Over the next four years, in addition to teaching me damn near everything I know about marketing, she taught me the enjoyment of self-expression through clothes. Although those days are long behind me, I've never lost that sense of fun.
Now, in my current lifestyle, it's rare when there's an occasion to "dress." But after being away from the city for several months I've lost enough weight to drop two pants sizes. This was enough to prompt buying new. However, the White boots I bought have larger-than-life soles and now, with the smaller pants sizes, I can't get them, the pants, on or off over them. This precipitated an unusual opportunity.
!!! **** TMI WARNING **** !!!
I was intrigued when I met Paul Winer in Quartsite. Revered as an icon of the nudist movement, he claims no such inclinations saying merely, "My skin is sensitive and I can't stand the feel of clothes." I found it fascinating (see video) that he'd capitalized on this by performing -- he was a night-club pianist -- mostly in Canada and Europe, nude. I'd never met anyone who felt as I and when I hike I usually, once beyond range of personal encounter, disrobe. And although I have all the time in the world, I still prefer to pull my pants off over my boots. Likewise when returning to "civilization."
The inconvenience was annoying enough to prompt a search for a seamstress. Being Lucky Herrmann, I found, in Nephi, Utah, Melissa McDonald, seamstress extraordinaire.
I explained what I needed adding that having grown up in Japan and Germany my aesthetic required something outside the usual khaki shorts and black t-shirt that's the uniform of the day.
This evoked a delightful and encouraging smile as she attested to her own belief that men should dress with more "flavor."
Fujifilm XP - Camera no good!
Not just a happy home-maker humming along, she is a professionally-trained patternmaker. God knows how she developed her aesthetic, but her husband teaches art at the three local schools. I commend her highly to those who might need alterations or even bespoke services. She can be reached at 435-868-7484.
Gussets - To enable removal without taking off boots
And for those who may be familiar with the childrens' story Fenwick's Suit, watch for the upcoming video of me "striking poses."
I saw a man at a rest stop in Arizona wearing khaki shorts with suspenders and a white shirt and thought it was you. But it was a polo shirt, and the shorts were hemmed, so it was just someone badly copying your style. ;)
ReplyDeleteWannabeez!!
DeleteWhat is a White boot? Is it a brand, or what? Just curious.
ReplyDeleteHi Allison, Yes, it's a brand. White's is one of the remaining MADE IN THE USA boots. They were, in the bygone days of logging, the choice of lumberjacks and other folks who lived in their shoes. They guarantee the fit -- it took three attempts to get mine right -- but they pay shipping both ways. They fit perfectly from day one and needed no "breaking in." $475.00/pair https://whitesboots.com/ I'm curious to see how long they last, but now, after eight months, they're holding up just fine. (See blogpost for Feb 2, 2017)
DeleteI've tried lace-up boots a few times, but my ankles didn't like them. Not enough flex, too much rubbing. The choices of shoe-height boots (oxfords, actually) are few. I had some cheap Timberland copies I wore for years. Loved them. Now I wear Keen Arroyo II's all the time.
DeleteThanks for the reply. I, too, have ankles that will not tolerate a high boot. Wish they would, it would open up way more buying options for the hiking.
DeleteAllison, Shoes are a hassle aren't they? I'm just the opposite. I injured my ankle one year at Wimbledon and have needed support ever since. Plus, I spend most of my time in the desert and need protection from the "stickers." (See answer to Al.) But my pants sliiiiiidde right on & off now...thanks to Melissa.
DeleteAl, Whaddya do about stickers?! (Not the kind you put on yer forehead.)
ReplyDeleteThey haven't been a problem. Maybe that's because I rarely wander off-trail.
Delete