I say this as a board certified psychiatrist- this was so incredibly deep, so well expressed and so accurate! You are brilliant. Thank you for using your platform to raise awareness. ❤❤❤❤
I have also walked away from the luxury obsession, it's just totally not worth it but I think we need to have these experiences to understand that. I feel that many ppl who spend on luxury have a shopping addiction and are using it to fill some sort of void or validate their self worth. Thank you for sharing, wishing you all the best!
I think wanting to be admired is very central but people aren't honest about it because it is a natural impulse (to belong) that has been exploited masterfully and we're ashamed of being a bit narcissistic.
Hi Caitlin, luxury used to be consumed by super wealthy but since expansion of a middle class, the accessibility became the reason the luxury conglomerates are posting so much profit. But this is double edge sword, as women like myself, you and many of your viewers are intelligent and accomplished ( hence we are in the jobs allowing us to afford the luxury), we won’t be easily fooled much longer by the fact that we are actually NOT getting quality for our money. Luxury used to be recession proof, but no longer. The targeting middle and upper middle class made luxury vulnerable to economic downturns. I stopped shopping as much as I used to, mainly because I got what I wanted from my wish list. The year has only 365 days, I am mainly working from home, how many new bags and shoes do I really need? How often do I actually go out out? I am satisfied with my collection and won’t be adding to it. Designers lack imagination and “commercial success” aim means that a lot of new items look similar. By wearing high fashion I want to express my creativity, show off my taste and yes, also my status, but I am no longer chasing anything. The brands forgot about us, it was us who elevated them, not other way round. Profits became more important than service and customer satisfaction. I also resonated with your self soothing words. It took being disappointed and annoyed with luxury post sales service for me to reject shopping as self soothing. I started to see how women are being manipulated into purchases and I no longer want to be part of it. Now, I recognise my privileges of owning many beautiful things and many may say - it’s good if you to reject luxury consumerism when you have wardrobe bursting with stuff - I say better late than ever. Anyway - let’s keep up good fight Caitlin
You put my perspective so well ~ esp nowadays designer brands trying to play the hard to get game and the deterioration of quality and creativity with majority of lux brands, there is nothing much to chase after, esp after having kids I see happiness in a different light entirely
@@carolnatural thank you for your reply. Only thing I am chasing now is improving my fitness. Just like Caitlin I was scared of water and learned to swim as an adult. Leaving one’s comfort zone makes us smarter, though it can be tough. Do one thing everyday that scares you” - Eleanor Roosevelt
I absolutely ❤ the new direction of your channel. You have obviously done a lot of self-reflection and have grown. Love what I have seen so far, and I can relate so much with what you have said.
All the things I wish I knew in my 20s so I can save time and money on things like traveling and experiences and making memories ❤ I completely agree with everything you mentioned. Finding minimalism really saved me mentally and financially.
Wow, this hit hard. I have felt that my luxury journey was coming to and end, too, Caitlin. Funny though, I started my luxury buying in earnest, after retiring recently. I used to like window shopping and hunting for screaming bargains, but after I retired, I started checking off bucket list luxury items. I have had some nagging thoughts about it all, which you just put into words. I think I’m done. I really like what you said about self soothing. I’m gonna change it up.
I have purchases from Target that have held up far better than a lot of my luxury purchases! I’m talking Chanel, Fendi, Prada LV … think in all reality all these things are just low quality, high maintenance obsessions! Very proud of you for expressing thoughts most of us can relate too for sure!
Good for you that it's only 10 years. It's 20 years for me. Hahaha. I hope that this community here in RUclips, that we can keep on encouraging each other to stop shopping for things that we don't need.
I hope that these luxury houses at some point have a decline in sales that shake them into the realization that there is a limit to lowering of quality and customer service and raising of prices that the consumer is willing to tolerate. For the longest time following the heart of the pandemic I felt like cattle at stores like Louis Vuitton - waiting in long lines even with an appt, being rushed around, not able to freely walk the boutique. It was all very coldly transactional. And then you end up with this overpriced stuff that you are so afraid to ruin that you baby it or worse if something happens beyond your control like your belt buckle it is so frustrating and disappointing that what was supposed to be a happy item becomes the opposite. Crazy!
That tanner guy's channel who is a leather expert is so eye opening when he tears up bags and basically shows how most so called luxury good basically cost about $100. And that Fendi buckle story is ludicrous. I find it quite useful sometimes to actually get the CEO's email address and write directly. A friend told me that and it's amazing how quickly you get a response!
oh which channel is that? I would love to watch. I know quality leather pretty well because I worked around horses and high quality saddle leather is out of this world. I recently went into Coach and LV and I was SHOCKED by how poor quality their leathers were. Definitely did not feel tempted AT ALL because even the cheapest saddle at my barn is better quality than anything I touched in LV!
Caitlin! I feel like I’m going through the same realization. I’m glad you are sharing this journey. Minimalism to me is about being intentional and not just consuming to consume. And I enjoy a much smaller collection
This video is so good. I didn't even realize how shopping prevents me from learning how to self-soothe. I also realized that cost does not equal quality. If I spend a lot of money on something, it should last me years with no issues! I am trying to steer away from bigger names and find quality-sleeper items! Also, designer or expensive items can be so mentally draining. I realized that every luxury item I own required its own care. It's exhausting to constantly consider how I need to clean certain things in a particular way, or only wear things in particular conditions. I just want to be able to use the items I paid good money for. I also think that luxury shopping isn't a luxury anymore. I should not have to hunt down or beg a sales associate to let me buy an item I want. It no longer makes me feel good. The entire experience can be very judgemental and draining. I rather find better quality things elsewhere and support businesses that care about their customers.
Just subscribed! I can relate about shopping being a way I used to self soothe. I am just a regular person (not wealthy) and it took me so long to save for one item....and with all the price increases, these lux items are just not within reach for me. I also would rather save up for travel instead of saving for months and months and even a year for one item. My perspective has changed. I am on a low buy year for 2023. Your honesty is so refreshing!
You couldn’t have uploaded this at a more pertinent time for me. I’m going through a similar process of realising I was using shopping and luxury to self soothe. Love you and your content ❤
Thanks for the video. I really enjoy your videos. I wasn’t a fashion collector but I am a doll collector. One thing I’ve realized is as much as I enjoy my collection, it takes my time. I’ve been downsizing because I don’t want the responsibility of maintaining a large collection of “things”. I’d rather travel and spend my time with family and friends
Hi Caitlin, congratulations on your new journey/direction 👏👏 Just wanted to add: best to buy designer fine jewelleries from a luxury house that specialises in jewellery (eg: Bvlgari, VCA, Chaumet, Cartier). If anything goes wrong, they can offer complimentary repairs for minor faults. Other luxury houses like LV, Chanel, Gucci, Hermes (who aren’t jewellery houses) would normally send items away to get them fixed, & charge clients a hefty fee. In these cases, I would personally take them to a trusted local jeweller…you’ll be surprise how much cheaper they will charge. If LV can’t give a complimentary repair because item is out of warranty period, what difference does it make (LV or local jeweller)? I know for sure my local jeweller will get it fixed for me within hours or days (not weeks/months!)
I'm a bit late to the comment section here, lol, but thanks for posting these videos!! I've been doing a lot of introspecting lately. I feel like I'm at a transition point in my life and your new content has been so so helpful! You're very insightful, self aware, and brave for putting yourself out there and sharing with us!! I've developed a bit of a routine in the morning where I sip coffee, watch your new content, and do some journaling. It gets me thinking, helps me reevaluate my own choices, and starts the day off with a good mindset! It's also relaxing; I feel very mindful. Thanks, Caitlin! Please keep sharing!! :)
I've been watching your videos since 25k, and seeing your growth throughout the years has been lovely! I am in my early 20s and your videos have given me a unique perspective on fashion and luxury. All love, Caitlin!
I can relate. Though I still love luxury and buying handbags here and there when something really catches my eye, I am now pregnant and my priorities have shifted.
I spent time looking for help with shopping compulsion vids and not many resonated. I stopped looking then yours showed up randomly, your discussion really resonates with me - thank you.
