This is some sort of sick joke, right?

[lindyhop]

Hmm. I saw this line of shirts a few months ago. The Bambi one wasn't there at the time, what I remember is some shirts with some very cool vintage designs and very high price tags. The material was flimsy and thin and nothing I would wear but I knew they weren't made with me in mind anyway. They were interesting to look at so I did and moved on.

On a later visit I saw the Bambi shirt and noticed they had made more of a little vintage display area with a chandelier and other accessories and it looked pretty cool. The shirts were still way overpriced but I liked seeing something different. I consider shopping to be entertainment and I'm entertained by seeing something different or creative or just weird even it's nothing I'd ever want.

No one's being forced to spend money on these shirts. If someone wants to, fine. If they don't sell they'll be gone in no time, retail floor space is much too valuable.


However, if Paris Hilton shows up anywhere wearing one I think they should torch the entire collection.:eek:

[MouseWife]

To those commenting on my quest for opinions:

LOL No, I don't think someone who goes to work out in sweats has given up on life. But, the quote made me want to ask, in this thread of fashion, what were peoples' opinions on sportswear and what people think of people in different types of it. I probably was vague but I have been noticing other people a lot more {walking alone gives me too much time to notice too many things} and wonder what others think.

Not that it matters but a lot of times you can look at someone and sort of gauge what they are thinking. But, in this, I really didn't.

I get the point that what is worth a certain amount may not be worth that to someone else. I like to go to concerts, Disneyland and Yosemite. People think I spend too much by going too often. They don't see the value of spending time in those places so often. Or seeing the bands I want. But I do.

Oh, and BTD, I imagine you working out hard and I doubt if you care if anyone doesn't like what you wear!! :snap:

[Cadaverous Pallor]

CP, do you feel your practical thriftiness has anything to do with your jewishness?GD had a fantastic response to this.

Personally, my parents were cheap, but terrible with money, and always broke. The only reason I used "Jew" in my post was because I thought GD was making a Jewish joke about being thrifty....didn't realize it was because it was a Xmas ornament. :blush: That's what I get for trying to power through the thread during my break...

[€uroMeinke]

For me, the only part of fashion that I find truly perplexing is when people are only paying for a name attached and not the product.

For example, I can understand absolutely loving a Thomas Kinkade painting (even though I think his stuff is just atrocious) and being willing to pay $1,500 for a piece. But I don't understand why the exact same painting would no longer be worth $1,500 to you if the factory person who actually painted it had his name put on it.

The exact same painting in both cases. $1,500 if it says "by Thomas Kinkade" on the card next to it; $150 if it says "by Joe Schmoe." And it is the same with clothing fashions. If the only way you know it is worth $100 for a particular t-shirt for you is if you first look at the tag and see Fred Segal instead of Kathy Lee on the label then I'm lost.

Becasue sometime you are paying for a name, a connection to the actual artist, hence all the business with "certificates of authenticity." Sometime we only accept art or fashion if it is made by a specific artist/designer.

This is kind of what I was getting at earlier with my reference to Marcel Duchamp - but I'm betting you don't appreciate dada either. As an artist, he has the power of making something art simply by assertion. You or I generally lack that power (though many of us on these boards have considerable power of decalring "swank").

A forgery may be nice, but sometimes we want the connection to the artist designer maikng it authentic. There may be no basis in logic, it may be delusional having no basis in reality (assuming there is some objective "beauty" to which to measure things by). Yet the distinction is real if we believe it so - and so we do make a big deal about lables, signatures, and scholarly assessments that assert authentic art or fashion.

To go on a bit about fashion, often the big designers are taking their inspiration from the street. The pull out what resonates with them and repackage it for their public. Your bedazzler design may not command much on the open market, but Fred Segal stealling your idea and churning out designer versions will - becasue after all he is "authentic."

[€uroMeinke]

It is Arrested Development. I can't find the episode though, but it is in Season One./ I believe it was said about Lindsay by Michael, but it really could've been said by Lucille or by Lindsay.

GC......Do you remember the episode?

Google is making me think it came from a Seinfeld episode

[Not Afraid]

Jerry to George:
"You know the message you're sending out to the world with these sweat pants? You're telling the world: 'I give up. I can't compete in normal society. I'm miserable, so I might as well be comfortable.'"

Seinfeld "The Pilot"

But, that's not it.

