Part 2:OoOTie's Bow Tie Lover in the Flesh!

Part 2: Bow Tie Lover in the Flesh!

When is it appropriate to wear a bow tie? Is there any occasion that they're inappropriate?

I think when you want to do something different. As I said, the bow tie can determine the mood you're trying to convey because of their colours and patterns. Whether you're hanging out with friends, at the office, in urban life, or going to a formal event you can wear a bow tie. But the styles will vary because of the occasion.



I guess the only time I wouldn't recommend wearing one is when you're doing field work and dealing with dirt. Although I have thought it would be cool to have a Gore-Tex (it's the fabric they make high end outdoor equipment out of) bow tie to wear hiking.

What would you say to people who were hesitant about wearing a bow tie?

Frankly, I don't understand why someone would be hesitant. A bow tie allows you to add another tool to your presentation kit. I'd say, give it a shot! Especially if you have an event to dress up for, it can be a good opportunity to try something new. If you can wear a regular tie, why can't you wear a bow tie? They also make good conversations starters if you want to do some networking.

Do you think women should wear bow ties? Or what do you think about women who wear bow ties?

I don't think there's any reason why they shouldn't. It's the same way I feel about guys wearing them: if they take the time to learn how to tie it and wear it well, than there's no reason why they can't wear one. Actually, I had a girl friend who wanted to borrow one of my ties to wear this past New Year's Eve. After figuring out her needs, I suggested which tie to go with and showed her how ti tie it. I also think the bow tie headbands OoOTie has for girls are really great and can work well with many different looks.



Would you describe bow ties as a classic wardrobe staple, or are they now becoming more like a fashion comeback?

They're definitely making a comeback. You're seeing them more aside from black tie events. You know, they used to be seen as something a nerd would be wearing as they were stuffed into their locker. But now there's more positive images of bow ties with shows that have characters who wear them such as in Mad Men. People are starting to realize that they are a great historical accessory, and with new and creative designs and colours are being brought back and reinvented for our modern culture.

What attracted you to OoOTie Bow Ties?

The variation they have. Before I started buying from OoOTie, I'd go to the store and they'd be around $100 for one tie that wasn't nearly as unique as OoOTie's bow ties. I'm pretty particular with my ties, and a lot of times you'll find that the store's selection is pretty poor, and see those supposed bargain packages with the tie and dress shirt combined. I hate those because most of the time, you can only form one look with them. You're almost boxed in with this fixed look the brand has created for you.

So when I came across OoOTie in my facebook feed I immediately bookmarked it. After months of checking on it every few weeks, I got some extra spending money from some savings bonds I had bough 10 years ago and reinvested some of that into some sweet ties at amazing value ($30 vs. $50+ for regular straight ties).

What really endeared me to OoOTie was how well they handled my order, and even included a hand- written letter thanking me getting their ties. These extra personal touches showed me that it was important to them to do things well.

I've found that they really care about their customers' happiness and are willing to work with you. When I originally checked if they would ship to Canada they were very responsive and made sure that I was going to be able to get what I wanted. Another example of how OoOTie has personally been helpful to me, is when I wanted to buy a tie that was taken off the website after a few weeks. When I asked them about it, they ended up posting it specifically so that I could buy it. So they really care about making a good product and keeping good customers.




Do you have a favorite OoOTie bow tie?

I like them all! The variety is really great. I prefer the double-sided ties because you can create more looks. I like the flexibility they give your wardrobe. With a few minor tweaks, a bow tie can help pull your whole look together.

*******Coming Soon!!!!!!

****Make sure to take a closer look at how this stylish geotechnical engineer rocks his bow tie collection!

Part 1:OoOTie's Bow Tie Lover in the Flesh!

Part 1: OoOTie's Bow Tie Lover in the Flesh!

