Bow Ties: Not Just for Squares

I come from a long line of bow tie wearers: My maternal grandfather wore them with a cashmere sport coat, my paternal grandfather wore them with his denim overalls, my father wore one in his senior yearbook photo, my oldest brother wears them in court, and my teenage nephews think they're nifty. I'm mostly telling you this to brag about my amazing heritage, but it's also a vehicle to tell you that I have always loved bow ties. From a wee lass to this very day I get a tiny thrill every time I see a man sporting one. Sadly I fear that bow ties have an uncool reputation–they're for the nerds, squares, magicians, and old men. You might think, "Oh, but those hipsters are making them cool, right?" Nope. Shockingly (sarcasm) some people have a real distaste for hipsters, and to their non-hipster minds it only confirms that bow ties are for squares.

To the haters of bow ties (and hipsters), I say Horsefeathers! Phooey! Hogwash! Malarky! To quote the most recent incarnation of Doctor Who, "Bow ties are cool."

I will be the first to admit that not everyone is meant to wear a bow tie–just like not everyone is meant to wear hats or skinny jeans or beards–but bow ties should not automatically be discounted like they were a pair of Crocs or sweatpants. Instead, men, educate yourselves, find out if you can walk the bow tie strut, and ask yourself if you want to attract the kind of lady who respects and swoons for the man who boldly dons a bow tie.

Here are the basics for non-formal bow tie wearing:

Getting Started!
Thrift stores are a great place for a novice to pick up their first bow tie (the price is right) and for the intermediate wearer to find some vintage classics. Just like with regular ties (or any clothing) fabrics make a difference in how classy and cool the bow tie looks. Natural fibers like silk, cotton, and wool, are always better than, say, polyester.

Types!
There are three major types of bow ties: The batwing (named after a cricket bat), the hourglass or butterfly, and the pointed. Bow ties may come in several different widths, which of course gives you different looks and more options. Many bow ties are adjustable around the neck, but you can also get them in a specific neck size; the measurement is the same as the neck on your dress shirts. You can also get pre-tied clip ons, which isn't my favorite version of a bow tie, but I won't judge you if you do.

From left to right: batwing, hourglass, and pointed.

How To!
Here are two diagrams about how to tie a bow tie. I'm sure there are videos on YouTube as well. Like anything worthwhile, it will take a little practice. But if you can tie your shoes I trust you have the fine motor skills to master the task. Bonus: Learning this skill will help you become a better wrapper of presents, much to your lady's delight.

 

Famous Bow Tie-ers!
Whether it helps or hurts my efforts, here are some famous wearers of bow ties.

Starting from top left Andre 3000, Frank Sinatra, Matt Smith as Doctor Who, Bill Nye, Pee Wee Herman,
Groucho Marx, Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones, Humphrey Bogart, and Winston Churchill.

Your Potential!
Enjoy some modern examples of your potential bow tie excellence. Please keep in mind that these are fashion photos and not necessarily your end goal. You can keep it simple and wear bow ties in a way to fit your wardrobe and aesthetic. You don't have to wear tweed, suspenders, or waistcoats to "pull it off," and you don't have to wear bold-patterned bow ties. Remember that experimentation is key in fashion. It's okay to have fashion fails as long as you keep trying. I have them all the time.

  

Wednesday Roundup 28 March 2012

Bring it in, y'all. It's time for a mid-week roundup. Heeyaw!

The Hunger Games!
I was going to write a review on The Hunger Games, but I couldn't quite figure out why I had no real cheers or jeers for it. Meaning it was good enough, but not great. But this person I know called Chris Clark wrote a review for collaboration blog Part Time Authors that pretty much covers it. Plus he's funny, to boot. http://bit.ly/HjGuo2

I stumbled on this hideous observation about reactions to race in The Hunger Games in an article called "Racist Hunger Games Fans Are Very Disappointed" on Jezebel.com. It's pretty unbelievable. http://bit.ly/GO1eUh

Language!
An article by famed modern linguist Ben Zimmer in the New York Times about how the term "Ms." came to be. (Zimmer is always writing for the New York Times or on NPR or something.) It's a really nice example of how long it takes language to change and how language change is inevitable. http://nyti.ms/HmJW0m

