Most expensive fashion purchase

i like free on 23/01/2018 - 20:23

Hi OzBs

We all love a good bargain on anything and everything but there are some things particularly in the fashion world that we don’t necessarily need but truly want. I recently purchased my first luxury handbag, and it did pain my to swipe the credit card and the ozbargainer in me died a little. Just wanted to find out what has been the most expensive fashion purchase, how much it cost and if you’ve had no regrets or buyers remorse. Also when does a fashion purchase (watch, bag, suit) price start to be ridiculous?

Poll Options

  • 83
    $200
  • 97
    $500
  • 46
    $1k
  • 42
    $3k
  • 15
    $10k
  • 30
    $15k
Fashion & Apparel

Comments

  • parisienne on 24/01/2018 - 18:37

    For me,it was a beyond gorgeous leather jacket (sam-1966,we must have had the same "damn that's beautiful" moment) from Florence (around €400 at the time),and for hubby…a "dress for the job you want,not the one you have" suit that i saved for ages for from a Saville Row tailor (NOT bespoke.Damn,i'd have to sell a kidney for that)….that baby cost me £1200 (but it's one for a lifetime,and only the second suit i have ever got him).

    • i like free on 24/01/2018 - 20:47

      My friend wanted to spend $800 on a leather jacket. They do last forever!

  • goosegog on 24/01/2018 - 19:01
    +4

    Never, Ever - even as a sales exec. I shopped at designer 2nd chance clothes shops & found items that originally costing megabucks were sold at affordable prices. Many bargains can also be found in op. Shops - have so many gorgeous items discarded by the previous owner. Apart from underwear, I never purchase new clothing, but always get complimented from other people ( both women & men). The secret is both in the accessories to compliment the outfit, your presentation of wearing it with well styled hair & make-up & the air of confidence you portray.
    Just my expieriences thus far in life.😍

    • i like free on 24/01/2018 - 20:46
      +2

      I’m glad I’m not the only one that does this! It’s my little secret. I rarely buy brand new items. Women’s fashion changes so much and I prefer more luxe items so have to buy second hand often. Mostly in markets. I only buy new if necessary or if desperately wanting something which is maybe 20% of the time

  • Aniseed Steed on 24/01/2018 - 21:50
    +5

    Back in my pre-OzBargain days (more than 2 decades ago), I bought things like jewellery, Chanel bags (2.55 classic) in various sizes, a Gucci backpack with the bamboo handle and pocket toggles, Coach bags, Salvatore Ferragamo shoes, a Rolex 68273, and a S$186K (COE included) BMW 318is with dealer-fitted M3 body-kit and all the bells and whistles (end of the line model).

    It was a bad time in my life and I used to buy stuff to fill the void.

    • i like free on 25/01/2018 - 21:32
      +1

      If you bought Chanel bags 2 decades ago they are now worth more than what you bought them for. So potentially you can make a profit!! Designer items are resellable which is always great! Sounds like you use to spend a lot which you can if you don’t have many commitments ie mortgage, kids etc

    • JimB on 25/01/2018 - 21:40

      It's rediculous what cars cost in Singapore.

      I'd like to think I'd only buy a corolla in Singapore, but not really sure my ego could handle it lol.

      I suppose as many people don't buy houses in Singapore they can use the money for cars and other luxury goods.

      • meetyourmaker on 26/01/2018 - 10:06
        +2

        Yep absolutely insane how much cars cost in Singapore.

        Though I think the most insane thing is even wanting to put an M3 body kit to attract attention to the most pov-spec BMW you could even buy at the time.

      • [Deactivated] on 26/01/2018 - 11:20
        +1

        Nope, its bluediculous.

      • lenlynn on 27/01/2018 - 08:21

        Singapore has one of the highest rates of home ownership and apartments in Singapore are expensive. They can use their superannuation to pay for part of the mortgage though.

  • Toons on 24/01/2018 - 23:49

    Also when does a fashion purchase (watch, bag, suit) price start to be ridiculous? When you can't afford to pay for it within a month.

