West Third Fragrances

Hey Fashionable Guys&Girls!

There is something about the beginning hints of Summer that make me long for boardwalks, nautical prints, and vintage.

...A turn of the 20th century boardwalk basically comes to mind. And with a new season of parties and lazy beach days we need a new fragrance (for guys too!). 

Luckily, as soon as I found West Third Brand I knew it was perfect with its chic vintage labels, fantastic fragrances, and smart fragrance names. And made in the USA. "Its founder Michael Loring-Probst has defined the brand by intuition, assembling ideas and aesthetics of vintage Americana with a fine weave of European splendor."

" Layer several fragrances and make it uniquely your own."

These body sprays combine more masculine scents like tobacco and musk with more feminine scents of peony and jasmine. 

The fragrances are pretty gender neutral beyond the typical associations folks have. However if you're looking for a masculine scent I'd try the Marché de Tabac or the Old Bourbon. 

 -West Third Brand

Everything is done by hand including the bottling/labeling. The "juice" is crafted in small batches, which takes lots of patience.

-@westthirdbrand

Reading the long list of West Third Brand's fragrances I want to try them all. And because of the lightness of these body spray fragrances, they even suggest layering your favorite fragrances to create your personal scent. 

If the scents themselves didn't sound so deliciously fabulous, their names definitely do. Their Société de Senteur (Sweet Company) collection is my vision of fun and flirty days on a 20th century boardwalk exactly. Fragrances include 

• "7 Heartbreaks" a citrus and floral blend and even hints of fruit, chocolate, and amber
• "Ropes & Sails" a citrus, grapefruit, and sandalwood combination 
• "Woodstock" a sandalwood, cedar, musk, and vanilla perfume

And their Liberté collection is so patriotic and all-American with "Amérique", "Old Bourbon", and "Vintage Leather". After the summer ends (can you even imagine fall yet?) I think "Tea Room" from their Smell. Good. Daily. collection will be my go-to daily scent with its floral and ylanglang hints.

All of the locations that currently hold the brand are listed on their Stocklist including quite a few locations in Japan or you can order any of their fragrances on their site for US $32.

Which fragrance is your favorite? Would you mix different scents to create something unique? 

Stay Fabulous,
xoxo Aimee ♥

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Out&About | Youphoriclothing Fashion Show

Photo by John Ashenbrener
Model: Bella Pope

Hey Fashionable Guys&Girls!

Last Sunday, I was in Milwaukee to see YouphoriClothing's "Beauty is in Everything" Fashion Show. The brand is based out of Milwaukee and describes their clothing as "Up-Cycled". Like General Knot&Co, they recycle fabric (including book covers!) to create new beautiful pieces and "bring happiness to YOU through your wardrobe." Their one-of-a-kind boho "new wave" pieces scream summer and would be perfect for any music festival. But their main goal is that whatever your style you feel totally confident and rock it. ;) Throughout the show, besides the awesome personalities of all their models, four performed impressive dance routines- some with their hula hoops (pictured below). Two, friends of the designer, recently graduated with dance and theatre majors and two, practiced performers.

Along with the show, live music including HER aka Higher Education Records and other local vendors like Two Infiniti were showcased. Donations went to Nia Imani Family Inc, a Milwaukee transitional home for women and their children.

See Youphoriclothing's Facebook page to order.

Photos by VDC Photo
(view and 'like' on his FB page)

Photos by John Doorley
(view and 'like' entire album on their FB page)

Stay Fabulous,
xoxo Aimee ♥

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Beau-ties | JoJo and Sofia

Hey Fashionable Guys&Girls!

This week, I'm excited to share the dapper Chicago brand, JoJo&Sofia. The brand sells reconstructed tie clips, cuff links, and pocket squares (and some women's accessories) The men's accessories have a modern take on old Playboy club and Mad Men's classy style and would fit right in-

"a world where men know style, enjoy the finer things in life like a good cigar, scotch, and cufflinks. A place where men dine, and get adorned in one of a kind accessories."

JoJo&Sofia is named after my two grandmothers. I love vintage and love bringing an old treasure back to life and back being worn in a unique way. Vintage is one of a kind as it is but transforming it makes it even more special. I think the vintage revival look my pieces capture have you looking modern, put together, but still has a touch of the past. 

I started the company almost 2 years ago solely making tie clips. I loved the functionality of a tie clip but also the statement it allows a modern gentleman to have. Men don't have nearly as many options as women and I wanted to create pieces that men wanted to wear that spoke to them and showed their personality without breaking the bank and looking like a grandpa.