Book!
I'm not sure where I heard about the book Jeff, One Lonely Guy. So this guy named Jeff Ragsdale put up these flyers in Manhattan asking people to call him because he's "one lonely guy," and he ended up talking to thousands of people around the world. It sounds fascinating. But I have to admit that I want to read it because it really appeals to my voyeuristic tendencies. http://amzn.to/GEvhyq

Cat!
Just a picture of a cat doing his best Gandalf impression. http://bit.ly/GHWLR0

Trailer Tuesday: Bully

The trailer for the documentary Bully is raw, compelling, touching, and difficult for me to watch. I'm sure seeing the whole film will destroy me, yet I feel compelled to see it. But I'm happy that the movie also takes a proactive, hopeful tack. Take note kids, it gets better.

For the Love of Character Actors

I love character actors. You know, those actors in small roles that you see in so many films, but they are never the star and it's rare that you know their names. They tend to play the same type of character each time, but you rely on them for that. Their characters don't have arcs, so you can trust what they appear to be. They are movie comfort food. Here are a few modern character actors that I've noticed again recently and what I know about them.

Clint Howard
Brother of famed child actor and director Ron Howard, Clint has appeared in over 200 films and television shows. (At least 17 of those films were directed by Ron Howard. See IMDb.) He has a very memorable, um, non-leading man face, and he generally plays a regular Joe just doing his job in the background or someone who is just kind of...off. MTV once awarded Mr. Howard their jokey version of a "Lifetime Achievement Award." But when he won he gave this utterly sincere speech, because he was truly touched by the recognition. They retired the award after that, and Clint was forever endeared to my heart.

Brian Doyle-Murray
Yes, another brother, but this time the brother of comedian Bill Murray. His gravely voice is his most defining characteristic. He generally plays good-natured, blue-collar or skeezy boss. (See Groundhog Day and Christmas Vacation.) I particularly like his role in Waiting for Guffman.

Cherry Jones
Cherry Jones has won awards for her theater work, but when she's in films or television she somehow falls more into the character actor world. I've seen her mostly play no nonsense, authoritative roles. (See Signs and Ocean's Twelve.) She's also lent her warm, subtly twangy voice to several audio books. She currently has a recurring role as a psychiatrist on NBC's Awake.

Danny Trejo
I'm pretty sure the only thing Danny Trejo plays is a Hispanic gangster or criminal. It could be because that was his real life for many years, but then he got clean, changed his life, and kind of stumbled into the movie business. There's just something about his face that I love even though I'm supposed to be terrified. On IMDb I counted 22 projects that he is a part of that are being released either this year or next.

Hold Please

I'm working on a movie-related post, but a few life things came up. (How dare they!) Hopefully I'll get it posted tonight. In the meantime, here are two pretty pics that evoke spring.

Floral fifties.

Cherry blossoms.

Project Runway All Stars: "Whose Dream Do We Buy?"

First, I loved Austin's sparkly jacket and pink socks, I loved Mondo's silver shoes, and I hated Georgina's dress. It was Big Bird-y and unflattering. Also, Angela's halting dialogue felt forced and torturous.

Now to taking care of business. Everyday. Every way.

Austin's Collection
I admit that I eliminated Austin for the win as soon as he again described his bizarre mix of inspirations...something about vampires and Hasidic dandies. In fact, I laughed out loud. On top of that his collection wasn't entirely cohesive and he had a few other problems. But like the judges said, he really did have a couple of amazing pieces, which really were his best work of the season.

I loved the simple sequin jacket, but pannier-inspired pants is one of the silhouettes that I've always hated in fashion. They seem to crop up every time a designer is inspired by Madame de Pompadour. And speaking of weird volume, his evening dress had too much in too many places, thus losing the person wearing the dress. He should have gone with volume in one place or the other. But even if he didn't have the long peplum, the fullness in the mermaid part is a little too over-the top and maybe even clownish.

I didn't much care for Austin's leatherette pieces. The peek-a-boo netting in the back of the skirt looked inelegant while the model walked. Also, did you notice that the flanges on the sleeves were unfinished and unraveling? But I actually think he would sell that jumpsuit, although no one I know would wear it.

The lacquered lace dress was the perfect combination of hard and soft. The flounce detail in the front gave some volume to the dress without adding volume to the model's figure. I really liked this one.

