T-shirt collections can be so optimistic, it's embarrassing. What's worse is that they can showcase your ignorance of literature and suggest political tolerance. That's a lot of pressure on casual Friday.

That is where the folks at The Affair come in. They have a line of t-shirts that have shed the rose-colored glasses and tell you how it is/and/or will be. These guys aren't throwing hearts and rainbows on their gear, they're dropping knowledge, much of which is directly influenced by a collection of classic novels with dystopian themes. They aren't screen printing sunshine, folks.

Take the MiniLuv (pictured). If you bought this shirt at some novelty shop it would most likely include an arrow pointing downward, but not here. This is a reference to George Orwell's Big Brother and the Ministry of Love where Winston was tortured and made to embrace "Big Brother." The site is quick to point out that they are not talking about the TV show. Besides, Winston was more of a "Survivor" fan.

The tagline reads "Wear your highbrow literary tastes with pride." If you're looking for John Grisham quotes you'll have to take it elsewhere.

I don't care how bleak the message, anyone that combines fashion and literature is okay in my book, and my closet.