This post was written by Lindy Dandy.

I don’t usually look at clip on bow ties, but after LS’s post on 1950’s bow ties, I’ve decided to give them another chance.

I’ll be honest, I’ll pick a self-tie bow tie over a clip on any day of the week.  I like that self tie bow ties cannot be tied symmetrically; I appreciate the imperfections.  (The concept of wabi-sabi has always agreed with me, I suppose).  Besides, tying a tie is no longer seen as particularly difficult; clip ons feel like cheating to me. When I untie my bow tie at the end of a night of dancing, girls are pretty impressed that I know how to tie it myself.  That said, clip on bow ties aren’t as much of an egregious affront to my aesthetic as say, clip on ties.  Yuck.

Bow ties aren’t seen often enough anymore, relegated to the stereotypes of nerds and college professors (who can actually have great style).  Bow ties are seen as unusual, but I see that as an advantage.  Wear one well and you’ll be noticed.  Bow ties are classy.  There’s a reason they’re the first choice for black tie events.  If the fear of tying a bow tie is holding you back, then go for a clip on.

No matter what, pick one that is proportionate to your face, collar, jacket lapels and everything else.  (Basically, try not to look like a clown).  You can usually find more interesting patterns in clip ons than self ties; in fact, most of the art deco bow ties I’ve found are clip on.  Most vintage clip on bow ties you’ll find will be skinny and narrow, fitting the style of the slick, “modern,” Jet age of the 50s and 60s. (Think Rat Pack; though they also wore self tie bow ties).

I don’t own any clip on bow ties, but I might make an exception for some of these.  As you’ll see, I’m only posting auctions with multiple bow ties (which can also be referred to as “lots”… Get it?).

Ok, I’ll be on the lookout for self tie bow ties next time.  Happy hunting!

This post was written by Lindy Dandy.

It’s about the time of year when designers begin to clear out their Spring/Summer inventory to make room for their Fall/Winter line, which means this is a great time to look for sales.  These sales make it possible to get deals on clothing that might normally be out of reach.

Billy Reid is having a huge sale; up to 75% off.

Gentlemen, have you heard of Billy Reid?  Billy Reid is a “Southern-bred luxury” brand whose designer has been referred to as the “Ralph Lauren of the South.”  Named Best New Men’s Designer in America 2010 by GQ, Billy Reid mixes refined and classic style with a bit of Southern ruggedness.  The brand is based in Florence, Alabama, but has stores in Dallas, Nashville, Houston, Charleston and New York.  The clothing is trim, well-made and will last for years (physically and style-wise).

I first discovered Billy Reid for myself a couple years ago during a trip to Dallas to visit my parents.  I was wandering through NorthPark mall while my little sister was doing some shopping and stumbled onto what looked like a well-decorated saloon.  The walls were adorned with oil paintings, faded photos, gilded-frame mirrors, and assorted taxidermy.  The clothing was impressive: hand-made suits and jackets, slim shirts in an impressive assortment of fabric, drawers filled with bow ties and -the best touch- bowls filled with vintage handkerchiefs and pocket squares .  Unfortunately, it was all a bit out of my price range (except for a few of those pocket squares and bow ties).

This sale puts it all into reach (relatively… the best deals are in the jackets and suits).  (The sale also includes the ladies Spring/Summer line.  I like the dresses, but they’re mostly mid-thigh length, which don’t really work for dancing unless you like to show off your bloomers.  If you do, then by all means…)  Here are a few of my favorites.

Please remember that the fit (especially in some of the jacket models) is cut trim, so size accordingly.  I really like that blue pincord jacket.  Hmmm.

Happy Hunting.

This post was written by Lindy Dandy.

Happy Tuesday, gents!  The tie clips I’ve found this week have been very random (the Rust Oleum can).  So, this week’s theme is The Kitchen Sink.

Posts about actual clothes are on the way, scouts honor.

This post was written by Lindy Dandy.

After writing my first post on tie clips and out of habit, I’ve continued to search for tie clips (because it’s fun to look).  There are so many that I must share some of my finds.  Therefore, I’m starting this series: Tie Clip Tuesday.  I’ll usually try to post good deals, but I’ll experiment with themes, some pricey items (because it’s fun too look) and other ideas I’ve got floating around.

Enjoy!

This post was written by Lindy Dandy.

You shouldn’t wear these at a dance (unless you’re dancing at the beach), but every man needs at least one good pair of sunglasses.

If I were stuck on a desert island and could only bring one choice of shades, I would bring avaitors.  They’re classic, American, and another great style icon from the military (like chinos).  Ray-Ban makes the most recognized models, but there are other options out there.

For my money, the best choice is American Optical.  This is the same brand issued by the U.S. Navy to flight students and are sold at military exchanges.  I “discovered” these during my first Navy ROTC midshipman “cruise,” when I stumbled upon them at the Navy Exchange in San Diego.  Fortunately, they also have an online store. I also found decent prices on Amazon.  Don’t forget about Army/Navy surplus stores too.

You can choose different temples (bayonet, wire spatula, cable), frame color (gold, silver, black, matte chrome), and lenses (polarized and non-polarized).  I wear 52mm gold Original Pilot’s with bayonet temples. (pictured above)

Thanks to Sart Inc for reminding me of this great brand.  Check out his blog; he’s got great (Trad, preppy, classic American) style.

On a slightly related note: I think girls in avaitors are hot (but I like your cute sunglasses too).