A typical Long Island girl with a passion for beauty, fashion, and “chic” ness… can rationalize myself into buying almost anything and everything I think is pretty.
Since I was in elementary school, I was pushed by my friends to be part of the crowd. Some friends, right? It wasn’t their fault either. Growing up on the north shore of Long Island makes for some interesting stories. Every year, there was a trend to follow. You didn’t want to follow it? Forget about your friends.
Coach, Longchamp, Vera Bradley, Michael Kors, Louis Vuitton…I could go on. Every year, the coolest girl in the grade had the trend starter. Every year, mothers and fathers of each girl in my grade thought the same thing, “My child needs this…” Not my mom, I’ll assure you that. In a way, I thank her. I thank her for not giving into peer pressure…because when I was able to afford it, I did. I’ve regretted it ever since.
The name on my bag or shoes is A NAME. The girl next to me on the train is wearing the same color shoes as mine, except mine cost more. What’s the point? To some, a name on a bag or shoe IS who they are. These sad individuals define who they are by what name is on the product. Wearing GAP underwear? AS IF. “All the girls are wearing Victoria’s Secret mommy!” I would whine. I could still hear my 7th grade voice whining as we went bra shopping for the first time.
Yup, giving my mother a high-five the next time I see her…because she didn’t give in. Although my own mom fought against the newest trends, I was a victim of “the grass is ALWAYS greener on the other side.” My friends wore Juicy couture, Ralph Lauren, and Baby G watches. What was on my Christmas list that holiday? Juicy couture, Ralph Lauren and a Baby G watch. My mom sure didn’t like giving in, but she and my dad loved me enough to see it was important to me.
Getting my first job was toxic. I spent my first big paycheck on a designer bag. I was proud of myself. I created a monster. I worked hard, but bought harder.
I became a make-up snob, never wearing make-up from any drug store. I was brand loyal, to Essie nail polish. There was never a week I didn’t watch a beauty guru on YouTube, and by at least 2 things he or she suggested for the look. I was every advertiser’s dream consumer.
I’m making a stand, putting down the debit card, and budgeting myself. Care to watch?
Don’t be fooled by my shallow exterior, I’m a product of my environment.
katemcgate.com 
nice post! good for you for trying to get beyond the superficiality of the fashion industry… it’s tough!
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