Friday, February 3. 2012

Men's Jeans Guide

All a Man Needs to Know About His Jeans

When most men start getting into fashion, a quality pair of designer jeans is typically one of the first items they buy. Finding the right pair of jeans for your own specific body type can be challenging, but the moment that you do is often an epiphany of sorts. The fact is, however, a variety of different elements go into choosing the right pair of men’s jeans, all of which can make or break the end results when trying to pair jeans with other pieces to create a well-rounded ensemble. So long as you have a good, clear idea as of your choices and what to look for, however, you can drastically increase your chances of finding the pair of jeans that is right for you. The following are just a few tips to help point you in the right direction when setting out to purchase a new pair of designer jeans.

Wash
One of the first things you should take into consideration when shopping for a pair of designer jeans is called the “wash.” The wash is in reference to the shade of blue that is typified by a specific pair of jeans; light-washed jeans, for example, are light in color, with dark washes being the complete opposite. If you’re trying to buy a pair of jeans for wearing around the house, you’ll do best with light-washed denim, which is a definitive piece in “rough and tumble” workingman’s attire. That said, those who are looking for a pair of jeans to wear out to the club or to a business-casual work environment should almost always stick with dark-washed denim, which is far more fashion-forward than the alternative and can be paired with practically anything.

Fit
Fit is a very important thing to think about when setting out to buy a pair of jeans, and should never be overlooked. A pair of designer jeans that fits right, after all, is one that looks good. There are a variety of different standard types of fit that relate to jeans; boot-cut, straight-leg and relaxed fit are just a few options that you might choose from. While each style can be effective in its own right, boot-cut and straight-leg jeans are the most versatile, and are easier to pair with other ensemble elements than their variations. The bottom line, however, is to try on each pair of jeans that you’re interested in purchasing to ensure that they look right on your body. The jeans you purchase should be cut in a way so that they flatter your legs, rather than cling too tightly or fall off in a loose, baggy fashion. As with anything else, balance is key when choosing fit.

Care
Perhaps the most important thing to put emphasis on once you own a pair or two of high-quality designer jeans is the method in which you care for them. The way you care for your jeans will directly influence how long they last, and for those who are paying upwards to $200/pair, longevity matters. The first time you set out to wash a pair of designer jeans, you should take care in washing them all by themselves so that they are not affected by the dyes of other garments. From there on out, wash your jeans inside out, which will help to maintain their color. Finally, never put jeans in the dryer, as this often causes them to shrink, and can even affect the quality of their wash.

Other Jeans Related Articles:
How to Wear a Sports Jacket
Guide to Smart Casual Attire for Men

Your Bows-n-Ties.com Team

Thursday, February 2. 2012

Become Our 300th Fan

Become Our 300th Facebook Fan

We know that we were what marketeers call a "late adopter" when it comes to joining Facebook, but to encourage three more people to join, we are giving our 300th fan a $25 gift certificate to our site. Right now we have 297 fans. All you need to do is join our Bows-n-Ties.com Facebook page and write a quick "Hello message" on our wall. If you are the 3rd next person to join (making you our 300th fan), you will be e-mailed a coupon code worth $25. In addition to receiving this gift certificate, joining our Facebook page might be a good idea since we are posting all our promotions, company news, and newly added collections there as well. So JOIN US ON FACEBOOK today!

Your Bows-n-Ties.com Team

Tuesday, January 31. 2012

Purple in Men's Fashion

Color Spotlight: Purple - How to Add Purple Accents Into Your Wardrobe

When it comes to misunderstood colors in men’s fashion, purple finds itself up towards the top of the list. Loud, attention-grabbing and a high potential for clashing, it’s no wonder why so many men are afraid to incorporate purple into their ensembles. Purple is associated with passion, mystery and even royalty, however, and can be very effective when it comes to bringing an outfit to the next level. While purple is typically most effective when used as an accent color (think ties and pocket squares), this is not to say that it can’t become the main event in the right situation. The following are just three ways to incorporate purple into your wardrobe, all of which can result in an ensemble that turns heads for all the right reasons.

