I just spotted this awesome gift idea on GILT.com which is called the “SHARP SEVEN”. It is a menswear gift box that contains four handmade silk ties, one skinny tie by designer BlackBird (made from wool), a classic self-tied bow tie in black, as well as a pair of dress socks.
It took me a little to understand what the percentages mean, but the chart in one of the images explains it all. The retailer suggests that you should “always give 100% every week”. The funny thing here is that this 100% is divided up throughout the week. Monday, for instance is pretty light at just 13% effort, while Thursday is supposed to be your day where you got to buckle down (giving a mere 1/3 of your max effort). Haha! Saturday and Sunday is 0%.
Besides having fun with these percentages, there are other subtle things I picked up, which I am sure was a concious decision by the designer. Friday for instance has not a tie, but a pair of socks. I am guessing this is because of “casual Friday”. Hope you are having fun with this box. It is actually quite a good deal at just $99 (when bought via GILT.com). Your can purchase one of these HERE.
+ GIVEAWAY (winner will be announced Dec. 15th)
Don’t want to spend $99 and rather get this box for free? Then check out Bows’N Ties featured page where they are hosting a GIVEAWAY towards the bottom of the page. All you need to enter is leave a comment with “what your most productive day of the week is” for you. Mine is Mondays! Good luck!
While the traditionalist would insist on an either white or ivory scarf for his black tie ensemble, personally I am a big fan of wearing a piece different in color and showing some type of subtle pattern. Navy and dark maroon are my favorites here – often decorated with fine foulard pattern. The picture left is a perfect example of a silk scarf that can be used on a black tie ensemble. While being stylish, it also serves practical function. Not only will it keep you warm, but (what’s even better), you can offer it to your date should she be getting cold. What a gentleman you are!
The double breasted jacket cut was especially popular during the 1930s, but that is not to say that this cut is out of style. In fact, quite the opposite is true. Recently, double breasted tux jackets have seen quite a come back. Should you opt for this style, then renting is almost never an option as 1. few rental places carry this cut, and 2. perfect tailoring is imperative as an off-the-rack double breasted jacket can easily look baggy and sloppy. Since buying is pretty much the only option, you may want to think about how often you plan on dressing in black tie…
Cufflinks and button studs came into fashion around 1840s – a time when men’s white dress shirts were so heavily starched that they were too difficult to button. While not a whole lot has changed in the look and design of formal cufflinks and studs, vintage pieces add some subtle character and more soul to your wardrobe. It is one of the few pieces of acceptable men’s jewelry for this formal dress code, so why not pick something that is unique. Personally, I used a golden set decorated with black onyx that dates back to the 1920s. While it is only a tiny accessory, it was what friends commented on the most.
Let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to wear a pocket watch. I was lucky enough to have one that my great grandfather ones owned. It is much more than just a time piece. If you are looking to set yourself apart from all the other black-tie uniforms, this might just be the piece for you.
Nowadays boutonnieres vary widely in look. Flowers, feathers, twigs, and fabrics are being used to create these lapel decorations. The traditional boutonniere however was a red or white carnation flower which was not pinned to the jacket’s lapel, but was put through the actual lapel button hole (fun fact: “Boutonniere” is the French word for “buttonhole”)