[Alex]

Becasue sometime you are paying for a name, a connection to the actual artist, hence all the business with "certificates of authenticity." Sometime we only accept art or fashion if it is made by a specific artist/designer.

I'm not saying that this isn't or shouldn't be the case, just that it is the point where I get left behind. The person behind the art, or clothes, or architecture, or novels is almost completely irrelevant to me. When I make recommendations or suggestions on such things I almost never recommend a person but rather specific pieces.

I'm sure this also feeds into why I don't collect anything since I don't get a feeling of connection with a person through possession of objects.

If name alone makes something more valuable to you then I certainly have no problem with it, I just don't understand it. Especially with factory "artists" where the limit of their involvement was likely signing off on sketches.

But me not understanding why someone would pay $100 for a t-shirt is not the same as me condemning it. Even if in less serious moments I mock it (as I do people who watch Joey; even though I mock I don't really care).

[innerSpaceman]

This ia one step removed from label-worship ... but I have two Disneyland attraction posters. One is a Haunted Mansion reproduction, and the other is an Adventure thru Inner Space original (complete with, ahem, certificate of authenticity). They both look really good. But they are not the same animal.

The one that really hung somewhere in Disneyland at some point in time is precious to me. It has an imaginary connection that (with it being an inanimate object and all) exists only in my head, but I cannot "pretend" the same thing about the fake one.


I would have said the same thing about labels as Alex, when it comes to apparel. But I seem to have something going on when it comes to memorabilia. It was worth more money to me to have something with an actual connection that I could wrap my imagination around.

For some it's watches, for others it's art, still others it's clothes. Most of us probably have some area in which we place value on an intangible.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

You know, I'm not going to be taking my money with me when I die.

Absolutely. But I don't want to leave my debt behind for the people who outlive me. So I try to hit a balance between managing debt and enjoying some comforts; we just don't have the resources to enjoy all creature comforts. A $60 dress from Torrid now and then, maybe. Designer? Not on your life, not if it means that I have to use a credit card.

[MouseWife]

{Quoting:Alex Stroup}
But me not understanding why someone would pay $100 for a t-shirt is not the same as me condemning it. Even if in less serious moments I mock it (as I do people who watch Joey; even though I mock I don't really care).{end quote}

I've been mocked before for watching this show!!! Are you a curmudgeon???

Back to topic, sort of:

Knockoffs, copies. If it doesn't effect the performance, I go for it. But, we do the swapmeet a lot and I never buy their 'copies' of anything. Even little things. Mostly because I know they are not made to the same standards and will not last as long as I'd like and also I am concerned about what it is made of, normally also not to standards.

A lot of things the copy just won't do. If it is clothes, I do understand that a more well made dress will more often be made to fit better, lay better on the body, and move better when you walk. They often show in the fashion mags 'knock off's' and an outfit for up to a grand and here you can buy it for under $200. But, is the material the same? Will it really fit the same? And, you have to ask, does that matter?

For me, {back to topic} that t-shirt wouldn't work for me. I have other shirts the same material and I have found the lesser expensive thicker shirts look better on me. So, that is even more of a factor than the price. I have a $200 pair of jeans in my closet. If I don't eat for a while I can fit them. I think I'll eat and wear my $20 Levi's. :D

Thanks Lisa for the quote from Seinfield, I can hear him say it. And, I can hear Joey saying about the mocking 'Aw, come on!!!' then 'Hey, how YOU doin'?

Happy Friday!

[Gemini Cricket]

I was just talking to my friend about this last night... When it comes to fashion, one of my biggest gripes is with Lane Bryant. One of my bestest friends, Mimi, is big, and she goes to LB to get her clothes. But they do not have enough styles out there. I see the same clothes on all these women. They need more options at their stores.

[MouseWife]

I can't recall the name of the store, sorry, but there is a store in our mall, I don't know if it is nationwide, that is sort of like a 'Hot Topic' in plus sizes. So cool. The clothes and accessories are all plus sized and they are cool.

Does anyone know of this? In San Diego it is at Plaza Bonita or Bonita Plaza, whatever you want to call it.

[Stan4dSteph]

I can't recall the name of the store, sorry, but there is a store in our mall, I don't know if it is nationwide, that is sort of like a 'Hot Topic' in plus sizes. So cool. The clothes and accessories are all plus sized and they are cool.

