Haberdashery

Real men appreciate color and accessories. It started when the pilgrims came over on the Mayflower. The Indian chief was wearing a colorful head dress and jewelry at the first Thanksgiving dinner. Even in Africa the kings look like color wheels. That's one thing I liked about the gangsters. In the movies "Al Capone" and "Frank Nitty", those guys were always sharp. In Harlem in the thirties it was an adventure to get dressed. I had a coral colored suit and a paisley tie that was inspired by "West Indian Archie" in the movie "Malcolm X".  Men were even dressing in "The Color Purple". Remember Shug Avery's husband Grady and Mister's father. Those guys were fully dressed even in the scorching heat. Hats,ties the whole nine. A big white monogrammed handkerchief was the finishing touch.

I hope it doesn't sound chauvinistic, but women were an accessory as well. You never saw a homely looking woman with a sharp dressed man. Women kept their hair fixed and a fresh pair of stockings.  Then came the depression. Then the focus became the next meal. Then the country started dressing down. Instead of a three piece suit and a shined pair of  Stacy Adams. A pair of hard starched jeans and dessert boots was the style. Now it's baggy pants a polo shirt and some expensive sneakers. You can invest  $500 on an outfit and only have three pieces. It does my heart good to see men dressing again. I'm tired of Lil  Wayne dictating fashion.  The popularity of " The Great Gatsby" is stirring up a movement of sorts. Pocket squares over sagging. Bring on the Haberdashery.