How much importance do you place on brand names for clothing?

Of course, there're expensive brand names like Gucci, D&G, DKNY, Coach, LV, and BCBG and then there are the affordable brand names like Tommy Hilfiger, Aritzia, Nike, Timberland, Mexx, and Banana Republic.

Due to financial reasons, I don't bother looking at the high-end brands - besides that's not who I am. I'm disturbed to know that I do prefer buying SOME kind of brand name (no, not Zellers). But I breathe a sigh of relief by telling myself that I do for the right reasons. I go for brand names because of their quality and durability, with only secondary focus on showing off a logo or tag. Exceeding the cost threshold into the echelon of designer fashion, in my opinion, shifts the weight of reasoning further towards a glowing (figuratively) name stitched to the back of the collar and the entitlement to state "this shirt cost $250" without words.

Anyway, I'm a big fan of Nike and Mexx, mainly because I think they come out with some cool and different looks. But I only buy during sales, and then I go all out.

A quick count sees 17 Nike t-shirts, dri-fits, jackets, golf-shirts, sweaters, pants, shorts, and shoes in my wardrobe. Critize me if you want, but those poor underaged, underpaid kids in the Vietnam sure make good clothing. :)