WEAPON OF MASS DISTRACTION

Many women spend a lot of their lives doing things (READ: Spending money on beauty and fashion) trying to be or look like somebody they are not or who they can never be. When they are young, it's looking up to older 'role models' and when they get older, it becomes a perpetual battle trying to look like somebody younger.

I think that this quest to look like someone else is just robbing them of the best years of their lives. They could be doing a lot more to promote their own inner characteristics and outer charms. I have to admit that when I was younger, I did for a while try to emulate some women.

Don't laugh but I had to save my allowance for a whole school term just so that I could have a Farrah Fawcett hairstyle. Invariably, there was also the make-up that was a must wear during parties at the time - Mary Quant. We were awe struck by Jean Shrimpton, the world's first real supermodel from London who helped proliferate the Mod and Swinging London looks of the 60s and 70s.

I'm not proposing we stop this idol-worshiping (not that we can) because all women or girls go through this stage. The thing is, I'd figure that once they grow up and mature and become supposedly wiser, that they would grow out of this phase. Instead it gets worse for many of them.

I have some friends in their forties who are still going for hairstyles that stars have even though it does not necessarily suit them of bring out their best attributes.

As you get older, it's better paying attention to what works for you, what you feel comfortable with and not what magazine models or celebrities showcase. Unless you have personal trainers, fashion advisors (and designers), $1,000-an-hour hairdressers or touch-up artists shadowing you all the while, it ain't gonna work for you.

There are literally millions of looks and as many styles as there are people out there so find one that is you. Confidence will follow once you get the look that suits you.  If you watch a fashion show, you can tell. Just look at the models and you will have some idea who likes what they are wearing and who doesn't. It's not in their smile (because they hardly ever do) but in their body language.

One of the most powerful weapons of mass distraction (WMD) is a woman's confidence. She may not be the most attractive in the room but if she is confident, she will be noticed for sure. Now isn't that what we all spend indecent amounts of money to achieve?

Missus Singapore out!

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