A Word on Shades of Purple
The most important thing to understand when trying to incorporate purple into an ensemble is that there are a variety of different shades to choose from, each of which will add its own unique look and feel to an outfit. If you recently helped plan a wedding that picked a shade of purple as a color theme, then you will know exactly what we mean by different shades of purple. (To help find exact matching ties we created our Wedding Ties section). Lilac, for example, is light and airy; a perfect addition to any spring ensemble. That said, eggplant and other dark shades of purple can be smothering unless used carefully, yet serve as ideal accent colors for the dark days of winter. Always take shade into consideration before putting together an outfit, as it can make or break the results.

Purple Ties
For those who are trying to inject a bit of color into an otherwise neutral ensemble, the tie is one of the most effective accessories one could ever choose to wear. While a lot of guys view ties as being restricted to formal situations, the fact is that there are plenty of ways to wear them casually; especially purple ties. A solid purple tie can look great when worn as part of a suit, while patterned purple ties can take a casual ensemble think (blazer, jeans and crisp button-down) to a whole different place. A word of advice when choosing a purple tie; those with metallic overtones are much harder to pair than more subtle, matte-finished ties, and should thus be approached carefully if you plan on wearing them as part of an outfit. Also, keep in mind that lighter shades are typically better for summer while darker purples are best for fall and winter.

Purple Pocket Squares
While purple ties can certainly be effective, they’re best worn every once in a while rather than on a regular basis. If you’d like to still add a bit of purple to your ensemble, however, you might want to consider a purple pocket square. Still too much color? Then pick a patterned pocket square that only uses purple as an accent color, such as this Navy Handkerchief with Checks. These are best worn with charcoal or dark-grey suits, and should always be augmented by a tie of another color; believe it not, a yellow tie can actually add quite a bit of pop when paired with a purple pocket square. As with anything else, experimentation is key to finding the color combination that works best for you.

Purple Dress Shirts
While purple ties can certainly add a nice colorful accent to an outfit, some people would prefer to incorporate a bit more of this color into their look. Purple dress shirts are ideal for those who want to highlight the color rather than use it as an accent, and look great when paired with neutrals. A crisp, lilac-tinted button up (both patterned and solid are great) can look fantastic when paired with a black belt and charcoal trousers, and serves as the perfect base for a business-casual outfit. Stick to dress shirts that utilize lighter purples for best results, as those which are too dark can appear somewhat smothering.

Other Articles You May Find Interesting:
Matching Ties to a Pink Dress Shirt
Best Summer Ties

Your Bows-n-Ties.com Team

Monday, January 30. 2012

Blue Wedding Ties

Popular Blue Wedding Ties for Groom & Groomsmen

Blue is one of the most popular color themes picked for weddings. It is a color that comes in a wide ranges of shades and can be worn for any season. It can be dressed up to add some formal panache to the festivities, but it can also dressed a bit more casual, and even trendy. Below are five popular shades of blue picked for weddings. In case you are looking to match your groomsmen's attire to your wedding color theme, then please have a look at all our Wedding Ties - a growing assortment of both neckties and bow ties paired to match exact wedding colors by three of the most popular bridal retailers.

Pool Blue
Without a doubt, this light shade of blue is one of the most popular shades of blue for wedding parties. It is a light shade of blue with a tiny hint of turquoise. Keep in mind that not all Pool blues are created equal. Some bridal retailer's pool has more turquoise than others and actually goes a bit towards the aqua color. In case you are looking for pool blue ties that match David's Bridal's pool blue bridesmaids dresses then please view our selection of Pool Blue Ties.

Capri Blue
Capri is another light shade of blue that is sometimes referred to as powder blue or baby-blue. It is a perfect wedding color for the spring season that is well paired with summery shades such as yellow and/or rose-pink. Also excellent are darker contrast colors such as browns, espresso, plum, and eggplant. If you picked Bridesmaid's dresses in color Capri blue by David's Bridal then this selection of Capri Blue Ties will complement nicely.

