SheFinds Asks You: Conscious Consumerism?

Working for SheFinds, I often find myself having to defend what I do. The questions tend to be the same: don’t you get bored writing about shopping, fashion and beauty all the time? Do you think people really care that much about shopping? Wouldn’t you rather do something that actually made a difference? After getting over my initial annoyance, I calmly explain that shopping actually does make a difference. To start with, it makes a difference in the lives of the people who take time out to treat themselves to something nice. We’re all so busy and it’s easy to get caught up in our daily activities that I think it’s important (even necessary) to take time out and just do something for you. Some may call that selfish, but I happen to believe it’s personal maintenance.

And as if taking care of yourself isn’t reason enough, proud shoppers can also take comfort in knowing that their purchases don’t always have to be self-serving. Take our OCRF campaign, for example (yes, shameless plug, but it fits). A portion of the proceeds earned from the sales of this gorgeous jewelry (like the bracelet shown here) goes directly to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, which works to raise awareness and find a cure for this critical disease. Stuart Weitzman is also doing shoe auction for this same cause. And there are others: BuildaNest.com connects artisans in impoverished countries to consumers like you and me who can buy their products and help build their business. Shopbop.com is selling a really cute exclusive Marc Jacobs bracelet and 50% of the profits will go to the Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization. ShopFemme.com has a great selection of clothing and accessories, and every month they donate 5% of their profits to charities that benefit women. And then there is GreaterGood.com where you can buy basically anything and choose where your money will be donated.

So where do you fall? Do you think shopping can be important or is it just a frivolous, superficial hobby?