Fine and Dandy Shop F/W 2010 Neckwear

The gents over at Fine and Dandy Shop have outdone themselves this time.  They just released some pretty snazzy wool ties and bowties for F/W 2010.  The neckwear is made in NYC and come in a variety of great patterns - from houndstooth to various tartans.  As with pretty much any of the gear from F&D, the quality to price ratio is off the charts.  Ties (2.75" wide) will set you back only $55 and the bows (with pointed ends) are even cheaper, coming in at $49.  The weather is just finally starting to resemble F/W here in the northeast and it's tough to beat knotting up some hearty fabric before you walk out your door in the morning.  If you don't know the feeling I'm talking about you should probably 1. get your act together and 2. take advantage of the deals at Fine and Dandy before they realize exactly what's going on.

-L.A.S

Pin It Up or Clip It Down

Sart Inc has been a supporter of Fine and Dandy for a while now as it's not only run by a great bunch of guys, but is one of the best places to get awesome (and awesomely cheap) accessories for the modern gentleman.  Whether you need yourself a new ascot or bow tie, F&D should have you covered for about the cost of a couple lunches.  I just checked out their shop after a little hiatus and was real happy to see affordable options for two of the most necessary accessories you should own.  Right now Fine and Dandy is selling a $15 collar pin and a $25 short tie bar - that right there folks is what we call a deal.  Both of these badboys are real easy to work into your current wardrobe, if you haven't already, and are some of the only acceptable pieces of "man jewelry" (that list is really short, by the way, if you happen to not be named Crangi).  For those of you who are on that slim tie tip (most knits, The Hill-Side, The Windmill Club, etc.) you most definitely want to invest in a shorter tie bar/clip because a tie bar that is wider than your tie is not a good look.

-L.A.S

Throwin' Bows

[Pictured: Recently snagged Epaulet black watch bow tie x Black Fleece club collar oxford.]

Bow ties have made quite the impression recently.  While some may view the neckwear as "quirky", "irrelevant" or inherently southern, I really don't see this as any reason to be up in arms.  In my eyes the bow tie is nothing more than a simple way to liven things up.  Any dandy will agree that the bow tie makes an instant statement and all guys should have at least a few in their arsenal to break out during formal occasions or otherwise.  The bow tie is not just reserved for proms and weddings, but instead it's a great alternative that when worn correctly can really pull an outfit together.  In these colder months, a heavier fabric bow tie combined with an oxford and jeans makes a great look even for a simple night out.

As with anything else, you want to keep your bow tie slim and simple.  I would stay away from any gaudy prints or massive widths so that the bow tie doesn't overpower the rest of what you have going on.  The bow tie on its own is going to be an attention drawer, which is a good thing, so there is no need to go overboard.  Don't buy a pre-tied version as they are much easier to tie than others will probably suggest, not to mention when you do it yourself you can "mess" it up for a little disheveled elegance.  There are a ton of great bow ties available (a little more on that tomorrow) and here are some of my current favorites...

Pierrepont Hicks Fergus...$59.00

Fine and Dandy Shop Burgundy Striped Houndstooth...$39.00

Epaulet Houndstooth...$45.00

-L.A.S

The Key To Dressing Fine and Dandy

[Pictured: Fine and Dandy gold key tie bar.  Available here for $25.]

Since we are experiencing some technical difficulties at work let the office blogging commence...

This weekend saw not only the one year anniversay of Fine and Dandy, but saw the release of their gentlemanly 2009 lookbook.  Full of expertly curated outfits, the lookbook is a fun visual and great resource.  Between checking it out on Saturday and watching The Great Gatsby on Sunday, I'm in full on dandy overdrive.  Pay special attention to the gold key tie bar that makes it into a bunch of the looks...talk about perfectly understated, classical detailing.  Congratulations are surely due to Matt Fox the shop's proprietor who, in my very limited dealings with, has been nothing short of great guy.  Spend a little at their fantastic shop and do some reading at their fantastic blog. 

-L.A.S