Retail Crush, January 19th

I wish I didn’t want what I want but alas I do. I have that annoying knack of usually picking out the most expensive item in any store. (I know, it’s a gift. And a curse.) This is my retail reality. What can I say. The heart wants what the heart wants. When you think about it, is shopping really so different than dating?

Consider this… There is usually serious eye contact. Your heart might skip a beat. You wonder if you’re developing a crush during your initial approach. There is a slow caress. An audible exhale. You might look both ways to see if anyone else is interested. (It’s always wise to size up the competition.)

Then an actual pick up occurs. An immediate spark ignites. You might be breathing heavily as you scan the area desperate for some privacy. You see the dimly lit dressing room and it will have to do. You rip your clothes off and try her on. There is lip biting. Posing. Possibly a discreet photo or two are taken. And then you seriously question whether you can see a future together even though you’ve just met. You debate. Maybe call a friend to discuss? There was drama at hello and instant chemistry, you say.

And then at last the magic happens and the angels sing! You decide to go home together. You approach the register feeling possessive and victorious. You slink toward the exit… but that sly smile gives you away.

Moving away from the true in store experience where you know immediately if you’re getting lucky, let’s dive into online shopping where the odds are not as good. It almost feels like you’re swiping for clothes, no? There seems to be so much pressure to buy these days. When you visit a website and view an item, the store’s high tech, smarty pants software is designed for maximum stalking. Who ever thought cookies would be considered a bad thing!? But we all leave a sweet breadcrumb trail of our needs, wants, and retail desires so that stores can note our weaknesses and can strategically target our stylish vulnerabilities.

I was oogling a handbag online recently that I didn’t buy. The site sent me no less than three follow up emails trying to convince me that I needed the bag. I got a “Did you forget something, Jen?” Then the “You deserve it!” email. Can you believe? When that didn’t work they tried the scarcity mentality on me with “Your selection is selling out!” Damn they go hard. You’d be proud of me because I didn’t cave. And the item isn’t even waiting in my cart, but it is top of mind. Why do the things I want cost so damn much??

I find that I do screenshot a bunch of interesting things and these items vary greatly in price. I might love a $2 pair of cute flip flops from Old Navy AND concurrently covet a $400,000 gently used Hermès Birkin Himilaya 25. Obviously the heavy hitters are just eye candy since I don’t have a cool half mil waiting in the wings to blow on a purse. But if I did, I wouldn’t anyway despite being helplessly, hopelessly deeply in love. And I know we can’t always get what we want, even if other people openly flaunt our wishlist on the streets and in magazines.

But that’s the scary part. You see so many celebrities carrying multiple bags of that caliber and price. It’s equivalent to wearing a Lambo on the crook of your arm. They should have to obtain a carry permit for those bags. And then you watch a $15,000 bag hit the resale market and think it’s a bargain. Well it IS, comparatively. Anyway my justification is that it’s more like a cute car for the people Honda on your arm and way more my speed. (Wink) This all has to do with prestige pricing and the Veblen Effect. Let me explain…

According to AI, “The Veblen Effect is a microeconomic concept describing a situation where a product’s demand increases as its price rises, a phenomenon driven by the desire to signal wealth and social status through conspicuous consumption. Named after social critic Thorstein Veblen, it contradicts the standard law of demand and is characteristic of “Veblen goods,” which are considered luxury items like high-end designer clothing, art, and exclusive cars, where high prices enhance their desirability.” Get it?

I’ve also read about those who buy for emotional triggers. (ME!) Splurging on a “gold dusted croissant feels indulgent, memorable and celebratory. Luxury food anchors memories– anniversaries, or once in a lifetime visits.” These are words of affirmation for me! They are speaking my love language.

And this is a concept I fall hard for. So with all my wanderlust, I go gaga for an indulgent away game. Also, when I’m circumnavigating the globe I tend to have an inflated opinion of myself– that gal can eat whatever she wants and not gain an ounce, and she’s way more glam, wealthy and confident than the real me. And it’s sort of fun to play into this dress up version of myself. (That is until the bill comes.) But in my defense, I can barely control myself. Maybe shopping is actually addicted to me!