Got my username and password yesterday and already my brain is spinning in anticipation of how I will deal with my next temptation. I did survive a trip to Urban Outfitters Saturday night but I got off easy because we only had a 5 minute window before getting to a movie and I was very purposefully shopping for headphones that would both work with an iphone and fit a very tiny 4 year-old head. This mission enabled me to pass by what I’m sure was the exact item that would unify and streamline my wardrobe and possibly be on sale 2 for $20. I didn’t even look twice though due to the time constraints and quite honestly, not wanting to fall off the wagon before jumping on. But it did cross my mind that it really is pretty sick we have arrived at such a rich, industrialized place in history that someone could seriously build a modest wardrobe for probably under $100. We always complain that things are so expensive, but in a certain sense, things are also unbelievably cheap. If I were an actual journalist I could probably insert a well-researched statistic about how readily-available inexpensive items are these days (as a percentage of one’s salary) compared to back in the day when it probably cost a day or more’s wages to buy a winter coat. And hey, I got a really cute one for $10 at Forever 21… but I digress….The hidden cost of all that foreign labor abuse and pseudo world domination our country engages in (with avid participation by the fashion industry no doubt), gives me pause…and perhaps gives me a reason to stay out of places like Urban Outfitters, though — quick tip to those on the modified-accessories-are-ok version of The Diet — they have some great gloves/belts/headbands right now. Cheap too.
The Great American Apparel Dietno buying for one year
Jan 18
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Jenny, Hi and welcome. Hey I wrote something on this very topic and included an article I read recently about why bargain prices are bad for America. Check it out http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1943252,00.html. I think you need to cut and paste the url into your browser. S
I agree with you, but would recommend even expanding your outlook. Cheap clothes aren’t just bad for America, but for all of us globally. I urge you to watch “The Story Of Stuff” with Annie Leonard (http://www.storyofstuff.com/) when you have a moment and look at the impact that cheap everything has on us. The easiest for me to change has been clothing. My choosing to purchase used clothes or swap clothes rather than new I’ve been trying to cut down on my consumption patterns for over a year now. This diet is really helping to keep me on track as a reason not to purchase those cheap clothes that I keep seeing on clearance, and so far I’ve stuck to it.