fashion critic

AS THE only girl in our family unit, I like to seek the opinion of my
two "boys" when looking for something new to buy or wear.
       My husband Ned's answer is always positive whenever I try on
something.  I never ever look bad. A dress or a pair of shoes is always
perfect for  me and anything I show to him is always met with exclamation
marks. "Bagay!" or "Ang ganda!" and the usual, "Wow, 'Nay, sexy!" he'll holler before letting
out an appreciative whistle.
       My son, Naki, on the other hand, is a little bit more believable. You see, he doesn't mince his words and really tells it as it is.
       Last weekend, we went to a tiannge  and I spotted a black and white
geometric long-sleeved dress that I loved on sight.
       As usual, I consulted my two critics.
       "Ganda!" said Ned, as expected.
       "It looks nice," said Naki.
       "Reaaally?" I asked Naki again as the sales lady oohed and aahed over
me wearing the dress.
        "Yeah," said my little boy, before adding, "except that it makes you
look big here...." pointing to  my tummy area.
       That was it. Off came the dress while a flustered saleslady asked
what my son had said. After repeating what Naki told me, she could
hardly stop herself from laughing and instead let out a small grin.
       "Pwede naman lagyan ng belt, ma'am," she countered.
       Salamat, I muttered, and thanked the heavens for my son who could be
counted upon to tell the truth, however much it hurts.
       Finally, after a couple more rounds and a little more shopping, we
headed for the car.
       "What did you buy?" Ned asked me.
       "A dress," I said proudly, holding up a beautiful floral pink shift
to show it to Ned and Naki.
       "Wow!" said, I guess you should know by now who.
       And my Number 1 critic? "Great," he responded as I beamed with delight.
       "You'll look like a big flower garden!"
       Next time, I think I'll go shopping alone......

Written december 3 , 2002



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Update: Shopping for clothes is best done alone, although when I need a little pick me up in the confidence department, I beg Ned to come along (may tiga-bitbit na, may tiga-bayad pa, hehe).   And as for the "fashion critic"? Let's not go into that, katatapos lang ng holy week.. :)