Fashion: The Perverse Effects Of The Economic Meltdown

   

From left to right: Platform sandal by John Galliano; Bag by Hogan; Fringed shoe/boot by Christian Louboutin. All photos by Denko Ivanisevic, courtesy of Style.com.

I'm normally a fairly deliberate shopper. I'm also fairly methodical in my approach: Each season, I review the collections of my favorite designers, draw up a wish list, assess my existing wardrobe to see how new pieces will potentially complement what I already have and then revise my wish list accordingly. I then scratch those items that seem repetitive or too trendy and I'm left with a reasonable list which usually comes within my budget (most of the time). All in all, it's a method that serves me well. This is not to say that I don't succumb occasionally to impulse buys (my weaknesses are shoes and belts) but even then, they tend to be pretty successful additions to my wardrobe. So, on the whole, I consider myself a pretty disciplined shopper.

One would think that the habits described above would serve me well in tough economic times. Yet, all this chatter about job losses, global recessions and overall misery actually makes me want to shop more than ever. I even find myself experiencing a weird sense of deprivation and overall dissatisfaction for not shopping. There's no rational basis for this - I've already purchased those elements of the Fall/Winter 2008 collections I had earmarked including a few pieces for the usual round of holiday parties. More interestingly, I've noticed that this strange elusive feeling occurs in relation to items I would not be caught dead wearing - in other words, stuff I would never even consider buying in the first place. How strange is that? I could understand a feeling like this if I desperately wanted or needed an item I couldn't afford to buy. But this is not the case. The only plausible explanation I can offer is that it's 'misery by association' or an acute sense of empathy for those who are being squeezed. Are you feeling it too? Of course, this could also be the first sign of early onset senility.

Sincerely,

The Luxe Chronicles

Comments

[Helene]

My head hears you loud and clear Dr. P&C. My heart will need a bit more work.

Helene

[Ms. P&C]

Nothing perverse about it really, La Luxe! Take it from Dr. P&C...

It's a known fact that shopping raises our endorphin levels - something about the thrill of victory and all that. It's like peacocks fanning out their feathers...we do it because we know we look good!

Don't beat yourself up, we all do it! It's just a matter of balance and moderation. Do not buy things you wouldn't normally wear - that's the only part of this post that gives me concern. Stick to your Pierre Hardy, Lou-Boo, and Darling Monsieur Mouret. If need be, mix it up with some hot Commes de Garcons for H&M, but... only if you really HAVE to!

Don't lose your mind! Just gear it toward a more tailored price point...