Unabashedly Prep

  • Alden Original Tassel Loafer

    Style | Prep Essentials  

    Men’s dress shoes boasting the gold standard of genuine Goodyear welt construction can run upwards of $800. They can certainly be worth every penny; however, the cash can be hard to cough up for those with class who may not come from important money. Sometimes it makes sense to walk a mile in another man’s shoes. It can also save you some. Tens of thousands actually. I regularly peruse eBay for pre-owned Aldens, the beloved “Made in USA” men’s dress shoe. These Alden burgundy calfskin Tassel Moccasins, while more than $400 brand new, were a mere $59 after shipping. That’s a better deal than cheap plane tickets to Europe on a discount website.

    After a thorough polish, they cleaned up considerably well. In 12-18 months they will be an ideal candidate for Alden’s restoration service. Alden’s craftsmen will repair and refinish the uppers, completely remake the oak tanned leather soles, pack them in a new Alden box and polish them off with cedar shoe trees and cloth bags ($145, free shipping). Be familiar with your size and width in a particular maker’s shoe and last before scouring the world's largest thrift store as most sales are final. You can put the hundreds you save towards your plane ticket to Europe. Spring for business class.

    Jan 12, 2011 | Permalink (24) View/Leave Comments

    Victor Delta left a comment on 1/20/2012 at 10:55 AM:

    I couldn’t wait to get mine recrafted. Mine were almost new when I sent them back for a double oak soles. They came back looking like pair of Crockett and Jonesies. Better.


    Joey Dee left a comment on 1/31/2011 at 4:12 PM:

    Catching up on the month of January Unabashedly posts before I find myself in February. One of your most admirable traits os the fact that you are frugal, and not afraid to shop Goodwills or local charity thrift houses! Great find!


    Bernard left a comment on 1/21/2011 at 12:01 AM:

    thanks! keep up the great work! look forward to your next post.


    F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 1/20/2011 at 4:32 PM:

    @Bernard—My experience with most Alden lasts is that you should order a 1/2 size down.  I typically wear a 10 but in Alden I wear a 9 1/2.


    Bernard left a comment on 1/20/2011 at 4:15 PM:

    Just looked around and there is an Alden loafer i would love to get on ebay. I have never tried on an Alden shoe and how did you determine the right size? I usually wear a 8.5-9 when it comes to loafers and oxfords. Did u size up or down? or…thanks!


    Bill Smith left a comment on 1/14/2011 at 5:50 PM:

    I am seriously warming up to this style of loafer.


    Miguel Ramalhão left a comment on 1/14/2011 at 12:25 PM:

    Thats a beautiful pair of shoes. If you’de like some new ones. Not Alden but a Portuguese brand I can send you the pics, and if you want one I can ship them to you.
    They look amazing, and are beautifully built. They resell for 300€...


    F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 1/13/2011 at 1:46 PM:

    @Jeremy—What a find!  However, I would consider myself “one-upped” had you continued to wear the shoes instead of selling them.  I look forward to restoring these time and time again.


    Jeremy left a comment on 1/13/2011 at 11:52 AM:

    I hate to “one up” you, but I found the exact model shoes and 2 other pairs of Alden Loafers IN MY SIZE at a local thrift shop for $4.99 each. I did end up selling them on ebay, although I feel like shopping venues like ETSY are better for sale/exchange of used clothing/footwear.


    Don left a comment on 1/12/2011 at 2:32 PM:

    I get shirts, jackets, ties, etc. on eBay all the time. But never used shoes. Aside from “foot issues,” leather shoes will gradually change to form-fit the owners foot. That means even the same size shoe may not fit you well.


    Thomas left a comment on 1/12/2011 at 2:06 PM:

    You got a great deal. eBay is a great place to buy gently used shoes. I just bought a beautiful allen edmonds cap toe oxford for $35.


    F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 1/12/2011 at 1:59 PM:

    @Jason T—That would be something if these were indeed once yours.  I wear a B/D in Aldens so these probably weren’t your previous pair; however, I do hope you replaced the tassel loafers that you sold.


