"Everybody thinks their reality is normal," she said, even teenagers who call funerals "the cotillions of the 90's" and wear Prada boots in summer.

Anne takes to the streets of London in a Max Mara sweater and skirt, a Marie Mercie hat, and Prada boots.

Dressed in black cashmere and wearing Prada boots ("I ask myself, 'What would my son wear?' ")

Six-month-old Tate Dubilier, another high-maintenance baby, lets his mother, Minnie Dubilier, buff and shine him like a pair of Prada boots.

Ms. Perelman, a lanky, 39-year-old brunette in Prada boots, left her husband, Reuben Borman, in the car with their son.

Others save for a pair of funky Prada boots (right), an inflated-tube shoulder bag (far right) or the Helmut Lang tunic with dangling pink ribbons.

That may be because few men that age can afford Prada boots ($610) or a Dries van Noten T-shirt ($160).

Here, he wears a custom-made shirt that belonged to his grandfather, an Hermès scarf, Seven for All Mankind jeans and Prada boots.

Here, she wears an Anna Sui lace minidress over an American Apparel tank dress, Danskin leggings and Prada boots.

Recent bargains: Prada boots, normally £400, for £90, and Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger ballet flats - normally £70 - for £21.