I ordered my Christmas gift to myself.

I just retired my $150, 14 year old winter coat (only the front zipper had worn out, the rest of the coat was fully functional).

I even have a hard time typing this out...the bomber jacket in this thread is $1200! If it lasts as long per dollar as my coat did, it will last 112 years.
The Carhartt I'm replacing was over 15 years old-worn out on the underside of the forearms, both outside pockets worn through, repaired with iron-on patches on the inside. Then the patches fell out. It got donated, hopefully a poor person got it-it was still warm & functional otherwise. Changed a lot of oil & worked on a lot of stuff outside in winter wearing it! Not quite as stylish as a leather bomber jacket, though.
 
Most of my other clothes were bought at clearance prices. Now that I am retired, I don't even own a suit or sports jacket.

I just funded $10,000 in 529 plans for kids of deceased friends. I recently paid off $45,000 in left over medical bills from a deceased God daughter who died of cancer at age 41. My wife died last year after a 10+ year battle with cancer. I am in retirement, can afford it, and just thought I deserved something nice for myself.
I was raised by immigrant parents that worked their way up from a dirt road village to upper-middle class standing, all while having to learn English as adults. They raised me to be humble about finances. Never tell anyone how much you paid for something lest you might be considered a braggart, or make them feel bad about their own standing or create in them envy or jealousy.
 
Most of my other clothes were bought at clearance prices. Now that I am retired, I don't even own a suit or sports jacket.

I just funded $10,000 in 529 plans for kids of deceased friends. I recently paid off $45,000 in left over medical bills from a deceased God daughter who died of cancer at age 41. My wife died last year after a 10+ year battle with cancer. I am in retirement, can afford it, and just thought I deserved something nice for myself.
Too bad this thread went sideways a bit. You absolutely owe nobody an explanation for your choices. Those with a chip on their shoulder don't comprehend that judging others based on one's own experiences, beliefs, and perceptions is as hypocritical and wrong as the very thing they are condemning. None of us know what another person's life experience is that motivates them. Shame on those that cast stones within their glass house.

Thank you k1xv for sharing your story. You are a class act. Important messages being shared here - I hope the moderators let it keep going.
 
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I was raised by immigrant parents that worked their way up from a dirt road village to upper-middle class standing, all while having to learn English as adults. They raised me to be humble about finances. Never tell anyone how much you paid for something lest you might be considered a braggart, or make them feel bad about their own standing or create in them envy or jealousy.
I merely copied and pasted the web page for the jacket at the seller's web site. It included the price. I am sorry that you interpreted that as my bragging to or belittling anyone, or trying to foster envy or jealousy. I try to be a generous person, helping people I know who could use my help. I would rather help them now when they need help, then leave them money in my will.
 
I merely copied and pasted the web page for the jacket at the seller's web site. It included the price. I am sorry that you interpreted that as my bragging to or belittling anyone, or trying to foster envy or jealousy. I try to be a generous person, helping people I know who could use my help. I would rather help them now when they need help, then leave them money in my will.
This has been a learning experience for me. Hopefully you too. I apologize. I'm 55 yrs old and still am deeply affected by the values my parents instilled in me as a child.
 
I always wanted one of these. Maybe it will extend my top down Corvette driving season later into Autumn, and earlier into Spring

https://www.mypilotstore.com/mypilotstore/sep/7812
I have a Schott's? leather bomber jacket made in NYC. My parents bought it for me new back in the late 1970's. It was $200 back then so probably about the same adjusted for inflation.

I stopped riding motorcycles in 1995 and it hung in the closet until I bought a new Moto Guzzi this summer. Still in excellent condition although I lost the zip out liner unfortunately. Even the metal zipper still works pretty good.
 
I always wanted one of these. Maybe it will extend my top down Corvette driving season later into Autumn, and earlier into Spring

https://www.mypilotstore.com/mypilotstore/sep/7812
I say a shave, haircut and clean-up before you wear that VERY noice jacket.

I just got a new lined Carhartt Rain defender jacket at Sierra for about $50 . I wore it when 35°F and I was sweating inside that bad boy.
 
You need an old leather aviator helmet to go with it.
Don’t forget the scarf 😷

IMG_3179.webp
 
I'd HAVE to try any garment on as I'm a "TALL". Nothing looks worse than a 'too short' jacket ON ME.
Bomber and Eisenhauer jackets start off shorter by design.
I hope the OP's fits well.

Regarding the notions expressed in this thread, specifically the shock waves caused by others' perceptions and judgements of folks' purchases:
I wish I had doped out how thin skinned, shallow and predictably jealous people can be earlier in life.
Truly, people can be so incredibly touchy. The grass is always greener on the other side.....a frailty people have capitalized on recently.
That so much of it is initiated by reactions to products, is dismaying.

