Summer Ties

01

02 03

Images

—01. Gitman Vintage patchwork.
—02. Engineered Garments gingham.
—03. Alexander Olch linen/cotton plaid.

Words

There seem to be enough weddings and parties going on lately to warrant the purchase of a couple lightweight summer ties. I find the fall season is much nicer with tweeds and wools when it comes to neckwear, but this spring produced a few that actually make me want to dress up more often. Gitman Vintage, Engineered Garments and Alexander Olch are the usual suspects for their shape, fabric choice and colour palettes.

LOOK | An Unlikely Pairing

While each of these items have probably already been seen on this blog, there is always a new way to mix things together and think about how to pair them. I wouldn't usually think of wearing a bow tie with field pants and ring boots, but I feel like the casual BD shirt in white is perfect for the style of bow tie, yet 'ties' in very well with the cargo pants. The heavy cardigan tops things off with a heavy layer and a dark enough tone to make the rest of the look feel ready for a fall day. I don't think this is a look for everyone, but I think it can be pulled off and it could at least be worth trying at home. Getting dressed is supposed to be a fun event, or at least I like to think it is. Stepping outside of the norm, or at least your own norm is a good idea once in awhile. There are often little things we might not have thought we'd be happily wearing today, but we are, and it's because we gave them a try and it worked – it lead to something else. So be it a bow tie or a pair of ring boots or an unlikely combination, it's all about the calculated risk and fun of it. — The Items Inverallan for Inventory Cardigan Alexander Olch for Inventory Bow Tie Woolrich Woolen Mills Upland Shirt Woolrich Woolen Mills Field Pants Quoddy Ring Boots Wm J Mills Tote Bag

Click to read more ...

Alexander Olch for Inventory Items Bow Tie

I began wearing bow ties for the first time this fall. I've always found them intriguing but my style has never really felt like it was able to work with them. As things evolve and you grow with your taste, I felt it was time to try them out. After speaking with Mr. Olch and working on our special ties for Inventory, I asked if we had enough material to make up a small run of bow ties in the flecked grey wool – so we did. The look and texture of the English wool works perfectly for a bow tie and I've already worn mine a number of times. The casual nature of the tie works great with a chambray shirt or can be dressed up with a sharp club collar. There are only a handful of the bow ties available and we've just released them in the shop today. — Available at the Inventory Stockroom, $105

Click to read more ...

Alexander Olch Striped Tie

Overcast skies, a hint of rain and the prospect of winter just around the corner somehow has me excited. I've never been one to scorn sun but I'm itching to layer up. Ties have become a pretty common talking point over here as we've discussed the appeal of a nice sloppily perfect half-windsor poking out under a sweater and jacket. This one by Alexander Olch is a great white and black striped cotton knit. It's admittedly more of a summer tie but could easily brighten up any fall outfit, ones that can get dark and depressing pretty easily. I think it'd be ideal on the neck of your classic blue oxford but would also look good on navy or charcoal herringbone. As with all Olch ties, the cut is perfect when it comes to length and width and the beautiful hand knit has a nice texture to it. This one's available at Lark.

Click to read more ...

Alexander Olch Spring Ties

As it turns out, that red seersucker tie I recently posted might have been from last season. So these are a sample of whats coming this spring. I was happy to see Mr. Olch did a very similar tie in blue which I am going to try to get this spring. I find when it comes to ties with little characters or drawings on them, the good to bad ration is not in your favor. I've seen so many bad patterns, even brands that specialize in it. I am definitely more drawn to classic images like a flying goose, antlers, a musket, and of course a man and his dog. Alexander Olch's spring collection includes one of the best versions I've seen. It seems to be a man dressed in knickers, possible carrying a golf club, playing with his dog. Yes, it sounds a bit cheesy, but the pattern is quite tasteful, and is a nice subtle change of pace. It's also cool to see that Colette picked up the line.

Click to read more ...

Alexander Olch Seersucker Tie

Speaking of Mr. Olch, his website has been updated fairly recently with the spring/summer collection of ties. In the growing selection offered this season, the red and white seersucker is definitely my top choice. The grey wool tie was definitely my pick of last winter, and I'm going to have to go with these colors and material for the spring. Why, you ask? Well, with all of the blue shirts, pants, shorts and jackets coming out right now, I think a little bit of red could be a nice classic accent to your blue oxford button down. The tie also appeals to me because of the casual nature of seersucker. I am not particularly into wearing full suits and silk ties too regularly, but I still like to wear a tie, so it needs to fit my casual ensemble easily. Designed and made in New York, retail $130.

Click to read more ...

Issue 11 Preview

While the short month of February snuck by pretty quick, we've been as busy as ever trying to pull together our latest offering. Issue 11 is on the way, but its still a few days away. I'm pretty excited about the issue as we spoke with some really great and interesting people, as usual. We have a nice feature on The NEWS, one of New York's best showrooms, Alexander Olch, Dana Lee of A-Z Collection and we are taking a look at Tres Bien's new location and their big changes on and offline. We also caught up with Angelo from Supreme just as their spring campaign is in full swing and the new collection is set to drop next week. It should be another good read, and of course there are some pretty pictures to go along with it.

Click to read more ...