The Knit Tie - Spring Essential

With spring comes the idea of new beginnings, rebirth, and this spring is the rebirth of the knit tie. Well, that's not true as the knit tie has never really gone away. It has always been an essential part of a Prepsters wardrobe. And it was also shown in a lot of collections in the fall of 2010. I got my first for Xmas just this year. I never really liked them with the square bottom. I found an English company, T.M Lewin, who makes them with a traditional tie bottom. I put it on my list, black knit tie, and sure enough Santa Claus brought me one and I LOVE IT!! I could wear it everyday. I love the knot it ties and I love the way it feels but most of all, I love the way it looks. You can wear it with anything, a suit, sport coat and jeans or a denim shirt. It's dressy and casual all at the same time. So if you're looking to update for spring and you want to do it inexpensively, try a knit tie on for size.
http://www.tmlewin.com/

                                                            

Back in the Saddle Again

I like what Cole Haan has done for spring 2011. They started this edgier Londoner look back in the fall and have continued it into spring. It fits the more sartorial minded guy. I love the saddle shoes in all the contrasting colors. Something new and refreshing that puts a twist on the classic look. Whether you're wearing them with a suit or shorts, it is refreshing. What I also like about Cole Haan is the price points are very reasonable. They still have all their staples and now a little bit more. So, click on over to their web-site and I think you will be pleasantly surprised at their fun offerings at a very reasonable price.
http://www.colehaan.com/

The Blue Blazer

The most basic part of a man's wardrobe is the blue blazer. But it doesn't have to be basic. I looked around for the right blue blazer for 2 years before I found the right one. Maybe that's a bit excessive but I knew what I wanted and how I wanted it to fit. What I wanted was a 2 button, peak lapel with side vents and a ticket pocket. I had it made. You don't have to search high and low to get what you want. A blue blazer is something that should be personalized. Everyone sells a blue blazer and they all look the same, boooring. You can't tell one from the other, Jos A Bank, Brooks Brothers, Burberry. The only thing that distinguishes one from the other is the price and the buttons. I recommend having one custom made. A blue blazer is something you can have for years if you take care of it properly. It may be something you pass down to your son. It should be designed with a little creativity but keeping in mind a classic look. I think a 2 button with a notch lapel, ticket pocket, side vents and working sleeve buttton holes would look nice. Where you can personalize it is in the lining or in the color of the stitching of the button holes. I would do a fushia or claret lining so the under half of the pockets and side vents show a little of the lining when you sit down or reach for your business cards. It's always a nice conversation piece and people will be impressed by your sartorial creativity. Finally, pick a fabric you can wear year round  and for something fun, wear it with jeans and a skinny tie on a casual Friday or weekend.