Does anyone know of this? In San Diego it is at Plaza Bonita or Bonita Plaza, whatever you want to call it.It's Torrid, the place LSPoorEeyorick mentioned in her above post. :)

[Ghoulish Delight]

I feel the need to reiterate that my reaction wasn't aimed at those who might purchase the items. It was a reaction to the setting and surrounding like-items, aimed at those that made the decission to sell them.

I'm sorry if I offended.

[mousepod]

You must spread some Mojo around before giving it to Ghoulish Delight again.

[Not Afraid]

Absolutely. But I don't want to leave my debt behind for the people who outlive me. So I try to hit a balance between managing debt and enjoying some comforts; we just don't have the resources to enjoy all creature comforts.

Yes, it is all about balance. Saving is important, but so is living. We try to do both and make choices accordingly. I think one of our biggest financial pluses is that we live in a modest house and don't have an outrageous mortgage to tie us down. It's been, in retrospect, one of the best choices we have made. The thought of selling and moving into a bigger house/nicer neighborhood is great until we look at the house payments and what that would mean for our lives.

But, many deaths in my family and my own health issues have taught me a lot about how to live and what is really important in life.....friends, love and great experiences.

[tracilicious]

:D

But, I am totally serious!!! Fans, shade, ice water, I'll do what I must. :D


But sweating is one of the main points of working out. It's how your body gets rid of toxins. Fat is partially made of toxins, so the more you get rid of the better. I think it feels really awesome to work up a good sweat.

[Ponine]

I was just talking to my friend about this last night... When it comes to fashion, one of my biggest gripes is with Lane Bryant. One of my bestest friends, Mimi, is big, and she goes to LB to get her clothes. But they do not have enough styles out there. I see the same clothes on all these women. They need more options at their stores.
well, yes and no.
Lane Bryant cant decide who they are catering too.
THey used to be carrer minded. Within the last five years, they started aiming younger. So now, there's less out there for us career gals.
Lots of great clothes, but a little too low cut for the office.
Torrid, is cute, and great for clubbing, but again, not career. I think that as an industry, they dont think the plus sized women make up enough of a market.

Maybe. so off topic, but there you go.

[MouseWife]

It's Torrid, the place LSPoorEeyorick mentioned in her above post. :)

Oh, thanks! I saw her post but I didn't make the connection.

GD~ I hear you, and, personally, no offense. {hee hee, of course, I wouldn't be one that would be, right?} But, it did create quite the conversation, right?

LSPE & NA~ I feel the same way about debt, on both of your accounts!!! I do want to live and enjoy myself. Life is too short. I do things on a smaller scale and I don't have such grand desires, that for which my family is grateful. :D

So, I keep the debt as low as I can while kicking up my heels. And, to touch on those funeral commercials about leaving your family in debt to cover one, I have told them that cemetaries are too crowded, cremate me. Don't come visit me but rather remember the good times we had.

I think I'll make a map of the country of places I want them to go and spread some of me. I saw this in a movie and it was an interesting road trip.

I know people who own a handful of houses and quite a bit of stock. But, how many of them are happy? The ones who go out and enjoy life.

So, while GD might feel he has offended people by his topic, I think, in this one moment, I again remember what it is all about. Not what shirts you have or how much $$ you have to spend on those shirts but rather, are you happy in your skin today? Have you told the one you love, who DIDN'T buy you the freakin' $40. shirt that you still love him and he rocks your world?

*argh* I need more coffee.....

[Ghoulish Delight]

But sweating is one of the main points of working out. It's how your body gets rid of toxins. Fat is partially made of toxins, so the more you get rid of the better. I think it feels really awesome to work up a good sweat.Hmm, not really. Sweat is produced by your sweat glands just below your skin. It's water and saline. The sweat in the smellier areas has a little bit of protein and fatty acids. But all the ingredients come from the glands and from capilaries. You lose sodium through sweat (but the more you exercise, the less sodium you loose as your body adjusts to be more efficient), and it can keep your skin flushed pretty well, but that's about it.

[MouseWife]

But sweating is one of the main points of working out. It's how your body gets rid of toxins. Fat is partially made of toxins, so the more you get rid of the better. I think it feels really awesome to work up a good sweat.

I have heard this. I don't know how but maybe the fan dries it up before it gathers? I don't know. But, I lost a heck of a lot of weight without dripping in sweat. A little moist around the ponytail but that is about it.

