shopping through elimination

If you have ever asked me what my preferences are (of anything under the sky), I would probably have stammered through my reply, because the truth is- I am not exactly sure myself. However, that does not mean that I have no preferences. In fact, one of the perks of being a chronic pessimistic freak has made allowance for me to perfect my craft of choosing by elimination. My lengthy negatives make for effective and efficient shopping. One of my favorite pastimes is to create lists of what I dislike or avoid, and today's list aims to document some of the things I avoid when shopping for the year 2010 (most of them are brought forward from 2009):

T-shirts
Reason: Too urban/modern. Will avoid it like plague unless it is T by Alexander Wang except for a few minor exceptions.
Strict-Ban-O-Meter: 8/10

Anything silk-screened
Reason: Too urban/modern. Reminds me too much of the beginnings of the industrial age. Alternatives can include leaving it plain, embroidery and so on.
Strict-Ban-O-Meter: 10/10

Silver
Reason: I am not attracted to the color in general. Reminds me too much of industrial metal. Why choose silver when there is an option of gold? There is no room to compare. I am old-fashioned that way. However, I might give way to some rare exceptions.
Strict-Ban-O-Meter: 9/10

gorjana / soo ihn kim
gold vs.silver.

Anything patented.
Reason: I don’t dislike patented objects all that much, except that they do look like it is made for the modern woman and I certainly do not want to feel like a modern woman. I also try to avoid as much shine as possible. I have given in to a few patented objects throughout the years, but they have all failed me- every single one of them. They generally scratch or spoil too easily, though I must admit I foresee myself giving in to these evil patent temptations again in time to come.
Strict-Ban-O-Meter: 7.5/10

One of my best loved pair of patented mary-janes. A small piece of its skin was tragically scaled out by some unknown reason.

Anything rubbery or plasticy
Reason: I hate these 2 materials. Period. Rubbery substances should be stuck to making rubber bands and plastic as zip-lock bags. Definitely the bane of the good old era,and the start of mass productions. I fail to understand the hype about these Melissa shoes.
Strict-Ban-O-Meter: 10/10


melissa/ vivienne westwood for melissa

On closer observation, they do look kind of cute. Maybe I will re-consider my ban again someday.

Synthetic leather
Reason: As much as I am willing to lean towards animal rights and such, I am tired of synthetic leather. It does not last, and has a less than desirable texture.
Strict-Ban-O-Meter: 10/10

Jeans
Reason: I do not dislike jeans to be honest. I do like how some of them look like. However they are extremely uncomfortable to me, and I find it confounding that most people choose jeans as their comfort wear. I admit that jeans are an essential, and I do desperately need a few pairs of new jeans, but I can never find the motivation to get some. It just isn’t as fun as dresses or shoes. Even though I am not big on jeans, I must admit Siwy has some good options. Recommended for jeans lovers.
Strict-Ban-O-Meter: 4/10

siwy