I still reserve the right to mock stupid people who chronically overbuy, especially when the effects of their shattered finances slop over onto others.

OP: I'm west of Orwell....so I'll keep an eye out for you.
 
I merely copied and pasted the web page for the jacket at the seller's web site. It included the price. I am sorry that you interpreted that as my bragging to or belittling anyone, or trying to foster envy or jealousy. I try to be a generous person, helping people I know who could use my help. I would rather help them now when they need help, then leave them money in my will.
Hey you only go around once in this lifetime, and buying a quality product is well worth it. Sure you might spend a few extra bones but you know you're getting top-notch. I just spent and I'm not bragging $3300 on an e-bike! I'm cheap to a degree of value for the dollar weighs itself predominantly. And in my case as well it is a quality machine that should last well past my lifetime. And I'm going to enjoy it! Regardless of all the folks around me that tell me I'm cuckoo and those are family members. You spent how much for a ebike!. You only live once! Party on!
 
Regarding the notions expressed in this thread, specifically the shock waves caused by others' perceptions and judgements of folks' purchases:
I wish I had doped out how thin skinned, shallow and predictably jealous people can be earlier in life.
Truly, people can be so incredibly touchy. The grass is always greener on the other side.....a frailty people have capitalized on recently.
That so much of it is initiated by reactions to products, is dismaying.
Before the personal attacks get out of hand, the way my family raised me was based on a topic that is forbidden to be discussed here (the "R" word). There are lots of teachings about not boasting and keeping your good deeds secret, etc. So I will say no more. If others want to attack me based on my previous statements in this thread, go ahead. I realize some of you think I was doing personal attacking myself. I apologized for it in post 46. Let's move on.
 
Most of my other clothes were bought at clearance prices. Now that I am retired, I don't even own a suit or sports jacket.

I just funded $10,000 in 529 plans for kids of deceased friends. I recently paid off $45,000 in left over medical bills from a deceased God daughter who died of cancer at age 41. My wife died last year after a 10+ year battle with cancer. I am in retirement, can afford it, and just thought I deserved something nice for myself.

I merely copied and pasted the web page for the jacket at the seller's web site. It included the price. I am sorry that you interpreted that as my bragging to or belittling anyone, or trying to foster envy or jealousy. I try to be a generous person, helping people I know who could use my help. I would rather help them now when they need help, then leave them money in my will.
Nothing wrong with buying something you want . Your post was not a bragging post at all. You work most of your life, you want something nice, you deserve it. No explanation necessary.

It looks great, enjoy!!


EDIT; We need to see a pic of you in the corvette ( top down of course) , sporting the jacket , aviator helmet , aviation goggles and maybe a long scarf!!
 
Most of my other clothes were bought at clearance prices. Now that I am retired, I don't even own a suit or sports jacket.

I just funded $10,000 in 529 plans for kids of deceased friends. I recently paid off $45,000 in left over medical bills from a deceased God daughter who died of cancer at age 41. My wife died last year after a 10+ year battle with cancer. I am in retirement, can afford it, and just thought I deserved something nice for myself.
Doing things that make you happy and can afford is the reason we all work. Whatever those things may be in life.

Seriously belated prayers and condolences on the loss of your wife and all the suffering you both went through as well as others close to you. Huge respect to you for you to be able to and willing to help others around you. Hopefully those that are able will also come around to help and spend time with you also.

Now back to original post-
I think I'm going to need a picture with the jacket, hat and goggles sitting in the top down Corvette, maybe with snow in the background. A full out "this is me, being me, not giving a crap about your thoughts or opinions, just me living while I can"
 
I apologized for it in post 46. Let's move on.
I was commenting on the entirety of mankind....not any specific post here.

Years ago, I happened by a hat factory in Montreal and bought a beaver hat for a low, low price.
Over the years, the number of times I've heard, ~"Gee, I wish I could own a hat that nice", would astound you.
If part of being manly is hiding our emotions, isn't funny those same aspiring tough guys wear their "desire flashes" so openly?

"I think I'm going to need a picture with the jacket, hat and goggles sitting in the top down Corvette, maybe with snow in the background. A full out "this is me, being me, not giving a crap about your thoughts or opinions, just me living while I can"
^^Words to live by^^
Socks in sandals, anyone?
 
Nothing wrong with buying something you want . Your post was not a bragging post at all. You work most of your life, you want something nice, you deserve it. No explanation necessary.

It looks great, enjoy!!


EDIT; We need to see a pic of you in the corvette ( top down of course) , sporting the jacket , aviator helmet , aviation goggles and maybe a long scarf!!
The jacket arrives Dec 6. I will see what I can do when it arrives.
 
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