Lawrence.com

Name: James Smith

Age: 29.

Sign: Virgo.

Hometown: Olathe.

Time in Lawrence: 5 years.

Occupation: Bartender at the Bourgeois Pig.

What were you doing when scouted? I was on my way to work at the Pig.

How would you describe your style? Although most people only see me at work, dressed in all black, my daily wardrobe is not as homogenized. I’m typically drawn to bold, solid colors.

What are your current favorite fashion trends? Fall is my favorite season. Basic, comfortable pieces are sophisticated and perfect for the weather. Simple boot-cut jeans and sweaters sum up my fall wardrobe.

What are your least favorite fashion trends? I ‘m not into skin-tight jeans on men or women’s jeans on men. It’s just tacky and unflattering. Also, man-capris are unacceptable.

What would you like to see more of in Lawrence? I would like access to a better selection of menswear. For example, the other day I had to buy a new pair of slacks for my friend’s upcoming wedding, and after exhausting all of my resources I had to settle with something different than I wanted.

What would you like to see less of in Lawrence? Students on campus are too dressed down, bumming around in sweatpants. School is a professional atmosphere, and in order to maintain a respectful air conducive to a learning environment, I believe people should show more enthusiasm via their dress. Other than that, I want to see less ‘bump its.’

What is a ‘bump-it’? A ‘bump-it’ is a plastic hairpiece, similar to a ramp, only for your head. Girls place the bump-it on the crown of their head and comb their hair back to achieve a full-effect. Basically, it’s an accepted comb-over but made for 19-year-olds.

Who are your fashion influences? Actor Jonathan Richman is my influence. In the ’70s, via his film characters, Richmond taught that nerds can look hot.

People say I look like: When E.R. was a more popular nighttime television show, people used to frequently comment that I looked like Dr. Archie Morris, played by actor Scott Grimes. We have a similar build and complexion.

Tell us a secret: When I was 18 I went tanning next door to my work. The owner had offered all of the employees at my shop free tanning; however, the first time I went I didn’t wear eye-protection in the bed. It has taken about ten years of night-creams to repair my lids to their original condition.

Information/Detail of Individual Clothing Pieces:

Shirt: Express, purchased in 2004, $60.

Undershirt: Stafford, purchased in August 2008, $15.

Slacks: Gap, purchased in September 2009, $60.

Belt: Dickey’s, purchased in 2007, $25.

Shoes: Kenneth Cole, purchased in 2005, $140.

Bag: Jansport, purchased in 1999, $40.