I have been interested in fashion a bit, but I would say it caused way more stress than anticipated. It feels like part of the luxury is to have time to build repour to get orders, to be allowed preorders, to have money locked up in oders, not suffer if you get scammed on the preloved market and need to use lots of time with unhelping customer service. I have come to the realization quite fast (and your chanel has helped me) that i dont have time for luxury hide and seek game with me as a customer and cannot compete with the crazy rich to get the few items i adored. The whole ordeal took 4-5 months all in all, and would never afford going on for any longer. Health with training, good food, art , hobbies and music, family and perhaps friends and engineering would be my life forward. Time is the biggest luxury, next is health.... Lots of love to all of your followers
Could not agree more about after dry cleaning plus hand washing it’s all a nightmare. We are all 100% buying into marketing over quality, I’ve really slowed down this year also.
Everything you buy and own has a holding cost. Whether it be the space it takes up or the effort to maintain it or just the amount of money tied up in it that you can't use. I don't buy much designer stuff anymore mainly because it's moved out of my reasonable price range. I do add the occasional piece like a Hermes scarf or Tiffany's piece because it's more about a collection but I like to buy from craftsmen where possible. Getting custom-fit figure skates for less than the price of Louboutin boots really opened my eyes to how much quality and service you can get for your money. This was true custom, molded to my foot, made for me, rebuilt after a year of wear no extra charge, and now that's the level of quality I want when spending thousands for something I wear.
Know how I paid my mortgage off aged just 34? By NOT wasting money on ‘designer’ goods, buying seasonal clothes only for them to be ‘out of season/fashion’ a few months later, buying into the hype and becoming an advertisers dream. Who on the street can tell if a LV handbag is original or fake - only YOU know! - so keep your thousands of Pounds/Dollars in your bank for your future (whatever that may hold) - particularly important in the States where the cost of health care is astronomical: your life will be the better for it, trust one who knows. Credit to you, Caitlin, for acknowledging your high spend lifestyle.
I would never pay a lot of money for clothes, jewelry, or make-up and I couldn’t tell you where the nearest dry cleaner is. When I’m not working, I spend my time with dogs, cats, lots of cows, and a horse (oh and a husband). LOL!! Different things bring people joy. We all just have to find our thing!
You absolutely right, Caitlin! All the obsessions or overeating, or under eating, or shopping, etc… come from some void inside of us. We are trying to substitute happiness with any of obsessions. I actually before never care much for luxury. Like i always liked to look nice, but spending thousands or more on things, was foreign to me, especially when i found love, my husband. I was super busy with my raw healthy desserts business. He was in WallStreet. I could buy the most expensive things, but i didnt need it. Actually when we used to go to NBA games, court seats, i would look at all these girls in their super expensive stuff and plastic surgeries , and i thought that they are crazy😳 i felt good in who i was, and i didnt need luxury to defined me. This shopping obsession started, when my husband became paralyzed… living in hospitals, looking at couples walking enjoying life, made me cry, just awhile ago, my hubby was standing 6’5 and now he is in a wheelchair. I needed escape,i needed fake reality, and the shopping fulfill that void. And its hard to get rid of it, because you keep saying yourself. Life is too short, and mine its already so boring, so until it changes, i make myself happy by shopping . Glad that you overcame that🙏Its truly waste of time…. Have a blessed day🙏💗
Oh, sounds like quite the life changing circumstances happened. Hope you have someone to talk to so perspective and need adjustment could be considered. Wish you all the best 🙏
Dear Caitlin! Please keep doing more of these videos. I am so happy for you that you are finding there is more to experience and enjoy in life other than spending hours shopping for the latest thing, that probably will go out of style after few months or have quality issues. When I realised luxury shopping doesn't mean shopping for quality, I started to look at my wardrobe and bags collection from another perspective. Maybe 10-20 years ago those luxury brands stood for the highest quality you could find, but right now, other premium brands have stepped up their game and there isn't any big quality difference compared to luxury ones, a part from the price tag. I am more into enjoying my life now, having more savings and investing to travel and have a good future. I still love shopping sometimes, but it is not a big part of my life or time like it used to be. I went to Paris with my husband for our babymoon couple of months ago, and believe it or not I didn't shop anything luxury for myself. My husband was really surprised, because he thought I would have asked him to buy me a push present or something. Instead we spent our time sightseeing, going to fancy restaurants and just enjoying the Parisian vibe. We went to Avenue Montaigne as well, just to see the Dior boutique and we stopped there to have a second breakfast at their café, but didn't buy anything. I was shocked myself! I don't know why I didn't shop or wasn't in the mindset to shop, but I was just happy like that, just looking.
For jewelry i like to purchase from artists directly at crafts fairs and my jaw dropped when you said it cost 300 to fix it... i spent 20 for handmade earrings at a fair and theyve lasted 4 years now
I hope you keep doing videos about these types of things. I've been feeling similar to how you first began your journey with this. I know I'll feel like a weight is lifted from my shoulders if I got rid of a lot of my bags, but I keep thinking to myself that I still like the look of them and what not. My life style involves a lot of moving and sometimes the countries/towns that I end up moving to aren't proper places for me to wear all these fancy things. Its such a hassle for me to pack up these bags, make sure they're not going to get damaged, lost or stolen in transit, checking on my bags weekly to check if there's any peeling or mold growing (I currently live in a humid place). All this time and effort that goes into just looking after these bags are so suffocating sometimes. I know this is a very first world problem, but the thing is the places I live in sometimes are definitely not a first world setting therefore I can not wear them out.
Hi Caitlin! I used to watch your videos when you were deep into luxury hauls, and I didn't recognize you when you popped back on my feed just now. I'm so happy to hear that you've made positive changes for yourself, and it's inspiring to just watch this after remembering your content from before. I'm in the middle of pulling myself out of a shopping obsession (though I was nowhere near able to afford luxury items), and each day it's interesting to take note of where I would go and shop mindlessly replaced by more mindful searches. Thank you so much for this video, I'm looking forward to seeing new updates!
I love that you’re bringing up these points, because there’s a dark side to shopping that isn’t spoken about. I’m definitely guilty of placing excitement and mood boosting from purchasing material items. Balance is key! One extra point I’d ad is the anxiety that may come from wearing identifiable luxury items that could make you a target, which is a real and scary thing. I’m glad you’re on this new chapter of your life where you’re putting your time and energy back into yourself and real life ((I’ve also been feeling the need to downsize all my possessions lately)) Hope you’ve been well! xo
I recently stumbled upon your channel. Truly, it is a breathe of fresh air. Thank you so much for making these videos and helping people think about luxury and reality.
The pandemic has changed the way i shop completely and saw luxury as uber excessive. Also from changing to work from home permanently 🏡 i no longer have a need for my bag, shoe sunglasses 🕶️ perfume makeup 💄 collection. Now I’m just focusing on my health exercise , eating clean n my inner peace ❤
This was such a good reminder especially with what you said on losing time and luxury not equating to quality. Started the journey of wanting quality products which has spiralled out of control to chasing products for the brand. Amazing Content!
Very thought provoking and extremely relevant and realistic content, Caitlin. It's the quality of our lives, not the quality or quantity of our things that matter! Keep these deeper topic conversations coming, please.
All your points are very insightful. The last point surprised me. The example of the Fendi bunkle isn’t just average quality it’s poor quality. Also, I was surprised by the time you lost to upkeep. Another great video Caitlyn. 🙏
Such good points, I think the point that stood out for me the most is that just because it's expensive doesn't mean that it is good quality and worth the price. It may be better quality but not necessarily at a price point that is worth it.
I’m new to your channel (this video was a YT recommendation), but I subscribed because I’m all about the direction you’re headed in. It’s big of you to recognize your growth and step away from something you were involved in for so long. You should be proud of yourself, as you’re also strong to share your story and take a new path forward. 😊 I’ve never bought into “luxury” brands because they have always angered me. They are no better than fast fashion because they aren’t sustainable or ethical. They simply charge more and profit more, since they don’t pay fair or living wages, and they don’t provide safe + comfortable working conditions for the garment workers who make the very products these brands profit from. The fact that they also make customers jump through hoops and bounds just to have their poor-quality products repaired after two wears only adds to the long list of negative points stacked against them.