I absolutely loved the wedding dress. The proportions of the layers were perfect, and adding that bit of shine at the belt was genius. I could've done without the black gloves, but it was Austin's wedding, and he would look great in those gloves.

Michael's Collection
When Michael's collection first walked the runway, I thought he had a real chance at the win. But in retrospect I think he simply had the safest collection, which is reflected in the fact that I only took one note for him. There was nothing I hated, but nothing I truly loved either.

This was dress had my only note. I really liked the seaming and piecing on the bust, but it got lost in the print and you can't even see it in this picture.

Other than that I don't have anything to say about the rest of Michael's collection except that it I've seen it before, it was well-made, and he can sell it to his resort-based customer with no problem.

Mondo's Collection
I can't say I loved every piece in Mondo's collection, but his collection was definitely the best overall, and I am certainly over the moon about his win! He really deserved it. He was the most consistant throughout the season, and I think his collection was the most sellable to the widest market.

I have confused feelings about Mondo's finale dress. I like it, but I feel like I shouldn't for some reason. I think it reminds me of the 90s somehow, and since I believe nothing good came out of fashion in the 90s (hyperbole intended), I cannot fully embrace the dress. But at the same time, I don't have a problem with it. What were your impressions?

The first two outfits might be his most sellable. I liked them both, but I could have done without the pockets on the dress.

The Rorschach print on the dress was so great, but I really, really, really wanted the model in a bra. (I'm with you Joanna!)

The top made with the fabric from other challenges was great--flattering and totally sellable. But the hem needs a different finishing technique to help it hang better.

I simply adored the wide-leg pants even though the flaps were just a wee bit too large. Side note: this outfit was worn by the model he used all season, and she always looks so stiff-armed and awkward. It's very strange.

Congratulations Mondo!

Well, we've come to the end of Project Runway: All Stars, and it looks like the next regular Project Runway series won't air for a few months. I've got a few ideas for fashion-related posts, but what I'd really like to write about are things you want to hear about. It can be anything about fashion, styling, sewing, what have you. I would be happy to research things within these topics that you want to know more about, or just share with you what I already know. So please, hit me with your wants, needs, hopes, and dreams.

Scorsese's Face

Just a quick thought.

This adorable, sweet face belongs to the man who brought us non-sweet films like Goodfellas, Taxi Driver, Gangs of New York, and Raging Bull. Tricksy Scorsese face. Also, I love his eyebrows.

Roundup: Movies, Knots & Creativity

Here's what I enjoyed on the web this week:

Movies!
Metacritic.com's list of their 50 most anticipated films for 2012. I haven't made my detailed way through the entire list, but it looks like a good rundown. http://bit.ly/wQtNoF

Knots!
I recently bought a pair of suede, hardsole Minnetonka moccasins with these ties that, of course, do not stay tied. I saw a friend of my nephew's with these little knotty things on the end of his topsiders, so I did some research, found out that these knots are called Eastland knots, and found a how-to. However, I will be square knotting mine in the middle before knotting the ends. http://bit.ly/tq4V3W


Creativity!
From NPR, an article based an interview with Jonah Lehrer, a writer specializing in neuroscience, who just published a book called Imagine: How Creativity Works. The article highlights some of Lehrer's general research and ideas such as how the creative process works, the broadness of creativity, the benefits of collaboration, and the connection of environment and creativity. It made me really want to read his book. http://n.pr/GzoXYy

On that note, Maria Popova has been working on a program called Curator's Code that helps people "honor discovery." Meaning the things we read and see, specifically on the internet, influence our own creative ideas, and she feels it's important to acknowledge our influences. This project has had a very mixed response, and awful, bullying things have been said about her and her motivations behind the project. This particular article posted on brainpickings.org is Popova's thoughtful reaction to the vitriol sent her way. She highlights several passages from Ideas and Opinions, a collection of essays by Albert Einstein, that she believes in and often returns to. I felt inspired.  http://bit.ly/z1pO3G

Beard Slap!
It's been around for a while, but I just saw it again. Just click on it. http://bit.ly/GBiJdQ

You!
What are you finding or looking for on the internet?

Twofer Trailer Tuesday

I got a Twofer happening for you today.

