tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post2885204755757597853..comments2024-03-15T04:27:26.708-07:00Comments on An Affordable Wardrobe: The Pop Up Flea: Voice of DissentJoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17212956969066796818noreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-54430669726870116132009-12-11T21:45:26.508-08:002009-12-11T21:45:26.508-08:00CG,
My opinion is as valid as anyone's, isn&#...CG,<br /><br />My opinion is as valid as anyone's, isn't it?<br /><br />I'm not sh*tting on anything, just offering my take on the matter. Plenty of others have done the same, even if theirs was different than mine.<br /><br />Unsurprisingly, an unpopular opinion has attracted alot of vitriol.<br /><br />Gitman Bros., Rogues Gallery, Billykirk et al. are hardly struggling young brands in need of the salvation of Michael Williams or any body else. They ar all internet sensations, which is fine. But I'm not about to support a ludicrous price that makes coal mining clothes the province of the very wealthy...doesn't make sense to me. Again, only my opinion.<br /><br />I had an idea what I might be in for, but I attended in the hopes of being convinced otherwise. I wasn't.<br /><br />Judging by the comments here so far, Manhattan hipsters seem to be a fairly insecure bunch as soon as anyone calls them out.<br /><br />Somebody argue the point with me like an adult, without the swearung or name calling, please. Seriously, I have faithfully published every single comment I've ever gotten. Others choose only to publish those that agree. Willima hiomslef even said so in his follow up post. I am only trying offer my own opinion, and perhaps promote an open and honest discussion on the matter. I'm not the one who winds up with egg on his face when others choose to make childish and demeaning remarks.<br /><br />Behave like gentlemen, please...or don't they do that in Manhattan?Giuseppehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11582043853388196139noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-19298979336136382882009-12-11T21:08:14.759-08:002009-12-11T21:08:14.759-08:00Whoa! Let the backlash begin. I generally agree wi...Whoa! Let the backlash begin. I generally agree with what's being said here, but let's all please keep in mind that these brands--overpriced and lacking originality as they may be--are at least inspiring a renewed attention to quality and tried-and-true aesthetics. It's easy to take this stuff for granted now that we're completely over-saturated with it, but for a long time no one was making anything new in this style. It's going to pass soon enough, but as trends go I like this one a lot more than most others.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-1610903762938800962009-12-11T20:22:40.087-08:002009-12-11T20:22:40.087-08:00"I'm sure we'll see some cool stuff, ..."I'm sure we'll see some cool stuff, but to some degree I expect it to be a hipster/designer/fashion/menswear/blogger networking party, so a little of the old shameless self promotion couldn't hurt, right?"<br /><br />So you knew what you were in for, but still acted like you were so offended by the "gourmet" goods up for sale? What person took the jam out of your donut to make you feel the need to shit on something that a large group of people had a nice time attending? Were you laughed at when you handed out your business card? I'm just asking because I'm having trouble understanding how one person has so much animosity and feels so entitled to put down another's hard work, simply because you thought the prices were too high, or you didn't enjoy the crowd? Sounds like you need to smoke a joint or crack open a beer and relax my friend. <br /><br />I'm sure there isn't person who benefited from your presence at the PUF. Michael Williams on the other hand helped vendors and some designers get some exposure they might not have gotten otherwise. In this economic climate, the retail workd can use all the help it can get. And don't start on the "Well J.Crew had a table there BS," just because you can't afford it doesn't mean there aren't a hand full of other people that love, and can afford this sort of product. It's Manhattan my friend...not Southie.<br /><br />Ps - When is the event you've organized happening? You know...because you're so knowledgeable about what will please every single person that walks through the door.CGnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-15365186621636412242009-11-30T15:39:41.392-08:002009-11-30T15:39:41.392-08:00I love your site because you encourage discussion....I love your site because you encourage discussion. The following is a comment I left on ACL that he took down after he talked trash:<br /><br />I went to both of the Pop Up Flea markets and I have to say that I was disappointed with this years. First of all, it wasn’t really a flea market. It was like a sample sale full of brand new full price items. There were only 3 booths with a full vintage range. The rest of the booths carried a lot, not all, but a lot of stuff you can get at stores for the same price. The thing that gets me the most is that this “Americana” fashion resurgence has turned into a scene. Much like the streetwear scene and events that surround it, it was sad to see guys look you up and down to check out what kind of gear you had on either to snicker because you werent wearing the right model of Red Wings or come up to ask you what you were wearing and where you got it. And just like streetwear, its run by a bunch people that found something they can call their own and make them “COOL.” When all this time its always been ok to wear certain things that belong to a certain style because you like it and have a loose affiliation with other people who share your eye. Now its become about who is wearing what, how hard to find the item is, what secret vintage store you have in your back pocket, and who is collaborating with who. When in the end it doesnt matter if you have good taste in clothes if you dont have style.<br /><br />P.S.- Mister Mort is excluded from my previous post. He is the only one who gets it. It showed in his booth and on his site. That man has got steez for days!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-10422542703746978672009-11-30T12:55:00.970-08:002009-11-30T12:55:00.970-08:00Wow...people actually read this blog?
