I can’t tell you precisely when the conversion went down, but as I sit here trying to assemble my thoughts in my 1,300 square foot industrial loft, I’m becoming increasingly more aware of how pretentious my lifestyle is. Comfort and indulgence seem to be luxuries that time, experience, and a hell of a lot of hustling have afforded me and for that I am grateful, but I wonder: in these times of constant struggle, is appearance all it’s cracked up to be?

Let’s get practical people. I’ll be the first to admit that I may, from time to time *ahem* live beyond my means. It’s downright unpatriotic not to be in debt, but let’s face it, debt is extremely uncool. It occurred to me about a month ago when I broke a tooth and had to ask my mother for a loan to pay my dental bills, that I’m 28 with no dental insurance and I HAVE TO ASK MY MOTHER TO HELP ME PAY FOR MY DENTAL BILLS.

This has me second guessing all my gratuitous eBay auctions. The phrase “ballin’ on a budget” has never rang so true in my life. Missing a tooth because you couldn’t live without those new Margiela boots is straight ignorant and trust me, I’ve been reevaluating my priorities. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll always have time for my costly Italian cheese habit and you’ll definitely see me in Essie’s spring 2013 collection, let’s be real here. All I’m saying is that taking care of business is what truly gets respect in this world, not callin’ momma every time we need a bailout.

Though we can’t always have it all, we can adjust our desires and be content with what we’ve got. I’ve been completely carefree living out of a backpack on the open road in the past. Gross materialism don’t mean much without people to share it with and playing dress up ain’t nearly as pleasurable without an audience. Remember, it’s not about what you have in your life, it’s about who you have it with.

- California Casual