Summer Accessories

The beauty of the summer is that in the temperate weather, shoppers and consumers of all backgrounds can find just the peculiar object, whether it be clothing or other object, to purchase. The hectic nature of shopping may beckon you to make bulk purchases, but the real joy of shopping is in finding just the one thing that completes an outfit or your home.

I was shopping at a grocery store when I spotted a young female wearing a headband that was simply adorable. At first gaze, you might have been grabbed by the outfit or handbag or makeup or anything the person might have been wearing, but when I asked about the hair accessory, it seemed like we had that relationship that all consumers attain when pinpointing what you like. It was obvious that she had taken care to purchase it and matched it to perfection with her wardrobe.

It reminded me that sometimes it is not just mindlessly spending money or showing ownership of a particular product or item that may motivate shoppers. It is the choice or variety that abounds at a particular venue. Then it is the actual honing in and selection of the choices that most matter to you.

I don't mean to say run out and buy something you have seen on someone else, or because you think it would look nice on you. The whole point is to be aware of your tastes and fit them into your life accordingly. I liked that shopper's tastes, and we both were entranced by the bright red hues of the strawberries and bought those, but we made a connection based on sheer good taste.

I may never see the shopper again, but I understand myself as a consumer more and more each day because of subtle things like that. I will probably never even purchase the same head band or even a head band, for that matter, but the template for good taste was being formed right there at that point.

I was once approached by a woman who asked me about a shade I was wearing. It was a simple thing to answer, but I realized she noticed how becoming that color was on me.
It was the smallest of accessories, hardly worth a glance or notice, but it brought out something about me that was noticeable. I actually had purchased it on a whim or by chance, and it called to me from a little bin at the store. I used it sparingly from time to time, and I had even forgotten about it, until I really needed to wear it.

Shopping is a simple pleasure, and summer is the perfect time to find just the accessory to add to your personal wardrobe. If you are lost to the art of finding an accessory, or are otherwise a shopaholic, addicted to buying in bulk, practice going with a friend.

The first time I ever really did step out to shop was with a friend, we talked and walked together, browsing everything. When we finally left, all we purchased was one item that was the start of a trend, a new rave that was about to catch on. She let me hold the bag with the mere wisp of tissue and the item hardly weighed more than even a weather, but the fact that we knew we made a solid purchase never really did leave us.

Years later, I remember the item was taken, but I didn't obsess over it, because it was a preserved memory of a time when I really learned to look, listen, and experience shopping for what felt like shopping and not simply a duty or chore to endure in the race to obtain things we don't really value or with which we don't identify.

Before summer vanishes, try just this method. Either choose a friend or go solo. Browse and see what really catches your eyes. Practice solid or practical consumerism. Find out what appeals to you and then go with it. Don't get waylaid by
the fact that you have to keep up with someone or something, or choose something based on its price or prestige it may bring you at work or in your area.

Choose something because it is you.

When you do this, you start to set standards of good taste around you and for yourself as well. A friend from way back used to call this a sense of style, but I believe it is more than that.

Shoppers do create a culture around them. People can forget this in the daily grind of competitive shopping, and then we all lose what is essential to our well - being and necessary for survival as a culture.

Chicago does have the potential to be as regal as New York, Paris, and other major cities around the world. I encourage you as a fashion consumer and fashion - conscious person to take hold of your particular reins in this venture and uphold good fashion sense in our city. This will of course be very random, but if everyone does their part, then we will wear the beauty there is of our city on our person today.

I recommend something that has always been with you. Reward yourself with something you like or need for the time being. A watch, a scarf for an outfit, or even a pen that you need..a purse or even a shade you like?

I am merely thinking of hair accessories, because that is what I seem to be attracted to today, but that may change in the next month. Or browse through magazines like "In Style" or "Vanity Fair." Those models and ads of business are there not just to be models or celebrities, but to showcase some of the accessories created by artisans from all over the world.

The art of consumerism calls one to become a part of a renaissance in our city.

Let this summer be the start.