Dear Mr. Melissa Blake:
Yes, that’s me, Sweetpea. I just took that photo this morning. It’s the newest edition to my collection, courtesy as a gift from my lovely mother.
It’s April 1, 2010. Today is a very big day, as you’ll surely discover in the coming years. It’s sort of like opening day of New York Fashion week, only on a smaller scale and no intimidating stares from Anna Wintour. Though I must say, that woman is definitely my hero.
But, as usual, I digress. So what exactly is today? The start of Polo Shirt Season 2010! You’ll learn pretty quickly that I take this very, very seriously. So don’t laugh. And if you must laugh, do so discretely or in your head, please. Some may say I take it to extremes (heck, even you might say that someday…), but as you’ll also learn, I won’t care. At. All.
I’m not even sure when my obsession with polo shirts began. A few years ago, I was shopping at The Salvation Army one day. My eyes fell upon an entire rack filled with every kind of polo shirt you could imagine. I was smitten. Right there. Just like that. A mere 30 minutes later, I stood in the check-out line with a mountain of 12 polo shirts in my wheelchair basket. My little red head barely peeked out over the top. It was, hands-down, one of the happiest days of my life.
I can’t really explain their allure or their tight hold over me. Polos just give me a certain swagger. The colors pop just like my personality, and they make me feel sort of sophisticated.
Imelda Marcos had shoes. I have polo shirts. It just works. I’ve learned not to question it.
My motto: You’re never fully dressed without two things. A sweet glass of soda pop and a brightly colored polo shirt. And, well, let’s just say there is no short supply of those colorful collared shirts in my closet. I’ve got everything from pinks to oranges to yellows to lots and lots and lots of stripes. Because, come on, who doesn’t squeal with glee at the sight of stripes?
Do I still wear them a lot once we’re married? Knowing me, I just might have worn one to our wedding reception…or foregone a wedding dress altogether in favor of a colorful shirt? Come on, you know you probably smiled during our first dance as you looked at me in my polo shirt as we swayed to an ’80’s power ballad. You did, right?
Oh, do you know what would be really awesome? If we got matching polo shirts. I know, it sounds a little strange, but can’t you just picture us wearing our matching shirts and sipping Barq’s root beer on the patio? I can. We’d probably get a few weird glances thrown in our direction, but you know me…I wouldn’t care. Until we meet…
P.S. Oh, and what should happen this morning? In typical awkward-me fashion (oh hey, another fun play on words with the word fashion! Score another Humor Point for me; are you keeping score…?), what did I do? I spilled my glass of orange juice all over my sleeve. And then I heard Bad Moon Rising by CCR on the radion. All I could say was “Oh shoot” and move on…
kathmo says
love reading your texts. you've got a real gift, than the way you can play with word is just marvelous! π
Tracie says
I have a deep love for polo shirts too! They are the perfect fashion item!
Happenstance says
Darn that spilled glass of orange juice and CCR! Don't forget, you're also never fully dressed without a smile:) (from AnnieβI couldn't resist:)
Melissa Blake says
I know, Happen! After I wrote that line, I had the Annie song in my head all morning! π Annie is one of my favorite movies, so that's alright!
Miss Vintage Vixen says
I swear… I've said it before and I'll say it again: You need to have your own magazine, and be the covergirl every month, and writethese sort of things. I'd read it all the time and stalk you for an autograph!
Melissa Blake says
Thanks, vintage! I used to practice my autograph as a kid. Sometimes if I'm bored, I still do. Is that weird? xoxo
Kristin says
You have polo shirts…I have sundresses. I am obsessed. I wear then ALL spring and summer long!!
Jessi Haish says
I love the pic from today!!! I love this post! π It's really neat that you have your own tradition!!
undomestic chica says
Good choice! Polo shirts will never go out of style
The Style Mansion says
Hey smiling Melissa! I love your polo shirts. Polo shirts are cool . They look good on you, you manage to look cute and stylish in them.
MIG says
This is a very cute post Melissa. You are extremely witty my friend. Loved it!
-MIG
Pass through my blog sometime:
fashionforwarddude.blogspot.com
Helena - A Diary of Lovely says
love love the new polo, great color!!
SilverNeurotic says
Hmm, that reminds me. I really should pick up some Polo shirts for myself. My summer wardrobe is looking bare.
Melissa Blake says
You can never go wrong with polo shirts!
Cross Country Home Services says
I love your polo shirts. Polo shirts are cool . They look good on you, you manage to look cute and stylish in them.
business networking says
I really love reading your texts. And the best part is that I love your Polo Shirts.
directory Melbourne says
Aawwww!! Polo shirts, are my favorite ones. It's really good that you have your own tradition!!
eBridge interactive says
Polo shirts are the best! I don't wear them much anymore but when I do wear them, I feel so so glamorous. Keep rockin' them! You look awesome!!
business directory melbourne says
I think I shall wear a polo shirt, Melissa. But it's just lunch, not a lunch date.
cordless screwdriver says
I'd just like to share it as an encouragement to those who are also in the season of waiting.
discount coupon says
Oh, so unexpected, so surprising! Very touching, so well written and I have some perception, learning very much.