A brief Clam rant
Kasia May 11th, 2009
Who the **** is the fashion buyer for Kohl’s in Novi?
Whoever you are, if you are reading this: what possessed you to ONLY order capri-length work pants for women for this summer?
I realize that you work in the fashion industry. Consequently, I am sure you have a lot of latitude in your work apparel and style. I mean, if the Flock of Seagulls hair somehow came back into style (Heaven forfend), I’ll bet you could wear it to work and get nothing but compliments. You could probably dye your hair hot pink with blue polka dots, as long as it was done at a chic salon and matched your shoes.
Some of us, however, work in more conservative industries and workplaces. Banks and finance, for instance. Churches and religious organizations. Heck, even the university I worked for last, depending on the department or office, might have been too conservative for your herringbone gabardine capris (or whatever they were).
I could probably get away with wearing them in my particular office. Provided that I knew for certain I wouldn’t have to go downtown, that is; and provided that I knew for certain that no one from the downtown offices would stop by.
But frankly, I don’t want to “get away with” wearing something. Especially not something that looks, quite honestly, stupid. Dress pants are meant to be pants. “Short pants” were worn by little boys back in the day, and I’m willing to bet even they didn’t look as silly as what you’re marketing.
Maybe you think it’s a little sexy. Is that what you were thinking? (Because honestly, most retail skirts are shorter than these pants; but skirts are expected to show some leg. Pants aren’t.) If so, here’s a news flash for you: for those of us who do not work in the fashion or adult entertainment industries, “sexy” is not considered “professional” and is not favorably looked upon at work.
Here’s my other beef, and I don’t know whether this is a beef with Kohl’s corporate office or with the Novi store manager. What brainiac decided to sandwich the store’s five square feet or so of (ugly) plus-sized women’s clothing in between the swimsuits and the petites?!? What kind of marketing disaster is that?!?
Thank you for reading. This has been a Clam rant. If the buyer for Kohl’s Novi does happen to read this: yes, I do realize I am hopelessly fashion-impaired. I like classic clothing that takes forever to go out of style, if it ever does. I am sure you were following a great tip on a hot trend. I wish you well. But your store will not be getting any of my money this year.
Amen! Preach it, sister Clam!
I can’t get away with capri’s at work – they’re specifically forbidden by our dress code. I’ve had to start trying to find pants that are a weight I can wear year round.
It’s not just your Kohl’s either. The plus size clothing at mine is right next to the lingerie department.
….I have nice enough legs, at least below the Scot knees and if you ignore the blinding white, but jeeze. Can’t STAND capris.
All the pants I wear are from the men’s section or kids’. It’s sad, because I can find almost the perfect pants– if my bones were the size of a six year old’s, or if I was six foot tall.
I went to our Kohls right after it opened. One trip was enough for me. The clothes were the same as the ones I was selling at The Dress Barn (except way more money). I think it’s a crappy store.
I can remember when Kohl’s was a pretty good place to shop, both in terms of prices and selection. That was about ten years ago, at least here.
I did find a cute jacket for my bridal shower at a Kohl’s. Other than that, I can’t remember having bought anything there in years. But I keep going back, expecting it to be more like it used to be.
What I really miss: Crowley’s. (Local department store chain that shut down about fifteen years ago.)
I don’t mind capris per se. That is, I don’t mind casual capris, or clamdiggers (let’s say maybe in a khaki or stone color, or in denim). In fact, I prefer them to shorts – I like to have my knees covered. However, I think “dress capris” are and should continue to be an oxymoron. The closest anyone should ever come to what I saw at Kohl’s are jodhpurs, and you’d better have a horse standing by if you’re going to go for that look.
It’s not just your Kohl’s. I was leaving for a business trip recently and went there looking to replace some rather worn-looking black work slacks. All I found was capris and pants that (oddly enough) were waaaay to long and made it look like my feet had been chopped off. (And I don’t have short legs!) I work in government, and capri pants would never pass muster.
I have one pair of “dress capris” – they are black sailor paints, really, including the black button at the cuff. I don’t wear them to work. Kohl’s also had the tops which I ALWAYS had to pair with a camisole or other undershirt because they were cut too low.
I never went into a Kohl’s that had working clothes. But this has been a problem with other stores I used to frequent, including Lane Bryant (the one in Sterling Heights had suits, dresses, etc.) and Younkers.
I end up frequenting Dress Barn and C.J. Banks, as they have summer-weight jackets and slacks.
Oops! I have a pair of dress capris/sailor pants with the buttons, and also a pair of bright red (Pentecost) capris. I *do* wear these to work.
“Clamdiggers” . . . good one, Clam!
Kohnl’s around here USED to have terrific work separates – I think the label was Villager or something like that – really good basics – jackets, skirts, slacks in conservative cuts and colors. I loved that. I don’t think they are around anymore.
Occasionally Jessia London has good work stuff, but some of it is cheap and flimsy. They’re plus sized. I have a couple blazers that are pretty nice.
Clamdiggers and pedal pushers, capris and bermudas… our clothing language is so interesting, isn’t it? I think clamdiggers are longer than pedal pushers, and baggier. Generally speaking.
Anyway, it’s ridiculous the way that work clothes have gone in the last few years. I sound like an old fogey, but it’s true. Flip flops are also inappropriate work gear, IMHO.
TBS