Happy Hump Day Y'all!

I'm back with my diary confessions, where I let my thoughts spill out like water from a glass.

Today I want to talk about FAST FASHION and CONSCIENTIOUS SPENDING. I was speaking to my girl @soyrosa about these really expensive shoes I want to buy, and it got me thinking about the different attitudes people have towards money.

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There is a saying in Afrikaans, goedkoop is duurkoop, which basically means, to buy cheaply, is to buy expensively - ie, if you buy cheaply, the goods will break or not last, and you will end up spending more money in the long term.

It got me thinking about fast fashion, and the whole debacle that comes with that thought process. As some one who LOVES fashion and clothing, I can tell you first hand that the thrill of something new is very exciting.

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Big clothing brands have obviously cottoned onto this - I have recently read an article on how most people would rather spend $50 on two items of clothing, instead of one item. They bank on you wanting not to spend a big chunk of your money, and the fact that most shoppers are looking for something cheaper.

Besides this terrible psychology, another effect is the quality of clothing - fast fashion. How are clothes meant to last when they are being made as cheaply as possible, from low quality materials?

If you have ever seen the documentary "The True Cost", you would have been just as horrified as I was. People in Bangladesh working for the a salary that is the price of a cheap t-shirt, in unsafe conditions. Buildings collapsing due to non maintenance, to get the cheapest t--shirt out, and many people dying. This is not okay.

When I saw that, I made up my mind to shop more conscientiously, local where ever I could, and only buy what I truly need.

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Which brings me to my point - we were discussing shoes - which I deem to be VERY expensive. My first thought was - I need a pair of boots, it is winter now. My second thought was - I cannot spend $300 on a pair of shoes. My third thought was - I could get a cheap pair for $40 at H&M. I know the cheap pair from H&M can last me one or two winters at most. These very expensive shoes will probably last for at least ten winters.

I have learnt many times over that goedkoop is indeed duurkoop, and am slowly changes my thought patterns towards shopping and clothing. I am slowly learning that less is more, and I would be happier with the better quality items, firstly for quality reasons, and secondly - to know that I am hopefully treating the environment and other fellow humans in a better and kinder way. I will admit, as a die hard fashion bitch, it is difficult to untrain your brain.

SOME TIPS FROM MY DARLING @SOYROSA, ON HOW TO STAY CONSCIENTIOUS AND SAVVY:

Few things I do to buy more consciously without breaking the bank:

✅Save quality items I want to have, often based on fabric (wool, linen, silk, expensive stuff that lasts long) in a wishlist and buying when they're on sale. Sometimes the items are sold out before the sale, but every season I can get a few quality items for 'cheaper' than if I would have bought immediately.

✅This strategy also helps prevent impulse buys: put stuff on the wishlist and check if you still want them in 20 months (like you still wanted your shoes...)

✅Buy vintage! Bought an amazing wool and leather coat two winters ago and I get compliments for everyone! Bought 80$ for it while something with these materials and quality and design would cost me 300$ at least if bought new

✅Dye clothes! A few years ago I decided to go with some colour advise and buy only black/white or earth toned clothing. That also meant some clothes didn't fit my wardrobe anymore. But then I dyed a few good items and they feel as new and fit my 'new' wardrobe immediately :D

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How Do You Feel?

Are you a conscientious spender? Do you feel forced into buying cheaper as you don't have the money to get the more expensive option? This can come down to anything really, not just clothing - food items too.

I recently had a pity party because I had to buy cheap and unhealthy salt instead of the non-iodated salt, because I didn't have any money. Poor me. I'll get over it, promise

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Dear Steem Diary, all my emotions jumbled on this here page. I'll be back next Wednesday. Love you. Bye.

Queen of All Mew Mews.

Your thoughts matter to me. I upvote each and every well thought out comment that graces my post. To encourage dialogue and interaction. 💜