“Fashion is what you adopt when you don’t know who you are.” Quentin Crisp

I will go out on a limb and say, “there are no good ads.” I was an art director for seventeen years. I understand manipulation from marketing. Ads from non profits, which many do need assistance to help those in need, know how to play on your heart. The other day I explained to my boyfriend my long standing relationship with Apple. (It started with the 1984 Super Bowl ad) I was young then. I will go on record to say I do not upgrade until the item is so broken that I have to replace it. I have a 4 year old laptop.

Now, now I had adhered to many of the items you have written about. The last number of years articles have been written about the Academy Awards the swag bags that presenters and actors receive. All for the hopes that an actor will endorse their product. Now, people have to declare the swag. You are right on the money with many do not pay for items they are caught wearing in photos.

I do buy items. There is a difference between style and fashion. Fashion as you pointed out runs with the seasons. I will purchase quality. I have a pair of Doc Marten Mary Jane shoes that are seventeen years old. Taking proper care the shoes are amazing. I never tire of wearing them. If I buy an item I remove an item. I buy from estate sales (no one has an ad about that) where I can buy a sofa that is 100 years old, well cared for from a family who understood quality.

A take away from the old rich. They have furniture and material goods that is handed down as heirlooms. You can’t hand down a West Elm sofa or IKEA.

There is a goal that I found very worthwhile to pursue and that is time. Funny, I have never seen an ad that really tries to sell people on what I like to call “Italian Time” the freedom to pursue your own projects.

If you want experience volunteer to help your community. This is a way to break you of habitual round of doing the same thing. It is known that you become happier helping others. Do you want to eat like people in upscale restaurants? Learn to cook. Become constant learners.

My final item is to read “The Persuaders: The Hidden Industry that Wants to Change Your Mind” by James Garvey. The book gives you the history and techniques that are in the arsenal of public relations companies and marketers. Did you know there are more PR writers than journalists. Thank you for your article. I hope people will find insight in to the article.