I had a Dior SA actually tell me not to waste my money on their fashion jewelry 😅 True story. Obviously he said it way more subtly, but he did. He was honest, at least!
We can find a way to have both Self soothe and also luxury items :) it’s all about balance for me . I love my luxury obsession and never going to stop - though I also have balance and cash flow so it’s not a problem! Thank you for your reflection
What a journey you've been on. I'm so proud of you, I'm in counselling. You have really become self-actualised and have really grown as a person. Love the direction you've taken on your channel. Keep up the wonderful work.
Thankyou so so much! I hope you see the change you want and find peace within yourself through your counselling That’s such a great step and I’m so excited for what’s to come for you ☺️
so sorry about that belt, what a disappointment. Sad that my 1980s vintage gucci belt buckle looks better than a 2 yr old fendi belt buckle. GREAT VIDEO. Can't wait to see your new content!!
Yes. I can relate. I realised early on that I buy more and shop more when I am in Spain (I live abroad) then when I go home. At home, I am with my family, I just like to go out and my need to fill my time with shopping just disappears. Also I have been thinking the quality aspect too. I think if thats all we want there are so many brands under 300 euros that will give you nice leather bags. If you want a cotton t-shirt, you can find that everywhere. So now I usually am looking for a unique design, or something to justify high end prices.
I've been a watcher for years, more as someone who dabbled in designer, as in complete honesty, never having the money/lifestyle to live a complete 'designer life'. I grew up with not much and now in my 20s see the difference between quality and paying for a brand. Don't get me wrong, paying more for items typically means better quality- I'd rather do that. But there is the other side of the extreme where it's simply overpriced because of the brand name, not the quality. My experience growing up also meant that a lot of my things were secondhand- this has carried over into adulthood. I am happy to buy quality pieces secondhand for more than what I would spend on brand new items of lesser quality.
I actually 'envy' those that started early with lux. I grow up poor, but like any typical girl, I love shopping😅 and I end up accepting that part of me and just try to be mindful because it could be a slippery slope. It's all therapy and relaxation for me. Fast forward,my Hubby and I started to be financially challenged too, but love has always kept us alive, so they say😂. Anyways, after Covid, we were in Europe(US Military) we couldn't travel much, so I bit the bullet and have my first LVs. We had a nice lux experience having my item stamped at the LV Flagship store with some champagne. It was a fine experience for us. I was 47. Don't feel guilty you started young. It was a learning process for you, and it's nature for us to collect and keep things. You can slowly let go and focus on other things that interest you.
Only this morning I was watching a segment on 60 Minutes (Australia) called Generation Debt. Very scary. One of the girls had 22cents in her account and borrowed $60k to buy a car because in her words “That’s the price she pays to be happy”. The normalisation of luxury purchases on social media has made the acquiring of these items expected. The reality is we can’t all have them and that’s ok. Life is about more than what we have or who we wear. Great to see this video and hear the lessons you have learnt.
My first trip to London a couple of weeks ago and Instead of buying a bag or an expensive item I actually sold one ( yes Caitlin I do have more bags then needed and many more luxury that is sitting and probably getting the odd use once a year if that). Your recent content is actually helping me also to access a lot of things. 💖
I only just found your page and really appreciated this great and insightful video. I, too, indulged in luxury shopping to self-soothe, especially when I was really stressed at work. I went through a burnout several years ago, and during my recovery, I just took stock of everything I had and thought WHY did I buy all this stuff???? I filled several suitcases full of clothing, shoes and accessories and brought them to consignment shops and sold everything, many of the items still unworn with their tags, which was heartbreaking. I sold several items privately as well, but I still have an abundance and plan to get rid of more. I cringe when I think of all the money (and time) I p*ssed away on these things and deeply regretted it. When I started working again, I vowed NOT to fall into the same stress>shopping trap. I did cave on a couple of "practical" and "functional" items, but then just started saving my money. I do get tempted on occasion and did have a couple of lapses in a moment of weakness, but I quickly either cancelled the order or returned the unneeded items. I have unfollowed, unsubscribed, deleted all fashion/shopping pages, websites, influencers, etc. All of these influencers seem to look the same and wear the same clothes, shoes and bags. It's all too contrived and boring. There is no individuality or originality. I am happy with the luxury items I have and don't need anymore. I've been buying luxury since the eighties and I can tell you, the quality now is nothing like it used to be for many of these brands. Instead, I am focusing on my health and wellness because those are paramount.
Struggling with impulsive spending? I created a free 14 day journal with prompts to help you start the process towards mindful spending, heres the link! fourteendayjournal.myflodesk.com/2553181e-34cc-4be8-9fe4-599721e98ddd Happy journalling!
Hi! Thank you for your video. It’s all about balance, moderation, and being mindful of what we are doing with our time. I started buying luxury bags 3 or 4 years ago. My idea is to get a small collection of classic bags that I could use for many years. I’m pleased with what I have and I don’t need anymore. I like designer handbags and I’ll always appreciate them, but I always remember the analogy to going to an ice cream shop: the first ice cream tastes great but if you eat too many, you’ll end up sick.
I love this very honest take on luxury. A lot of Luxury RUclipsrs will talk about investing on expensive items for quality and longevity, but to be honest a lot of not very expensive brands have great quality goods too :)
your videos are SO MUCH more watchable now. Your energy is more calm, put together -- I found it hard to sit through one of your luxe jumpy, shrieky videos. I love these now. So glad re: this change!
Caitlin I remember watching your unboxing videos and have just stumbled across this video today. Your journey looks so exciting and what you said just hit home! Enjoy creating this new content and we are here to cheer you on always.
So cool to see someone change their mind about these things and share their thoughts. Great video, I enjoyed listening to your well articulated points and I agree with everything :)
Wow, I paid 20€ to fix my 100€ genuine gold necklace (that I broke because it got caught in my hairbrush, didn’t break on its own for years)… Would never invest in designer jewelry, it’s usually either an overpriced piece of stainless steel, or 20x more expensive than non-designer gold/silver. Great video Caitlin!
Wonderful video Caitlin. Without knowing exactly what was wrong with your LV piece I'm wondering if you could have taken it to a goldsmith for repair. It may have been less money and faster.
I wondered too but then I was worried if something went wrong in the future LV would put their hands up and go nope can’t help you youve had it altered or fixed elsewhere kind of thing 🤷🏻♀️
I would actually love to hear about the quality and service in high end fashion. Examples of repair policies like that are so helpful! Why would I spend so much on a piece if that’s how you’re going to be treated when the quality is faulty? I want to know which designers have good policies so I can choose pieces that will last and have better potential for being repaired.
100% agree on the quality. Some brands don’t want to take the responsibility that it’s their product and not wear and tear. Also time. That’s what I realized it also stole from me. I would spend so much time working in order to afford these things. That I wouldn’t even wear them/get the chance to. There are currently 13-18 bags I have yet to use.
I totally agree in regards to luxury minimalism. I decided to curb my luxury spending just prior to your announcement. I found that I had goods still with tags - never worn or used - which meant that I had no need for them. I have changed my ways and do not envy anyone who has to waste their precious time waiting in queues to spend their money.
Great video!!! I completely share every word you say.For me it’s also time to stop hiding the garbage under the luxury buying and start solving what’s going on underneath it all👏👏👏
I am 50 y/o bought my house in my late 20s , i have over 100k, 401 k and currently buying a condo in the beach. This is what the other side looks like and yes I have my designer classic things. Save, purchase classics and invest in oneself kisses from Miami
YESHHHHHH I FEEL PT 5; I got so tired of the lousy quality and time spent stressing over Aftersales. I also no longer like big logos. I will enjoy what I have but no longer chase to build large lux collections
This video kept coming up on my feed so today I watched it... Wow this hit hard!!!! If most people are honest we can all relate to this. I am already where you are now, but to hear it articulated so perfectly has left me shook. Thank you💜
Caitlin, I'm so happy for you, and with the direction your channel is going. I totally get what you are saying. Thank you for putting words to these thoughts & feelings, and doing it so well. Xoxo
Ohhh how I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED watching you and listening to EVERY WORD you said… It makes me happy to see YOU HAPPY… yes time is something we never get back, and the fact that you are so authentic and FOR ONCE SECURE with your decisions is so true….being genuine and not insecure and not buying for the sake of buying or for “status”TRULY DOES MAKE ONES LIFE HAPPIER 😊 Please put out more content like this because seeing you with PLANTS, BAKING, AND HOBBIES makes at least me smile and I see it does for you as well… to be honest ( luxury is so overrated) JUST MY OPINION, TAKE CARE Caitlin ❣
Caitlin I want to know what the realizing moment was, or what let do your current opinion on shopping. I am currently in the self soothing through shopping especially designer shopping and the short term gratification is annoying lol, cos then I just want to go and buy something else.
