"Not too many people can carry themselves wearing purple bordered shoes; they look great" said someone to me the other day. Until then, I did not even realize that shoes normally do not come with purple borders. I was grinning that I got it right - but deep down - I knew that this is not how it was planned...
Ask any guy to list the common theme across these 6 words - Almond, Buff, Camel, Daffodil, Eggplant and Flax. Buff will catch his eye right away. He will then attempt to somehow frame nakedness (search the term 'in the buff' on google) with the animal, flower and edible items on the list. Since this is a family-friendly blog, I will refrain from specifying the explicit thoughts that will eminently emanate from the hot-shot male.
A lady on the other hand is not so complicated. One look at the list and the right answer comes out. "That is a list of colors dumbo". And she will rattle all the other exotic colors that go very well with this list (guys: for a sample of colors, please go here; ladies: don't even bother coz. you'll know much more).
Why is color coordination so unimportant for guys????? And why is it that when we do get it right, it is purely by accident?
Take my recent trip to Belgium. I went shopping for a pair of shoes at the Nike store. I am big-footed (India Size 11 / US Size 12). The way I shop for shoes is simple and logical. I walked 4 aisles, picked all shoes that were size 11 (you normally don't get many), placed them next to each other, removed the most expensive ones, narrowed the count to two by trying all of them, and then chose the one that appealed to my eye. When I walked into a Nike Outlet Store in the US wearing those shoes, 3 store associates surrounded me to congratulate on my purchase and explain its benefits (it turns out that this model had been introduced only a month ago and that made me an 'early adopter'), and showed me a newer model that had come out only the week earlier. It was a heart-to-heart-pure-guy-talk focused on comfort and utility. It so happened that my shoes were colorful.
Even during the Stone Age when footwear was made only from animal skin, I am willing to bet that no woman would have chosen her shoes this way....
But there are also times when my color coordination brings me to earth. During the very same US trip, I wanted to disprove Priya's accusation that I choose 'sober colors'. I walked into the Wal-Mart store and bought a backpack for my laptop. Ignoring the greys, blacks and browns, I chose something 'bright'. The next day, I insisted that I be given a sub-compact at the rental car agency. "Mazda OK?" the sales guy asked. "Absolutely Fine" was my response. I was thrilled to be given a 'bright' sporty Mazda2. On Saturday, I selected the only neatly ironed 'bright' T-shirt that I had remaining. Oh Priya... you are so wrong.... your husband is brightness personified.... hmphhh......
Reality hit when I got to my car. My T-shirt.... was bright green. My laptop bag that was holding the camera and maps... was bright green. And my Mazda? Spirited Green Metallic like the one here. Aaargh !!!! Now I know why I outsourced my wardrobe and color coordination function to my wife several years ago....
There are times when lack of coordination can be brushed off. But there are moments - like traveling in India for instance - when coordination means everything. So the next time you plan a trip to India and you want to include some delightful sightseeing, I recommend that you consider custom tours. Savi & Madhu, friends of mine and former workmates, decided to celebrate their tenth anniversary in a way all of us only dream of - quit their jobs in the US, sell everything they possessed and undertake a multi-year trip through India. The result was this masterpiece of a travel blog aptly titled 10YearItch. Madhu loved the experience so much that he decided to start a Travel Company (10 Year Itch TOURS) to provide customized tours based on the knowledge gained by traveling around India for nearly two years. So go ahead, look them up, and read about their travel adventures here. And if you like what you see, talk to them and talk to others about them. I promise you that you'll love your interactions.
Please also note that I do not monetize my site or derive any profit. I write for the sheer pleasure of writing and for the joy/information that my readers get. I have placed a banner ad linking you to 10 Year Itch, but you can be assured that there is no monetary benefit here. I am always impressed with folks who spend time on the ground before embarking on anything. To me, that is a reflection of one's passion and that - I believe - will result in a superior product/experience for the consumer. Madhu, and the 10 Year Itch, belong right there.
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