Author: Camren Williamson

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Camren Williamson

Adventurous Men's Accessories under $100

Posted by Two Guys Bow Ties on 11th Mar 2016

Field Notes Graph/Plain/Ruled Notebook – $10 (set of 3)

Check out these premium notebooks at the Lodge’s website here.

Geier Gloves – $39.99-49.99

Check out these high quality leather gloves at the Lodge’s website here.

Beard Care Set – $49 or less

Check out these beard balms, beard oils, and beard combs in different scents and wood types on the Two Guys Bow Tie’s website here.

Leather Passport Covers – $50

Check out these handcrafted passport cover and field notes holder on the Lodge’s website here.

Metal Pens – $45-65

Check out these aluminum, copper, and brass pens on their website here.

Key Ring – $30

Check out these brass and black-coated key rings on their website here.

Maglite Flashlight – $16.50-$145

Check out these high-tech Maglite flashlights on their website here.

Water Bottles – $21.95-$54.95

Compared to the capabilities of YETI, you can check out these HydroFlasks on their website here.
(There sizes range from 12 ounces to 64 ounces.)

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Camren Williamson

5 Great USA Made Mens Accessories Under $100

Posted by Two Guy Bow Ties on 5th Feb 2016

(Photo above taken by Mikayla Michelle Photography – check out more of her work here.)

Before we ever went from being two guys making bow ties to the Two Guys Bow Tie Co., we’ve had a huge passion for everything Made in America. We believe high quality hand-craftsmanship, job creation, and supporting the hard-working men and women in our country are some of our core priorities and beliefs as a business. Innovation, originality, enjoying what you do, and doing what you love all follow closely behind those.

But because it is not always an easy thing to find, we thought we would put together a list of some of our favorite men’s accessories that are all made in the USA as well as under $100. No one ever wants to sacrifice quality for a budget, but sometimes there’s a way to have both. We can prove it.

1. “Madison” Money Clip Wallet – $70

(Colors from left: Cognac, Saddle, Black)

For those who prefer simplicity and having the best of both worlds, Made in Mayhem created this sleek and functional leather money clip has a pocket for your cards as well. The combination of metal, leather, and suede create a truly beautiful staple that will only grow better with wear and time. You can find these on their website in additional colors and styles here.

2. Wool + Deerskin Gloves/Mittens – $39-$65

Whether you prefer fingerless gloves, full finger gloves, or mittens, Upstate Stock has what you’re looking for. Each pair is made mainly using American Raag Wool and Deerskin leather. This combination keeps your hands warm during even the coldest of winter days. Check out the different colors and styles on their website by clicking here.

3. Wooden Bowties + Lapels – $35-$85

Our wooden men’s accessories, handcrafted here in Tulsa, OK, feature a variety of wood types (including a large variety of exotic species) as well as color schemes and designs. However, with the option to design your own custom bow tie or lapel online, it makes the possibilities absolutely endless. Also, for an additional $10, a person can have a custom message or name engraved on the back of the bow tie of their choosing. Take a look at the bow ties here. You can also explore the different style lapel flowers here or design your own here.

4. SmartWool Socks – $16.95-$23.95

Smartwool knows what they’re doing when it comes to making a pair of socks that are not only comfortable and aesthetically-pleasing, but have a technology that really works. Whether a person is looking to run, hike, bike, or spend time in the snow, they have created a unique combination of features to best fit that type of activity through fit, ventilation, cushion, warmth, durability, etc. You can check out their collection of high quality socks for both men and women here.

5. “Classic” Leather belt – $100

This leather belt, featuring the color style “Cognac,” measures a versatile width of 1.25 inches and is constructed out of vegetable-tanned Meridian English Bridle leather. Tanner Goods also features a easy-to-use interactive sizing guide on their website to help you purchase the right belt for the perfect fit. This wardrobe staple warrants a little higher price in the budget as it will most likely be worn on a daily basis and needs to withstand such constant wear with durability and grit. Visit their website to see more belts like this one here.

Two Guys Bow Ties French Distributor
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Camren Williamson

Two Guys Bow Ties French Distributor

Posted by Lacey Wilcox on 29th Jun 2014

Europe has long been known for its purveyance of incredible fashion. From the finest suits to the most elite shoes, articulate taste and style is no stranger to our Eastern neighbor. France in particular has shown itself as a trendsetting nation, with a love for fine works and dandy styles. When we had the opportunity to connect with a distributor who wanted to sell our wooden bow ties and lapels, we knew it was an incredible opportunity. He recently shared with us some of his personal history and why he loves Two Guys Bow Ties.

