Monthly Archives: October 2015

Speaking Frankly

I’ve known some Franks in my day…Frank Costanza, Frank Castle, Frankfurter…

But one of the coolest Franks I know is Grand Frank, makers of mens accessories and ties! In fact, I have several of their ties which I will showcase for you thIs week via Instagram! The first of which is this paisley BAD BOY, pictured here.

1_grid 1 2_grid2a 3_belt4_buttonandsquare 5_shoes 6_tie7_suit

Additional outfit details:

Pocket Square:  Rocket Squares

Lapel Button: Bubibubi Ties

Belt: Dickies

Shoes: Sebago

Shirt: Nordstrom Rack

 

American Field!!…of Dreams…Good Movie

This past weekend I was able to attend a rather cool event here in Washington D.C.

(I normally dread venturing into the city because after working in it for 10 years…I HATE TRAFFIC!! But I really wanted to go to this event so I put on my big boy pants and had someone else drive me!)

The event was American Field: An All American Pop Up Market and it was fantastic! The event is held in Boston, D.C., Atlanta and Brooklyn, featuring amazing goods and the people that make them.

American field sign

I was planning to attend the event in Boston, so I could practice my cool Boston slang like: Wicked Awesome! and Chowdahead…and Ah You A Cawp? AH YOU A CAWP!!?? – but that didn’t work out so D.C. it was!

It was a unique experience being able to buy high quality items directly from the hands that made them. Of the vendors I bought from, 2 stood out the most.

First, there was Mr. Michael Thomas and his lovely wife Christian. They couldn’t have been kinder. Michael designs and makes men’s accessories, namely ties, bow ties, pocket squares and some out-of-this-world waist coats…for you Lame-O’s those are vests…read a book would ya! In fact, I would suggest reading the Astonishing X-MEN story, Gifted by Joss Whedon, it’s a masterf…off topic …sorry! Okay! Back to the event! Michael had some very cool ties and squares and I just had to buy some. But the nice thing about an event like this, is that after talking to Michael and Christian, I really wanted to buy their products and support the people who are passionate about what they do and amazing at doing it.

Michael table1Michael products

Second was LVR or Love Virginia Ruth. Now I’m going to confess something here. I have frequented Scout Mob over the last year or so and almost bought items from Love Virginia Ruth several times. I’m not sure way I never ended up pulling the trigger, but I now regret that it took me this long. Honestly, this was the first table of goods that drew me in. As I walked over to see the lush ties and the sturdy but delicate pocket squares I knew this vendor was getting my money. And then I met Virgina!! Who couldn’t have been more adorable and bubbly and she had the awesomest boots and I was like I’m definitely buying something. What did I buy? I got a vintage necktie and 2 pocket squares. Virginia uses natural dyes to color her pocket squares and handkerchiefs. One of the squares I got is a dotted swiss cotton, hand dyed with pomegranate and iron! I know, right?!!  Virginia too, through her kindness and passion for what she does, made me want to buy her products and I couldn’t be happier with my purchases.

Virginia table2 Virginia squares

virginia tie

All in all it was an awesome event and I can’t wait till it comes around again! In the mean time please check out my new friends and their awesome handcrafted goods.

http://www.lovevirginiaruth.com/

Virginia table

http://www.mrmichaelthomas.com/

Michaeltable2

 

Accessory Buffet

Have you ever been to a buffet?

For instance, a breakfast buffet. You walk in and they’re all like do you need menus or do you want the buffet? And you’re like how much is the buffet? And they’re like $28.00 per person. And you’re like well can I go take a look? And they’re like yeah sure sweetie (in my story the waitress is always a very kind old southern lady).

So you go take a look. This is make or break time. If the buffet is a conglomeration off-color eggs, soggy bacon, that weird pudding like substance near the fruit, and only lemon poppy seed muffins. Then it’s a pass. A hard pass.

BUT if it’s one of those magical buffets…You know, one of those buffets with an omelet station, crispy bacon, blueberry muffins, cheese danishes, those little boxes of cereal you can sneak out and some guy carving beef as you awkwardly say a little more…a little more…more…Gimme the Knife I’ll do it Myself! If it’s THAT buffet, they’re getting your 28 big ones!

The point…? Men’s accessory sites can be like buffets, there’s so much to choose from on each site. But you want to make sure you’re choosing from products you want to wear and not simply wading through weird pudding substance.

pins1

Harrison Blake Apparel is a men’s accessory brand. But their site isn’t filled with things you don’t want, in fact, it’s hard not to add everything to your cart. It’s definitely a magical buffet! They carry one of the largest selections of lapel pins, plus, they have ties, bow ties, pocket squares, bracelets and tie bars! And they have the Selected Monthly Club and the Bow Tie Club. Want to know more about these clubs and Harrison Blake? Checkout the interview below with Harrison Blake owner (Oh! And Published Author), Richard Taylor!

