The Oscars' Bow Tie Wearers Recap!

The Oscars' Bow Tie Wearers Recap!

Okay, the winners have been revealed, it's been more than 24hrs. since the best and worst dressed lists have hit the presses, and the Oscar nominee-worthy movies you didn't get to see this year have been added to your netflix's queues. After gushing over The King's Speech major win, or blaming the film for pulling a robbery over The Social Network, what can there possibly be left to say about the Oscars? One word: bow- ties.

It seemed like no matter where and/or how the camera was angled, a bow tie was being put into focus. Instead of just looking at some of the most dapper-looking bow tie wearers of the night, learn why bow ties are ALWAYS a great choice when doing formal wear for red carpet events. Let's review some of the possible reasons for choosing a bow tie versus a regular tie to celebrate the biggest night in film.

Why Do Bow Ties Work For the Oscars?

Because you effortlessly steal the spotlight away from a wannabe ballerina.

Because bow ties know how to strut their stuff on the red carpet.

Because bow ties could earn you more friend requests.

Because bow ties always make you look classy.

Because you could qualify as an award show host/hostess.

Because awesome neckwear distracts people from questionable hair.

Because they make any old tux look like something special.

Because even designers say they're stylish!

Because bow ties make you so unbelievably good looking that you make people want to dance.

Because bow ties are for winners!

Awesome Short Videos By Knot Candy!

Awesome Short Videos By Knot Candy!

Hey everyone!

Make sure to check out these pretty awesome short videos by Knot Candy, showcasing Carl Pierce's (recently featured OoOTie bow tie collaborator and bow tie lover in the flesh) sweet line of bow ties. For your convenience, you can purchase one of Carl's signature bow ties by clicking this link.

A taste of Candy from Knot Candy on Vimeo.

Untitled from Knot Candy on Vimeo.

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

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

Do you try to tell a story with your collection? Do you use mood boards?

I actually use several mood boards throughout the week. I really like vibrant colors, and am inspired by a lot of pop art when designing. I look at the clothes as a blank canvas and the bow tie as a piece of wearable art.They're that finishing touch that helps complete a look.

Do you have a/any style icon/s?

I really look up to Tom Ford as a fashion icon. I'm really into statements and things that pop, and Tom Ford just exemplifies that. I also really like Scott Disick's style. If I could get that guy in one of my bow ties, I'd be happy.


Favorite Knot Candy-OoOTie bow tie?

I really like the Cream with Orange and Red Striped Bow Tie. But I've been hearing that the Orange Plaid with Navy Blue Striped Bow Tie is really popular among OoOTie customers.

What do you think of women in bow ties? Should they wear them?

I am all about women in bow ties! I actually have gotten several requests asking for a women's line, and am in the process of designing a separate line for women. It'll be bow ties, but more feminine.

What would you say to people on the fence about wearing bow ties?

Simply, bow ties aren't considered the norm, so don't wear them if you want to be seen as normal. But who wants to be normal? Who wants to live in normalcy? Bow ties are all about being different, and being proud of that fact.

What are your future goals with Knot Candy and/or in fashion?

Knot Candy will soon be coming out with a line of handkerchiefs, and as always, more sophisticated-looking bow ties.

Later on I definitely want to branch out from doing just bow ties and make a second additional menswear company. Actually Ralph Lauren started out by selling ties first and then moved onto other projects in fashion.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

It's an honor to have my first collaboration be with OoOTie. I will always remember OoOTie for being such wonderful collaborators!

Make sure to get your own Knot Candy-OoOTie bow tie spotlighted at OoOTie.com through the end of February. And do keep tabs on all of Knot Candy's and Carl Pierce's exciting fashion ventures at KnotCandy.com. He'll be sure to keep you looking sophisticated!

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

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

Meet OoOTie's featured bow tie lover in the flesh Carl Pierce. The 19-year-old head bow tie designer and CEO of Knot Candy. Carl alongside managing his own business and designing bow ties for both his and currently OoOTie's label, is also a full-time college student majoring in menswear fashion. A driven bow tie and aspiring menswear designer, Carl hopes to prove the world of fashion that he is a force to be reckoned with.