-Sarah Sebastian , designer of JoJo&Sofia 

It's nearly impossible to choose favourites from an entire shop of gorgeous pieces, but I do think the Bull Dogs are pretty adorable.

1. Bull Dog tie Clip (US$38)
2. Sterling Bull Dog Cuff Links (US$150)
3. Brass Bull Dog Cuff Links (US$60)

Or show some Chicago love with these Vintage Illinois Map Cuff Links (US$35). And own the bold print trend with the Tribal Pocket Square (US$30).

Stay Fabulous,
xoxo Aimee ♥

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TSOF Friday | Crazy into Floral

Hey Fashionable Guys&Girls!

It's Friday... so I'm writing over at The Sitch on Fitch.

Stay Fabulous,
xoxo Aimee ♥

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Sewn-In | Elastane-Spandex-Lycra

Hey Fashionable Guys&Girls!

A third very common synthetic fibre materials (two others being nylon and polyester) is Elastane. It is also known as spandex (anagram of expands) mainly in the US. Lycra in the UK, Ireland, Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand. And variations of 'elastane' (=elastic) in various parts of the world.

The Facts

"It is a polyurethane-polyurea copolymer that was invented in 1959 by chemists C. L. Sandquist and Joseph Shivers at DuPont's Benger Laboratory in Waynesboro, Virginia." (wikipedia)

Another DuPont invention --> nylon ;)

The prepolymer can be produced using melt extrusion, reaction spinning, solution wet spinning, and solution dry spinning. Nearly all (94.5%) of the world's spandex is produced by solution dry spinning. A breakdown of what that actually is..

1. The prepolymer is a combination of macroglycol and diisocyanate monomer (ratio 1:2).
2. It's diluted with equal parts diamine so the solution is thinner and easier to work with.
3. It's poured into a spinneret and goes through a process "similar to the production process for cotton candy".
4. It's bundled to the desired thickness.
5. A finishing agent is added so the fibres don't stick and they are added to spools.

The Fashion
When you think of spandex, you probably think of shapewear, activewear, and undergarments and you would be totally right. But small amounts of spandex can be found in a lot of clothes. In 2010, about 80% of clothing bought in America included at least some spandex. (source)

1. Mens Bloomingdales Monitaly Horizontal Striped Blazer (US$616) in 'indigo'. It looks like the thin stripes between the indigo and white are maroon. The lycra is mixed with cotton and acetate. This preppy blazer has three buttons at the cuffs, is unlined, has three interior pockets, a chest pocket, and hand pockets. made in the usa.

2. Mens Emporio Armani Dinner Jacket (US$925) in 'lead'. It is an unlined zipped sweatshirt, but calling it a dinner jacket sounds so much more chic. It's made of 64% cotton, 21% polyamid, 13% viscose, and just 2% elastane.

3. 7 For All Mankind Slim Chinos (US$198) in 'coated tropical green'. The cropped pant will be great this summer- it's already getting hot- and the slim fit and tab/zip front is fantastic. The spandex is mixed with lyocell and cotton. made in the usa.

4. Cynthia Rowley Party Dress (US$410) in bright blue. This dress is totally cool and surfing-inspired and bold in the blue (also great as a LBD). But it's still completly feminine with a 'sweetheart neck with corset detail', full skirt, and cross-back straps. It is a lycra-blend. made in the usa.

Stay Fabulous,
xoxo Aimee ♥

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TSOF Friday | Pre-Summer 'Haul'

Hey Fashionable Guys&Girls!

It's Sitch on Fitch Friday! Check out what I got with these cute sunnies..

Wet Seal

See you all over at The Sitch on Fitch ;)

Stay Fabulous,
xoxo Aimee ♥

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Sewn-In | Polyester

Hey Fashionable Guys&Girls!

Like nylon, polyester is one of the most common synthetic fibre materials.

The Facts
There's a lot about the polyester's synthesis so sticking with the basics...

"Polyester is a category of polymers which contain the ester functional group in their main chain. Although there are many polyesters, the term "polyester" as a specific material most commonly refers to polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Polyesters include naturally occurring chemicals, such as in the cutin of plant cuticles, as well as synthetics through step-growth polymerization such as polycarbonate and polybutyrate. Natural polyesters and a few synthetic ones are biodegradable, but most synthetic polyesters are not.
Depending on the chemical structure, polyester can be a thermoplastic or thermoset, there are also polyester resins cured by hardeners; however, the most common polyesters are thermoplastics."  