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2GBT: Tell us a little about your history. Where did you work before you became a distributor for Two Guys Bow Ties?

BF: I used to work in finance in London. In 2011, I moved back to Paris, where I started my own distrbution company. I’ve always been into handwork since I was a kid when I used to make things with my father. Our family has a history of cabinet makers, and I recently went back to school at École Boulle, which is a very famous cabinet maker school in Paris. Boulle was the private cabinet maker of King Louis XIV and this school has taught the art of wood for centuries.

 

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2GBT: How did you first become connected with Two Guys Bow Ties?

BF: I discovered Two Guys Bow Ties through the internet: they were running a private sale on a design website. I loved the idea right away and got in touch with Adam and Tim, who were pleased to find someone to broadcast their idea in Europe.

2GBT: What made you want to sell 2GBT in France?

BF: France and Europe have always had a dandy history. We love fine works and original clothing. Bowties are very posh in France, but bringing wood into it really turned things around. Two Guys Bow Ties was the perfect match to combine an innovative, dapper product with my love of woodworking.

 

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2GBT: What kind of success have you seen with wooden bow ties and lapel flowers? Why do you think men like this product?

BF: So far Two Guys Bow Ties sells very well in France: online sales are great and all the shops we are working with are very happy with the turnover and product quality. It is still a product that we like to keep somewhat secret, and not mainstream, which lends to its appeal.

2GBT: What about our wooden bow ties and lapels appealed to you?

BF: Two Guys Bow Ties is refreshing, original and brings this extra dandy touch that we French love so much.

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The reception we have received in Europe and beyond has been incredible, and we’re grateful for the work he does to share our ties with our friends across the pond. His team even had the privilege recently of sending a bow tie to King Filip of Belgium. To learn more about our French distributor, visit them on Instagram and Facebook.

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Camren Williamson

Hardwood Accessories Perfect for Fall

Posted by Lacey Wilcox on 26th Oct 2014

Fall is an exceptional season for men’s fashion. The change in the season and the cooler temperatures it brings leads to an onslaught of bold colors and creative ways to layer clothes for a look that is handsome, unique…and warm. 

The change in the season definitely calls for some new pieces to incorporate into your wardrobe, but make sure you’re not just thinking of long sleeve shirts and sweaters. Our line of hardwood lapel flowers and wooden bow ties comes with some pieces that are sure to give your fall wardrobe a touch that is unique and appealing. Here are some of our favorite pieces for incorporating colors for fall into your wardrobe.

Our Marion wooden bow tie and Hampton lapel flower are all about warmth. Both pieces are crafted from Walnut wood for a look that is sophisticated and bold. Our Marion wooden bow tie features Maple strips inlayed throughout the tie for just a touch of intrigue. The yellow and grey centers of each piece coordinate perfectly, and are sure to complement a variety of looks this fall.

Few pieces exemplify autumn quite like our Clarence wooden bow tie. Rosewood is cut to create a horizontal grain, then given a dark polish before it is sanded by hand for a finish that is warm, striking, and beautiful. The trendy brown plaid centerpiece adds just the right touch of spark to such an intriguing piece. It’s just the touch of dandy you need.

If bold colors are the theme of the autumn season, then our Portland wooden lapel flower is just the piece for you. Deep Rosewood comes together with a vibrant orange centerpiece to create a look that is easy on the eyes, yet still bold in its style. This wooden lapel flower features small, rounded petals to help draw all attention to the beautiful grain of the Rosewood and the pop of the fabric center.

A navy suit is a must have for the Fall season, and our Concord wooden lapel flower is the perfect accent piece. White Oak wood and a deep purple fabric centerpiece merge together to create a beautiful spark that adds a just right touch to your ensemble. This wooden lapel is sure to guarantee you several complements for your dashing style.

Few colors stand out for Fall like red. It’s bold, beautiful, and warm. Our Calvin wooden bow tie and Hartford wooden lapel flower are the perfect pairing to display this beloved autumn hue. The Hartford pairs White Oak wood with a bold red centerpiece. The petals of this boutonniere offer a unique, appealing pattern. Next to the Calvin’s bright red stripes and handsome shedua wood, it creates a pair that is as brilliant as it is beautiful.

Whatever your favorite color for fall, we have a wooden bow tie and lapel flower that is sure to help you dress your best. What’s your most beloved hue to wear for the season?

