The holiday weekend of Memorial Day is an exciting time each year. Whether already manifested in the weather, summer is on its way, and at least in Tampa, all manner of backyard bar-b-que, pool party, boat outing, and beach day fill up the weekend days and nights. I’m using my weekend to pick off my to-do list, having done the beach/boat/booze thing last weekend in St. Augustine.
Cruising the intercoastal water around Anastasia Island, St. Augustine
In the retail and fashion world, it also means a shuffling out of the spring and winter looks to make room for both swimwear and early fall looks. And thus, incentives to shop across the board.
Coach’s sale began in stores Friday (~30% off), as did Gucci’s (50%). Both stores at International Plaza have delineated sale sections, for both men and women. The selections are identical to what is online for Coach, but varied from what Gucci’s website has for sale.
Gucci black canvas holdall in two sizes at Gucci International Plaza, Tampa
I’m more than a lot fixated on this Gucci carry-on duffel, made of black techno canvas with black leather trim and green/red cotton web ribbon. ¿AM I CRAZY?!
[No no, that wasn’t a question. Sometimes I feel sick with how I obsess.]Burberry’s International Plaza store has a small selection of menswear, some of which is also on sale, in the far back of the store. Little grabs me from any of Burberry’s lines (Brit, London, Prorsum), except the classic trench coat iterations. The accessories are overpriced for their quality, mostly made outside of the EU.
But second, a selfie at Goochie
Though I understand the economics of retail, that it is dominated by female shoppers, especially in less progressive markets like Tampa, but must the men always be relegated to the back of the store? And at that, only 1/4th of the total square footage? Diesel splits space 50/50. Cole Haan and Coach follow the format of Burberry, with a more balanced use of space.
Paul Smith Jeans cordovan leather boat shoes, Made in Portugal
Nordstrom is the only place that gives men significant attention, though it too is only a fraction of the women’s offerings. I have been there a lot lately (sale too), working with Austin Hiday, a personal stylist.
His tutelage has opened the world of rolled jeans to me, and induced me to spend more than I ever have at Nordstrom, in a single visit. Some question whether personal shopping encourages spending, or simply aids that which would happen anyway. See the debate here.
Shopping with Austin Hiday at Nordstrom Tampa Bay. Topman floral micro shorts.
Other flicks and blips to consider on this long weekend:
- DI Coffee Bar: overpriced? Call me a crank, but $5 for a soy latte that is mostly ice? IJS.
- Tampa Police Department tip text line: add “[email protected]” to your phone and text with crime tips in and around Ybor City. I was offered drugs on 7th Avenue last night and because it offended my delicate sensibilities, I contacted TPD to report the dealer. I feel very old.
- Uncommon Finds: opening soon, Tampa’s first specialty perfumeria. Downtown, on Morgan Street near County Center, look for brands like Nasomatto and Agonist. My friend Rob Akins is the creator with an appreciation for fine fragrance. A full report is forthcoming.
Carlos and Mary at Driven Health Massage are excellent for relaxation and coping with the modern world
- Get a massage. Go to Driven Health in the Pierhouse complex. Carlos and Mary are both awesome.
- Watch Locke: a fascinating, well-shot movie that takes place entirely in an architect’s car.
Tom Hardy in Locke (2013)
