Are You a Slave to Fashion?

The Dark Side of Glamour

THERE is no doubt that following fashion can help you improve your appearance and boost your self-confidence.  The right outfit can minimize some physical flaws and even enhance your positive features.  It can also have a bearing on how you are viewed by others.  (Note: Now days, if you ask someone how you look in a certain outfit, they will lie to you to be nice. Me, I do not like liars. I always want the truth, no matter if it hurts my feelings or not, hey, I will get over it, because I did ask for the truth. I prefer that to lies and dishonesty, I don't particularly care about people's opinions of me, because all-in-all, they will think what they want anyway, and just tell me what they think I want to know.)  

But there is a dark side to the fashion world, one that cannot be ignored. Shoppers can become trapped in an endless cycle of replenishing their wardrobe. After all, the industry keeps churning out new styles.  This is no accident, for fashion houses make more money when clothes become obsolete quickly. As designer Gabrielle Chanel put it,  "fashion is made to become unfashionable."  Thus, the unwary customer might feel obligated to buy new clothes just to keep up to date.  
(That is like trying to keep up with the Joneses; Also,another example: If you have soda pop income and trying to buy caviar and champagne. If you can't afford it, don't buy it. It is not a priority. Live within your means, because if you don't you will be in the poor house for sure.)  

There is also the danger of succumbing to the subtle pressure of advertising. Fashion companies spend millions of dollars promoting their products, often portraying a  certain carefree life-style that those who wear their label supposedly enjoy. These messages can have a powerful impact (subliminal, like those self-help people try to sell you)  "Nothing is more traumatic for teenagers than not having the  'right brand of shoes," says a schoolteacher in Spain. 

Next time: Are You a Slave to Fashion? - The Dark Side of Glamour/The Lure of Fads

From the Awake! magazine