What’s In A Name? The Marc Anthony line for Kohl’s

I’m not proud of it, but I have a tendency to quickly dismiss a place or thing out of hand based on totally superficial reasons. Maybe it’s New York. Maybe I was just born a snob, but it often happens that the look of a book’s jacket cover or the decor of a restaurant that makes me say “Nope. No thank you.”

And that’s exactly what I thought when the Marc Anthony started a clothing line at Kohl’s.

{The way they were – Marc Anthony and a befringed J.Lo}

“Marc Anthony?” I thought to myself. “Jlo’s ex-husband and wearer of many turtlenecks, Marc Anthony? Slightly vampiric, uber-skinny Marc Anthony? Who would want to wear clothes picked out by him?”

Turns out, a lot of people. The line has done well since it first debuted in September of 2011 (right around the time the Anthony-Lopez marriage went south), so I thought I’d give it a second chance.

Well, a first chance really.

I was pleasantly surprised, then, when I recently trekked to the brand’s showroom to check out the goods for myself, they were, well, they weren’t that bad! Cashmere sweaters. Peacoats for winter that look sturdy and felt warm but not itchy. Even suits.

{Suit Jacket: $240, Pants: $120 (sold separately)}

The suiting especially impressed me. All slim lines and subdued colors – just right for the college guy who’s about to go out on interviews and isn’t yet sure how dressed up he’ll need to be in his post-college career. It won’t be your last suit, but this is a great first-out-of-the-gate option.

So there, Marc Anthony. I’m sorry I misjudged you. (But really, you should eat a hamburger; you’re way too skinny.)

Tell me: Have you ever judged a brand by its name, or where it’s sold, only to have your mind changed when you checked it out for yourself?