Meet Jon! This guy who knows how to bring big, bow tie personality to any plain, old lab coat. A proud Canadian and loyal customer and friend of OoOTie, Jon represents bow ties on his on turf. Jon is a master's candidate in geotechnical engineering at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, developing new and innovative ways to study landslides. A firm believer in giving it your all no matter what the task at hand from shaving to writing a letter, you won't find the term 'half-baked' in this bow tie lover's vocabulary. Whether teaching in front of the class or hanging with pals, this smart guy knows how to create a smart and bow tie friendly style.

So you mentioned a few interesting personal habits. For example using a pocket watch, shaving using a shaving brush and straight razor, using a fountain pen and wax seal when writing a letter, writing a letter versus an email, and even wearing bow ties versus regular ties. These seem like unusual traditions for a younger person living in the era of McDonaldization.

Well, I started doing these things probably about seven years ago, but I've slowly built upon them. I've grown an affinity for the "good old times," and am a staunch believer in taking the time to do things well. I believe clothes and presentation are a reflection of the self and the work you do. So if you're going to wear a clip-on tie, it's going to send the message that you don't care, and are taking the easy way out. Whereas if you actually take the time to tie a bow tie properly, you're showing not only that you look the part and care about your physical presentation, but also that you're the kind of person that's going to take the extra steps to do things well.

Describe your style in three words.

I would say, solid in both pattern and character, simple, but not simplistic, and time-honored.



What's typical Canadian style? Are bow ties big in Canada?

I would say that Canadian style is similar to American style. It's probably dominated about 80 percent by the American culture through the media.

Though we may appear very similar, there are subtle differences. If you wanted to get an idea of how Canada and the US differ in attitude, I would check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bV_041oYDjg, as this does good job summarizing. Also something that always makes me smile is that when a national contest was held to find the Canadian equivalent to the saying, "As American as apple pie." The wining entry was, "As Canadian as required to be given the circumstances."

As for bow ties in Canada, bow ties aren't really that big here. I haven't seen too many in Kingston, it's about a medium-sized town (population~150,000). Usually if I see someone wearing a bow tie, they're typically wearing one for a special event. But as for casual bow tie wearing, not really.

Since bow ties aren't that big in Canada, what attracted you to them? Have you gotten positive feedback about wearing them? And have you been able to change your friends' minds about them?

What first got me going on bow ties was SciFormal. Every year the graduating undergraduate engineers here at Queen's have a fantastic formal event where the students design and build elaborate sets and decoration. It's like prom but with alcohol and held in a tree fort that you and your 500 best friends built. As with any formal, most people wore rented tuxes. These came with the flimsy and characterless clip on bow ties. I would have none of that and was determined to have a proper tie for the event. Unable to locate one my self, I enlisted the excellent item finding skills of my mother. We eventually found one in downtown Toronto. At that event I got many compliments on it as people did a double take realizing that it had that little bit of asymmetric character that comes with tying it yourself.

So I have gotten positive feedback about wearing bow ties. People really like them. I'm actually known for them (among other things).

As for being able to change my friends' opinions about them, I think everyone has their own personal style. But I would say that at the very least, I've been able to bring bow ties to their attention.


Do you have a favorite Canadian bow tie wearer?

Not really. But I appreciate that Bill Nye made science cool while wearing a bow tie.

Are bow ties the centerpiece or icing to a look?

It depends on the outfit, they're definitely a focal point. People are drawn to them. I think OoOTie's unique designs really showcase how bow ties can be the focus of a look. But you also have to build a whole outfit, where the bow tie then becomes the piece that ties it all together. The bow tie you choose to wear really depends on the tone you're trying to convey whether it's serious or crazy.

****Make sure to stay tuned for part two of Jon's interview, and a lesson on how to create a smart style from this geotechnical engineer. Coming soon!


****Also, a special thank you in advance to all of our fantastic photographers: Kathleen Brown, Samantha Doedens, Mike Dutton, Lyn-Marie Sealy, Doug Tomlinson, and Sarah Zakaib.