Oh, but I do sweat while working in the yard. For some reason, that does feel good. Maybe because I can visually see what I have just accomplished where when I work out it took me a while to see it?

And, Torrid, it's true, doesn't have work clothes. But, it is nice that they have clothes that someone can where out. That will fit them. The cut is important and if it isn't made for plus sized it just doesn't look right.

[tracilicious]

Hmm, not really. Sweat is produced by your sweat glands just below your skin. It's water and saline. The sweat in the smellier areas has a little bit of protein and fatty acids. But all the ingredients come from the glands and from capilaries. You lose sodium through sweat (but the more you exercise, the less sodium you loose as your body adjusts to be more efficient), and it can keep your skin flushed pretty well, but that's about it.


Hmmm...I'm going to have to find a source, but I might disagree.

[Alex]

The idea of "sweating out toxins" is a very common one in the fringes of altnernative health and New Age healing but it is not an idea looked kindly upon in mainstream medical circles, mostly for the reason that GD mentions: there is no physical connection between your sweat glands and the organs your body uses to process toxins.

One of the more organized proponents of sweat detoxification through exercise and saunas is Scientology. L. Ron Hubbard was a big proponent of the idea and it plays a big role in the purifications programs at Scientology drug rehab centers where it is used to "detoxify" the body of the drugs faster. I don't care about the religious beliefs of Scientologists but in my view they don't get much actual science correct.

In the New Agier side of things "Infrared Saunas" are very popular but also have no evidence in support of their claims. The Broadcast Advertising Authority in the UK cited the Veraform Sauna Belt in 2005 for making unsupported claims of weight loss and detoxification through sweating. It specifically mentions that all medical evidence indicates sweat-related weight loss is temporary and is simply dehydration that is eventually replaced with water consumption.

[katiesue]

But, yet, they're wearing them to the gym to work out. Maybe they only "perspire" in them. ;)

Horses Sweat

Men Perspire

Women Glow :D

[Not Afraid]

Horses Sweat

Men Perspire

Women Glow :D

hehehehe. Thanks for getting my reference and upping the ante. ;)

[tracilicious]

The idea of "sweating out toxins" is a very common one in the fringes of altnernative health and New Age healing but it is not an idea looked kindly upon in mainstream medical circles, mostly for the reason that GD mentions: there is no physical connection between your sweat glands and the organs your body uses to process toxins.

Googling gave me articles to support both sides, with no actual evidence for either side. I did find this quote:


As the pores open up and we begin to perspire, millions of sweat glands start to excrete metabolic and other waste products. Sweat contains almost the same elements of urine. In addition, environmental toxins such as lead, mercury, nicotine, alcohol, sulfuric acid, and pesticides have been found in sweat. Without release, these toxins accumulate in the adipose tissues, which can result in illness.


Most of those things can be found in the air. I don't think it's too far of a leap, however, to assume that since blood circulates through your entire body, that the blood could pick up toxins in the organs and leave them behind in the skin. Is it? I think I'll just leave it at, I like to sweat. When working out that is. When doing everyday tasks or just being outdoors it really annoys me.

Oddly enough, I also don't mind the smell of sweat, provided that it is standard sweat, and not super foul sweat. Too many years of sports medicine and dance, I suppose. Sort of like how manure smells good to people that live on a farm.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

No work clothes?

No work clothes?

I wear this dress to work all the time. Of course, not with the hat or the wig or the obscenely false eyelashes, but I wear it nonetheless.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v379/powerswaterworks/swankicon.jpg

I am pretty well-dressed. I've been told this by many people, most notably in one of my co-worker's oh-so-enjoyable backhanded compliments. "You're such a snappy dresser! Most fat people aren't so good with clothes." Oh, THANK YOU for your GENEROUS and MAGANAMOUS compliment!

Larger women who aren't well-dressed? Well, they're not looking hard enough. Lane Bryant is not the only store available. There are several other stores and department stores that offer plus-sizes that are very well-cut. Macy's among them. And Torrid... most of what I buy anymore comes from Torrid, and they're popping up everywhere now. (They ought to be, with the percentage of people in the country who are overweight.) You just have to look beyond the wall-o-punk to find the cute work-appropriate attire.

I'm going to disagree with you on the LB front anyway, GC. Their attire moves in and out at a quick rate and I feel like there's plenty to choose from. I could say the same thing about frat boys. Those frat boys and their Abercrombie shirts. Can't they buy shirts with a little variety now and then?