The Official-ish DC Thread

[smittycl]

Looks like I was spreading bad info! Checked Google Maps and it’s still open. Sorry, guys!

 

[lordsuperb]

such a tease!

 

[zalb916]

The club closed the downstairs and consolidated everything into the smaller space upstairs a few months ago. I spent a lot of time there in the early-aughts and was bummed to hear about the change. There’s an interesting WaPo article from a few months ago explaining the decision. The owner describes a mix of the D.C. smoking ban, increased pot use, hipster bars, mobile phones, and online dating that caused him to downsize.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/the-black-cat-is-shrinking-by-half-why-because-punks-dont-live-there-anymore/2018/09/12/d6c319ec-b529-11e8-94eb-3bd52dfe917b_story.html

 

[smittycl]

Aha! I was not completely hallucinating.

 

[TheSuitBurnsBetter]

The owner describes a mix of the D.C. smoking ban, increased pot use, hipster bars, mobile phones, and online dating that caused him to downsize.

 

[smittycl]

Ezra made the Washington Post! I disagree with the assessment that Trump’s jacket was properly tailored. Sleeves at least were way off.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/06/04/what-do-about-trumps-tailoring-we-asked-tailor/?utm_term=.3394419c546f

 

[TheSuitBurnsBetter]

Ezra made the Washington Post! I disagree with the assessment that Trump’s jacket was properly tailored. Sleeves at least were way off.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/06/04/what-do-about-trumps-tailoring-we-asked-tailor/?utm_term=.3394419c546f

Ha, was just about to post the same article here.
P.s. hope you don't mind I snuck a quick peek at your fresco suit last week when I was there for my fitting. Looking great!

 

[smittycl]

Ha, was just about to post the same article here.
P.s. hope you don't mind I snuck a quick peek at your fresco suit last week when I was there for my fitting. Looking great!

No worries! I think it will be ready next week. Looking forward to getting it for the upcoming summer heat. The fresco fabric is a bit stiff but I imagine that keeps the weave open and more breathable.

Oh, and I pilfered some beers from your fridge while you were at work...

 

[TheSuitBurnsBetter]

So the question that keeps popping up is, "Why would someone so rich dress so poorly?" I'll try to be apolitical about this, but I think the answer lies in his entire business strategy, which is the idea of attainability. The idea that he's a regular person who achieved great success and you can too if you just take his online course or buy his ties or whatever. The suits he wears are part of that mirage because his target audience wouldn't think of themselves as the type who would start dressing fancy if they ever got rich (none of us on this site is normal in that way). They would get a model wife and a private jet and live a life of leisure. But personal appearance is not part of that calculus (maybe there's a certain amount of homophobia in that belief). Trump believes that if he looked more fit or dressed better he would not be able to sell the lifestyle he's marketing to his target demographic.

That sounds pretty condescending but I believe it's correct.

 

[TheSuitBurnsBetter]

Oh, and I pilfered some beers from your fridge while you were at work...

That's cool, next time let my dog out while you're there.

 

[smittycl]

So the question that keeps popping up is, "Why would someone so rich dress so poorly?" I'll try to be apolitical about this, but I think the answer lies in his entire business strategy, which is the idea of attainability. The idea that he's a regular person who achieved great success and you can too if you just take his online course or buy his ties or whatever. The suits he wears are part of that mirage because his target audience wouldn't think of themselves as the type who would start dressing fancy if they ever got rich (none of us on this site is normal in that way). They would get a model wife and a private jet and live a life of leisure. But personal appearance is not part of that calculus (maybe there's a certain amount of homophobia in that belief). Trump believes that if he looked more fit or dressed better he would not be able to sell the lifestyle he's marketing to his target demographic.

That sounds pretty condescending but I believe it's correct.

You could be right. He is a huckster who knows his audience. Reminds me of his comments from years ago about running as Republican as they believe anything you put in front of them.

The "attainability" he pushes is the redneck variety. Kind of like Elvis' Graceland or Jed Clampett's Beverly Hills mansion. It looks like what one might stereotypically expect someone from the lower classes vision of luxury to look like. Gaudy, gilded, and over the top. (I know I'm coming across as condescending here).

I suspect he's too arrogant to care what he looks like or makes rationalizations as he knows he's way overweight. As long as he covers up his gut he feels good it seems. In fact his white tie ensemble probably appealed directly to his base. Made him look less moneyed. Base is the kindest word I can use for them and it makes for a nice double entendre.

Now look what you did, got me started... Is it too early for a Rye Manhattan?

 

[TheSuitBurnsBetter]

Now look what you did, got me started... Is it too early for a Rye Manhattan?

Did you swipe my rye while I was at work too??

 

[scurvyfreedman]

His shirt was pleated too. It wasn't pique bib front.

 

[Kevin24]

You could be right. He is a huckster who knows his audience. Reminds me of his comments from years ago about running as Republican as they believe anything you put in front of them.

The "attainability" he pushes is the redneck variety. Kind of like Elvis' Graceland or Jed Clampett's Beverly Hills mansion. It looks like what one might stereotypically expect someone from the lower classes vision of luxury to look like. Gaudy, gilded, and over the top. (I know I'm coming across as condescending here).

I suspect he's too arrogant to care what he looks like or makes rationalizations as he knows he's way overweight. As long as he covers up his gut he feels good it seems. In fact his white tie ensemble probably appealed directly to his base. Made him look less moneyed. Base is the kindest word I can use for them and it makes for a nice double entendre.

Now look what you did, got me started... Is it too early for a Rye Manhattan?

Then again it could be that he just doesn't care how he dresses. I've met wealthy people who have the resources to have the whole Saks Fifth or BB lineup who dress like they just walked about of Goodwill.

 

[TheSuitBurnsBetter]

Then again it could be that he just doesn't care how he dresses. I've met wealthy people who have the resources to have the whole Saks Fifth or BB lineup who dress like they just walked about of Goodwill.

I really dont think that's it (not for Trump, at least). He's a narcissist with a deep concern for image and branding. I think the purpose of looking the way he does is to project the idea (exclusively to chauvinist men, his target demographic) that their looks aren't important. If they live a certain way, and buy his stuff, they'll get the money and model wife (her looks matter a lot). It's the same reason he eats fast food. The con doesn't work if his audience thinks money will change them because change scares people.