That’s a really interesting question I think it was a mixture and a build up of a lot of different things and I just hit a breaking point I just started to realise how little I connected with people who are obsessed with luxury and began to find it kind of off putting I guess it felt kind of tribal like I didn’t connect with the tribe of people anymore. A lot of things changed for me in my life I made a few real deep friendships, I got into a relationship and I also changed in other ways coming off the pill really changed my whole brain I feel, even small things like I used to be obsessed with hip hop and now I don’t listen to it anymore and I listen to a lot of country music Which even that is such a difference for example a lot of mainstream hip hop is based on ego, materialistic desires and degrades women where as the country I listen to is a lot about living life, falling in love and faith I feel like it’s a lot of little differences in my life that led me to wanting to turn away from the world of luxury obsession and non stop shopping xx I hope this helps
MThe point about what Luxuey really means is true. It’s just a brand name on a leather piece that marketing and hearty price tag has convinced us means it’s worth more. I see people spending $1000 on a cotton tank top from Prada. Deep down we know it’s ridiculous and we’re being duped but the need to feel special and valued is real. It’s really allowing these brands to own that part of your mind until you take control and say enough. I’m valuable with or without this CC on my bag.
Growth is essential. Proud of you, sis! Hopefully, you kept some of your designer goods! It's very important to self asses. For me, it was luxury. However, financially, I couldn't pull the plug. I'm thankful for the insight/ education. Lets just say when the time comes, I'm prepared. However, I switch gears to makeup. The RUclips Beauty community 😮 I've explored and conquered! Now it's time to move on. I only have one face! I still enjoy it but plan to be more disciplined, limit myself, and be more intentional about any future purchases.
I absolutely agree 🧡I spent thousands of euros thinking I‘d buy quality 🤪😂 I took that as a lesson. I really rather spend on travels and experiences instead of the 15th LV bag I really don’t wear 😄thanks for your channel , love it 😍
I realized I went a little overboard and craved more curation and less quantity. I bought 4, 4 flipping Chanel bags last year. Do I love them, yes. Do I need any more, heck no. Time to love what I have for a while, and sell anything that doesn’t work for my lifestyle. I also signed up for golf lessons, cause my only hobbies were shopping and taking baths. 😂
honestly, I am a long subscriber of you and felt a lot of similarities. I saw this uploaded a week ago and almost didn't want to watch it. It's like the universe sent me a video so targeted it almost felt personal. But I feel like loving fashion and being on social media almost never made me feel content. I was always looking for the next thing and, it's almost like I lost site of what was important and why I did the things I did. A week later I am in my office watching this video realizing I don't know how to self soothe and I used shopping as a form. My partner kinda brought light to the situation and that's how I knew I needed to really take a second look on what is important.
I’ve loved your luxury content for so long. I am now realizing that it wasn’t the eye candy-but your personality that I vibe with. So happy for you and your personal growth! Keep it coming love! I’m always here for your videos. ❤from Chicago!!
I have known this for a long time, and it’s terribly sad. It annoys me to the heavens that I feel like I need designer items. Marketing works a little too well on me😁 As you said; it’s incredibly time consuming and expensive, and at the end of your life it’s the thing that will matter the least. I haven’t stepped away from it yet, but I’ve had my focus on it for years. I wish I could sell it all and get a great deal of my money back and be content with just quality pieces that aren’t from ridiculously priced high end design houses. I think it’s a super important message you are putting out there, and I commend you for it. We all should be aware of this if we aren’t.
I have the problem pieces that break I don’t use anymore after they are fixed.. maybe I’m scared that they break again. But I never had problem with fixing didn’t even need to pay. Even if it was my fault for over stuffing.
My sister I have done the same thing but in the span of 5 years because I don't have much money. It's kinda eye watering how much I spent. However I am happy I got the big ticket items that I wanted and am not pressed to spend / save for those items. Not having to worry about those expenditures is such a massive weight off my shoulders now.
I stopped buying Chanel all tgt, not even interested to poke into the shop if I walked pass it cuz (1) a pair is fashion earrings I got the pearls stick to the black velvet pouch that comes with it and can’t be repaired; (2) another pair of earring the little pearls fall off twice even after repair and (3) my Chanel boy bag is the only bag that has mould on it every year despite my other bags are also in the same closet, not to mention one of the nails comes off after a trip in Europe and a tear in the cloth inside which I was told they can’t repair it lol ok bye bye Chanel you can keep increasing prices 20% a year but it’s none of my business anymore XD
I subbed to your channel and other luxury fashion channels only because I am a small time reseller trying to supplement my income. I enjoyed it for a while till someone unboxed so much stuff just cos it was her birthday and it was so excessive and unnecessary especially during these harsh times. At the same time you changed your direction and it's so refreshing to see this.
Yes same so many of these high end designers aren’t quality anymore they used to be! but now recently past few years I’ve been having so many quality issues it’s just given me a headache and I don’t think they are worth it anymore! I’m so annoyed and disappointed, spend so much and sometimes they are even worse quality than something from H&M it’s truely shocking 😂
Caitlin this is SO REFRESHING! Not many are taking about it like you are. I feel now that this whole "luxury obsession era" is done we're all looking back thinking wow we were really deep into this. I agree with you on everything you said and I truly think the new wealth and health (mentally and physically). I also only own pieces I really love now, and my small collection means so much more to me than when I had a ton of items. So yes luxury minimalism makes much more sense. Love from Denmark
This was definitely needed. I’d love to hear more about your quality purchases. Mind you I don’t care about name brand, I am interested in buy it once and forget about it 😅
Though I'm not quite in that headspace I think minimalism is great but I don't think I'll EVER have less than ten pairs of underwear. Three is just... Whoa 🤯
“The things you own end up owning you.”
So true!
That’s a great statement !
@@islandgirl21131 The quote is credited to Chuck Palahniuk.
never been more true when it comes to "owning" a cavalier king charles 🤣
@@CaitlinPawlowski my Gucci belt oxidized as well. I bought a steel cleaner and it was like new
I say this as a board certified psychiatrist- this was so incredibly deep, so well expressed and so accurate! You are brilliant. Thank you for using your platform to raise awareness. ❤❤❤❤
Wow, thank you! This means a lot ❤️❤️❤️
I have also walked away from the luxury obsession, it's just totally not worth it but I think we need to have these experiences to understand that. I feel that many ppl who spend on luxury have a shopping addiction and are using it to fill some sort of void or validate their self worth. Thank you for sharing, wishing you all the best!
I think wanting to be admired is very central but people aren't honest about it because it is a natural impulse (to belong) that has been exploited masterfully and we're ashamed of being a bit narcissistic.
