Image: Southern Proper
The fact that Bowtie Friday has become a staple in many men’s weekly routines is something that we absolutely love. That being said, sometimes you have to scale things back for a day of running around and a bowtie just isn’t going to work. When a day calls for something far more low key than normal, yet you still want to participate in Bowtie Friday, the Southern Proper How to Tie a Beau Tee is the perfect pick.
Image: Peter Millar
Just like bowties, we think cardigans get pigeonholed into the category of “old man wear” far too often. Sure, they may be more commonly seen on those that are a few generations ahead of us, but we think a solid cardigan is a great addition to any wardrobe regardless of how old you are. One of our favorite cardigans is the Merino Wool version from our friends at Peter Millar.
Image: J. Crew
Our wardrobes always seem to be evolving, and over the past couple of years we’ve worked in far more button down shirts than ever before. We’re always hunting for something a bit different than what’s currently in the rotation, and it never ceases to amaze us just how many good looking shirts are out there. On a recent visit to J. Crew, we came across their Secret Wash Garment-Dyed Shirts.
Image: G.H. Bass & Co.
It’s no secret that we love the classics. Crisp khakis, white OCBDs, navy blazers, and brown loafers will always be in heavy rotation for us, but every once in a while we have to change it up. Luckily for us, many of the brands who make our favorite classics also offer some non-traditional versions of their staple pieces. One such brand is G.H. Bass & Co. and their Navy Weejuns are calling our name.
Image: Indochino
Almost a year ago to the day, we placed our first order with Indochino. A few weeks later an Essential Grey suit was on our doorstep and we were hooked. Whether you are a frequent Indochino customer, or if you’re considering taking the plunge for the first time, we’d highly recommend visiting one of their Traveling Tailor pop ups if you have the chance. In honor of Indochino’s upcoming Traveling Tailor event just down the road from us in DC*, we’re pleased to announce that one lucky Bowties & Boatshoes reader will soon be the proud owner of a custom Indochino Essential Suit.
Image: hook + ALBERT
Time and time again, we talk about how the little things make all the difference. Not only do we love the small touches that make good products great, but also the small tweaks that many would never even think to make. One of our favorite tweaks as of late has been swapping out the laces in our favorite wingtips for something a bit more colorful. Our go to when it comes to colored laces is none other than hook + ALBERT.
Image: Buffalo Jackson
Just a couple of months ago we were talking to our friend Xan about the possibility of his company, Buffalo Jackson, opening up an outpost of sorts down in North Carolina. At the time, it was basically just a couple of guys throwing a few ideas back and forth about what seemed like something way down the road. Fast forward to today and Xan is now in the midst of bringing his dream to life. Instead of going the Kickstarter route, Xan is doing things his way and releasing an extremely limited run of Roosevelt Buffalo bowties (and neckties) to help offset the costs of building out his space.
Image: Ratio Clothing
We thought about running a Valentine’s gift guide today, but, to be perfectly honest, we prefer to keep thing pretty simple for Valentine’s. Flowers, chocolate, a card, and a nice dinner (at home or out) has always been our go to, and it has never once let us down. That being said, in a day that will be awash with red everything we figured it was a great time to break out the Red Candy Stripe Oxford from our friends at Ratio Clothing.
Image: Barbour
Even though we don’t make it to the movies nearly as much as we used to, we’d still consider ourselves pretty big movie buffs here at Bowties & Boatshoes. One film we made sure to catch in the theater was the latest addition to the Bond franchise, Skyfall. With Skyfall releasing on DVD earlier this week, we were reminded just how great some of the clothing in the movie is. One of our favorite pieces is the Beacon Heritage Sports Jacket by Barbour.
Image: L.L. Bean Signature
For the past couple of months we’ve found ourselves far more interested in blucher mocs than ever before. A staple in many shoe rotations for years, we’re not quite sure how these classics have managed to stay out of our collection for so long, but for one reason or another they have. If you are in the same boat, and aren’t quite sure you’re ready to take the plunge on a pair that is handmade in Maine, the pefect way to start is the Jackman Blucher Moc from L.L. Bean Signature.