So I have to ask, because I ask everyone – Where did the name Harrison Blake come from? 

The name Harrison Blake means so much to me, because Harrison Blake is my son. Everything I do with this business has to be positive because of this. 

ties1

In a sea of men’s accessories, most companies either don’t have lapel pins or they have them as an afterthought. But your lapel pin selection seems to be a focal point – why is that?

The lapel pins are what we started with. They are a point of pride for us because we have the largest selection of lapel pins for the best price. These small accessories can transform your look and we wanted nail down a niche.

pins2

 

You offer the “Selected Monthly Club” and the “Bow Tie Club,” can you tell us more about those?

The SELECTED Monthly Club by Harrison Blake is a subscription club that delivers 5 classy accessories and unique products for gentlemen. Each box will contain a wide range of products; from neckties, accessories, lapel pins to wardrobe accessories – each selected to complement your lifestyle and help you live the life of a gentleman. Each of these items will be exclusive and hand selected – not just items currently for sale on our website.

The BOW TIE CLUB by Harrison Blake is a subscription club that delivers 2 unique bow ties every month for only $16! We all know how expensive bow ties can be – so this is an incredible service for bow tie lovers! Each package will contain two different bow ties every month in a wide range of styles, designs and patterns… Imagine the bow tie collection that you’ll build and the money you will save!

hb grid

What are manlier, mustaches or anchors?

I will go with anchors.  Popeye had no mustache, but he had an anchor tattoo.

Is there a particular product that you sell that you would like consumers to pay more attention too?

We have developed a nice variety of bracelet choices that we don’t promote too much. Hopefully we showcase them more in the coming months. 

What do you like better and why – neck tie or bow tie?

I like neckties better. I don’t think they’ll ever go out of style and they are great statement pieces.

ties2

Dude! Did you write a book? Tell us about it!

Yes, I wrote a few fiction books and also The Life of a Gentleman, which engages the reader and delivers a powerful message.

Style is only the beginning as you will also learn about etiquette, manners, personal finance, mental health, and speech. This book does not talk down to the reader, but rather builds up with simple language, an engaging delivery and an encouraging tone. This is the essential guide to transform any man or adolescent male into a sophisticated gentleman that the world must respect. I felt it was important to write down information that many young men miss out on these days.

When you get dressed up, tie bar or no tie bar?

Most of the time, a simple tie bar.

 

And now Five Signature Questions with Christian: 

Who is your Favorite Superhero or Villain?

My favorite superhero is Batman. He seems like such a creative and innovative guy.

Who wins in a fight Batman or Superman?

Superman has an unfair edge in my opinion, over everyone…

Which Star Wars Character would you be?

Luke Skywalker for sure!

What’s your Favorite cereal of all time?

I can crush a box of Honey Smacks

Are your dirty clothes on the floor or in the hamper, right now?

Hamper.

 

No judging.

I’m sure in your lifetime, you’ve told someone that they have beautiful eyes. Do you know why you thought that? It’s because those eyes were part of someone’s face. If you saw the same eyes laying on the ground you’d be like…AHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! And then you would run away in horror.

Sometimes the same principal applies to clothes. Perhaps you have a shirt or tie or blazer, that, by itself, isn’t much to look at. It might even be downright ugly. But when it’s part of something, when it’s a part of an entire outfit, it’s beautiful.

tie 1

I know someone, who will remain anonymous, that every time I pick up a tie, says “You’re getting that?! It’s not very nice. Blah blah blah! Nag nag nag!”

And then I put my outfit together and they say: “I really like that tie! Where’d you get it?!”

And I’m all like: “It’s the one you said you didn’t like…and I hate you. Jerk.”

And then they’re all like: “What?!”

And I’m all like: “I said, I hate work…”

So I guess in conclusion…never give up on your dreams…Wait. That’s part of a different speech.

tie 2

Ah yes, here we are…

…So in conclusion, never judge an article of clothing on its own. Try and visualize what it will look like as part of an entire ensemble. You never know how that ugly duckling may shine in an ensemble. And then you can stick it to that naysayer in the background!

Blah blah blah! Nag nag nag! Well…in YOUR FACE ANNA. Ahem. I mean, whoever it happens to be.

ensemble