Dressing An Easter Basket

Pierrepont Hicks Madras Tie


Corbin MTM Canvas Trouser


It helps to have a theme. Gives you a place to start and no one needs to know. Easter is about warm days and the lure of Summer. Waxed cotton gets the heave ho and bright cotton madras dances in the sun. The green gingham is my grass in the basket while madras serves as Paas and the canvas trousers are Peeps. Does anyone know how to dye an egg madras?

Pierrepont Hicks & The Camel Cravat

I think mixing patterns is the most fun you can have with your clothes on. The Brits do it better than anyone and I stole a lot over the years from Lionel Hardcastle in, As Time Goes By. Lionel had a thing for Tattersall check shirts and beautiful tweed and herringbone jackets. A solid wool tie calmed down the patterns considerably.

Wool ties have the texture you need but, for me, they lack character and depth. That is, they just sit there like they've had too much single malt. I've written about Pierrepont Hicks before. Kat and Mac are a married couple who put out a line of ties and bows that, while out of the box, also stay true to tradition. I've said before their ties are hip enough for Crosby Street but there's nothing dad or granddad wouldn't enjoy around their necks.

This tie, the Conrad, has that same out of box thinking. Inspired by the camel hair sport coat, the tie is solid but the texture is rich. I'd say, stone cold sober. Made in NYC, the tie literally springs off the collar. It dimples easily and looks warm on a Tattersall check. Perfect for the Winter antique's show or dinner some Fall night at the Gramarcy Tavern. Just stay away from pasta.

This is not cheaply made. To echo the camel hair sport coat lining -- the narrow blade of the tie is silk along with the self loop which is sewn into the center seam. It's also self tipped. $140 is a small price to pay for unique soul and a whole lot more interesting than Hermes or Ferragamo.

For a perfect dimple, fold the narrow end of the tie away from you and at the point you cross the larger blade over. Keep the narrow end folded until you pull the tie down through the knot. Works everytime. Go to Trad Approved for details and how to order. The tie. Not the dimple.

The Ace Show

Mac of Pierrepont Hicks

Mac's ties

Taylor Stitch Madras

Taylor Stitch Button Down

Billy Moore's buckle - Needs a buffalo

More of Billy's copper & leather

Mac McMillan of Pierrepont Hicks thought to avoid the crowd at the Capsule show and display his wares in a Loft at the Ace Hotel. The Ace reminds me of a Romanian Youth Hostel but the young man from the UK who rode up in the elevator with me told his mates, "Shee, wot I likes about the Ace ez etts not so pre-tent-ches, yeah." Hello, Ian Wright (Ian's a hero btw).

Being the pretentious git I am, I was wearing a blazer on what had to be one of the hottest days in NYC. Entering the loft I was greeted by Billy Moore of 'Cause and Effect' with an offer of Moonshine. "That'll certainly hit the spot." I thought. Turns out there was a keg of beer. Billy poured me a cup and Mac came over and introduced himself. I introduced myself and my blog to which Billy opined, "God, another fuckin' blogger." and walked away - barefoot.

I was introduced to Michael Maher of Taylor Stitch and checked out his shirts. One of four young guys starting up their first company with made in San Francisco button downs. Hard not to be impressed with the energy. The look is not my thing (me being pre-tent-ches and all) but you can still respect it.

I like Mac's line of ties and bow ties a lot. It's pushing the 'hip' factor but there's no reason your Uncle Joe wouldn't enjoy getting one of these ties as a gift. I may have just kicked the cool factor down a couple notches by writing this but it's true. Made in NYC, they're unique enough for anyone.

Now Billy is another story. He has no web site. In fact, I can't find anything about him or his belts on line. I ran into Billy at a party the next night and noticed he was wearing shoes. He was also kicking an Exxon shirt with his name in cursive script. Billy makes belts (not so much) and some copper buckles(better) . Especially that arrow head. I asked him about his comment regarding bloggers the prior day and Billy said he didn't mean old farts like me but he meant young 20-ish hipsters who haven't lived long enough to know jack shit. Or, something like that.

Billy and I sipped our Pabst Blue Ribbon beers in a art gallery where they were selling khaki jeans for $225 and I grew to like him. That's what a lot of this is. You may not be crazy about someones line but you can always enjoy their passion and honesty for what they do. Hey, Billy. You need to write a blog. If you want a belt or buckle or just a hard time - shoot Billy an email at: billy.causeandeffect@gmail.com

Pierrepont Hick's Field Bow & Cocktail

I've never been gifted a bow tie - I've never invented a cocktail.

The folks at Pierrepont Hicks are some very nice folks. They gifted me their bow tie, the Field,which is made in NYC and sells for all of $59 . That ain't bad. I could swing $59 on my own but this affords me the chance to buy another belt.

A lot of men and David Sedaris won't wear bow ties and that's okay. Not everyone can pull them off. I didn't wear one until I was 44. I've made my stand about bow ties (and Sedaris) before so I'll just say the Field bow with the shantung silk backing is my new favorite. The green, blue and yellow with the orange really inspired me and I don't have an inspiration board. You gotta work for Ralph Lauren to have one of those.

So I invented a cocktail.

' The Pierrepont Hick's Field Stripper' is made from one part Manzanilla Sherry. One part Cointreau and a dash of Fee Brothers Orange Bitters. Add ice and stir. A lot. Get it cold before you try it. On the rocks or strain it into a martini glass and add a slice of orange. This is what the Field bow tastes like to me. Subtle St. Augustine oranges floated on a Chapel Hill green forest of pine trees and everyone's naked except for yellow cashmere socks.

If your boyfriend, husband or partner wears a bow tie - - this is a great present. I like the Giles bow too. If they don't like bow ties - - don't waste your time. But they just might like this cocktail.