Cornflower Blue
Cornflower is a tad darker than capri-blue and pool blue. It is another popular spring and summer wedding color that looks great in both indoor as well as outdoor settings. If you are looking to dress your groomsmen in ties matching your Cornflower blue bridesmaid's dresses then this selection of Cornflower Ties will look great. Many of our cornflower ties are also available as matching pocket squares - a perfect accessory for your dapper wedding party.

Bright Blue (aka "Horizon")
This color is again a little bit darker but at the same time much brighter than cornflower. It is an attention grabbing color that often times looks lovely when paired with a lighter and softer accent shade. Great complimentary colors to bright blues are light pastel rose, tan, and off-whites (such as ivory). If you picked bridesmaids dresses in "Horizon" blue then please view our Horizon Blue Ties.

Sapphire, Navy, & Other Dark Blues
Elegant and chic! Dark blue is a popular wedding theme for any season. It is an elegant color that also happens to complement most skin tones. Typically the darker the color (think midnight blue) the more formal it will appear. If you like to add another formal element to this color then we suggest white and slight off-white accents. Looking to accent this color for a spring outdoor wedding? Then light rose, and pale yellows are lovely. If you are looking to match your groomsmen ties to your dark blue wedding theme then please view our assortment of Dark Blue Ties.

Your Bows-n-Ties.com Team

Thursday, January 26. 2012

Tips to Iron a Men's Dress Shirt

How to Properly Iron a Men's Dress Shirt

Even the nicest and most perfectly tied necktie will look sloppy when worn with a wrinkled dress shirt. A lot of men who are new to the professional working world don’t realize just how important it is to ensure that their dress shirts are properly ironed. After all, it’s not very difficult to get away with wearing a t-shirt that hasn’t been ironed. The same cannot be said, however, for dress shirts, which can look positively unruly when they have not been properly ironed. While a lot of guys view ironing as being time-consuming and monotonous, it remains an important part of putting together the perfect ensemble. Once you get the hang of how to iron a dress shirt correctly, the process becomes second-nature. The following steps can help you to ensure that your dress shirts look crisp and wrinkle-free, even if you’ve never attempted to iron a shirt in the past.

Start with the Collar
The collar serves as the most visible part of the dress shirt, and is responsible for framing your face. As a result, it is perhaps the most important element of your shirt to make sure is ironed correctly, and should be addressed first. In fact, if you’re running out of time and plan on wearing a suit jacket, you may be able to get away with just ironing your collar instead of dealing with the entire shirt. First, pop the collar up so that the underside is visible, and slowly press the iron down and move it from point to point. Take care to make sure that the collar is moist (using the iron’s mister if necessary), which will help to address any wrinkles that might exist. Keeping the collar open, flip the shirt and repeat the process on the other side. If any stubborn wrinkles fail to dissipate, push them towards the bottom of the collar where they will be less visible.

Move On to the Cuffs
The cuffs are second to the collar on your dress shirt in terms of importance, and should thus be ironed next. Start by unbuttoning one of the cuffs so that it lays out flat. Iron the inside of the cuff just as you did the collar, moving on to the outside when finished. One of the most important things to remember when ironing the cuffs of your shirt is to avoid ironing the buttons. While this is sometimes easier said than done, a hot iron can easily damage the buttons on a dress shirt, effectively ruining the appearance of the shirt. Once you finish the first cuff, move to the next and repeat the process.

Iron the Front/Back of the Shirt
Next, you’ll want to approach the largest real estate on the shirt; the front and back. This is actually the fastest and easiest part of the process, which can be completed by simply laying the shirt down on the board and gently ironing in a straight, vertical line starting at the top and moving towards the bottom. This will ensure that any persistent wrinkles end up at the very bottom of the shirt, where they aren’t likely to be seen. Flip the shirt over and repeat the process. As with ironing the cuffs of your shirt, avoid allowing the iron to touch any buttons or clasps when ironing the front/back of the piece.

