Image: Mountain & Sackett
As bowtie lovers, we are big fans of the fact that new bowtie companies are popping up across the country. Not only does this resurgence in the market give us a number of things to write about for Bows & Boats, it gives us a number of new ties to add to our collections. As much as we love the newcomers to the market, we have the utmost respect for those who have been turning out ties for decades like Mountain & Sackett who have been making bows in New York City since 1957. Their Collister Striped Bowties ($45) are a must have for any Spring/Summer wardrobe.
Image: Oak Street Bootmakers
It’s always a sad day when we have to retire our boatshoes for the season, and we long for the days when they can once again be a daily pick. Because this winter has been pretty mild we have been able to sneak them out a time or two, but we are still always on the hunt for a cold weather stand in. One shoe that countinually peaks our interest is the Vibram Sole Trail Oxford ($276) by Oak Street Bootmakers.
Image: Indochino
Recently, courtesy of some help from Twitter, a growing brand based in Vancouver reached out to us and asked if we would be interested in checking out some of their products. While it certainly isn’t uncommon for us to receive an email like this, it is uncommon when that email includes the offer of a custom suit, tailored just for us. Having been intrigued by this brand for quite some time, we happily accepted the offer and our experience with Indochino officially began.
Image: The Art of Shaving
We thought about just running a Valentine’s tips post today, but we realized that probably isn’t fair to those of you who are fully enjoying the single life. Whether you are single or not, you can certainly benefit from high quality shaving products. Yes, your powerglide razor probably does just fine with whatever shaving cream happened to be on sale the last time you went shopping, but you’ll be shocked at the difference if you switch to something a bit nicer. If you don’t want to dive into a huge investment off the bat, we recommend picking up a Starter Kit ($25) from The Art of Shaving.
Vintage Valentine found via Google Images
Guys, it’s not too late to make today the most memorable Valentine’s day your girl has ever had, but before you do anything else, make sure to call your mom and wish her a Happy Valentine’s Day. She may not be your sweetheart now, but back when you were ten she was the only lady in your life, and she’ll definitely appreciate the call. Now that you have made one day, making another is a cake walk. Whatever you do, do not tell your significant other that you are up for “whatever she wants to do”. Plan something, it doesn’t have to be huge, just something you think she will like.
Image: Lands End Canvas
While the Twitter world has abuzz about New York fashion week, we are just as interested in the quiet unveilings of this years spring/summer lines from the brands that frequently appear in our rotation. Yes, we are interested in fashion week, but, let’s face it, the majority of what is being shown won’t be making it to Bows & Boats any time soon. After pouring over Lands End Canvas’ newest collection for the last few days, we keep going back to one shirt over and over, their Multi-Check Poplin Button Down ($50).
- Image: Brewer’s Lantern
One of the most unexpected things to come to us from Bows & Boats is a group of new friends from around the country. From fellow bloggers, to small business owners, to CEO’s, we’ve met some really great folks. One that we have really enjoyed bouncing ideas off of is JRS over at Red Clay Soul, and when he suggested that we take a look at Brewer’s Lantern, we knew we were in for a treat. Always fans of simple long sleeve tees, we were immediately drawn to their Long Sleeve Logo Tee ($24.50 – $28).
Image: Smart Turnout
Another week, another bowtie Friday post. It feels like we are doing these posts far more often than once a week, but apparently the old phrase “time flies when you’re having fun” rings true with us. Well, this week we are once again keeping things pretty low key with a bow that can be worn with just about everything. Like many pieces in the Smart Turnout collection, their Harrow Silk Bowtie ($79) has an understated look that we absolutely love.
Image: Ledbury
There isn’t much better than seeing a company experience tremendous growth. To think that something that was once just a conversation between friends can become a business that sustains the livelihoods of many is truly an inspiration. Judging by a few of the pictures we have seen on the Ledbury Twitter page in the last few days, we think it is safe to say that they are seeing some of that tremendous growth, and with shirts like the Friedman Check ($135) in their lineup, we think it is going to continue for a long long time.
Images: hook + ALBERT
It’s been well documented on Bows & Boats that we aren’t the world’s biggest fans of socks. To us, instead of a necessity they tend to be more of a necessary evil as we prefer to let our ankles breathe as often as possible. Of course, there are times, and certain types of shoes, that you can’t get away with going sockless, and for those times we try to have as much fun as we can when it comes to our socks. If you are looking to break away from basics in the sock department, head on over to hook + ALBERT and take a look at their Mid-Calf ($30) options.
