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.