I just finished reading Overdressed: The SHOCKINGLY High Cost of Cheap Fashion. I added the all-caps to SHOCKINGLY because I feel that most uses of the word SHOCKINGLY require a (tongue-in-cheek) all-caps. Though it may not seem like it based on some of my habits, I am already converted to the author's point of view: that we should buy well-made stuff and much less of it, and make what we can. And basically stay out of places like Forever 21, H&M, Uniqlo, and Target.
I was drawn to the argument in part because of my current interest in the Real Food movement and Michael Pollan ("Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants"). I am always a little late to these parties. Anyway, I definitely am good with the "much less of it" part of the fashion book, but I am so reluctant to pull the trigger on big purchases even though I know it's supposed to pay off later. It's ingrained in me NOT to spend money on things like shoes. By the same token, I am biologically attracted to synthetic fabrics that fray and pill. These (above) are my beloved plastic Target sandals that have just about bitten the dust. These lasted me exactly one summer of almost-daily wear. Maybe if they had been worth more than $12 they would have lasted longer. Or is it just a function of sandals? I don't know. My Saltwaters have seen more use but are in perfect shape. I could also try to find well-made shoes at a thrift store or on Ebay. I'm a teeny bit skeezed out by used shoes, however; plus that is a lot of work.
All I know is, every time I make a serious vow to "use it up, wear it out, make it do or go without" (I have made this vow a handful of times in my married life with moderate success for a few months each time), after X amount of days or weeks I go to pick something up at Target like toothpaste, and an hour after that, I go home at least $50 poorer and with some crummy article of clothing that will pill after one wash and a plastic tchotchke that looks cheap after a week of hanging on my wall. Let's not forget the various prettily packaged cleaning products, hair products, or paper products that beguile me. All so good for the planet. It's OK as long as they're labeled "organic"--right?
Actually I am much less concerned about my carbon footprint or outsourced manufacturing than I am about what my spending habits mean for me and my family. Not only do I want to cut back on spending, I also don't want my kids to grow up thinking everything is disposable or that junk is OK as long as it's cheap. I'm getting better though. Yesterday I returned 2 (unnecessary) Target purchases, then took a direct U-turn from the customer service desk back to the parking lot. Didn't even side-eye the $1 aisle. This time I left $50 richer and with no junk. And NO Pizza Hut personal pizzas, to my kids' resounding defeat and chagrin. Then we had vegetables for dinner. Well, I did anyway. Baby steps.
4 comments:
This is tough for me too. I hate spending like $60.00 on jeans or $30.00 on a shirt at a place like Nordstroms but when you look at the big picture they last for years as oppose to spending half as much but only lasting a few months. I need to work on this.
I love this idea. My problem is finding things that are truly higher quality. I keep finding that high quality stores are cheaping up their brands. I was so frustrated to find a shirt in Forever21 that I had recently purchased for twice as much in Nordstrom. Just because you spend more on it doesn't always mean it's better quality.
Such a good point Susan and that is part of the concept as well - paying attention to the fabric and construction of something and not just the price tag. That said, there's also the question of things like leggings, for example. I don't feel morally obligated to spend more on something like that and it wouldn't necessarily make financial sense either.
there's a whole thing in the book on luxury or high-end goods being not so luxurious. Not to mention that most big brand name stores including Nordstrom have gotten their hands a little dirty and many continue to, for instance using deceptive "made in the usa" labels for sweatshop products made in u.s. territories.
I believe in understanding that you get what you pay for - and I always buy high-priced shoes - the other kind just hurt my feet too much - but what about the classic, well-made, attractive clothing items that cost more - and then you get tired of them?? I get lots of my clothes at consignment shops - but have never tried to take my unwanted high-quality clothes there too. Maybe that should be a New Year's resolution!!
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