To all the Sex and The City fans - Men and socks

First reason, this one is solely for you, Bambie, as you requested. Second reason, the weather is definitely getting cold and it's high time to pull out the secret stack of socks that has been packed away all summer.

Then it just reminded me of that episode of "Sex and the City" where Carrie runs low on ideas for new articles. She ends up writing an article about french fries and contemplates comparing men to socks in her next piece. In the voice of Carrie, "I couldn't help but wonder, are men like socks?" Its a question that Carrie never answered for us. Lame idea for an article? Maybe so. But truth is, every woman has her own variety of socks in her love-life drawer. 

Socks certainly do come in a variety of styles and these styles could be compared to the different men out in the dating pool.There are the classic socks. The white, athletic socks of the world. The ones you have a ton of in your drawer and you always take advantage of the fact there are so many of them. They're disposable. They're the ones you don't really care if you lose ("I can get another pair, or three, or a dozen, at Target for real cheap!"). However, you rue the day when you want to go out for a run and you can't find a matching pair. 

There are the playful socks. The ones with monkeys on them or the pompoms on the back. The ones that say "hottie" or have kittens looking oh-so-cute. They are the fun socks. The ones that make you laugh even if they are entirely impractical. You're probably a bit ashamed to show your friends that you're wearing these socks. 

Lastly, you have those socks that are just right for you. And I think this is different for every woman out there. Maybe its a nice pair of dress socks that really pull your outfit together. Maybe its those warm, footie socks that make you feel safe or maybe its a pair of the toe-socks that remind you of your childhood. Hell, maybe its those darn monkey socks. For me, its all about the leg warmers. They are not socks, yet they are kind of. They belong to their own category, like one of a kind. They definitely stand out more, make more of a fashion statement, and definitely are warmer.   

Of course, we all know the real reason men are like socks. You go to clean them up a bit and when you're done, they disappear!

[az]

L's

“Years after years, twenty-something women come to New York City to look for the two L’s: Labels and Love”- Sex and the City

I used to dream of being the twenty-something woman who lives in an apartment in the middle of Manhattan, wakes up to go exercises in Central Park, grabs a coffee in Starbucks and gets off the metro to work. I dream of walking on 5^th avenue in an Armani suit, Manolo Blahnik heels accompanied by a Vivienne Tam customized design laptop in a matching Chanel boho bag. Then, after the stressful office hours, I would be able to go out to fancy dinners with friends in a Dior dress or relax at a bar in Rock and Republic jeans, DKNY tank top and jewelry from Vivienne Westwood.

I read Vogue and Deluxe Properties magazines. I want to spend my vacations at high luxury resorts all over the worlds, go to W Retreat and Spa in Maldives for my honeymoon or get away from the city for the weekend and relax at the Dior Spa at Plaza Athéné in Paris.

‘Such luxury life.’ My friend told me.

Why not? I wonder. If I plan on working hard and earning my own money, why can’t I live the life that millions of people around the world live without even working hard and earning their own money? Why can’t I giving myself the luxury treat that I want? It’s only ‘Label’, certainly. But what’s wrong with a love for labels?

When I’m home, I go out with friends to nice coffee shops, have dinners at fancy places and spend money on shopping that I would normally do not while I’m in the US. My sister says that I only go out with guys who can pay for my sushi dinner at sky lounges or who comes pick me up in fancy SH and Airblade, and that I prefer guys who have to be considerate to the point of picking me up with cars when it rains or driving all the way to Phan Thiet to get me my favorite dish.

‘You’re so materialistic.’ My sister said.

Why not? I wonder. If they are all nice guys who make me feel like I deserve the best, why can’t I treat myself to moments of happiness, even if they are only brief moments? If they can take dozen of girls out during their summers, why can’t I go out with dozen of guys during mine? It’s not ‘Love’, certainly. But what’s wrong with a love for ‘being loved’?

For the time being, while I am not making any money and aiming to build a family, what’s wrong with dressing in conventional clothes while reading Vogue and admire designer outfits and what’s wrong with having flings while waiting for the certain one to settle down with?

I’m reaching the point of being the twenty-something soon, and I wonder if I'm still looking for the two big L’s like I used to. After all, they are all Lies.
[az]
06.06.10