Win a Handmade Holiday Bowtie

Well it is holiday giveaway time here at Men's Threads... I just received a one of a kind handmade bowtie from Aunt Di's Ties, perfect for the holidays, and I am gifting it to one of you! 

You just have to tweet at me (@mensthreads) and Aunt Di's Ties (@auntdisties) about how you would wear this awesome snowflake bow. What would you pair it with? Where would you wear it?

This is a 24 hour contest -- I'll pick the winner with the best answer on Friday morning (12/14) and get the tie in the mail to you the same day. 

So get thinking on how you would show this off, and let me know... good luck!

Aunt Di's Ties: Things I Love

The paisley is not going away... as I've written about (and worn) the "bandana print" ties my aunt has been making for me, more and more people have asked where to get one.

I'll admit, these ties are a definite standout! And as she's made them in a wide range of colors, I have had a lot of fun mixing and matching.

Now, you can get one direct from the source... Aunt Di's Ties, where you can pick your own color + style. They are all hand made in the U.S.

Get over to the site + check them out, and get one for yourself!

Striped Bowtie from Hackett: Things I Have

My friend Mitchell, an intrepid traveler, recently returned from London and sent me a great striped bowtie. He picked it up at Hackett the British brand founded in 1979.

The blue in the stripe is light enough for summer, and the tie has a great texture to it.

 

I am always a fan of stripe-on-stripe action, so I paired it today with a red and white Shipley & Halmos shirt.

Can't wait to keep wearing this new tie through the summer... cheers!

Men's Threads Press: What To Wear to Work

The Wall Street Journal did a story this week on what people who work in fashion wear to work... and they included me, Men's Threads! The story commented on my sockless look (of course) and on my rolled pants...

You'll recognize all of the pieces I am wearing -- especially the bandana tie, for which a lot of you have commented, and requested one of your own. Also wearing a Uniqlo Oxford, another Men's Threads fav. And my N. Hoolywood blazer...

Was definitely excited to see the whole look in print -- you can see the digital version here!

Bandana Print Bowtie: Things I Have

I've written before about my aunt, who has become my personal neckwear designer... it's always a surprise getting packages in the mail, with some new pieces I can style and wear.

This weekend I received two bandana print bow ties -- one in purple, and one in red (shown below). I already wore the purple one yesterday (with a white oxford and my Carven blazer) and the other will make its debut soon.

I like the enlarged print on the fabric, and that they're a light cotton which will be perfect for warm weather. The red will go perfectly with my blue and white striped Shades of Grey shirt...

I've now made a request to get a bandana print in a straight tie (and in a brighter color) -- looking forward to getting that one in the mail next!

Hand Made Leopard Bowtie: Things I Have

I think it shows my sartorial versatility that I can write about Thom Browne one day, and show off a leopard bowtie the next.

Okay, just kidding... in fact this fantastic bow is another gift from my aunt, who hand makes ties for me. I just received it and cannot find the right occasion to wear! So fun and wild, I think it'd go great for a black tie event, or with jeans and boots.

And I have to admit the leopard is giving me some hints of Givenchy Men, which is never a bad thing.

Thanks to my Aunt Diane for another great creation!

Bowtie from Marlon Gobel: Things I Have

During Fashion's Night Out this week I had the privilege of accompanying designer Marlon Gobel to an event he participated in at Bergdorf's Men's shop.

While it was so fantastic to be at Bergdorf's and see Whoopi Goldberg, Alexander Olch, Phillip Crangi, Euan Rellie... the most spectacular part of the evening was when Marlon gifted me a bowtie to wear.

I love it! Using the hexagonal shape that is his main branding element, I loved the contrast of colors, and the cut on the ends. When tied it gave a really unique look!

Handmade Gingham Bow Tie: Things I Have

Last month I had a long overdue catch up with my Aunt Diane and was telling her about my growing bowtie collection. My aunt is crafty, creative, and very good with a sewing machine... she asked, if she made me a bowtie, what would I want.

Well... a few weeks later the result arrived! A brown gingham for Fall! I am so excited, it is exactly what I wanted + I can't wait for the weather to change so I can wear it... I think it'll be perfect with my new Gant Rugger tweed blazer.

A huge thanks to my aunt, for this handcrafted bowtie for Fall 2011!

Navy + Striped Bowtie: Things I Have

The nice thing about writing about my interest (putting it lightly) in bowties is that I get gifted some really great ones! Today I arrived home to a FedEx package from my youngest brother, with a really awesome striped tie.

As previously mentioned I love navy, and I really dig the colored stripes... it's adds some color and fun, and always keeps the tie versatile when pairing to an outfit.

Will definitely be getting some wear out of this one! Stay tuned for pics...

Striped Bowtie from Brooks Brothers: Things I Have

It was this blogger's birthday over the weekend + I was thrilled to receive another bowtie to add to my repertoire!

From my friend Richard, this navy with stripes from Brooks Brothers, which I love. I'm a huge fan of anything navy but also like the flat ends to the tie, which will give it a great slim shape when I have it on.

Stay tuned for pictures of me rockin' this tie -- it's a good one!

Brooks Brothers x Social Primer Bowtie: Things I Have

Talk about a welcome to a new city... on my first day in Manhattan, I was gifted something I've had my eye on for a while -- a Brooks Brothers x Social Primer bowtie!

I think the collab between these two is fantastic + the result gives such a fun and playful twist on the bowtie. I'd previously written about the camo version... and I just love the color mix (pink/green and blue/white) of the one I received.

Cannot wait for the right occasion to debut it!

