After watching The Real Housewives franchise for over a decade, I’ve come to the conclusion I have a spending problem. From The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills to The Real Housewives of New Jersey, and of course, the OGs of The Real Housewives of Orange County, I’ve been religiously tuning in as these women step out to fancy restaurants and cafes, sipping overpriced cocktails in designer heels, while on their way to casually dropping thousands of dollars on a weekday shopping trip. I’ve been keeping up with Lisa Vanderpump’s lavish dinner parties on Vanderpump Rules, and I’ve seen Kyle Richards show-off her endless collection of Hermès Birkins multiple times, knowing my budget is more “TJ Maxx clearance” than luxury handbags.
Somehow, the more I watch, the more I convince myself that I also need a statement bag, a charcuterie spread, and at least one more fur trimmed coat – even though I have nowhere to wear it. It’s not just that I watch The Real Housewives – I’ve imagined myself as one of them, swept up in the illusion of their glamorous lifestyles. And I’d be lying if I said it hasn’t influenced my spending habits in real life.
I Blame the Housewives for My Expensive Taste
It’s not just that I watch The Real Housewives – I’m embarrassed to admit I live vicariously through them. While they spend their days brunching at posh cafes, I’m also craving a mimosa-fueled breakfast. When they waltz through designer boutiques with personal shoppers, I find myself browsing online – which, let’s be honest, usually leads to me adding something to my cart. And don’t get me started on dinner parties. I barely have guests over, though I’m convinced I could put together an entire tablescape with a signature cocktail on short notice (and with the right budget).
It’s not just the shopping. The Real Housewives has ruined casual dining for me. Watching RHONYC several years ago, I remember seeing an excited Ramona texting Countess Luann de Lesseps, to bring back ruffle fries for the group. Luann would later forget, causing tensions to rise. But I had to find out what these things tasted like, not bad, actually. On The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Kathy Hilton introduced me to pure decadence, copious amounts of caviar-topped on everything, including her baked potatoes and potato chips. I used to be perfectly happy with a normal burger, but now it feels plain unless there’s a bunch of fancy add-ons making it more festive (and expensive).
I’ve even started treating my cocktails like a status symbol. No more basic vodka sodas – unless it’s served in a crystal glass, garnished with fresh herbs, and stirred in front of me by a mixologist, then is it even worth the (overpriced) price tag?
I Keep Up with the Housewives Even When I Shouldn’t
Gizelle and Mia at Karen’s event during Season 9 of ‘The Real Housewives of Potomac.’Image via Bravo
Don’t get me wrong – I don’t go about my day delusionally thinking I have millions in the bank. I’m not literally spending like I’m Erika Jayne (though I wish I had $40,000 a month just to spend on myself). But The Real Housewives franchise definitely encourages a “treat yourself” mentality. It feels easier to justify splurging on an expensive meal or an investment piece for my wardrobe when I see the Housewives doing it on a regular basis. Luxury items like designer handbags start to feel normal after a while. While I may not have an entire collection like a reality star, owning one or two luxury bags that I can show off for the camera makes me feel like a Housewife, even if just temporarily.
I’ll likely never know what it’s like to be a Housewife. I’ll probably never have a closet full of designer clothes or a personal chef preparing my meals (unless Uber Eats counts). But the show has convinced me that I should at least try – or aspire to. I know it’s a bit ridiculous, but that’s part of the fun, isn’t it? I don’t need a handbag that costs more than my rent. And maybe a grocery store cheese board is good enough. But if watching The Real Housewives has taught me anything, it’s that life is too short not to indulge. So, if you need me, I’ll be sipping an overpriced latte at a fancy café, pretending I have a Bravo camera crew following me around. The Real Housewives of Miami (as well as other The Real Housewives franchise seasons) is available to stream on Peacock and Bravo in the U.S.
