Day 145: A New Tie

You will often hear me say or write something about anti-materialism — that we should not buy just to buy and that we should reduce what we have to the basic needs. But damn it, I am guilty of spontaneous purchases too. It’s human nature. Luckily, it doesn’t happen often. Today, I bought one of the coolest ties in the world.

Since I have started to dress-up for work with dress pants, shirts, shoes, and ties, I have started a small tie collection. I used to drop my jaw in awe at my cousin's tie collection, and I would think to myself that I could never own that many ties because I will never need them nor wear them. I was wrong again. I don’t wear them in public typically but I like to show them off at work. Today, after returning something from Amazon to Kohl’s and receiving a 20% off Kohl’s card, I went straight to the tie section. It wasn’t because I needed a tie, mind you, but because I knew that Kohl’s usually have a great selection of discounted ties. Ones that are typically $40 are now $12. I like to add variety to my professional wardrobe and ties are the cheapest way to do that. Plus, people notice ties. Especially my Star Wars ties.

I was nearly to the discounted section, passing through the regular racks of overpriced neck accessories when I spotted the four Star Wars ties that were hanging. Three of them had a bunch of tiny Storm Trooper heads with various colored backgrounds. But the one that jumped at my eye was the one with a bunch of tiny Yoda heads. Damn you, Kohl's! I just wanted to conveniently take back a couple of sacks of crappy zip ties! They had me hooked, almost. I turned it over. Of course, it said $40. I audibly laughed. You’re not scamming me that easily! I walked on to the discounted section.

Right away I found a colorful tie with a floral pattern that I knew would match three shirts of mine. Perfect! And it comes with a tie clip! You have no idea how long I have waited to find a discounted tie that came with a tie clip. Sure, I could just buy a tie clip, but I survive without one. I turned the tie over: $13. Boom. Shopping was done. I could leave happy, have a new tie, and save a bit of money. But...

I turned to walk back the way I came, toward the Star Wars ties.

Don’t do it.

Why not? It’s so cool.

It’s not worth it.

Everyone is going to love it!

I’ll live without their compliments.

You are going to love it.

. . .

. . .

Well, that’s true.

And you still have the 20% discount. You'll save even more by buying more.

That’s also true.

It’s Yoda.

Yeah.

Lots of Yodas.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Damn it. Fine.

I headed to the check-out counter with my 20% discount ticket held high, excited. Not guilty. It is the coolest Yoda tie. The only thing better would be a Baby Yoda tie. Soon come. Every so often I will indulge, and it feels good when I do. Star Wars stuff will get me every time. The cashier also mentioned that it will be the perfect tie for St. Patrick’s Day. She is right.

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Author's Note #1: Stayed tuned for photos.