When I was a rising star, or so I thought, I dressed the part. I bought most of my clothes at a men’s clothier in downtown Hartford. They were the equivalent of Brooks Brothers before Brooks Brothers became Mall Brothers. Buying there was a nice experience, the clothes were very high quailty, the staff all pleasant, several knew my name.
One fall day, in the window facing Asylum Street was an overcoat. A stunning overcoat. Dark blue, neutra collar, decked out with a contrasting scarf. Just the thing for those winter days waiting for the commuter bus, with the buttons needed to close it up and keep out drafts. A little sign on the floor next to it said it all: $600. This was about 1976. That’s about $2,400 today. Out of my price range for sure.
Wasn’t long before I changed jobs, with a substantial raise. Spring was nearly gone and I needed some slacks and went to the store. While I was there, I asked Rich if he still had any of those coats. Rich rotated a couple of rack and found where they were hidden away. Did I say they? I mean IT was hidden away. They had one left, and it was my size and on sale for $450. I couldn’t resist. I bought it.
I still have it, or actually, my son has it. I don’t wear it very often in Atlanta, we’re not that formal and it’s not that cold here, and I guess overcoats and top coats are as out of style as ties.
I also bought a fur cosack type hat made from natural beaver. Can you think of anything warmer than putting your head inside a natural beaver?
No comments:
Post a Comment