    There is always something better shiny new more expensive you just have to decide where to stop

  • realfancyman on 25/01/2018 - 12:18
    +1

    I have a smartwatch which I consider to be more a technology item than fashion. Most expensive item of clothing is my shoes at $77 from NB 50% off sale.

  • Illian on 25/01/2018 - 12:29
    +1

    Not me, but my husband bought a pair of Marni shoes which were on sale for half price at $500, it was spur of the moment because he loves the brand but he has never regretted it. We only buy jackets from op shops/antique stores, they're always the most interesting and pre-aged too!

  • freakatronic on 25/01/2018 - 12:35
    +2

    $800 for a Saba suit that, off the rack, fit me very nicely.

    And then moths ate it.

    T^T

    • sparkles on 28/01/2018 - 11:45
      +1

      Investing a few extra dollarydoos in quality suit bags is a wise investment for anyone who likes nice stuff and wishes it to last.

  • [Deactivated] on 25/01/2018 - 12:44
    +1

    a watch

    Edit: Watches imo tend to get ridiculous above the $5k mark. Anything less than that is still considered mild.

    • JimB on 25/01/2018 - 21:44
      +1

      User name checks out.

      What the cheapest Lange?

      • [Deactivated] on 25/01/2018 - 21:58

        Probably a pre-owned 1815 or saxonia made during mid 2000.

        • JimB on 25/01/2018 - 22:04

          I mean new today.

        • [Deactivated] on 25/01/2018 - 22:09

          @JB1:

          Hmm - i think brand new msrp would be the 35mm Saxonia then the bigger saxonias are next. Can't remember. I didn't check much on the cheaper end as I already knew what I wanted. That said, saxonia is the cheapy models.

    • i like free on 25/01/2018 - 21:48

      But more expensive watches will always hold resale value better.

      • [Deactivated] on 25/01/2018 - 22:01

        If you want to be safe, there's only two watches that will hold or increase in resale value : Patek Phillipe and Rolex. This is because you can flip it easily in the asian market due to demand and everybody knows those brands.

        Try reselling lesser known watches and you will find that you will have no buyer. There are certain exceptions in micro brands, but it's hard to predict which will increase.

        • JimB on 25/01/2018 - 22:06

          That's one of the reasons I bought a Rolex, not to mention I really like it.

          Other than Rolex or Patek, the Speedmaster Professional will increase in value and is easy to flip, especially as Omega is hellbent on increasing RRP at every chance.

        • [Deactivated] on 25/01/2018 - 22:10

          @JB1:

          True - the moonwatch and other variations are easy to flip. Seamasters (blue wave dials, etc) have held their value quite well too. One day i'll get the snoopy limited edition. The price on that one went through the roof.

        • JimB on 25/01/2018 - 22:13

          @ALange Sohne:

          I like th3 Moonwatch but no way would I want a snoopy, looks like a mickey mouse watch to me.

        • [Deactivated] on 25/01/2018 - 22:14

          @JB1:

          ahhah in a way yes. A mitsukoshi speedmaster is also very nice. hahaha.

          So many watches to buy - not enough money.

        • JimB on 25/01/2018 - 22:16

          @ALange Sohne:

          One of the reasons I don't like Omega other than the Moonwatch is Omega release way too many special editions. PAM is the same.

        • [Deactivated] on 25/01/2018 - 22:26

          @JB1:

          yeahhh - have you seen the 007 commander seamaster? such a terrible watch. My wrist is too small for a PAM anyway, but the recent 38mm 3 Day might fit the wrist, but still looks terrible.

        • JimB on 26/01/2018 - 01:54

          @ALange Sohne:

          Never seen it until tonight.

          I don't think it's terrible but LE watches should be special. This watch looks terribly overpriced for what it is.

          Definately milking the James bond link.

        • mini2 on 27/01/2018 - 05:02

          @ALange Sohne:

          Had an opportunity to buy that first Snoopy some 17 years ago, discounted too but I thought nah it's not a Rolex. Obviously now I'm kicking myself.

