"PREP-ALIKES"

Walmart. we've all heard of the giant chain. It's a NIMBY. "Not in my backyard".  We tighten our jaws. We laugh. We mock. We imagine. We drive right by. We try not to think of it. When we do, we hear in our heads,"clean up in aisle 4!"

Originally called a dry goods merchandiser, is the largest retailer in the world. We always thought of the giant as middle America. As in location and people.  Walmart has mushroomed throughout the country. There's even one in Connecticut, an oxymoron.

Since we live a distance from malls and some bigger retail stores, it was only was a matter of time before my better, higher, more upscale thinking caved in. It began with white socks. It was for the good of my children. They needed white socks. That's where my story began.  I hope some good comes from this. Maybe I can be of help to you.

Long before the giant arrived to the area (not in our hometown), I read the book, Nickled and Dimed by Barbara Ehrenreich.  Her undercover expose' on getting by/not getting by in America on minimum wage had disturbed me. I was so upset by her story that i was sure I would never enter their Automatic Doors to their Greeter and their Rollback Specials with the yellow Smiley face to buy elastic waistbands and sweatsuits for my family. Besides, mummy always said, "Elastic waistbands were the demise of American's overweight troubles."

I entered with an attitude. Surely, I was above this.  With no intention of getting more than socks, I walked through those doors.  With a long history working for the finer retailers, Saks Fifth Avenue,  and Brooks Brothers, critique was what I set out to do. I did. Friends critiqued the giant who moved in.

Before we knew it, we needed more basics that couldn't be found in our great local stores.  We were curious. We were needy. We were tired of driving.

We caved.

That's when i noticed there knock offs were sometimes pretty good looking, as though they had gotten better people to buy their lines that sold to millions. Some tacky that would be best to leave there, some lesser quality but still had a good clean cut look. As mummy said, with taste I can shop anywhere. For a prep who wore the classics from the finest, there were times when the trendy bits, not forever clothing and accessories, worked.  When it's 100% cotton or a truly great color and I know it's just for a splash of color, it's o.k. Let's get this straight, I'm well aware that there's no Brooks Brothers silver belt buckles for men that can replace the real thing. There are no knock off Jack Rogers sandals or  Stephan Bonnano sandals to be found at the superstore.

With the eye, I could pick out some great looks for people who want the Brooks Brothers or Paul Stuart for the whole family.  Smart, educated people who run a household and have other concerns for their family.  Like college, private schools or vacations.  Many folks have different priorities.  There is quality out there and there are ways to shop with even the tightest budget. Some think you'll only find it with the big name labels.  The funny thing is some of the big name labels are made by some of the same factories in whatever off shore country that makes it for less.

This is what we think of when we think of those superstore giants.  However, there are lots more choices than the TACKY TAGGED merchandise!

Believe me,  these are out there and there are lots more where this came from.  A rule to live by is "Never Wear Shirts With Words!" unless the words are "Nantucket", "Bermuda" and some other fine destination vacation spots. Just stay away from random words. Tacky, ultra tacky. Remember, NEVER.  Even if you think it's flattering!  Besides, Muffin should only be used as a prep nickname!

If you have classic taste, you'll  be qualified to spot some "PREP-ALIKES":

STARS ARE THE STRIPED IN THE CLASSIC SUMMER WARDROBE.

KHAKIS: THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT.

You must know the basics of good quality and prep style before you consider an alternative, "PREP ALIKE."

The Daily Prep has all of the most important information when considering the "PREP ALIKE."   Have no fear.  Once you feel comfortable in your knowledge of quality and style, you can select the best.....you'll know the hierarchy of khaki quality.....and price!

                                                               

Any time you wear one of your PREP-ALIKES, you should be sure to wear your other quality clothing with your choice.  Mix and match works well. I'm not so sure the total Walmart look does any one item justice.

JUST SAY NO!

Elastic waistbands are usually not  good look. Here we have a pair of great color khakis with elastic. The color is great but the elastic is not so hot!  When in doubt, toss it out! It's not worth risking your image!

GOOD CLEAN FUN

Blue jeans are classic. They have name brands and their own Faded Glory blue jeans. Name is better, Faded Glory is probably made by the Name Brand. Traditional navy and the faded blue jeans are both great. If you consider the black or the stonewashed, you might try a different blog.

One of the greatest looks I love, whether on the Upper East Side of New York or Southampton for brunch, is faded blue jeans, oxford shirt, colored belt and a navy blazer. Can't be beat!

GET TO THE POINT

At Brooks Brothers in the 80's, there were lots of guys who ran in before work to grab a quick change  after a late night out on the town and no time to stop at home. We could pick them out as they hustled through the door. It was the quick fix. A new pinpoint oxford shirt, a new tie (only silk and the best) and a fresh pair of boxer shorts did just the trick. Charge it and cha-ching! and they were out the door, ready for a new day on the trading floor.

"JUST SAY NO" to Walmart ties. I hope this won't apply to anyone reading my blog but I have to say it. I cringe. Never ever wear a clip on tie. Never have your son wear a clip on tie or he will be ostracized for the rest of his life. However, that's an incredible understatement. Only quality ties will suffice. Very good or the best is the only acceptable tie. Again, it's hard to utter the words but I must do you the service, just in case.  Never where suspenders with words or the pattern of a tape measure or Coca Cola or Mountain Dew.   I apologize to those who are tossing cookies, but someone has to speak out. It's a tough job, but someone has to do it.

Please note, the ties below are not to be confused with the classics!  These are some of the obvious TACKY TAGS!

BOXER REBELLION





Walmart has boxer shorts for you. They carry

Hanes and actually have some traditional patterns.

Hey! Bathing suits are usually not cotton. Some are but they take lots of drying time. Here are some great looking colors with traditional patterns and styles.  The name we recognize from the surf stores a while back.  I think they're pretty nice as long as you don't go with anything but the classics.

I've just shown you a few examples of good taste can manage well if everything can't be the top of the line.  Some of these Walmart Men's department picks will never replace your best and favorites. They can fill in your wardrobe where there are gaps.

Keep in mind, these serve as no replacement for our favorites like   L.L.Bean,  Brooks Brothers, Lands Lands End, Jos. A. Banks or J.Crew,  or Murray's.

 

No trust fund? Tight economy tighten your budget? Forgot to pack for the Sailing Regatta on The Cape?  Need cotton knit polo shirts? These have a good look with very clean, clear colors. Faded Glory, Walmart's Private Label Name, 100% cotton. These are some Walmart Men's classics that can fill in your wardrobe gaps.

EARTH BISCUITS




And for the Earthy Crunchy Preps, the Organic lines:

Faded Glory, Walmart's Private Label Name, 100% cotton.

THE BEST FOR LAST

Keep in mind, these serve as no replacement for our favorites like L.L. Bean, Brooks Brothers Jos.A.Banks J.Crew, Ralph Lauren Polo, Vineyard Vines or Murray's.

Lots more where those came from!

Just a reminder:  Buy the best and the PREP-ALIKES can fill-in the rest.