girl-ish
By Elizabeth Giaritelli Our culture is obsessed with shopping to the extent that retail clothing stores in the United States take in more than $150 billion annually. Consumers like myself enjoy indulging themselves in the “necessary evil” of shopping, especially if it entails finding a great deal, like a $7 top at H&M or $15 jeans at Forever 21. But is it possible that we are letting retailers manipulate our spending? More importantly, are we on the winning or losing end as the purchasers of cheap clothing? In 2013, I earned a bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising on top of several years of experience with reputable retailers. I gained a new perspective on the consumer-retailer relationship and want to share that knowledge now to help others. My mission is to make you think twice about both the product and the company when you are shopping because, at the end of the day, my heart lies with people and not products. One of the most empowering tools a consumer holds is his or her ability to identify timeless pieces that are worth investing in. As I dive into a condensed list of just five items that I believe are worth investing in, keep in mind that style is of course contingent upon where you live. If you live in Seattle, then it's probably advised a raincoat be on your list. Chicago? Hand me those stilettos and blazers– stat. I chose pieces that should be incorporated into your life regardless of where you live, but always remember to leave room for alteration and creativity!
In coming articles, I plan to teach you about the very important–yet overlooked– role that fiber content plays in a garment. Then I will help you recognize fast-fashion retailers that offer inexpensive clothing at a disposable cost. This may come at the cost of a garment’s short lifespan or even the disposable rights of those who are assembling those products. This brings me to my next point which will address the questionable manufacturing practices and procedures of some of the most popular retailers in the marketplace. Finally, I will highlight a small handful of successful companies– on both a large and startup scale that focus on green initiatives and giving back programs. Supporting brands that stand for something more than making a profitable turnover on their product is what we should ultimately strive for. A company’s secondary mission can take many different forms. It doesn’t matter how you identify yourself as a shopper. Whether you’re a high-end buyer or a bargain hunter, it is worth taking the time to educate yourself. The truth is, even if you do not care about the direct impact of your decisions as a consumer, how you spend your money indirectly affects the world. By swiping your card to pay for a garment, you may be incidentally supporting those who are enslaved in unfair labor practices or a facility that dumps harmful chemicals into our rivers. I hope to empower you through my upcoming series of articles so that you understand the effects of your purchases in your own life and the world at large.
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