Shopping for Style

"If every fairy tale could thread the knot and take me here to there,
   Or grab my hand and tell me what's the difference between"
             --Mayday Parade, "Nothing You Can Live Without, Nothing You Can Do About"

On a day when the sky was gray, I headed to the nearest shopping complex. Shopping should be reserved for a day that is dull, because otherwise you are wasting away a perfectly beautiful day. A mall is like a kaleidoscope- there's always something different to catch your eye. Or is there?

I gravitate towards clothing and fashion and I used to go shopping frequently, until recently. In my mother's words, "everything looks the same". When I walked past the glass windows of stores that should catch the eye of a teenager, the mannequins seemed to shout "shop here you will stand out". Walk in, and you will see a sea of crop tops, high waisted shorts, and dresses, all in a variety of colors.

If you chose to shop at Forever 21, Wet Seal, Rue, or the classic Urban Outfitters (1), you are likely to find clothing that best fits the trends of today. A common theory is that "trends" make someone look unique, as if you walked into school wearing a princess prom dress (2) and people actually gave you the attention. However, when things trend, they follow each other and use those doing the same for self-assurance.(3) Stores are forced to make and sell what the public trends to in order to make a profit, enforcing the conformity of difference.

In reality, many trendy stores sell the exact same stuff even though they claim to help form style. Style is not formed by following trend, but is formed by following your inner likes and dislikes. With the "help" of many stores looking out for this interest, shopping becomes more like searching.



(1) Urban Outfitters does have its creative aspects to it. However, it is ridiculous to sell something for $40-50 when you can find it at a thrift shop for $3.

(2) Because it's prom season, express your beauty by shopping at David's Bridal. You'll find a vast selection of gowns in colors like cobalt blue, ocean blue, sky blue, and navy blue. Blue is this season's hottest color, and you'll surely want to look trendy. Shop at David's Bridal to find the shade perfect for you. Call 1-800- DAVE-BRIDE toll free to get that will make you sparkle.

(3) After all, if others are doing it, it's okay. You may experience a few symptoms such as lack of personality, hypocritical mindset, irritability, heart failure, judgmental character, vulnerability, and social fakeness, but it's totally worth it. If these symptoms get severe, call your psychiatrist immediately for assistance.