the comfort of them! I was stargazing for the meteor shower last night in sub zero weather and I was so thankful to have worn them because I was freezing! One thing I’m always looking around but haven’t bought yet is designer winter coat such as Canada Goose or Moncler. I’m always miserable when it is extremely cold and I don’t think the style fits me.
I’ve never had Ugg boots, but I have had sheepskin slippers, and they were toasty for the six month long sub Arctic winters. I can see Ugg boots not being practical for the UK though, as the winters are very wet.
I 100% agree with everything you said. Especially not feeling safe with jewellery and in your face bags is a very good point. I love to just blend in with one of of my mid range no logo bags for carefree shopping or travelling. I thinks it’s just the end of the show off era (especially for items most people cannot afford and stay poor just to buy any be part is so silly) and now it’s all about being free from items that impress others and feeling safe and private is much more Important to me now.
I was in the Soho neighborhood of New York a few months back. Near our hotel, there was an entire block of blanket after blanket of fake designer bags. Literally an entire city block. The grand majority were fake LV monogram and Chanel bags, and Sophie, some of them looked to be fairly high quality! As good quality as what you saw in the LV boutique! To be fair, I do have some old favorite LV monogram and Damier Ebene bags I reach for frequently because you can't kill them; you don't have to worry about getting them stained or rained on because they wipe right off. However, the plethora of fakes out there (really good fakes, btw) has totally soured me from buying anything new.
Same here. I'd 'worry' that others would look @ me / my bag. And believe it was a fake. And mentally categorise me as "another broke wannabe who can't afford authentic product so swans around town with a fake AF LV bag." (I'd sooner have an inexpensive, no name bag...or even no bag @ all...than have people think that fakes were genuinely my taste level.)
I absolutely agree. My Louis Vuitton monogram bags had stolen twice! Violently. This is the very reason why I wear Aspinal, Furla or Longchamp… I love love love my higher end bags, but am too scared to wear those. I even put my dog in “boy colors”, because tiny female can easily be stolen.
My love for van cleef started in 2010. Charlotte on SATC was wearing the mother of pearl vintage Alhambra bracelet. It’ll forever be an iconic piece for me but I have to admit I haven’t worn mine in a few years cause it’s everyone. Hoping that changes in the future.
I just sold my lv monogram neonoe. I sold it because I've lost my job. But at any rate, even though it's a completely functional bag. Very easy to use, I always felt foolish using it because it even looked fake to me!!! Such a strange switch in your mind. Very odd. Merry Christmas Sophie!
I have a few LV canvas bags and they’re good durable everyday pieces. I don’t mind if people think they’re fake - I try to remind myself that others’ opinions are none of my business. 😅
Hi Sophie, what a beautiful sweater with the bow! I agree with you on everything, fakes have definitely ruined the market! And I'm convinced that even many of those we see around and believe to be real are fake
Hi Sophie, it’s because of your advice and recommendations over the past year or so that I have made very purposeful and thoughtful purchases when it came to luxury versus just investing in good quality pieces such as jewelry. Thank you for your advice because you have impacted some of us and for the better. I have a wardrobe I’m proud of, and that I actually will use including handbags and jewelry
I disagree about LV ..the fakes look fake . I feel like the speedy 25 was created for an ICON and I’m not letting some crooks ruin it for me . I agree Hermes is absurd and to me luxury is buying what I want when I want it , not begging for someone to allow me to pay for something 😂 imagine ppl actually fall for that 😂.
Influencers with bags kinda ruined it for me. It's just everywhere now and influencers having loads of bags for their birthdays just makes it a bit like overkill. Luxury used to be just that. And with the fake market it is just compounded. So really j just look at people in London wearing their neverfull and goyard and it looks so blah.
Hi Sophie! This is my first time commenting on your video. I’ve been following you ever since watching your video about your experience of trying on blazer at Balmain. Love your honest opinion about luxury goods. You’ve always shared very practical and useful information about items you purchased. Just want to say hello and thank you here in Singapore!! Happy Holidays! ❤
I just wanted to say that your sitting on those pretty chairs with the tree, orchids, lamp and seeing outside the window looks so good. It speaks luxury and quality in that elegant understated manner. ❤ Always look forward to your videos And I laughed when you and David both bought each other gifts
I recently saw a woman on a tram with two visible Cartier bracelets and I don't know how many more underneath her jumper. And the Gucci bag and hat. Literally, I was praying for her safety! She was, I think, from Singapore and probably has no awareness of the need for safety. And my city is really very safe, much safer than London. But it can happen anywhere. I rarely ever carry my LV monogram bags. I use the LV SLGs, but they are easily hidden away. Thank you for the video!