Finish With the Sleeves
The last thing you’ll want to do is iron the sleeves, which can be done quickly and easily. Simply lay the entire sleeve out flat on the board and iron from the top down, ensuring the piece is moist so that it can be ironed evenly. If you iron in a straight enough line, you shouldn't have any trouble preventing creases from occurring. Once finished, hang the shirt and inspect for any wrinkles, which can be ironed out as needed.

Other Related Blog Posts:
Men's Shirt and Tie Guide
Guide to Bespoke Mens Dress Shirts

Your Bows-n-Ties.com Team

Wednesday, January 25. 2012

New Patterned Pocket Squares

New Collection of Patterned Handkerchiefs

Tired of rocking the same old suit & tie look? Then it might be time for some new accessories! Instead of buying an entire new outfit we suggest to save your hard earned dollars and invest in some inexpensive accessories instead. The pocket square is such an accessory. Although we have been featuring pocket squares for a few years now, it still amazes us how much style and character a nicely folded hanky adds to a suit, blazer, or sports coat. It will give your outfit a completely new look! Give it a try!

The five handerchiefs above are part of our newly added collection. Each hanky is handmade from a finely Jacquard woven silk with hand-rolled edges. Click on your favorite handkerchief above to see a larger image and to read our suggestions on complementing ties, shirts, and suits. Many of these pocket squares are also available as matching neckties - a perfect combination for the businessman seeking to differentiate himself from all the other suits & ties in the office.

Other Related Resources:
Tips on How to Fold a Handkerchief
Guide to Mens Pocket Squares

Your Bows-n-Ties.com Team

Tuesday, January 24. 2012

Clothes Fit for Skinny Guys

5 Tips on Proper Clothing Fit for Skinny Guys

No matter what the situation, it’s difficult to get around the fact that some people just aren’t built like athletes and movie stars. Indeed, men who are on the skinny end of the spectrum often find it difficult to make certain items of clothing fit correctly. This can be incredibly frustrating; especially for men who are interested in fashion. That said, there are plenty of ways for skinny guys to dress in a way that is flattering and attractive without having to put forth an overbearing amount of effort. The following are five essential fashion tips for skinny men, all of which are worth concentrating on when putting an outfit together in the morning.

Get Your Blazers Tailored
The blazer is an important clothing item that just about any guy can make work for them with the right amount of effort. That said, skinny men should always get their blazers tailored in order to ensure a sufficient fit. After all, there’s nothing more unattractive than a loose-fitting, baggy blazer on a stick-thin guy. When choosing a blazer to wear, stick to those which are either single or double-breasted, avoiding those which have any more shoulder padding than is absolutely necessary.

Embrace the Sweater
For whatever reason, sweaters tend to look really good on skinny men; especially when they are fitted correctly. As a result, you may want to explore wearing sweaters throughout the cooler months of the year, even if you aren’t used to doing so. V-neck sweaters look great on skinny guys, as the shape of the neck compliments a skinny frame in a way that few other clothing items do. You can also get away with wearing a turtleneck sweater, which look much better on skinny men than they do even on men with a moderate build.

Stick to Flat-Front Pants
The pants that you choose can have a huge influence on your overall appearance, and never has this been more true than in the case of skinny individuals. Flat-front pants are preferable for skinny men on account of the fact that they add more volume to a person’s head-on appearance. Boot-cut and straight-legged jeans are ideal, as are neutral corduroys. You can add even more volume to your appearance by wearing pants that feature a few noticeable pockets; cargo pants come to mind, and can be far more versatile than most people think.

Choose Jackets of the Correct Length
Jacket length is more important for skinny guys to consider than anyone else. A jacket that is too long, for example, will cause you to look a folded-up umbrella, while jackets that are too short can easily emphasize your height and make you look even skinnier than you already are. Choose a jacket that comes to approximately one inch below your waste for best results, and be sure to avoid those which are baggy and might look like they swim on you.

Approach Fit with Consistency
One of the most common mistakes that skinny men make when putting together an outfit is not taking the time to ensure that each element is properly fitted for their body. There are plenty of celebrities that fall prey to this fashion faux pas (Asher Roth, anyone?), which almost results in a terribly ugly ensemble. Avoid wearing a loose-fitting sweater, for example, if you plan on wearing fitted pants. For best results, always wear clothing that is specifically fitted for your build.