Hi Caitlin, luxury used to be consumed by super wealthy but since expansion of a middle class, the accessibility became the reason the luxury conglomerates are posting so much profit. But this is double edge sword, as women like myself, you and many of your viewers are intelligent and accomplished ( hence we are in the jobs allowing us to afford the luxury), we won’t be easily fooled much longer by the fact that we are actually NOT getting quality for our money. Luxury used to be recession proof, but no longer. The targeting middle and upper middle class made luxury vulnerable to economic downturns. I stopped shopping as much as I used to, mainly because I got what I wanted from my wish list. The year has only 365 days, I am mainly working from home, how many new bags and shoes do I really need? How often do I actually go out out? I am satisfied with my collection and won’t be adding to it. Designers lack imagination and “commercial success” aim means that a lot of new items look similar. By wearing high fashion I want to express my creativity, show off my taste and yes, also my status, but I am no longer chasing anything. The brands forgot about us, it was us who elevated them, not other way round. Profits became more important than service and customer satisfaction. I also resonated with your self soothing words. It took being disappointed and annoyed with luxury post sales service for me to reject shopping as self soothing. I started to see how women are being manipulated into purchases and I no longer want to be part of it. Now, I recognise my privileges of owning many beautiful things and many may say - it’s good if you to reject luxury consumerism when you have wardrobe bursting with stuff - I say better late than ever. Anyway - let’s keep up good fight Caitlin
You put my perspective so well ~ esp nowadays designer brands trying to play the hard to get game and the deterioration of quality and creativity with majority of lux brands, there is nothing much to chase after, esp after having kids I see happiness in a different light entirely
@@carolnatural thank you for your reply. Only thing I am chasing now is improving my fitness. Just like Caitlin I was scared of water and learned to swim as an adult. Leaving one’s comfort zone makes us smarter, though it can be tough. Do one thing everyday that scares you” - Eleanor Roosevelt
Thankyou for sharing this I agree with your comments
Recherching is fun😊
I absolutely ❤ the new direction of your channel. You have obviously done a lot of self-reflection and have grown. Love what I have seen so far, and I can relate so much with what you have said.
Thank you so much!!❤️
All the things I wish I knew in my 20s so I can save time and money on things like traveling and experiences and making memories ❤ I completely agree with everything you mentioned. Finding minimalism really saved me mentally and financially.
Wow, this hit hard. I have felt that my luxury journey was coming to and end, too, Caitlin. Funny though, I started my luxury buying in earnest, after retiring recently. I used to like window shopping and hunting for screaming bargains, but after I retired, I started checking off bucket list luxury items. I have had some nagging thoughts about it all, which you just put into words. I think I’m done. I really like what you said about self soothing. I’m gonna change it up.
I have purchases from Target that have held up far better than a lot of my luxury purchases! I’m talking Chanel, Fendi, Prada LV … think in all reality all these things are just low quality, high maintenance obsessions! Very proud of you for expressing thoughts most of us can relate too for sure!
After retiring, I did the same thing, but lately I too have been rethinking it
Yeah! Don't charge it up, change it up! LOL
Good for you that it's only 10 years. It's 20 years for me. Hahaha. I hope that this community here in RUclips, that we can keep on encouraging each other to stop shopping for things that we don't need.
You have matured in a most positive manner-best wishes as you continue your journey. ❤😊
Thank you so much!❤️
I hope that these luxury houses at some point have a decline in sales that shake them into the realization that there is a limit to lowering of quality and customer service and raising of prices that the consumer is willing to tolerate. For the longest time following the heart of the pandemic I felt like cattle at stores like Louis Vuitton - waiting in long lines even with an appt, being rushed around, not able to freely walk the boutique. It was all very coldly transactional. And then you end up with this overpriced stuff that you are so afraid to ruin that you baby it or worse if something happens beyond your control like your belt buckle it is so frustrating and disappointing that what was supposed to be a happy item becomes the opposite. Crazy!
That tanner guy's channel who is a leather expert is so eye opening when he tears up bags and basically shows how most so called luxury good basically cost about $100. And that Fendi buckle story is ludicrous. I find it quite useful sometimes to actually get the CEO's email address and write directly. A friend told me that and it's amazing how quickly you get a response!
oh which channel is that? I would love to watch. I know quality leather pretty well because I worked around horses and high quality saddle leather is out of this world. I recently went into Coach and LV and I was SHOCKED by how poor quality their leathers were. Definitely did not feel tempted AT ALL because even the cheapest saddle at my barn is better quality than anything I touched in LV!
@@caityquinn4005 he's called Tanner Leatherstein. It's so informative and he rips bags apart and shows us the real quality.
Caitlin! I feel like I’m going through the same realization. I’m glad you are sharing this journey. Minimalism to me is about being intentional and not just consuming to consume. And I enjoy a much smaller collection
Love that!
This video is so good. I didn't even realize how shopping prevents me from learning how to self-soothe. I also realized that cost does not equal quality. If I spend a lot of money on something, it should last me years with no issues! I am trying to steer away from bigger names and find quality-sleeper items! Also, designer or expensive items can be so mentally draining. I realized that every luxury item I own required its own care. It's exhausting to constantly consider how I need to clean certain things in a particular way, or only wear things in particular conditions. I just want to be able to use the items I paid good money for. I also think that luxury shopping isn't a luxury anymore. I should not have to hunt down or beg a sales associate to let me buy an item I want. It no longer makes me feel good. The entire experience can be very judgemental and draining. I rather find better quality things elsewhere and support businesses that care about their customers.
Thankyou for sharing ❤️
Just subscribed! I can relate about shopping being a way I used to self soothe. I am just a regular person (not wealthy) and it took me so long to save for one item....and with all the price increases, these lux items are just not within reach for me. I also would rather save up for travel instead of saving for months and months and even a year for one item. My perspective has changed. I am on a low buy year for 2023. Your honesty is so refreshing!
Thanks for subbing!
You couldn’t have uploaded this at a more pertinent time for me. I’m going through a similar process of realising I was using shopping and luxury to self soothe. Love you and your content ❤
same here :(
Glad it was helpful! It’s nice to know we both aren’t the only ones going through this ❤️
Thanks for the video. I really enjoy your videos. I wasn’t a fashion collector but I am a doll collector. One thing I’ve realized is as much as I enjoy my collection, it takes my time. I’ve been downsizing because I don’t want the responsibility of maintaining a large collection of “things”. I’d rather travel and spend my time with family and friends
Hi Caitlin, congratulations on your new journey/direction 👏👏
Just wanted to add: best to buy designer fine jewelleries from a luxury house that specialises in jewellery (eg: Bvlgari, VCA, Chaumet, Cartier). If anything goes wrong, they can offer complimentary repairs for minor faults.
Other luxury houses like LV, Chanel, Gucci, Hermes (who aren’t jewellery houses) would normally send items away to get them fixed, & charge clients a hefty fee.
In these cases, I would personally take them to a trusted local jeweller…you’ll be surprise how much cheaper they will charge.
If LV can’t give a complimentary repair because item is out of warranty period, what difference does it make (LV or local jeweller)? I know for sure my local jeweller will get it fixed for me within hours or days (not weeks/months!)
Old saying: buyer beware! Save your money for an experience or travel. ❤
I'm a bit late to the comment section here, lol, but thanks for posting these videos!! I've been doing a lot of introspecting lately. I feel like I'm at a transition point in my life and your new content has been so so helpful! You're very insightful, self aware, and brave for putting yourself out there and sharing with us!! I've developed a bit of a routine in the morning where I sip coffee, watch your new content, and do some journaling. It gets me thinking, helps me reevaluate my own choices, and starts the day off with a good mindset! It's also relaxing; I feel very mindful. Thanks, Caitlin! Please keep sharing!! :)
Thankyou so much for watching and being here 🥰
I've been watching your videos since 25k, and seeing your growth throughout the years has been lovely! I am in my early 20s and your videos have given me a unique perspective on fashion and luxury. All love, Caitlin!
Wow, thank you! That means so much! X
I can relate. Though I still love luxury and buying handbags here and there when something really catches my eye, I am now pregnant and my priorities have shifted.
I spent time looking for help with shopping compulsion vids and not many resonated. I stopped looking then yours showed up randomly, your discussion really resonates with me - thank you.
I have been interested in fashion a bit, but I would say it caused way more stress than anticipated. It feels like part of the luxury is to have time to build repour to get orders, to be allowed preorders, to have money locked up in oders, not suffer if you get scammed on the preloved market and need to use lots of time with unhelping customer service. I have come to the realization quite fast (and your chanel has helped me) that i dont have time for luxury hide and seek game with me as a customer and cannot compete with the crazy rich to get the few items i adored. The whole ordeal took 4-5 months all in all, and would never afford going on for any longer. Health with training, good food, art , hobbies and music, family and perhaps friends and engineering would be my life forward. Time is the biggest luxury, next is health.... Lots of love to all of your followers
Could not agree more about after dry cleaning plus hand washing it’s all a nightmare. We are all 100% buying into marketing over quality, I’ve really slowed down this year also.
