The Cost of Affordability

[@angienicolehernandez104]

I think you were pretty fair with your comments. Fast fashion has made people believe a shirt should cost $5, but somebody elsewhere is paying that cost with their quality of life :(

[@busybila]

Exactly 😔

[@gummy5862]

That’s because clothes are usually not better quality just because they’re more expensive. It’s harder these days to find things that actually last.

[@domisdreaming]

I think this is so important -- being a consumer that prioritizes buying "affordable" short-lived items (read: junk) -- rather than buying and using "expensive" quality items that last -- feels more expensive in the long run. And if we keep buying cheaply made things, we're just going to reinforce to these brands that they can keep selling us junk...

[@busybila]

😔 it’s pretty disheartening when you really start to think about it

[@mpiercy827]

Well said! I've been trying to make the switch to quality, longer-lasting items and eliminating my reliance on things with a shorter lifespan.

[@Reverse_Cowgirl-cat]

It's been a few years since I ordered pop flex, but I remember their being some good 50% off sales on the last seasons designs.

[@princesstelimena2887]

LOVED this!! and totally agree. i hate how companies like shein and temu have made people think that a pair of leggings should cost $10-$15. Real clothes that are made ethically and sustainably cost a lot more than that to make. We seriously need to change this mindset in our society for the sake of the people and environments fast fashion hurts

[@iSharShar]

I think the fact that the line was a collaboration with Target instantly makes it fast fashion. There's no way the clothes are made with the same quality, and Target is just profitting off of Cassey and the brand she built with so much work. It's exploitation of Cassey and of everyone in the supply chain.

[@moniquesutton7066]

Is it true that it's exploitation if Cassey agreed to it? It's not like she was forced into the collaboration

[@squin6959]

⁠​⁠​⁠@@moniquesutton7066I’d suggest looking into how Walmart pressures retailers to lower their prices. I have no doubts Target does the same thing. Yes, it can still be exploitation if she agreed to it; these companies will exploit anyone they can. I feel like I don’t need to explain that lower buying cost = lower making cost = low quality … which is fast fashion.

[@addangel]

@@moniquesutton7066yeah I don’t agree that she’s being exploited. more like she was bought.. she willingly decided to become part of the problem for a paycheck, which is disappointing.

[@anadavalos3212]

She’s profiting off of this deal. How is it exploiting her? I wouldn’t even be surprised if she was the one who came up with the idea. Her fans had been asking her to make Popflex products more affordable for years.

[@giannacherry1698]

​@@moniquesutton7066fair,but I can also see her perspective as an artist/fashion designer. Getting picked up by big brands such as target can make on excited. Not excusing her from this but more understanding.

[@meredith6864]

I had some similar thoughts when i saw videos of people trying the target blogilates line. The clothes just seemed way more low quality than the popflex versions.

[@busybila]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who noticed!

[@IsabelRodriguez-jt8tg]

i tried the clothes at target and didnt quite liked them. when i saw the videos i thought i would find similar opiniones but nope.

[@taylorbryant4813]

You found the right audience here! I really enjoyed your video. I saw this collaboration a while back but never followed up on what it was like. You’d did a great overview of the target collab and a mini intro to her standard line.

[@busybila]

I'm so glad this video is hitting the right audience! Thanks for your support!

[@addangel]

I feel like they went against what the brand stands for with this collection. They sacrificed quality control for a paycheck and mass produced even though they’re supposedly against fast fashion. It makes me trust the Popflex ethos a little less.

[@Weeniehutnurse]

Yeah, realizing how much work quality clothes need and it made me want to learn how to sew and make my own clothes. I also just love popflex just because of the designs, I didn't even know of cassie until popflex

[@beatlebrarian]

This is my first time watching your video as it popped up in my feed. I loved the thoughtful analysis (definitely hit subscribe!). I worked for a company called Duluth Trading over the holidays because I loved shopping there. While it is fast fashion, they have a one year return policy but send anything that cannot back on the floor to the outlet in Wisconsin. If there is a manufacturing defect such as a zipper defect and someone returns it, it is sent to the outlet. Things are santiized and sold for amazing prices! You would be surprised at what people buy and turn these pieces into! I love knowing that that company keeps so much out of the landfills. I really think that if a small business can do it, giant hyperstores owe us and the environment the same thing.

