[the_rickster]

the problem lies deeper than other people noticing. yes, the idea behind brand names (especially those plastered all over the product) are geared towards appearance and what people think of you, read: status symbol. but lets face it... if you buy a fake, you're fooling yourself into thinking you're someone that you're clearly not.
typically, authentic designer wear is superior in quality alone, next comes trend... and 75% of the reason for its price is driven by its story of build quality and brand history (which knockoffs clearly lack)

the real benefit to buying high fashion is the experience of actually BUYING it. ever bought something from a louis vuitton boutique? it's a lot more gratifying that picking it out of a pile at a night market and passing it off as real... even if your dumb friends can't tell.

the moral of the story is self-honesty. be proud of what you have and live within your means... you'll attract the right kind of people by living an honest life. if you lose out on fucking some whore because you bought an esquire watch instead of a fucking knockoff cartier, consider yourself lucky... people who base their relationship decisions on brand names are even faker than the people wearing them.

if you can't afford it, it wasn't meant for you. deal with it.