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Read the interview below.
Vogue: How did the idea for this book come together for you?
Like, Isnt it weird that they blister-pack that one jar of spices?
Or, Isnt it crazy that that the hot dog hasnt changed price?
Photo: Courtesy of Emily Mester
It felt like doing a guided tour of my hometown.
So the piece became about both of those things.
And so then it became a book.
Do you have any Costco hacks youre willing to share?
My lips reflect off his cross gold chain, and I thought she was saying Costco chain.
And then I realized she was just saying cross-gold chain.
I prefer the Costco reading.
Its like a potential Lana Del Rey lyric moment.
I immediately was like,Their jewelry is great.
I think it feeds into optimization culture and Wirecutter culture.
And it makes you suspect everything thats not the best as this kind of false god.
I loved the essay about Ulta Beauty.
Wow, wed be cooking with gas if there were!
Skincare is a good example.
But the flip side is, as with the broomstick, youre trying to over-optimize it.
But they all look more or less the same.
Its all going to get you to more or less the same place.
Whats an item you own that youll never get rid of?
One answer that comes to mind is aBrick.
So what Ill do, is Ill Brick and then go out and about.
This conversation has been edited and condensed.
American Bulk: Essays on Excess
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