When I see the of watches, i am so glad i sold my high end watches and purchased 4 vintage sterling silver watches, the don't stamd out but are reliable and beautifully made.
I have a Gucci jacket which has one side with logos all over it and another side - brown and totally boring. Didn’t expect that but most times I wear it on the brown side - don’t want to look flashy or don’t want extra attention. I have lot’s of gucci stuff and most of them no one can tell it’s gucci or a designer thing at all, and for me it’s so much easier to wear in every situation.
I remember UGGs for everyday outfits back in the day, they were everywhere. I did buy UGG slippers last Christmas and I have really enjoyed them. I don't think I would go back to wearing them outside the house. Great video Sophie! I hope you are having a wonderful holiday season!
Thanks for sharing. I was looking at the comments on a post from a second hand online shop. The post was about could you tell which one was fake. The interesting thing is that most of the comments were not about which one was fake or real, people were saying the quality of fake was so good then why someone would pay 20-30 times more to buy a real one.
Completely agree with your view about Van Cleef. They are literally EVERYWHERE. They r gorgeous but I just can’t justify seeing it on the random woman next to me on the tube…
When I see the fake VCA it makes me appreciate the real thing. What I have noticed is the fakes are not really good at faking VCA, like you said they look like fakes.
I remember a few years back joking that the Chanel classic flap would be 10k in a few years time and people laughed at me and yet here we are! I think now the only Chanel I could realistically afford and would want would be the WOC 😊 xx
Hi Sophie, I'm just catching up on your many new videos, which has been great fun ❤ A few years ago, I was on a trip to LA and ended up shopping in Beverly Hills. While I like to think of myself as pretty unflappable and sophisticated, I got really wrapped up in the excitement of having real money to spend in this shopping district, despite living a few blocks from Michigan Avenue in Chicago. I ended up with some regret... most of all, the Louis Vuitton Speedy. Exactly to your point about it being all folded up, etc. It had always been on my list of bags to acquire but when the SA came out with one and I saw that it was FOLDED UP I almost had a heart attack... not how I imagined things would be. This was before I started watching RU-vid videos like yours, so I was uneducated in luxury 😂 I should've trusted my initial reaction and instinct, but went ahead and bought it. Today, it still has creases in it. Merry Christmas to you and David! 🌲
In America most of the semi luxury items have become getto things. Stick to items that are unique and understated. The runways right now look like they are trying to play to the strippers and lower end of our country. I’m sure that people will not appreciate this but it’s the truth. The children of our country are innovated with pressure to get things that they can’t afford or need. Here people kill each other for a pair of designer shoes and clothing. Please share your thoughts and experiences without all the labels and hype. I’m so sad to see what our children think is important rather than the social needs of their own families and communities. Enjoy your life but remember that children are watching you…..
I was shocked when first time saw that people can buy things on credit on the luxury website. Why would anyone do that? I though that something is really wrong about it.
Its not such a bad deal of you buy during sale and know you have the discipline to not go overboard. Btw fashion always had a connection to escorts, prostitution and sex work in general.
Another thing with most luxury brands is the after sales costumer service. You pay thousands on a bag and something happens and you have to pay to fix. While most high street bags have some sort of warranty and fix it for free. At least in LV they wanted me to pay 200€ after months use. Got a fake and it has lasted me years
No shade whatsoever with this question. How do you feel safe driving in the cars that you do? I would feel fine using certain jewelry b/c I could tuck it in my sleeve or my shirt (depending on the time of the year of course). But with all the carjacking that goes on.....Just curious.
I say, wear whatever you like. People say this is in, this is out. But frankly, it’s important to just like your own style and appreciate what you have. I like what I have bc I bought it for me. I’ve had a Return to Tiffany bracelet for over 20 years. I don’t wear as much, but wouldn’t be ashamed to, bc I love it for the memories.
How do you feel about Celine? Same shapes and styles really as LV or Hermes anymore. I also saw Ralph Lauren has his own version of the Constance bag. I prefer the Celine Triomphe to any of them - but I know you don’t care about the belt buckle too much.
