With the state of the economy as it is (sad, very sad), U.S. retailers are cutting orders an average of 10 to 15 percent and expecting reduced spending in the coming months. You might think that when shoppers do make a purchase, they’ll stick to buying basics that can be be worn more than once without anyone noticing. However, JC Report spoke to several retailers who said they were seeing an increase in the buying of pieces that make a statement. “To some degree, there’s an element of fantasy going on—our customers are buying more daring pieces, perhaps to escape from what’s going on in the world,” said Jenny Le, manager of Opening Ceremony in Los Angeles.

A look through my closet, and those of other Frisky staffers, backs up this theory. The last three things I’ve purchased: a dress covered in giant hot pink polka dots, a black dress with an extremely drapey neckline that can definitely not be worn to work, and a pair of neon tights with different colored legs. None of these items can be worn on a daily, or even weekly, basis without me becoming known as “the girl who always wears that crazy polka dot dress,” but they’re exciting articles of clothing that will put me in a good mood whenever I wear them. Heck, even thinking of them hanging out in my closet makes me happy.

As for the other Frisky ladies, Amelia says she’s been buying crazy printed dresses, bright tights, look-at-me shoes, and glittery belts because she “wanted items that have an impact. I figure if I’m going to buy something, I want it to be something I love, and I want people to notice it.” Annika recently bought a pair of bright rhubarb corduroy pants: “I kept coming back to them over three weeks, and finally decided to take the plunge. I don’t own any winter clothes that bright, but these made me happy.” And Emily was daring and bought a pair of booties, a big departure from her usual ballet flats and round-toed heels.

The point of all this is that while we might not have as much money to spend on clothes, that doesn’t mean we’re going to be practical about our purchases. If you have to choose between a pair of crazy-high bright purple heels that make you smile and a pair of classic black ones, go ahead and purchase the purple ones. Everyone needs something to get excited about, and if you aren’t having any fun getting dressed in the morning, how are you going to get through the day?