To Knockoff or Not to Knockoff

As I mentioned last week, I have been on a bit of a shopping spree and there's nothing better than thrift shopping.  So what better place to go than our neighborhood flee market?  The flee market is generally where I go to find unique pieces and other useful/useless trinkets. Well as I'm perusing the wares I began to notice a huge trend...knockoffs!


Definition

Knockoff - a copy or imitation of someone or something that is popular; typically at a lower price


The Dilemma
I understand that these items aren't in many of our budgets so we seek cheaper alternatives but is it necessary to purchase a fake?  Often times they aren't even believable fakes.  We all know that you can not possibly purchase a Louis Vuitton Speedy for $30.  That bag cost me about 2 months rent.  Designers work hard to come up with new innovative fashions.  They did what it took in order to create these things that many people covet so badly.  If it is so important for you to have that handbag or those shoes just save up for them or catch them on sale but please no knockoffs.  People who purchase the authentic items can spot a fake so that cheap imitation isn't impressing anyone.  Another alternative would be to purchase a bag that is a made by a relevantly lesser known label but isn't a knockoff.  The style may be similar but there is no apparent mimicking of labels.  That way you're stylish but within your budget.  I opt for these types of bags all the time.

Stay Classy
If you can't afford it don't purchase a cheap, ill-made version.  Save for it and treat yourself if you want it that badly.  That's what I did.

Knockoff vs. Real comparison courtesy of fashionlaw.foxrothschild.com. 

Style Inspiration: Lana Del Rey

Lana Lana Lana....having no idea as to who this woman was probably a detriment to my style (okay I'm being dramatic, but that's how much I admire her style).  Some people adore her and some people hate her but one things for sure...you're going to notice her.  She's so retro and bold.  Her music is equally just as trendsetting as her style.  

For a little treat I've uploaded one of my favorite songs by her.  Hope you enjoy and thanks for reading.

My Active Prepared Life: Making the Best of It

Your present circumstances don't determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start.

Nido Qubein

There are things in life that we don't like but may still have to do, for example, I have to wake up early in the morning to go to work.  Anyone who knows me knows that I am not a morning person but I have to work in order to pay bills. So why not make the best of it?  I come in and even though I am pooped, I just make my way to the break room, get a cup of coffee, and smile.  If you have to do it make at least some aspect of it enjoyable.

Focus on the big picture but don't forget these baby steps.
Sometimes you just have to pull out the old 'I doing what I have to do' trick.  Right now you don't like it but it's going to pay off in the long run.  For instance, I am not fond of being an administrative assistant (that's not what I went to college for) but the pay is okay and it's a job. Do you know how many of my peers graduated with me and still haven't found a job.  So why would I gripe about not liking my job when it's helping me to pay bills?

Be appreciative of all the good things and quite a few of the bad things.
Sometimes it help to sit down, pull out a piece of paper, and write down what is going good/great/okay in your life.  It's not all bad, for starters you get to see another day and try for dreams.  There are a good many people who didn't wake up or they don't get to pursue their dreams.  So be thankful that you get to try again.  Also be thankful for the bad things.  Like I've stated before, you have to look for the lesson.  Take something from that pain, hell you went through it!  You came out and sure it shook you up but you're here.

Try your best.
I'd like to add that you should put in as much effort as possible when faced with any task.  I always try to put my best work out even for the most menial of tasks because my name is on it.  If I'm contributing then I want it to be the best that it can be.  You never know who is watching.

Each one has to find his peace from within.  And peace to be real must be unaffected by outside circumstances.

Mahatma Gandhi

Not to compromise the importance of happiness but let's be honest sometimes the issue is not the situation it's the person.  You choose to be happy regardless of your situation.  Your dream job is not going to make you happy suddenly because it never was the issue.  This is not to say that you should not pursue your dreams.  By all means go after them but until you've met them please make the best of your current situation.   What are choosing to let upset you?  Are you in control of the situation or is the situation in control of you?

Goals
This post sums up my goals for this week.  Never one to be deterred, I will have a great week this week and I hope that you all will do the same as well.