Friend Friday: Conspicuous Consumption

Published August 19, 2010 | By clandestinechic

1. Do you think fashion blogs are often just conspicuous consumption? Are some?

I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I didn’t think that some fashion blogs displayed great amounts of conspicuous consumption. I mean, many fashion bloggers really like to shop, right? However, I don’t judge or point fingers at anyone in how they chose to spend their own money, if they have that money to spend.

2. As bloggers do we have the obligation to explain our personal financial status, how we pay for the things we showcase, if we have debt, etc…

I personally don’t think so. I know that many other bloggers are much better off than I am and I accept that. No one has to explain where they got their money from or how they make their living, from my POV. I do wish there could be more open dialogue in the blogosphere about accruing debt for clothing and accessories, because I do feel like it’s a trap that many can fall into if not careful. My feeling is, if you go broke or into debt trying to maintain your fashion blog, then it might be best for you not to have one. It’s just not worth it.

3. Critics often say that fashion bloggers should use their money to support more worthwhile causes than clothing themselves in a different outfit daily. What’s your reaction to this? (here you can reveal charities if you’d like.)

I don’t think it’s fair to judge or determine how someone else should spend their money or tell them where and how to spend it. I do support my local Goodwill and I am seeking to support another organization in my area within the next couple of weeks, but that is because I want to. Would it be nice if fashion bloggers put the money towards an organization? Of course! It’d be great! However, it is up to said person on whether they want to do so or not.

4. Since you started blogging, do you spend more money on fashion and beauty products?

I wouldn’t necessarily say that I spend more money; but I spend my money on fashion and beauty differently. Since I’ve began blogging, I’ve bought more vintage clothing and sought out many wonderful independent designers. I’ve gone by recommendations of other bloggers and through my own research, I’ve found some great gems. I’m not so sure that I would have done so if I didn’t begin my own blog.

5. Life is about more than what money can buy. What are the things that top your list of what life is all about?

A long time ago, I came to the conclusion that I will probably never be rich or have a lot of money and I am totally fine with that. To me, life isn’t about money, material possessions or flaunting. It’s about giving back to others, experiences and happiness. For me, that’s when I know I’ll be fulfilled.

Posted in Fashion Daze, Life | Tagged fashion bloggers, Friend Frieday

Mel

Great answers. I too buy vintage more since I started my blog- I actually hadn't owned any vintage until I discovered the world of fashion blogs. No one wears vintage where I'm from so we just never talked about it. xo, mel
http://theartofaccessories.com/blog DWJ

I love that we pretty much had the same answers.
My recent post Friday’s Fabulousness Vanessa Boulton Handbags
http://www.astylizedhysteria.com a stylized hsyteria

I agree that I've been shopping differently since I started blogging. I buy more interesting things, and I have more fun shopping. It's crazy (to me) to think that fashion bloggers could be criticized for spending their money on unworthwhile things. Everyone spends at least some money on fun things- why should fashion bloggers be singled out?
My recent post Now that you know what you know
http://www.innyvinny.com Alicia

These are great answers, love. I'd also like to add that what people see on the screen doesn't necessarily reflect a person's entire life or contribution to the world Some people may be doing a lot of philanthropic activity, but choose not to talk about it. =D

And no one should have to talk about how and where they get their money. I swear, the internet is trying to destroy privacy (LOL). As a reader, you aren't really owed anything from a writer (especially on a blog). Damn what the FCC says.
WendyB

I'm just going to repeat/paraphrase what someone once left as a comment on my blog, "Get the fuck out of my wallet." Why on EARTH would it be anyone's business what I make, what I spend…anymore than it would be if some guy was writing about music or technology? And how dare anyone make judgments about what I might do philanthropy-wise based on the fact that I choose to write about other topics. I think fashion bloggers have to stop internalizing this sexist shame about what they do (see my thoughts on that here: http://wendybrandes.com/blog/2007/10/why-does-buy… ) and live their lives!
My recent post Technicolor Yawn
ClandestineChic

A lot of people that I know don't wear a vintage, either. It wasn't until I started to follow other bloggers when I found great vintage shops and sources!
ClandestineChic

Yep! Great minds think alike
ClandestineChic

I totally agree. There are many industries where you can make the same argument . And truth is, you never know where else people spend their money anyhow, so it's really hard to single out fashion bloggers.
ClandestineChic

Exactly! Not everyone on here talks about every single detail of their life, and donating time/money to charitable causes can be such a personal endeavor, people do it how they see fit.

And yes to the second point! The lines between anonymity on the internets are becoming more and more blurred.
ClandestineChic

I will be going back to read this post, but many kudos on this comment! I don't know why it would be anyone's business or why anyone really wants to know. I honestly did not know there was controversy surrounding bloggers and how much they spend. Needless to say, who knows? And who is someone else to judge?
http://deadfleurette.blogspot.com Fleurette

Fortunately, i'm one of those bloggers who dislike the vast consumption amongst fashion bloggers today. I've written some posts about it on my blog.. great post and blog anyway! Just discovered via pennerad
http://ifeluvsu.blogspot.com Miss_Ife

Great responses! and kudos to Wendy B. I feel ya! My finances are my business. Period. Irresponsible as it may be, if I wanna spend my whole check on clothes, it's my prerogative…
My recent post Friend Friday- Conspicuous Consumption
http://thebudgetsocialite.com/ The Budget Socialite

I think that it's a personal responsibility and not one to be put on bloggers.
My recent post What’s on Sample Sale 8-27

Friend Friday: Conspicuous Consumption

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