Not all women are this way. I don't understand the fascination with owning multiple expensive purses, shoes, and clothes either. I own about 10 pair of shoes and one purse which I spent $70 on at Kohls. When it wears out, I buy another one. It's black so it goes with everything.
In all seriousness, I think the real reason why women buy excessive amounts of clothes, shoes and purses is to compete with their friends who do the same. Unfortunately, the pressure to "fit in" and be accepted by our peers didn't end once we graduated high school and/or college. It continues into the work place and with our neighbors (keeping up with the Joneses) as well. I worked 10 years as a paralegal. I felt tremendous pressure to wear the latest new clothes and shoes with matching purses all the time. However, I didn't care what other people thought about my "style". I think you wives don't want you spending money on your cars because it leaves less money they can spend on themselves (and they may have some control issues.)
So my advice is this (to all you men who are not married yet): don't marry women who show signs they are materialistic, shallow or insecure while dating. If your girlfriend looks like she spent a million bucks on herself while you are dating, chances are, she's going to spend a million bucks on herself when she's married to you. If she is controlling your behavior, she will do the same once you are married. Marry someone who has substance on the inside, not just on the outside. Because once you strip away the fake nails, dyed/highlighted hair, fake boobs, expensive purses, shoes and clothes, you may not like the person you discover. And chances are you won't discover her until after you married her; and then, it's too late. You are screwed.
In conclusion, marry someone who is more suited to your interests and who respects them. If they don't respect your interests while you are dating, they won't respect them when you are married. I would never marry someone who told me "enjoy the toys now because once we are married, they will be gone." Sorry, but that is a huge red flag. If you do, you are in for a lifetime of pain and suffering.
Life is too short to spend it being unhappy and regretful.