First, Seeking a Friend for the End of the World, starring Steve Carell and Kiera Knightly. The trailer is funny and sweet, but we all know how trailers can be tricksy sometimes. I like the idea of an end-of-the-world movie being a comedy. Well, a comedy without zombies, really. I lovey, love, loved Zombieland and Shaun of the Dead, but Seeking a Friend for the End of the World looks a little less blood-soaked. I'm not a fan of Kiera Knightly, yet I'm still willing to give this movie a chance. Also, Steve Carell looks so skinny!

Do you ever have this happen to you? You learn about something old for the first time then about two weeks later it seems to be a hot topic. So it is with me for the television show Dark Shadows. I first heard about it in passing, then radio show This American Life featured a segment about someone attending a Dark Shadows convention, then I heard that Tim Burton had made a movie homage to the show. The television series aired for 5 years starting in 1966. Get this, it was a dark and supernatural, daily soap opera. Yes, a soap opera with a rather large cult following. And, based on the preview, I'm not actually sure this movie will be any good, but I can't help but watch anything Tim Burton produces.

And here, just for kicks, is some sort of recap from the Dark Shadows series. Just before minute 6 is the start of some extra special special effects. 

Forced to Like Taylor Swift

I do not like pop or rock country music in the slightest. Generally it all sounds like the same loudness to me. However I do like other music that fits into the country category: you got your classic country with people like Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash; then there's Bluegrass and Americana which covers a heap of classic and new music ranging from Ralph Stanley to Gillian Welch; and then there are the bands that are moderately to heavily influenced by some sort of country, but I don't think of them as such, like Jack White, Mumford and Sons, The Decemberists, and The Civil Wars.

Cut to pop country's Taylor Swift and her new song"Safe and Sound," featuring The Civil Wars. It's dark, haunting, and pretty--three things that I never associate with Taylor Swift's usual pop country flavor. I'm sure this is due in part to collaborating with The Civil Wars, and due in part to the fact that the song is  on the soundtrack for The Hunger Games, which is a rather dark and haunting story. So kudos to Taylor Swift for basically forcing (yes, forcing) me like her.



The Hunger Games soundtrack will be released tomorrow. Based on the lineup, it may even be a winner of an album. I'm particularly excited about The Decemberists, Birdy, The Secret Sisters, The Carolina Chocolate Drops, and Glen Hansard.

Project Runway All Stars: Finale Eve

Final Challenge: A mini collection of 5, no wait 6, looks.

Time: 4 days.

Budget: $3,000

As soon as Angela described the challenge, Mondo's face set into a panic. Then the whole episode centered around his immediate tailspin into terror and self-loathing. I suppose the producers had to pick a theme since they weren't about to show us any finalized fashions before the finale, and Mondo's personal struggle and process was as good a theme as any.

But I really enjoyed the format of this episode and how it played out...aside from Mondo's tantrum. (He's still my favorite.) I thought it especially nice that the designers got these mini mentoring sessions with Joanna, Georgina, and Isaac. It helped calm and center the designers. My favorite moment was at the end of Georgina's visit when she ever so gently called Mondo out on his mood and attitude. He bitterly explains to her that "he's tired of everyone telling him what to do." She gracefully, patiently, and kindly says, "That's okay." That's okay. With two words she empathically allows him his process no matter how tumultuous and dark it is, and he's able to cut himself some slack and move on. It felt like magic. Although I'm sure editing had something to do with that.

And that's all I really have to talk about for this finale eve episode, because no one seems to be taking a surprising tack with their collection. We'll just have to wait and see who does their aesthetic best.

Quotes!

Austin describing his inspiration: "It's Fraganard, Madame de Pompadour, 21st century rockstar, Williamsburg, Hasidic gentleman." Cut to Anthony laughing hysterically. Just... I don't... Huh? 

Austin does a little dance while looking at a dress: "I'm having a glamour excitement fit!"

Mondo seeking advice for a dress: "Now that I put the sleeves on, I don't know if it takes it into wizard territory."

Mondo on Austin's moustache: "He went from Errol Flynn to Kermit the Frog." It was a little mean, but apt.

Other!

Non-episode related but Project Runway related, I saw these tops by designer Vince Camuto on the Nordstrom website this week.

