I talk a big game about being over the shine of new shit — this anti-consumerism stance is something I struggle with as a lover of fashion and a professional working in advertising. I also talk a big game about how wasteful and unbelievably shallow the fashion industry is. But even with these valid beliefs, I'm also more and more aware of my own hypocrisy as well.
Such hypocrisy was quietly evident on my social channels and then eventually here with a couple subtly posted shots of me wearing a certain new acquisition.
I am in continuing process of eliminating about 60% of my closet to get it down to the tried-and-true basics — favoring quality clothing that's been used before over fast fashion anything — so throughout this good positive effort what on Earth compelled me to get these Gucci Princetown furry loafers?
Was it that I was just itching to buy something as a way to reward myself for making such a substantial dent in my debt repayment? Perhaps. (Side note: this is so stupid, how we got into debt in the first place, etc.)
Was it that I just wanted something cool for me that fashion people would just get? Sadly, this may be true as well.
Was it that I loved the whole Hugh Hefner, rich dude in a robe appeal of them? Oddly yes. But as a person who claims to enjoy being a tomboy, I do admit that loafers are polarizing to say the least: of the few times I've worn my Gucci Princetown ridiculous "It" shoes I was mostly met with crazy judgmental looks from the fine grounded people of the Bay Area Those looks really tested my own personal resolve to wear whatever the fuck I want without caring about what anyone had to say about it. But I did start to wonder how far that personal resolve made sense if I had to constantly remind myself of it.
It was exhausting. Also, I don't think I was fully ever on board with two things:
1. The crazy aspect of literally walking on $1000. (Typing this is painful, trust me, proving there are no bounds to my rationalization techniques in the heat of a misguided shopping moment).
2. The kangaroo fur. While I don't actively own any fur coats, I sure own a lot of leather items, so I have no real place to be an activist for PETA here. But still, something just did not feel good about some poor kangaroo way the fuck in Australia having to perish to look this questionable in the name of fashion. It just felt unnecessary. (Did you know the fur in the furry loafers is also inside the shoe? It's like an expensive UGG).
So long story short I sold my Gucci loafers.
I sold them for about 80% of what I paid, thus recouping the majority of the cost.
I bought them, received them, immediately kind of regretted them. I wore them anyway to prove to myself that I was worth it, that I do like these a lot, but in the end it was just another pricey lesson for the realistic nature of most fashion items the industry is obsessed with.