You guys ha...Wow...people actually read this blog?<br /><br />You guys have waaaaay too much time on your hands. Girlfriends fellows, they come in all shapes and sizes. That should be the goal this month. <br /><br />RSRussell Sproutshttp://www.americanbadasses.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-32214288740821846542009-11-29T11:45:36.221-08:002009-11-29T11:45:36.221-08:00I really found this post thread to be interesting....I really found this post thread to be interesting. I decided to post (late, yes) because - as a vendor, I wanted to touch on something. We make ties. We sell them for less than $100. It is truly ridiculous how some mark up to $115 for a bowtie. I can tell you that to be made in USA it costs a helluva lot more than China but we are sticking to our pricing. We are only going over $100 if we have a very expensive fabric style, probably one per season... all other ties will be under $100. Why get greedy? Here's the rub: I am concerned that because we are under $100, and a new company, folks will immediately assume we are not a luxury fabric tie-maker. Our products are made in the Garment District by an expert manufacturer who does many other larger brands. We just choose to make ours more affordable. It's a tough call because some folks are immediately thought of as luxury because their shoes are $450 or their tie is $125. Isn't it time to make Made in USA + luxury more affordable?Pierreponthttp://www.pierreponthicks.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-46622464214267521582009-11-26T09:18:29.266-08:002009-11-26T09:18:29.266-08:00I disagree with your claim that these items are po...I disagree with your claim that these items are poor people clothes. I cannot walk into most department stores, and find well made, tailored, updated patterns. While I appreciate your skepticism about our purchases, I feel these companies are doing us a service of offering items that I cannot get elsewhere. Certainly, the tool bag example is a bit ridiculous, but what marketing fantasy isn't?Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16760039414140078742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-44342057254108432792009-11-25T16:18:32.680-08:002009-11-25T16:18:32.680-08:00RE: Higher prices of American-made goods:
It'...RE: Higher prices of American-made goods:<br /><br />It's because America is a First World country with a First World cost of living. We can't compete with Third World labor costs, which are far, far below our poverty level.<br /><br />Free trade has run amok. On the positive side, the current free trade regime has added to many companies' bottom lines; it has also made it possible for consumers to buy poorly-manufactured goods at ultra-low prices. On the negative side, it has destroyed our manufacturing base. As a result of our manufacturing base being gutted, it is harder and harder for a working-class/blue-collar worker to make a decent living, much less to buy a house and support a family. With more and more people unable to earn a decent wage, they must abandon their hopes of home ownership, or living in vast swathes of the country (both coasts, basically), or of having more than one or two children (if that). Free trade has widened the gap between the haves and the have-nots, and is unhealthy for our republic.<br /><br />So what to do? <br /><br />The American market is so huge that companies could make a decent profit just from their domestic business--there's no need to worry about exporting to, or importing from, foreign countries. This is, after all, how things were in the past. Free trade has come at too high a cost. We should resurrect many of our trade barriers so that the American worker is protected. Yes, costs of good will rise--but so will quality, and our ability to afford them.Young Fogeynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-73585950681028692702009-11-25T14:56:31.581-08:002009-11-25T14:56:31.581-08:00I love clothes but when you're 39, have a mort...I love clothes but when you're 39, have a mortgage and two kids you realize how completely obnoxious it is to spend $280 dollars on a pair of "new vintage" army cargo pants.