To Brand or not to Brand?
Posted on 08. Aug, 2009 by Jodie in Fashion, Life and Style
Written by Jodie Ann-Dixon
‘Shop until you drop,’ a phrase, which we are all familiar with. Shopping has now become a fundamental part of everyday life.
Subsequently, after watching the film, Sex and the City, it suddenly dawned on me that we are living in a society pervaded with consumers with an insatiable appetite for designer labels. It is noted, that on different occasions that we have been struck with the sudden need to mirror the lives of the rich and famous. It is as if the looming credit crunch is not enough to deter you from spending your last penny on the new ‘it’ Channel bag or the very latest Christian Louboutins heels. As Carrie states: “there are two things that people come to New York for, love and labels. ‘Labels’ being the qualifying word, it is not only a pandemic in New York, but in fact an epidemic around the world. The epidemic in question has reached the shores of England.
As the average individual knows, it is difficult enough to live within your means and not exceed it. However, problem lies in the fact that you are probably willing to give your last penny to a designer label instead of a savings account. Recent research publicised that borrowing in the UK is almost average with western European countries. Imagine, one countries borrowing in comparison to so many. That in itself says it all. The growing trend of borrowing is a serious quandary and one that affects each one of us. The obstacle is there for you to overcome but the choice lies with you and no one else.
You feel insecure because you are not wearing the latest fashion trend. Bullied by peers based on perception as a non-conformist or even, to numb the feeling of not being ‘someone’. Rather than feel like an outcast for not having the latest, you reach for the credit card as if it is second nature to you. Affluenza, the ‘disease in question is affecting a numerous amount of people, so much that books were written to address the new psychological disorder. It is psychological because, you make that choice, you think whether to buy the items and in the end it starts to affect your health because you are in so much debt, you are unable to cope due to stress of it all.
Living in a society heavily reliant on self-image is damaging enough as it is. Insecurities get out of control and you find that you are more incline to spend more time at the make-up counter and in the mirror to perfect the image, you think is expected of you. Even more so, if you are willing to buy ‘anything’ to fill that void within yourself and make you feel better. Fashion is always changing, and there is no unwritten rule, stating following each trend is mandatory. Instead, take strides to incorporate your own twist with your style resulting in being different from everyone following the latest trend. It simple decision, or even a simple question to ask yourself, do I really need it? It works like a charm every time.
References:
Sources: http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/09_03/sexthecity1SPLASH_468×530.jpg
http://anmblog.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/02/20/selfridges.jpg
