So, there I am, strolling the mall with my daughter, and taking a look at the first Holiday outfits, being offered by certain shops and department stores. We wander into a trendy shop, featuring a good many pieces be-splattered and embellished with gold and silver glitter, and bangles. I scan the area, and my eyes settle on a black, boat-neck top, glittering antique gold. I like the look of it, from a distance. It has very fine, thin, wavy lines of antique gold glitter cascading vertically down its length, and cap sleeves. I immediately imagine it paired with black crepe slacks I own. I move off to investigate further.
I pluck the top from the rack, and hold it up, to better view it, to better see how the light plays upon the glitter. I move it slightly, watching the effect...This action immediately causes a literal rain of glitter from the garment! My hand and wrist are covered! I look down, and the floor is powdered, directly beneath the top...I gently shake the garment, and imagine wearing it, and leaving a trail of glitter everywhere in my wake. And then it hits me! I am looking at what my youngest daughter has dubbed, 'disposable' clothing! Pieces made with no expectation of them being worn more than twice, or three times, max. I check the tag, and read I should hand launder the top, only. I smile, thinking what the piece would look like, after even a hand laundering! I scrutinize the top closely, and discover the glitter is lightly glued on, and merely running the tip of my finger down the sparkling lines is enough to cause them to shed glitter, exposing an obvious glue line beneath. I'm reminded of the novelty clothing pieces I've seen in almost every cheesy gift shop, in every tourist trap of a place I've ever visited. Cheaply made, over-priced, and not worth the consideration. Oh, and the price of this novelty piece? Seventy-five dollars, on sale.
Jeannine Schenewerk
www.intouchwithjeannine.com
