5 Lessons I Learned from Buying Luxury ✨

[@janehex]

The last one is so true, I am so tired of the "is xxx brand luxury or not?" debate, when for many, many people in this world, hot running water is a luxury, access to medication is a luxury. It all comes back to gratitude, after all.

[@hellocatwalkcity]

1000%

[@minipleasures96]

true luxury for me is stay healthy, spend time with family, travel and see places, eat and experience different kinds of food from another culture! ❤

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Yes!!

[@traingirl.meghan]

That discomfort analogy was spot on!! What a good way to think about it 😊This is why I rarely wear heels now.

[@carolann7459]

Fabulous video! I especially liked your last lesson, i.e. True luxury is what money cannot buy!! I totally agree with you. Thank you!💜

[@LauraTurner23]

I'd love to hear your thoughts on how to be able to trust the preloved market and any suggestions you have. I prefer vintage items because I tend to think the quality is better than what you can get in stores now and I love the idea of an item having a story before it comes to me.

[@yjc219]

Thank you so much for posting this video. I only started to get into luxury recently (starting with jewelry) and I think there are still many things to learn, but this video has helped to think deeper.

[@karinefrommontreal]

OMG cannot agree more on the last one from the beginning you always said health/relationships/joy/quality time is luxury… but to shop for real life and not for fantasy life is sooooo true! Im 42 and still have to remind me this one from time to time.❤Amazing video Hannah

[@hellocatwalkcity]

❤❤❤

[@ariannakane6716]

Fantasy life was why I made a ton of purchases in my younger self. That and sweaters, I ❤ sweaters but live in Texas 😂

[@cristinaph]

Sigh… I am a sucker for merino wool and poplin shirts, and I have a collection I wear rarely… I live in a tropical country. Bless me!

[@AnUrbanGypsy]

I love beautiful long, wool/cashmere coats and jumpers but live in a warm country so have no need for them. 😢

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Time to move to NY? 😂

[@tinas1642]

Love this 💕 I love the first and last lesson learned! Very important reminders about what true luxury should really be: comfort, peace of mind, good health, happy family, healthy kids.

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Yes! We wouldn’t even be able to enjoy these things if we were truly miserable. Health, happiness, peace all come wayyy before the material stuff. ❤

[@casually.christina9008]

Really enjoyed this video, thank you! I have to keep remembering to stop buying luxury items for a fantasy life I just don’t have because in the end they end up being a waste of money for me.

[@starrypunk20]

Don’t shop for a life you don’t have. I wish I had realized these words thousands of dollars ago. This is why I sold all my Chanel. I have literally nowhere to wear all those pretty little bags to, and they don’t make me feel special sitting on my closest. And you are SO right, luxury is what is unseen. And a hard lesson I learned, is buying luxury cannot fix problems inside of you. I spent an entire 401k figuring that one out.

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Ouch on the 401k - thanks for being so vulnerable and sharing here.

[@courtneyd.4061]

Great video! I've learned over the years that a high price is not always synonymous with high quality!

[@hellocatwalkcity]

So so true!

[@neebieslittleluxuries]

I always love watching your videos because you always encourage to buy what you love, no matter what someone else might think of it. You also encourage healthy mindsets and the real luxuries of life which is ultimately to be healthy and happy. Always a great watch❤. I recently just started making KZbin videos and I’ve been trying to make sure I also remind my audience that we don’t absolutely NEED these things, but we enjoy them and want them and that is what matters. It’s a hobby not a necessity. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the void that is luxury shopping!❤

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Aw thank you! Absolutely, it’s meant to be fun and extra but let’s not mistake these “luxury” things for the real priorities in life. ❤️

[@evarosalin8416]

Thank you for sharing. I relate to the "it is okay to be picky" Advice because why compromise when you are the one who spend a lot of money. It should be on the things you love! ❤ also, the last advice reminds me that luxury does not mean more, but being able to enjoy things that you already have.

[@J92013]

I needed to hear this. I only have a few luxury bags and just bought a house so no more for a very long time. My beautiful YSL envelope bag just sits in my closet for the very occasional date night. I realize I love a very casual lifestyle as a mom of 3 under 5 and keep debating selling it for the YSL Lou Camera Bag or even mini Lou. I just don’t get enough use out of it even though it’s my fav bag by YSL. I’m thinking long and hard on this one 😂

[@WinnieBeeLV]

Omg this hit me right in the face! All the lessons really hit home for me. I think you are so smart! Thank you so much for doing it. ❤❤❤

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Thanks Winnie! I appreciate the tag!

