Live and Let Tie

Well now. I’d like the boys of Tie or Die: Who Wore It Best? to take a bow: for those of us watching, they were two very dapper gents all October long. Jon and Ryan have helped me set my wardrobe expectations a little higher for young dudes in the work place.

You hear that, boys born after 1980? It is no longer enough to merely wash your work clothes– from now on, you’re going to have to match.

These lads were hardly at a loss for votes; the verdict came in at Jon: 2795 total votes and Ryan with 3532 total votes. Despite some nail-biter weeks, the verdict is out: Ryan won.

Congrats! And for the record, Ryan: I think you look damn fine in a vest. We’ll be awaiting Jon’s …aftermath.. in photos. High fives!

Tie or Die: Who Wore It Best?

Ladies and gentlemen: I’ve found a website that will change your lives. Or  your opinion on the term “business casual.” PWstyle has a serious blog crush, and it’s on the boys of Tie or Die: Who Wore It Best? Two local Mad Men, Jon Fruman and Ryan Brown of 160over90,  have half-windsor‘d their way into our hearts by way of a friendly office competition.

So, how did it all start? The boys told me “the contest itself was sparked by some facebook boasting about having enough ties to wear a different one every day for a month” and developed from there. With that, we were impressed—considering most young professional men barely have enough boxers to get through a week, let alone enough formal accessories to last a month.

The rules clearly state that a different tie must be worn each day for the month of October. When asked if some competitive shopping was sparred, I was pleasantly surprised that the duo already owned most of their neckwear! It turns out that they both previously worked for banks and, as a result, had sharp business casual wardrobes and already knew how to dress like classy you-know-what’ers.

PWstyle: Ryan, we are north of the Mason-Dixon line and easily an hour south-east of the only place in this state that would allow regular equestrian travel. Where the hell did you find a bolo-tie?! Can we have it?

Ryan: I inherited three bolo ties from my grandfather a few years back. Apparently, when you’re in your 80’s, it doesn’t matter if you were raised in Philadelphia – you can still get away with a bolo tie. (And he said we could have one.)

PWstyle: Are you both aware that many celebrities and politicians have tie lines– seriously!– including Rush Limbaugh? Would you wear any or do you think they are all totally lame?
Jon: Rush Limbaugh? No. Sean John? Maybe. R-Kelly? Absolutely.

PWstyle: If your favorite tie was a band, who would it be, and why?
Ryan: My favorite is a plaid fabric tie—pretty rockin’. Kind of reminds me of Daryl Hall.
Jon: My favorite is slick and dark; it’s got some soul. Very “John Oates,” if you ask me.

They seem very Wayne and Garth in their e-demeanor. A few weeks back the boys wore their Phillies garb and when asked about potential World Series ties, I was given a cryptic answer and an invite to join one of them at game four. They also both insist they pick their duds out solo for the competition (with no help from a girlfriend or mom).

“The Winner will be able to choose a full outfit of attire to be worn by The Loser on the day of The Winner’s choosing. And the Loser has to go tanning wearing only a tie and undies – so that every time he looks at himself naked in the mirror he may be reminded that he should have tried just a little bit harder.”

The last day to vote is this Friday!

Be sure to go to Tie or Die and let these kids know who wore it best.