    Jason T left a comment on 1/12/2011 at 1:34 PM:

    Hey, I’m pretty sure you bought those from me! If they were a narrow fit and you got them a little while back, they were once mine to. Beautiful shoes. Love the blog. Please wear them well.


    F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 1/12/2011 at 12:33 PM:

    @c.f.—I take the Woodlore tags off.

    @robdarko—I never said the shoe would be brand new on the inside.  My frugality overshadows any concern of the former owner’s foot issues.  The fuss over that is a bit overrated.  More than likely the previous owner wore them with socks.  It’s leather inside of there…not the carpet of a previous resident who owned pets and smoked.  If you have the cash on hand, by all means, buy new.  I have nothing against buying new.


    c.f. left a comment on 1/12/2011 at 12:13 PM:

    Do you take the “Woodlore” tags off of your shoe trees or did you find them somewhere without tags?


    Jeremiah left a comment on 1/12/2011 at 12:00 PM:

    Nice pull my man. I suppose great minds think alike, as I just did a post on the tan variety… http://wp.me/pXXtj-sD


    Angel left a comment on 1/12/2011 at 11:36 AM:

    Very nice, shopping ebay for shoes is something I’ve been trying to do but I have to figure my size for some of brands found on there. Its a great way to save and get top quality leather for less.

    Angels Point of View - Street Style Blog


    BJP left a comment on 1/12/2011 at 11:02 AM:

    None better than these. Let’s keep the Ebay tips on the quiet. ...you are killing my win percentage.


    Tom Bosché left a comment on 1/12/2011 at 10:48 AM:

    Young Man - Once again, you have hit the mark with this classic pair of American-made loafers. Furthermore, your advocacy for reusing and restoring quality goods is insiring to those of us who believe that preserving and maintaining one’s traditional, timeless indulgences is always preferable to the discardability inherent in the fads of modern fashion.  You are definitely on the right track here!


    robdarko left a comment on 1/12/2011 at 10:01 AM:

    I am really persnickety, F.E.C.  Will it truly be a brand new shoe on the inside?  Will it keep no memory of the former owner’s foot issues?

    A friend procured a Fair Isle sweater and my obnoxious coveting ended the minute I got two feet from the article of clothing.  It was not offensive but the sweater had a peculiar body odor.  Needless to say, I could not bring myself to try it on.


    Tito left a comment on 1/12/2011 at 9:54 AM:

    I’m digging the number 8!


    Christian Bourasseau left a comment on 1/12/2011 at 9:45 AM:

    What a beautiful pair of loafers. Classic, excellent quality. Nice picture.


    AEV left a comment on 1/12/2011 at 8:13 AM:

    Beautiful, classic loafers - especially in the burgundy and/or shell cordovan….nice pick up.


    JRS left a comment on 1/12/2011 at 7:41 AM:

    Very nice find!  The Alden restoration is worth every penny: http://redclaysoul.blogspot.com/2010/09/alden-986-restoration-part-two-results.html

    So - you’ll have essentially a new pair of Alden tassels for $204.  Well played.


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  • Prince Alberts

    Style | Prep Essentials  

    The last time I checked in with Matthew Chevellard he was combing the Miami club scene in the wee hours of the morning. He knows how to play. He also knows how to work. More importantly, when to work. For the past six months he’s been toiling to move the production of his Del Toro Prince Albert slippers from China to Spain. It has proved to be well worth the sweat. Chevellard adds a signature red grosgrain ribbon to the heel, enlists world class craftsmanship and upgrades the piping, velvet and soles to produce a slipper he truly stands behind—or in, rather.

    Del Toro Monogrammed Navy Velvet Slipper* ($295)

    Though Del Toro’s shoes are crafted just outside of Madrid, Spain, custom monogrammed pairs like mine are embroidered in south Florida over a span of two to three months. The slippers run true to size and will serve as an ice breaker at every holiday party you drop by this season.

