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belochyesterday at 8:46 PM4 repliesview on HN

Nobody is going to come to your funeral and tearfully wail that you had fabulous taste in handbags.

Brands may serve as camouflage when you're trying to conform, but conforming is not an identity. Your identity is based on what you create, not what you consume.


Replies

crazygringoyesterday at 11:47 PM

Depends on which funerals you go to.

I've absolutely heard eulogies that talk about stylish grandma was up to the very end. The could go on about how she never left the house without looking like she could have been ready for a photo shoot. How she brightened every gathering she was a part of, and even had this marvelous ability to pick the perfect accessories, including -- yes -- handbags.

You seem to be conflating two things that are different -- "fabulous taste", and "conforming/consuming". Putting together and accessorizing an outfit is an act of creation. Looking sharp is usually quite the opposite of conforming.

Remember that when you dress with style, you're brightening the day of the people who look at you, like a walking work of art. Some people look at it as vain, but other people understand it's making the world a more pleasant place, just like good manners or a helping attitude. If you can appreciate the way a tasteful statue adorns a park, you can appreciate the way a tasteful outfit -- handbag included -- does the same.

RHSeegeryesterday at 9:02 PM

But, I won't be there to see how they feel about me at my funeral. I'm here now, to see how they treat me. So yes, doing things to conform / be one of the crowd may not be what people remember you for... but it may be what impacts your daily life.

Just an observation. My computer bag is older than most of my coworkers.

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JKCalhounyesterday at 11:03 PM

(If you're having to say this to someone, I suspect you are wasting your breath.)