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Ladies (and some gentlemen), who loves fashion? Who has a walk-in closet over-filled with clothes that it is nearly impossible to fit another shirt, blouse, dress, and/or pair of jeans in it? Do you have over 50 pair of shoes? Do you have so many purses you could open up your own store? Do you own so much jewelry you have different accessories to match every outfit?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you are probably guilty of being a shopaholic. As a female being surrounded by clothing, jewelry, handbags, and shoes 100 percent of the time, it is safe to say I love fashion from every angle.
I don’t consider being a “shopaholic” a sickness; I think it is a passion. After watching “Confessions of a Shopaholic,” I realized I do not overspend as much as Rebecca Bloomwood, but I do enjoy luxuries like she does. If you spend more than you are making, consider yourself a Rebecca Bloomwood. If you do not want to end up like her, there are options.
Is your favorite store Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, or even Barneys? If so, yes, you have expensive taste. However, these stores are not within a 100-mile radius of Buffalo and there are more affordable options.
A local upscale store that has more competitive prices than the above designer stores is Lord & Taylor. Lord & Taylor at the Walden Galleria Mall offers a wide selection of designers. Including BCBG, Maxaria, French Connection, Lacoste, Kate Spade, UGG Australia, and many more. Currently, there is the spring and summer clearance sale, offering 45-70% off of already reduced prices.
The Galleria has many great stores. Amongst other great stores are Lucky Brand, bebe, Express, Guess, Coach, and Macy’s just to name a few.
I work in retail. Before working in retail, I never used to look at prices. I used to constantly spend my money without caring how much it costs. However, I came to a reality when I started working and paying my own bills it is wise to look at prices. If you truly know you do not need that shirt or pair of jeans, you do not necessarily need to buy it.
Last week, I was talking to my friend at work. She bought BCBG sandals that were $189. I asked her if she got her money’s worth and she said no. I asked her why and she replied, “Well I just wanted them to have them. I never actually wore them.” She started laughing. I did not find it as amusing. Why would any girl spend almost $200 on a pair of shoes and never wear them?
I learned my lesson about not wearing clothes that were bought for me. My mother spent $118 on a pair of jeans I only wore once. After about 6 months of not wearing them, she demanded I “surrender” them to her. She ended up giving them away. Though I was upset at her for giving away my designer jeans, I understood completely. I took my mother’s position while lecturing my friend and assured her why she can’t just buy to have something, especially something expensive she will never buy.
I have come to really appreciate the fashion I have. Though my mother has bought me more than 90% of everything I own, I can truly say I know how hard she worked to buy me all that stuff. She worked day and night to provide her daughters with luxuries many take for granted. Working and maturing has really made me come to the realization what it takes to afford everything in life, including the pleasure of fashion.
After counting more than 200 shirts, 60 pair of pants including jeans, 50 pair of shoes including 7 pair of UGG’s, 30 designer purses, and more jewelry than I can count, I know how lucky I am to be this fortunate. Millions of people in the world cannot afford the luxuries in life, so it cannot be taken for granted ever.
Having a passion for fashion is great, even though it comes at an expense. Being a shopaholic like Rebecca Bloomwood does not have to become a sickness. Fashion is a huge part of my life and many others, but there are many more important things to worry about it life, like family and friends. I hope one day to express fashion to other girls in a positive light, without the must be high-maintenance factor.
All Twilight fans are thrilled Wednesday, June 30 marks the premiere of the Twilight Saga: Eclipse. The question is if you were Bella Swan, whom would you choose—her vampire boyfriend, Edward Cullen, or her best werewolf friend, Jacob Black?
Eclipse is the third installment (of four) in the series. Bella once again finds herself in danger. She is faced with the decision that occupies all of her time, to remain human and endanger her life, her boyfriend’s life, as well as the rest of the small town of Forks or to transform her desire, a vampire. Victoria is still seeking revenge on Bella and the Cullen’s for killing her fiancé, James. Since Edward murdered her love, she wants to “return the favor.” Victoria has rounded up a new group of vampires to destroy Bella once and for all.
Fans should read the book before watching the movie on June 30. Each chapter is enriched with great detail that one movie cannot cover. After reading Eclipse, I have made my decision what “team” I am on.
When I watched Twilight, I automatically believed I was on Edward’s side. He promised to love Bella forever, even as she remained a human. The movie made the chemistry between Bella (Kristen Steward) and Edward (Robert Pattinson) believable and unbreakable. Then, New Moon came out in November 2009. Since Jacob (Taylor Lautner) never appeared much in the first movie, I never really thought too much of him as the right choice for Bella. After the movie was over, I changed my mind. Edward left Bella after he promised to be hers forever in the first movie, leaving her in immortal danger. When she put herself in peril, who was the only one there to save her, by her side 100% of the time? Jacob. He rescued her in near-death situations, like when she almost drowned and when she was attacked by the vampire, Laurent. Jacob made her feel young and that she could once again feel life for what it is. She spent much of her time with him, even after finding out he was a werewolf. He would keep watch on Bella’s family to protect her, and continues to do so throughout the third installment.
Not reading the first two books was a mistake. Reading Eclipse will persuade the decision of Edward or Jacob, a question Twilighters often ask themselves.
If I was Bella, I would undoubtedly choose Jacob. He is always there for her even when he is denied. He tells Bella he is in love with her, but she doesn’t even consider him over Edward. Bella would not have to change for him like she does for Edward—she does not have to become a werewolf to be accepted like she has to become a vampire for her boyfriend. She could stay the way she is for Jacob, but she has to die for Edward. Imagine dying for your boyfriend!
Jacob openly tells Bella that Edward is wrong for her. When she tells Edward about it, he does not discourage it; instead, he tells her to make her own decision. A man should fight for his woman! Jacob says to Bella, “I’m going to fight for you until your heart stops beating.” He is protecting her even though he knows full well that she wants to become a vampire. Edward is protecting her too, but Jacob is doing it even though he knows the outcome he never wants to think about.
Ladies, would you rather have a boyfriend that talks like he is from the 19th century (literally this is the case) and is boring or would you prefer a fun, adventurous guy? Would you rather cold-blooded or warm-blooded? For those who chose cold, why? Why would you want someone who is cold all the time?
Here is the big question that most fans form opinion solely on: Who is better looking? The handsome, strong vampire with red, captivating eyes or the 6-pack, tall werewolf who Bella even reveals she finds gorgeous?
When you watch the movie, pay attention to small details. Listen carefully to what both Edward and Jacob say, especially to Bella. Picture yourself in her shoes, making the biggest decision of your life. Her choice will literally determine the rest of her existence (or non-existence). Choose carefully, my fellow Twilight fans!
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