Everything you buy and own has a holding cost. Whether it be the space it takes up or the effort to maintain it or just the amount of money tied up in it that you can't use.
I don't buy much designer stuff anymore mainly because it's moved out of my reasonable price range. I do add the occasional piece like a Hermes scarf or Tiffany's piece because it's more about a collection but I like to buy from craftsmen where possible.
Getting custom-fit figure skates for less than the price of Louboutin boots really opened my eyes to how much quality and service you can get for your money. This was true custom, molded to my foot, made for me, rebuilt after a year of wear no extra charge, and now that's the level of quality I want when spending thousands for something I wear.
Know how I paid my mortgage off aged just 34? By NOT wasting money on ‘designer’ goods, buying seasonal clothes only for them to be ‘out of season/fashion’ a few months later, buying into the hype and becoming an advertisers dream. Who on the street can tell if a LV handbag is original or fake - only YOU know! - so keep your thousands of Pounds/Dollars in your bank for your future (whatever that may hold) - particularly important in the States where the cost of health care is astronomical: your life will be the better for it, trust one who knows. Credit to you, Caitlin, for acknowledging your high spend lifestyle.
I would never pay a lot of money for clothes, jewelry, or make-up and I couldn’t tell you where the nearest dry cleaner is. When I’m not working, I spend my time with dogs, cats, lots of cows, and a horse (oh and a husband). LOL!! Different things bring people joy. We all just have to find our thing!
You absolutely right, Caitlin! All the obsessions or overeating, or under eating, or shopping, etc… come from some void inside of us. We are trying to substitute happiness with any of obsessions. I actually before never care much for luxury. Like i always liked to look nice, but spending thousands or more on things, was foreign to me, especially when i found love, my husband. I was super busy with my raw healthy desserts business. He was in WallStreet. I could buy the most expensive things, but i didnt need it. Actually when we used to go to NBA games, court seats, i would look at all these girls in their super expensive stuff and plastic surgeries , and i thought that they are crazy😳 i felt good in who i was, and i didnt need luxury to defined me. This shopping obsession started, when my husband became paralyzed… living in hospitals, looking at couples walking enjoying life, made me cry, just awhile ago, my hubby was standing 6’5 and now he is in a wheelchair. I needed escape,i needed fake reality, and the shopping fulfill that void. And its hard to get rid of it, because you keep saying yourself. Life is too short, and mine its already so boring, so until it changes, i make myself happy by shopping . Glad that you overcame that🙏Its truly waste of time…. Have a blessed day🙏💗
Oh, sounds like quite the life changing circumstances happened. Hope you have someone to talk to so perspective and need adjustment could be considered. Wish you all the best 🙏
@@carrino15 thank you kindly 🙏💗
Thinking of you ❤️
@@CaitlinPawlowski 🙏🙏🙏❤️
Dear Caitlin! Please keep doing more of these videos. I am so happy for you that you are finding there is more to experience and enjoy in life other than spending hours shopping for the latest thing, that probably will go out of style after few months or have quality issues. When I realised luxury shopping doesn't mean shopping for quality, I started to look at my wardrobe and bags collection from another perspective. Maybe 10-20 years ago those luxury brands stood for the highest quality you could find, but right now, other premium brands have stepped up their game and there isn't any big quality difference compared to luxury ones, a part from the price tag. I am more into enjoying my life now, having more savings and investing to travel and have a good future. I still love shopping sometimes, but it is not a big part of my life or time like it used to be. I went to Paris with my husband for our babymoon couple of months ago, and believe it or not I didn't shop anything luxury for myself. My husband was really surprised, because he thought I would have asked him to buy me a push present or something. Instead we spent our time sightseeing, going to fancy restaurants and just enjoying the Parisian vibe. We went to Avenue Montaigne as well, just to see the Dior boutique and we stopped there to have a second breakfast at their café, but didn't buy anything. I was shocked myself! I don't know why I didn't shop or wasn't in the mindset to shop, but I was just happy like that, just looking.
That’s amazing I am so happy for you! 🥰
For jewelry i like to purchase from artists directly at crafts fairs and my jaw dropped when you said it cost 300 to fix it... i spent 20 for handmade earrings at a fair and theyve lasted 4 years now
I hope you keep doing videos about these types of things. I've been feeling similar to how you first began your journey with this. I know I'll feel like a weight is lifted from my shoulders if I got rid of a lot of my bags, but I keep thinking to myself that I still like the look of them and what not. My life style involves a lot of moving and sometimes the countries/towns that I end up moving to aren't proper places for me to wear all these fancy things. Its such a hassle for me to pack up these bags, make sure they're not going to get damaged, lost or stolen in transit, checking on my bags weekly to check if there's any peeling or mold growing (I currently live in a humid place). All this time and effort that goes into just looking after these bags are so suffocating sometimes. I know this is a very first world problem, but the thing is the places I live in sometimes are definitely not a first world setting therefore I can not wear them out.
Thankyou so much for watching! ❤️
Hi Caitlin!
I used to watch your videos when you were deep into luxury hauls, and I didn't recognize you when you popped back on my feed just now.
I'm so happy to hear that you've made positive changes for yourself, and it's inspiring to just watch this after remembering your content from before.
I'm in the middle of pulling myself out of a shopping obsession (though I was nowhere near able to afford luxury items), and each day it's interesting to take note of where I would go and shop mindlessly replaced by more mindful searches.
Thank you so much for this video, I'm looking forward to seeing new updates!
Thankyou so much for being here ❤️
I love that you’re bringing up these points, because there’s a dark side to shopping that isn’t spoken about. I’m definitely guilty of placing excitement and mood boosting from purchasing material items. Balance is key!
One extra point I’d ad is the anxiety that may come from wearing identifiable luxury items that could make you a target, which is a real and scary thing. I’m glad you’re on this new chapter of your life where you’re putting your time and energy back into yourself and real life ((I’ve also been feeling the need to downsize all my possessions lately)) Hope you’ve been well! xo
Thankyou for watching!
I recently stumbled upon your channel. Truly, it is a breathe of fresh air. Thank you so much for making these videos and helping people think about luxury and reality.
Thankyou for being here 🥰
The pandemic has changed the way i shop completely and saw luxury as uber excessive. Also from changing to work from home permanently 🏡 i no longer have a need for my bag, shoe sunglasses 🕶️ perfume makeup 💄 collection. Now I’m just focusing on my health exercise , eating clean n my inner peace ❤
This was such a good reminder especially with what you said on losing time and luxury not equating to quality. Started the journey of wanting quality products which has spiralled out of control to chasing products for the brand. Amazing Content!
Very thought provoking and extremely relevant and realistic content, Caitlin. It's the quality of our lives, not the quality or quantity of our things that matter! Keep these deeper topic conversations coming, please.
Thankyou Karen!
All your points are very insightful. The last point surprised me. The example of the Fendi bunkle isn’t just average quality it’s poor quality. Also, I was surprised by the time you lost to upkeep. Another great video Caitlyn. 🙏
Thankyou for watching ❤️
As if the buckle would be exposed to humidity in Adelaide…it’s very dry there!
Such good points, I think the point that stood out for me the most is that just because it's expensive doesn't mean that it is good quality and worth the price. It may be better quality but not necessarily at a price point that is worth it.
I’m new to your channel (this video was a YT recommendation), but I subscribed because I’m all about the direction you’re headed in. It’s big of you to recognize your growth and step away from something you were involved in for so long. You should be proud of yourself, as you’re also strong to share your story and take a new path forward. 😊 I’ve never bought into “luxury” brands because they have always angered me. They are no better than fast fashion because they aren’t sustainable or ethical. They simply charge more and profit more, since they don’t pay fair or living wages, and they don’t provide safe + comfortable working conditions for the garment workers who make the very products these brands profit from. The fact that they also make customers jump through hoops and bounds just to have their poor-quality products repaired after two wears only adds to the long list of negative points stacked against them.
I had a Dior SA actually tell me not to waste my money on their fashion jewelry 😅 True story. Obviously he said it way more subtly, but he did. He was honest, at least!
We can find a way to have both Self soothe and also luxury items :) it’s all about balance for me . I love my luxury obsession and never going to stop - though I also have balance and cash flow so it’s not a problem! Thank you for your reflection
What a journey you've been on. I'm so proud of you, I'm in counselling. You have really become self-actualised and have really grown as a person. Love the direction you've taken on your channel. Keep up the wonderful work.
