There's been an onslaught of advice from different media sources on how to deal with the current financial downturn. The magazine industry in particular seem to be using the recession to their benefit by periodically focusing on ways to live luxuriously for less. They exploit terms like "recessionista" and "frugalista"to encourage readers to spend in a way that can only be described as frivolous. I've seen articles on how to "live chic for less" and "how to save and still look your best," but all they seem to be advocating are different ways to spend.
Instead of buying trendy items that come and go, buy one timeless piece! If it fits perfectly, buy a few! Yes it's expensive, but you'll have it forever! (Debt?)
How does any of this save money? They're operating under the guise of promoting fiscal responsibility, while actually pushing fashion and spending as a way to cope. The most recent issue of
Bitch put it best: "Magazines like
Vogue, are able to acknowledge the economic climate while putting a contemporary spin (recession chic) on an old standby (selling clothes)."
Being financially savvy is extremely important, and I'm not completely discounting these magazines efforts (especially when they focus on career building advice, nest egg savings, DIY, financial assistance for school,etc). But unfortunately, most of their advice is geared towards spending. Being a recessionista is about sacrificing certain things, not splurging. No one is saving money by paying 500 dollars for a pair of shoes instead of 800. At the end of the day that's still 500 dollars less in the bank. It may be better than spending the 800, but there's nothing smart about it (particularly in these uncertain times).
The economy is still in a deep recession. And these magazines encourage women to live in a dream world. I certainly can't find another explanation for the faux advice being offered. Maybe I'm too cut and dry about the whole thing, but for me it comes down to this: you either have the money, or you don't. And if you're toeing the line, then you should probably just keep that money tucked away at the bank and "shop your closet" (ha).
What do you think of this trend? Do you find the advice useful?
Comments (20)
I feel the same way. I already have some timeless things in my closet prior to the recession, so my closet it is! I don't care what's the popular trend, I'm saving my money for school, food, and other necessity things. I don't have to spend money to be fashionable.
@BicycleInAutumn@xanga - "I don't have to spend money to be fashionable". I love this attitude! It's all about how you put your outfit together and the confidence with which you wear it :)
I only spend if I love or need the piece. Otherwise, no need. I also like altering the clothes I already have.
I buy what I want, I work hard for my money and if I want to splurge I do.
But I think this is sound advice if your looking to save.
love your advice! good job!
... really you should spend more
to stimulate economic growth
to create derived demand for labour
hence consumption has a multiplied effect on the economy
and creates further economic growth
to pul your economy out of a recession
take it from Australians
x
I mostly buy things on sale. It's good to buy pieces that can go with anything. Accessorizing is the key to making an outfit :)
Love this article - it's one of the smartest ones I've seen here. Lots of people fake it - whether it's with money or with their looks (flaunting big boobs when you don't even have it).
I have to agree with yukarimayhem@xanga. If any of you have taken an Econ course, you'll know that consumption stimulates economies and saving inhibits them. Though saving might make you feel better about your finances personally, refraining from spending actually contributes to the recession. By spending more you are actually helping to revive the economy -- it's not just a ploy by hungry fashion designers. True recessionistas spend wisely, but still aren't afraid to spend.
I think encouraging people NOT to spend during a recession is the worst advice ever.
Take an economics class.
@ShimmerBodyCream@xanga - Agreed. If we all stop spending, we are all screwed.
People should really learn about the economy before giving out financial advice...
@yukarimayhem@xanga - agreed.
@ShimmerBodyCream@xanga - My point was: if you can afford to spend, spend. But if times are tough, you should never be skipping meals to afford a "timeless" piece such as a nice watch.
I'm a college graduate, of course I've taken an economics class.
As a girl who is trying to claw her way out of loan AND credit card debt from college, but who also still enjoys reading her fashion magazines, I find the marketing of these magazines to still be a little ridiculous. When I got to college and had financial freedom for the first time in my life, I went crazy. I wish it hadn't of taken me so long to learn my lesson and I still fall off the shopaholics wagon sometimes. But when I read the advice of how to save money on clothes/makeup/shoes/etc. I find it hard to believe that anyone can still afford $56 eyeshadow and $200 shoes. Even in my shopaholic times I never spent $200 on one single item. Yes, these magazines may be trying to "help", but what it's really doing is making me realize that I still don't have a lot of money if this is what they consider a bargain.
@Rissa@xanga - You're right in saying that in order to get out of this economic mess people need to spend. But these magazines don't address the fact that many people have lost their jobs and simply cannot afford to spend money they don't have. Instead of encouraging women to spend wisely, they're pushing disproportionate spending habits that may have led to a recession in the fist place---they're just calling it being a "recessionista."
There are lots of factors that contributte to a recession, but one of the largest is people spending beyond their means and buying mostly on credit. There's also those eight years of Bush to consider (particularly the last two)m the unemployment rate, credit markets have contracted (samll businesses can't expand/hire), the trillions the U.S owes worldwide, etc.etc. ..It doesn't take an advanced degree in economics to understand this.
@looloo11268@xanga - excatly! good luck!
How many of "us girls", aged 16-30 have ACTUALLY been affected by the recession anyhow? (In Canada at least) I'm a starving student, so recession or no recession, I always have to save my money.
@yukarimayhem@xanga - i agree!
I love what you said,definetly true.
My friends and I have taken it one step further; we come together with our closet contents, and collaborate on outfits with and for each other. One unflattering top, to me, is ideal for another friend; her high-waisted jeans are ideal for another girl, whose black button-up is just perfect for me. My tower-earrings just get in the way for me at work, but are perfect for this outfit another friend wants to borrow from a third member of our group - so we swipe, swap, and loan - or "shop each other's wardrobe".
Sales/clearances are an absolute, but so are the two sewing machines and the one skilled seamstress in the group.
Buying a cute jacket made of flimsy material is a waste, compared to spending just a little bit more for a blazer made of sturdier materials, then fitted by our seamstress.
Our resident fashionista has all the best magazines to browse for looks, and I've a good eye for coordinating textures, patterns, layers and ensembles.
It's a team thing.
uhhh yes? hello. gah.