It’s cool to be thrifty

Splurging lakhs of rupees on expensive bags has lost its charm. Initially having an expensive purse in your hand was a status symbol, it was something that gave you confidence and helped tell the world you were rich and to treat you right. Now it’s just the opposite.

A great trend appears to be emerging right in time for New Year resolutions; women are indulging their frugal side when it comes to splashing out on retail therapy and showing off their new buys`.

A handbag, designer dress or expensive pair of shoes really does not say anything about you. These things don’t define your wealth or coolness factor anymore. Brands like Cult Gaia, with their signature bamboo bags, Staud with their PVC bags, Jacquemus with their mini purses in pop colours are a huge hit with celebs everywhere and they cost 1/10th of your Pradas, Diors, Birkins and Chanel’s.

Spending lakhs on dresses too has lost its charm, there are other ways to look good without blowing hard earned money on those labels. The influencers, movie stars and their spouses, who everyone looks upto to when spotted at soirees — don’t spend a penny of their money! They just borrow clothes from design houses via stylists and return them once they are photographed. Some rent them.

Take Carrie Symonds for example. Boris Johnson’s girlfriend pays £10 a month to a private members fashion club to rent designer dresses. She has to look good while meeting business titans like Bill Gates and world leaders, but that does not mean she has to kill herself or upset the tax payer by getting her boyfriend to fund her shopping.

With words like economic slowdown, recession and tough times ahead popping up everywhere it is now seen in poor taste to be seen wasting money on frivolous things. People are now proud to admit to getting great deals or buying designer wardrobes from outlets or only on sale.

Come January and parents with toddlers are all gearing up for school interviews. Mothers are busy consulting with each other on how they can look grounded and humble. They don’t want to alienate or distract the admissions team with their diamonds and fancy logos. Zara is the go to brand here.

For kids birthday parties the new rule is no presents. Instead you are requested to donate to a charity of your choice. Why? Is it really fair for your child to not get anything on their birthday?

Well, the reasoning is kids today anyway get so much from their parents already and mothers feel this is a nice way for your child to stop expecting others to buy them things and also do their bit for the less privileged.

Nobody is stopping you from living the good life, it’s just cool to be discreet now.