[@tashahartman38]

Great video! Sad to say I have some regrets. In the beginning I was buying designer items that were popular and not necessarily what I liked. So those pieces just sat. Now I’ve come to the realization I need to purchase what I like what makes me happy and who cares what others think. If I like it it’s my money buy it. So I sold all the pieces I never used and didn’t really care for and put that money away into savings and started to enjoy what I have ❤❤. And I 100% agree being picky is not a bad thing. We spend sometimes thousands on these items to settle for less than excellent.

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Yes!! Shop for YOU! No sense in buying what others like bc we all have our own style. I think we’ve all made this mistake before so don’t be hard on yourself.

[@Prev_C]

The quality is there with Vintage. Gorgeous Icon. Chanel. One of my Fav Chanel Velvets and Novelty

[@JTebus81]

I agree with you. It’s a very comforting video. Thank you.

[@KarenL3027]

Great lessons, especially on not buying items that do not fit my lifestyle.

[@hellocatwalkcity]

We’ve all been there. Daydreaming about dressing fabulous all day, every day, and then realizing we are not walking the red carpet anytime soon. 😂

[@KarenL3027]

So true!

[@tangiessubtleluxuries]

I agree...some luxury can't be bought. I am going to start using my items or let them go. Great video and tfs!❤

[@HandbagFoodie]

So many salient points! Loved the one about being realistic about your lifestyle!

[@hellocatwalkcity]

It’s a fine line right? We want to daydream when it comes to luxury but also make it work for us.

[@rhondafrazier8205]

Luxury is travel for me. Soooo tired of seeing the same bags everywhere. My kids and grandkids are luxury! Of course, good health is the most important of all! You have a great channel!❤️

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Aw love that you consider your kids and grandkids luxury! 💗 thank you!

[@jaks_bag_attack]

I love contemporary brands and for me thats luxury i get more joy out of dooney and bourke than lv that took a bit of time to realize

[@hellocatwalkcity]

At the end of the day, it’s not about the brand. It’s about how it makes us feel. Good for you!

[@CandidsAna]

Absolutely agree our health, spending time with those that matter

[@milad371]

Well said Hannah, this is why I follow your channel, you are very relatable for many of us ❤

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Thank you so much. I’m glad it resonated for you. 😊

[@AngryLola]

Yes! I agree with everything you said. Thank you for sharing.

[@wittingchic]

Yayyyy thank you for the shoutout and for doing this tag! ❤ I love your lessons so much-#3 is actually a personal mantra for me, but it’s so hard! 😅 absolutely agree with the last one the most of course 😉

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Thank you dear! Appreciate the tag.

[@connieholmes4853]

Oh I love that Lady Dior which is why I purchased her in that exact color influenced by you and I also like the sounds that the handles make. You also influenced me to appreciate my handbag collection that I have and I also made peace with Chanel, I only own yet appreciate 😮the WOC, I thought that I would own the classic flap at some point but oh well because they have lost me at the quality and pricing.

[@hellocatwalkcity]

This Lady Dior color is what got me too! And of course the asmr quality of the noise that the handles make. 👌 Hope you’re enjoying yours!

[@ryeofoatmeal]

I wholeheartedly agree on point number 5!

[@eileencheungzou8039]

I agree with everything you said, definitely hits home for me! Thank you for this!

[@sarahpark6628]

I love this video! Everything you said today is sooo true, I so agree with you about the Oran sandals. I have them and I only wear them if I know I’m not walking around that much! Now that’s not luxury. Love the last lesson you shared, because that’s true luxury!Thank you! ❤

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Thanks for validating my feelings towards the Oran sandals!

[@melishamcalister1570]

I remember when you bought the Manolos.💞I've been there and agree with all these lessons. I bought the Oran sandals with a block heel, knowing they would coordinate with my wardrobe and about the break in time. It has been a painful journey. So, I won't be doing that again! When deciding how much to spend, I will give more consideration to longevity and cost per wear - choosing classic over trendy. I'm already mindful about this, but could be better! Good health is the ultimate luxury. I am not the most popular person in the family because of my lifestyle and choices, but I am, by far, the healthiest and so is my daughter!

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Oh you remember the Manolos! ☺️ Absolutely love your last point about not being the most popular, but being healthy!! Go you!

