how advertising was created to get rid of excess crap

Rethinking consumerism and shopping as an American pastime was one of the first goals of my business, and part of the reason behind my business name, mindful closet. I saw over and over that women had closets full of clothes that they didn’t wear, and weren’t even sure why they bought them. 

For some, it was cultural pressure to always wear something new and different for every event. For some, it was the promise of a deal they couldn’t pass up. Some felt bad for the salesperson helping them. Some bought things when they had an hour to kill in between appointments and dropped into a store just to look. Some had subscription boxes that charged you less the more clothes you kept. Some were forced into a state of panic by scarcity and a time limit on the price. Some were influenced on Instagram. For many, there was a promise that the item would bring them acceptance and belonging by making them look as close to the ideal standard of beauty as possible. 

It makes sense. It’s completely huma…