[@Dear.Maria27]

Watching try ons I noticed that almost all of the target collection isn’t made for those of us with big boobs. The pop flex line seems to take that into account more, I’m guessing because it’s an additional thing that would add more time to the design process and costs more. Clothing fit is more than just regular size/plus size.

[@starcherry6814]

Oh I'm so glad someone made a video comparing the quality! Thank you!! So I can be a more mindful buyer

[@busybila]

Being a more mindful buyer is the goal! I'm so glad you enjoyed the video

[@tracymora4758]

you did a good job so don't worry too much :) it was a nice video, well presented and your arguments were clear and didn't felt malicious at all! so good luck with your channel, i hope you can soon get monetized so you can both grow as a youtuber and get well deserved money for your wok

[@Papeeshka]

I got the sweats so I can keep my heater off. The intent is to cook and clean in then, change into them in dirty airport bathroom and shove into a carry on. So for this purpose it is fine.

[@busybila]

It sounds like you're getting good use out of them!

[@sierra3091]

Great video, thanks for spreading this information. I would not have known these pieces were not her OG designs otherwise and now I’m apt to purchase from pop flex given their business ethics

[@laurasutcliffe723]

I’m about to turn 45 next month and the older I’ve gotten, I find myself really searching and being picky about the materials of the clothing I buy. I own a lot of 100% cotton, silk, wool, linen, etc. It lasts longer, wears more comfortably, and is more sustainable. SHEIN, Temu, Forever 21; they are all skewing people’s thinking about quality. Cheaper is not always better, but it’s what most people can afford these days, and these companies know it. I fear in the future there is just going to be EXTREMELY cheap OR extremely EXPENSIVE options. Pushing out the middle man is not always the answer.

[@hsfhanaa]

I think its fine. If I'm not mistaken, she has posted and discussed on how they managed to cut costs and visiting the overseas factory to ensure the quality and working conditions. I personally wouldn't be upset if this was the only launch she did for Target. I bought the green yoga pants and really enjoy them and if I became more interested in working out or find myself needing to replace the same active wear I've worn for over 10 years, I am more willing to pay extra for Popflex because I was able to touch the clothes and see the sizes.

[@bctextiles]

your video is great! i agree, by collaborating with target popflex is compromising on the ethics of the business and i wish she would have gone through a different avenue to bring her clothing to in-person shopping. maybe if she was going to work with a larger brand like target she could have chosen to balance it out with the materials she's using - e.g. create a 100% cotton/organic cotton range so that pieces have a lower environmental impact (biodegradable) when being brought into that mass-production, fast fashion environment.

[@busybila]

I would have loved to see pop ups featuring the Popflex in a more sustainable way too, I'm glad to know I'm not the only one thinking this!

[@keke6924]

I think you reached the right audience and you have a new subscriber! I have some pop flex pieces but I think I’ll pass on the target line

[@damnbro_idc]

Ngl, if she had an in store drop in my country I would definitely try out the sports bras. I would love to be able to run with pain

[@udon5442]

Really enjoyed this video, and you very eloquently explained the issue i have with this collection. Popflex is expensive, but cassie makes a great case with her product videos that you are buying thoughtfully designed products in high quality fabric. To join target in race to the bottom clothing manufacturing and undercutting her own brand and mission statement doesnt sit well with me.

[@lindsey532]

Great vid. Well scripted, good editing, salient content.

