Transcript: Never Read the Comments

Rob Long weighs in on his "vintage sensibility" and the lessons learned through age

This is Rob Long with Martini Shot for The Ankler.

A month ago, I went to a party — which doesn't happen that often — for a fashion kind of thing — which really doesn't happen that often — and there was that moment, we've probably all experienced it, when I was standing awkwardly in an awkward location and it's noisy and you're not really sure what the person you're talking to is saying but you smile anyway and nod. Because it's uncomfortable and weird enough, and no one wants to compound that by being asked to repeat their small talk.

But the person I was talking to is used to this sort of thing, so after it was clear I didn't understand what she was saying to me, she rubbed the lapel of my jacket between her finger and thumb and said, loudly, into my ear, I love this. Is it vintage?

No, no, I said. I mean, it was just a jacket — a sports coat, is what we still call it, I think. Nothing fancy. Kind of a narrow wale blue courduroy. I've had it for years.

Which made me think for a moment. And then I said, loudly back: 

The jacket isn't vintage. I am vintage. The jacket is just along for the ride.