How to Tie a Tie - Four in Hand Knot

I went to an all-boy's Catholic High School with a dress code.  Although we didn't wear ties on a daily basis, they were required quite frequently.  I learned how to tie a tie from my father at a young age, but I was always shocked by how many of my peers could not complete the simple task.  There are many more fancy knots, but I always tie the four in hand knot.  It does not make a perfectly symmetrical, massive knot, like the full or half windsor, but each knot has a unique charm.  If you are in the market for a lovely tie, check out the Kiton Sevenfold (above) I have listed on eBay.

First, from Sette Neckwear:




Next from TM Lewin:

The ever important dimple @ GQ:

ATL Essentials: Mid Summer Edition

 Summer is in full swing, and has it been a hot one here in the northeastern United States.  I have been loving getting out there and enjoying summer as best as possible.  I decided to put together a short list of the things that I can't live without during the summer, and a short write up on each of them. 

Loafers, no socks.  This is my footwear of choice, although I occasionally go for sneakers or more formal options, loafers are the summer stand-by.  They go great with both pants and shorts and sockless is the only way to go.  I prefer the full strapped loafers, but penny loafers, driving shoes and many other variations work as well.

Seltzer.  I used to be a big soda drinker, pre paleo, but now I get my carbonation fix from seltzer water.  Zero calories, ice cold, and refreshing on a warm day.  Many people prefer the imported Pelligrino, but I really like Poland Springs, especially the lime and mandarin orange flavors.

Vineyard Vines neckwear.  Bright colors, summery motifs, these are my favorite summer ties.

Patagonia Standup shorts.  I am a pretty big Patagonia fan in general, and the stand up shorts are possibly my favorite item.  They are designed for climbing, with the big pockets, but I think they look great and the fabric is incredibly thick.

Leatherman Ltd Motif Belts.  Leatherman makes affordable belts and are a product of Connecticut!  I prefer the nautical, sport, or fishing patterns, these are great summer belts.

Tennis.  I have recently picked up playing the sport, as a result of my wife taking classes.  We both have improved dramatically, and it is really a great competitive past time for us now.

Fresh produce.  Summers in New England are the best time for us to get fresh produce.  Grocery stores, farm stands, and farmers markets are the places to pick it up.  I love tomatos and really prefer the locally grown heirloom varieties, so I make sure to get my fill while available!

Duffle Bag.  Duffle bags are essential for a weekend getaway to Cape Cod, Maine, the Hamptons, Narragansett or any of the other great summer getaway locations near by.  Luckily Red Clay Soul, a blog I really like, written by a guy out of Charleston, gave a great rundown on duffle bags recently, and I urge you to check it out!

Check out other ATL Essentials posts.

Grenadine Ties

 

If I could only own one tie, it would definitely be a grenadine.  It goes with everything, since it is plain, but it has enough texture due to the way that it is made, that its not boring.  They are made by various makers, but I prefer mine to be about 3.5 inches in length, as with most of my other ties.  Plain colors match with everything and you can even keep a bright stripey Etro under control with one.  Looks great with suits or sportcoats. 

J.Press has some on sale in the skinny and normal length variety, a bargain at under $65.

Paul Stuart offers them for $98.60

Sam Hober offers them for $80

There are a number of other higher end retailers who offer this fine neckwear option such as Brioni, Drakes, (pictured above) Turnbull and Asser if you have more money to spend, then go one of those routes.

Doc Rivers

As I was watching the Celtics eke out a win in Game 1 of the 2nd round of the NBA finals, I caught myself admiring coach Doc River's black and blue paisley tie.  I wondered what maker it came from, and as I was perusing the various Celtics blogs today, I was able to figure it out.  Looks like Doc favors fine Italian tie-maker Ermenegildo Zegna.  Good taste sir.

Summer in March

I have been thoroughly enjoying the record breaking heat here in New England, with temperatures in the 80s, and its only mid-March!  I enjoyed spending the last weekend with my family, and my beautiful wife, Marina, has been on spring break this week as well.  This means lots of great home-cooked meals, walks, and just a better vibe at home, without the stress of schoolwork hanging on her shoulders. 

We have been playing tennis lately, as she has taken it both beginner and intermediate classes at her school, and has taught me the basics as well.  I just recently ordered a Babolat racquet from Ebay, although used I am happy to get a "tweener" racquet that I can use for at least a year or two!

  

I also have been able to pick up two great ties from Ebay, a Turnbull and Asser for $8 and a Vineyard Vines for $16, both bargains!

I enjoyed a few beverages this weekend.  Blue Hills Brewery's American Bitter was pretty decent for $8.50/growler and the Sam Adams Spring Mixed 12 pack was solid, for the few offerings I had tried so far.  The Mighty Oak was not my favorite, but certainly not terrible.  I had my brother pick up a 750ml bottle of Bulleit Bourbon on his way back from New Hampshire for $25, saving $7 off the retail price here in MA/CT.  I enjoyed this bourbon a lot, and I hope to continue tasting more great brown spirits!

Hiking up Tuckerman's Ravine at Mount Washington the weekend after this coming one, should be a good time!

eBay Items

I just posted a gaggle of items to eBay.  Feel free to check them out, or just ignore this post!

1) T.M. Lewin Dress Shirt

Great TM Lewin dress shirt.  Spread collar, perfect condition, the sleeves are too long, and I like a pocket on my dress shirts.  $33 shipped buy it now seems fair.

2) Mercer and Sons OCBD

Another great dress/casual shirt.  These boxy, baggy Mercer & Sons shirts are great.  I picked this one up off the bay with a twin brother for $50 a year ago or so.  I like the shirts, but the fabric is a little bit lighter than I would like, and the color leaves something to be desired.  Huge collar roll is nice.  $36 including postage.

3) Vineyard Vines Tie

Lovely Vines tie with the Susan G. Komen Cure for Breast Cancer logo on bright yellow silk.  Someone gave this to me.  Its yours for a penny, to start.

4) Ermenegildo Zegna Tie

Italian tie, why buy it at Neimans when you can get it for $22 on eBay?

5) wife's Barneys top (XS)

It was either here or the thrift store...someone will want it I hope!

Me Gusta Mister Mort

Mister Mort

He is the love of the blog world lately, I mean he is literally all over the place. Not my first and probably not my last time complementing him.

His keys to success are not entirely unique, but definitely well executed

1) Take Sartorialist style photos of hipsters/cool guys around the world wearing vintage clothing

via the Sartorialist

2) Run with PR machine Michael Williams and the ACL/Pop Up Flea crew, I don't have any repsect for a guy who uses his blog as a business to promote the highest bidder, at least call a shill a shill, I really hope nobody believes this guy is unbiased... back to the topic at hand

Mort and the A Continiuous Loser

3) Develop and sell related products (neck wear, braces, hats and hopefully more accessories coming soon)







Dark and Stormy hat will keep me hoping for warmer days with Gosling Black Seal and Barritt's Ginger Beer when Summer rolls back around

Along the way it helps to do a lot of guest posts, have a quality Twitter account, garner some glowing praise (see #2) and last but certainly not least, practice what you preach and get photographed rocking the finest blue-collar-at-white-collar-price-heritage-American-clothing





hats off to you Mister Mordechai Rubenstein!

PS: Grew up in Providence, RI huh? I am living on Blackstone Boulevard on the East Side currently!