I maybe have shopped for casual clothes 2 or 3 times my whole life. I didn’t have a mirror in my room until a few months ago. I love sweatpants, t-shirts, and hooded sweatshirts – mostly hand-me-downs. All this presents an interesting contrast with my other more Polo minded friends: me, in my ripped sweatshirt, Ecko sweatpants (my Mom sometimes buys my clothes at Goodwill and doesn’t know which brands are "black" so I end up with lots of getto apparel), and unbrushed hair, and them, button down shirt, nice shoes, etc. All this is very ironic because with my BlackBerry, pretentious eye-glasses, and loud mouth, I am most unlike my clothes.
I’m told on the east coast the fashion scene becomes even more egregious, with 19-year-olds wearing boat shoes, pink Polo shirts, and brown belts every day of the year. Yuck.
For my business appearances, I DO care a lot about how I look, since I think it makes a big impression. But even in business, I’ve gone decidedly casual since I don’t do sales pitches anymore. But – be careful – give me an opportunity to wear a bow tie, and I won’t let you down.
A reader asked if I go to the outlet stores to shop once a year and the answer is yes. I buy basketball shoes and other necessities at Vacaville Outlet Stores once a year. So “two or three” is probably an understatement – more like 9-10.
“My Mom sometimes buys my clothes at Goodwill and doesn’t know which brands are “black” so I end up with lots of getto apparel”
First, it’s ghetto. Second, what exactly is “black” clothing? Third, you insinuate that all “black” clothing = ghetto. Get a clue.
Hi Chris – ah, I always butcher that spelling. I should have been more clear. When I say “black” clothing I mean clothes that are marketed as “black” brands. E.g. FUBU is “for us by us” and I would consider that a black brand. Most black brands I know are marketed as ghetto, as “in the streets.” Of course most clothes that black people wear don’t fit this bill.
I’m white and I live in a 98% black neighborhood. When my friend’s refer to my neighborhood the word “ghetto” gets thrown around quite a bit, but I find that quite racist. The instantaneous link between “black” and “ghetto” in our collective consciousness has to cease.
Warsaw 1945 – Jews living behind a wall with little access to food and medical care = Ghetto
Chicago, Englewood 2006 – Block with burnt out buildings = Ghetto
Fubu – Clothing (expensive clothing I might add) definitely <> Ghetto
“The Streets” not necessarily Ghetto.
Just my humble opinion
“I’m told on the east coast the fashion scene becomes even more egregious, with 19-year-olds wearing boat shoes, pink Polo shirts, and brown belts every day of the year. Yuck.”
I beg to differ. I went to an East Coast preppy school with no dress code. The only teens who dress as described go to schools with strict dress codes. Or else step out of old ’80’s John Hughes films. Really, few kids wear the outfit you describe. You just described the corporate business casual wear for American men. All your forgot was the company embroidered logo on the chest.
i actually think that ben does were “getto” clothes
haha *wear
hey ben,
I appreciate being called out on the boat shoes. I think I’ll bust them out tomorrow, just for you.