is it just me?

or is this whole recession thing screwing us over and over and OVER AGAIN!?

I know that european companies have to earn a profit on everything they make and sell, here and elsewhere, and because the dollar is so weak to the euro (the currency used to pay the artisans and factory workers)...so it makes sense that prices would rise here, for foreign goods.

But $650 for basic driving loafers? I know I know, Vuitton has been peddling this exclusivity bit for a while, pricing many of their items 1) way beyond their raw cost, and 2) out of the market for people used to spending no more than $500 on shoes, hence the exclusiveness of their products. (In my humble opinion, they're now just selling to people who don't know any better).

I mean, what about these shoes could cost $650?? Please, tell me. I bought a pair of Prada driving loafers in Seattle 3 years ago...basic brown calf, nothing too extraordinary...$180 on sale...and they are still going strong. I also found a fabulous pair of Tod's in Paris, black patent, $400. LV has a pair similar this season...those are $680!!!

Needless to say, I will be skipping the Vuitton store this season. Their belts are almost as expensive as Hermès. Their bags are in the $1000-$1500 more than they are less than $1000 (and for COATED CANVAS!). I just cannot justify these purchases anymore.

Luckily, my new obsession is Tod's. They are stylish, understated, and totally affordable. There is a F/W08 pair in black calfhair!!! So beautiful!