First pair of Louboutins!

Yes, I gave in. I could partly say that 'Instagram made me buy them'. 

I paid £625 for the nude patent 'Lady Peep' heels, 150mm. Being ALL over the media, I definitely didn't buy them to be unique or different. Working for House of CB, a brand that is so hot in the media with every kind of celebrity has also had impact because I am so much more aware of how i present myself, associations etc. Granted, this is a lot of money for a student to spend on a pair of shoes, but I was working full time hours over the christmas period and having no great dependancies or outgoings other than christmas presents, I thought I'd treat myself to something that I've wanted for ages.

Recently in one of my 'Fashion Psychology and Behaviour' lectures, lecturer Sharon Hughes said that to get to the real motivation and reasoning behind a purchase, ask why 100 times. Not literally but you know what I mean. So, here goes... 

Why did I buy a pair of Louboutins?

Because they make an outfit look more expensive compared to highstreet shoes, are glorified on social media by influencers, and are associated with having 'good' taste*. 

Why do I want to be perceived as having a good, expensive taste?

To be liked, aspired to, and accepted. This is the conclusion to a recent dissertation I wrote, all my friends and followers are millennials, millennials being the most materialistic generation. Everything we do it for acceptance and we are in competition to own the most expensive and fashionable clothes. 

Overall, do the Louboutins I bought reflect my economic position? No. Do they reflect my taste and where I see myself in the future? Yes.

After experiencing the whole process of purchasing luxury goods, from the warm welcome  of the security guard opening the door, to the french shop assistant putting the shoe on your foot, to the personalised wrapping your box I can understand how someone can get caught up in the world of luxury. It temporarily fulfils needs of achievement, importance, power, that the highstreet can't offer (even carrying the bags home I noticed people look at you differently!) I am already planning my next purchases.. a YSL clutch, Louis Vuitton silk shawl, Chanel espadrilles... all timeless pieces. 

*Good taste is defined by Bourdieu as an arbitrary construction of those from a privileged background i.e. luxury goods. 

Luxury goods are also closely linked to the term conspicuous consumption, coined by Veblen. We buy these conspicuous goods with distinct designs and logos that people know are expensive, again for acceptance and to be admired.