The Man in the North Face Flannel Suit

I am on the Bainbridge Island Ferry, making my way into Seattle from Bainbridge. It’s eight a. m. and I was told I would be on the ferry “with all the lawyers.” But looking round, there don’t seem to be a lot of barristers on board – or they’re all traveling incognito. I’m headed for a law office myself and I appear to be the only guy in a jacket on the vessel, although I’m not wearing a tie. (Wearing a tie is kind of like playing dress-up to me, having spent most of my life in LA. I have a closet full of outdated Armanis.) The fashion statement hereabouts is obviously made by the proper gear from North Face, REI and Patagonia, et al. Nothing wrong with that – especially if you’re thinking longevity. But the price of this sportif fashion isn’t a lot less than the Versaces, etc. of the East Coast and Europe. It’s just Grunge Chic.