This adage is one that has been around for the ages. Its implied meaning is that one can judge a “book by its cover.” Maybe and then maybe not. But. what fun it is to look at the fashion world and adjudge some of the more bizarre designer moments. The three piece suits and the GQ moments are sometimes a thing of the past. But oh what a statement they make…especially with a well-toned middle to set off the look!
Well, not one to be outdone -- ever, Mud Flap loves to make a statement. The world of fashion be damned, that has never dictated what he wears or how he wears what is in his closet. He is always on the cutting edge of questionable and over the years has raised several eyebrows. Never mind that the combinations that emerge from the depths of his closet have never been seen in daylight. Never mind that summer attire and winter fabrics might not be the way to go. Never mind the circumstance or the situation. What he finds is what he wears…..however he finds it! And wherever he goes!
One of the most memorable times was one Easter. We were celebrating the holiday at our lake home and going to early morning church in an open-air chapel on the water. Because it was Easter and we were attending a service, we all donned an appropriate manner of dress. The boys wore long pants and sleeved shirts. The girls, summer dresses. We were bathed and ready to get in the boat—which was the way in which we were traveling to this sacred event. After gathering the group – I, the Prom Queen (I aptly name myself this as I love to think of myself in that way) – led them to the boat. We boarded and awaited our captain.
We all talked as we waited. At the sound of a bang of the screen door at the house, we all turned our heads to see Mud Flap. Donned in his blue jean shorts, a denim shirt, denim baseball hat , tevas and wool socks, he bounded down the stairs and leapt on the boat.
“Are we going to the same party?” I asked him as he cranked the boat. “Hell, if you all want to get ALL DRESSED UP (comparatively, we were) and make yourselves uncomfortable at church, suit yourself. I’m at the lake and I’m wearing my lake clothes! And anyway, I won’t know anyone there! So, who cares?”
Glances all around was the only response to the dangling participle he left in the air, and off we went! We not only arrived at the chapel, but he decided to make sure we were seen by all by parking the boat next to the altar of the church. We debarqued and moved quickly to an empty set of seats. We were desperately trying to distance ourselves from Mud Flap who looked more like Gomer Pyle in his garage in Mayberry than the head of our clan.
Suddenly, from the crowd, I heard a voice saying, “Hey, Mud Flap! How are you?” This was followed by several more words of greeting! At least half of the congregation not only knew us, but knew Mud Flap very well! They were in their Sunday best and smiled at the teva-ed, jort clad, baseball capped gremlin. How proud we were to have him sit in our midst. Our hero….
The clothes certainly do make the man. What does this tell you? And to think that he is now in the textile business!
No comments:
Post a Comment