Corporate Thuggin’ (Pret-a-Poor-Taste)
Mac T, I’m glad you brought it to the fashion tip ‘cause you know that’s my sh!t! And I have something clothing related I’d like to address. Young Jeezy, is the truth. Hate him or love him, that’s my nicca. Matter of fact, his joint Corporate Thuggin’ is my theme song. I launch into it every morning as I get ready for work. I’ve worked damn hard to get where I am, and I’m madd niggerish with my grind on the daily. And granted every day, I’m not Oprah Winfrey with it, but I do try to look nice and fit the culture of a corporate environment. That said I’m sure you can understand my chagrin when I walk into my 8:00AM meeting a few weeks ago to meet Alfonso. Alfonso is a director level African-American man who has a team of individuals that assist him in running his department. *applause* And he’s kinda sexy with it too. So I sit down with my team as the meeting begins only to realize there is a glare coming from Alfonso’s direction – from his wrist to be exact. DAMN! I’m really wishing I had my stunner shades on right now because he is blinding me with something comparable to this: 
So you may say, “what, it’s just a watch DD?” And yes, you’re right. But is it really appropriate for corporate? And this is fresh on the heels of me seeing this flouncing through the cubical aisles on casual Fridays:
So I’m heated in the meeting right now because every time Alfonso turns the page of his financial recap from planning I get blinded in my left-eye like gotdamm. I’d like to walk over and ask him if he can turn down his watch, but I guess THAT would be inappropriate right? Rocawear, G-Unit and most Sean John outfits are probably not work appropriate. No sir. I don’t care if the shirt IS a button-up. I don’t care if it DID cost $100+. And I don’t care if you ARE going to happy hour later. I think Jeezy was using ‘Corporate Thuggin’ loosely – not literally.
And fellas, I don’t want you to think I’m just talking about you. I’ve coined a phrase for ladies in Corporate America that dress inappropriately. I call them “Corp-a-Hoes”. And a corp-a-hoe is not necessarily someone using her ASSets to get ahead. She can just be someone who seems to think that Baby Phat and Victoria Secrets are appropriate places to get your work-wear. No ma’am.
If you’re a manager, your team is NOT your goons and you are not pushing financial statements like weight. Your secretary is not one of your tricks and you are not a pimp. Well, at least from the hours of 9-5 Monday-Friday you’re not. Okay? Ladies, let’s not wear our ‘get a man’ dress to work or our stilettos with the chains. So, next time you ride out to the mall thinking “Not a day go by, that I ain’t high. Hit the mall every day, nicca I stay fly. 26 inches, yeah I’m sittin’ up high. And I’mma keep it hood, homie that’s no lie.” Think of DD and ask yourself is this work appropriate?
Aaaah...That's Refreshingly Appropriate
Casual Friday Anyone
Tags: careers, corporate thuggin', Fashion, G-Unit, life, Rocawear, work clothes, Young Jeezy
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May 2, 2009 at 10:51 pm
In these uncertain times of financial duress, wars, and swine flu, flashing gaudy jewelry is passe and tacky. I take a less is more approach to style, and everyone can benefit from learning to keep it simple, especially when it comes to workplace attire. But brothers just loooove shinin!! I’ve been researching new timepieces myself, so hip your manager to a nice Raymond Weil, Tissot, or if he’s feeling extra bossy, a Patek Phillipe – and save the bling for All-Star weekend. The right watch, not the bright watch. Those who know, know.
Realize though, for those who have just entered corporate America, or are one of the first in their family to have a white collar job, they really had no example to follow. So while one can be a bit preturbed at them showing up to the staff meeting with the 8-button, mustard yellow, Steve Harvey collection suit – they honestly didn’t know any better.
July 1, 2009 at 12:15 pm
That happens when corporates are trying to hold on to their street cred and not want to admit to themselves that they’ve moved on and up to bigger/better things…free yourself from mental slavery, they’re just on a bigger plantation with that mess…I would see all KINDS of things on “casual friday”…I just don’t get it sometimes. You feel like they HAVE to know better, they’ve come so far professionally, but that mind-set is still in ‘grinding’ mode.