Win Free Men's Clothing - Bonobos "Work Essentials Giveaway" - USA only!

I have been asked by the extremely kind and forgiving (I completely missed his original email) Jason at Bonobos, the US men's clothing company, to see if I was interested posting about a competition they're having. I am. Normally I may think twice about promoting without trying the product myself but after seeing that two of the prizes available are from the handmade English shoe company, Grenson and that it's a free prize draw I decided to offer it to you.

Of course, you will have to submit your email for a chance to win any of these items and that means you will get some correspondence from them and from third parties unless you unsubscribe. But they look good and that is the way they can offer these items for free. But you know that.

So if you wish to win some cool gear then hit the link below and enter the draw. I hope you win and please let me know if you do and how it went.

This is only open to people in the US and entries will not be given to those outside the US or need it to be shipped outside the US.

The "Work Essentials Giveaway" is running from 3rd of March 2014 to 16th of March 2014. So only a few days left. They will be giving away over $3,000 worth of work clothing and accessories. This includes a suit from their Foundation Suit Collection, four dress shirts from their new collection and everything else you need to take your everyday style to the next level!

The Prizes are individual items mostly, not all of the picture above. Enjoy and hope you win.

Click here to enter

 

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What tie to pick for work?

A problem many gents suffer is what tie does one wear to work on a normal day to day basis? Neck ties are varied, to the absurd in some cases, so knowing what is safe or good to wear for work is the hardest part of the morning dressing ritual?

I tend to prepare all my outfits for the next week during the weekend and spend 30 minutes working out and setting out what shirt, tie, suit combo I will wear that week in one day rather than rush for 10 minutes each morning whilst I'm feeling groggy and end up choosing the same old tie and cufflinks as my brain is still half numb from blissful sleep.

When starting your wardrobe begin with plain or subtle patterned navy or blue ties. That's as simple as I can make it. Don't buy big and bold patterns and colours as you can wear these once a week max. This includes those chaps who love those really over the top ties and wear them 4/5 days a week. They shouldn't and you shouldn't at first. Sort out the plains and subtle patterns first and then get to the bolder ties in the future. That way you only have to wear them 2/3 days a week max and have a multitude of looks.

 

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Drake's Grenadine tie - eBay

The seller of this is a good eBay chap. I've never personally bought anything yet from him but have seen his items go and seem to come with great photos and good information to boot. Drake's ties (especially a grenadine type weave) are at least £115 and this is under that at $100 inc. shipping so is approximately $80 under retail and won't go to that level.

End time: 9 Jun 2013 22:46:45 BST

View item:#1 MENSWEAR Brioni Grenadine Garza Fina Solid Navy Blue Silk Tie Mens NR #ONETIE

 

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Hermes tie on Ebay for sale - looks good

Not me selling so cannot refer if seller a good source or nt but definately an item worth checking as is only £30 at present including postage.

End time: 2 Jun 2013 11:18:00 BST

View item:Hermes mens tie 100% Silk blue padlocks print. Made in France

 

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Where to get a handmade English tie? - Drake's of London

 

I am constantly surprised to find out how few people know about Drake's of London tie company. I learnt of them from a well dressed colleague across the pond (Thanks Spoo).

Founded in 1977 by Michael Drake, Jeremy Hull and Isabel Dickson, the original Drakes collection was comprised of mens quality scarves. A range of English handmade ties and printed silk handkerchiefs quickly followed, and today Drakes is the largest independent producer of handmade ties in England. Over the years the company has won prestigious accolades for design and export achievement, including the Queen's Award for Export and the UK Fashion Export Gold Award for Outstanding Export Achievement.

The original vision and ethos for the company – to be truly international in terms of sales, with collections designed for a select range of luxury shops from the most conservative to the most fashionable world wide – is the same today as it was then. Drakes continues to eschew the drama of mere gesture so prevalent today, believing that true luxury is indeed the comprehension of quality.

They are by far one of the very best as far as design, quality and overall satisfaction goes. Check out the tie part of the site here and see what you think. Each category opens out to further colours and various widths or weights sometimes so go nuts and explore their online store.

Ties vary in price at Drake's from £95 to £115 or £155 if you wanted the bespoke option which is a 2-6 week turnaround.

Two of my faveourites but there are so many delicate and subtle options which I always think is best in a tie. Grab attention with a tie but not with too much crass or colour.

 

Enjoy the blog and visit their site but also their shop on 3 Clifford street, London (just off Regent street) and et me know how you got on.

All images and rights belong to Drake's of London. I'm just a fan and hope you may enjoy their product and service.

 

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What is the Right Tie?

 You know those chaps that pass you by in the street or you see whilst getting lunch that just seem co-ordinated in dress and look and don't even look like it was an effort? That is the goal for you and it can be done. One of the keys is picking the right tie with the right shirt.

A simple rule of thumb that should always be obeyed is MAJOR-MAJOR-MINOR. This simple formula will help you avoid those horrible clashing looks you have sported in the past. Probably not your fault as even the best dressed men had to make mistakes to find their own elegant style be that flamboyant or understated. Major, major, minor refers to never having more than two major patterns in the mix between your suit, shirt and tie. Below is are some examples of good and bad co-ordination. Look for what you think the major patterns are. Remember never more than 2 majors but you can do 3 minors, it's just a bit bland sometimes.

Bad combinations:

Here is a case of 3 majors all together. On there own the patterns are really nice and if any one of the 3 items (suit, shirt or tie) were plain then the look would be fantastic. Instead it looks busy. Great shirt and tie combo but is crying out for a plain charcoal fabric suit rather than a chalk stripe.

Here is a case of too many patterns again. This gent has 3 major patterns in a check suit, a check shirt and a stripe tie. Whilst none are over the top the resulting combination just looks too busy and would far better with a plain wool tie in brown or blue grey. Below are better options.

 Do you see the Difference these would make to the outfit. 3 great wool ties.

 This a again an outfit that has great components but just looks a tad over busy. Take the dots away from that tie and you have a really crisp look.

 Where do I start on this one. 3 major patterns again but this time the jacket is really too bold and over powers the look. Nice shirt and tie and with a navy suit or especially a 3 piece grey it would look superb.

 What a great casual outfit. But if only the tie were plain. Why some people thing the more Pratt s the better but clearly some do.