[@susanrombak7959]

Excellent lessons on how to be a wise and happy luxury consumer, and a guide on how to live a quality life in general! You are an inspirational guru Hannah! 🥰

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Ah, you give me way too credit but thank you!

[@captainhml3868]

Love your wisdom. Also really loved the message about not being a martyr.

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Aw. Thanks for watching both videos!

[@Monkey-oy1us]

I love this video! Last one is most important!

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Thank you! 🥰

[@premeyumlife443]

I agree that luxury is not discomfort. 😅 thanks for sharing my lady. 🙏🏼❤️😘😘😘Sandy

[@pvej28]

Beautiful message! If i may add, let's buy bags or shoes etc to enjoy it, not to brag ans make ourselves feel superior over those who can't afford luxury. I have encountered people who would treat others depending on what material things they wear or use. Let's be kind to one another ❤

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Absolutely! I agree with you. At the end of the day, they are just things we enjoy - not meant to give us identity or importance. Besides, the reality is, some people simply don’t enjoy these things and therefore choose not to spend their money on them, even though they can easily afford to. So it’s not even about affordability at the core. It’s all personal choice.

[@reutgadmish1835]

Wow, I've learned so much and I only started buying luxury 4 years ago. The most important one is to never buy something if you can't pay it fully. Don't get excited by every bag you see on KZbin, know if it's right to your lifestyle and needs. The most important one is to simply go and try all the bags you want in store and literally try to fit your items in the bag before you buy it, I empty my bag and try to fit everything in thr bag I want to buy and if it doesn't fit, I don't compromise and just pass (I did that last summer with so many bags I wanted and I feel like I saved myself so much money in one day, I was releaved)

[@eileenmak2515]

Love these lessons and reminders! 💞

[@CarmenPotter]

I would wear the Manolo flats with a white shirt and jeans! They're beautiful.

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Yup, that’s how I envision wearing them. Just have to do it now!! 😂

[@athenaa972]

You mention a lot of good points. The last one is top of mind for me. Lessons learned are impulsive purchases. I’m typically not one to impulse buy, however I’ve done it on a couple of occasions. Love the recent content lately as I’ve slowly grown out of the wish list phase and have been on the wavelength of number five. I’ve been purging throughout my house in general, donating things that to others. There are a few bags I’ll be getting rid of. My daughter is not into designer anything so there’s no point trying to pass it to her. Overall, I agree and appreciate the reminder that I’m not the only one on this wavelength.

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Good for you!! I was in a massive decluttering phase a while back and it feels so good to let go and simplify. Hope you enjoy the process!

[@cristinaph]

Lovely, those Manolo flats are stunning… I suggest dressing them down with more casual / more masculine or tailored outfits, or perhaps denim and a dressy top or crisp shirt… just a matter of getting some contrast in.. so you can enjoy your beautiful shoes 🥰

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Yes yes, will experiment soon! Thank you!

[@rachelliz284]

I think it's ok to shop for your future life, for the life you aspire to live. As long as you're actively working towards attaining that life. With the crazy price increases happening every year, I don't see anything wrong with buying an investment piece that you may not be able to use immediately, but can use more regularly in a couple years' time.

[@Vianahome]

So true! Love this video. Wow ❤

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Thank you!

[@quelbelle6148]

Where can I click “love” vs like? Such a good video. Thank you!

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Oh thank you! 😊

[@jilll934]

Sooo true on shoes!!! I bought my Chanel ballet flats preowned for $500 bc I just couldn’t justify the price. But holy cow they are like butter and amazing. I for sure will buy a new pair when i need one and I see why they are so expensive. But I cannot imagine spending $1000 on shoes that don’t feel amazing.

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Yes!! Comfort makes a huge difference!!

[@karynmacneil3384]

Could not agree more .

[@CatLove-Life]

"Luxury can not be purchased" could not agree more ❤

[@suzyq8777]

I don't get the Oran sandals. I've tried them on multiple times and just not comfortable at all. For the Chanel classic flap, I followed what you said about vintage and ended up buying a medium one last year. I ended up selling the new ones that I had and only keeping the vintage one. Thanks so much for the video!

[@hellocatwalkcity]

No, the Oran sandals are not comfortable for walking. Maybe just taking photos standing still in front of a pretty mirror. 😂 So funny about the Chanel Classic flap - I sold my new one too. Kept my vintage, as you know.

