Dad Entry #189

Michael's fashion sense is minimal. This is normal, of course, for a ten-year-old guy. I would argue Michael’s style is ‘comfort,’ but even that’s false; he wears old jeans that are so tight at the waist I’m afraid the button will pop off and ping around the room and take out the fish tank or an eyeball. Michael’s a fast grower and some of his shirts and pants get overstuffed; not as bad as Bruce Banner’s, but the comparison comes to mind. Anyway, regarding Michael’s fashion leanings, I wonder if a preppy or grunge or goth or sporty phase is on the horizon. Skater, surfer, rock star, Ivy-leaguer, GQ-wannabee, hipster, hippie, rastafarian, chic nerd, nerdy nerd, jock, gearhead, country boy, warm-up-suit-wearer, chameleon, smooth-operator, skinny-tie guy, skinny-jean endurer, whatever. What’s it gonna be, Michael? I made half of those up, I don’t know what they are either. I hope he's all of 'em. Michael’s in fifth grade. My own renaissance came in seventh grade, since I was – and always will be, it seems – a late bloomer. It was junior high that saw me seized by a rabid case of turtleneck mania. I became a sweater enthusiast. I rolled my jeans. I wore cologne (and caused widespread eye-burning and suffocation, I'm sure). I had a pair of Guess jeans, a Benetton rugby, and a jade-hued Polo sprayer. Expensive birthday gifts. I was very lucky. I took it a step further at Christmas. I procured Monet’s palette in Kmart turtlenecks and cheap sweaters (via the puzzled generosity of my amazing loved ones). I had a unique, preppy ensemble for every day of the week! I started getting notes from girls! I had arrived! So, if I can get over myself for a second, I will say this: I’m curious how Michael will navigate and express himself during the appoaching years and phases and somewhat unavoidable superficialities and labeling. I will also say, very seriously, I want him to look and feel confident. Whatever that means, whatever that takes. And I hope he always helps me in that very same way. We’re in this together now, Michael.