  • [Deactivated] on 25/01/2018 - 12:49

    Do office buildings count as a fashion statement?

    Definitely designed out of vanity. (No, not a Hammond Drudders dome top with double spherical lobbies.)

  • Starlight8 on 25/01/2018 - 13:09

    I use to be obsessed with Camilla lol…

    • JimB on 25/01/2018 - 21:46
      +1

      Any regrets leaving Diana for her?

    • i like free on 25/01/2018 - 21:47
      +1

      For a short time I thought it they had gorgeous clothes then I realised it was all so impractical. Silk, dry cleaning, pulls etc plus it’s not actually my style. Was probably more into it cos of the popularity rather than product

      • Starlight8 on 26/01/2018 - 00:32

        yeh it definitely pulls… the colours are so vivid and greatly embellished.

        I think the main reason why i like it - is because i put on a bit of weight and it seems to hide it well :)

        For cleaning - you can use a steamer :)

  • T1OOO on 25/01/2018 - 14:23

    hugo boss jacked $600

  • QW3RTY on 25/01/2018 - 14:39
    +1

    $1,500 for two MJ Bale suits. They've lasted me four years, slowly getting shabbier and shabbier, so when I was in Hawaii last year, I managed to pick up two Brooks Brothers suits from an outlet shop in Oahu for USD$599.

    I was cringing at the time to be spending so much on suits, but my girlfriend assured me that they would be at least AUD$1,500 per suit in Australia, and she wasn't wrong.

    I consider it to be equal first for "Best Bargain" in my career.

    • Munki on 25/01/2018 - 15:46

      If they make you feel comfortable and confident, they're worth it.

    • tomleonhart on 25/01/2018 - 16:09

      A good suit makes you feel a million bucks, not a bad investment!

  • Dreamcast on 25/01/2018 - 14:49

    15 watches ranging between $100-$400 each.
    Puma x BAPE Disc Blaze Camo shoes - $350

    I have more shoes and watches than I do clothes. Typical guy, can wear the same thing over and over, as long as it's clean.

    I'll never spend over $100 on shoes again though and no more watches!

    • i like free on 25/01/2018 - 21:45

      Guys can get away with wearing the same stuff. My boyfriend wears the same clothes every week. Women are definitely most scrutinised if they wear the same things. That’s why fast fashion is so common in women’s clothings

      • Dreamcast on 25/01/2018 - 22:57
        +1

        It's pretty sad really that women that wear the same clothes are frowned upon.

        • i like free on 28/01/2018 - 21:31

          It is sad but look at all the magazines that point out when a celeb has women something twice or worn the same dress as another celeb. I wear the same things for work each week but if I wore the same outfit twice you’d get noticed, ie where were you last night?

    • [Deactivated] on 25/01/2018 - 22:32
      +1

      Why would you buy 15 shit watches, when for the same money you could have got 1 good one?

      • Dreamcast on 25/01/2018 - 22:56
        +1

        Haha how do you know they're shit? A good watch isn't necessarily good because its worth more. For example Rolex.

        I'm more about aesthetics when it comes to watches. Some bloke at my old job paid around 8k for an automatic omega. I understand the movement is much, much, much better than a cheaper watch and it's a machine overall, it looks very plain. I'm over the classic look watches.

        The watches I have are conversation starters I guess. Like the eone bradley element.

        • [Deactivated] on 26/01/2018 - 08:22
          -1

          I know they are shit because of the price. A $100-400 watch invariably has no intrinsic value and likely has.a $5 quartz movement at best. You don’t step up to debate automatics until you are into 4 figures. Essentially you have wasted $5k on a collection of worthless watches, where as if you’d bought one Omega as an example, it would still be worth thousands of dollars.

        • Dreamcast on 26/01/2018 - 10:52

          @Burnertoasty:

          I've spent around $2500.

          So to get this straight, I must buy a watch for its value?

          I don't buy watches for their value or their movements that are as good as +/- 0.000000001 of Second.

