July 29, 2006
The Tie That Blinds
So I'm at Jos. Banks this morning getting some new khakis fitted and some replacement buttons put on the ol' blazer. The nice lady said she could do the buttons while I waited if I'd got a few minutes (which I had), so while she went about her business, I sauntered over to the tie tables to see about buying one or two to add to my own meager rotation.
Couldn't find a single thing that even remotely appealed to me.
What is it about tie-buying these days that is so damned difficult? Or more to the point, why are tie-makers coming up with such hideous combinations of design and color? It's almost as if the Tie-Makers' Guild got together and passed a secret Code of Fulglification. Perhaps they are in cahoots with other branches of the Men's Clothing Industry: When the only ties available leave the potential purchaser clammy, he's one step close to allowing himself to be assimilated into that wretched hive of scum and villainy known as the Business Casual Collective. No doubt the Guild gets a cut of the take on "casual dress shirts" and the like.
And it isn't just Jos. Banks, either. I've been flipping around various on-line catalogues - Brooks Brothers and like - and simply find more of the same. Bleck. Blek. Blek.
What is the smartly-dressed llama to do? Surely there's some place out there that still caters solids, reps and paisleys in more traditional colors and combinations. Any tips on where they might be would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by Robert at July 29, 2006 12:34 PM | TrackBackSorry, Brooks Brothers is about the best you are going to be able to do if you want that traditional look, as well as one where the ties look reasonably current for more than 18 months. But, on the other hand, I think the neckware at Nordstrom could give you sort of a trendy-conservative look. Kind of like Miami Vice meets Masterpiece Theater.
Posted by: TPC at July 29, 2006 01:28 PMSorry, Brooks Brothers is about the best you are going to be able to do if you want that traditional look, as well as one where the ties look reasonably current for more than 18 months. But, on the other hand, I think the neckware at Nordstrom could give you sort of a trendy-conservative look. Kind of like Miami Vice meets Masterpiece Theater.
Posted by: Tom at July 29, 2006 01:28 PMThere is only one: Ben Silver...Check them out, located in Charleston, SC, they are on line...You will be pleased. They are not cheap however...They are truly traditional, not psuedo-traditional like The Brethern (BB) or Jos. Banks, etc.
Posted by: Basil Seal at July 29, 2006 01:56 PMRobbo,
"Resistance is Futile, you will be assimulated..."
Nordstrom is probably your best bet in NOVA. But you're gonna pay out the ass for the good stuff. But it's worth it.
Posted by: Chef Mojo at July 29, 2006 04:31 PMYou could check out your grandfather's old trunk of clothes. Might find a bowtie to your liking as well.
The advantage of being a scientist is business casual is a Red Sox T and a pair of cargo shorts...
Posted by: LB Buddy at July 29, 2006 05:02 PMI can't remember the last time just bought "a tie." I have found it easier - where possible - to buy a couple of ties with a new shirt. That way, you know that you have at least one or two combinations that work. And, you often will find a combination with a shirt at home that looks good too.
But, then, my ability to match colors from memory is terrible. You are probably more adept at that than I and can forego the extra hassle.
Posted by: Great White Snark at July 30, 2006 10:13 AMOddly enough, in amongst the ugliest ties you have ever seen, I've found some very nice conservative ties at TJ Maxx.
Posted by: Jordana at July 30, 2006 12:12 PMI'd recommend a non-mega chain.
Being 6'3" 175lbs I can't buy a suit off the rack. So I've found a Taylor. Since the service area of the men's clothing arena seems to be dying they're few and far between, but I'd highly recommend it.
Not only can you get clothes that fit, you can bet they'll have the more conservative / less trendy ties to choose from.
For the Bow-tie, Polka-dots are always a hit with the ladies.
Dude, you are so East Coast.
Posted by: Memento Moron at July 30, 2006 01:07 PMWhat I'd do to find some good regimental striped ties like my dad had.
Posted by: The Colossus at July 30, 2006 02:50 PMTry Men's Wearhouse - I found some good ties for Beau there. Also Burlington Coat Factory had some nice traditional ties last time I went shopping there. And reasonably priced, too.
Posted by: jen at July 31, 2006 08:25 AMAs you're going to Maine, how about a nice lobster tie from J. Press?
I second the nomination of Ben Silver.
Posted by: Sarah at July 31, 2006 02:40 PM
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