I like shopping at the Gap, Urban Outfitters, Levi’s, and occasionally Abercrombie & Fitch. Call me materialistic but I like items that have brand names and they are usually the items that cost more. I am not rich, far from it actually and even though my parents taught me the value of a dollar I will still spend $300 on a Coach wallet if I like it. Money, as useful as it is, will not make me happy unless I am reaping its benefits. It is the way I have always lived my life. I indulge, and do not allow myself to be restricted when the money is available.
I remember a day, back in high school, when I was casually walking around New York City with my then best friend. We walked into the Gap for a moment because I wanted to buy myself a long sleeved shirt. It was a plain black cotton and I paid $15 for it. Frankly, I did not care. I liked the shirt, wanted the shirt, had the money for the shirt logically I bought the shirt. As we walked out of the store my then best friend turned to me and said “You won’t be able to shop at the Gap when you’re in college. You’ll be a broke college kid. Maybe you should stop spending the way you do.”
I find it funny to think back on that moment because I find that I am still able to shop at the Gap, and actually I spend far more now than I did then. And sure, I am a “broke college kid” but I am a broke college kid that knows when to save and when to spend. I believe her comment came out of her own issues with money and a tinge of jealousy because my parents would give me an allowance despite the hardship. It was like the moment when I told her I wanted to go to Victoria’s Secret to buy a pair of underwear and she responded with “You’re going to pay that much for a pair of underwear?” before turning around and buying multiple bras at the previously mentioned store.
Amazing, the things you come to realize when you think back.
