You know the drill. Sunlight hits just right, your iced coffee is in hand (even in this horrendous cold?, guilty) and suddenly, you’re not just running errands – you’re the lead in a slow-burn indie film. That’s main character energy, and Gen Z is obsessed. But here’s the thing: being the star of your own life? Kinda expensive.
Every purchase now has to serve a vibe. That $7 latte? It’s not just coffee – it's a personality trait. The $200 Reformation dress? Wardrobe for the plot. Spontaneous solo trip? Essential character development. Brands know this, and they’re eating it up. They’re not just selling products anymore, they’re selling a story. Glossier doesn’t market makeup; they sell effortless cool-girl energy. Apple? Not just a phone, a piece of a creative genius aesthetic. Even a Stanley Cup isn’t just a water bottle, it’s a status symbol.
And let’s be real – this whole cinematic existence? It’s draining bank accounts. Lifestyle inflation hits hard when every purchase is justified because it “fits your aesthetic.” Add social media pressure (because what’s the point of having main character moments if no one sees them?), and suddenly, self-romanticization starts looking like financial self-sabotage.
But let’s be honest, none of us are giving it up anytime soon. Because, at the end of the day, life should feel like a movie. Maybe the trick isn’t to stop playing the main character but to realize you don’t have to buy every scene. Some of the best moments? They’re free. And they still fit the aesthetic.