I like your honesty. You are like the anti influencer. I’m done with designer because I would only use for special occasions. For everyday, it makes you a target like you said. Someone in San Francisco got followed home from a shopping center and robbed of her Rolex watch
you are absoluted right in everything you have said regarding designers brand bags, jewerlies that have lost value in my eyes. Im a person who i buy things that you will see rarely so by seeing these expensive bags everywhere by people who you know that cannot afford it it discourage me. I rather spend in a trips or something for my home.
Totally agree with your takes! Deep fakes give me the ick. I just sold my VCA onyx and MOP alhambras for this reason... replacing them with a tennis bracelet.
Interesting comments, especially the comments on the YSL icare bag, considering there was NOT an influencer push for that bag. There was however a huge influencer push for the Dior 30 Montaigne and you did purchase that one.
I recently went to Paris and didn’t take my most expensive designer anything worried about security, and saw everyone wearing their luxury super expensive everything, from Birkins to Jewellery! I’m currently in a London for a long life dream of seeing the Nutcracker Ballet, and also didn’t bring my most expensive items… yesterday at Harrods, in the Champagne Bar, a lady and her friend left their Chanel Bags and even an IPhone, on their table, unattended for some time… Basically I always travelled a lot for work, most times alone, and I never felt uncomfortable as I do now, even travelling with company… I don’t want to be afraid of wearing my things, one does need to be more careful nowadays, but enjoy it nonetheless!
Whats with the security issue? Don’t feel like this is really a thing if you are not walking alone at night , in that case anyone can get robbed, regardless if you are carrying an expensive bag or not; you just need to be mindful where you go, with who and what time. You see people in london with designer items everywhere, plus if you are wearing a cartier bracelet nobody even knows if its a real or fake. Its important how you feel, its not about oh why would i spend 5k when i can get an identical fake for 50 quid, buy whatever makes you happy. Walking around with an identical fake can also trigger the attention.
I agree, with all of the markups, many bags aren’t worth their price tags in my opinion. I almost pulled the trigger on a Bottega Andiamo yesterday but just couldn’t do it. While very pretty, it just doesn’t seem worth $4900. And what has happened to London? I was there maybe eight years ago and didn’t have any trouble walking through the streets wearing fine jewelry, and expensive bags
I was in Paris in October and bought a hug Gucci. It was 3600 there and 5800 here. I haven’t carried it yet! I am thinking of putting it on the market. Great video right here
I’ve come to understand people are more into buying “hype”. I really respect your choices tbh. Quality > everything. You really cannot buy class. Although I really do love the hype and fall into it at times haha
Just got around to watching this a day late - we had company for 2 nights and I was kept quite busy. Anyway, love seeing your tree up and the gingerbread man ornament! I remember the UGG boot thing, but I never got into wearing them. I'm petite, and I always felt I would look like Frankenstein wearing those! I didn't realize crime in London had gotten so bad. We're going to be there next May for a few days so I'll plan on not bringing anything too flash! Happy Holidays, Sophie and David.
I wish I'd left the Valentino Rock stud shoes on my unpurchased list of dreams😂 the patent leather heel was perfect but the tan leather above that is SO DELICATE that my linen trouser hem wore away the surface from a single wear 😢 At first I didn't dare tell my husband as he'd bought them.
My overwhelming first reaction is: what a shame that people feel unsafe wearing nice things in London. Sounds like London has some work to do in regard to public safety. I’m glad I didn’t buy LV Damier for the reasons mentioned. However I LOVE my preloved Murakami Pochette as much as I did when I admired it as a teen when it came out. I just bought the MCM Visetos in a couple of sizes as shoppers. The quality is great, the material feels supple. I know it has been super trendy recently, but that will pass. To me it’s still the affordable quality bag that your grandma and aunt wears (grew up in Germany ;) )
I love my fake Cartier diamond bracelets lol. I’m in the trade show business and some of the vendors carry the stainless steel. I put them in early this year and haven’t removed them to test their longevity. Best $8 I ever spent 🤣 sincerely I do love your videos. Been a fan since 2018
Hi Sophie, can’t wait to watch this. Thanks for spoiling us!!! Q: What do you think of this Balenciaga “relaunch” they’ve been trying lately? Do you think it will work or will people still hold on to last winter’s situation? I’m sure you seen their LA Runway and how outlets like Vogue talked about it if it’s best thing since sliced bread & “proper” celebrities attended it like a Nicole Kidman
I used to work in Louis Vuitton 30 yrs ago. The speedy bag was probably less than $50 then because the LV part is just cotton canvas like oil painting then printed LV and colored , plastic coating on it. We could not say it’s plastic coating , had to say “ man made material “ , sounded better in that way. So the real leather was just the handle part. Couldn’t believe that many customer came to pay for those with $$$
Hi Sophie, whoops an hour late!!!! I do have an excuse though, my brother and his wife are over from England for Christmas and we were 2:21 nattering over dinner. Hugs xx ps love your nails!!