Don't they remind you of something else you've seen on the runway this season? Boom.

Roundups? Maybe?

I've seen weekly roundups on other blogs and I've always had mixed feelings about them, leaning toward not liking them. I think the major problem for me is that I don't want to click on a bunch of links to see what they are, instead I want good descriptive blurbs to not only hook me, but to let me know exactly what I'm getting so I don't waste my time. (Not that I'm against wasting time, in fact I'm quite good at it, I just want to do it on my own terms.) But since I see interesting things on the Internet that I wouldn't necessarily dedicate a whole post to, what can I do but a general, un-themed roundup? So I'm going to give it a whirl on Wednesdays and see how it feels. Please make comments or suggestions about what kind of things you would be interested seeing in this format.

Words!
A list of "20 Obsolete English Words That Should Make a Comeback" from Matador Abroad. Usually obsolete English words are super fun to say. They feel like nonsense in your mouth, or like a foreign language to what English is now. Here are a few examples: quagswagging, yemeles, jargogle, and kench. http://bit.ly/z0Mbd4

Images! 
An awesome illustrated wallpaper inspired by 2001: A Space Odyssey. http://bit.ly/y3940a

One of the best pictures the Internet has given me involving a cat. Warning: This picture either terrifies people or sends them into laughing fits. Click with care. http://bit.ly/ADozW9

Articles!

From The Wall Street Journal, "Are You As Busy As You Think?" A simple yet thought-provoking (for me) article on being "busy" (yes in quotes) and how we spend our time. I found it relevant. Plus it touches on the power of language, which is an important aspect in my life. From the article: "Instead of saying 'I don't have time' try saying 'it's not a priority,' and see how that feels.... Changing our language reminds us that time is a choice. If we don't like how we're spending an hour, we can choose differently." http://on.wsj.com/yErp5v

A short NPR piece about the concept of nothing, and one artist's journey (Rauschenberg) toward representing nothing. The article forced me to think in a different way that took me on a short journey out of my own thought bubble. http://n.pr/xtv8zX


Products!
I try not to be passive-agressive (I just want to be regular agressive), but it's hard when passive-agression comes in a handy pre-fab notebook from ModCloth.com. http://bit.ly/uPAAPp

Trailer Tuesday: Damsels in Distress

Welcome to Trailer Tuesday! Today I have what looks to be a quirky little treat called Damsels in Distress. It stars mostly people I've never heard of, and it's directed by Whit Stillman, a name that is new to me. But the trailer has a slight Wes Anderson feel to it, meaning the movie looks stylized and the humor is dry and a little dark around the edges. Also, tapdancing.

Movie Poster Database

This post begins with Twitter. I have a Twitter account, although I'm still not really sure why. But if you choose the people you follow carefully, sometimes you find interesting articles or links. So while I was doing my quick daily sweep, I clicked on a link shared by famed movie critic Roger Ebert (@ebertchicago), and I was certainly glad I did. The link was to Movie Poster Database. Some genius decided to make a database for movie posters so we could all enjoy their visual splendor. You can search them by year, title, directors, actors, and more. But what's really cool is that the database has versions of the posters created for different countries, too. It's interesting to see changes made to posters based on the culture, aesthetics, or expectations of another country. Plus movie posters are a great resource to look at art trends and the goods and bads of layout and typography, which I'm not expert at, but I like to think about this kind of stuff. 

The website is set up as an exchange: If you upload a high-res movie poster, you get a free movie poster download; If you don't have any posters to upload, you can buy credits and the money goes to support the server. But you can look all you want for free. Because of this setup, they don't allow hotlinks from their page. So instead I hotlinked a coupla posters from other places, just so's you could get a flavor.

Adventures in Babysitting, and and 80s classic...at least in my family. Rad 80s font and an illustration instead of a photo.

Splendor in the Grass starring Natalie Wood and Warren Beatty, 1961. This move is intense and very worth watching. I love how the lettering is manipulated and puzzle-like.

You Can't Take It with You starring Jimmy Stewart, Jean Arthur, and loads of others, 1938. The movie is quirky and hilarious. Everyone's cheeks are illustrated so rosily. I also like the simplicity of the sans serif font and the easy pop of the yellow and red contrast.