A Great Gatsby Wedding
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Camren Williamson

A Great Gatsby Wedding

Posted on 5th May 2014

The Great Gatsby has enticed and entranced us for decades. The recent release of the movie with Leonardo DiCaprio was a fresh reminder of why this book has captured our attention and imaginations. It gives vintage a whole new beauty and allure, and it makes the perfect style for a wedding.

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A Great Gatsby styled wedding is vintage, sophisticated, and bold, with rich accents and vintage jewelry, dapper style, and elegant lines. The bride and groom in this Gatsby themed wedding beautifully captured the style of the book.

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A lush, natural setting is the perfect backdrop for this Gatsby styled wedding, paying homage to the bold, vintage style, while providing a pleasant contrast to the cream and ivory tones throughout.

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The groom’s wooden bow tie of choice for this momentous occasion was the Floyd. The grey fabric aligned nicely to the groom’s cream colored tux, and the dark hardwood stands out against such a light background. The result is simple, elegant, and beautiful.

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The groom wasn’t the only one to wear such fine hardwood for this Gatsby styled wedding. The groomsmen wore the Clyde another of our wooden bow ties made from a dark hardwood.

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This Gatsby styled wedding is vintage, elegant, and sophisticated, a bold reminder that you can indeed repeat the past, and that it is beautiful.

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Photography by Flora + Fauna. To see even more images of this Gatsby themed affair, visit their blog.

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Looking to create a custom tie for your wedding day. For wedding orders of 5 of ties or more we offer a 20% discount or free customization. Contact [email protected] for details.

Heather and Antonio: A Vintage Southern California Wedding
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Camren Williamson

Heather and Antonio: A Vintage Southern California Wedding

Posted by Lacey Wilcox on 4th May 2014

Heather and Antonio were married in beautiful Southern California. For their outdoor ceremony, they wanted a rustic, vintage style as the theme for their wedding day. Their vintage wedding featured a soft color palette, handmade details all around, and bouquets of roses, dahlias, and amaranthus.

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The key to Heather and Antonio’s success in creating such a beautiful rustic wedding is their attention to detail. Almost every aspect of this wedding was handmade. Friends helped them DIY antique furniture finds to provide decor, table areas, and seating; the flower girl boxes and ring bearers book stacks were made by hand; and the invitations and stationary were done by hand as well.

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Heather and Antonio wanted their wedding to be an opportunity to display their unique personality and style, as well as the individual styles of the members of their bridal party. Each bridesmaid chose a different dress in the same color. Groomsmen wore 1920-s themed ensembles, with white shirts, black trousers, vests and suspenders, newsboy style hats, and of course, wooden bow ties.

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Antonio and some of his groomsmen wore the Floyd, our wooden bow tie made from walnut, etched with a plaid design, and wrapped in light grey fabric. Its tone and color coordinated perfectly with the soft, vintage palette for this rustic outdoor wedding.

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Heather and Antonio, congratulations on a beautiful ceremony, and the beginning of your life together. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your vintage wedding day!

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For a more in-depth look at this wedding, visit Ruffled Blog. All photos by Melissa Brandman photography.

Looking to create a custom tie for your wedding day. For wedding orders of 5 of ties or more we offer a 20% discount or free customization. Contact [email protected] for details.

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Camren Williamson

WAREhaus Dallas: The Fashion Haus

Posted by Lacey Wilcox on 26th Jul 2014

If you live in Dallas, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the many options available for men’s clothing. While we are sure there are an abundance of stores that offer high quality, stylish clothing for well-dressed gentlemen all over the metroplex, let us make your choice simple: WAREhaus Dallas is the only men’s clothing store you need to visit.

WAREhaus Dallas began in September of 2012 under the direction of trendsetter Patrick Ware. From the first day they opened their doors, they have pushed to create a man-driven fashion haus with a focus on building relationships and providing unique, cutting edge pieces to Dallas.

Patrick’s vision should be enough to help you decide to choose WAREhaus for all of your fashion needs. With WAREhaus, you are guaranteed to find the highest quality, most unique clothing and styles available. Each cutting edge piece is selected with care, guaranteed to provide you with the most unique fashion options around the metroplex (and beyond). WAREhaus was also built upon a commitment to customer service. Patrick grew up in a home where hospitality was a part of everyday life. He wants the men who come into his clothing store to feel like they are actually walking into his home.

Your first step inside WAREhaus is a reminder that you aren’t entering another cookie-cutter men’s clothing store in Dallas. You are entering a man’s fashion haus that offers you nothing but the highest quality, most unique cutting edge pieces around. We’ve loved the way Patrick has integrated our wooden bow ties and lapel flowers throughout his store.