    *courtesy of Del Toro

    Dec 13, 2010 | Permalink (15) View/Leave Comments

    Calvin Walker left a comment on 4/25/2011 at 5:35 PM:

    I love the look of your shoes. I have been contemplateing purchasing some Stubbs & Wooten’s but have been having trouble justifying the price. You have given me another option and I thank you for that.Please send more information.
    Thanks so much,
    Cal


    Harvey Lindsay left a comment on 1/7/2011 at 5:33 AM:

    http://harveylindsay.tumblr.com/post/2566387705


    Rémy left a comment on 12/20/2010 at 11:58 PM:

    FEC-
    Just wanted to let you know that a few years ago, Tom Ford did a pair for Gucci with a three letter diamond monogram on each shoe. One read “FUC” an the the other spelled “KME”, so when you put them together they spelled out something not-so-gentlemanly.

    By the way, do they do the Del Toro’s without the red stripe?


    justin left a comment on 12/17/2010 at 3:34 AM:

    These are amazing! Definitely on my want list!


    Victoria left a comment on 12/15/2010 at 1:24 AM:

    My boyfriend endlessly begs me for these. But aren’ the for the 50+ club?


    khordkutta left a comment on 12/14/2010 at 4:14 PM:

    WOW!


    G left a comment on 12/14/2010 at 1:27 PM:

    Wow.


    F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 12/14/2010 at 1:24 PM:

    @Dan—My monogram was designed for me by Sara N. Carpeaux.


    matthew chevallard left a comment on 12/14/2010 at 12:53 PM:

    thanks everybody, means a lot! feel free to email me for special requests or questions, mchevallard@deltoroshoes.com.

    cheers!


    Nik N. Patel left a comment on 12/14/2010 at 12:39 PM:

    To all,

    I have 3 pairs of these (Classic Black, Grape Green, and a pair of Blue w/ Red custom monogram stitching that i recently just got) and these are truly amazing.

    They are priced extremely well compared to their competitors over at S&W, and the workmanship of them are bloody brilliant.

    A few months back at New York Fashion week, i was wearing my Classic Blacks with a suit during the day, and then with a pair of jeans at the after parties, and they definitely were a GREAT conversation starter w/ celebs.

    I wear mine only outside, and not around the house, because that would be unsanitary for sure.

    Being a distinguished British Gent myself, i think that these are a necessity in any well dressed person’s wardrobe.

    DEL TORO IS BLOODY BRILLIANT!


    dan left a comment on 12/14/2010 at 10:15 AM:

    These are a great pair of shoes, and I’m a huge fan of that monogram.  Was that a custom or is it one of his options?  Lastly, I’m going to have to say no to limiting them to the house or opera.  Sounds like a trad thing to say.  There’s a reason why they make them with leather and no a quilted in - so you can wear them anywhere you want!


    Tito left a comment on 12/14/2010 at 9:58 AM:

    I’m actually got my eye on the Barker Black’s White skull-and-crossbones embroidery on vamp, the only problem I got with the slippers is the sole. the streets of new york will murder this bad boys, other than that 5 stars no question!!!!!!


    john lexington left a comment on 12/14/2010 at 9:24 AM:

    nice slippers i like the monogram, just keep them at the house or the opera.


    JB left a comment on 12/14/2010 at 9:13 AM:

    FEC,
    These are great.  The FEC monogram is a nice touch.  I have to disagree with the signiture red stripe.  It’s almost as if Prada is making a Prince Albert Slipper.  But the idea of a signiture is a nice idea.


    Christian Bourasseau left a comment on 12/14/2010 at 8:31 AM:

    They are really beautiful and they have a nice price if we compare to other brands. I’ve been wanting a pair of monogramed velvet sleepers since some time ago.