-wikipedia 

Also like nylon, it's widely used in many products like seat belts, bottles, furniture, and (of course) clothing. It's used in finish for wood products like pianos as it can fill the wood grain quickly and can be sanded and polished. 

"Liquid crystalline polyesters are among the first industrially used liquid crystal polymers. They are used for their mechanical properties and heat-resistance. These traits are also important in their application as an abradable seal in jet engines" (Wikipedia)

In clothing, it is wrinkle, water, and wind resistant, durable, and holds colour better than natural fabrics.

The Fashion

The Alternative Pullover in dirty blue stripe (US$58) is a polyester/cotton/rayon blend and with the colour and mixed/duo-colour stripe pattern it's so spring. The NYDJ Petites Marilyn Straight Jeans (US$130) is polyester/cotton/spandex. With a 9" rise, 29.5" inseam, and 15.5" leg opening they make your legs look longer and leaner and with an "exclusive criss-cross panel flattens tummy and lifts behind, recommended ordering one size down" (Bloomingdales). They are also made in the USA like the Ella Moss Bikini Bottoms (US$49) with portofino tab sides made of polyester/spandex/metallic/nylon. For the guys, the Ted Baker Nathe Textured Sweater (US$175) in 'natural'. The chevron stripe pattern sweater is made of cotton/polyester/viscose.

Stay Fabulous,
xoxo Aimee ♥

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Guest Posting | at Edel Therese

Hey Fashionable Guys&Girls!

I am all over the place today... I posted my first guest post over at Edel Therese! :D

Click here to see more of these awesome sunglasses and how I would wear them this summer. Guys too!

Stay Fabulous,
xoxo Aimee ♥

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TSOF Friday | Adorable Spring Tees

Hey Fashionable Guys&Girls!

It's Sitch on Fitch Friday. This week I found another super cute piece at Abercrombie&Fitch. 

omg, so cute.

Head over to The Sitch on Fitch to check out how I would wear these and let me know what you think. :)

Stay Fabulous,
xoxo Aimee ♥

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Beau-ties | Greenwich Vintage Co.

Hey Fashionable Guys&Girls!

Again, this week I fell for another All-American/Vintage brand. :)  Greenwich Vintage Co. is a menswear- mainly repurposed shoes- shop out of Waconia, MN. With Tamas "Zen" Pomazi cobbling the coloured soles- kind of like their version of a Louboutin red sole- and Max Miller in accounting, the brand began in 2011.

On their website (they don't have a physical location), there are four ways to buy their bold repurposed shoes.

• Built to Order: You can completely customize a pair of wingtip shoes, starting at US$275. Like totally customized- choose you shoe colour, sole type, midsole colour, inlay style, and shoe size/width. They have black, white, and cream soles, but why not go bold with red, pink, or blue?
• Iconic Colourways: Let them make the decisions and pick a wingtip shoe with the most popular shoe colours and sole colour and types for US$245.
• Resole&Restore: If you already have a pair of wingtips, boots, or chukkas (like an ankle boot) that you totally love... but maybe loved too much- let Greenwich Vintage revitalize them. At US$225 you can send your shoes in and pick a new sole type, sole colour, and midsole colour.
• Ready to Wear: Sold in one size only at various prices, you can order a pair that are already made. No customizations or different sizes are available however.

Made to Order Example:

Below is a pair of shoes with a red sole and midsole colour. The sole type is commando. The inlay is two-tone dye, with brown wingtips only, like this pair. And like all Greenwich Vintage Co's shoes, coloured laces.

Photo by Eliesa Johnson Labels by Aimee of Bows&Beau-ties

Confused on the different sole types?
< left: Commando right: Bricklayer >
Photo by Eliesa Johnson

You can read more about the ways to buy them on their contact&FAQ page. Or follow them on facebook, twitter, or instagram.

Their shoes are all repurposed in the US, but for my international readers-- they do ship to the UK, France, Japan, and China.

Stay Fabulous,
xoxo Aimee ♥

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Out&About | Historic Third Ward

Hey Fashionable Guys&Girls!

On Wednesday, a fashion show brought me to the Milwaukee area and I was able to spend some time in my favourite Milwaukee area, the Historic Third Ward, "Milwaukee's Arts and Fashion District". Minutes from the Milwaukee Art Museum on the lake, It's an arty warehouse district with beautiful architecture. There are so many cool boutiques, galleries, and restaurants.

