Monday, September 19, 2005

a pair of rubber clogs bring up much thought

It seems like yesterday was a good day for getting hitched. Driving from Tampines to Jurong and then to Bugis, we saw so many florally decorated cars that it became almost boring. Yup. So almost all the bridal cars look the same.

One particular bridesmaid caught our attention when we were adjourning back to the car after a hearty (and equally unhealthy) Burger King breakfast at Tampines Interchange. There were a total of three bridesmaids, and they were all dressed in pink and white. Not fanciful flowy gowns, but simple white skirts and tops, or vice versa. And one of them was wearing a pair of CROCS in pink.

Hubs couldn't help but say out loud: "Her shoes are SO ugly!"

Ok, so it was very unkind of us to be criticising her choice of footwear so openly. (Even though I completely spat on her bad shoe sense and replied to Hubs just as loudly.) But seriously, as a bridesmaid, shouldn't you be dressing up for the occassion instead of dragging your feet around in rubber clogs? Not to mention the fact that they really don't go with her clothes at all. Imagine a sweet young woman in a frilly white top and a nice pink flaired skirt, then picture her wearing shoes like THIS:


Fine. The description says it's all mighty and comfortable, but still, I think she should be in the proper attire to be part of their nuptial celebrations. No slippers, sandals or rubber clogs. Especially not funny-looking ones. And seriously, THEY DON'T MATCH YOUR SWEET-TO-DIABETIC-STANDARDS DRESSING!

What is wrong with the fashion sense on this island?

Ever since the appearance of the Straits Times write-up criticising the boring "style" of local females perpetually in jeans and a sexy top, everyone has been talking about "getting out" of that expired look and "getting in" to a style that's uniquely yours. But I guess no one in this country is entirely unique in terms of creating a self-identity. Most of our styles and ideas are copied from here and there, this person and that, from magazines and Hollywood's hot properties. Who actually defines their own style without any borrowed inspiration from elsewhere? No one, unless we are capable of making our own togs and able to walk out without feeling judged.

The reason why almost every woman would go out everywhere in hipster jeans and a sexy top is the simple point of anonymity. To be able to just blend into the crowds of Orchard Road or a happening club, but yet still attract a reasonable amount of attention especially from the men. These creatures from the opposite sex look at women in strange ways. First the face, next the boobs, then the bum. (Occasionally, we get men who go for the boobs first.) Zoom out, and they would drool over the total package of their ideal aphrodite-next-door.

Given the wondrous ways these men search for pretty ladies, it really doesn't matter how a woman dresses herself. Well, if everyone is wearing the same thing, you can't really go too wrong. You won't get disapproving stares from other women, and the combination works under the sweltering heat of the Singapore sun. This get-up can also carry you from day to night activities, just as long as you pick the right footwear. (No rubber clogs, please.) So it does make sense to walk around in jeans and a well-ventilated top from dawn to dusk.

In my opinion, get out of that phase already. Especially if you're one of those who dress like that almost every day. Don't you get bored?

While it is true that a pair of well-cut jeans can accentuate your figure fabulously, one can always choose to team it up with an intricate indie-inspired top or a smart casual jacket. Denims can create so many looks and styles if you just know how to dress them up. Don't get stuck in that same rut. That look isn't classic, it's just PLAIN. And always remember to accessorize, but NEVER to overdo it. Simple pieces of jewellery, a nice belt, or an attention-seeking bag can glam up your look so much in ways you cannot imagine.

Wear what you want and be who you are. Although it may not feel extremely comfortable should you be dressed in goth with everyone pointing and whispering at you, but you stand out from the crowd. You're different. And no one should be able to take that individuality away from you. Fashion trends can be such a beautiful thing, just as long as you don't blindly follow them. Not everything suits everyone. Especially not rubber clogs.

That said and done, I think it's time to ditch my bohemian chic look for now and revert to my gothic days. Halloween is coming and I'd like to dress the part of a sleep-deprived nocturnal rock chick. *blows the dust off black shredded lace top* It's time to express youself too!