For me, I was never really into the designer thing. I too had to deal with "a Catholic high school...sportin' the plaid". Then in college, I never got "dressed" up because there was no one to impress. Sweats became my frequent attire. However, my girl went to a school in which it was a fashion show everday and had to sport the designer apparel. Now that I have a job and can really afford to "tear the mall up" (not on the Prada level though), I'd say that I have gotten more into designer clothes, but only for special occasions and not for everyday wear.
For some kids, their parents are supporting these expensive tastes. Sometimes parents want to give their children what they didn't have when they were younger or they feel that if they can wear it, then their kids should be able to also.
As far as the Bebe thing, I've had a similar experience. I remember one day, I walked in looking broke down. I was still in my college phase-cap, sweats, tennis shoes- and no one approached me and when I asked about a certain item I got a quick response. However I went to another one after work wearing my business attire and the treatment was unbelievable. This associate jumped on me the minute I walked in, told me her name, and offered to start a me a fitting room. I asked her about an item and she searched hi and low and even called 3 other stores to find this item. A few weeks later I received a card with that girl's name on it telling me about their upcoming sale. I never knew before hand that Bebe had a "VIP list". It was clear to see that they do judge people on their appearances.
But one thing about Bebe/such stores and some of it's customers that I don't understand is why would someone got to these stores and pay around $30 for a tee-shirt just to say they shop there. I know people have the right to spend their money on whatever they want, but at least be smart about it. If I'm going to spend some serious money in a store like Bebe and "brag" that I can shop there, I'm not buying a tee-shirt.
As far as black people not investing, I'm not falling into that trap. Ever since I started working and saw how Soc, Medicare, Fed and State just help themselves to my earnings, I had to establish an IRA real quick and I'm not stopping there. Because a lot of my money is going out and most likely none of it will be coming back, so a sista cannot afford to floss right now. I'll floss when it really matters.
|
Threaded Mode