Or do they?
You remember the movie The Devil Wears Prada? It came out in 2006 and was a fun romp through the world of high fashion. With many funny scenes, it implied that wearing big name fashion was a must for the women of the day.
I’m guessing that big name fashion is still a high priority for today’s women. In today’s musings I’ll use “Prada” as shorthand for any of the big name fashion lines. So feel free to mentally substitute Louis Vuitton, Armani, Hermes, Louboutin, etc. as you read on.
Not the Devil
I don’t wear Prada, but if I were the devil, I might. It seems to me that there is a huge difference between how we CDs view high fashion and how GGs view it. For those that can afford Prada, there may be good reasons to spend the money for a quality product. A product that the GG will likely use regularly and get their money’s worth.
For those of us who are occasional CDs though, it can be hard to justify spending the money on high-end goods when you can get by just fine with more ordinary versions. Especially if you are trying to build a feminine wardrobe on a shoe string budget.
Prada on a Shoestring?
Surprisingly (at least to me) you can actually find Prada on a shoestring budget if you’re willing to shop in the used market. I’ve gone to several thrift stores and found high-end goods there, some still with the original tags.
A couple of my GG friends, Alicia and Gigi, speak highly about the Poshmark website. That led me to take a look at their website and I’m sure I’ll be buying some things from there in the future.
I’ll Be Back
I’ll be writing more Stuff, possibly while wearing Prada. As always, comments are welcome either here on the blog or by email to Jenn6nov at-sign gmail dot com. JJ is always looking for more stuff so if there is something you would like to read about please let me know!
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| Wearing Rebecca Taylor |
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| J. Conrad Frank femulating on stage in The Matinee – A Collection of Short Comedy Plays. |
JJ dear, such a pertinent topic that I think many often wonder about.
ReplyDeleteFor me, the very high end stuff like Gucci or Prada were not something I felt I needed, though I’ve gotten a lot of good but not extravagant stuff like Michael Kors or Cole Haan at good prices on E-Bay or Poshmark!
Unless I was trying to Femulate in Beverly Hills with the Kardashians, I feel anything from clothes to bags to shoes that I find at a Marshal’s or Nordstrom Rack lets me blend in with women just fine wherever I go, and I often receive compliments too.
I will say that even if your wardrobe is not right full of high end designers, adding a few nicer pieces like a bag or boots can elevate your wardrobe, and many women notice this when out and about. There are stereotypes and stigmas out there about CDs, femulators, T-Girls, etc., so having a nice bag, coat, or shoes sort of adds a legitimacy to what we do, and can add a degree of acceptance. It sort of shows we take this side of us seriously, whether that is once a month or full time, and projects that this is not a cheap thrill or what not. I would just say any “splurge” pieces should be a classic design that will not go out of style any time soon and go with a wide range of outfits and occasions.
I will caution that especially in the realm of bags, knockoffs abound! Now some knockoffs are downright fabulous and hard to tell apart, and I know many girls who do not mind a knockoff, but just something to keep in mind when shopping on-line, at a flea market, or used clothing venue, as some unscrupulous people will try to pass these off as genuine.
Norah
Thanks for the good comments Norah. You're certainly right about the knock off prada stuff. I'm torn myself about that. I like the look but don't want to support the illegal market. - JJ
DeleteLadies that enjoy a luxury item or two will no doubt enjoy investing in a quality item or two for their en femme closet. I have found many Michael Kors and designer items in the racks of thrift stores and Marshalls at bargain prices. You do have a chance to try them on which for online shoppers can be a problem. I love fashion so having quality over quantity makes sense and I believe it helps in our presentation. My mom was into fashion but I dont try to look like her style. I prefer larger handbags so you can tuck in a pair of flats.....a day at the mall in heels can be tiring at times. Hugs Brenda
DeletePoshmark????? Yup, if you happen to be a size S for clothes or a size 7 for shoes. Ain't gonna work for my body and probably not yours either JJ.
ReplyDeleteDo I wish I was tiny? Hell no.
Angel Amore
Interesting Angel. Although I've never actually bought anything from them yet, I've found many things in my, ahem, larger size. I'll have to look carefully. - JJ
DeleteHi Angel Amore -- it's hard to see, but on Poshmark, on the left-hand side there are filters for sizes, if that's something you'd want to take look at. Just a thought.
DeleteHi JJ, there are lots of fakes out there but its all a matter of budget. I love all the Chanel Freda Balmain wears and she is an expert femulator and fashionista bare none. Hugs Brenda
DeleteIt's hard to justify some of the high end stuff.. but more than Louboutin heels or the like, I'd like a nice, real leather pencil skirt. But a high quality leather can be costly, (you know the buttery soft ones I mean) so, as it is just for me, the cheaper stuff it is.
ReplyDeletePlus I don't have enough junk in the trunk to do it justice, and I'd feel bad to do it poorly.
I was over 50 and widowed when I started to build a wardrobe. Initially I was living in Asia, so bought a basic collection from Lands End with underwear from Marks and Spencer (a UK chain). My female friend was made aware of my existence and helped to select clothes. I then spent a few years in the USA, but with very little opportunity to be "me" outside.
ReplyDeleteBack in Europe, with the help of now my wife wardrobe and going out opportunities increased, we shopped in the sales and at decent second hand stores and, to my great pleasure was given things from her wardrobe .
Even now divorced (nothing to do with Lily) we are still friends and occasionally something from her closet will come my way. Shoes apart, I can easily dress (undies included) in several outfits that were hers.
Yes, it is nice to wear a label, but the most important is does the dress, skirt, top etc suit. If so for me the only importance is the source. Maybe I'm alone in this, but I really enjoy wearing clothes from women I know. Half my bras are gifts (and Ive eyes on two more that one woman friend has shown me Pity when buying second hand one will never know who was the original owner. All clothes have a story and as I change my wardrobe via a local charity store, I'd love to see something I've donated on another woman; though it would be a secret pleasure.