[@busybila]

Thanks for watching! 🙏

[@TheConstellationWatcher]

Popflex is expensive i bought items from them and i had to fork out shipping for returns and i regretted it but everyone kept hyping them up and i tried again and followed how the sizing should be and they were too big and couldnt return them mind you i live down under and american dollas aint cheap after that i said never again if i really want something i will go to my tried and trusted hate them if you will but Lulu is my go to since the sizes dont change and free returns

[@WiinterKitten]

Not really, especially if you’re just buying one or two pieces, good quality is always worth it… Why couldn’t you return though? I never had a problem returning my clothes due to getting the wrong size😅

[@pileofjunkinc]

​​@@WiinterKitten I'm not sure if things have changed, but I know I heard a few years back, shipping to and from Australia can be extremely expensive. I think at the time average was about $60-$70 if not more. When the item you buy cost that much to ship, it would almost make more sense to try to resell it where you live rather than pay to ship it back.

[@__-yh7pn]

​@@WiinterKitten I'm assuming you don't live in Australia/New Zealand or know that much about living there. I don't live there but have Australian family & have visited before. It is extremely expensive to ship things there. Many people that live there don't return things because of that. & A lot of popular events/tours don't travel there because of the cost to get equipment & performers there

[@zenchilladas]

I bought $80 leggings from her line online and they were way worse quality than the $12 danskin ones at Costco. Price doesn’t have to equal quality. 🤷🏻‍♀️ my pop flex $80 leggings were more like tights and never fit correctly. I love Cassey for 10+ years now but at least being able to feel them in store will prevent me from spending a good chunk of change on poorly made clothes.

[@Mallowolf]

In a way this is a great example of how trying to follow what “everyone” wants, just leads you to a diluted, lowest common denominator result. In this case the result is yet more fast fashion. I wish she had used her big platform to instead educate people on why things are priced the way they are. Fair compensation and working conditions, the quality of the garments, etc.

[@TomikaKelly]

We're all well aware why her things are priced the way they are. Knowing why something is priced at its price point doesn't automatically guarantee accessibility to the item. She was trying to make her products accessible to a wider audience and, in doing so, sacrifices will have to be made.

[@ThomtheArtist-js9kp]

Excellent video! I enjoyed your informative, well spoken, fair, thoughtful, researched thoroughly commentary. I enjoyed hearing your opinion and thought you presented it respectfully. I would love to watch other videos about this subject in the future.

[@elisa68]

Almost all of her activewear is made out of polyester so its fast fashion material anyway, weather its in a store and costs less or more online..... im not paying 80 buck for a polyester skirt. SHE USES SYNTHETIC FIBER ALMOST EVERYWHERE there is no excuse for that price. It sheds microplastics everywhere

[@TomikaKelly]

Her team is paid a liveable wage, hence the "excuse" for the price.

[@heyashleinicole]

i just honestly wish that the conversation about fast fashion actually kept individuals in mind that literally cannot afford high priced items because they have to afford simple necessities like groceries and gas. higher priced items like are deemed as a luxury but owing clothing should not be a luxury. i’m not about to crap on a person who will buy fast fashion leggings because they’re trying to ensure they have enough money to feed themselves and their kids

[@rashidaalam1992]

Great information to have . Thanks for sharing . ❤️❤️🙏🙏

[@busybila]

Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@benignahierba]

i enjoy these research videos, the standard format with todays topics i think its the style of journalism we need😸

[@Decentname01]

I really liked this video! I don’t know much about the business/production side to making clothes, so i appreciate you talking about this

[@busybila]

Thanks for watching, I'm glad this video was able to shed some light on the production side of the industry!

[@maddyk6188]

you just got a new subscriber, great content and so important! have you seen the documentary “the true cost”? it opened my eyes back in 2015, and now as a sewist i am passionate about altering already existing items to make them new again 🥹🥹 great content!!!

[@domisdreaming]

+1 to "The True Cost". a great watch, highly recommend! Definitely a sobering introduction to some sad truths about the toll our fashion industry takes on the people who make it

[@busybila]

I have heard of that documentary, it sounds right up my alley, thanks for the rec. This year I want to make more content around altering clothing so we can love them for a long time so I'm so glad you found my channel!