Go to the Brooks Brothers site + check out the rest of this rockin' (and pattern intense) collection! And a big thank you to my friend Richard for the thoughtful gift!

Straw Bowtie from Alexis Mabille: Things I Have

I decided to do a little shopping over the weekend (shocked, right?!) and popped into Opening Ceremony. I found some really great items but one that stood out was this fantastic straw bowtie by Alexis Mabille.

I've previously written about the other piece I have from Mabille, and so when I saw this tie I jumped on it! Love the innovative use of material and the silk ribbon it's attached to... very much the alternative bow!

Very excited to wear this + will need to find the perfect event for its debut!

Mensthreads Fashion Collage by JustJr: Things I Love

A while I ago I came across a site that was doing brilliant fashion collages. I shared it with some of our designers at work, who were also awed and inspired by the creativity + connectivity of these pieces.

Well recently JustJr did a collage inspired by this blog, mensthreads! I can't even describe what an honor it is, to be referenced in this way by someone whose work you admire....

And Jamie at JustJr knows me so well because he included Nick Wooster, a bowtie, some Black Fleece (hi Thom Browne!), and a nod to France. I love it!

You have to check out the rest of his work here.

Oxford x Camo Bowtie: Things I Want

I'm not sure how it happened, but lately I am so into camo! I think I used to only see it on a pair of too baggy cargo shorts and just couldn't deal. But now... whether it be a tote bag, tailored shorts, or hightops I am diggin' the camo!

Now, Brooks Brothers has collaborated with Social Primer to do a collection of reversible bowties. And below is the Oxford Sidewheeler meets Camo style... and I want it!

Now to be fair, most of the collection is fantastic... check it out here, and if you don't go for this version get one of the others!

Ceramic Bowtie: Things I Want

As I've previously written, I am accumulating quite a collection of bowties. Most of them are of the cloth variety, although I do have one made from a Ken doll's head. (In case you missed it)

Now this morning I see this amazing ceramic bowtie, from Italy. I definitely want to add this to my collection -- love the take on the traditional tie, and this is definitely a conversation starter.

Via Hypebeast, the ties are produced by Cor Sine Labe Doli and come in black (shown here) or brown. Check them out!

JustJr Collages: Things I Love

I've been following JustJr through multiple site + format iterations and have loved it from the beginning. I have printed some of their collages (of course the ones about Thom Browne) and hung them at my desk, for constant inspiration. I've also gotten our designers at work to follow the site.

The way the images are compiled, the great colors, and the obvious homage to its subjects makes each collage fascinating to just stare at for a while.

Below is one of the site's more recent works, titled Ivy League... I'm a big fan of Diptyque, I am in the market for a leather weekend duffel, and have bow ties coming out of my ears. So there was definitely a resonance here!

Make sure you check out the full site to see the rest of these fantastic fashion collages!

Forage Plaid Bowtie: Things I Have

Bowties. This holiday season I have doubled the number that I own! In addition to the great Carrot & Gibbs tie from my Mom, I received this fantastic Forage tie from my good friend Jamie.

I wasn't familiar with Forage before, but from their website it seems they do a lot of vintage inspired ties. And the Forage brand is connected to a great group called "Something's Hiding in Here" that features a lot of quirky & fun products.

This tie is perfect for Spring -- lightweight and a great green/yellow plaid. I can't wait to try it out at a garden cocktail party.

You must check out their other ties -- the 1940's yellow plaid is also pretty sweet!

Bowtie from Carrot & Gibbs: Things I Have

One of my Christmas gifts was a bow tie... but not just any bow tie, it is a bright paisley number that has buttons to adjust the size and is made in Boulder, Colorado. Tres bien!

From Carrot & Gibbs, this tie is a great addition to my growing collection and definitely has more pop than anything else I have.

I wasn't familiar with Carrot & Gibbs until now but their website has a great selection of their wares, plus tips on how to tie your tie and a list of historical figures who favored this particular piece of neckwear.

Things I Want: Michael Bastian (Everything!)

I've been anticipating the Gant by Michael Bastian line for a while and so was thrilled to see photos from last week's presentation. I love it! It totally melds both Gant's design point of view with a classic Michael Bastian perspective. And I'm guessing the price point will be more amenable than that of Michael's signature collection.

Below you can see a glimpse of the Gant pieces (I love the green lacrosse sweater), and you can read more at Selectism: http://www.selectism.com/news/2010/02/14/gant-by-michael-bastian-autumnwinter-mmx/

Now, not to ignore Michael Bastian's own line... it was pretty fantastic too. Great sweaters and sports coats and patches (things he is always strong withi). But I especially drooled over the combo below...

And yes, his track record on handsome models is pretty good too! Check out more photos from his show here at GQ: http://www.gq.com/fashion-shows/brief/F2010MEN-MBMEN

Things I Have: Ken Bowtie by Alexis Mabille

I have an affinity for Ken (Barbie's boyfriend) and his classic looks. Ken has some amazing style and in the mid 60's he was fashion forward!

Last year colette hosted a fantastic shop-in-shop of Barbie goods, including a very fun and playful Ken bow tie by Alexis Mabille. Now I am a) obsessed with colette (duh!), b) loving the work of Alexis Mabille, and c) a fan of Ken.

So imagine my delight when a friend + mentor gifted me one of the Ken bow ties! I love it and cannot wait for the perfect event to wear it at. Hmm....

One of my favorite blogs, Highsnobiety, covered this when it launched last year: http://www.highsnobiety.com/news/2009/03/09/alexis-mabille-x-barbie-ken-bow-tie/