~Suits~
- Then & Now -
~ Dress-Code ~ Dress for Success Progressions ~
Twin, Lar, and I worked after school at Kinney Shoe Stores; Best Shoe-Dogs, ever. At the time mandatory to wear complete suits-ties: Fell in love with the cute cashier; lesson learned don't play in your own backyard! Whew, a lot of gabby-girls flowed through all day - shoulda stayed in that biz...!
Worked in Dads' Glass factories while going to school. He Bellowed, "Get out there and get your hands dirty." Henceforth I wore a sports coat and tie everyday and he reluctantly gave me an office job, with a cut in pay of course. Remembering: A girlfriend came to pick me up for lunch. She was the daughter of a 'doctor' and wouldn't leave the general offices to go into the main working area. Dad said, "Dirt is cleaner than recovery room blood." I know he was so profound - we broke up..!
While in the Navy I wore dress whites so overly starched that cracked with even careful movement. I wouldn't dare trying to just sit down to avoid creasing; though proud to be a G.I. (Government Issue). Once the uniform was a real Girl Magnet - Not so now I reckon.
When in fashion we wore shiny polyester suits with button down vests; way too flashy. I was on the road schlepping franchise programs that we created-wrote and registered. But, I couldn't even go into/or out of a restaurant without curious small town folks surrounding me: Who was this big shot from HollyWeird with wrap around shades in a baby blue M.B. with California tags.
Never my personal dress-up style, yet truly an Over Exaggeration Observation, for many in the Next Stage of the 'Suits' - The Armani look. Hard for the Z's to fathom this, once referred to as Preppy, 'Young Urban Professionals; aka 'Yuppies.' Double breasted suits with wide suspenders holding it all up, with stuffed $ gold money clips in pockets; just for showoff. Shiny tie pins going through holes in starched collars holding in place wide ties along with their initials on the sleeves; gaudy cufflinks a must.
To top off the 'Look' worn were large single stone (sapphire or opal) pinky rings; a look so captured in '60-'70ish sitcoms - emphasized by the pinky-finger sticking up while holding a martini. Those of you reading this while wearing 'Slogan T-Shirts' may be amazed by this attire: It was what it was with these short lived fashion statements.
~ Full Time Casual Fridays ~
I may be exaggerating a bit; though dress code is very different of late. Brother has a gorgeous penthouse suite in the finest part of town. Professionals come to work wearing tank tops, huarache sandals with dogs, birds on their shoulders and other exotic pets tagging along.
- It ain't a sin to be a Schlub ~ but it is to appear as one -
Recently we had a young man fill out an application for employment who was degreed and excessively qualified for his job category; we did not accept his application. He had blatant tattoos and piercings all over. I suppose it's just me regarding first impressions: He didn't even bother ironing out wrinkles in his clothing before appearing before us. It shouldn't be about him. This is not in our clients best interest to focus on his body displays before anything else. Of course he sued us for discrimination.
*As an aside to our VocalBucket: I chose to write this reach back 'Short' topic to give a little breathing space within current political issues for a few moments.
We're seeing the future coming in all directions; a little harder for we OldSaltScribes to swallow. And those new to this are becoming discouraged due to the onslaught of Ai.
Authors faced issues getting a story written that no longer exists today thanks to technology. Situations that we dealt with feverishly getting a piece out are non-existent. Such as our snail-slow story telling ability on a 'punch-touch' typewriter. We'd hang long rows of white correct type-tape around our necks, no autocorrect then, and tossed crinkled sheets all over the floor that didn't fit with the way we were going; there's always something. There are obstacles within any profession - if we are writers, we should just write.
-Value your own words no machine can compete with that-
Jay Kantor, Chatsworth, California
'Senior' Vocal Author - Vocal Village Community -
About the Creator
Jay Kantor
'For The Kids Someday'
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Comments (31)
I enjoyed the personal anecdotes mixed with social commentary. Your experiences with the military, fashion and work dress codes paint such a vivid picture of how society’s expectations of appearance have evolved over time.
What a ride! Looking back at fashion over decades is a trip. As always, I relish and admire your drawings Jay. You're so talented!
