Great post hunniebunnie!
you are truly right about the emotional value of a purse or lack of same.
And yes, sadly most clothers and accessories are made in China by kids who earn 50c a day - what do you expect?
I usually buy designer clothes, but always on sale

For the very reason you mention, I still have my personal fit Lewis bought in London in the 90's. I have my calfskin boots from Bruno & Joel that I bought in 1995 and I could go and on!
Every year I spend a certain amount on what is in fashion and otherwise I buy classic style outfits.
I don't use bag or purse very often, so the ones I have are also really old and designermade.
But I would be just as happy with non-designer stuff if it lasted as long
Btw I think one of the reasons my designer stuff lasts so long is that I am a jeans and t-shirt girl now, my days as a yippie are over...