Because WAREhaus Dallas celebrates unique fashion, Two Guys Bow Ties is a great addition to the store (how many wooden bow ties and lapel flowers do you see in any of those other men’s clothing stores you’ve visited?). Just as we seek to provide craftsmanship into every wooden bow tie we make, Patrick seeks to provide only the highest quality clothing and accessories to his customers. It’s a great fit, and we love getting to partner with Patrick and WAREhaus Dallas.

If you want to read more about WAREhaus Dallas and Two Guys Bow Ties (as well as see Patrick wearing one or our wooden bow ties well), check out this recent mention by D Magazine. For those of you who don’t live in Dallas but still want access to unique, cutting edge fashion pieces, they will soon be launching their new website: WAREhaus Dallas.

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Camren Williamson

Tim Paslay: Co-Owner and Designer of Two Guys Bow Ties

Posted by Lacey Wilcox on 15th Jul 2014

Tim Paslay is the co-owner and designer of Two Guys Bow Ties.  Below he shares with us a little about his background for woodwork and design, how Two Guys all began, his interests, and his future goals.

2GBT:  Tell us a little about your background:  what led to you being such a talented craftsman and designer?

TP:  My background is pretty interesting. I went to college wanting to be a doctor, but after my sophomore year I realized the money I would make wouldn’t be worth the lifestyle working in medicine required. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do yet, but I didn’t think I would figure it out taking classes.  I decided to finish my biochemistry degree and start working construction. I loved working with my hands and liked construction at first because I was learning lots of new skills. Once I was familiar with those skills, however, I got tired of doing the same thing day in and day out. I started working with some guys who built sets and themed environments and liked it.  Every job was different and required learning new things and finding unique solutions. All of my skills have been developed on the job and in the shop and I have tried to refine my design skills over time with classes and workshops.

2GBT:  What are your other interests besides woodwork/design?

TP:  The majority of my time is spent working and building things, but one of the few things I make time for is NBA basketball. We have had some success gaining traction among athletes and part of that is because it is something I love so much. It has also made our work that much more fun and rewarding.

2GBT:  What was the beginning of Two Guys?

TP:  I was working late one night in my shop on a set and the idea just popped into my head. I started searching wooden bow ties online and saw there were a couple of guys making wooden bow ties, but not like I pictured in my head. Adam and I would meet with one other friend about once a month to discuss business ideas and I mentioned it to them at one of our lunches. It piqued Adam’s interest, so he started running numbers and doing some other research. He came back and felt like it would work so we started making prototypes.

2GBT:  Do you enjoy fashion, or was the bow tie just a stroke of genius?

TP:  I’ve always liked fashion and style, but I’m also too cheap to dress how I really wanted.  In the past I haven’t had many opportunities or reasons to devote a lot of time and energy into my wardrobe.  Believe it or not, most guys on construction sites and wood shops don’t care if your jeans are American-made raw denim.

I don’t get too wrapped up in what designers or brands someone is wearing, but I do think that what you wear is important, because it tells people a lot about you.

2GBT:  How would you describe your personal style?

TP:  I would describe my style in the same way I would describe our bow ties:  timeless or classic with a bit of a twist to make it interesting. The majority of my closet is made up of classic staple pieces, but I love to find vintage or unique pieces that catch people’s eye and set me a bit apart. I am not afraid to take chances or step outside the box, but I try not to over do it.

2GBT:  Any future plans you want to share?

TP: As far as Two Guys goes, I hope we keep expanding our product lines in a way that is interesting and authentic, and continue to put our unique stamp on men’s accessories. We also have talked to some people about some possible collaborations that we would love to have happen.

Personally, my wife, Kara, and I are developing a home design show and are currently pitching it to a few networks. It has been fun to see how it has developed and matured as my skill set and confidence have grown with Two Guys. I would love to get to work with Kara more. This past year and a half has been so busy with bow ties that I haven’t gotten to work with her as much as I had grown used to and I really miss that. She is a lot prettier than Adam and I always enjoy getting to create with her.

To learn more about Tim’s latest design endeavors, woodworking projects, and stunt reel capabilities, follow him on Twitter and Instagram.

How to Wear a Wooden Bow Tie
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Camren Williamson

How to Wear a Wooden Bow Tie

Posted by Two Guys Bow Ties on 7th Apr 2016

1. The Button-Up/Collared Shirt

The first staple in wearing a bow tie, is a collared shirt. Smaller sized patterns tend to be a lot more visually appealing when paired with a bow tie compared to a large plaid styles. There is a whole range of colors, patterns, and types of collars, so get creative. Just make careful in mixing patterns to make sure they contrast each other. For example, vertical stripes and single color checks look great with polka dots, while a window pane pattern pairs well with slightly more mixed patterns that can include lines and/or shapes. Also, adding a vest or a jacket over top your button-up shirt is a great way to draw the eye to the bow tie, as well as give structure and shape to the whole outfit.

