Confessions of a Shopaholic is a Smart Investment

By Alexandra Wildenhaus

Shopping for the perfect outfit is a lengthy, strategic process; without exception, critical steps must be met to complete a purchase. By skipping, overlooking, or ignoring a step, the desperate shopper risks dissatisfaction, embarrassment, and worst of all, bankruptcy without just cause. Based on Sophia Kinsella’s books, Confessions of a Shopaholic is a fun and lively film that will make even bargain shoppers feel like splurging at the theatre.

Confessions of a Shopaholic, by Australian director J. P. Hogan, can be deconstructed and judged similarly to the shopping experience, which it so artfully captures. The film tells the story of Rebecca Bloomwood (Isla Fisher), a young woman living in New York, who spends most of her day strutting around in her Jimmy Choos scouting her next purchase. However, before she knows it, Rebecca is in over her head in debt; ironically, she is forced to take a reporting job at Successful Savings, a financial magazine. Through a series of shopping debacles, Rebecca comes to learn a thing or two about money, relationships, and most importantly, about herself.

Like any good outfit, Confessions of a Shopaholic has the ability to attract your eye. The viewer cannot help but be drawn in by the stunning costumes put together by Patricia Field, the mastermind behind The Devil Wears Prada and Sex in the City. Rebecca’s wardrobe ranges from vintage to fresh off the runway and is made up of a rainbow: colors so bright they appear to pop off the screen. While the pieces could easily have looked outlandish, Field makes them appear adorably chic and acceptable. During a financial conference, Rebecca, surrounded by a sea of black suits, stands up wearing a bright fuchsia blouse; the character is completely out of place, yet so mesmerizing, you cannot take your eyes off of her.

With hanger in hand, you do a careful glance over of the outfit. You ask yourself, “Can I identify with this outfit?” “Is this something I can see myself wearing?” For many of the women who watch Confessions of Shopaholic, the answer will be yes. From the film’s first scene where Rebecca ’s mother forces her to wear sensible, nondescript loafers, some women cannot help but empathize with this high-heeled heroine and her ambition to make it big in fashion reporting. Praise goes to Fisher who balances Rebecca’s quirky personality with true genuineness, making it almost impossible not to wallow in the character’s heartache and smile at her bliss.

Next, you journey to the dressing room, where the outfit undergoes a whole new set of scrutiny involving its comfort, construction and finally, the confidence it instills. As a romantic comedy, Confessions of a Shopaholic provides a comfortable and relaxing experience; be assured that the only sharp objects you’ll find are the tips of Rebecca’s stilettos and the closest thing you’ll witness to a brawl is an argument over Prada boots. As for construction, you will not find a sloppy stitch or an unraveling thread. The story and character development move forward seamlessly. Finally, as any good outfit should, Confessions of a Shopaholic offers women a sense of empowerment; as a single, career woman, Rebecca solves her own problems rather than wait to be rescued by a man.

After the outfit has passed the inspection of the dressing room, it must endure the painstaking question. “Do I need this?” While Confessions of a Shopaholic has been compared to Legally Blonde and Sex in the City, the film’s theme is different enough that you will not feel as if you’re wearing yesterday’s sweater in a different color. The film offers an important lesson about fiscal responsibility. During a scene, Rebecca’s thrifty parents (Joan Cusack and John Goodman) give her a quarter and tell her to spend it wisely. While the moment is meant to be funny, it contains serious undertones, as Rebecca is forced to take personal responsibility for her mounting debt.

Finally, you leave the dressing room, outfit in hand, and head toward the checkout counter. On the way over, you are forced to walk by the accessory table. Lucky for you, you can keep right on walking because Confessions of a Shopaholic has accessories covered and his name is Luke Brandon (Hugh Dancy), Rebecca’s boss at Successful Savings. When Luke utters, “No, she’s not my girlfriend. She’s not you” in his adorable British accent, you cannot help but swoon. If Rebecca is the Chanel gown, then Luke is the Dior clutch.

Capturing the story of one crazy, passionate, and stylish woman’s obsession with clothes, Confessions of a Shopaholic mixes fun with fashion, offering an enjoyable afternoon at the theatre which leaves you feeling light-hearted and yet, resolved to simplify your life.

Attractive all the way from its fabric content to its designer label, the film is a wardrobe staple you’ll be glad you have in your closet.