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  • Ann Mashburn

    Style | Store Profiles | Prep Essentials  

    Sunday afternoon at 1158 Howell Mill Road in Atlanta, Georgia, and if the ladies that just opened the Ann Mashburn boutique are exhausted—if the pressure of complementing one of the best, if not the best, mens’ shops in the country that consistently garners praise from the likes of GQ, countless style blogs, and its burgeoning clientele is getting to them, if they feel like they’re going 100 miles an hour from trade shows to shuffling two doors down to their tailors holed up in Sid’s shop—you wouldn’t know it.

    Elizabeth, the eldest of five Mashburn daughters, greets me at the door with a collegiate smile. Even though she is under the spell of a trans-Atlantic jet lag, her southern hospitality masks it. While most college seniors her age spent the summer grasping at the waning days of adolescence, Elizabeth was volunteering in Africa, working alongside her mom to open up the eponymous shop in Atlanta, and acquiring a hands-on education in fashion merchandising and retailing.

    Ann Mashburn is usually closed on Sundays and Mondays, so we have it all to ourselves. The experience feels similar to Sid’s place but softer. Instead of dark stained woods and taxidermy, white surfaces, gold framed mirrors, and north light pouring in from the storefront windows persist.

    Ann, with her right hand woman Jen, has just returned from a trade show spawning the thought to carry Le Chameau rubber boots in lieu of Hunters. “Everyone seems to be doing Hunters now.”

    This is the magic behind what the Mashburns do. They curate. And they do an impeccable job of it. Meticulous even. It’s why every woman from the suede-fringed-boot-wearing Taylor-Swift-listening teen to the 80 year-old who appreciates the style and cut of the shirts stops in.

    “Our customers are women who want to look great, have some attention paid to them while they shop, and get some good advice if they need it.”

    Jen, Ann, and Elizabeth

    Photographed in Atlanta, GA

    With stints as an assistant to Polly Mellen at Vogue in the 80s, an editor at Glamour, and a stylist at J.Crew, Mashburn came into this experience as an editor, not as a retailer. Sid and Ann launched Sid Mashburn together three years ago. “We set out to build a brand based on nothing more than what we loved and what we wanted to stand behind.” Her shop, which opened this summer, evolved with some heavy coaxing from their daughters. “They were quite tired of Sid getting all of the attention and, really, just wanting some girl things to wear for themselves. We already had a family business and lots of female opinions that needed an outlet.”

    Aside from her own private label, Mashburn stocks Barbara Shaum sandals and belts, Delman shoes and boots, J Brand jeans and pants, Saint James tees and sweaters, Levi’s, Pretty Ballerinas flats and heels, Fred Perry and Lacoste polos, Superga sneakers, and James Perse tees, tanks, turtlenecks. Come spring, A.P.C., Barbour, Mackintosh trenches, Tucker blouses and dresses, and Jil Sander will line the shelves.

    “For us, it’s about the edit...not the item.”

    Nov 24, 2010 | Permalink (23) View/Leave Comments

    Cal left a comment on 5/30/2011 at 5:04 PM:

    Beautiful job Ann! Wish I were closer to see it all in person. Take good care. xx


    The Broke Socialite left a comment on 11/30/2010 at 11:09 AM:

    LOVE Ann and the team! The shop is in our ‘hood. Can’t keep out of there.


    Laura left a comment on 11/30/2010 at 8:20 AM:

    I would love to shop Ann Mashburn online!  Noticed the website says it’s being updated.


    kathie left a comment on 11/28/2010 at 8:40 AM:

    @Megan - try ‘Summer is a Verb’ (summerisaverb.blogspot.com). While I, too, love Muffy Aldrich I often crave more ‘adventure’ in my wardrobe. You’ll definitely find that with Allie.


    allison Lees left a comment on 11/26/2010 at 10:14 AM:

    Your store looks great!


    bunny left a comment on 11/25/2010 at 11:30 PM:

    the store looks gorgeous. i love seeing creative peeps mood boards. the chic catherine deneuve photo is unexpected.  not a reference you hear much in prep.  should be used more :) classy like ann mashy is the highest compliment i can think of for a lady.