          I get it, you're more about the value and status of the watch and the impeccable movement. For me its more about having a watch that's a little different like the eone bradley element or the xeric halograph automatic that I have. I can wear a different watch each day.

          If I was to fork out for a big watch I'd go something more unique in design compared to my mates omega that is plain Jane. Something like a Devon tread 1F. But we're talking 20k. But again, it's not about the price or mechanics, more that I appreciate the unique look of the belts to tell the time.

        • pharm86 on 27/01/2018 - 09:14
          -1

          @Dreamcast: cheap watches look tacky though and the finishing is really quite poor. You've wasted your money

        • EARLOBE on 27/01/2018 - 09:37

          @pharm86:

          If he’s happy with them and still wears them regularly then he really hasn’t wasted his money at all. I’m sure they more than serve his needs. He’s explained that he isn’t into watches for their movement or resale value so why criticise him?

          Personally, I’m planning my next watch to be a $12k Arnold & Son. Even though I’ve become a watch addict, I don’t have much interest in Rolex as I just don’t like their designs (Cellini Moonphass is an exception, maybe next on the list) and Philippe is still well out of my price range. I’m just after something beautiful and unique. Much like I’m sure the dude above feels his watches are beautiful and unique in their own way too.

          I started only about a year ago with a $600 citizen satellite eco drive. Bought a couple of Orients for about $200ea, then got an Oris for about $800.

          A year ago I never would have imagined I’d be spending $1k on any fashion piece and regularly criticised my girlfriends Chanel collection. I’ve disgraced myself!

        • FatBlanket on 27/01/2018 - 11:11

          @Burnertoasty: my Seiko cocktail time doesn't seem very shit and it was $450 in Japan. Yeah it's not as good as a $3k watch but not sure I'd appreciate the difference.

        • TimeWaster on 28/01/2018 - 10:59

          Do you mind sharing any of the other watches you have? I'm quite curious to see more of these 'conversation starter' watches you have. They're really quite interesting pieces! I personally have a Movado for this purpose, but the Eone has piqued my interest.

        • i like free on 28/01/2018 - 21:32

          If you are buying them to wear yourself nothing wrong with that but if you were to resell you’d be losing a lot

  • Oakok on 25/01/2018 - 15:11

    My Louis Vuitton UTAH mens leather wallet bought a few years ago. I was on the verge of splurging $1000 (brand new from LV), until I saw one on ebay and managed to pick it up for $350. Verified it was genuine during the pickup (look, feel, stitching, zip & serial number) and then got it verified at LV King St.

    • i like free on 25/01/2018 - 21:44

      Lucky you! That is a great discount

    • jlogic on 25/01/2018 - 22:27
      +1

      I had a friend who bought from eBay and got it verified and it was a fake I LOL inside. Bad friend I know but I always told her not to buy if you cannot afford but she did and got scammed.

      • i like free on 28/01/2018 - 21:33

        Yeh I’m a little to worried about being ripped off with a fake. It’s a lot of money to lose to begin with and to end up with a fake… devastating

  • tomleonhart on 25/01/2018 - 16:07

    $300 for a pair of RM williams (got GST back so realistically ~$280). Worth every penny.
    $2k(got GST back as well so realistically ~$1800) on a watch because i'm a sucker. Can't say it's worth every penny but i do like my watch.

    But that's about it :P

  • The Almighty Dollar on 25/01/2018 - 17:04
    +1

    I think you made a good purchase if your handbag makes you feel good, gives you confidence in your appearance etc. I think “investing” in a nice bag is worth it for a lady because you’ll be using it often, either as an everyday item or for special occasions, depending on the bag. Along with shoes, it’s the type of item I think really makes an outfit better, even a cheap outfit.

    For those reasons, the item I spend most money on as a man is shoes. Between $500-$600 for a pair of English made Crockett and Jones. These make my pair of $40 Uniqlo trousers look much better and importantly, last 10 times longer than a pair from Aquilla etc. Enjoy.

