Consumerism = Bad

or does it??? I am not even on the fence on this one! Consumerism is excellent! It is what drives the economy and keeps people striving! It's what makes creative people more creative; so that they can create things to induce desire, and the will to consume, in others!
"But what is the cost of this desire?" a tree-hugging greenie may ask; if they manage to stop chewing on tofu for long enough. Being a rhetorical question, they will most likely follow with -
"Well, the cost is ever increasing landfills and the destruction of the environment! Duh!" 
Oh, wait a minute. That's quite a bad thing... I wonder how many of the devoted Oxford St shoppers give a second thought to:
A) Why their T-shirt from Primark only costs GBP0.35
B) Where all the T-shirts they wear twice and throw away end up
C) The wear-per-item vs how-long-it-will-stay-fashionable paradox

I gave this a lot of thought as I came across my People Tree dress, waiting for me on the 3rd dress rail yesterday (it was fate I tell ya!)... Do I really need another dress when I already have more than 5... okay, 50? I gave it evidently less thought as I took it to the check out and purchased it! Woo hoo!


URGH! I have got a problem! A very serious shopping problem! The only way that I am going to feel less guilty about my recent binges on fashion related items is to go on a shopping diet. And apparently, the best way to diet is to tell all your friends and make it public, so that you are less likely to cheat!
Therefore; ladies and gentlemen, for the next 4 weeks, your friend Mandy will not buy a single item of clothing or associated accessories. 
WHAT!!!!!!!!!!! Even though I don't have a matching white bag and green skinny belt to complement my new dress!?!! YES! YES! YES!


*sigh* I know I am going to regret this... 
I am already thinking of exclusions to the rule. For example: If Bear wants to buy me a set of skinny belts from Next and a white bag, yet to be sourced, then that is okay. Surely?
Hmmmm...