...why new isn't necessarily better than old...
June 23, 2005
Why is it that I generally find new things more appealing than old? I don't hold the same disdain for old friends (they're faithful to the end) , old furniture (antiques increase in value with age) , or even old shoes (they don't rub me the wrong way). So what is it that compels me to shop? Is it the sound of crinkling tissue paper, the smell of new leather or perfume, the sensory overload, the female bonding, or perhaps even the undivided attention to myself for hours on end (which I confess I'm rather fond of).
As I switched out my closet from Winter into Spring (I'd say it's a wardrobe, but I admit some pieces are a bit too shabby for the term), I realized with horror that what remained from last Spring was no longer the "in" thing. (I wasn't working for SimplySoles last spring or else I may not have had this problem.) Thankfully, I could donate many things to SUITED FOR CHANGE(which you can do too...and save 10% on your next order at SimplySoles). I took solace in knowing that the "old" (meaning last season) shoes that I was donating were full of new steps in the right direction for one of the ladies that Suited for Change helps put back into the workforce. It helped ease the guilt of my wanting to buy nearly every pair of sandals we sell. But, since we are still a new company and I'm not yet capable of such luxuries, I confined myself to purchasing only one pair. But alas! What a decision!
Since I couldn't seem to make up my mind as to which one pair I wanted to buy, I decided to try something unconventional. I referred to a book given to me by a friend. It's called "What You Wear Can Change Your Life." Now I actually think my life is rather good (I get to buy shoes for a living...even if they aren't all for me), but I was curious with the exercise. It turns out that the book reinforced what I already knew, that first impressions matter. (Yes! I know this. If I weren't wearing my favorite pair of Marc Jacobs heels when I interviewed for this job I may not have gotten it). So I confess that although it is a fantastic book, it wasn't really much help with my dilemma. But eventually I realized that the Cydney Mandel "Angie" wedges would allow me to perfectly combine some of my "old" closet items with my recent additions to create the perfect amount of personal style. I came to realize and embrace that although I care about fashion, personal style is all about combining the old with the new. It makes us all a little more unique.
So back to my question, why is it that I find new things more appealing than old...perhaps it's because it makes me appreciate my old things all the more.
I hope you have a great holiday weekend, and that you'll let us know if we can ever be of assistance. Consider us your new "old" friends.
1-800-909-3679