consumerism

Watching Baz Luhrmann’s new film The Great Gatsby feels like chugging an entire bottle of cheap champagne: A giddy, fantastic, sugar rush soon turns to a morose headache.

The message for this year's final and ULTIMATE favorite things was "giving back." But does that message get lost when combined with consumerism and our own sense of entitlement?

In response to the economic downturn over the past two years, Oprah has dialed back the rampant consumerism associated with her "Favorite Things" shows. But this is Oprah's ULTIMATE Favorite Things year, so hold onto your super expensive hats!

Taking a look back at the Oprah/Hermes incident.

OK folks. We're a little busy here at Bitch HQ today getting ready for our Compromising Positions Forum tonight (you're coming, right?) so it seemed like the perfect time for a Mad World open forum. The prompt: Which ads have actually compelled you to buy something? Or, have you ever purchased something just because you liked the ad?

I'll start. Last week I was at a big box store (OK, it was Target) and I was looking for some body wash. Although several brands were cheaper, and they probably all contain roughly the same ingredients, I went with Dove Cream Oil. Why? Because I like the ad!

Eco-consumerism is not the answer, Miranda Kerr. Not even if you take off your clothes.

In Mumbai and Delhi, several fashion designers are making their radical politics known on the runway, and in fashion capital New York City, one Indian woman is drawing attention to the need for quality education for children living in the slums of her homeland with one little black dress.