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-8470815430769296022009-11-25T13:06:21.834-08:002009-11-25T13:06:21.834-08:00Finally, an individually, well crafted opinion. Ko...Finally, an individually, well crafted opinion. Koodos to you for thinking independently - quite refreshing. It is good to hear someone add a dash of real world practicallity onlong side of well-deserved praise. At some point you have to say, yes this slim fit flannel is cool, however at $200 you designers need to put yourself into the shoes of ordinary people who make a fair wage. Long live dissent! It makes the world go round.Barrett Purdumhttp://taylorstitch.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-60101954985636145792009-11-25T10:58:34.178-08:002009-11-25T10:58:34.178-08:00Giuseppe - Thank you for calling these guys out. T...Giuseppe - Thank you for calling these guys out. The hipster Trad fad is a complete joke. <br /><br />The fact that these shills promote this event as a "flea market" is beyond comprehension. It's the worst kind of duplicitous marketing and only serves to discredit those of of us who spend time and effort to cultivate a wardrobe grounded in authentic traditional classics.<br /><br />People who subscribe to spending 200 bucks for an oxford or 600 bucks for a pair of "work boots" made from inferior materials are simply lazy poseurs with money to spend. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't mind spending a hefty sum on a well made garment that will last a good number of years, but that is hardly what is on offer at the PUF. Hopefully said poseurs will jump on the next hipster fashion bandwagon come spring and leave the classics to those of us who value quality craftsmanship over the name on the label.Jordan S.https://www.blogger.com/profile/13624487390513465200noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-60426814967124896622009-11-25T09:44:17.528-08:002009-11-25T09:44:17.528-08:00Enzo, Sorry for the delay but have been traveling....Enzo, Sorry for the delay but have been traveling. The RL duffle I saw was listed at $1,395 and it was not cashmere. A type of wool with an odd looking partial liner on sale at Bloomingdales for $695. <br /><br />I'm not really interested in buying a Chinese made duffle coat costing 3x what the authentic version runs new. Not to mention what a little energy might reveal if one were to pursue ebay U.K.tintinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13652066200071703445noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-28376161986753769002009-11-25T07:03:26.130-08:002009-11-25T07:03:26.130-08:00Thanks, Giuseppe. I've always heard about that...Thanks, Giuseppe. I've always heard about that Pop-up Flea market, and I've alwas had the suspect that "Something is rotten in the state of Denmark". Senza offesa, Pop-up Flea.Archiduquehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04306610119105888260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-64315323028239509912009-11-25T06:54:52.059-08:002009-11-25T06:54:52.059-08:00Is that Pasquale who hangs out at Puck Fair a lot ...Is that Pasquale who hangs out at Puck Fair a lot and is slightly crazy?Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15964452622978166143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-52566242688299449072009-11-24T20:57:01.125-08:002009-11-24T20:57:01.125-08:00I don't disagree with your assessment or feedb...I don't disagree with your assessment or feedback. But, in a day and age when Carhartts are being outsourced to sweat shops in Asian and Latin American countries to remain competitive, pricing should not necessarily be the main talking point.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-82639754233494718692009-11-24T19:57:31.670-08:002009-11-24T19:57:31.670-08:00Looks like I really spoke with the voice of the pe...Looks like I really spoke with the voice of the people on this one. Thanks one and all for the comments. Looks like my own response will require a separate post.<br /><br />This is what I always wanted this blog to be: a conversation starter. I thank you one and all for using it this way today.Giuseppehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11582043853388196139noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-9019004642250176212009-11-24T19:10:19.984-08:002009-11-24T19:10:19.984-08:00I think the lesson to take from all this is if you...I think the lesson to take from all this is if you are going to be buying overpriced Americana you should at least be buying it from Japan!AJhttp://bidhardcore.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-64814163729522903142009-11-24T16:46:12.840-08:002009-11-24T16:46:12.840-08:00May I criticize the criticism?
