I was reading on Vogue.com this morning that sales at Gucci, YSL and Puma, all part of the PPR conglomerate, have actually risen in the face of adversity and our current economic state. This leads me to think that maybe we buy to make ourselves feel better? Maybe we feel we deserve it after going through the stress of the crisis. One could also think that maybe those who buy the likes of Gucci on a regular basis aren’t actually that affected by the economic crisis? But then again, a significant rise in sales could possibly indicate new consumers, so maybe these people are treating themselves? One of the things that living on a budget has taught me – I’m a student whose money does not go as far as it used to! – is that I would rather invest in one fabulous item and a maybe a few cheap throw-away fashion items, than spend the money on a few mediocre pieces. The fabulous item will last me for years to come and the little, more economic purchases will serve to keep me up with the trends now. Maybe we should always shop this way? Next stop as part of my new financial outlook: haberdashery shops – the cheapest way to improve upon old pieces!