Sharp-Dressed Man

So yesterday was picture day at The Boy's school.  Desperate not to repeat last year's mistake, I was planning on sending The Boy to school in a short-sleeved polo shirt and khaki shorts. That way he'd be both presentable in the photo and comfortable on the playground, since Fall has determined that it's just gonna skip N.C. this year.

But alas, I was not planning on The Boy being self-determining.  Upon reflection, I realize that I must not have been paying attention.  After all, this is the same child who only wore orange socks for his entire third year of life on this planet, and the child who wore either a Power Rangers sweatsuit or a Tow-Mater shirt for six straight months. In addition, he is very free with his opinions about what our family members are wearing, memorably informing my mother at the beach, "Wow, Grandmommy! You look almost good!" So yeah, The Boy has definite sartorial preferences, and this past Saturday he took a moment away from his Toon Town time to announce:

"I want a red shirt and a red-and-black-checkered tie to wear for my picture."

Oooookaaaay. Since I had errands to run anyway, and since I am SICK TO DEATH OF ALL THE WARM-WEATHER CLOTHES I OWN (see absence of Fall, above), I determined that a quick stop by Kohls might be the answer.

And bless you, Arrow shirt company, with your pre-packaged shirt/tie combos that help me avoid arguing about putting a blue and red tie with a black shirt. The Boy selected a red shirt with a red and black striped tie, some black pants (with adjustable waist, Hallelujiah!), and helped me pick out 4 new shirts and a dress.  We were officially ready for Picture Day.

Being a realist, I felt it necessary to prepare The Boy for the fact that he would likely be the only boy in a tie in his entire elementary school, so we armed him with the appropriate response to teasing, as well as a change of clothes for the playground, because it was going to be about 84 degrees that day, and a long-sleeved shirt, tie, and long black pants would be miserable.

Picture Day morning The Boy was in a very good mood, beaming when I told him how handsome he looked, and checking his hair in the mirror. When he got out of the car at the dropoff, the teacher helping out complimented him as well, and he looked pleased and a bit embarrassed.

Turns out all my worrying about teasing was for naught. Although The Boy was the only one in a tie, his  friend/nemesis was very impressed with his look, as were his classmates. I just hope he isn't pulling a Calvin face in the picture.

And I'm already planning the "You want those clothes, you get a job at the store and an employee discount and knock yourself out" speech. I have a feeling I'll be needing it.