I find many simila...May I criticize the criticism?<br /><br />I find many similar faults in some of this pop-up flea, workwear stuff, and have posted them here among other places.<br />Especially in the way it's become so fashionable and trendy.<br /><br />I do enjoy khakis, jeans, chambray, boots etc. Though I buy almost all at thrifts.<br />I also work as a carpenter/furniture maker (I was considering one of those Klein tool bags a while back, to carry my on-site/install tools in, before I saw a trendy int. designer using one as a briefcase.)<br /><br />I guess my problems with your problems are:<br />1)The "if I wanted to spend $___ on clothing I'd buy a [equilivelent piece of more formal clothing] argument.<br />and<br />2) The moaning about the prices.<br /><br />in regards to the first, I get it, but it strikes me as a bit snobby, anti-casual clothing, and a bit "A Suitable Wardrobe".<br />I like m suits and sportcoats, but I can't wear them everywhere, sometimes they draw too much attention, other times they're inappropriate, and most of the time I'm working and they'd be ruined.<br />There's nothing wrong with good casual clothes.<br /><br />As to #2, well made, good stuff costs more, the fact that much of this pop-up-flea stuff is a bit silly doesn't change that.<br />If you (G) were buying the stuff you wear new, you'd be paying a lot too. No one would read a style blog of Walmart ties, shoes and shirts.<br />I get the idea, I'm broke and buy thrift clothing too, but there is something to be said for properly made stuff.<br />I can't even buy decent wood for a table for what Ikea charges for a dining set, but I know that what I make will be better, and not end up in a dumster in 6 months.<br /><br />If I had the money I'd gladly support some of these companies by buying a USA-made flannel shirt, or jeans. <br />Though I'd try not to look like I was dressing as affected, or fake as some of these folk.<br />-JoeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-62013892420741545162009-11-24T16:28:01.493-08:002009-11-24T16:28:01.493-08:00Dave Barry did a great takeoff years ago about a n...Dave Barry did a great takeoff years ago about a noted "Americana" designer's "outdoor" line (no names, please).<br /><br />He said the model looked like he was "going to get on Ol' Paint and head down to the tradin' post for a heap o' styling gel"<br /><br />Reminds me of the sales clerk overheard at a "designer outdoor" section of a dept. store: "Now if you were really going to go outside, you wouldn't want to do it in this parka"<br /><br />$350 birdhunters? Can't you say "Cabela's"? Sure you can!NCJacknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-40743789162070841002009-11-24T12:46:31.015-08:002009-11-24T12:46:31.015-08:00You've obviously struck a chord judging by the...You've obviously struck a chord judging by the amount of responses!<br /><br />I will say one thing, I've lamented many fashion blogs for being, as you say, PR firms for the overpriced wares.<br /><br />I'm tired of some designer coming up and re-doing red wings or chukkas for the 90th time. Some of the collaborations are innovative but how many different times can you remake the same garment?<br /><br />In my opinion, they probably aren't doing anything the original manufacturer wouldn't have come up with eventually anyway.<br /><br />A lot of the hipsters in my area wear these underground name brands and I've seen the quality, it's in shambles. Horrendous stitching, thin material, it's barely there.<br /><br />All the more reason for us to stick to the thrifts, hopefully we can convince more to follow us and eventually force the big guys back to their senses.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-66137885150564329192009-11-24T12:34:39.862-08:002009-11-24T12:34:39.862-08:00The ACL guy comes across as a major d-bag in that ...The ACL guy comes across as a major d-bag in that SF thread.boatshoenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-54630532946774385722009-11-24T12:33:24.937-08:002009-11-24T12:33:24.937-08:00Great post. Thanks!Great post. Thanks!Josenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-78326754001330579512009-11-24T12:28:42.201-08:002009-11-24T12:28:42.201-08:00Thanks for the report. I love how you use the wor...Thanks for the report. I love how you use the word gourmet when referring to the wares on offer. It's the perfect descriptor in this case. <br /><br />40 comments so far...Is this AAW's most commented on post to date?Pitboss12https://www.blogger.com/profile/04216763946552440910noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-18643503155035812992009-11-24T11:54:16.113-08:002009-11-24T11:54:16.113-08:00Thank you Giuseppe - this was fantastic.
I was v...Thank you Giuseppe - this was fantastic. <br /><br />I was very interested in seeing the offerings as I didn't make it the first time around. I walked in on Sunday, passed by every booth, and walked right out. <br /><br />I saw the stuff Tin Tin mentioned, and it definitely was cool and more "flea market" than $185 s/m/l Gitman shirts.Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15164360773452844425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-6809448075598775312009-11-24T11:41:31.087-08:002009-11-24T11:41:31.087-08:00Read here for more criticism: http://www.styleforu...Read here for more criticism: http://www.styleforum.net/showthread.php?t=150595Chttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08530840266353044781noreply@blogger.com