When Me, Myself, And My Pretty Little Secrets was published in the summer of 2007, readers reactions were mixed about living a "fabulously faux" lifestyle, but with the downturn in the global economy, how do you feel about buying knockoff designer goods? Before making up your mind, revisit article again ....
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"Wow, are those real?" "Of course!" I retort. There it was, the big fat lie. No, my one-carat diamond earrings were not real; the only thing real about them was their cubic zirconium material. I had faked and lied, and this wasn't the first time.
It seems that I've become rather deceptive in my appearance. The linking C's on my favorite black quilted pleather bag do not stand for Chanel; rather, the only thing that they stand for is cheap. I've become a fashion wannabe; lured in by gold-plated designer names and cubic zirconium creations glistening from kiosks in the middle of the mall. It does not end with bags and products, even my appearance is fake. My hair is courtesy of a South Korean lady. And thanks to a lady named Victoria and a few secrets, even the busty look that I sport day in and day out is not au naturel.
This got me wondering, when did I become such a fake? Since I have been lying about my earrings, my hair, my bags, ... my everything else, I have second guessed my confidence level. Who am I fooling? Am I fooling myself? When a woman on the street sneaks a glance in my direction, what is she really thinking? Does she admire my style or is she on to me and my impostor ways? And what about when someone flat out asks me if my jewelry is real; are they questioning my wealth or my style ... or just curious about nothing? Am I that superficial? Why it is so important for me to appear rich when I am obviously not anywhere close to that? And how about my hair ... well, that is the subject of another article!
My first reaction is to defend myself. My post college bank account is not exactly an all expense limitless pool of money. I simply cannot afford designer things. So, for now, living the fabulous life means faking the fabulous life. Besides, I know that I am not the only person out there buying faux.
I cannot speak on behalf of all the women in the world who are keeping it fake, but for me, it is not that deep: buying faux is merely a matter of practical style, and that's real. It is a way to keep up with trends (long hair, hobo bags ... whatever) without hurting my bank account. Wearing my push up bra happens to make some shirts and dresses look better on me when I wear them. And my weave, it lets me protect my hair from constant heat and chemicals as well as change up my look when I don't want to have short hair. My faux designer bags let me look trendy from season to season. Like I said, practical style.
I know that there are many women out there who will read this and only be irritated by my approach to style. Maybe as I grow older and can afford the real deal, I'll get over my little habit. Or maybe I'll save my money and keep it fake (I know that my credit report will appreciate it). Either way, I know my true confidence comes from within; my great taste in bags, is just icing on the cake ... oh, and my pretty little secret.
