My friend and I went out to lunch in one of those cities that is suburbia plus greed personified. We decided to see what the new Neiman Marcus looked like, and so we strolled through, me figuring security would kick us out any minute for not having fat enough bank accounts. Many handbags and dresses were over $1,000. Little children's dresses were $185. But there was a kind of pleasure in seeing it all, firstly, because the displays were beautiful, with great lighting and ample space between items. Secondly, the leather was beautiful, the fabrics were amazing, and the architecture of the whole store dazzling. It was a bit like being in a museum of textiles and sculptures. The leather was so soft you wanted to swaddle it in a baby blanket. So, though we had a nice little hit of the other world, and I can see that if you had a ton of money and wanted the best, the best would definitely give you some pleasure, no envy came up for me. It was like visiting Mars. I wouldn't really want to live there.
Then we settled down and went to Chico's where I bought long shorts and my friend a blouse, both for under $50, and then we hunted through DVDs at Barnes and Noble and came up with some bargains. We had a fun afternoon, and I now know more than ever that all this luxury items thing is too pricey and too fleeting a buzz to be enjoyed by me. I'm old and immune. Besides, seeing upscale young shoppers in six inch heels, short shorts, and flowy fabrics over two tees produced in me an urge to giggle and no admiration. What if there was a fire and they had to run? Me - I was in my trusty walking sandals, stretchy jeans and a cotton shirt - I could survive, thank you very much!
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