Uncontrollable Need For Luxury

This being my first topic, I'll try to keep it short and concise.

Not so long ago in class we had a discussion about “Retail Therapy” and the article “My Misspent Youth”.

I consider myself part of The Global Consumer, since I am religiously devoted to the brand-names. The reason for this blog entry is to try to find out WHY I have this compulsive need to buy expensive things, when the matter of the fact is I am living beyond my means. I am the perfect example of Meghan Daum, who just like me is able to justify extravagant purchases and not worry about it until the money runs out. 

(Check out the link below - I can't pronounce the names either, but I still want to buy the brands!)

If I was rich I could say I buy expensive things to show off my wealth – unfortunately that’s not the case…

If I considered myself extremely competitive I would say that I just want to be like everyone else or even ‘better’, however I don’t in particular care about other people’s possessions.

If I believed everything that was written online or in magazines I would say that only brand-named products are good value. "The more expensive - the better", is an example of a statement I encounter with day-to-day. The video below proves the opposite:

It could be that I see my handbags or my shoes as part of my extended self and without them I wouldn’t be me anymore. I consider these material things as tools, which allow me to create a good impression. Well, this is the most plausible reason I can think of since none of the above apply.

Would I be willing to go into debt and have regrets for the rest of my life just like Meghan? The answer is - probably not. Even though I am still very young I feel as though my purchasing decisions could have a tremendous effect on my future, so it's all about finding the balance between having the occasional 'luxury splurge' and taking out credit cards to fund this lavish, superficial, yet exciting hobby. 

Thanks for taking the time to read this ;)