Thankyou so so much! I hope you see the change you want and find peace within yourself through your counselling
That’s such a great step and I’m so excited for what’s to come for you ☺️
so sorry about that belt, what a disappointment. Sad that my 1980s vintage gucci belt buckle looks better than a 2 yr old fendi belt buckle. GREAT VIDEO. Can't wait to see your new content!!
I totally agree!
Yes. I can relate. I realised early on that I buy more and shop more when I am in Spain (I live abroad) then when I go home. At home, I am with my family, I just like to go out and my need to fill my time with shopping just disappears.
Also I have been thinking the quality aspect too. I think if thats all we want there are so many brands under 300 euros that will give you nice leather bags. If you want a cotton t-shirt, you can find that everywhere. So now I usually am looking for a unique design, or something to justify high end prices.
That’s such a good point! Thankyou for sharing xx
I've been a watcher for years, more as someone who dabbled in designer, as in complete honesty, never having the money/lifestyle to live a complete 'designer life'. I grew up with not much and now in my 20s see the difference between quality and paying for a brand. Don't get me wrong, paying more for items typically means better quality- I'd rather do that. But there is the other side of the extreme where it's simply overpriced because of the brand name, not the quality. My experience growing up also meant that a lot of my things were secondhand- this has carried over into adulthood. I am happy to buy quality pieces secondhand for more than what I would spend on brand new items of lesser quality.
I actually 'envy' those that started early with lux. I grow up poor, but like any typical girl, I love shopping😅 and I end up accepting that part of me and just try to be mindful because it could be a slippery slope. It's all therapy and relaxation for me. Fast forward,my Hubby and I started to be financially challenged too, but love has always kept us alive, so they say😂. Anyways, after Covid, we were in Europe(US Military) we couldn't travel much, so I bit the bullet and have my first LVs. We had a nice lux experience having my item stamped at the LV Flagship store with some champagne. It was a fine experience for us. I was 47. Don't feel guilty you started young. It was a learning process for you, and it's nature for us to collect and keep things. You can slowly let go and focus on other things that interest you.
Only this morning I was watching a segment on 60 Minutes (Australia) called Generation Debt. Very scary. One of the girls had 22cents in her account and borrowed $60k to buy a car because in her words “That’s the price she pays to be happy”.
The normalisation of luxury purchases on social media has made the acquiring of these items expected. The reality is we can’t all have them and that’s ok. Life is about more than what we have or who we wear.
Great to see this video and hear the lessons you have learnt.
My first trip to London a couple of weeks ago and Instead of buying a bag or an expensive item I actually sold one ( yes Caitlin I do have more bags then needed and many more luxury that is sitting and probably getting the odd use once a year if that). Your recent content is actually helping me also to access a lot of things. 💖
That’s so good to hear thanks for sharing ☺️
I only just found your page and really appreciated this great and insightful video. I, too, indulged in luxury shopping to self-soothe, especially when I was really stressed at work. I went through a burnout several years ago, and during my recovery, I just took stock of everything I had and thought WHY did I buy all this stuff???? I filled several suitcases full of clothing, shoes and accessories and brought them to consignment shops and sold everything, many of the items still unworn with their tags, which was heartbreaking. I sold several items privately as well, but I still have an abundance and plan to get rid of more. I cringe when I think of all the money (and time) I p*ssed away on these things and deeply regretted it. When I started working again, I vowed NOT to fall into the same stress>shopping trap. I did cave on a couple of "practical" and "functional" items, but then just started saving my money. I do get tempted on occasion and did have a couple of lapses in a moment of weakness, but I quickly either cancelled the order or returned the unneeded items. I have unfollowed, unsubscribed, deleted all fashion/shopping pages, websites, influencers, etc. All of these influencers seem to look the same and wear the same clothes, shoes and bags. It's all too contrived and boring. There is no individuality or originality. I am happy with the luxury items I have and don't need anymore. I've been buying luxury since the eighties and I can tell you, the quality now is nothing like it used to be for many of these brands. Instead, I am focusing on my health and wellness because those are paramount.
Thankyou for being here 🥰
Struggling with impulsive spending? I created a free 14 day journal with prompts to help you start the process towards mindful spending, heres the link!
fourteendayjournal.myflodesk.com/2553181e-34cc-4be8-9fe4-599721e98ddd
Happy journalling!
Never too late to change your outlook on luxury brands.
Hi! Thank you for your video. It’s all about balance, moderation, and being mindful of what we are doing with our time. I started buying luxury bags 3 or 4 years ago. My idea is to get a small collection of classic bags that I could use for many years. I’m pleased with what I have and I don’t need anymore. I like designer handbags and I’ll always appreciate them, but I always remember the analogy to going to an ice cream shop: the first ice cream tastes great but if you eat too many, you’ll end up sick.
Damn this was real talk…preach sister. You go girl! Truly inspiring❤️❤️
Thankyou Laura ❤️🥰🥰
I love this very honest take on luxury. A lot of Luxury RUclipsrs will talk about investing on expensive items for quality and longevity, but to be honest a lot of not very expensive brands have great quality goods too :)
your videos are SO MUCH more watchable now. Your energy is more calm, put together -- I found it hard to sit through one of your luxe jumpy, shrieky videos. I love these now. So glad re: this change!
Glad you like them!
Caitlin I remember watching your unboxing videos and have just stumbled across this video today. Your journey looks so exciting and what you said just hit home! Enjoy creating this new content and we are here to cheer you on always.
Thank you so much!!
So cool to see someone change their mind about these things and share their thoughts. Great video, I enjoyed listening to your well articulated points and I agree with everything :)
Glad you enjoyed!
Wow, I paid 20€ to fix my 100€ genuine gold necklace (that I broke because it got caught in my hairbrush, didn’t break on its own for years)… Would never invest in designer jewelry, it’s usually either an overpriced piece of stainless steel, or 20x more expensive than non-designer gold/silver.
Great video Caitlin!
Wonderful video Caitlin. Without knowing exactly what was wrong with your LV piece I'm wondering if you could have taken it to a goldsmith for repair. It may have been less money and faster.
I wondered too but then I was worried if something went wrong in the future LV would put their hands up and go nope can’t help you youve had it altered or fixed elsewhere kind of thing 🤷🏻♀️
I would actually love to hear about the quality and service in high end fashion. Examples of repair policies like that are so helpful! Why would I spend so much on a piece if that’s how you’re going to be treated when the quality is faulty? I want to know which designers have good policies so I can choose pieces that will last and have better potential for being repaired.
Loving the new direction of your videos.
Glad you like them! ☺️
100% agree on the quality. Some brands don’t want to take the responsibility that it’s their product and not wear and tear. Also time. That’s what I realized it also stole from me. I would spend so much time working in order to afford these things. That I wouldn’t even wear them/get the chance to. There are currently 13-18 bags I have yet to use.
I totally agree in regards to luxury minimalism. I decided to curb my luxury spending just prior to your announcement. I found that I had goods still with tags - never worn or used - which meant that I had no need for them. I have changed my ways and do not envy anyone who has to waste their precious time waiting in queues to spend their money.
Great video!!! I completely share every word you say.For me it’s also time to stop hiding the garbage under the luxury buying and start solving what’s going on underneath it all👏👏👏
The Fendi belt is a disgrace, but I’m not surprised. I’ve had nothing but horrible experiences with Fendi quality
I’ve come to the same realisations. There’s so much more to life.
thank you so much you have changed my life .
Ability to self regulate emotions 🎉❤ hit a nail on the head there for me as well
I am 50 y/o bought my house in my late 20s , i have over 100k, 401 k and currently buying a condo in the beach. This is what the other side looks like and yes I have my designer classic things. Save, purchase classics and invest in oneself kisses from Miami
YESHHHHHH I FEEL PT 5; I got so tired of the lousy quality and time spent stressing over Aftersales. I also no longer like big logos. I will enjoy what I have but no longer chase to build large lux collections
This video kept coming up on my feed so today I watched it... Wow this hit hard!!!! If most people are honest we can all relate to this. I am already where you are now, but to hear it articulated so perfectly has left me shook. Thank you💜
Thanks for sharing!! ❤️
Caitlin, I'm so happy for you, and with the direction your channel is going. I totally get what you are saying. Thank you for putting words to these thoughts & feelings, and doing it so well. Xoxo
Thank you so much!