Other Suggested Articles:
Office Styles for Every Shape
7 Rules for Skinny Ties

Your Bows-n-Ties.com Team

Monday, January 23. 2012

Vintage Winter Wedding Colors

Three Great "Vintage" Color Combinations for Your Winter Wedding

It is cold outside. The barren trees are decorated with a fresh cover of snow, and the voice of crows travels through the countryside during the early morning hours. It is a perfect setting for a winter wedding! In fact, next year around this time you and your now fiancee will be saying "I do", but before the big event lots of planning is in order. One thing on most couple's checklist is picking a wedding color, or color theme. While bright shades such as lime and pink are popular in the spring and summer, the winter calls for more muted colors. Shades such as navy, wine, plum, and gray immediately come to mind. Before you pick one of these, somewhat conventional winter wedding colors, have a look at the three "Vintage" color combinations below. They are chic, elegant, and hip. In addition to giving you some color inspiration, we give you some advice on how to coordinate your groomsmen's attire with each theme.

Bronze, Forest Green, & Black
A perfect color combination for a wedding in the countryside. These earthy colors are not just perfect for the season, but they remind us of a 1950s vacation lodge in Bavaria owned by a noble German. Our dress tips for your bridal party: Choose elegant black bridesmaids dresses and accent them with a golden-bronze belt, and fresh winter green bouquet. For the groomsmen: We love the look of a three piece black suit, white dress shirt, this Black and Bronze Striped Tie, and matching bronze colored pocket square. For more ties in bronze/gold, please view our collection of Golden Ties.

Wine, Ivory, & Pastel Blue
Wine and Ivory, two colors that are perfect for any Fall or winter wedding. In addition to these classic winter colors, we suggest to accent this pair with a hint of lively powder blue (sometimes also called: baby blue, cornflower, or capri). Our dress tips for your wedding party: Wine red bridesmaids dresses for her side of the wedding party, and charcoal suits, white shirts, and wine red ties with coordinating pocket squares for the groomsmen. Please have a look at these Wine Ties.

Tomato-Red & Espresso Brown
These two colors remind us of the Victorian era of the late 19th century. Tomato-red, sometimes also called "dusty pink", "dark guava", and "vintage orange", will add lively color to the sparse winter countryside. Accent this color with dark espresso brown accessories and you will have a perfect "vintage" winter color theme. For the bridesmaids we suggest "dusty pink" bridesmaids dresses by J.Crew, accented with espresso brown belt. For the groomsmen we love the look of espresso brown pants, white shirt, and matching espresso brown vest - accented with a dusty pink colored necktie. Please have a look at our Guava Ties as well as all our


More Resources in Regards to Wedding Attire:
Wedding Ties
Weddings & Bows-n-Ties.com

Your Bows-n-Ties.com Team

Thursday, January 19. 2012

Top 5 Worst Dressed US Cities

The Five Least Fashionable Cities in America

America is home to some of the hottest fashion capitals in the world. With cities like New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, it’s no wonder why so many industry trends originate in this country. All this said, America certainly doesn’t have a flawless record in terms of fashionable cities. Indeed, some of the most well-known cities in the country are far off from being recognized for the fashion sense of their residents. The following are five of the least fashionable cities in America.

1. Nashville,TN
Nicknamed “music city,” Nashville has a long reputation for breeding country legends. That said, the fashion found in Nashville is considered by many to be amongst some of the worst in the country. Embroidered dress shirts, “flame-print” ties and unruly boots are the name of the game in Nashville, which doesn’t look to be changing anytime soon. While the city may have quite a bit of history, it has a long way to go in terms of how its residents dress.

2. Portland, OR
A lot of people will disagree with Portland being on a “least fashionable” list, and for good reason. After all, there are plenty of young, fashion-forward individuals living in the city. The fact is, however, some of the worst fashion trends to breeze through the industry either originate or get stuck in Portland for whatever reason, with “hipster” style reigning supreme. If you visit Portland, leave your black-rimmed glasses and plaid shirts at home if you have intention of standing apart from the masses.

