: The things that women collect--manolo blahnk
: shoes, say--have virtually no resale value
: at all.
: First, off, I realize that this is a broad
: generalization, with plenty of exceptions.
: And second, I'd say that sexism is at the
: root of it.
To further your argument from the female perspective, I think it depends on what you do with the item and what it is, rather than whether or not it is gender-related. Everyone knows that not all cars, watches and collectors items appreciate. Only certain rare, unique and well made items will appreciate.
Shoes are a bad example since they are useable item with limited life, whereas a well-kept fur coat will appreciate in value over time. High-end watches are like fine women's jewelry. Collecting is a weird business. Even a well-kept and boxed vintage Barbie doll will fetch a ridiculous sum with the right collectors bidding. Mainly because of the rarity of a mint toy and the enjoyment of the nostalgia it brings to the collector. Of course, I beat the life out of all of my toys...sadly! I wish my mom never let me play with my Chitty-Chitty Bang-Bang collectors car! I saw a mint one go for over $400 on the 'bay. Sigh.
One thing I do find a bit ironic; if you "restore" a vintage watch, its value supposedly declines whereas if you restore a vintage car, it actually (when done right) will increase its value. There are plenty of Barrett-Jackson examples to prove that.