    Jesse Lyn left a comment on 11/25/2010 at 2:52 PM:

    I am in L-O-V-E! I will need to make a visit down South come summer to check out the lovely Mrs. Mashburns gorg store!!!  It appears simply perfect and immaculately put together. 

    Ps. Best blog for all things prep!!


    Grace left a comment on 11/25/2010 at 12:04 PM:

    My husband & I are both loyal Mashburn shoppers. Born & raised in R.I. we’ve been in Atlanta for 6 years (since we graduated from graduate school). It has been so exciting watching the Mashburns grow from small start up shop to national names.  Ann Mashburn is a smart & stylish woman.  I’m glad she is doing so well.  In a city filled with boutiques hers stands out amongst the rest.


    Campbell H K left a comment on 11/25/2010 at 11:10 AM:

    Wow, what a couple. I find the layout of each of the Mashburn stores to be almost as compelling as the clothes themselves.

    And I immediately have the hots for “Elizabeth”.


    S.N. Carpeaux left a comment on 11/25/2010 at 10:01 AM:

    A shop as lovely as I imagined it would be. Great article, and the photos speak to the welcoming simplicity and softness of the space. Well done!


    ACH left a comment on 11/25/2010 at 9:25 AM:

    Just lovely.


    Joey Dee left a comment on 11/24/2010 at 7:46 PM:

    What a wonderful space. Best wishes for great success to this addition to the Mashburn brand; great photos as usual.


    Megan left a comment on 11/24/2010 at 7:34 PM:

    Thank you F.E.C. for featuring the more feminine sides of prep. This seems like a perfect occasion to ask you a question that I have been trying to solve: Do you have any good recommendations for preppy blogs/sites that cater specifically or at least regularly to women? Obviously Muffy Aldrich’s site is a bible when it comes to wardrobe staples and essentials, but I have been looking for someone who offers advice geared toward a more adventurous and dare I say younger look. Any advice? And I also have to say that while I know your work is geared towards men, your attention to women is not only very appreciated but superb!


    Victoria left a comment on 11/24/2010 at 2:30 PM:

    Ah! Take me there. I would kill for more shops like this on the east coast, especially Rhode Island. Hardly anything unless you travel to Newport.

    Ps. Mason Pearson is the best hairbrush ever made, I’ve had mine for years. Yet to fail me.


    tammy left a comment on 11/24/2010 at 2:14 PM:

    I love the clean and simple look of the store.  It gives the impression that one is walking into the walking closet of your dreams.


    JFD left a comment on 11/24/2010 at 12:43 PM:

    That’s a very nice looking store. There used to be in our town several relatively small classy (kinda preppy) stores where my wife could buy wardrobe staples and some special things, all gently related to classic looks (shirtwaist dresses, shetland sweaters, loafers, blazers) and they’ve all gone now. There certainly is a place for this kind of thing—at least in our budget—but, if the market means anything, apparently there aren’t enough of us anymore for even larger cities to support such a place. That’s sad.


    Harriet Litzky left a comment on 11/24/2010 at 12:33 PM:

    Jen,
    You make me proud.
    Harriet
    Your Second Grade Teacher


    Natalie J. left a comment on 11/24/2010 at 12:23 PM:

    Born and raised in Atlanta for 25 years I can verify the necessity of a store such as this one. I wish this store has been open while I gathered my Georgia Tech degrees - it would have made my fashion transition from young adult to adult much more enjoyable! The sophistication and personally-garnered character of this store fills a much needed niche juxtaposed with the plentifully available larger retailers and “trendy,” but limited in terms of the classic style, boutiques already in Atlanta.


    Andy M. left a comment on 11/24/2010 at 11:23 AM:

    Nice to see the Mashburns continuing to get attention.  It’s a beautiful store; my girlfriend loved browsing there after my last trip to Sid.  As usual, I’m perplexed by LBF’s unrelenting negativity.  Perhaps this style of clothing is harder to come by in Atlanta than in other locales.  I can’t speak for women, but if local ladies feel the same way walking into Ann Mashburn as men do going into Sid, then I’m sure they greatly appreciate having this boutique available to them.