3. Burlington, VT
Burlington has long been considered the “San Fransisco of the East;” a fair comparison given the city’s liberal tendencies. Those who call Burlington home, however, are doing little to push men’s fashion in the right direction. Hippie garb is omnipresent in Burlington, with knit wool hats and hemp-based work pants being the norm. A lot of people refer to Burlington as being stuck in the mid-90s, and the cities fashion sense does little to craft an argument otherwise.

4. Austin, TX
The “Nashville of Indie Rock,” Austin is a city packed with culture and vibrant with youthful activity. With this, though, comes an omnipresence of “gutter punk” style that has done nothing but become homogeneous at this point. If you want to look like everyone else while still trying to act as if you’re going against the grain, Austin may be the city for you.

5. Pittsburgh, PA
“Steeler Country” may be known for its football and historic industry, but fashion-forward is something the city is far from ever becoming. Jerseys and backwards baseball caps dominate Pittsburgh fashion, with jean shorts and camouflage tees somehow finding their way into the mix. While the city’s downtown is certainly home to plenty of people who like to look good when they leave the house, you’d never know without spending more than an evening there. It’s as if every day is a tailgate, which no one ever said was a good thing.

Other Suggested Articles You Might Like:
Tie Fashion Faux Pas
Inappropriate Office Outfits

Your Bows-n-Ties.com Team

Wednesday, January 18. 2012

Popular Wedding Ties

Our Most Popular Wedding Ties for Spring/Summer 2012

You are getting married! The date has been picked, you found your dream venue, and you already started filling up the gift registries of your favorite retailers. You thought about everything! Even the bridesmaids dresses have been ordered to match your color theme, and, despite being 6 months away from your actual wedding date, you already scheduled a final wedding dress fitting. Everything seems to go according to plan.

But, have you thought about your groomsmen's attire? While finding a dark colored suit or tux is simple, finding neckwear that coordinates with your wedding colors, often times turns out to be a much larger challenge. At Bows-n-Ties.com we receive phone calls and e-mails every day with inquiries to match a particular wedding shade. To make finding perfect matching neckties easier, we creates a section for groom and groomsmen ties that match the colors of the most popular wedding retailers. Whether you are looking for ties that match your "Horizon" blue bridesmaids dresses, or need a kids tie for the ring bearer that compliments your Persimmon-orange fall wedding theme, we at Bows-n-Ties.com will have the matching ties for you.

Coming Soon:
Currently we only offer men's silk ties, bowties, and handkerchiefs that compliment David's Bridal's popular wedding colors. Please visit our page displaying all Wedding Ties and select "David's Bridal" from the list of designers. We will continue to add more ties for each color. In addition we are currently working on adding ties that compliment J.Crew's as well as Alfred Angelo's wedding colors. We expect to have these collections uploaded in 3-4 weeks. Not quick enough? Then give us a call and our wedding color consultant Ashely will be happy to assist you in finding your perfect matching wedding ties. We carry all fabric swatches from the most popular bridal retailers which allows us to find the perfect matching ties for groom and groomsmen.

Your Bows-n-Ties.com Team

Tuesday, January 17. 2012

New Modern Striped Ties

New Collection of Striped Ties by Cavallieri

Update your Spring look with one of these new striped ties by Italian design label Cavallieri. Cavallieri took a classic two tone design and combined with with a contemporary striped design. Also interesting on this collection is the play on patterns. The background is woven in a textured oxford cloth style while the three narrow stripes have a smoother and shiny finish.

To match this tie design we suggest any classic single-breasted suit, solid or check patterned dress shirt, and larger symmetric tie knots. For more information, larger picture, and to purchase, please click on your favorite tie above. Each tie is made by hand from 100% silk and available for just $24.90.

