But what about "the unbelievable deal"?

 Hey everyone - If you hadn't noticed, it is the holiday season. Yay. This year is already really weird and staying in 24/7 to avoid becoming the catalyst for a super spreading COVID event has been tough. Naturally, I've realized that one of my hobbies is surfing the web for good deals. Usually, though, I just add items to a cart, add more items, go to said cart, look at the total and think "No, this junk cannot be worth $956 dollars (even with the free shipping)". Also, I don't need anything right now. Right? 

Our brains are really interesting. I'm going to tell you a story. Earlier this year (pre-pandemic), I was in New York City for my new job. I had an interesting day with new co-workers- these are the kind of 40-50 something men who believe that women like me belong behind a desk or at home with 2 babies on my lap. Safe to say that their actions made me second guess my worth at work- You know what that means... After eating my feelings at Capriottis on the Park - Yes- I spent $140 of my company's money on a solo lunch, I was walking down the street and that's when I saw it: "Barney's of New York Liquidation Sale". Um what?! Yes please. I had a meeting in 2 hours, but this was plenty of time to find the PERFECT things. Let me tell you what happened next. My adrenaline, endorphins, everything was off the charts. I was PUMPED. But think about it - for what exactly? I ran in and scoured all 6 floors of sad, liquidated items. I had a front row seat to the end of an era- Barney's was a NYC staple and it had been replaced by cheaper merchants and online retailers. 

In the end, I had a Zac Posen cross body bag, an ALAIA dress, and an ATM body suit. I spent $580. I mean a $3000 dress for $440 - I can't argue with that. Here is the point, though: The material to make said dress probably cost $10. TEN DOLLARS. They slapped a logo on a tag, though, and the value was jetted up to $3300. But who is that valuable to? Do I really want to be so delusional as to knowingly tell people that I, V, believe that this $10 piece of fabric is really worth $3300? It's madness. The same can be said for a $100 tee shirt that is actually worth $1. This in and of itself is the problem. These companies and our backwards society have convinced us that these things define us. I want to clarify that I am all about spending a little more for the right fit or for quality, ethical materials, but it should never be more than a hundred dollar difference. 

So I ask you this: Why do we go gaga over "deals" when we are still being ripped off? 

Here's a newsflash for you: You are enough without all of those things. Instead of investing in frivolous items, buy what you need, pare down what you don't, take care of your body and your spirit, and the rest will fall into place. 

Save your money and invest it into yourself and your future. I wake up everyday imagining how good it will feel when the only party I owe money to is myself. I envision that feeling and I work hard to make sure that my brain learns that this is the feeling to reward - not finding a "good deal". The best part is that this shift has helped me to realize that these items I've allowed to define my worth don't matter... at all. 

We're in this together and I promise you that you are enough and you have everything you need to live already. 

Happy Holidays and here's to a kick ass 2021. 

XO, 

V