    The Boss left a comment on 11/24/2010 at 11:05 AM:

    “Our customers are women who want to look great, have some attention paid to them while they shop, and get some good advice if they need it.”—The operative word being “if” on the latter point.

    It’s wonderfully refreshing to see a women’s boutique that has a mutual respect for their customers.


    Kathie left a comment on 11/24/2010 at 10:40 AM:

    Women need another boutique like this. I see very classy, basic items. With a world full of H & M’s, J Crew going off the deep end and other retailers following suit it is extremely difficulty, not to mention exasperating to find decent clothing. I’ve even been disappointed in Brooks Brothers lately, and I feel like I meet myself coming and going in J.Laughlin and Lily.


    AWKeller left a comment on 11/24/2010 at 8:50 AM:

    I want to get up from my desk, get in my car, and drive to Atlanta to visit this store.  Right.  Now.


    Rashidi left a comment on 11/24/2010 at 7:48 AM:

    I saw some bags on my last visit that I think the lady might like for Christmas. Great pics.


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  • Boast

    Style | Prep Essentials  

    Boast, the celebrated east coast racquet sports brand, recently announced the relaunch of its signature polo, featuring the iconic Japanese Maple leaf logo. Though most simply saw it as a discreet symbol of irreverence, it reminded some of cannabis. In fact, one school board tried to have the brand banned. No memory of ever having pulled one on? Not a huge surprise. The signature polo created by Bill St. John in 1973 was previously sold only in pro shops.

    St. John, an All American squash player at Cornell, started Boast with a couple of college friends, peddling shirts and shorts from his station wagon at country clubs all over the American Northeast. Within a few years Boast was a fixture on players from the Ivy League to the Pro Circuit—worn by squash teams, like Yale, Harvard, and Princeton. It was a shirt for iconoclasts, men not beholden to tradition; men like Conners and McEnroe.

    “There’s no uniform in tennis—when you walk on a court you don’t lose your personality, you express it.”

    —Bill St. John

    Images via Boast and Sara Carpeaux

    Since its founding, Boast has fit in anywhere from the country club to the night club. Today, I’m as comfortable on the court in mine (although my game is laughable) as I am at the Local Natives show. The super soft and durable Boast pique polo is available for $68 and can be purchased, along with the navy blazer handmade by Mr. Ned, at BoastUSA.com.

    Nov 23, 2010 | Permalink (7) View/Leave Comments

    dan left a comment on 11/29/2010 at 9:56 AM:

    awesome pic of W…extra points b/c it may have even been before he became governor/president/commander in frat


    the cake is a lie left a comment on 11/27/2010 at 1:24 AM:

    Ah, I love the W. scene. While we can argue over whether their political life was good/bad, we can all agree, they were 100% NE Blue-Bloods and they pulled it off good.


    bunny left a comment on 11/25/2010 at 11:33 PM:

    fun post. the photos are put together like a dream. dubya never looked better.


    M.M.G. left a comment on 11/23/2010 at 3:39 PM:

    The first photo is awesome.  Exactly the look I’ve been going for.  Thanks for all the inspiring looks.


    Joey Dee left a comment on 11/23/2010 at 2:10 PM:

    Your work gets better every time you publish. Read it twice, its so enjoyable a couple days before holiday to be reading about tennis courts and polos!


    john lexington left a comment on 11/23/2010 at 2:10 PM:

    good news! used to wear boast on the tennis court back in the 80’s. i wondered what had happened, glad to see it again! great post!


    AWKeller left a comment on 11/23/2010 at 12:19 PM:

    Nicely played, FEC!  I especially love the W and Laura shot in the mix.  Beautiful!


