I went to lunch today … and bought a suit.

File under: well-meaning things we say/do that land with a thud!

So today, I went a-wandering to grab lunch at this Indian food truck I’ve spied a few times. Paradise Street Eats & Biryani. I love Indian food and, given my recent bout of covid and the rampant increase of cases, I’ll be eating outside for a while. Until it snows. And then I’ll be in my basement.

Anywho, I walked back to the office a different path, and passed this store: Hot Sam’s Detroit. This suit was on a clearance rack out front. It spoke to me. Love the color. Love a bargain. Love … being impulsive. I grabbed it and walked inside.

I was in AWE of this store. Every bit of clothing was pure joy. I’ll likely go back. A lot.

I walked up to one of the dapper gentlemen running the store, and said, “How much is this?” Happy with the price, I said, “I’ll take it.”

As I waited to check out, we made some small talk. And here’s where my exuberance failed me.

I said, “This is such a cute store!” “Cute store,” he replied with that tone that suggested that wasn’t a desirable adjective. “Oh, I’m my mother’s son. That’s a high compliment for us!” Now feeling like I stepped in it, I added (unhelpfully), “How long have you been here?” He replied drily, “Since 1921.”

Now I’m feeling the flop sweat on my brow, and I kicked into overexplaining mode. “Well, I was just trying the Indian food truck.” He added, “It’s really good.” I replied, “So I don’t normally come down this way. And I’m from #Indiana originally. But I’ve lived here 25 years. I do live in Ann Arbor though. But I come to Detroit a couple days a week.”

At this point, he was getting pretty amused at this nut buying the suit in his store. He handed me his card. It read: “Tony Stovall, CEO/Co-Owner, Hot Sam’s Detroit.”

He added with grace and good humor, “Check us out on social media. And learn about who we are and what we do.” I said, “I sure will!” and took my Indian food and beautiful new suit, exclaiming, “I’ll be back.”

And then I did what he asked. And realized how sometimes we know absolutely nothing. And that we should pause and listen and learn to appreciate the history and good work around us.

Similarly, I’ll leave you to it to learn more. But DO take a moment and check out their website: https://hotsamsdetroit.com/.

Elegance personified. Community engagement. Leadership. Authenticity.

Ain’t nothing “cute” about that. That’s pure fire. And I’m proud to be a transplanted Detroiter … even if I do say well-meaning stupid things sometimes!