Great video! In terms of jewelery there are so many wonderful new jewelery designers that make good quality pieces that are not really expensive and the same goes for handbags, anything luxury that i have is vintage which i love because its usually more unique but just like you thank God I never bought anything for the hype
For me it’s about feeling safe. Also read an article that the corporations in NYC are telling their employees to dress down for safety reasons going to work
Fakes just ruin everything. There are a couple of LV patterns I still really like, but the monogram is ubiquitous. Some of the fakes are too good! I'm really into classic Ferragamo right now. Maximilian Davis' designs are a bit too trendy, but as long as they keep with the classics I'll still be a fan!
It makes me think that maybe if something is so easy to fake - it’s not a true luxury? You can’t fake good teeth, skin, business, travel. (in real life, not social media) Maybe it’s a decade of designer stuff hype and we’ll move on to next one? Remember people “upgrading” their cars with carbon and plastic kits? it’s gone.
I love your jewelry choices too Sophie! I prefer to wear jewelry handmade or by independent designers/businesses. All you see on people is Van Cleef and love bracelets. lol
the ysl icare tote, i love so much. but yes i agree, it's huge. hoping they will come out with one slightly smaller. Chanel classic flaps i agree beautiful but im scared to wear em. yet i still want a blue and a green one.
Believe me, even if Constance is not a quota bag, they won’t just offer it to you in case they have one in stock. Hermès doesn’t work that way. One exception is in Paris. You might get lucky with an online leather appointment
somehow in my luxury journey I somehow kinda avoided a lot of the more popular "starter kit" items. my first tote was a ysl tote, followed by a nano peekaboo and then a neon sequined baguette. I guess i mostly fell into having an entire wishlist of Fendi (mainly because of cassie thorpe and you), which doesn't seem as popular among the influencer brands. i like choosing interesting variations of their peekaboos and baguettes. HighLowLuxe does seem to love and travel with that giant YSL tote (the Icare Bag). it does seem more her style than yours. I still want a large birkin (35/40), but i might go the preloved or paris route for it. the preloved price isn't too much above retail.
England has changed, I recall the days hen the Bobbies didnt wear a gun. When you felt safe anywhere. Now there are places you darn't go and you never wear your " good" stuff.
Seasons greetings Sophie to you and David. Great video- , the problem with designer jewellery is the inability to Patent the designs easily, which means copies can be made with no consequences. Happy New Year 2024! ❤ Dorne
I will always wait weeks, months or even a year when I’m thinking of purchasing something of a certain cost. If I still love the item long after I will then buy it. Buying things on a whim can be detrimental to my bank account.😩😂
I will ALWAYS have a good Simpsons-foot shearling boot (ie the UGG boot lol)! They’re too comfortable and warm for me to not have them after doing undergrad in Boston and now living in NYC for the past 16yrs. I’ll always have a pair. BUT usually have non-UGGs. My current pair are Minnetonkas that are super worn down. I’m now on the hunt for a pair of high quality ones from an Indigenous-owned & operated brand. ❤
Never liked LV. Much prefer Gucci under Alexandro Michaela. Can’t stand that now either under new designer. Love love love YSL. It’s on fire presently and since summer 23 ❤xx
I loved my Hermes Constance. Sadly, I don’t think it will work with my lifestyle any longer. With a baby due in March, I’m definitely going to be transitioning to larger bags.
I agree with you! VCA and Love bracelets do not look special anymore - especially stacks of these, makes them look more fake! My hubby was so kind to buy me something nice, and I ended up deciding on Dior fine jewelry because it’s not seen as often, which makes it more special. Happy new year 2024 - I love your honest approach to style and luxury. Keep doing what you do!
Hello lovely! Oooh, I adore Dior fine jewellery - enjoy your items and wear in good health as they say! Wishing you a happy 2024, may it be a great year for us all :) Hugs xx
I agree with every one of these except the Speedy. It’s a great bag. I don’t care if there are fakes. I know mine is real. The wrinkles go away when the bag is used.