What Choo Talking 'Bout, Willis?

So last Friday I had the pleasure of having dinner and drinks with some friends. I thoroughly enjoyed my meal and even more so the company. I was sad to see the night come to an end. I was even more sad when I was caught in traffic - due to construction - on my way to the Don Valley Parkway. While sitting in my car on Bloor St. I decided maybe it isn't so bad to be caught in the jam at that particular junction. I did have the pretty holiday store windows to keep me entertained. I looked to my left and noticed a dress in the Zara window that would look much better on me than that mannequin and made a mental note to go there at some point to try it on. I looked to my right and noticed a young woman huddled and shivering on the side walk and immediately felt that guilt knot I get in my stomach whenever I see a homeless person. We've got to do better, Toronto, I thought. Then I noticed another young woman beside her...and then another....and then a big group of women laughing and having fun with their hats and gloves on and in lawn chairs? What? Wait. These women aren't out on the streets escaping an abusive home, begging for change from passer bys. No don't tell me. Sitting outside at midnight is completely voluntary? In November? What could be worth it? Other than Michael Jackson concert tickets ( R.I.P MJ!)? Then I remembered, the launch of Jimmy Choo for H&M was scheduled for the next morning, November 14th. So now I am in complete bewilderment! These women are risking frost bite to line up ALL nite just to covet the shoes Carrie Bradshaw made famous? Why is THAT important to have those shoes? Just because of the name? Is fashion really that vital in the lives of young women these days? Even now in the midst of recession? Do we have to succumb to every little marketing ploy and buy buy buy? And what makes these shoes SO special anyway? Just because a couple of famous people wear them so we must then acquire the same in order to be like the 'acclaimed'? Puhleeze. I've been laid off and I know the ladies of Sex in the City or Lipstick Jungle could care less about what shoes I wear to my job interview. And I really don't care whether any cast member of any defunct or current tv show approves of my attire or not. Ladies, we are more than our shoes. It is not about what we put on our feet but more where our feet will take us. Let's stop living up to the stereotype that we care more about esthetics than our character. Now. If you'll excuse me. There's a dress at Zara with my name on it....

Asha