How did you get started as a bow tie designer and why bow ties?

One day I went to class wearing a bow tie, and I remember listening to people just saying how much they loved it. So I went to go buy another one, but because of the cost I decided it'd be cheaper to just make my own.


I think bow ties exemplify sophistication, but they aren't generally for the person wanting to look ordinary.

As for how OoOTie and I decided to collaborate it was all through twitter. OoOTie and I kept following each other and kept in touch. And I just loved their site and what they stood for.

Describe Knot Candy in three words.

Sophistication, elegant, and quality.

Describe your style.

My style is classic. I usually wear a nice crisp shirt, a pair of Ray-Ban Wayfarers, and a bow tie (I wear one now every day). Occasionally I wear suits. When I dress down I go for the preppy look, Oxford shirt, a pair of khakis, and boat shoes.

Favorite bow tie wearer (celebrity bow tie wearer)? Or if money were not object, what celebrity bow tie wearer would you like to wear/represent your brand?

Andre Benjamin, aka Andre 3000.

When is it appropriate to wear a bow tie?

Any time of the day. Whether you're going to work or dinner, bow ties can fit into any part of your lifestyle.

Are bow ties the centerpiece or icing to a look?

I would say they can be both.They can be the centerpiece due to neckwear being the main focus. But they can also be the icing because they help tie the whole look together. So you can't really differentiate the two because bow ties can be both, but at different times.

Who is your ideal customer when you're designing?

There's a perception out there that bow ties are for old men, but I'm really trying to attract the younger gentlemen market. My friends definitely look at bow ties differently since I've become a bow tie designer. Bow ties are cool now!

****Make sure to stay tuned to for part two of Carl's interview coming later this week!

BYOB-Bring-Your-Own-Bow-Tie V-Day Edition

BYOB- Bring-Your-Own-Bow- Tie V-Day Edition

In need of some appropriate V-day dinner destinations to go with your bow tie wearing honey? Or maybe a hiding place from all the glitter, paper heart-doilies, and questionable PDA? OoOTie has got you covered when it comes to finding a place where couples or doom day V-day singles along with there bow ties can be appreciated.

For Your Funny Valentine or the V-Day Escapist

The Friendly Toast located at 1 Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA is the perfect place to go for the nontraditional quirky couple. Serving brunch, lunch, and everything far and in between, the menu covers all cravings from giant candy-filled pancakes as big as your head, a wide selection of vegan/vegetarian options, or out- of- this- world diner food with a twist.

For those whose V-day motto is "bah humbug love!," the birdbath filled with baby doll heads greeting you at the door, is just a taste of the eccentric decor that keeps cut-out red metallic cupids off the reservations list. The vibrant green walls decorated with off-beat retro art, drink offerings including alcohol-filled milkshakes and ice cream floats, and a killer alternative/indie soundtrack playing in the background, will be enough to distract you from the hipster couple next to you holding hands while debating whether or not Animal Collective has gotten "too mainstream." Just keeps saying to yourself, bottoms up! No matter what your facebook relationship status is, your funkiest, most colorful, or most over-the-top bow tie will be sure to get some love here!

OoOTie/Knot Candy Picks: Blue Bow Tie with Flamingo Critters, Multi-Colored Striped Bow Tie, and Black and Pink Polka Dot Bow Tie.

For Romeo Casanova on a Student Budget

In the movie Just Friends, Ryan Reynolds' character was a firm believer that lunch meant that you were still in the dreaded friend zone. Well, conveniently Reynold's character was also a big-time record producer where he made a ton of mula. Where (insert overpriced college or university name here) has made you accustomed to a steady diet of ramen noodles and Miller Lite, lunch at a seated restaurant can seem like a luxury to another college/grad school-aged person. Sugar and Spice in Porter Square is just the place to impress without putting a huge dent in your wallet. Bold Asian flavors, generous portion sizes, an acceptable cocktail list, and respectable prices makes this place a great pick for someone betting their bottom dollar on an expensive second-hand chemistry book. Try out your more casual- looking bow ties at this sweet little lunch/dinner spot.

