Blog
Beyond the Mirror- Edition XII
Nov
TEMU : THE SLIPPERY SLOPE OF ‘JUST A LITTLE SOMETHING’
by Katya Maker
It starts innocently enough.
A cute spoon rest.
A set of silicone stretch lids for your fridge.
Maybe even a pair of socks with smiley faces on them — and why not? They were only $2.75.
Temu knows exactly how to get you. The prices are so low that it feels like pretend money. The product photos are bright, the fonts playful, and the shipping costs close to nothing. And just like that, you’re hooked.
Suddenly, it’s not just kitchen gadgets.
It’s sunglasses. Then earrings. Then a “linen” shirt that turns out to be 100% polyester and makes a sound when you walk.
The thing is, it feels harmless. But it adds up — and not just in dollars.
It adds up in clutter.
It adds up to waste.
It adds up in a wardrobe that looked cute in a tiny square on your screen… but up close?
It looks and feels exactly what it is: mass-produced, poorly made, and ultimately disposable.
From a distance, the look might pass.
But quality — or lack of it — always reveals itself.
In the drape of a fabric. The shine of a cheap button.
The way a synthetic top clings in all the wrong places. It’s the kind of “fashion” that looks okay until someone gets within a metre of you.
And here’s the bigger problem:
While you’re filling your cart with things that seem like just a little treat, you’re also filling landfills, funding unsustainable production, and saying ‘Yes’ to a system that thrives on tricking you with imagery that rarely matches reality.
I’m not here to shame anyone.
We’ve all been there.
We’ve all had a moment of “Ooh, I’ll just try this” —
and we’ve all had that disappointing parcel arrive, full of crumpled regrets.
But I’m here to offer another way.
A slower way.
A better way.
When you choose quality, you say yes to craftsmanship,
to longevity, to knowing who made your pieces
and why they matter.
When you support local boutiques (hi, that’s us!)
and slow fashion, you’re choosing items that don’t just look good — they feel good, they last, and they tell a story of intention and care.
Also, you are choosing a personal, and real shopping experience. Our team at Katya Maker ensure you are greeted with a smile – not a pop up “BUY NOW”.
We’re thrilled to introduce our boutique family!
Meet Andrea — our style force with global roots 
Originally from South Africa, Andrea has proudly called New Zealand home for the past 27 years.
With an incredible 21-year career as a Buyer and Buying Manager for Farmers Department Stores, she brings a wealth of experience, a keen eye for style, and a true love of beautiful design to our studio.
In 2022, Andrea launched her own fashion label — a testament to her creativity and passion for quality craftsmanship.
Today, we’re lucky to have her as part of our KM Studio family in Matakana, where she balances her time between fashion, travel adventures, and enjoying a well-deserved glass of red wine.
When you meet Andrea, expect warmth, expertise, and style that feels effortless
Hi, I’m Paige, and I’m so excited
to be joining the KM Boutique team this summer! I’m a Year 9 student at Mahurangi College, where I’ve been involved in the Junior Council and recently took part in the school’s production of Into the Woods.
I have a keen interest in IT, cosmetology, and music, and I’m looking forward to learning more about the world of fashion and styling with Katya Maker. I can’t wait to meet everyone and be part of the creative energy at the boutique!
We love seeing young people like Paige embrace craftsmanship, community, and the value of learning what real quality feels like. Her curiosity and energy remind us why we do what we do — to inspire, create, and connect through fashion that lasts. So here’s to a summer of style with substance — and a warm welcome to Paige & Andrea, who are already bringing fresh enthusiasm and a great eye to our team.
💬 A FINAL WORD
So next time Temu tempts you with a $3 dress, pause and ask yourself:
Do I actually want this? Or am I being sold something cheap disguised as joy?
Because real style — real substance — isn’t a bargain bin scroll away.
It’s something you choose, consciously.
And that, my dear, is never disposable.
—
Let’s chat: Have you ever fallen down the Temu rabbit hole?
What did you buy… and how did it turn out?
Come say hello in our Warkworth boutique or Matakana Studios or shop our curated collection online:
– GIFT CARDS available in-store or online
– ONE-ON-ONE STYLING SESSIONS with Katya – by appointment ONLY
Katya Maker Boutique is proud to represent these brands:
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