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Carmageddon: What to wear?

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This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Amid all the angst over ‘Carmageddon,’ one critical question is inevitably overlooked -- what do we wear to the shutdown of one of the most vital stretches of Los Angeles freeway? How can we prepare, sartorially, for this life-changing event?

For the Angeleno who believes all the dire warnings and plans to stay within walking distance of home, may we suggest:

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*Pajamas/Robe/Slippers. Yes, it’s OK to stroll the block in your night clothes and make like Hugh Hefner. Many of your neighbors will be doing the same thing. Trust us.

For a more sporty look, try the D-Lush men’s boardshort from Metal Mulisha, highlighted earlier this year by our own Adam Tschorn. The weather should be warm and this garment has pockets that will accommodate an entire six-pack of cold frosty beers. ‘The shorts,’ Tschorn,’ reminds us ‘were also designed to include two extra waistband straps -- to prevent an accidental pantsing by Pabst.’ *If you plan to invite friends within walking distance over for a barbecue, there’s nothing like the Caperon, a little something that allows its wearer to combine the efficiency of an apron with the authority of a superhero cape.

For the Angeleno who refuses to stay at home, who believes it’s his birthright to navigate Sepulveda Boulevard any time of day or night, we recommend the following:

*Cycling Gear/Sunscreen/Big Hat/Walking Shoes. (However, we feel compelled to remind you that government officials nixed a plan for a group of bicyclists to ride the freeway in the Sepulveda Pass during the 405 closure. They also forbade a block party on the Santa Monica Boulevard ramp to the 405 so don’t look for the caperon in that vicinity. If you choose to ignore our warnings, we suggest adding a lanyard imprinted with the phone number of a nearby bail bondsman.)

*One in a series of T-shirts, starting with vintage 1984 Summer Games apparel, great for all the folks who keep saying, ‘It will be just like the ’84 Olympics. No Traffic!’ If that’s not your style, may we suggest a visit to a print shop, where you might ask for a garment to be emblazoned with the following: ‘My Caltrans officials got to tear down a bridge this weekend and all I got was this lousy T-shirt.’ Or, if you prefer to let those around you know that you are steeped in current events, perhaps a T-shirt printed with the following, recent front page of the Los Angeles Times. (Please note the article on the bottom right-hand side of the page: ‘Locals’ ire doomed a simpler 405 plan.’ )

Photo credits, from the top: Hugh Hefner: Lucy Nicholson/Reuters; Boardshorts: Metal Mulisha; Caperon: Jason Van Horn / Betabrand; Sylvester Stallone: Associated Press

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--Alice Short

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