After writing this whole post about how much I despise reverse snobbery, and yesterday I realize: wait...I do this. I think like this. I am *gasp* a reverse snob.
Is there a 12 step program?
This is what happened. My mother in law, sister in law, E and I went out to the Americana Shopping center.
Each time we went into a store, I would look around and think, we can find similar things for a fraction of the price. Why would anyone throw their money away like this? Since we were looking for a Hanukkah present for my father in law, the first two stores didn't quite impact me much. Mostly I sat on the first sat I found and fiddled with my phone.
But in Ralph Lauren the first section was for kids and E pointed out a toggle coat that looks a lot like the one he has. Why would a child need a $200 coat that they'll out grow possibly before the season is out? Why would a little boy need a cashmere sweater? In this store I scoffed and labeled it all as...yes, snobbery.
Then my loving husband, gem that he is, pointed out my hypocrisy. He pointed out that my visceral reaction to these high end stores was dismissive and though he didn't utter the words reverse snobbery (I am 9 mo pregnant, no telling what my hormonal emotions will lead me to do!), he did point out the behavior.
He showed me some little jackets and if I ignored the price, they were cute.
Not that I would spend that much for a 3 year old's jacket.
So now I'm feeling all hypocritical. On the one hand, I shouldn't be so quick to consider people who frequent these high end stores more interested in their image and the name brands they wear. On the other hand, that is my first thought. Followed closely by, Gawd I hope I am never so full of myself that I consider Ralph Lauren my go to store for clothes.
I can remember when I thought the same thing about the Gap, way back when I was a poor college student.
So I guess if there were a 12 step program, I'd first have to admit that there is something I need to deal with here. You know, like a problem. That I might have possibly been denying having.
Hmm...I don't think it's really a problem. I think most people do that... I know I kinda' do. To a point. I LOVE expensive clothes. I LOVE J.Crew and Banana Republic, and though I know they're not the most expensive, they're certainly not discount stores! And they're very expensive for me. But I save up and buy their clothes because I love them. And I even shop the sales and try to get Aislinn some Crewcuts (J. Crew's kids' store)...I'm probably already spoiling her to "expensive" clothes. Because I like them. But on the other hand, they are sturdier, shrink less often, and last longer, so there is that plus. BUT on the other hand, I think someone who spends $300 on a child's coat is a little nuts. Keep in mind, kids will wipe a runny nose with their sleeve or smear chalk all over their clothes while they're coloring on the sidewalk. Of course, if you have the money, more power to you...If I was rich, I'd probably spend it, too, but that still doesn't make it a "wise" choice. Just that if you've got the money, you can afford to waste it or splurge on things you don't need. Isn't that what rich people do? I'm not rich, and I certainly buy things I don't need and spend more for things just because they're "pretty." But my point is, I guess, it's still not a wise purchase, afford it or no. So, still stupid, but if I was rich, I'd buy stupid stuff to. :) LOL!
ReplyDeleteOh, sorry, one more thing. I used to gripe about people buying name brand shoes for their kids...then I went overseas, and that's all the BX had, and so, yep. My baby wore New Balance, Reeboks, Nike, etc. So, too, there are also differing circumstances...Hey, but at least they were discounted at the BX. :)
ReplyDeleteI think this way, too. But, also, I think "to each his own." I'm not into clothes or shoes or purses and I always wonder why people are so willing to spend small fortunes on them. The purse I carry was $5. BUT there are some things I do spend a lot of money on that I know others wouldn't understand. Like chocolate.
ReplyDeleteI think it's certainly possible to buy good-quality clothing without going completely insane. I don't think it's sane to spend $200 on a kid's coat. I would agree it to be sane to spend arount $75. The problem is that after a certain point, the clothes don't really get much get better in terms of quality. You are simply paying for a name. To me that's the point at which most people say, "whoa! Stop the bus, I'm getting off." I agree that buying quality is important, but it makes sense to buy the quality that you need, and not spend a small fortune just because it's there to be spent. Cartier, Hermes, are you listening?
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