Despite all of our literary success, we at ATM are not immune to the recent economic slump. And in case you are, here’s a news flash: we’ve run out of money here in the US. We’re not entirely sure where it’s gone or how we’re getting it back (this is almost as big a mystery as that Lance Armstrong missing bike case!), but until then, we here at ATM remain hopeful for our country. ATM is, afterall, always the optimist: optimistic Seacrest will end up like Daniel Day Lewis in There Will Be Blood, optimistic that there will be a Real World 82, and optimistic that RPatz will marry one of us). Just think about it: if Britney Spears and Andy Dick (Dr. Drew will save you!) can stage a comeback so can Uncle Sam!
We also understand your need to shop, pamper, and look your best in these uncertain times. I mean, you never know when you’re going to run into RPatz at a bar. And look at Jessica Simpson. One bad outfit ruined her life. Sure we can’t magically make the money in your bank account appear (wait…is this what Holly is dating Chriss Angel? We did hear Playboy is going under.) or give you a job, but we can give you guilt-free reasons to spend money!
For starters, it’s important to stay positive and look for a silver lining in this situation. And by silver lining we mean the silver lining on that cute Marc Jacobs dress. Faced with tough economic times, some of our fav stores are throwing serious savings soirees. Did you see that awesome deal at Saks? What about the $3000 Christian Louboutin shopping spree you can win for shopping at Neimans or the $100 off sale at BCBG? Head down to your favorite boutique and you’re bound to see 70% off signs in the window. You know that $350 pair of jeans you’ve been eying? We bet they will be yours for under $200. (Side note: Co-Creator A just got a pair of skinny J Brand jeans for $70!) A once in a lifetime chance, if you ask us! Experts keep saying now is the time to save money…and that’s exactly what you’ll be doing.
Looking to make your dollar last longer? Get extensions. (For your hair—duh!) There’s no way you’re going to have Blake Lively-esque hair in time for spring since your stylist chopped off all your locks last fall. So why not do as the stars do and get extensions? While this is a big ticket item, we ask you: can you put a price on your own life? Take that woman in Kansas City, for example, whose weave saved her from taking a bullet in the back of the head. That’s right, fake hair was an investment on her life. Not to mention, you’re not supposed to wash hair extensions very often, right? So think of all the money you’ll be saving on Pantene! (BTW, can you believe that both Stacy London and Padma are doing commercials for Pantene now? As if we’d buy any other shampoo when reality TV stars are endorsing this one!)
And finally, why not use this time to get serious about culture. Not doing anything with your days since your corporate layoff? Lucky for you, afternoon movie matinees are way cheaper than nighttime showings, so hit up your local theater! We recommend the dramatic story of a young writer, struggling with career, love and friendships all while dealing with the same money problems that plague us! It’s called “Confessions of a Shopaholic.” This cautionary tale teaches us that in the end, it’s ok to spend a little money on an outfit with a designer label if it gets you the guy, the job and the friends you want. And that’s just the sort of lesson we like to learn!
