By: Amelia-Rose Williams
Fashion is art, confidence, beauty, & expression, all in one. Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve loved fashion. The way beautiful, tall, sculpted women made the clothing come to life. The way a crowd of people could be moved from a simple show. Since I was 5 years old, fashion was everything I had when I had nothing. The first ever occupation I imagined myself having was a fashion designer.
Although my sketches left a lot to be desired, I realized quickly that for that dream to come to life, I had to make sure my vision was legible enough for someone to understand. I got into sewing at a young age and decided to pursue it as more of an occasional hobby rather than a career. However, you don’t choose the fashionista lifestyle; the fashionista lifestyle chooses you!
I found “Confessions Of A Shopaholic” last week on Netflix while I was hanging out with my boyfriend. It was right before Thanksgiving break, and since we always watch shows together while we eat food, I thought why not? The movie stars Isla Fisher, who plays Rebecca Bloomwood, a shopping addicted fiend, who loves to abuse the credit card that she knows can’t take another swipe.
Rebecca comes from a frugal family, which is the main point of contention for her addiction. She found enjoyment in the way shopping made her feel, the excitement, the adrenaline, the feeling of how new garments made her light up with joy – which I can completely relate to, by the way. It all did something for her that she couldn’t explain. However, everyone is aware that a life of lavish spending comes with a cost; money, and Rebecca spent a lot of it, more than she could manage.
Eventually, that spending catches up to her, and while she searches for a way to get ahead, she decides to put her talented journaling skills to the test. At this point in the movie, I was on the edge of my seat. Not only did I have a lot in common with the character, but I also understood how shopping made her feel. Struggling with depression quite early on in my life and growing up with a frugal family myself, once I had gotten to high school and my parents started loosening the reins, I went crazy.
Growing up, I was bullied continuously for my fashion choices. I wore a lot of hand-me-downs, mismatched clothes and non-trendy items. I have always had an eye for vintage accessories, fun & funky colors, as well as cool patterns. During quarantine, a lot of our society realized that vintage fashion was cool, and truth be told, who are we to judge what someone wants to wear? Those same individuals who made fun of me changed their tune and started complimenting me, even wanting to rekindle old relationships.
However, not being used to receiving compliments, and aware that their “generosity” was so alarmingly fake, I decided to ignore them and cut those individuals out of my life. I have since continued to develop my style over the years. Alternating between thrift stores, name brands and hand-me-downs. I wear what I want unapologetically. Though it comes at a cost, there have been many times that, similar to Rebecca, I haven’t always had the means to be able to afford brand-new clothes and shoes.
While that has not stopped me from growing my soon-to-be, never-ending collection of garments. It’s important to be financially responsible. Rebecca was knee-deep in credit card debt to afford a lifestyle that she couldn’t maintain. Although she was extremely stylish, she had to sell all of her belongings just to make the payments. From one shopaholic to another, be wise, spend what you can afford and have fun!