Raffles Place Office Lady: Conspicuous Consumption

Conspicuous consumption, as defined in wikipedia, is "lavish spending on goods and services acquired mainly for the purpose of displaying income or wealth. In the mind of a conspicuous consumer, such display serves as a means of attaining or maintaining social status."

I look around me and this term pops up in my mind constantly - in Singapore shopping is deemed a national hobby (tying in first place with eating!) so it's no wonder you witness consumerism constantly. But what makes it "conspicuous" is the fact that the goods purchased have no intrinsic utility (value) - so would you buy XXX if no one knows about it?

After a whole year of prudent spending - only a short getaway, redeeming air miles for free air tickets to boot - we have decided to pamper ourselves and give in to temptation...