Judge — December 20, 1913 — page 11: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a satirical illustration from *Judge* magazine depicting a fashionably dressed woman with an elaborate, ornate hat adorned with decorative elements. She holds a cigar box labeled "CIGARS." The caption "Her Fatal Error: Fresh from the Bargain Counter" suggests satire about consumer culture and cheap bargains. The joke appears to criticize women who purchase inexpensive, low-quality goods—possibly counterfeit cigars or fraudulent products—from discount retailers, viewing this as a foolish mistake. The elaborate hat contrasts with the cheap cigar box, likely mocking women who present an appearance of wealth or refinement while actually purchasing inferior merchandise. This reflects early 20th-century attitudes about consumption, class performance, and women's shopping habits, positioning bargain-hunting as morally or socially problematic.