Image Credit: old-photos.blogspot.com
I'm sure I'm not the only one who loves going clothes shopping on a Saturday. The day is just made for shopping; it's the end of the week, and you fancy a treat as some sort of recompense for all the hours you've just spent in an office replying to emails (about products). I'll stop there, as it's beginning to sound like a complete parody of modern life...
Anyway, since deciding to start shopping ethically, I've been in a bit of a dilemma. My flatmate has an interview coming up, and wanted to go shopping for something special to wear to it. As we are neither rich, nor do we have good access to ethical SHOPS here (they're mostly online), this meant visiting some of the finest fast fashion shops on the Parisian highstreet/boulevard. The sort that change their entire stock 12+ times a year, produce tens of thousands of each piece, and appear to be gradually phasing out important quality-indicators like lining.
Whilst the magic of shopping at places like this has worn off slightly, I still love a good old window shop/trying-on session/coo at pretty things. Whilst I do worry that this is all still supporting something I don't agree with, even if just by being tracked by a customer footfall counter on the door, I fundamentally DO still enjoy looking at clothes when I put my other concerns aside.
With this 'you can look, but you can't buy' attitude, I've also started to notice things that I wouldn't normally buy, so in a sense, it's making me more fashion aware. I can't really decide if this is good or bad though!
What does everyone else think about this? I worry that if I start boycotting certain shops I'll start to feel left out of girly shopping trips, but on the other hand I don't like the idea that I'm still supporting the shops themselves.
Sadie xxx
4 comments:
The problem I have is that window shopping in shops I like (but which aren't necessarily 'ethical') leads me to want to buy things! In general though, I think window shopping is fine as it gives you ideas. And then, when you find a near-identical version of that warehouse jumper in a charity shop for a few quid you feel even more smug :)
I think window shopping like this is an excellent idea! You are probably less likely to 'slip up' ethically by not denying yourself access to the High St, as - like you say - the act of 'going shopping' is about more than just the purchasing of clothes. I really don't think you should feel a scrap of guilt on this one, you should feel immensely proud at your own willpower! :)
I quite often window shop in high street clothes shops as I think it's great for inspiration. I still find browsing charity shops/ vintage shops a lot more fun though!
Laila x
thekittenswhiskers
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