Project Runway All Stars: Pre-Finale

Here we are again, the episode that decides which designers will be in the finale. I thought it an interesting challenge for the finale setup. Meaning, the previous challenges were all about pushing creativity to the far nether regions of fashion that often negated practicability, but this challenge was about setting parameters on creativity in order to make aesthetic and point of view sellable. A challenge that gives the designers a real marketable budget really forces the designers to get down to the brass tacks of their aesthetics. It's the reality behind the runway, not unlike taking the photoshop element out of a glossy magazine spread. Of course this makes the runway seem less punchy than in past weeks, so nothing was a gasp-wow.

The designers were required to make a ready-to-wear garment for New York designer and fashion district advocate Nanette LePore. Not only did she ask for the design to be feminine, timeless, and customer driven, but the designers also had to account for manufacturing costs and stay within a strict production budget in order to meet a specific price point. The winner will have their garment produced and sold by Nanette LePore with proceeds going to savethegarmentcenter.org.

First, the "Mondo doesn't sketch" drama. In most challenges this is not a problem, and in this case I think he worked around the problem okay. But I both agree and disagree with Kenley (and it's none of her business in the first place) that Mondo needs to sketch in order to be a designer. On one hand sketches smooth the path of translating ideas into realities in a world where Mondo isn't creating everything from start to finish. But if he figures out another way to communicate his ideas clearly to a pattern maker, then yippie-yay-ki-yay. On the other hand I think he would better service himself as a designer if he at least learned to sketch in some way, even if he traces over croquis. (Croquis: a line drawing of a 9-head fashion figure that can look something like this.) I'm not sure if this practice is against the Project Runway rules, but it a perfectly legitimate way in fashion and costuming to produce sketches. I'm sure some look down on this and shame it, but it's not about the sketch, it's about the final product.

Despite Mondo's seeming un-designerly attributes, he won the challenge. I will admit that his reaction to winning made me a little misty. (But that's not saying much because I am an acute bawl-baby.) His dress really screamed what Mondo is all about: color and mixing patterns within clean lines. Would I wear this dress? No. Do I really like it? Yes. Will other people buy this dress? You betcha. You can buy it here. I'm excited to see what he comes up with for the finale!

Austin was second in line, and he also produced a dress that screams what he's all about: romantic silhouettes with extreme femininity, which likely includes loads of volume. I was torn with Austin. I thought the overall silhouette of the swing coat was great. The fullness and amount of pleats were in good proportion. However, the neckline looked like a mistake, and I was absolutely horrified by the hem. The stitching pulled the hem in weird ways and it needed to be pressed so badly, as did the belt and the rest of the coat. (Here's a little tip for all you burgeoning sewers out there: pressing accounts for at least 50% of the final appearance of your garment. The more you press as you go, the more professionally finished your garment will look.) All Austin's problems may have stemed from poor fabric choice. Also, the garment did not photograph well in the least.

Michael came in third with a dress that we've seen from him before, but it was pretty enough. I thought the print was particularly lovely. But if a dress plunges in the front it should not plunge in the back and visa-versa. Without that counterbalance it's impossible to keep the dress on the shoulders unless you use tape or body glue. It fails all wearability tests, and wearability was part of the challenge. For this reason Michael was particularly lucky that he didn't go home.

Last and eliminated was Kenley. This dress bothered me for all the reasons various people mentioned and more. I suppose it was nice enough in idea, but I had the following problems: 1) she shouldn't have used that large print for this silhouette, the design fights with the fabric; 2) she should have at least tried to match the pattern and/or place the pattern more carefully when cutting; 3) the trim on the sleeves ruined the inherent movement of the fabric; 4) the neckline was too high which killed the proportions; 5) she should have kept the keyhole; and 6) all things said and done this dress is frumpy. Additionally I could not believe the attitude she gave Nanette LePore during the workroom critique. She can't even listen to critique let alone internalize any advice that might help her improve her designs or sellability. She kept saying she was "sticking to her vision," but no one was ever trying to change her vision, they were honestly trying to help her make the best possible version of her vision. P.S. The outfit that Kelney wore for judging was adorable.

One more week and then what fashions will we discuss? Leave ideas in the comments if you got 'em.