OoOTie/Knot Candy Picks: Gold with Blue, Red and Green Stripes, Sailor Shields Bow Tie, and Orange Plaid and Navy Blue Plaid Bow Tie.

For the Last Minute Hopeless Romantic

Regardless of your excuses, whether your V-day protests have resulted in you sleeping on the couch, you thought Easter and/or Passover came before Valentine's Day, or you just confirmed that you had a valentine last night, it's Monday morning on February 14th and you don't have reservations. Have no fear, Piattini is here! An intimate Italian bistro in the middle of Newbury Street that caters to anyone looking to make a positive impression on their guest/s, they'll be sure to lend you a hand.






The dim lighting, array of fine wine and upscale liquor offerings, as well as the small plates that allow for sharing will earn you a gold star as a valentine. (FTW Piattini's reasonable prices will make up for the fact that you just bought a $20 boutique of wilted carnations or giant piece of chocolate that has "Happy St. Patrick's Day" imprinted on it). Pull out all stops when it comes to your bow tie collection, think dressy and chic and your valentine will hardly suspect that you put all this together in less than 24hrs.They might even laugh about the candy....well, might being the operative word.

OoOTie/Knot Candy Picks: Blue with Flower Design Bow Tie, Black with Pink, White, and Green Bow Tie, or Cream with Orange and Red Striped Bow Tie.

Happy Valentine's Day Everybody!

****For V-Day haters, make your day a little sweeter with one of Knot Candy's awesomely stylish bow ties at OoOTie.com!

Anything He Can Do, She Can Do Too!

Anything He Can Do, She Can Do Too!

Bow ties aren't just for boys! A couple of months ago I was walking aimlessly in a department store "helping" my brother pick out a tie for a wedding he was going to this past fall. As we searched through one of the two almost untouched small bow tie racks off to the side, I noticed two young high school- aged girls going through the rack next to us.

There was nothing out of the ordinary about them.They resembled any other teenager, their bodies, walking billboards for hollister/ abercrombie/old navy/aeropostale/no one cares. Their long blonde hair freshly straightened, acrylic nails painted a bright magenta and/or metallic blue, and both had a pair of uggs cushioning their feet.









As I watched them each carefully pull a bow tie off from the full rack, my first thought was, maybe they're purchasing one for their boyfriend/s, and/or some male family member's birthday? But then my eyes followed them to a full-length viewing mirror off to the side where they tightened a knot around their own necks. (And might I add, they did a pretty good job for amateurs;)

After they made some minor adjustments they admired their work proudly. I started to smile as I watched them walk to the register each with a bow tie in hand, and pull out a twenty dollar bill from their matching hello kitty wallets. I thought to myself, maybe I shouldn't have been so presumptuous. There's absolutely NO good reason why a girl can't make a bow tie look fierce too!

Why Should Ladies Give the Bow Tie Some Love?

Bow ties are beautiful no matter what their size!
You can look Vogue -worthy when wearing bow ties!
You (Twiggy)+bow tie= Possible fashion icon.
Because Joan Jett and The Runaways showed ladies that they could still rock with bow ties.

Because Princess Diana gave the bow tie the royal treatment.Because Rhianna made the bow tie look fierce!

Because you can look studious but bookworm-chic wearing a bow tie.
Because Julie Andrews shows ladies that you can still be a BA while wearing a bow tie.
Because Janelle Monae proves to women that they can still have their swag intact.Because who said you can't look pretty in a bow tie?

Because girls who wear bow ties really DO have more fun!
Because Drew Barrymore shows ladies how to put the sexy back into bow ties!
Because bow ties and attitude is a dangerously stylish combination.
BECAUSE DIANE KRUGER SAID SO!

Want to know if you're favorite female celebrity has ever styled her look with the help of a bow tie? Check out this awesome link to see if she's a member of the bow tie wearing club!

In need of a special something for your Valentine? Or in need of some love yourself? Fill that void in your or your significant other's life, and please DO give some love to one of KnotCandy's wonderfully elegant-looking bow ties currently featured on OoOTie.com while supplies last!


Have a great week!