Take a bow with a bow (tie)

They are a great convenience. It is impossible to spill soup on a bow tie. In fact, it requires extreme agility to spill anything on it at all.
- Arthur Schlesinger
Historian & social critic, recipient of the Pulitzer Prize.
What do Arthur Schlesinger, Winston Churchill, Donald Duck, Frank Sinatra, Playboy Enterprises, Stan Laurel and Humphrey Bogart all have in common? Yep, they were all avid followers of the bow tie fashion. But did you know we owe this tricky tie form to a bunch of Croats and French aristocracy?
The bow tie can actually trace its ancestry back to the European Wars of the 17th century. Croatian mercenaries, in support of King Louis, used a loosely fitted scarf to keep their shirts closed and provide some protection from the cold weather. This piece of clothing was quickly adopted by King Louis, becoming a required piece of upper class french fashion and in honour of the Croats, was given the name la cravat.
The name bow tie actually comes from the French, jabot, a type of readymade 17th century lace cravat.
Over the next centuries, the bow tie made its transition to what we now know today as a sophisticated traditional piece of men's attire. Wearing one is very much personal preference. These days it tends to be associated with the likes of professors, scientists and political commentators. However for the more expressive men out there it's a great alternate to the standard tie. Something that can really show of your individualism - but as with any tie avoid Homer Simpson, in fact any cartoon characters.
Typing the perfect bow tie... Can you? You may be an expert and think nothing of it, in which case I applaud you for upholding centuries of tradition. Or maybe you're going to be wearing one for the first time in which case read on as you will need to practice those tying skills!

	Start with the left-hand end 1 inch longer than the right.
	Cross the longer end over the shorter and pass up behind.
	Double up the free-hanging shorter end and place it across the collar points.
	Hold front loop with thumb and forefinger of left hand. Drop long end down over front.
	Place right forefinger, pointing up, on bottom part of loose hanging end. Pass up behind front loop.
	Insert resulting loop through knot behind front loop. Even ends and tighten.

Of course you can cheat and opt for the ready made ones but I warn you...it will be noticeable.
My personal comment on bow ties is that I think they should be worn more and not just reserved for the scholars, black tie events or gimmicky fashion designers. I mean the traditional gentlemanly look, where there is an air of sophistication and refinement that goes with wearing a bow tie. Although a bow tie would not be appropriate for everybody, why not try introducing it into your wardrobe? If Indiana Jones' alter ego can wear one and he's really cool, then why not? Oh damn he was also a professor...well, you get the message.

A list of bow tie devotees reads like a Who's Who of rugged individualists. - The New York Times

Thinking of shopping for a bow tie or black tie outfit? Need help with what suits you and what will last? Make sure you look the part this season with our Styling for Men Session and Personal Shopping designed to focus on your needs whatever your lifestyle and personal style.

Featured Shop - Ethical shopping at Accessorize

I am sure there are many of you ladies out there already familiar with the popular high street store Monsoon which was founded 1973 by Peter Simon. Its original concepts were inspired by the traditional craftsmanship of the Rajasthan in India and Afghanistan and all other countries in between! The huge success of Monsoon has led to a fast expansion of its brand into accessories, a home collection, Monsoon for babies and boys and in 2004 a range for men.

It was in the early 1980's that Monsoon started to sell a small collection of accessories and, the now popular Accessorize was formed. Accessorize is Monsoon's inspiring, innovative and impressive fashion accessories store which stands true to its principals of ethical and fair trading. And it is one of my favourites for searching out those all important finishing touches or gifts at a price that suits. Here's a reminder of the benefits of this fun store and how you can get the most from it...

What does Accessorize sell?
Umm...try every kind of accessory imaginable and then some: bags, purses, jewellery of every description, belts, hats, scarves, gloves, umbrellas, wraps, boots, shoes, slippers, socks, tights flip flops, hair accessories, lingerie and cosmetics...phew!

Where do the designs come from?
Accessorize use their own in-house design team who still take their inspiration from the all over the world as well keep an eye on the fashion catwalks to keep the collections colourful, affordable with a strong commitment to being an environmentally responsible retailer.

What really stands out about Accessorize?
The 'liquorices all sort store' is one way Accessorize has been described to me. On first entry you may think crikey...where do I start? But it's not as confusing as you might think. Apart from its extensive range, you will notice that it is arranged by colour which is picked up in its sister Monsoon stores as well. This actually makes shopping for what you want much easier and quicker to see if there is anything that suits. And if you are not after something specific then it serves as a great way of introducing you to different colour concepts and options for wearing. For example, one of this seasons hot colour is purple, why not introduce it through a key accessory?

Why shop there?
There is something in Accessorize for every wardrobe personality and style and just about every age with the Angels range for the younger ones. In my profession, I often advise on the use of accessories as finishing touches or to emphasise or de-emphasise an outfit, a shop like Accessorize is a great value for money option.

Accessorize is the sort of place where you may not buy your entire wardrobe from but is excellent for adding some colour to your collection and matching to a particular outfit or for experimenting with new ideas. My favourite reason to go is for gift ideas, evening bags, hair accessories and jewellery and am always pleasantly surprised about what else is on offer, from kaftans to pyjamas!

Can I shop via the Internet?
Yes, Accessorize has an online shop although you will find that not all of the colour ranges of jewellery are available online, so I usually recommend visiting a store as well as checking the Internet. Deliveries can currently be made to UK and Republic of Ireland addresses only. The site has a very easy Returns process should you not be happy and also an extensive sizing guide covering their complete range of clothing and footwear.

In conclusion - If you haven't ventured into an Accessorize store yet or think it is not your thing, then why not do so, you may find just what you are looking for this party season! And guys, if you are stuck for gift ideas and stocking fillers for the ladies in your life, you wouldn't go far wrong by a paying a visit either!