    • i like free on 25/01/2018 - 21:39
      +1

      Agreed about the shoes and bags comment making an outfit. It does elevate what you wear if it’s matching. Shoes for a guy I totally get because cheap shoes just look bad especially with a suit, but shoes for women, especially heels that just get damaged, heel gets worn and if you take a wrong step the heel gets caught which means the leather rips. I feel women can easily go to Wanted and get a nice pair of heels for $150 instead of $900-$1k for nice shoes. Just my opinion and many experiences

  • Tuftsdude on 25/01/2018 - 17:09

    Diamonds and emeralds for a lot cheaper than what they're worth. Made one emerald into a ring with 10 small diamonds and getting the other certified when I have time to sell. I expect it to get certified between $1500-$2300

    Other than that just miscellaneous rings (mostly handmade) and gemstones when I'm overseas for good prices, but I've spent in the thousands at a time.

    • i like free on 25/01/2018 - 21:40

      My friend told me to buy jewellery instead of a bag to treat myself. I went with the bag…

  • [Deactivated] on 25/01/2018 - 17:14

    Paid just over $2K ten years ago for my Kilt and Jacket.

  • djmm on 25/01/2018 - 18:04

    I'm typing this just wearing my white Calvin Klein undies.

    • i like free on 25/01/2018 - 21:42

      Nothing beats comfort! But I think there are probably way cheaper undies with similar comfort for 1/4 price of CKs

  • tdw on 25/01/2018 - 19:28

    $1k on a bespoke coat made in England. you don't see anything remotely similar here, especially not with the lining it had. i do wear it quite regularly, when it's cold enough.

  • pharm86 on 25/01/2018 - 19:51

    Watch around 15k

    • i like free on 25/01/2018 - 21:33

      Rolex I assume? Do you wear it everyday? Something that gets a lot of use out of I would deem as worth it

      • pharm86 on 27/01/2018 - 09:16
        +1

        Yes it gets plenty of wrist time, I don't know if I would be able to justify spending more than this though on my current salary

  • Chik5555 on 25/01/2018 - 20:23
    +1

    I spent somewhere in the vicinity of $5-6k on a Chanel handbag. Probably excessive and I wouldn't do it nowadays with different priorities. That being said, its gorgeous and I literally have not bought another handbag since (a few years). I wear it to every wedding, event, etc and I think it makes every outfit.

    • i like free on 25/01/2018 - 21:35

      They’re a classic and only get more expensive. Would love one but too expensive for me and I have heard the quality of leather is nowhere near as good as vintage Chanel

      • Chik5555 on 26/01/2018 - 11:38

        I got the lambskin which feels beautiful but it's delicate, I think the caviar would be much more durable, but I haven't really checked it out. There's lots of sites to buy preloved verified genuine too, still not cheap but perhaps more attainable?

        • i like free on 28/01/2018 - 21:35

          I would love to but a Chanel but just can’t justify it. I think it’d definitely go for a vintage rather than new with all the reviews

  • centrelink on 25/01/2018 - 23:31
    +1

    I can be a right ass and I buy fake fashion brand that are seemly close to 1:1 in design and quality for a fraction.

    Though I did buy a lv handbag in hk once for my wife when I was in Hong Kong with my gf

    • brawndo on 28/01/2018 - 20:00

      You have a wife and a gf?

      • centrelink on 29/01/2018 - 03:16

        Back then she was my gf or MAYBE I'm pretending and I'm a sad to make them up

  • jno on 26/01/2018 - 00:53
    +1

    When I was studying fashion and worked at Harrolds and I went a little wild on high fashion, though I tried to never pay full price on luxury goods sales etc, I've calmed down heaps and rarely buy anything these days.

    A lot I've sold though like margiela and Saint Laurent sneakers.

