It's totally girlie pop, but I think it's fine.

For those of you who are also chronically online, it's hard to escape the ever revolving door of phrases that encapsulate a season. From “Brat Summer” to “Demure Autumn”, these TikTok trends have influenced every aesthetic avenue of Gen Z lives like mine. And whether or not the internet agrees, it sure seems like “Recession Core” is here to stay. 

I can confidently say that Sabrina Carpenter’s “Tears” encapsulates this trend perfectly. I don’t know about you, but, lyrics aside, the faded hues and Rocky Horror vintage vibes of the music video are a near perfect reflection of what I’ve experienced from my self proclaimed Recession Summer. It doesn’t matter that we aren’t actually in a recession, because like “Demure Autumn,” it feels like Recession Summer is a mindset. So often, economic shifts are defined by how people feel about the economy, and the same goes for adopting a new trend. 

But what does that even mean? 

Recession Summer, for me, is a perceived scarcity despite a well paying job and health insurance. It’s the feeling that I need to save, and thrift, rather than splurge on the exciting new thing. This pushes me to be more creative and community minded when it comes to my spending and aesthetic expression. 

What does that look like? That means always stopping in at my favorite thrift stores before slapping my credit card down at a national chain. It means challenging myself to tap back into my creativity to repurpose what I already own to create something I’ve been wanting to buy. Culture connoisseurs such as myself often stick to applying trendy monikers to the way we dress or act, (everyone remembers the TRAD wife aesthetic, right?) but May’s musings on tariffs had me wondering how I could implement “Recession Core” into my apartment search and home decor as well.

While “Recession Core” may feel like a trend-of-the-day, this notion has roots in a real economic crisis.. Not to be a total bummer, but what do you remember learning about the Great Depression? For me, those 1930’s history lessons are clouded in the remnants of unwavering disappointment that potato sack dresses were the best they could do after the glitz and glamour of the Roaring 20s. Frankly, my interest in the era began and ended with American Girl Doll, Kit Kittredge’s career as a child reporter. 

But fashion wasn’t the only thing that had to pivot with the economy, as suddenly the daring excess of the 1920’s was replaced with a need for deep-rooted practicality. Interior design throughout the Great Depression was marked by the remnants of Art Deco colors and furniture silhouettes, with importance placed on functional, modern lines with a low profile. The ongoing economic crisis had folks emphasizing comfort and creating a welcoming atmosphere within their homes –  rather than going out – something that has come to roost in my new apartment. 

You can see this shift clearly in the visual expressions of Sabrina’s Tears video. We have to unpack the Rocky Horror chic that Sabrina and her team pulled off. The juxtaposition of dead trees and a barren road at the start of the video compared to the thrifty maximalism inside the house (and cornfield) is total campy perfection. I guess what I’m saying is that when things are bleak out in the world, there’s nothing wrong with bringing a little extra joy into your home. 

Despite being set in the 50’s, both the film and musical sets of Rocky Horror tend to embody the lush patterns and design influence of the 70’s when they were created. To no one’s surprise, in addition to an appreciation for earthy elements and bohemian design, 1970s interiors were influenced by a French art deco revival! Both eras loved bold colors, patterns, and were experiencing economic hardship. 

Now I’m fully obsessed with both of these aesthetics, but for it to really be mine, we need to add about 300 books, 75 plants, and a decent amount of pink. The green and orange I’m totally here for! But more than the looks (and books), I really want my home to feel a certain way. 

I require the comfort and welcoming atmosphere of the 1930s. The slightly chaotic, but still grounded, bohemian energy of the ‘70s is a must. But perhaps most of all, I need my home to feel slightly like a fever dream (ala Rocky Horror) to anyone who steps into it. In the way that every corner is an obvious expression of my inner monologue, aspirations, and passions.

I hardly think that's asking too much, do you? 

With my maximalist-meets-boho-meets-deco mood board established, and armed with an outrageous list of existential demands, my “recession summer” was henceforth dedicated to:

1. finding the perfect apartment to fit the pieces at Magpie that I’ve been dying to splurge on.

2. Thrift everything I need for my new place, with the exception of boring things like hangers and cleaning supplies.

3. DIY everything I can to use my creativity and reduce unnecessary spending!

4. If I was in love with something new, it had to come from a local business or artist.

I’ve never had commitment issues when it comes to pounding a thousand holes into the wall of a rental, but this time I have a desire to honor my vision for the space that I established before starting the apartment hunt. So while we’re firmly ensconcing ourselves in spooky season, my Recession Summer isn’t over quite yet.

Stay tuned for part two where I work through how I made all my ridiculous choices and wound up with the bookshelf of my dreams, a broken sewing machine, and a free monstera – all in the name of staying sustainable and stylish.

Image Source: Mood boards by yours truly