I recently got into a debate with a friend over fashion name-dropping in chick lit. This argument began over me mentioning Nine West in one of my chapters. I don't name drop very much anyway because I don't want to sound too cliche, but in this particular part of the story, my MC didn't have enough money to pay for a car repair, so she was jokingly wondering if they would take several pairs of slightly worn Nine West shoes as payment. Now, my friend was of the opinion that you ONLY mention a designer/store when it’s either obscenely expensive (Prada, D&G, etc) or embarrassingly cheap ($5 t-shirt from Old Navy). Because Nine West was a middle of the road, mall brand (her words, not mine) she felt it shouldn’t be mentioned (along with Franco Sarto, Banana Republic, The Limited and Macy’s INC brand).
I think she’s off her nut, but I’m wondering what everyone else thinks.
:>) unagirl
www.cursinginheels.blogspot.com
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50,512 / 50,000
Nov 15, 2007 - 12 46
I can't see that it matters at all, so long as the brand you are mentioning is familiar enough for your intended readership.
I remember reading a Lee Child novel in Australia, before I'd moved to the US, and he mentioned Kinko - I had to Google it to find out what he was talking about.
I think the rule about only mentioning the cheap or expensive labels is ludicrous!
55,005 / 50,000
Nov 15, 2007 - 13 03
IMHO, mentioning a particular brand (regardless of how cheap, expensive or middle of the road it may be) helps to create an element of realism and connection with the reader. So long as you are not using it in a defamatory way, go for it.
Peace out, Namaste and Write on!
Dharma
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----------"Sometimes my muse signs arias, but mostly she just belches the alphabet."
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50,437 / 50,000
Nov 15, 2007 - 14 33
Your friend is completely right. Don't brand the shoes Nine West. It is the kiss of middle class mall death (even though they are comfortable, cute and affordable). Would you anything for a pair of slightly used 9 West shoes? Noooo! You wouldn't.
----------notes from the 'dales
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Nov 17, 2007 - 20 38
I totally think it's ok. I assume that most people who read chick lit don't exactly have closets busting with Prada and Gucci. They probably do have more brands like Nine West (at least, I know I do) so I think it would help the reader relate to the main character even more.
----------Instead of fear of failure, maybe we'd do better to fear the death of dreaming.
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Jun 13, 2008 - 14 41
The context for which your using the name dropping is fine, it sort of makes it a bit more realistic...
I just hate those books where the MC moans about those perfect Abercrombie and Fitch jeans that would get her into the popular crowd. She feels so depressed because the only jeans her mom will buy her are from JC Penny.
Come on now! Jeans are jeans! Let's get to the interesting stuff!