Shoed In

I am really not a good shopper. I don't have the patience to try on ten different things and then shortlist them or browse every shop in a mall before deciding what to buy. I'm one of those people who would just roam around aimlessly in the aisles and if my eyes fall upon something I like, I would pick it up. As simple as that. Also, I cannot shop for more than 2 hours. After a while I either get bored or tired or hungry, whichever sooner. But some of my friends have amazing stamina and a huge appetite for shopping. Of course a huge wallet along with that is a given. They hit the mall and shop as if they're on a mission to save the world. They start with one store, comb it down till they are satisfied and then move to the next display. They leave their house with a mental check list of sorts. They always know what exactly they want and seem to find everything all the time. I have found myself having a vague idea of what I'd like in my wardrobe next. Something as uncomplicated as a "white shirt" or "a pair of jeans". But these mall 'chicks' of prey know exactly what they're looking for - "a sequined black tank top to go with my blue skirt". What's incredible is that they find that tank top. And along with that, they buy 3 more shirts, 2 pairs of jeans that seem to be 'essentials', 3 pairs of shoes 'cause i just ADORE them!!' and earrings - that the shop assistant 'just threw in'.

I love this shopping pattern but one thing is still hard to digest. Why do they buy those 3 pairs of shoes? In their rooms I notice that there is a special place for the 50 pairs of shoes that they already own and we're still counting. They don't wear them down. They always have at least 4 pairs that can go with their outfit at a time. So why do women have this 'fetish' of owning bags, shoes, watches, belts, bangles and earrings?? Well, I have a nasty, yet simple theory behind that. And here it goes.

Clothes can go out of style. You can outgrow a pair of jeans. You may not be able to get into that LBD anymore. You may have tanned little too much to carry off a certain colour. But no matter what your weight or waistline, you can always wear those pretty shoes and strut around feeling special. You can always carry that zany tote that you picked up at some season sale and still be "en vogue". It's best to collect items and accessories that transcend boundaries built by age, weight, colour and 'fashion' as labelled by the Elle's and the Vogue's of the world that could write off the brand new pair of skinny jeans I bought weeks ago.

Thus, follow the smart ones people - the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Carrie in SATC and many many more. Invest in shoes, bags, belts and more. Because you will never grow out of them. The more the merrier. Coz I get to borrow them - a size 6 anyone???

The power to be heard

We always have so much to say but think it's futile coz we know that we won't be heard. What's the point of crying yourself hoarse when there's no one listening to you. Why make a point when it won't be appreciated. But then, what if, one fine day, you get that audience, the spotlight that you need - what point will you make then?

Amitabh Bachchan has enjoyed the spotlight for so many decades now. He and his family are always making front page news regardless of the significance of the issue. He blogs everyday. And every post of his enjoys atleast 200 comments. We can only imagine how many people follow him - coz most readers don't comment. And all these people are his die-hard fans - who hang on to every word that he writes (does he write everyday or has he hired someone to do it?) He is well read man. He can motivate, orient and raise awareness about so may pertinent issues.

Anyway, if by some stroke of luck, if I ever get the platform to be heard - what opinion would I voice? Would it be petty scoops about my son and daughter-in-law, or subliminal marketing of my movies and products that I endorse? Or would it be something bigger, something that concerns everybody, something more profound and something that enlightens, inspires and gets the people who follow my thoughts to pause and ponder on issues that really matter? Would I be too pre-occcupied by myself and my PR that I forget that the power to be heard is rare and must be used prudently? Would I spread hope and positivity or delve over controversies and create a negative influence with my words? Would I praise the goodness around me or malign the wrong deeds?

So if your voice reaches millions - use it for the greater good. Not to demand apologies and justifiy your deeds. It's not a confession box!