Chicago-like weather!

One place I always need to stop in at when I'm in the area  is Lela Boutique to see all of their new gorgeous pieces.

"In October 2003, co-owners Stephanie Sherman and Carrie Arrouet launched a fashion movement in the Historic Third Ward of Milwaukee. Their 1,200 square foot boutique brilliantly combines carefully edited vintage with new designer collections.  Lela's cream city brick walls also house exclusive collections from Milwaukee designer Shanel Regier. This eclectic warehouse district that was once the center of the Italian produce trade is now home to cutting edge fashion.

In 2012, Carrie became sole owner and looks forward to bringing fun fashion and great customer service to Milwaukee for years to come!"

-Lela Boutique 

From shoes to accessories to clothes, everything is just beautiful. I have my eye on a couple dresses right now. All stores need a fashionable dog like Sam (the cutie near the middle). Their inspiration board (on the right) is bright and fun like the blue and red walls. Even the little ducks enjoyed a rainy Lela trip. ;)

Next door, I stopped at The Wicked Hop, a casual bar and grill. Couldn't resist the $2 sliders- yum.

Finishing my mini-trip to Historic Third Ward, I went to the Milwaukee Public Market across the street. Just like an indoors farmer's market- away from the rain and wind!

When should you visit Historic Third Ward? (besides anytime!)

Throughout the year like- 19&20 April and 25&26 July 2013- check out new artists, art,  and shop at Gallery Night and Day. Fridays are from 5pm-9pm (and afterwards check out the fun milwaukee nightlife ;)) and Saturdays are from 10am-4pm. I've been to a couple 'nights' and 'days' and they're both awesome. See the participant list, map, and details here.

Stay Fabulous,

xoxo Aimee ♥

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TSOF Friday | Printed Chiffon

Happy Friday Fashionable Guys&Girls!

This week has been so crazy busy- can't wait to tell you all about it!
But I found the cutest printed chiffon dresses. Check it out over at The Sitch on Fitch.

Stay Fabulous,
xoxo Aimee ♥

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Beau-ties | Vintage Bowties "Made in New England"

Hey Fashionable Guys&Girls!

This is the first installment in the 'Beau-ties' (bow-ties) column which will publish weekly men's fashion and trends. And what could be more fitting for the first than vintage bow-ties?

Personally I've always thought bow-ties were cool (ahem, Matt Smith), but now they seem to be appearing everywhere! Not those black and other dull bow-ties your grandfather wore though.  Bow-ties are the new skinny tie ca. 2010. They add personality to any outfit with fun patterns and colours.

One day, while searching for "vintage bow-ties", I came across this classically preppy New England store, General Knot & Co. Unfortunately, the story of the brand didn't start with "two guys walk into a bar carrying an alligator and penguin". The real story; however, of two stylish guys with a shared love of vintage meeting at a New York train station fits the brand and its image perfectly.

The Betty and the Bows

{photo sources}

Hey Fashionable Guys&Girls,


Welcome to my blog! 

I'm Aimee and this is Bows&Beau-ties {bowties}, your newest source for trend-spotting, fashion history, men's fashion, and fashion profiles.

 "I'm a fashion person, and fashion is not only about clothes... it's about all kinds of change"

 -Karl Lagerfeld

Fashion has always been a love of mine with years of admiring runway shows, flipping through magazines, reading blogs, and just overall being fascinated by the fashion world. This past year I have fallen even more in love with fashion as an art and industry. Being the daughter of a fashion photographer I have been able to meet some cool people in fashion locally from models, photographers, designers, MUAs (makeup artists), and hair stylists. I even had the chance to try out some runway modeling- but I wouldn't consider myself a model quite yet! haha. Just being able to see what goes on behind and leading up to a fashion show or photo shoot has been incredible. This year I have also had the opportunity to contribute to the hot blog, The Sitch on Fitch, with weekly fashion and style posts every Friday.  Through TSOF, I not only learned a ton about Abercrombie&Fitch and blogging, but was inspired to watch more fashion shows, read more fashion blogs, and follow more designers from fabulous Editor-in-Chief, C.E.R and so many other amazing fashion bloggers. And after getting behind the scenes of the local fashion industry, contributing to TSOF, I decided what would be the best next step? A fashion blog of my own of course!

Continue Reading (on 'about' page)...

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