Fashion "propaganda" i've fallen for...

Almost every Tik Tok I scroll past is "propaganda I've fallen for," or "propaganda I won't fall for," etc., you get it. While I'm starting to wonder if people know the true meaning of propaganda, I'm gonna roll with it and give you my hot takes, honest opinions, and run down on the fashion "propaganda" I've fallen for and whether I'm mad about it or would recommend others to join.

One of the biggest things right now that I think many 15-25 yr olds have fallen for that I have also been victim of is the scarcity business model that focuses heavily on "drops" and items that are "limited-edition." This is when usually smaller and still privately owned businesses create a lot of buzz around a product or product line mainly through social media but don't produce enough stock to back it up... intentionally. We've all seen it, we all know the brands that do it, and while I'm not proud of it, I've fallen for it. They lure you in by promoting these super cute clothing items that are hyper trendy and since they are "drops" they have a limited quantity and you are deemed "lucky" to have just made that $300 order for the matching set you had to get at 9am EST even though the same thing will also be "dropped" in three weeks. Like I said, I've fallen for this on multiple accounts, but it still makes me angry because if your goal is to become a viral or popular brand, and you've managed to market basic factory blank lounge wear with over a normal 55% markup, then why not just back that up with enough inventory? The answer is they lose their "appeal." So while I'm mad I've fallen for it, they've gotten it to work whether I tell you to fall for it or not and I fear this business model is here to stay for a while.

Next is a fabulous heel or kitten heel with jeans. I don't know about you guys, but I turned 21 and decided that my love for heels was going to turn into a reality and simultaneously I have fallen for the simple top, everyday jean, and kitten heel look... & I'm not mad about it. I love a glamorous look and to be a little extra every once and a while but something about just throwing on a casual outfit and adding a heel is so chic to me and is 100% "propaganda," but I believe every 20 something should at least dip their toes into it. With this is also just the kitten heel epidemic in general and while I will add that somehow they are harder to walk in than a classic 3" stiletto, I'm still totally on board and have been picking up new pairs left and right.

This next one is gonna be one that I now feel very strongly about so I apologize if you feel differently but we're still going to proceed. Shein (or any uber-fast fashion). I have fallen for it, especially a few years back when everyone was making their summer shein order to get swimsuits because let's be real, swimsuits are insanely overpriced. However, I do not think Shein is the way to go. I will listen to your "but I'll only wear it once" or "but it's so cheap and I'm broke" argument, but I will not agree because while I have fallen for this uber fast fashion trap, I am no longer on board. Ethically it's wrong and we know that, but what I also want to rehash from a previous post is the sustainability factor. I myself buy things with the sole purpose of wearing it only on vacation or for an event, but if you purchase something that won't literally be falling apart at the seams, you can actually do something good with those clothing items in hopes of not contributing this this global issue of waste. I would also like to touch on the fact that I hate the whole argument that it's cheap and "accessible," because so is shopping secondhand, tjmaxx, or sale sections and those are significantly more ethically sound so I beg of you, please follow suit and no longer fall for this "propaganda."

This next one is a great one to talk about in my opinion because I actually still cannot give you a distinct answer on if I wish I hadn't succumbed to it or not. Sample sales; the worst and the best. I think they are AWESOME for when it's a brand you already love or a brand you want to try, but it's become such a big trend that i'm not sure if they are always worth the lines wrapped around the block(s). Lines and NYC are nothing new and part of living in any big city, but every time I've been to a sample sale in-person it's people with a pile of clothes over their arm that I question 1. are you even paying attention to what you're picking up off the racks and 2. it looks a little suspicious to me like some of these people just buy the whole rack of heavily discounted Missoni to resell. My problem is also when sample sales don't keep enough stock for all days. Some do, and obviously sometimes you never know how popular the sample sale will be, but it's a pet peeve of mine when a sample sale occurs for a set period of time, and they just throw all their merchandise, or GOOD merchandise out in the beginning of the week and by the time it's day 2 or 3 there's nothing left but the extreme one way or another sizes and the pieces that look like they are from 10 seasons ago. However, I think it's a great way to be able to shop your favorite brands that most likely have a high price point and it makes cool fashion brands more accessible. The other plus of sample sales from the flip side is that it also helps the brand get rid of some of their old/extra inventory, so there's me ending my own debate on a positive note.

The final one I've fallen for that I also can't decide if I would recommend or not is the micro bag. This became a huge trend ever since Jacquemus came out with their Chiquito bag and everyone had to have one. Now, they come in all different forms, and specifically speaking from a southerner's perspective, mainly as a crossbody. Visually and aesthetically I love how it looks. Something about it is so feminine in the sense of, oh yes all I have in here is my lipstick, but on the other end of the stick, there's not much you can fit in there. It's a great option as a true accessory, for when you're going out and really only need your cards and a lipstick, or to throw in a suitcase since it's an easy fit. However, I've found as a newbie to the NYC lifestyle, I prefer a more practical bag like my Longchamp to be able to throw my wallet, lip products, touch-up products, water bottle, or just having enough room available to throw my rain jacket in with this unpredictable weather right now. So while I say, yes, get that "eff you" bag, it's adorable, I would only do so if you already have a bag or two in your collection that are more practical for when you're out and about longer than a dinner and drinks with the girls.

Let me know what "propaganda" you've fallen for and whether you plan to stick with it or not!

xoxo,

Blakely