Zimmerman Store - Fashion Valley, San Diego - Aug 2024

For as long as I can remember, fashion has been a significant part of my life—a passion that has brought me immense joy. Shopping for clothes wasn’t just about acquiring new items but an act of self-care, my own personal form of therapy. It provided me with a sense of calm, a zen-like escape from the chaos of life. Whether it was hunting down that perfect pair of shoes or putting together a look that captured my mood, the process was gratifying, even when I didn’t buy anything.

But recently, I’ve noticed something has shifted, not only in my shopping habits but also in the overall experience. With a bit more financial freedom, I’ve found myself buying more, yet oddly enough, I feel like I’m getting less. I’m spending more on fast fashion, drawn to cheaper materials that don’t quite hold up the way I’d like them to. What’s strange is, for all the spending I’m doing, I still struggle to find pieces that truly feel special or that complete my outfits the way they used to. Why? Because the quality seems to have dwindled across the board, from big-name luxury houses to independent brands.

This brings me to a broader concern that I think many fashion lovers share: how today’s fashion market seems to be dominated by corporate greed. The industry giants—like LVMH—are swallowing up smaller labels, and it feels like everything has become about maximizing profit, often at the expense of quality. With so many independent brands struggling to survive, it feels harder than ever to find those hidden gems that once made shopping so enjoyable.

What used to be a relaxing and even meditative process has turned into a stressful ordeal. Now, I feel like I have to approach shopping with the mindset of a detective, carefully researching to avoid scams, counterfeit items, and overpriced low-quality goods. It's almost like there’s a layer of anxiety woven into what used to be a soothing ritual.

And honestly, it makes me wonder: What happened to the joy of shopping? Has it been replaced by this chaos, or can we still reclaim it? For me, the answer might lie in shopping more mindfully, investing in fewer but better pieces, and supporting brands that prioritize craftsmanship over quick turnover. But the fashion landscape is changing, and with it, our relationship to shopping as a form of self-care.

So, what do you think? Has the state of today’s fashion market changed your shopping habits too?