Gucci, Fendi, Louis: Gotcha!
Examining the “gotcha” of the fashion world can help us be more intentional about our purchases.
“Ok, ok, ok…I am the first person to admit that when I get a new designer bag I feel so happy and proud to show it off. I must admit that the cool new pair of designer shoes, shades and bag gives me a rush of confidence. I can picture friends asking, “Mae, is that a Gucci bag?” or “Oh my goodness girl where did you get those shoes?” I even have some things in my cart that I feel excited about buying literally right now! But… “Not so fast!” I say to myself. I don’t want to be infected again by the designer bug.
The women that come to mind when I think about beautiful accessories have fabulous taste. One of them is my Aunt. As a child, she would let me go in her closets and rummage through her drawers where I would find Chanel lip gloss, coach purses, diamond jewelry, you name it. I thought that I was in heaven.
As I got older and couldn’t visit as much, I would get boxes from her on my doorstep. I would open them and see beautiful jewelry or purses. Last time I visited her she offered a Neiman Marcus bag for me and a friend. She’s incredibly generous! Every time I would say “You don’t need to do that!” But she would insist, so I would take it. Don’t judge me! You know you would too!
Thinking of my Aunt and her gifts caused me to have a twinge of introspection about wearing my designer items. I felt God telling me to examine my need for fancy things. I realized part of it was the feeling of joy, but the other side was me hiding behind a label so I could feel confident like other strong women in my life that donned designer things. I realized that the worth I needed to get from God was being filled by designer labels.
Designer bags are just things. They are tempting but unnecessary! I am not here to guilt trip you if you want to buy something beautiful or make you feel bad if you don’t. I am just saying that it is important for us to know where the temptation or the “gotcha” is coming from.
Speaking of the “gotcha”, when I was researching this topic there were several questions from women asking, “Is it a sin for a Christian to collect branded, expensive items?”After reading everything, the answer that many came up with was fabulous.
They repeated a biblical truth and one of the commandments: Thou shall not covet.We can fall into the trap of coveting what someone else has and wanting it for ourselves. Hence, the “gotcha”.
When we put these items on our credit card but skip giving to the church or other important things in our lives, we should begin to question our priorities.
Often I can be tempted to find my worth from what I wear. But I have to question where my worth comes from and get my mind right before buying or accepting another designer item. I would highly encourage you to question yourself before you buy and ask “What is the “gotcha” for you?”
1. Do you ever find yourself coveting things like designer bags, shoes or clothing? How do you make sure your priorities are in line before you purchase something?
2. Are you ever tempted to buy something you know you should wait to get? How can you keep yourself from making unnecessary purchases?
3. What’s one way you can feel good about purchasing something nice for yourself?
And He said to them, “Take care, and be on guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” (Luke 12:15 ESV)
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroy. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (Matthew 6: 19-21 ESV)
Mae Grant
Elevate Your Style
Empower Your Soul
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