I am seriously trying to curb my spending these days as the recession has caught up with my family in full force this year. We have been so blessed for so long that I cannot even complain; our savings will tide us over for awhile. So, I haven't been browsing the Anthropologie sight too much and have avoided the store altogether. I would love to get some reviews though so I will try to venture in-store soon.
As many of you are doing, I am trying to embrace the beauty of my clothing collection and wear all the pretty things I already own. I would never do an all-out shopping ban though; I am fond of eBaying my clothing so that keeps a bit of flow to my clothes fund. However, I really need to make sure I don't reach into pocket to pay for anything.
I gotta say I am really, truly sick of this economy and how it has affected so many people I know. Living in a suburb of NYC our neighbors are heavily dependent on the financial market and we all know how greatly that has suffered over the years. A lot of people think that people who work in the financial district are fat-cats getting rich off the backs of ordinary people. Let me assure you that is not true at all; with the exception of certain executives in certain corporations, the men and women who work in the financial district are ordinary people who get paid fair living wages; they live in the same neighborhoods as teachers and postal workers and tradesmen. The bonuses you hear about them receiving every year are their pay; that is built into their salary and without it they cannot pay their bills. It really bothers me that people don't understand the reality of the Wall Street workers; they are like you and me making a normal middle class living and right now there is a lot of financial pain in my neck of the woods. So many people out of work and nowhere to find it.
My husband and I own our own company and our biggest stress is our workers; we don't have enough work for them to pay their bills and feed their families. My husband is so incredibly stressed that if we can't get them work they will starve, yet we are doing the best we can trying to hussle and bring in the work. You can only do so much and it greatly saddens me that it isn't enough.
So, there you have it, the reason I've been depressed lately. There is so much joy in my children and gathering with friends and family, but reality is hard to turn away from when it is hurting everyone around you.
After all that I feel almost silly posting an outfit picture but since this is a fashion blog, that's what's it's really about!
Top: Loosened Shelby Blouse
Skirt: Weave the Ring
Belt: Banana Republic
Shoes: Chie Mihara
I'm glad you posted this. In the world of fashion blogs, it's easy to feel like the odd-lady-out when the focus isn't exclusively on wearing pretty things. While not a feel good topic, it's one that hits close to home for a lot of people right now and makes you seem that much more real to me as a reader. So, thank you.
ReplyDeleteI like that you spoke of politics on your blog too! Dangerous waters to tread but worth discussing anyway.
DeleteDrew, I concur with Lauren's comment & appreciate your candor & bravery. This too shall pass, true the right now sucks yeah, but you & your husband are stronger & more resilient than you know. Just gotta find yourselves a football bat.
ReplyDeleteMy Dad is notorious for dolling out odd advice. Odd in that he likes to use lots of famous witty sayings & catch phrases...but rarely can he recall the exact quote & instead ends up coming up with some nugget of advice unique & all his own. The family has dubbed these quasi-accurate sayings as Dad-isms.
Anyways, one of his more infamous Dad-ism's was aimed at my 2nd oldest brother & had to do with facing seemingly unsurmountable challenges. Dad said "Say you are playing football & yet some one throws you a curve ball. What are you going to do? Well you find yourself a football bat of course".
LOL at your dad. :)
DeleteHowever, my mom was fond of this saying, "You can't squeeze blood from a turnip." I agree you have to move and change with the times but these are some oh so difficult times!
I agree wholeheartedly with your post. I am so sick of all the bashing of businesses and corporations....they are made up of mostly ordinary people trying to do the best for their families. On a lighter note....love your pattern mixing.
ReplyDeleteThank you for saying this. I think there are too many misconceptions about "BIG" business and people don't always have all the facts when they take a stance.
Deletethat's a lovely and unique combo with the whimsical and structured prints! And definitely worth celebrating the classic pieces in your closet. I think times are still tough for a lot of people and it's a terrible burden to feel responsible for the well-being of other families. I hope things turn around soon!
ReplyDelete