Of all the potential man crafts, the handmade neck tie is one of my favorites. It combines everything that ManMade stands for: it's made by hand, it's something you can use everyday, it's decidely cheaper than buying one at the store, and it's uniquely masculine. … read more
The neck tie can have a big effect on whatever you're wearing. It can dress up a pair of jeans, add punch to a blazer, and generally up whatever shirt you're wearing...provided it has a collar.
But sometimes, you wanna control the "up." There are lots occassions where your finest silk is a little overkill, or that perfectly balanced double-windsor can actually make you overdressed. In those occassions, when you need just a bit of extra style, give the just-casual-enough knit tie a shot...and while you're at it, make it yourself. … read more
I've gone on record multiples times, in which I've shared that publishing ManMade has giving me a whole new appreciation for the necktie. As a full-time writer/crafter/artist/blogger/guy-who-technically-doesn't-have-to-get-dressed-most-days, its fun to have an excuse to get a little snazzed up and throw on a tie. (To you who have to wear one everyday, keep fighting the good fight).
And, whether you wear one daily or just a few times a year, it has to match the rest of your gear.… read more
When I got my first guitar at age of 13, I was all over that mid-90s loudness that I thought went with rock and roll: alien faces on my guitar picks, vending machine stickers all over my case, and a loud, bold guitar strap.
As I matured, and realized there were other options than those offered at my local mall-based music shop, I went the completely opposite direction: black or neutral straps, plain picks, etc, etc.
And now, fifteen years later (wow...), I think I'd like something in the middle. Perhaps a handmade, subtle, yet colorful, option?
