The Budget Fashionista

”The personal is political and personal style is no exception.” - The Budget Fashionista

The recent recalls of products made in China has led to a resurgence of the ”Buy American” mentality this holiday shopping season. While this may seem like a discussion best left for politicians on sunday morning TV shows, the push for American made goods has a direct impact on the closets of budget fashionistas world wide. Target, H&M, and most definitely Forever 21, rely on the relatively cheap labor of workers in developing nations to produce apparel and accessories for a population struggling to keep up with a myriad of financial challenges. It would be virtually impossible for Target or H&M to sell their items at such low prices, if their manufacturers were based in the US.  Even high-end designers (Michael Kors? Jones New York?), rely on cheap labor to produce their “bridge” (mid-level) lines.

On the real, few of us would be willing to give up our $20 handbags from Forever21 and our high-low pieces from Isaac Mizrahi at Target. We’ve become accustomed to accessible style and it has become as much a part of American society as, well, apple pie.

So, Is buying American realistic considering the financial and fashion pressures of living in America? Would you be willing to pay $5, $10 or more per garment if it was mad ein the US?  Do non-US citizens experience pressure to purchase items made in their home countries over those made in others?

Buy American: Yea or Nay

Target.com