XOXO, Gossip Girl

In the article "The Frugal Teenager, Ready or Not," New York Times reporter Jan Hoffman explored how the next generation is dealing with the financial crisis. She interviewed students from an elite private school in Manhattan, some of which are wealthy and some of which are on scholarship. It was interesting to see how the supposed "upper crust" in a city like New York is also feeling the strain when Mommy and Daddy can't afford the latest styles.

The story package also included a cartoon, video of student interviews and stills of the teens outside their school. With TV shows like Priviledged and Gossip Girl being all the rage, it was interesting to be able to put a face on Manhattan's elite that I've followed in NY Times Style section for so long now. And from lookint at the images in the Times, these teen girls are living up to the lifestyle; looking every bit the part of rich, stylish young women.

Growing up in an affluent neighborhood in Miami and attending a prestigious private all-girls' academy, I know what it's like to be surrounded by brand names and money but to feel the strain of financial woes. The only difference for me was that my parents didn't allow us to think that the money was what made us. By the time I was in high school, my parents could afford all the nice things my classmates had, but they always instilled the mantra "Just because you have the money, doesn't mean you should spend it."