The other day Pseu was pondering the Hermes pitch to 'yoof', and there were several comments around how much 'young people' (that would be younger than oneself) spend on clothing/accessories, etc.
I had only a brief window between subsisting on student earnings (I finished my undergrad degree in the middle of a recession and worked many part-time jobs before getting a decent one) and getting my first mortgage and then having Kid 1, so perhaps there was a year in which I could spend money on clothes. Even then, I wasn't extravagant, although I did have a pair of black leather pants made for me ...
So I was slightly taken aback the other day when I went shopping in Auckland for a couple of hours with my much younger cousin. Although Auckland is the back of beyond, there are some excellent NZ designers (Karen Walker, for example), and G took me to some lovely boutiques. I bought a t-shirt and a scarf. She spent five times what I did on two tops for work. They were very pretty blouses, but I was amazed at the casual way she spent a not inconsiderable amount of money.
And then I thought about it. She has no mortgage, no kids, a decent job - why not? Why not wear lovely clothes when you're young and pretty?
Gifts of the Season
4 days ago
2 comments:
My spending window was very small as well, given that we had First Daughter when I was 23, bought our first house at 24. No regrets, although I certainly experienced sharp pangs of envy along the way. And I savour the financial comfort I'm experiencing in (late) middle age, while it lasts . . . a splurge or two to make up for the early scrimping.
Yes, you did start early with the responsibilities! Likewise, I have no regrets but occasional envy. We've still got years of private high school for both, then perhaps a breather ... I do occasionally splurge - won't be any fun if I have to wait till my 60s for anything nice!
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