Recently visited the new Barney’s Co-op on Rittenhouse. It’s lovely. And every single piece in there costs more than my rent does. Which led me to ask: How do gals my age afford that swag? I know why I can’t. I’m a soon-to-be dirt poor grad student who works various low-paying but fulfilling nonprofit/teaching part-time jobs. But what is everyone else doing? You know who I’m talking about, those twenty-something chicks with the Givenchy shoes, Balenciaga handbags and those Stella McCartney dresses.
My theories?
- They’re trust fund babies whose parents have never heard the word ‘recession.’
- They take photos of the items they want and go to India where they get them tailor made for pennies on the dollar (hey that was MY idea.)
- They’re all models who are merely “borrowing” the clothes to perpetuate the notion that all girls can and should go into extreme debt for frivolity’s sake.
- Two words: sugar daddy.
- They buy the clothes, wear ‘em once and then return them.
- Designer knockoffs bought from South Street and cleverly interspersed amongst thrift store finds. (Hey, I’ve found Fendi at thrift stores before.)
- They managed to find a job that pays them enough to afford designer duds, but only that. And they’re secretly living at their parent’s house, eating tuna outta cans and taking SEPTA home.
What’s your theory?
maybe they just don’t eat.
it serves two purposes: save on food (so one can afford the clothes)…and that’s the only way to fit into the clothes.
Hmm… hard to say. I’ve wondered about that myself. Though I love and adore everything designer.. I’ve barely been able to convince myself to buy my Dooney & Bourke & Coach purses retail price. I prefer wearing items that don’t require so much commitment. Which is where Ebay comes it!
WTF. How did I not know Barney’s Co-op was opening! Of course, I can’t afford $30o t-shirts and $1,200 sequin leggings either. :+( But it’s nice to look. This is my secret: I’ll splurge on bags + shoes, but all my clothes come from thrift shops, ebay, H&M, and Forever 21!
I bet you they’re using their university loans to pay for this stuff.
Hi, what’s up, just FYI I quoted some of the stuff you said about Barney’s in something over at the PW style blog
Ebay is sounding better and better to me.
Thanks, Emily G! I regularly read your blog :)
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