Open Post: What's happening in your world?

Welcome to this week’s Open Post.

If you haven’t been here before, think of this as an open thread to tell us what’s on your mind, what’s happening in your world and your highs and lows.

As one of Mamamia’s longest serving employee’s (I’m still waiting for my gold pen) this post is one of my favourites.

I’ve always loved catching up on the engagement news, job promotions and impending babies from YOU, our awesome community. Conversely, I get goosebumps when you all rally around someone who’s having a tough time. And if this is your first time here, jump on in, it’s great fun.

To kick things off, I’ll go first.

This week I heard a shopping statistic that made me totally reconsider my spending habits. And by habits, I mean debt, LOTS of credit card debt.

A study commission by fashion retailer Best&Less found that 2 out of 3 women think fashion in Australia is too overpriced, yet we don’t actually know why we’re paying too much for fashion.

So Best&Less decided to do something about it.

They opened a shop with one huge difference.

On appearance experimental LAB Store looks like any other designer retailer. It has the spotlit mannequins, trendy clothes, the designer logo, snappy in-store advertising, and beautifully designed interior, but despite the price tags stating otherwise, nothing in the store costs over $40.

Their nifty scheme catching shoppers unaware, is to reveal at the checkout that the gorgeous floral print kimono they were willing to pay $140 for is – BAM! – only going to cost them $40.

Take a look at the video below, it’s brilliant. And it’s worth it to catch the expression on one of the shoppers partner’s face alone. GOLD.

I was so impressed by the store I went all paparazzo and took as many snaps as I could:

LAB is open until March 9, and online here. Run, don’t walk.

And over to you, do you think clothing is too expensive? How much do you reckon you spend each year on fashion?

Best & Less will continue to challenge Australian’s perceptions on price, with the LAB store open until 9 March. With the average Australian woman spending $834[1] on their wardrobes every year, fashionistas are encouraged to visit LAB and find fashion at a price everyone can afford. Check out the Facebook page here. 
[1] Roy Morgan Research