It is no accomplishment to descend into a paroxysm of mockery concerning certain retail productions. The cause of the sarcasm is commonly directed more at the article’s appearance than its functionality. The miscalculation does however seldom belittle the exponent of the product. The hard truth is there are some who prefer the publicity and who are at the same time capable to discern quality notwithstanding a perceived vulgarity. The champion is thus left with the satisfaction of both design and manufacture.

Tommy Bahama

Tony Margolis, Bob Emfield, and their wives dreamed up the idea of “Tommy Bahama,” a lifestyle of never leaving the beach. Basing clothing on the concept, they founded Tommy Bahama Group, Inc. in 1993. In 2003, Tommy Bahama Group became fully owned by Oxford Industries, Inc. In 1991, Tony and Bob discussed their concept with Lucio Dalla Gasperina. From the outset, the three envisioned the kind of upscale casual apparel Tommy would wear: printed silk shirts and tailored pants for island living.

Unquestionably there are purveyors of goods who thrill to proclaim what is often warranted applause for their ingredient choices – whether silk, rayon, Egyptian cotton, top grain leather, .925 sterling silver, 18K gold or mahogany hardwood. One mustn’t however fall into the error of dismissing so-called lesser constituents merely because of price depletion. Granted the frequency of an alignment of quality and price is never assured whatever the discrepancy; but there survives the presumption of cost and excellence. With only few exceptions it is a belief worth preserving.

The inception of ubiquitous outdoor advertising is contested. In 1758 or thereabouts, Samuel Johnson reportedly lamented that “advertisements are now so numerous that they are negligently pursued.” Naomi Klein, in “No Logo,” blames “a seemingly innocuous idea developed by management theorists in the mid-1980s”: that successful corporations must primarily produce brands, as opposed to products. NOÉMA – Lauren Kelly

That “you get what you pay for” is predominantly a sound adage is beyond debate.  And while it is similarly true on a preponderance of occasions that “there’s something in a name”, the equivalency of money and value is not always indisputable. When venturing into the thin atmosphere of boutique purchasing it is recommended to consider the vapours in the air just as one does on the ground. The commonality is the same measure of quality at any level.  To illustrate by exaggeration, an empty box isn’t worth something only because of its silver lining. In other words, if you’re about to quantify a product, an examination of more than its appearance is worthwhile. It is however easy to become mystified by the product and allow one’s daydreams to carry forward the bafflement. Depending upon the product at hand – whether a gold watch or a cotton undershirt – the assistance of a professional may be  in order. For the most part we survive upon the strength of our own convictions. This may be a combination of “devil be damned” and arrogance but most likely it is a calculated roll of the dice based upon desire and information.