Life — January 20, 1921 — page 15: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a single-panel cartoon from *Life* magazine (page 95) depicting two women in a bedroom having a conversation. The woman on the left holds flowers and speaks first: "I wish I could afford a new hat for the country club dance." The woman on the right, identified as "Miss Brunette," responds: "Do as I do, my dear, have one sent on approval and return it the next day." **The satire**: This jokes about a common shopping practice of the era—ordering items "on approval" (with the option to return them)—being exploited as a way to borrow clothing for free without purchasing. The cartoon gently mocks both consumer culture and the financial pretensions of women attempting to maintain appearances at exclusive clubs while living beyond their means. It's a commentary on conspicuous consumption and economic dishonesty among the middle class.