Ohhh how I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED watching you and listening to EVERY WORD you said… It makes me happy to see YOU HAPPY… yes time is something we never get back, and the fact that you are so authentic and FOR ONCE SECURE with your decisions is so true….being genuine and not insecure and not buying for the sake of buying or for “status”TRULY DOES MAKE ONES LIFE HAPPIER 😊 Please put out more content like this because seeing you with PLANTS, BAKING, AND HOBBIES makes at least me smile and I see it does for you as well… to be honest ( luxury is so overrated) JUST MY OPINION, TAKE CARE Caitlin ❣
You are wonderful Thankyou ❤️❤️❤️
@@CaitlinPawlowski you’re welcome 😊❤Take care
Caitlin I want to know what the realizing moment was, or what let do your current opinion on shopping. I am currently in the self soothing through shopping especially designer shopping and the short term gratification is annoying lol, cos then I just want to go and buy something else.
That’s a really interesting question
I think it was a mixture and a build up of a lot of different things and I just hit a breaking point
I just started to realise how little I connected with people who are obsessed with luxury and began to find it kind of off putting I guess it felt kind of tribal like I didn’t connect with the tribe of people anymore. A lot of things changed for me in my life
I made a few real deep friendships, I got into a relationship and I also changed in other ways coming off the pill really changed my whole brain I feel, even small things like I used to be obsessed with hip hop and now I don’t listen to it anymore and I listen to a lot of country music
Which even that is such a difference for example a lot of mainstream hip hop is based on ego, materialistic desires and degrades women where as the country I listen to is a lot about living life, falling in love and faith
I feel like it’s a lot of little differences in my life that led me to wanting to turn away from the world of luxury obsession and non stop shopping xx
I hope this helps
MThe point about what Luxuey really means is true. It’s just a brand name on a leather piece that marketing and hearty price tag has convinced us means it’s worth more. I see people spending $1000 on a cotton tank top from Prada. Deep down we know it’s ridiculous and we’re being duped but the need to feel special and valued is real. It’s really allowing these brands to own that part of your mind until you take control and say enough. I’m valuable with or without this CC on my bag.
Growth is essential. Proud of you, sis! Hopefully, you kept some of your designer goods! It's very important to self asses. For me, it was luxury. However, financially, I couldn't pull the plug. I'm thankful for the insight/ education. Lets just say when the time comes, I'm prepared. However, I switch gears to makeup. The RUclips Beauty community 😮 I've explored and conquered! Now it's time to move on. I only have one face! I still enjoy it but plan to be more disciplined, limit myself, and be more intentional about any future purchases.
Thanks for watching!
I absolutely agree 🧡I spent thousands of euros thinking I‘d buy quality 🤪😂 I took that as a lesson. I really rather spend on travels and experiences instead of the 15th LV bag I really don’t wear 😄thanks for your channel , love it 😍
We appreciate your honesty and we’re right there w/you on your reflection. Love the direction you’re going w/your videos.
Thankyou so much! ❤️
I realized I went a little overboard and craved more curation and less quantity. I bought 4, 4 flipping Chanel bags last year. Do I love them, yes. Do I need any more, heck no. Time to love what I have for a while, and sell anything that doesn’t work for my lifestyle. I also signed up for golf lessons, cause my only hobbies were shopping and taking baths. 😂
honestly, I am a long subscriber of you and felt a lot of similarities. I saw this uploaded a week ago and almost didn't want to watch it. It's like the universe sent me a video so targeted it almost felt personal. But I feel like loving fashion and being on social media almost never made me feel content. I was always looking for the next thing and, it's almost like I lost site of what was important and why I did the things I did. A week later I am in my office watching this video realizing I don't know how to self soothe and I used shopping as a form. My partner kinda brought light to the situation and that's how I knew I needed to really take a second look on what is important.
Thankyou for being here ☺️
I’ve loved your luxury content for so long. I am now realizing that it wasn’t the eye candy-but your personality that I vibe with. So happy for you and your personal growth! Keep it coming love! I’m always here for your videos. ❤from Chicago!!
Thankyou for watching 🥰
Can u do a video on basic makeup tips and minimalist makeup collection
I needed to hear this! ❤
Thankyou for watching 😘
I have known this for a long time, and it’s terribly sad. It annoys me to the heavens that I feel like I need designer items. Marketing works a little too well on me😁 As you said; it’s incredibly time consuming and expensive, and at the end of your life it’s the thing that will matter the least.
I haven’t stepped away from it yet, but I’ve had my focus on it for years. I wish I could sell it all and get a great deal of my money back and be content with just quality pieces that aren’t from ridiculously priced high end design houses.
I think it’s a super important message you are putting out there, and I commend you for it. We all should be aware of this if we aren’t.
Thankyou for watching ❤️
I’ve watched you for years and todays video was so refreshing… I’m kinda feeling how you are at the moment
Thanks for watching xx
You’ve grown out of your superficial phase. Congratulations. You brought up so many good points of self reflection.
Yes! Thank you!
Yes Caitlin i love and enjoying this aspect of your journey and your authenticity as your journey unfolds. I am here for it all…..
I have the problem pieces that break I don’t use anymore after they are fixed.. maybe I’m scared that they break again. But I never had problem with fixing didn’t even need to pay. Even if it was my fault for over stuffing.
My sister I have done the same thing but in the span of 5 years because I don't have much money. It's kinda eye watering how much I spent. However I am happy I got the big ticket items that I wanted and am not pressed to spend / save for those items. Not having to worry about those expenditures is such a massive weight off my shoulders now.
followed!!! love the honesty and working in a designer house repair center quality is not it!
Thanks for the sub! ☺️
I wish I saw this three years ago. You are right. ❤
I wish I was in this headspace 3 years ago 😂 but no point in getting hung up on timing
We are here now 🙂
I stopped buying Chanel all tgt, not even interested to poke into the shop if I walked pass it cuz (1) a pair is fashion earrings I got the pearls stick to the black velvet pouch that comes with it and can’t be repaired; (2) another pair of earring the little pearls fall off twice even after repair and (3) my Chanel boy bag is the only bag that has mould on it every year despite my other bags are also in the same closet, not to mention one of the nails comes off after a trip in Europe and a tear in the cloth inside which I was told they can’t repair it lol ok bye bye Chanel you can keep increasing prices 20% a year but it’s none of my business anymore XD
I subbed to your channel and other luxury fashion channels only because I am a small time reseller trying to supplement my income. I enjoyed it for a while till someone unboxed so much stuff just cos it was her birthday and it was so excessive and unnecessary especially during these harsh times. At the same time you changed your direction and it's so refreshing to see this.
Thanks for watching x
Yes same so many of these high end designers aren’t quality anymore they used to be! but now recently past few years I’ve been having so many quality issues it’s just given me a headache and I don’t think they are worth it anymore! I’m so annoyed and disappointed, spend so much and sometimes they are even worse quality than something from H&M it’s truely shocking 😂
Caitlin this is SO REFRESHING! Not many are taking about it like you are. I feel now that this whole "luxury obsession era" is done we're all looking back thinking wow we were really deep into this. I agree with you on everything you said and I truly think the new wealth and health (mentally and physically). I also only own pieces I really love now, and my small collection means so much more to me than when I had a ton of items. So yes luxury minimalism makes much more sense.
Love from Denmark
Thanks for watching ❤️
This was definitely needed. I’d love to hear more about your quality purchases. Mind you I don’t care about name brand, I am interested in buy it once and forget about it 😅
I can’t wait to watch this, I am loving this transition. It’s not luxury is bad and I feel you will always love it but it can become a run-away train
Agreed!
Though I'm not quite in that headspace I think minimalism is great but I don't think I'll EVER have less than ten pairs of underwear. Three is just... Whoa 🤯
Caitlin, love seeing you exude such inner peace and calm.
Really enjoying the new direction of your channel.
Thankyou x