Old School Prep Becomes Trendy Emo

Often times my mind will wander towards “dark thoughts” …

It was cold, really cold. I’m used to North Carolina falls, which basically mean summer for another month or so. This was not the Northeast that I recalled from childhood. As I was walking from Soho to the West Village I realized that the flip flops I was wearing for work, were not only dangerous, but making me freeeezing.

I was heading to a catering job with the Dinner Belle entourage at a BEAUTIFUL townhouse in the West Village for Macy’s department store. Usually I’ll do a vary of tasks for them from bartending, to serving, and often times acting as one of the chefs. Last night I was supposed to be in the kitchen.

The thought of wearing flip flops was making my stomach flip flop (that dark thought was looming), and I immediately had the shooting fear I was going to drop a knife on my toes. This was my fate, I knew it. Worst of all, I was already running late and had no idea where I was.

Out of the corner of my eye I spot a Tretorn store. Savior! Remember Tretorns? 80′s prep-wear sneakers? You’d know them the second you saw them, and then probably gag. My mother wore them, I think she’d be proud that I strutted myself into that store.

Low and behold, when walking into the store I had found mecca for the emo-chic. What I always associated as “mom shoes” were suddenly “in” again in Soho. Who would have thought?!

I bought ‘em, wore ‘em, and lived. I got some looks, or maybe it was my self-consciousness, but either way, they served their purpose, 10 toes!

Maybe I will bring them back in style … they’re not that bad.