AMERICAN: More is better…
Many women in America just shop, shop, shop. Of Course this is a generalization so please forgive me. Every weekend is a shopping excursion. Many times its a mish mash of styles and pieces, generally cheaper pieces with perhaps a higher end department store item here and there. Now, remember, I’m talking about general Americans, usually big cities are really different. In NYC, you don’t see women shopping in gym clothes but go to Syracuse, NY and you see just that, and middle America… let’s not even go there.

Although, I feel that Americans are into beauty and fashion. They take it to different levels here. Either they are really sloppy, really corporate, or overtly sexy where it almost crosses the line of vulgar. Body wise, they want to be thin and healthy, but its all about the gym and dieting or fast food and the “big is beautiful” mentality. When it comes to looks, again its extremes, either its really natural or too much makeup, tan, and streaky blonde hair. Oh, and Americans obsess so that they don’t wear the same outfit twice in one week, oh the horror!

EUROPEANS & WORLD: Quality versus quantity…
My family is Eastern European. I have travelled many places in Europe and the Middle East and I have found that women are more apt to take care of their personal hygiene. Americans are clean people, they brush  their teeth, shower, use deodorant, shave, etc, but that’s not all I am talking about. In other parts of the world, most women have a manicure, pedicure, coiffed hair, wax, etc. They don’t just put their hair up in a pony tail and have chipped nail polish. These details are very important to look polished. Perhaps that’s because blow outs and nail care is a lot more affordable. Shopping wise, they are into the philosophy of quality over quantity. Instead of buying a zillion pieces each season, they will invest their budget on a couple pieces. Voila, instantly they are chic. The rest of their money goes to maintaining a clean appearance.

Which philosophy do you follow?