I wrote something recently about letting go hope you'll like it
JiB, I liked this piece very much. It succeeded in providing the mood you sought to capture. Well done! - Mart
Him being so profound, caused you two to break up. I love how you brought this sentence together. With a cause and, abrupt effect. I am so glad you're talking about suit and ties. I personally dislike how the guys are dressing these days. The starch whites do sound sexy. Ooo those large single stone sapphire or opal pinky rings, are to die for. I can imagine it. ...But it is to appear as one. Well said 👌🏾 Sued for discrimination 🤔 I can't say I wouldn't judge those tattoos and wrinkles... I agree. If we are writers we should write. I know I haven't been here in a while. But I love this. I really enjoy you giving us a taste of the past. All those clothing and accessories in words. Allows us to touch and live it as if we were apart of it. I genuinely appreciate written work, that does exactly this. So I am grateful for you Jay. Thank you for being exactly who you are 🤗❤️🖤
Wooohooooo congratulations on your Leaderboard placement! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
Jay, the world needs more people who create positive and imaginative works that inspire good, positive, wholesome experiences. Keep putting out the good vibes - Wes
Congratulations!!!!🥳🥳🥳🥳
Congratulations on such a well-deserved top story and leadership board placement, Jay! Also, I love your artwork & style!🥰
I like your style! Congrats on TS!
Sorry to be late to the party, J-bud! Thank you for the fun read, and of course your schtick art! Great to see you here. Congratulations on a well-deserved Top Story, my friend!
Jay - Congratulations on another Top story. You did an excellent job capturing the fashion flow from then to now. It was a treat reminiscing. Thank you. P.S. I liked the way you linked your final thoughts about writers writing. Good job. - Kathy
I remember having 'Leisure' suits. I got my first one when I was 5 or 6. I thought it sounded cool, lol. L e i s u r e... Loved how you gave us a break down of the days of 'Jay's fashion'. I remember seeing you in a suit on the cover pic of a story you wrote. Fancy duds. You best stick to the thrift stores now, like I do, haha. Great read, my friend. L-bro!
Go back far enough and everyone was wearing loin cloths. I wonder if they will be back in vogue soon? Nicely done JK. 😁
Hey, my friend. Such a pleasure to take this trip to "remember when" with you. Always a fan of your amazing doodles and tidbits of encouragement. congrats on this top story
So many truths!! I think the "schlep" look started with COVID. Congrats on the TS. Fun read! 💜
I thoroughly enjoyed this trip down memory lane! I especially loved your last line of encouragement! Congrats on your Top Story Jay! 🎉💪🏾
Congratulations!
Back to say congratulations on your Top Story! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
Such a great piece, Jay, and as always love your schtick art! And I still love looking at men in dress uniforms, but I'm old school in that sense I guess. Working with kids I've learned to appreciate their tattoos, piercings and crazy hair colors as a form of self-expression. Don't bother me anymore, and sometimes can be a good conversation mover when the ice is broken and they don't see it as violation of their personal space. What a world we are living in, right?
What a fantastic blend of humor, nostalgia, and cultural observation. You’ve captured how evolving dress codes reflect broader social change, from discipline and image to comfort and individuality.
Great article, J. A breath of fresh air, and much need "breathing space" indeed. Love the artwork as well.
I would not hire someone wearing wrinkle clothes, I feel that's how he will work without a care. As for those with tattoos, I would not mine hiring them as long as they are meticulous in their work ethics
Nailed this!!! Loved thinking about you all "pimped-out," Jay. Made me smile. As ALWAYS, love your sketches. Our generation is just waiting for "style" to again become stylish...some of the youngers "git it," so I still hope. While in the grocery store, a cashier was actually singing to an 80s song being played overhead. She said her grandmother had loved the song...promptly put me in my place. I was thinking...it is bad luck to wear an opal unless you were born in October...reminded me to wish you a happy birthday for this occasion!!! We need to celebrate each one, truly. Happy Birthday, my friend!
Another welcome and fun read. I keep thinking about those large single stone (sapphire or opal) pinky rings! Love the Schtick' Art, too.