an economically concious person knows a trend when they see one. it has come to the public's attention that carrying a coffee cup, whether Starbucks or otherwise, has developed into a status item. just like fashion and technology, having a beverage at hand works to imply affluence, though most coffee joints are not very costly. the standard drink is in a paper or styrofoam cup, not particularly distinct. many times, drinks are sought only for their label.
