Hello, fellow middle class Americans.

Let me fill you in on a relatively newly widespread phenomenon, known as the "bridge line". You are probably a bridge line consumer, but don't know it.

Bridge lines refer to higher end luxury items marketing to lower end consumers. We used to see "bridge departments" in high end department stores, where one could buy more trendy clothing by designers from higher end labels.

An example might be a cotton knit dress with a Dior Sport label.

At one time, this was referred to as "better sportswear", etc.

Nowadays, every high end retailer has a lower end line. The line between the average and the rich is blurred by such product lines as "Armani Exchange", "BCBG", etc. Look at the local outlet malls and their offerings, such as Hilfiger, Coach, etc.

If you have ever bought from these bridge lines, versus the "real deal", you know that the labels have been diluted. Many of the bridge line products differ from the original quality by being outsourced to China.

How many middle class American woman are sold on Coach and other purses that sell for $600 + dollars that are made in China?

These are not the same Coach purses from 15 years ago. Nor are they the same Louis Vuitton, etc. They are cheap versions, even if "genuine".

Even Tiffany has a bridge line these days. You can buy Tiffany stainless steel cutlery instead of their silver, priced within reach of most households. And, some of their hottest selling items are their sterling silver with the logo charm. One of their best selling stainless flatware lines tackily enough has their logo on the topside of the utensils. So, people are buying the cheapest stuff with the biggest logo and claiming to be Tiffany customers.

Way to go, Tiffany, Coach, and all the other labels. Way to cheapen yourselves and your brand beyond repair. You are no longer exclusive in any way. Bravo!