Your Bows-n-Ties.com Team

Tuesday, January 10. 2012

Office Fashion Trends for 2012

Upgrade Your Style with These "Office Fashion" Trends for 2012

For a lot of guys, dressing for the office is easier said than done. This is especially true for people who work in the professional sector, in which case putting the right ensemble together can depend rather heavily on the specific office environment that one works in. While there is no “one-size-fits-all” professional dress code to follow, there are a variety of trends that have popped up in the fashion industry over the course of the past year or so. The following are just a few of the most popular trends in men’s professional attire, all of which are suitable for most business-casual office environments.

Checkered Jackets:
The idea of a checkered jacket may be enough to make some people cringe, but this look can actually be very effective when pulled off with the right amount of confidence. Window-pane patterned cashmere jackets made a big splash in 2011, and are indicative of a trend that is looking to flow straight through early 2012. Emphasizing a look that is dressy, yet still casual and relaxed, checkered jackets look incredible when paired with wool pants for the winter, and can add a touch of style to just about any business-casual office environment.

Cotton & Linen Combo:
Many people don’t realize just how well cotton and linen go together. The fact is, these two materials are practically made for one another, and serve as an excellent base for accessorizing. One of the most common pairings in this vein is a dark linen jacket with light-colored cotton pants. When augmented with cashmere, this makes for a look that is not only warm and functional, but perfect for turning heads without looking like you’re trying too hard.

Tonal Colors:
One of the most difficult aspects of dressing for a day at work is choosing a color combination that works for you. While complimentary colors can be highly individualized in nature, choosing a combination of tonal colors can be very effective for most people. Tonal color combinations are those which have the same base color, yet are different enough from one another to stand out and show a decent amount of contrast. For example, many people like to pair light green dress shirts with olive pants, which makes for a combination of colors that works extremely well during the warmer months of the year. Suffice to say, this is a trend that isn’t looking to fade away any time soon.

Patterned Belts:
Patterned belts are a trend that has come in and out of the limelight over the years, and just happens to be popular once again at the moment. Emphasizing a “preppy” look above anything else, these types of belts work exceptionally well in business-casual environments where khakis and Polos are the norm. When accessorizing with patterned belts, be sure to choose those which are made up of colors that compliment the rest of your outfit, as your chances of running into a clashing ensemble are far too high otherwise; especially during the summer, when “loud” colors are popular in the office.

Other Suggested Readings:
Stylish Mens Hats for 2012
Style Tips for Double Breasted Suits

Your Bows-n-Ties.com Team

Monday, January 9. 2012

$10 Off Promo

Get $10 Off on Ties & Bow Ties

Get $10 off your order at Bows-n-Ties.com using the promo code "$10Jan12" during checkout. This coupon is only valid 10x - meaning that only the ten fastest shoppers will get this deal. Also, we require a min. order value of $20. Only one coupon can be used per customer/order. We appreciate your business!

$10 Off Code:
$10Jan12

Your Bows-n-Ties.com Team

Tuesday, January 3. 2012

Popular Mens Hats for 2012

Popular Hat Styles for 2012

by Erik Neilson

There are a variety of reasons why one might want to consider adding a hat to their daily attire. The right hat will not only help to keep your head warm, but can be the perfect accessory to tie an outfit together. Bearing this in mind, it’s important to realize that there are many different types of hats on the market to choose from, all of which bring their own unique flair to the table. By understanding the differences between certain hat styles, you can find the one that is right for you without spinning your wheels and wasting time. The following are just a few of the most popular styles of men’s hats, all of which can look great on the right person.

Newsboy Caps
Made popular around the turn of the century circa 1900, newsboy caps are currently enjoying a veritable resurgence in popularity. This type of hat is typically characterized by a tight checkered pattern, and a round, somewhat puffy body. Newsboy caps can be made out of leather and other materials, but most often are constructed from wool. In addition, some newsboy caps come with clasps on the brim that allow you to adjust the overall appearance of the hat, customizing it to best fit your sense of style. While not necessarily ideal for formal situations, newsboy caps are ideal for a casual night out on the town. Bailey of Hollywood is one of the most popular producers of newsboy caps, many of which are rather affordable given their quality.



