fashion
yes
Jayplay's fashion department guided Matthew Spooner, Manhattan freshman, through a make-over that included a new haircut, new clothes and new shoes.
Eric Breem/Kansan
Matthew Spooner's smile is the first thing you notice beyond his unconcerned look. His daily routine consists of getting out of bed, taking a shower and heading for class. Most days, the college freshman wears jeans and a T-shirt. He leaves his McCollum Hall room with his hair still wet from the shower. The fashion department came to the rescue of this Manhattan freshman who is unconcerned with fashion.
"The only time I really dress up is for
funerals," Spooner says. He is wearing a T-shirt, jean shorts and white and red tennis shoes. His outfit is accessorized with a black visor and a pair of prescription glasses hiding under his shaggy, wet hair. The glasses are not working for him, but his smile, and best asset, is shining bright.
We set out to makeover Spooner's casual look with $75. He needs a haircut, a shirt, pants and, if possible, new shoes.
But before venturing out with Spooner, I made a stop at TJ Maxx, 2170
Wanamaker Road in Topeka. TJ Maxx is a store where you can find name brand clothing at lesser prices, but the setup is not convenient for shoppers in a hurry. You need time to look through the many racks of clothes. After an hour spent in TJ Maxx, I decided on a blue plaid, button-down Lucky Brand shirt, a black Polo sweater, a pair of Ignition jeans and a Rocawear belt. My grand total was $83.59. Not bad for the names I had in my bag. After exhausting Topeka's mall
and department stores, I still ended up sticking with the items from TJ Maxx.
I then picked up Spooner and we headed to Amyx Cutting Edge, 842 Massachusetts St. Spooner's barber, Sally Barnett, Ozawkie resident, discusses options. She has been cutting hair for 30 years. "Do you want it kept long or cut short?" she asks. "I don't care," Spooner says. After much prodding, he finally says to cut it all short. Barnett pulls out the scissors and clippers and begins cutting
18 jayplay
thursday, november 6. 2003