It is only human nature to always want what we can’t have, to lust after the unobtainable, to hunger for the things that are farthest out of reach to us. This is true in every aspect of our lives, including fashion. The lust for labels is something that I know tons about; while flipping through the pages of my favorite fashion magazines, I might even catch myself drooling from time to time at the exquisite ad’s. My immediate reaction: I want that, I need that, I have to have that. So what triggers this impulse? What draws us to these high end labels?

My obsession with labels stems from my love of Barbies. Silly, I know, but when I was a little girl, instead of playing with them and making them fall madly in love with Ken, I would sit and dress them for hours. The pink skirt with the white flats, the red dress with the black pumps. I used the Barbies to decide what looked good together, and even though I have grown up, I still use a more mature form of Barbies. These are what we like to call models.

When I look at the new issues of Vogue and see the latest spreads, I can examine the way outfits are put together and be inspired to put together a killer look of my own. Labels are inspiration and this is a huge reason as to why we lust over them. We see the way they enhance features and convey a certain attitude and we channel that into our own lives. We can transfer what we see on the runway; use it as a sort of handbook or guideline and then tweak it to fit who we are and see how easily that look can be obtained.

Designers are innovative and can make old trends look fresh, crisp and all shiny and new again which is another reason we all pine over them. Every season they re-invent their lines, adding new flair and gaining new interest while still keeping a crucial element that makes their brand recognizable. For instance, Karl Lagerfeld, the revolutionary designer for Chanel, has moved the brand out of a more conservative Jackie O style to one that fits the needs of women and men in today’s society. Although the clothes are new, he keeps the same basic structure: tweeds with a twist and the classic white and black lines embroidered with the eternally popular double C symbol that embodies the essence of Chanel. 
 


While designer labels can help inspire us and give us the boost we are looking for, obtaining them may not be as simple as sifting through the pages of a magazine. Let’s face it: brand name clothes, while gorgeous and world renowned, can be rather pricey. Insanely pricey, actually. While a $900 dress may not fit your budget, perhaps a $50 dress—that looks almost identical—could. If you see a gorgeous ensemble with the name Prada or Phillip Lim attached to it, don’t be discouraged. Memorize the look and the key pieces, see if you have anything that resembles it, and reinvent the outfit to make it your own. This makes you both trendy and an original while saving hundreds of dollars, and that’s something no one can complain about.

If you have a little cash to spare, indulge. One of my favorite things to do is match a gorgeous, and somewhat expensive, leather jacket with my Michael Kors clutch and a dress from Target. Mesh inexpensive and expensive pieces together to get a look that costs far less than it appears. 
 


You can lust for labels and be a label lover but still obtain your own individual style. They are there for inspiration and innovation along with a just a little bit of devotion and obsession. Just because you wear a certain brand doesn’t make you its slave; it makes a statement. Whether we will admit it or not, we all subconsciously judge on physical appearance. First impressions mean everything and our clothes are a huge part of who we are. They state our interest, our likes, dislikes, and emotions, and mirror almost every aspect of our lives. Why not put a little effort into it? Dressing like you just walked off a runway doesn’t have to cost you next week’s supper, and it might not even have to cost you today’s coffee!

Find a look that suit you and pull it into your wardrobe. Whether it’s the same garments or just ones that resemble them, labels are what make looks cohesive and give us the liberty to take fashion risks. So own it and remember it is a perfectly natural thing.