[@theresapaige678]

Love this! ❤

[@hankypanda]

I also tried to make orans work. My feet are too wide and too sensitive to any amount of discomfort/pinching/blistering/pain. No time for that when sandals that don’t cost $770 a pair fit my wide feet well enough and come with a finished sole… I wish Hermes let you buy stuff you want instead of polarizing products like orans, but that is another rant 😔

[@lexiaussi237]

Yes, yes, YES! I’m so glad I finally broke the habit of buying bags for the fantasy version of myself, lol! P.S. If I were to add anything, it would be that feeling confident in your purchases is key… wearing a lot of designer items just to flex and not being able to own your style can evoke the impression that that person is insecure, or overcompensating for something.

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Totally agree! Confidence and comfort is key when shopping for our own style. Otherwise, it looks like the clothes/shoes/bags are wearing us vs the other way around!

[@ddbookie]

I feel for some items that may conflict with your personal style or comfort zone, try to incorporate it in your regular everyday wear. Those Manolos go great with the outfit you have one if you are wearing black pants. You can definitely dress those shoes up for down. Just a suggestion 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Thank you - I agree. I’ll try to dress the Manolos down with some casual jeans and tee. Just need the weather to warm up a bit.

[@tdov7622]

True luxury is indeed what money cannot buy. As a luxury lover in the past and as a person living in wartime Ukraine for almost two years, I can attest to this statement.

[@jacquiwinter6282]

Stay safe; thinking of you and your fellow countrymen, women and families. 💕 🇺🇦

[@tdov7622]

@@jacquiwinter6282 thank you very much, we are staying strong and look forward for better days for Ukraine and each of us 💪🏻🙌🇺🇦

[@tonipeterson5294]

Weirdo question for you. What is your nail color in this video, and what brand? I love it! Great advice in the video!!

[@hellocatwalkcity]

It a weirdo question at all! 😊 It’s Essie minimalistic. 💅

[@abbycatherine8135]

If only the majority of us were "picky" - people and companies could not get away with the things that they do currently. Houses like Chanel and LV could only get people to purchase their items if they were very well done. Love how you stated that you were picky in choosing a career, husband, etc. Again, if more women (or men) were very picky in choosing a mate, it would raise the bar for standards of behavior, etc. giving us all a better pool to choose from.

[@hellocatwalkcity]

💯

[@VBoo459]

You're so right! For the Hermes, I've heard so many people say the sandals are uncomfy yet they buy another pair. It's weird to me. I love comfort (hence why I won't splurge on heels). I will splurge on soft good quality cashmere cardigans since I have sensitive skin and wear cardigans A LOT. I realise also that if I cannot foresee myself wearing it A LOT, to the bone then its not worth my money. Your money is your energy. You HAVE to be picky about what you're swapping it for. NEVER settle. Not for men, not for kids, not for yourself and not for things you buy.

[@palomadamasceno307]

I am so sad ! I bought the strap from dressup your purse and they’ve sent me a Brooked piece and I have sent many emails and they haven’t respond it 😢

[@CiaoMimiCiao]

Love this video! ❤ Note: I wanted to mention a few of your more recent videos, it’s hard to hear you and I try not to blast my TV so the commercials aren’t crazy loud. The mic sounds so far away 😓

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Thank you for the feedback on the sound quality! I need to figure out a way to get the mic closer to me when I’m sitting farther from my camera in these types of videos.

[@patriciasouchik-stock7521]

👍🏻

[@ellenbeyerle1717]

Let the Manolos go!

[@fashionismypassiongirl660]

❤❤❤

[@nupster]

Could you please make a video about your Max Mara coats?

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Hmm not sure I can make an entire video on just coats 🤔 what would you like to see? Styling?

[@nupster]

How did you choose between the different Max Mara lines (‘S, Studio, Weekend), materials, lengths, pockets, collars, etc? The selection seems overwhelming. Appreciate your insights!

[@k700i]

I am just now realizing if I buy a handbag it has to be something that stands on it’s own, like I barely use my saddle bag which was my first ever luxury bag, and I’m trying to love her more but it’s just hard to take the bag that I cannot lay down upright 😭

[@mrsleyva]

Ohh those Manolo's would look beautiful with that striped sweater you have on 😍 *Inthink if you dont break a nail while bowling did you really go? 😅😅 ughhh I hate that!

