CAN WE STOP WITH THE UNNECESSARY RECESSION CRITICISM?

Okay, so I'm listening to NPR's Talk of the Nation yesterday and the guest is Kelly Marages who wrote an op-ed piece in the The Washington Post this past weekend. The article was about her rejecting this whole recession chic trend since the people who have been brown-bagging it and "shopping" their closets, have been living this way long before hard times hit. And while I always appreciate a fresh perspective, I found the tone of the article to be a wee bit condescending.

The author lamented on the show, and in the article, about how the new save mentality is annoying to people who actually have to save. And in an effort of support, my fellow Atlantan, Janine, called into the show to commiserate and mockingly quipped what's the big deal about people realizing that they can wash out plastic bags and reuse them. Seriously. Do we need to belittle people because for whatever reason they're just now realizing things that some of us have known since we were kids? We're all at different levels of understanding and exposure. I know a lot about the joys of creating new looks with the clothes I already own. But there are plenty of people who are simply clueless about this notion. Should I ridicule them and taunt them for their ignorance? Of course not. It's knowledge that some people find worth paying money to get. I agree with her point regarding those who have the money to spend should spend it. If not, the economic situation will be longer and deeper. But how can anyone go spend a few bucks at the mall and participate in a lunch date if everyone else is berating them because they (gasp) have money to spend? 

I'm convinced that we're spending our days pointing out other people's transgressions with one hand and patting ourselves on our perfect little backs with the other. Wouldn't that time spent be more productive if we assessed our own financial well-being, or our job (a humph) security, or our personal relationships? The only thing you get from looking down on other's is a little haughty feeling of being right. But that doesn't pay any bills, make you a superstar at work, or make your home a happy one.

So if you feel the desire to get in on the recessionista trend or cheap chic, I say go for it. Need some motivation for shopping in your closet, check out this post I wrote last August. And don't feel bad if you're new to schlepping through sale racks and clipping store coupons. I can't be mad at anyone for snagging fabulous shoes at 70% off no matter how much money they have in their designer handbag.

Have you changed your shopping habits (i.e. started perusing consignment shops or stopped shopping all together) because of the recession?

Comments

[fembot amazon]

I totally agree with your post. Thanks for bringing this to light.

[STYLEnosh]

Thanks fembot amazon! I appreciate the high five/shout-out/amen. :)

[The August Deed Company]

It is easy,NoshBabe, to focus on a common enemy and charge that person or situation with what ails us. As a thinking person who always strives to be better,I try to share with folks when They complain about how BUSH DESTROYED LIFE that although I am a staunch Obama supporter--life can remain off kilter for you if you do not take this chance to do better about your financial decisions.The best finance person can stand a brush up every now and then. Let's all just do better. I shopped like an idiot last year and will not this year. I will do more comparison shopping in all things and save more.

[STYLEnosh]

August Deed, I like the way you put it. This time is an opportunity for all of us to take stock of how and why we spend our money. I remember I said I wasn't shopping at all last year and you see where that got me. :) So let's focus on being better ourselves and not looking for that convenient common enemy.

[Mo]

Good job of bringing to light that some folks have been recessionista's for a while, but I agree that we ar no better than those who are learning. Hey I feel like with more people stripping their closets of things that dont work, there are GREAT deals to be found on ebay (tory burch shoes for $60!) and in consigment shops which mean we all look good for less:-)

[STYLEnosh]

Exactly Mo! Everybody getting a touch of the frugal gene may yield some fab finds for all of us. Kudos to you for getting your hands on $60 Tory Burch flats! I never seem to find her stuff for under $100.

[Krizia]

Stylenosh, BRAVO for the boldness of this feature.

Listen times are hard and for a lot of people this new economy is a shock so people NEED to feel comfortable adjusting the best way they can and people like this Miss-know-it-all should shush because she has no right to make people feel bad.

I LOVE my high end brands, but feel no shame at hitting the sales rack everything I see one. I've made some of my most amazing purchases on the sales racks.

Case in point, I just returned from a business trip in Buffalo and have heard of those fabulous prices from many girl friends (I live in Canada). I hit Lord and Taylor's and found a beautiful magenta (hot pink) cardigan in merino wool from Theory that was $200, but with all the discounts ... it only cost me $35.99 ($39 with tax). I also when to another store and both a pair of shoes marked down to $29.99 that where patten leather in beige and looked EXACTLY like a pair of Christan Louboutin I had been salivating over for months, but could not justify the $795 CAD for them.

Trust me ... when I wear my new found great-deal-designer-pieces ... NO one will know I got them off the sales racks because I'll look smart and chic!

[STYLEnosh]

Thanks Krizia! I think you deserve a bravo because your comment was spot on! I love designer labels too but I love the thrill of getting them at almost free even more. Kudos to you for finding such fantastic deals!

[Renee']

I would have to agree with you and Krizia. As for how I was shopping a year ago, two years ago, etc, I have always looked for the best bargain for my buck. Even if I could afford whatever I wanted, I have always looked at fashion as fun. you can spend $2000+ on a handbag, but why? So you can tell everyone you spent a lot of money on a handbag that won't even be on trend next season? I agree with you, spend for quality basics, augment with thriftier trendy accessories, and please make sure what you wear is flattering! Thank you for your site, and keep enlightening the fashion world!