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  • Social Primer for Brooks Brothers

    Top Drawer | Style | Prep Essentials  

    Last spring, K. Cooper Ray of the etiquette blog, SocialPrimer.com, collaborated with Brooks Brothers to launch a playful bow tie collection inspired by their heritage of mixing vivid patterns and colors. As a thirteenth generation southerner, Ray knows a thing or two about bow ties, and of course, etiquette. He is a stickler for tradition and good manners. Sometimes a dandy and always a gentleman, he has been instilling civility into an uncivilized world via SocialPrimer.com since 2008.

    Ray has once again partnered with Brooks Brothers to launch the Social Primer for Brooks Brothers bow tie collection for fall. Offered in 11 reversible styles that alternate from track stripe to repp stripe to polka dots to fleur de lis, I picked up these four to introduce some new patterns (fleur de lis, polka dots) and colors (orange, fuchsia) into my existing bow tie collection. The English woven pure silk is top drawer, tying a brilliant knot. There aren’t too many opportunities for a man to wear anything remotely considered whimsical when dressing up. These bows are the perfect touch to any southern preppy's wardrobe.

    The fall bow tie tour kicks off this week at Brooks Brothers in D.C. November 4th. Please don’t shy away from introducing yourself to me if you will be there. The ties are available for purchase online at brooksbrothers.com and select Brooks Brothers retail stores nationwide ($59.50). They are shown here contrasting sides to illustrate the reversibility, but you can wear them as conservatively (straight on with only a hint of the reverse) or as capriciously as you like.

    Nov 2, 2010 | Permalink (12) View/Leave Comments

    dan left a comment on 11/4/2010 at 10:40 AM:

    These are great.  Awesome find FEC!  I just ordered two!


    F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 11/3/2010 at 4:54 PM:

    @OJO—With some twisting, you are absolutely right.  Thank you for point that out to everyone here.


    OJO left a comment on 11/3/2010 at 12:16 PM:

    All,

    It is certainly possible to tie the bows with the desired effect. Simply twist which ever front panel you wish (left or right).
    I’ll direct you to a Brooks photo gallery in which Mr. Ray and company alternate between twist and no-twist functions.

    Best.

    http://www.facebook.com/#!/album.php?aid=13144&id=112601825429048


    Robin left a comment on 11/2/2010 at 5:55 PM:

    Those are great! Wonderful find once again FEC.


    Natalie J. left a comment on 11/2/2010 at 4:16 PM:

    I think these pieces are a great example of strong fashion expression. They strike me, personally, as multi-dimensional, unexpected, and fresh.  The “pop” of color that I can imagine showing at the bottom of each bow-tie as a result of the reverse pattern is very intriguing and provocative.


    Elizabeth V. left a comment on 11/2/2010 at 2:02 PM:

    Any fellow who could wear these with panache is, no doubt, the kind of Southern gent I could get along with. And Caroline is right concerning negative men.


    john lexington left a comment on 11/2/2010 at 1:04 PM:

    nice ties, im a big fan of the bow, i like the two sided idea, esp. when on the road.


    Darian left a comment on 11/2/2010 at 9:48 AM:

    @FEC—I’m sorry that I’ll miss you on Thursday in D.C.  I love how playful these bow ties could be.  Thanks, from the silent majority, for always keeping things interesting!


    Samuel left a comment on 11/2/2010 at 9:33 AM:

    Love the concept, but I like the last batch of these far better.

    www.mensstyle101.blogspot.com


    Carnegie Hall Rower left a comment on 11/2/2010 at 9:32 AM:

    I love these but I haven’t been able to figure out how to get both patterns to show on the front of the bow? All I can achieve is one pattern facing out on the top layer and the other pattern facing out on the bottom layer. Any suggestions?


    Caroline Fontenot left a comment on 11/2/2010 at 9:28 AM:

    Only a sexy man could pull these off, and negative men aren’t sexy.

    I love these!!


    Tyler P. left a comment on 11/2/2010 at 8:38 AM:

    I love bow ties and these are just fun! I would love to sport these while walking through the streets of Savannah.


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