Mothers, start putting the economy first!

So sales of women's apparel are down this season, which is worrying because now is when more money typically gets spent. And in "Retailers Face an Ominous Holiday Sign" (NYT, Dec 17, 07), we learn:

John D. Morris, senior retail analyst at Wachovia Securities, said that with less money to spend on gifts for their families, mothers "pull back on spending for themselves first."

Also, he allows, there is the possibility that this year's fashions simply aren't doing it for the ladies.

I know I have not been moved to buy much of anything for myself this fall, as I can hardly look at any window displays without flashing back to my sophomore year of high school. Who wants a sweater that reminds them of braces, hair of which one's mother used to say, "It looks just like Agnes DiPesto's!" and the looming threat of acid-washed pegged jeans? Other than those of you who aren't in your thirties already, I mean.

Comments

[Jessica]

I'm with you. I'm also holding out for clothes that can't double as maternity wear (e.g., something without an empire waist, please).

[Kerry]

Moving to Phoenix. New climate needs new clothes. Plus my sister told me that everyone loses weight when they first come out there. So no new clothes for me until spring, at least.

[Eileen]

I hear you: when I felt driven to reboot my wardrobe this fall (because I figure that when you age out of eating disorders - thank God - the only way left to use your body as a control site is via your raiment), I almost totally bypassed the regular retail stores in favor of the second-hand shops. This was partly because I wanted as much bang as possible for my bucks, but mostly because I didn't perceive any bang potential in what was "new" and "now". (Because: not new, not now, didn't work at 15, won't work at 35!) P.S. I think I've gotten more compliments on my wardrobe in the past 3 months than in my entire rest of my life. I guess maybe it takes a while to synthesize the style lessons of a lifetime into the ability to put together a unique and personally suitable look. That, and abandoning the retailers' ideas of what's suitable!

[Antoinette]

Dear John D. Morris,

Not all women are mothers.

No love, Antoinette

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The most practical reasons I'm not buying clothes this year (or possibly next) are that my institution hasn't been able to give out raises for a number of years now, and gas prices are through the roof, which has driven up the cost of everything else, most significantly - food.

Also, I totally agree with Lisa and Jessica. I just lost 25 pounds and desperately need new outfits, but trapeze dresses, tunic tops ruched above the bust line, high-waisted pants, and empire waists are not flattering to my figure, nor do they show it off. I envy my pregnant friends though - they have a lot of cute options.

[Kerry]

Oh dear heavens--I hadn't been shopping in months, but I wound up going to the deluxe mall tonight and visiting Banana Republic and The Gap. I now understand what you mean about 80's flashbacks and the awfulness. Even the colors are unflattering.