6.27.2006

Shoes and Handbags

Yes the great Singapore Sale is back in town again.

It is the time of the year where throngs of people stampede and make a clean sweep through the stores for the greatest bargains like there is no tomorrow;

Like locusts sweeping through a corn field;
Like ants stocking up for the winter season -

The only difference being the spending power to buy things we actually need (hopefully, some day , I suppose).

What is the phenomenon, the mysterious power that is at work;
that draws us to spend and overspend during this period?

I, was attracted to it first when it all started - the pre GST sale as we call it.
And it has evolved to be The, yes, THE Great Singapore Sale.

The hype died down after awhile as my generous pay forces me to rethink my spending power while the allure of it all proves quite a strong pull.
Alas, more than always, the unthinkable thought of not eating enough for that month is a much more logical conclusion.

If affordance is the word, then I would buy what some may say a necessity - a luxury for me.
You see, i could never have enough shoes to fill my thirst.

I guess that is parable to women's need for wardrobe full of bags, clothes, make-up and what not that they have. So, this is the time, well, any other time, where the great debate of why I need as much shoes as compared to my 'better' half's incessant (if i may use the word) crave for more bags.

Well it could be argued, from my point that is, simply as function. I have more sports shoes than my wife, argurably more than anyone i know of - and mind you, i use all 7 pairs of them. Crazy some may say - one for every day of the week. It does not work that way.

1. Functionality means firstly the purpose of it all. Hence, I have some shoes for this, and some shoes for that because i play different sports. Of course, i use some shoes more than others.

2. Functionality means the use of it all. Similar meanings - well to the lay man - not that i am not but what it means is that i wear those shoes almost seven days a week. I have a soft spot for racers for their light weight and flexibity that suits almost every other sport. And tried and tested at the rate i use a pair, the soles would be out as fast as 3 months. The longest was the nike hurache - if you can call the pair racers; they lasted 8 months.

That's so much for work shoes. I have other sports shoes - casual lifestyle editions i'd call them. These are worn for outings that require walks through malls and essentially for shopping.

Again its a matter of functionality. They are comfortable and trendy. Why shouldn't I invest in them. I only have 2 of them pairs. Too MUCH? Hmmm. Must I remind you of Functionality.

Well i do not even want to go to smart or casual shoes for occasions. I do not want to go there.

I am not saying my shoes come cheap nor am i saying aesthetics and brand do not form part of my consideration but Function is the word here.

Argurably, my argument for form and Functionality outweights that of my wife's handbags and what knot reasons for all seasons. I rest my case.

A.D.I.D.A.S. - All Day I Dream About Is Sports.