It's in the genes

It must be in my genes not to spend over $50 for jeans, formally known as dungarees.
With a new lifestyle comes a new dress code and the hope that I will not walk out of the house dressed like a retiree. No velcro, no leisure suits, no sweat pants, no shirts screaming BEST GRAMPA!

So the other night I was in The City and visited an old haunt, Bloomingdales, the original not the watered down version that is in the burbs.

I remember driving down to Bloomies when I was in college to get just the right tie or to purchase some turtlenecks. A fashion must in the late sixties, very James Bond. In those days I seemed to be less susceptible to sticker shock. While prices were higher than some of the other department stores, you could always count on the quality of the merchandise.

For the most part the place hasn't changed much. The men's department has expended but you still enter on 3rd ave. The hat and scarf department is still in disarray as shoppers then and now pick through the bins. Sales reps all dress like undertakers, and now men as well as women spray you with cologne.

The basement has experienced a BIG upgrade and the concept of basement sales, are long gone as the place as been taken over by Polo, Cannalli, Boss etc..

The cheapest pair of jeans I found were $70! Being a 21st century guy I realized times had changed and I'd have to go for the extra $20 until I tried to try on the pants. Choosing the right cut requires a lot of patience and the ability to navigate through, STRAIGHT, BOOT CUT, SLIM, SLIM LOW WAIST, CLASSIC etc.  and my favorite, the jean that already comes with creases in the lap and back of the leg. I'll make my own creases thank you.  Being a classic guy I tried on the CLASSIC very loose fitting. They looked like Osh Gosh overalls with enough leg room to store several layers of bubble wrap. Everything else was too tight, had buttons in the fly instead of a zipper, or screamed LOSE WEIGHT!



Did get a shirt and a pair of shoes, but as for jeans, can't wait for the corduroy season.