Welcome to the Good Life!
Over the past few years, social media has become a game changer. Its created jobs that did not exist even ten years ago, helped people connect who may not have had access to each other, and became a major catalyst for our cultural need to document everything. But what exactly are we documenting? – The life we live or the life we want people to think we live? All too often, I see people around me going into debt trying to rock the same fashion piece that they saw on one of the Kardashians. I asked this question a few months ago and I will ask it again, whose lifestyle are you funding? They can afford it, can you?
Fashion writer, Suzy Menkes called 2009 the “end of the statement bag” in a blurb for the 2009 autumn edition of H&M Magazine. She adds, “Insane shoes that mangle your feet, laughably expensive bags that no-one can afford; who can afford such extravagances in times of [financial] crisis?” If 2009 was the end of the expensive statement bag, then this must be the year of the appearance of luxury, where people are funding a fake life with real money. The reality is, even four years after the “fall of the statement bag”, we are still in a financial crisis.
Don’t get me wrong, I love fashion and will spend money when I have it, but I refuse to waste money staging a lifestyle for the world to see. I’m am not one of those people who are offended by the finer things in life, rather I feel sorry for those who mishandle their responsibilities in hopes of material possessions. This is not just a twenty-something problem either, as I witness people of all ages spending in excess to portray the good life…and for what? Public validation? Likes from Facebook, Twitter, and most notoriously Instagram from people you don’t even know in real life? Be yourself, rock what you love, but don’t go into debt doing so. Trust me, none of the people who “liked” your photo of those oh-so-fly out of your budget shoes, will help you save for that house you have on your vision board.
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Reblogged this on “Belle Boulevard”:
This is a really great reminder about the value of what we spend our money on and it’s good to really think about whose lifestyle you’re funding and why you spend money on the things you do! I definitely need this reality check sometimes.
You hit the nail right on the head with this one! I giggle when I see chicks on social media sites rocking designer duds in bargain basement backgrounds. I’m not knocking anyone for splurging when they could be saving because the reality is those ends are coming out of their checking account & not mine. *shrugs*
But as a reformed shopaholic I challenge myself to keep my spending habits in check. I make a list of items that I need, want & love; when I’m out shopping & something catches my eye, I’ll check my list before I buy anything to hold myself accountable. If it’s not on the list, it stays on the rack!
Besides, it’s easy to be fly on a dime when you have a sense of your own personal style. Personally, I try not to buy any piece of clothing that I can’t see myself rocking at least three different ways.
I think women who feel pressure spend lavishly in order to dress like their favorite celebs just haven’t found their knack. It certainly takes more effort to be stylish & rock affordable clothes. But for some, the cost to fit in is less than the courage it takes to stand out!
Great post! 🙂
I had to literally L.O.L. when I stumbled across your post on BLM! This past December I over extended myself and was not able to past “go” or collect $200 at the beginning of the year. I never cared about crazy expensive bags or shoes, but I love to take trips. Over. Did. It. Any who, you’re absolutely correct. Love this post! #blmlove Andrea @ http://www.be-quoted.com I’m going to look out for you on Twitter.
Thanks Andrea for the #blmlove.
Amen!!! Yes people are going broke and using social media as a “fake it till you make it” tool to showcase their materialism. It’s a shame actually but I love this post! Your blog is cute too I added you to my BlogLovin!
With love from a fellow BLMGirl
-Kiwi
http://www.kiwithebeauty.com
Thanks Kiwi. I actually check out your site pretty often. It’s great! #blmlove