Why we buy, today - Excused?

Hey Internet!

An explanation is in order for my severe lack of posting. After the devastating triple whami earthquake/tsunami/nuclear disaster (which is still is going on, so if you haven't please give to the Red Cross) hit my beloved Japan; I have struggled to understand what an earth I am doing on this planet. With unrest in the Middle East and North Africa as well, fashion has seemed even more ridiculous and facetious then usual. So with all of this, I decided that I need to be in a place where I can really be challenged in a thoughtful way. I believe that design should be a contemplative response to the outside world and right now I just want to curl up in a ball. But with trying to catch up with the work I missed during those dark weeks where I couldn't deal with FIT and trying to figure out my next educational move, my blog has been really neglected. Ironically the thing I have most wanted to do was write, as it always has helped centering me in the past. Paradoxically, writing only makes me feel more stressed and guilty for spending time on this very personal project. Just as I found myself writing the first part of this series, I am on a train again. This time to visit my beloved Autumn and fellow Issey-freak who now lives in upstate New York. So with that (now long explanation) out of the way, let us continue the discussion.

Firstly let me express my gratitude that my first post had such a good response especially to Joy who wrote a lovely post on her blog (which you should all check out here). Although I must say some of the comments should be posts unto themselves (ahem Raj :) ). It's really wonderful what blogging can be and how it can bring about discussion and creative thinking.

Today I wanted to talk about why I continue to buy, how I do it and my buying philosophy. If I had a vice, fashion would it be, no scratch that reading blogs would be it... When I first started earning my own money I bought plenty of unnecessary clothing that I have since donated or given to Beacons. It was also a growth period for me as to how I wanted to present myself. I have since (I believe) grown up and learned . Is it even possible to buy without ever making mistakes? I don't think so, but it is possible to train oneself to be a better buyer. Yes we all get sick of hearing and reading magazines/blog telling us to all buy less but better (whilst hammering products down our throats!). It is a philosophy, however, that I agree with. This year in particular I have really slowed down on my buying. I find myself constantly withholding my urge to buy (and it is an urge isn't it?) and instead: waiting out until I hear a certain sale is happening and that is when I put the money I've saved by not spending frivolously and lay down some coin. I am not really in a money bracket that can afford to pay retail prices, and I thank my lucky stars every time I have access to a sample sale or one of my favourite thrift/vintage stores.

But why do I specifically, buy? Maybe it's the collector inside of me and maybe I sound like an idiot, but I really do believe that items of clothing are like paintbrushes, each new piece providing me with a new tool to express myself. Expressing what exactly? I don't know... Freedom perhaps? But if it takes a material item for me to express a thought, maybe there is something inherently wrong with that... When I think about it I find good design doesn't just cheer me up when I'm down, it entertains me and lifts my spirits. I don't find joy in the act of buying but there is in wearing. Retail therapy is a load of marketing bullshit. The act of buying should be good. BUT that is nothing more then a memory and the item you buy, should be lasting. I don't dress for anyone but myself. The things I wear, I wear because they remind me that someone is sitting somewhere designing/making things with terrific ideas and when I feel trapped my clothing can free me and take me away. In this respect, buying less but better, means you will have a closet full of substance rather then piles of "cute" jeans. As I said in the previous article, we ARE responsible for the world we live in and we need to grow the fuck up, see through all this glossy marketing and realize our quality of life doesn't depend on quick spending. I am not saying we all should stop buying, but we do need to start practicing a form of conscious consumerism. This is just as much for the consumer as the producer who ends up with huge amounts of merchandise being unsold and ending up in the bone-yards of Gilt, Century 21 etc... This in turn devalues both the product and the brand. At this point, the average consumer can't be blamed for thinking that buying a brand new shirt for $20 at H&M is ethical.

I like the idea that Steve has highlighted in his series of collections posts. It highlights people who really think how an item is going to sit, within their respective closets. Steve's collection of shoes and how he decided to "refine, edit, purchase and lay the foundations of a shoe collection fit for my tastes of today, and hopefully tomorrow" is incredibly admirable. I type this and look around at the literal piles of footwear I have accumulated over the years (shoedrobe clean out day is scheduled). Whilst I have continually edited my closet, the shoes have never been subjected to this. The dud shoes almost entirely purchased without much thought while the shoes I rely on were never purchased on a whim. Says something doesn't it?

A quick last note. We as consumers are a powerful bunch and we need to vote with our dollars. Support the companies and individuals that you connect with aesthetically and politically. I don't consider it more work to do this; Rather, by putting more effort into buying better, you end up with a more rewarding product and a happier wardrobe. Check out Raj's post on the IOU project and watch the video below to get an idea about it. Looking forward to seeing more from this initiative...

Excuse me while I get off my high, high horse, it's a long way down...

thoughts?