Gentlemen:

Today I was leaving my parents' house on Long Island to drive back to my home in Queens about thirty minutes away. I had stopped there after a multi-day trip to the beach on the East End, and the only clothes I had left were a powder blue polo shirt, a bit thick for the 80+ degree heat here in New York, or my Team USA Kobe basketball jersey - more comfortable, but not fit for impressing anyone over the age of 16 as a real outfit. I debated briefly and went with the polo. You never know when you'll need to look your best. After running a few errands, I began to park my car in my neighborhood, where the sidewalks are always congested with cars. I stopped a few feet behind a hydrant and wondered whether I would get a ticket for leaving my car there. Just as I was considering it, a lovely, zaftig young lady with a cute dog walked by. I jumped out of the car, asked her whether she thought I would be okay parking there, played with the dog, and struck up a charming conversation about the neighborhood, cars, dogs, the beach, et cetera. Number acquired, and I'm looking forward to taking her out. Who knows if anything will come of it? The bottom line is, if I'd gone with my favorite Kobe jersey, I'd've looked and felt like a clown, and I doubt if the interaction would have gone as well, especially cold on the street. Remember, guys: staying fly is a full time job. Don't sell yourself short on opportunities to meet and close pretty girls by walking around looking anything less than your best. Happy hunting.