Fedora
The fedora is one of the most attractive types of men’s hat, and is more popular now than in recent years. First appearing in the late 1800s, Fedoras are not only comfortable, but extremely stylish to boot. Harrison Ford’s Indiana Jones character made the fedora famous during the latter half of the 20th century, and the hat’s popularity does not seem to be waning even slightly thanks to Johnny Deep’s appreciation of the style. Fedoras can be used to help achieve a variety of different looks, and are perfect for both casual and formal situations. Fedora aficionados are quick to argue the merits of one brand against another, although most people will admit that Biltmore and Guelph Ontario are two of the best producers. While a quality fedora can be quite expensive, the style that it can add to your wardrobe is well worth the cost.



Bucket Hats
Bucket hats (also referred to as fishing caps) can be seen just about everywhere during the warmer months of the year. Featuring a downward-sloping brim that offers protection and shade for the eyes, bucket hats are typically made out of soft cotton, and are perfect for lounging around the pool or spending a day at the beach. There are a great deal of different bucket hats on the market, some of which are much more functional than others. Columbia’s Silver Ridge II is an excellent option that features a great deal of sun protection, as well as exceptional breathability for those who like to spend a lot of time outdoors on hot days. At $28, this is the perfect bucket hat for men who are on a budget.



Other Suggested Readings:
Mens Winter Fashion Tips

Your Bows-n-Ties.com Team

Monday, January 2. 2012

Fashion Guide to Corduroy

How to Wear Corduroy

by Leslie Patrick

When the air becomes crisp and trees discard leaves in frantic flurries of reds and golds, you know it’s time to consider corduroy. This cool weather fabric is both comfortable and versatile, and though it may inspire a collegiate flair you’re not so sure you want to return to, think again. The truth is corduroy can be an extremely wearable and diverse fabric that can take you from the first chill of fall through the New Year, and into the thaw of spring in style.

What makes corduroy so unique are the myriad wales, or grooves, running down the length of the fabric. The fuzzy fabric made its debut in the medieval times when corduroy was created as a unique form of velvet favored by kings. Since then, the royal fabric has evolved into one that is used by the masses, but it retains its original purpose of providing the wearer with durability, comfort and style .

Corduroy comes in different sized wales, or ridges. Generally, fine wale corduroys have a more uniform appearance, whereas wide wale corduroys appear a bit more like monocolored stripes. Choose a fine to medium wale corduroy to suggest a more polished, classy look.


Pants and Trousers
The most common item of men’s clothing found in the corduroy family is probably the pant. Versatile and comfortable, corduroy pants can be dressed up or down to work for any occasion. Just steer clear of the mustard and maroon families on the color spectrum or you may end up looking a little too Mike Brady for your own good. Considering a casual weekend at the farmer’s market? Add a t-shirt, a leather bomber and a pair of aviators for a nonchalant vibe. Corduroy trousers can just as easily be dressed up for a swank dinner simply by adding a cashmere sweater and glossy boots.

Jackets
If your image of a corduroy jacket is banished to that of an octogenarian professor warming the halls of some Ivy League campus, think again. Corduroy jackets can add a sprinkling of panache to a day at the office or simply keep you warm in style on a chilly eve. To avoid that stodgy look, be sure to choose a slim fitting cord blazer or a biker-style silhouette in a dark neutral such as slate or navy. One of our favorites corduroy jackets is the dark green sports coat by Ralph Lauren pictures above.

Tips and Tricks
Wondering where to go to infuse your closet with a little corduroy? One of the cheapest and easiest ways is to scour your local vintage stores. Corduroy, though enjoying a well-deserved resurgence, was indefatigably popular in bygone eras, and gently used pieces with modern day charm can be had for next to nothing.

The key to wearing corduroy is to embrace texture, and don’t be afraid to mix and match. Leather, nubby wool and textured cottons such as flannels and canvas can all blend into outfit perfection when combined with this medieval fabric winner. Hey, if corduroy could work for King Henry the VIII of the six wives, surely it can work for you.

Related Posts You Might Like:
Mens Fashion Guide to Peacoats
How to Wear a Double Breasted Suit

Your Bows-n-Ties.com Team