Another...Is It Worth it?...thread

[Rudyard K]

http://lifestyle.msn.com/your-life/y...2035&gt1=32078

[atlcomedy]

I'll summarize the article by saying it pretty much pits the higher-priced, brand name/designer product/service (that may well be part of an overall experience*) vs. its competitor found at Target or in the local strip mall.

If the author extended this to our little world, the obvious implication is the NPOA discussion (which I think Rudy was hoping for)

As an aside, I'll suggest the author really didn't break new ground with this masterpiece:dir_bye1 :...that said...

The general question I'd pose is, can anyone really say something isn't worth it in the absence of experiencing it themselves? Pick examples from this article, the escort world, the functionality thread...whatever.

*as for experiences...some people get it...some people don't. It is like the Mastercard "priceless" commercials. You are a Dad taking your kid to his first ballgame. You don't tell him you'll pick up the Cubs hat at the mall later because it is $10 cheaper than at the stadium or you'll drive thru McDOnalds on the way home because those hot dogs at the stadium are just outrageous...IMO the author of this article doesn't get experiences...I mean he compares a spa massage with going to get the kinks out with Alan Harper in the mall...

[John Bull]

Some of the things on that list were just common sense, if you tend to the practical side. If you tend to the "luxury" side, you aren't going to pay attention to such lists anyway.

[Rudyard K]

Originally Posted by atlcomedy

(which I think Rudy was hoping for)

Who?...Me?

[atlcomedy]

@jb - on some things I'm very value aware, others money really isn't a consideration & still I'm a sucker for those lists

I think the real trend in bargain shopping these days isn't how do I feed my family for $10/day or find a knockoff to the real thing for less...but how do I get the exact same luxury thing (experience) for less...whether it is restaurants, show tix, spa treatments, etc. Groupon(.com) is in most major cities and a great example of leveraging that trend. Last I checked these kids had built a business valued at over $1B from scratch.

[charlestudor2005]

Just another functionality v. price thread. Should have been tacked onto LS's other thread, IMHO. Here is the thrust of the article:

Not Worth It: Glitzy Technology Devices
For many people, technology devices have become fashion accessories—with high-end prices to match. You don't have to be sporting a $73,000 limited edition Vertu Signature cell phone with 7.2 carats of pink and white diamonds set in 18-karat rose gold, or the world's most expensive computer mouse—the $25,000 Diamond Flower mouse from Swiss manufacturer Pat Says Now, made of 18-karat white gold and decorated with 59 diamonds in the shape of a flower—to be paying too much for technology.
Buy Instead: Function vs. Flash
Technology is a tool first, a fashion statement second. Rather than spend money on costly but useless decoration, invest in features that translate into better performance, functionality and speed—the things that really matter when no one is around to see what kind of device you're using.

[Sa_artman]

Try telling Becky about the

Not Worth It: Luxury Pet Beds

[Guest053011]

Originally Posted by atlcomedy

I'll summarize the article by saying it pretty much pits the higher-priced, brand name/designer product/service (that may well be part of an overall experience*) vs. its competitor found at Target or in the local strip mall.

Not having read the article I'll comment on your summary.

I adore my fashion, but I refuse to spend designer/brand name prices. The services of a "Target" doesn't compare. Nor does the quality of the material itself, there's cotton and there's Egyptian cotton...

The cuts of the fabric themselves are made for far more generic body builds to sell to as many people as possible. Higher end fashion will cinch at the waste, sit cleanly on the shoulders - the lines are more carefully placed and thought out.

Though I won't go to the known designers because of the prices, I will go to boutiques - where the person running the store likely makes the clothes themselves or is doing the fashion purchases. I find I get the killer runway style, the amazing quality of fabric and cuts, and prices that aren't hard to justify. And unlike a Gucci or a Target, I know that the chances of running into someone wearing the same thing are really small.

[charlestudor2005]

Originally Posted by Lauren Summerhill

Though I won't go to the known designers because of the prices, I will go to boutiques - where the person running the store likely makes the clothes themselves or is doing the fashion purchases. I find I get the killer runway style, the amazing quality of fabric and cuts, and prices that aren't hard to justify. And unlike a Gucci or a Target, I know that the chances of running into someone wearing the same thing are really small.

I don't know if you have "garage sales" in Canada or whether it is unique to the USA.

I had a friend who would frequent garage sales in very high end neighborhoods in order to purchase items for his kids. Lots of times, he was able to purchase items that still had the tags on them, but had been originally purchased from a designer store. The original poster paid a lot, and often times, my friend bought the item, never worn or used, off the one dollar table at the garage sale.

[Guest083011]

I'll disagree. Dipping a piece of good bread into fantastic olive oil is too good for words.

Baby clothes? Head to Marshalls. Cheap and you can throw 'em away.

Shampoo is paying for licensing.

CDs? Hell, I'd still buy vinyl. It still sounds better (especially through tube amps).

Yes, local massages are better than spas and the local knows your body and kinks.

Tights? I don't wear 'em. But my legs might look good in 'em.

Edward can get anything he wants. 'Nuff said.

Spices go bad after time. Head to Penzey Spices. http://www.penzeys.com/

Back to Marshall's for t-shirts too. I bought a Hugo Boss t-shirt at an outlet store. Looks great and feels wonderful (any ladies want to check fit and softness?)

[atlcomedy]

Originally Posted by SR Only

(any ladies want to check fit and softness?)

I'm sure if the ladies want softness, they'll give you a call. I don't suggest waiting by the hobby phone

[London Rayne]

Hmmm well if I want Louis Vuitton I go to Louis Vuitton. If I want shampoo I go to the salon, but if I want a good steak I don't go to the Steak House...I cook that thing myself on my twenty dollar Wal-Mart grill. Now if I want Italian, I know I'm paying because I only attend Mob owned restaurants lol.

Some things are only considered better because of proper Marketing. Take all the smoke and mirrors away, and all you have is some Guppie posing as a Marlin most of the time.

[Rudyard K]

Originally Posted by London Rayne

Take all the smoke and mirrors away, and all you have is some Guppie posing as a Marlin most of the time.

Is she talking about you DG?

[pjorourke]

I think its WTF.

[discreetgent]

Originally Posted by Rudyard K

Is she talking about you DG?

I'm happy for her to take a close up look