Bigger than life?

It is time to live up to your size instead of letting it define you. I am sure we all know a Big and Tall man who is bigger than life; dating, socializing, laughing, and moving up in the world. It comes down to getting out of your own way; putting your insecurities to the side. The insecurities about your weight, hair, stomach, clothes, height, and so on...push them all to side. You know what's worse than all those insecurities, looking back and seeing how all those insecurities hindered your life. What ever it is that you want to wear, wear it. Put it on, style your hair how you want, a dab of cologne, and go tackle life. It is waiting for you.

Professional Work Boot

Gentleman, introducing the professional work boot, a functional snow boot that can be worn with a pair of slacks. The one thing I did not want to do was drag two pairs of shoes to work, boots to walk to work and shoes to wear around the office. So I would just wear wing-tips and damn near bust my ass 2 to 3 times a commute, plus my toes, socks, and ankles would suffer. I purchasd this boot from Spring, which produces and sells its own shoes. The boot has good traction and has so far held up against the elements. Not the greatest craftmanship, but they are stylish, fur-lined, and affordable. I saw other comparable, stylish boots, but they were well over $100. Of course, I saw cheaper boots around $40, but they were butt ugly. The Spring boot checked out at $69.75, the sales girl was cute and got along with my girlfriend...affordable boots and a fantasy...twas a good day.

Auto Industry Bailout

OK, so I believe the auto industry needs to be bailed out, but with stipulations. Before I get to the stipulations, this is why I am for the bailout. 1. millions of job losses, gone, unemployed, difficulty feeding family. 2. the billions of dollars the Big 3 pumps into the economy. 3. the effect felt by other industries that either depend or benefit from the American auto industry. Now, here are my stipulations....do not take taxpayer money and continue to build high priced crap...stop pissing on my leg and telling me its raining. We need vehicles with better gas mileage and in need of less maitenance....standards. I have to pass a test to drive a vehicle and if you have ever taken the written exam...you know what I mean. Simply put, you need to be able to compete with foreign automakers. Also, I as well as millions of other people would appreciate the money being paid back, plus a little money to push some green initiatives. And last but not least, can a brotha get some leg room without having to fill up 26 gallons, appreciate.

The Bigger and Taller the better

Out and about at the Forest Park Holiday Walk with the family, which was pretty cool, and we come across one of the tallest, well dressed men I have seen in awhile. Of course he is using stilits, but we all do something to stand above the crowd. He just actually chose to stand above the crowd. I came up to his ass, which definitely gave me a glimpse of the other side. I now have a new respect for short men, it is not easy to be eye to eye with an asshole. Btw, the whole point of this pic is to show off his suit, top hat and all....classic.

Shoes?

I am a firm believer that it is not complete without the right pair of shoes. Now, the right pair could be the wrong pair to another person, but who cares what they think...it's all about you...whether you prefer casual, dress, tennis, cowboy boots, sandals, all of the above, or none of the above...shoes can make or break your ensemble. Yes, I described what men wear as an ensemble, get over it.

Stores I frequent:
DSW...head straight to the back first, check out the clearance racks first, sometimes you find a good deal.
Filene's Basement...this store will be my financial ruin..on the right day its a one stop shop.
Macys...limited sizes, but classic styles.
Marshalls...hit or miss as always.
If you are in a big city or near one, there ae more than likely a plethora of local shops that cater to specific scenes...check them out.

Turkey Day!

There are times in our life which require moderation...this is not one. Eat until your heart is content, but stop before eat into a larger size. We do not want the price of overeating to be tight pants and shirts that barely cover our belly. Thanksgiving Day strategy: eat, football, sleep, eat, football, eat, card game, eat, and finally sleep. Tomorrow: leftovers. Saturday: turkey salad sandwiches. Happy Holidays!!!!

What About You?

I would enjoy seeing pics of other Big and Tall men dressed, whether its formal, business casual, trendy, or some other attire. If you feel good and confident when wearing it, we would like to see it. Take a pic in your bathroom (good lighting), basement, living room, wherever...just be wearing clothes please. Send them to apparelgiant@gmail.com and I will post them. Send the pic with a statement pertaining to wanting to be posted and up you will go. It would of great help to some men to see what other men are wearing, how it fits them, compliments them, and just generally share some fashion sense. See you soon!

Cold Weather...Sweater Time!!!!

Yes it is cold, yes it snows, yes the bus is behind schedule, and yes people seem to forget their manners, but consider the options. Options? Yes, like sweaters, boots, scarves, coats, etc., etc. Winter literally brings out the best in your wardrobe, so take advantage, do some shopping, and add a little variety to your closet. One more thing, color...black makes you look slimmer, but green gets you noticed.

Big and Tall?

We have adjourned to discuss the term "Big and Tall". In the 80's and 90's, Big and Tall served its purpose well, a beacon amongst the smalls, mediums, and larges. It is a term my father loved, it meant his search has come to an end. Those were the good ol' days, when clothing only served the purpose of covering your body.

Now, the expectations are higher. Men, such as myself, want to look good, smell good, and have a good-looking woman by their side. The term "Big and Tall", doesn't give me that image. I don't feel "good" about it. Dare I say it, it is time to regroup, rename, and getting to know Renee, the cute blonde at your job. WE NEED A NEW NAME, one broad enough to fit the 20 million or so individuals who identify as big and tall. Casual Male thought it was time, hence XL. Now the rest of us need to follow suit and shake off that cumbersome name. In a nutshell, we are as varied in likes and loves as we are in size and shape; so we should be represented as such. Any suggestions? Any?

Where do we go?

Where do we go for a nice shirt, slacks, or any other piece of clothing? There are a number of retailers I frequent, some I do not consider, and those who do not consider us.

1. Those who do not consider us: The Abercrombie's, GAP's, American Eagles's, and so forth are stores that are not even on the radar. Add to that list, Bachrach, Structure, Express Men, and all stores squeezed in between the major retailers of a mall. Still in denial? Enter any one of these stores and see how long it takes for a salesperson to approach you. You are not commission worthy.

2. Retailers I do not consider: Any store with "Big and Tall" in its name. Can you say rip-off? Bland clothing? Lackluster customer service? Its like the last gas station on a hundred mile stretch, no respect. Next.

3. Retailers I frequent: Depending on your size, retailers such as Macy's and Target can accomodate you. These retailers carry up to a XXL consistently, sometimes even XXL. Macy's has a number of labels to choose from, but Target has a private label called Merona which is a good value. There are number of discounters who carry Big and Tall clothing such as Marshalls, TJ MAXX, and Burlington Coat Factory. On any given day of the week, frequenting discounters is hit or miss. There are some great finds mixed in with irregulars among clothes that nobody wants, good luck. If you want my advice, try Filene's Basement. The remainder of the list: Rochester Big and Tall, Casual Male (sometimes), JC Penny, Sears, and a number of online stores. As you can see, its not a shopping spree.