The O-town Scene

Laygirl Fashion | by Emily Popek The ethical shopping dilema One of the advantages of getting much of my clothing second-hand is that it enables me to sidestep a lot of ethical issues. I can blithely buy fur, leather and clothing produced in sweatshops with- out batting an eye, knowing that the $4.99 I'm spend- ing isn't going to support any of these industries. But I occasion- ally have the need or desire to buy new clothes. (Un- dergarments come to mind.) And when I do, I get stuck on the same multifacet- ed dilemma I encounter when buying housewares, groceries or just about anything else. My first in- stinct is toward what's cheap. If there's a special deal, if it's on clear- ance or if I have a coupon, that's where I'm going to look first. But what's cheapest isn't always best, natch. So quality is another question to be an- swered. Some things are worth a splurge. Shoes that fall apart or give you blisters because of poor craftsmanship are just not worth it. And I'm willing to drop some serious cash (at least in theory) for a good jacket or coat that I'm going to wear 9 million times. Then the ethical consid- erations come into play. I'm just going to admit it: pretty much everything in my closet was not made in America. And I feel bad about this. I feel like I should support the American gar- ment industry, especially since I can at least hope that do- mestic companies are abiding by fair labor practices. But when I contemplate spending $24 on a plain cotton T-shirt from American Apparel _ well, I just can't do it. A little voice inside my head says, "That's almost as much as you paid for your wedding dress!" So when I found myself (along with Pretty much everything in my closet was not made in America. And I feel bad about this. seemingly the entire population of the four-county area) at Oneonta's new TJ Maxx store, this Cerberus-like dilemma reared its three heads once again. Everything was so cheap! And there were reputable brand names to assure me that the clothes wouldn't fall apart immediately! And ... they were all probably made in sweatshops. Sigh. I made it out of the store with only a pair of leggings (just $4.99!), but I'll admit I've been yearning to go back. (Because clearly I need to buy more cute, summery dresses now that it's al- most the end of August.) But to assuage my guilt, I'm going to try to scratch the shopping itch at some local consign- ment stores instead. Emily F. Popek wants you to know that Cerberus is mythological three- headed dog. She is also assistant editor at The Daily Star. See your ad in the Scene Contact Advertising Director Sean Lewis at slewis@thedailystar.com or (607) 432-1000, ext. 235 Aug. 18, 2011 O-Town Scene 5

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