What women do

Enough about men! How about what women want, feel and do when they accompany their dates?

Singapore women, an unusal breed. Smart, beautiful, confident and sentimental. They always wake up looking their best. When they attend social functions, they spend hours just dolling themselves and spend heaps just to look 'right'. Like my sister, they probably go through their room, which is no different from a boutique, just trying to look 'right' or 'overdone'.

There is hair styling to be done, make over for the night, selection of the perfect shoes, perfect accessories and that perfect dress! Each lady can easily spend between $200 to $300 just trying to outdo each other for the night. Some go to the extent of purchasing a $300 to $500 dress. Just the dress! I recall Zen's remark at some Club 21 designs which were supposedly very popular with Singapore girls and women, "who would wear such a thing. It looks awful." He was referring to a dress which I would now describe as several loin cloths being plastered together? LOL

I wasn't quite sure if women were competing for mens' attention or retaining their mens' attention. When you are on a date or accompanying your date, it has to be the latter. But isn't the dress suppose to work and not the price tag. Have Singapore women lost their sense of value and are out to outdo each other in terms of labels and price numberings. You might as well just wear a long dress with DKNY, Armani or Chritian Dior written all over you and why not display the price tag ? I don't think one needs advertising boards any more. Just get the Singaporean women to wear them and wah lah!

I remember entering a new shop and the salesgirl said, "This piece will look great on you." I decided to put it on. My sister thought it looked really nice on me, so I bought it for $60. An hour glass cutting, low front and black soft dress made of cotton and spandex. Very nice! Although I didn't need it then, I thought it was a good deal at the price it was to be sold. Hence, I bought it.

Last December, I was asked to accompany my friend who needed someone to attend the function with him. He asked me to come along and it was a black and white party. I knew the ladies at the function will be dressed with diamonds and designer labeled dresses. But I have none. Since I promised my friend I would go with him because he really wanted to make an impression, I knew I could not back out of it now.

That night, I showered, put on my new black dress and simple make up. As I was just drying my hair, a thought hit me? Do women practise a caste system amongst themselves? Will what I wear make a difference and they won't talk to me? When my friend saw me, I asked him if I looked ok. Was I underdressed for the occassion. He shook his head and said, " you look very beautiful and you do not have anything to worry about." I didn't show it, but my friend knew I was still disturbed. Nevertheless, I decided that I will just try to pull this off with Me. What I really am and be the best partner for the night.

When I entered the hall, all the eyes were set on me. I felt uneasy because I am not used to being looked at. There they were, the power ladies. Like I imagined. Designs for the early 40s to mid 40s, heavy jewellery, designer bags and shoes. I wondered where is the recession? I would think I was plain with a $60 dress and artificial diamond necklace and earrings. Nevertheless, I smiled and walked confidently across the hall with my friend. He introduced me to his male and female colleagues and had to leave me with them.

I introduced myself and they asked me about what I do for a living and my interests. Throughout the night, It was me , my black dress and my smile. I knew my eyes and my smile were my greatest assets and it made people around me feel comfortable. There you have it, I mingled. They loved my spontaneity and talent. I displayed my talent in song and also my witty character. They loved me; thought I was fun and classy. Then there were games to play. That night, I went upstage and just had fun. My partner was going to be the General Manager of the firm. He was tall, handsome and probably in mid 40s. Throughout the night , he spent his time just talking to me and thought I was the best looking girl in the hall. I thought to myself, " Now I did it with $60!"

When the night ended, one of the managers came up to me and said, " I am so glad you came. You made our General Manager really happy. He is very glad to have known you and he truly enjoyed himself in your company." I replied, " It is my pleasure and you should thank my friend for inviting me."

On the way home, I asked my friend if I did well. He said, " You were truly wonderful and see you don't have to worry about a $60 dress. Just be yourself and you'll shine."