[@LeBonBardeChaotique]

Just discovered your channel!! Amazing content, great delivery and relatable??!! Automatic subscribe

[@dismurrart6648]

Imo, part of why she probably did it is because target already was duping her. Their in house stuff is ass so having her name on it is probably the only way they can boost sales

[@spiderwickian]

this is an awesome video!!! i really appreciate your analysis

[@busybila]

Thank you for watching!

[@amongus-sp9pe]

hiii new subscriber here !! youre so pretty and this vid was rlly entertaining!! :333 pls make more in the future!

[@MeridaEllaSDB]

Well balanced review. ❤ I'm on the fence overall of trying popflex clothes. I thrift most things. Mostly of fairly high quality. I'm not in the camp of criers to small businesses for being too pricey. That's just rubbish! First world manufacturing of clothes makes a cotton circle skirt over $100 fairly priced. Alternately, Pact manufactures in certified Indian 🇮🇳 facilities and manages to price some incredibly great basics at easier prices with organic cotton. So there is some pricing possibility for some brands. I have no sympathy for the false customers pseudo fanbase demanding penny prices for current unworn fashions in huge overhead burden size ranges; while being unendingly ethical. Cassie created a diffusion line with Tar- jay for her diffusion price point audience. For potential customer conversion of whom would likely never buy her main line. Most people in the US don't have even $30 in an emergency fund. They honestly can't afford the Bloglaties products either.

[@TomikaKelly]

How is she not yet monetized with so many followers and views? 🤔

[@__-yh7pn]

Finally! I've been waiting for someone to point out how it's hypocritical for the company to have a line with target. It 100% is fast fashion & 100% goes against what they have claimed to be their core beliefs. Also it bothers me that after all these years she hasn't acknowledged how she contributed negatively to diet culture & unrealistic body standards & years later has profited off of making an image of being all inclusive. If she's genuinely changed into those beliefs that's nice, though I feel it's important to own up to contributing to harmful beliefs even if in the past

[@c_louie670]

This was an interesting video. I honestly can't afford pop flex, I do hope in the future her clothing line with target gets better and maybe one day I can buy something or at least I hope in the future Cassie finds a way to make affordable and good quality clothes. Because not everyone has the budget to buy pop flex. Thanks for the video.

[@TomikaKelly]

The only way her Target line will get better is by increasing the price, which will present you with the exact same problem that you're currently having with Pop Flex: Pricing. 🫠 "Affordable" and "good quality" are rarely, if ever, in the same realm. You need to be willing to compromise and pick one or the other as opposed to expecting a brand to compromise for you. 🙄

[@caracol4142]

great video, keep going!

[@busybila]

Thank you for your support!

[@sunshiniesmile]

Omg you popped up on my feed! We went to highschool together 😂😂

[@Fizzypopization]

Her stuff has always been fast fashion. She literally uses Chinese manufacturers.

[@catastrophically.in.denial]

let’s get you monetized!

[@Porcelynnn]

Target is fast fashion. They have so many stores and sell so many clothes.

[@gracecarol4854]

Did she design a single new item for this collection? Everything looked like a pre-existing product…

[@busybila]

Whenever you change the quality of fabric, it's important to go through the fit process again so it should be treated like a new product. Additionally, I believe the rompers and some of the dresses are new

[@ItBeThatWaySometimes]

Hot take - popflex is, and has always been, over priced, over rated, and not unique. Cassey acts like she invented the skort. I eagerly await her comeuppance

[@studyingmonster2745]

💕

[@Yukkionana]

But what could us low class people can do? (no hate)

[@DuchessWillow]

Algorithm

[@taylorbryant4813]

You found the right audience here! I really enjoyed your video. I saw this collaboration a while back but never followed up on what it was like. You’d did a great overview of the target collab and a mini intro to her standard line.