[@hellocatwalkcity]

I need to try the Manolos out this spring when the weather gets a bit nicer and less cold/wet. As for the broken nail, totally worth it. 😂

[@atJamie]

Girl I’d wear those shoes to get groceries why not

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Trader Joe’s here I come! 😂

[@EVL-xj5vc]

The MB shoes is beautiful! I can understand why you bought it. Can't match it with something a bit dressy? Or smart formal? It doesn't look thaaat formal.

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Definitely! I can wear them with jeans and dress them down. I think I just love wearing sneakers most days! 😂

[@EVL-xj5vc]

@@hellocatwalkcity haha ok I know that you mean. I have the same issue. I wear my sneakers more than any other dressy shoes. I feel like I almost have to force myself to wear the pumps and sandals.

[@lindseynhahn]

This video 🥰🥰

[@hhueter]

with no 1. I really need to not buy shoes. they haven't worked out for me so far and they're way too expensive. my (probably controversial) lesson is to buy what i like and to not worry about resale value. If i cared about resale value, i wouldn't have bought my most loved items or bought Fendi from the boutique in general. Most brands are like a car where half it's value is gone the instant you walk out the door anyways.

[@staciarenee2982]

Don't judge me, but before i got into luxury, i started out with replicas. I'm always down for a deal, and at that point, i had never felt or seen a real luxury bag. Then, i started trying to find ones that are identical to the authentic bags. That still wasn't enough. So, i bought my first authentic bag, and when i saw/felt the leather and craftsmanship, i couldn't settle for fakes anymore. I gave away almost every non- authentic bag i had. I have two left that i did pay quite a bit for because they were made of real leather, etc. I guess you could call those more super fakes. Here's the problem: Over the past 3 years, I've added more and more authentic luxury brand bags. I've noticed now that it's really not so much the logo (Don't get me wrong, i love a logo moment) it's more about leather and craftsmanship. I examine each bag before purchasing to make sure everything is perfect imo. I've added many mid-tier leather bags that feel like luxury when it comes to materials and craftsmanship. So now, i have the two fake bags that i will never wear. It doesn't feel the same. It's ironic that the fake industry led me to buy authentic brands. I just purchased that mini gucci horsebit bag that you have, and the experience in the store was wonderful. I think my husband now understands why i will consider buying some bags at such a high price.

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Absolutely no judgment! It sounds like you discovered the beauty of quality and craftsmanship, above and beyond the hype of logos or designer names. At the end of the day, I’m with you. It’s about how something is made and how it makes us feel. 😉 Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@blktauna]

Life is too short for uncomfortable shoes. Picky? For that Chanel money that thing best be PERFECT. I love Manolos. I have 2 kitten heels that are for best but I also got them preloved so very much not full price. I also buy to use, not for decoration. I'm also of the opinion that luxury has nothing to do with cost and everything to do with craftsmanship, materials, attention to detail and comfort. 'Designer' does not always mean actual luxury.

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Totally agree on every point you made, especially the last one.

[@CapeCodBelle]

I'm learning not to shop for my fantasy self. I'm attracted to so many beautiful clothes, but when I put them on I feel like it's not me. They sit in my closet waiting to be worn and I feel guilty about the money I wasted and wonder why I feel awkward in clothes that I love.

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Oh yes. I’ve let go of certain clothes, as you say, that just didn’t feel like ME when I put them on. I also think that we need to wear our clothes and handbags, not the other way around. 😉

[@kdgeckoknits274]

Pickiness gets a bad rap. Be picky. If your paying for something, be sure it's good quality and something you will actually wear.

[@cat-bi2qn]

u are not picky. u are going to pay the brand a premium, so don't need to accept any flaws that u are not comfortable with. others who are ok with it, let them be. it is not a 10 bucks bag imo. For me, even if it is 10 bucks bag, i would check for flaws too if it is not labeled as preloved, outlet or defective goods. all in all, shopping experience in Luxury houses (non outlet) shouldn't feel like shopping at some flea market.😂

[@hellocatwalkcity]

I check for flaws no matter the price too. 😉

[@NancyVelasquez-pw7px]

How come I cannot see your head. Is something wrong with this video?

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Fair question! 😂 I don’t show my face bc I prefer my privacy. Most of my usual viewers have grown accustomed to this but I can see how strange it may seem if you’re new! Thanks for asking.

[@moes2924]

Hearing the reason why you broke a nail really made me smile. 🎳 Just doing fun things (that don't cost a lot of money) as a family are great!

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Hehe absolutely! Love good old fashioned family time!