    I now only keep really understated pieces from Ami or Acne now. I've regretted some purcheses but remember there's always a used market for high fashion. Now days I try to buy basic pieces that never go out of style. Overcoat etc

    End of the day we work hard so put away a bit of cash to splurge on yourself on things that you enjoy be it cars, fashion or food, remember one day we all die and those 0s in the bank you slaved away for will never be spent

    • Blurem on 26/01/2018 - 01:19

      Do harrold's have sales? when? eyeing this Balenciaga button up _

      • jno on 26/01/2018 - 09:22

        Sure do, usually mid year and end of year upto 50% off then whatever left over get moved to 70% off but usually only thing left over is off sizes and stuff that's not in season, but you will find a gem here and there. I do suggest Masons, it's a new high fashion boutique on Flinders ln and has much more rarer pieces from more unique brands if you something different

        • Blurem on 26/01/2018 - 12:11

          hahaha lets hope the one I'm eyeing is on sale then, $800 is a bit out of budget for a button up compared to my usual $100 ones haha

    • i like free on 28/01/2018 - 21:37
      +1

      The used market is always great unless it was a trend piece. I see so many designer heels that look sooo old I don’t see anyone ever buying it… That’s how I’m justifying my luxury handbag right now. I had a great year last year with work and I’m earning more than I thought I’d ever earn so I figured why not cos I never treat myself anyways

      • jno on 29/01/2018 - 06:54
        +1

        One of the best things about high fashion is the used market! Can always find something you want or someone willing to buy what you got

  • Blurem on 26/01/2018 - 01:18
    -1

    $650 for a pair of yeezy's hahaha

    • Excelsior on 26/01/2018 - 21:30

      Pirate Blacks?

      • Blurem on 27/01/2018 - 00:35

        Nah Beluga v2 2.0's, personally my favourite because the colour is easy to dress with a lot of clothes, up next is a pair of blue tints or zebra's

        • Excelsior on 27/01/2018 - 00:38

          Ah nice. Breds are my fav but $$$$ haha :(

        • MyAccount on 27/01/2018 - 06:08

          You could've bought it for around 500 AUD off stockx after the shipping cost, the newer ones with more stock such as blue tint are cheaper to buy off there than resellers in Aus

        • Blurem on 27/01/2018 - 11:11

          @karmay: was a while back, they where around $650 even bit more on both stock X and Goat, but yeah I know prices are down a little bit, buying a pair of blue tints for $480-$500 this weekend from a reseller

  • hasher22 on 26/01/2018 - 01:30
    +1

    $400 for a Guess watch, that's my most expensive wearable item.

    Maybe if I was rich, I would have expensive taste, but I'm not.

    Long Story Short: Have a friend that purchased a burberry long sleeve shirt for like $300 and I rocked up in my $30 YD sale shirt, I was just teasing him saying my shirt looks better than his, and 2 friends agreed. He got cut.

    • i like free on 28/01/2018 - 21:39

      Hahaha yeh some of those designer clothes are not quality items. Merely a label on something.

  • Blottski on 26/01/2018 - 02:23

    Pair of Adidas Predators around 2003.

    Still in top nick.

    • i like free on 28/01/2018 - 21:39

      Wow!! You must wear them really lightly. I can never ever keep a pair of shoes in good condition…

  • Gauntlet on 26/01/2018 - 12:48
    +1

    I always spend a lot of money on quality shoes. Rocky work boots were $280. Red Wing Work/dress Boots $350. The way I see it is that they will last forever if I look after them. Stitched sole full grain leather shoes can last a lifetime.

  • Gauntlet on 26/01/2018 - 12:49
    +1

    Woops, duplicate comment.

  • smac on 26/01/2018 - 14:37

    Almost $2k on Christian Louboutin studded spike loafers which I’ve worn like twice because they’re a little ugly and slippery 😂

    • i like free on 28/01/2018 - 21:41

      Damn…. I remember when they were the fashion! Wittner has imitaitions which I actually really wanted but never bought. They’ll come back into fashion at some point and you can sell them! Don’t think you can get close to $2k though :(

  • ireadtermsofuse on 26/01/2018 - 16:56

    I bought a nice Burberry Men’s Wallet in Japan for 40,000¥

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