Starbucks has Street Cred
He walked in just past 8 p.m., a slight lean with each step. The man didn’t appear to be the average Starbucks customer. His thick round lips looked more suited to talking trash than sipping a Frappuccino.
He looked to be in his early 20s, a few inches shy of 6 feet. His weight was impossible to determine since his body was cloaked in a gray fleece jacket the size of a comforter. The puffy collar stood up and wrapped around his neck like an ergonomic travel pillow, so if the caffeine didn’t kick in soon enough he could take a quick nap.
The top half of his outfit seemed strangely opposed to the bottom. His torso was ready for a blizzard, but the satiny black basketball shorts were more suited to a summer barbecue. To compensate, he wore tall black athletic socks with his plain, black, low-top sneakers. Apparently his shins get cold but his knees overheat.
His deep tan skin contrasted with the sparkling white stud earrings he wore. His buzzed brunette hair, with the sideburns ending in points, drew even more attention to his ears.
When he heard his order called he walked to the counter and picked up a cold, blended coffee, topped with whipped cream and chocolate. Some of the drink had spilled over the side and he tilted his head to lick the side before it could trickle down further. A shadow of a moustache could be seen as he took the first sip.
Analysis
This person immediately made me think he wants to look like a tough gangster, but really isn’t. The oversized outfit and the way he carried himself seemed like too much work to be real. The “wanna-be gangster” stereotype would mean that he probably listens to rap, is misogynistic, and isn’t well educated or acts less intelligent than he really is. Speaking in an affected manner and using certain slang would also seem fitting. I think it is possible that he could also engage in small crime, like shoplifting to appear tough without putting himself in any real danger.
I think the most notable exception to this stereotype is the fact that he bought a Frappuccino, a blended coffee that is probably the sweetest thing on the menu at Starbucks. A tough guy would likely make fun of friends who prefer sweet to bitter, since a sweet drink is stereotypically feminine.
The main detail that made me think of the stereotype was the jacket. It’s simply ridiculous. The addition of the earrings made me think, “That’s his bling.”
Sweats are the New Muumuu
There would never be any question as to where this woman attended school; the Chico State bookstore appeared to have provided her the outfit.
A sloppy, oversized red sweatshirt read “Chico State” in big block letters across the chest. Her black sweatpants gave the school name on her left thigh in swirled white script. The hem of her pants was stuffed and bunched into her black Ugg boots, creating a strange puff above the ankles.
Her long brunette hair was equally messy, pulled into a ponytail without the assistance of a brush or comb. The haphazard look seemed more suited for a night at home than out on the town.
The only indicator that she was ready for the public eye was the makeup that she wore. A heavy layer of mascara made her lashes look thick to the touch, an unnatural texture for the little hairs. Her deep-set eyes had a slight shimmer on the lids. Her puffy lips were left bare.
Her eyebrows were arched and plucked too much, the ends tapered too thin. Even when she laughed her brows made her look severe.
But she did laugh a lot. Crowding around a small round table built for 2, she and her friends gossiped and joked with each other. She clutched her coffee with her fluorescent orange nails as she propped her feet up on the booth seat across from her, making herself right at home.
Analysis
My first impression of this person was a dumb party/sorority girl. I feel that there are plenty of girls at school who dress this way, and they give off a certain vibe to me. It’s like they were out partying last night and they didn’t feel like getting dressed in the morning, so they chose the classiest sweats they could find. By putting on makeup, they think it balances the outfit and makes them look like they aren’t trying too hard, but they’re still pretty. I feel like these types of girls also have poor relationships. Their friends are superficial and catty and their boyfriends aren’t very dedicated to them.
The fact that the sweats she wore said “Chico State” instead of Greek letters could indicate that she isn’t a sorority girl. It was Thursday night and even though she was downtown I didn’t get the impression that she was going to the bars dressed like that. Also, the conversation she was having with her friends was about their Mexican heritage, which means they have a stronger bond than just social activities. As a side note, their conversation would have been great for the eavesdropping assignment.
The way she dressed was the biggest influence in my snap-decision of her. Sweats and Uggs (or any similarly styled boots) are something that I detest and I admit that I always judge people harshly if they wear that in public. I think that pulling on a pair of jeans takes minimal effort and looks so much better. You can be comfortable without looking like a slob.
