By Minh Ngoc Le
If you’re a teenage girl living in sunny SoCal, you are probably familiar with the popular yet simplistic brand Brandy Melville, which gains recognition every year for its collection of essential basics.
Established in Italy in the early 1980s, Brandy Melville (usually referred to as Brandy for short), opened their first US store in 2009 in Los Angeles. The business grew popular among young girls due to its versatile pieces and “coastal granddaughter” aesthetic.
Taking one swift look through the Brandy catalog, one may find it a struggle to find any “stand out” pieces among the basic tank tops, sweat pants and simple long sleeves. Why would one choose the lavish Brandy over the cheap price tags of Shein?
Unlike other brands that continuously update their selections to keep up with current trends, Brandy Melville offers a curated collection of timeless essentials — often coming with a pricier tag. Yet, that’s exactly the appeal!
As consumers in the era of extreme and mass consumption, one tends to prioritize style and price. Yet, taking a step back, timeless pieces should be the goal. Think about it — $40.00 that last for five years, or $10.00 that last for one?
Let’s break it down using girl math. Hypothetically, after wearing the $40.00 piece for 365 days, the price per wear is zero, giving you four more years of FREE, unlimited use of your favorite comfy piece. However, with having to invest $10.00 every year for five years, the price per wear would remain at 10 CENTS every wear and continue at this rate for the following 4 years.
Even though seemingly basic pieces may seem expensive at first, it is essential to consider them as an investment — one you can depend on throughout your years thanks to their quality and timelessness.
Fast fashion and micro TikTok trends (as of current, the infamous Stanley Cups or mini Trader Joe’s tote bags), tend to die down within a few months and often get dumped into landfills, which only adds to the existing and accumulating mass of waste on Earth.
“In America alone, an estimated 85% of all textiles — end up in landfills on a yearly basis. That’s equivalent to approximately 81.5 pounds per person per year and around 2,150 pieces per second countrywide,” earth.org, an Environmental News & Data Platform said.
Investing in these pieces not only helps you save money but also empowers you to gradually build up your own capsule collection. This approach allows for effortless mixing and matching, enabling you to create numerous outfits from just a few key items. Imagine not having to think about what to wear in the morning when everything coordinates seamlessly! Saving yourself from stress while saving the planet? Mark that as a win-win situation.
While statement pieces undoubtedly add flair to any wardrobe, it’s crucial to differentiate between needs and wants. Ask yourself: is your desire for a particular item driven by its current trendiness, or do you recognize its lasting value that will stand the test of time?
On your next trip to the mall, envision at least five ways you could wear the piece — if it doesn’t pass, think twice before swiping your card.