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Image Source: here.

2. The Vest

The vest is our favorite go-to clothing item to wear a bow tie with. Whether your sleeves are buttoned up or rolled up, your ensemble looks classy dressed up or dressed down. They’re extremely versatile as they can be worn with a button up in the spring or can be layered underneath a jacket for the fall. Take a look at some examples were a fan of below.

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Image Source: here.

3. Suspenders

A common men’s accessory, especially at spring and summer weddings, makes a great pair with a bow tie. There are several different thicknesses, clamps, style backs, and colors/patterns, which allows it to make a great fashion statement based on your individual style. Click here to shop at one of our favorite go-to places for finding your next pair.

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Image Source: here.

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Image Source: here.

4. Cardigans

The cardigan is another piece of clothing that adds interest to an ensemble and increases the versatility of the other pieces of clothing in your wardrobe. There is such a natural ease about them, which also makes them a great way to look dapper while staying casual. Ninety percent of the time, it is important to leave the bottom two buttons undone. Just trust us on this one. Most cardigans are a solid color and come in varying textures. It’s important to choose a neutral that goes well with your button-up, or venturing out with a colored cardigan and pairing it with a more neutral shirt. Certainly, again, there are exceptions to this, but it’s a great starting point.

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Image Source: here.

5. Pull-Over Sweaters

Many people like to wear sweaters with their neck ties and button-up shirt. We think this is a great idea, however, we have come to believe that crew neckline appear to be more flattering for bow ties, while the v-neck style is more fitting for a regular long tie. It may be a rule of ours, but we all know there are exceptions to every rule! Check out the different ensembles we liked below

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Image Source: here.

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Image Source: here.

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Camren Williamson

Styling Two Guys Bow Ties: Garcon a la Mode

Posted on 5th Aug 2014

We’ve had the opportunity to work with some incredibly fashion and style bloggers. We love the way each one gives our wooden bow ties and lapels a distinct style and look. One of our most recent faves came from the stylish Perkens Bien Aimé of Garcon a la Mode. If you follow him on Instagram, you’ll notice that he has incorporated our wooden bow ties and lapels into several different outfits. The results are unique, appealing, and inspiring. We recently sat down with Perkens to talk about his site as well as his love for Two Guys Bow Ties.

2GBT: Why the name, Garcon a la Mode?

GA: When I decided to start the blog I wanted it to be something that defines the essence of who I am, not just in fashion, but in life. I recognize and appreciate style in everything. It’s a way of life for me. I also wanted it in french to pay homage to my roots as a Carib, as it is also my first language. “Garcon” means young man or man and “à la mode” means “style aware”. I couldn’t have chosen a better name.

2GBT: Can you share a bit about your site, Garconalamode.com. What sets the style that you share there apart from other fashion sites?

GA: “Garcon a la mode” is true to who I am. I have a unique way of mixing colors together and adding the right accessories to complete my outfits. I look for unique statement pieces but also versatile that can easily be incorporated in my daily routine. I think some of us get too caught up on trends and the most current and hip brands out there. To me, it’s all an art; the construction of a blazer, the length of my trousers, the tie knot that I choose, the fold of a pocket square, the effect of color combos etc.. It’s the minor details. I think that’s what sets me apart.

My ultimate goal is to be an inspiration to others, a guide to the young man who doesn’t quite know how to put a proper look together, but also attract the fellow style blogger who is looking for inspiration. I have some other projects in the works which will allow me to turn it into a full site that caters to the modern gentleman.

2GBT: We first reached out to you because your style in Garcaonalamode is spot on. How did you enter the fashion world?

GA: Being exposed to fashion at a very young age and being an art lover have helped me tremendously. I was always conscious about what I wore as a young teenager. I can remember looking forward to Sunday service to wear a new tie that I thrifted or a new blazer.. That was way before instagram or the blog. I think that’s where it all started and I think I’ve been able to evolve and become more creative, confident and daring. I moved to Los Angeles to pursue my dreams as a Fashion Designer and this city really inspired me to showcase my style through social media and blogging and that’s how I created Garcon a la mode.

2GBT: When we first approached you about wearing our ties and lapels, what about the products appealed to you?

GA: I’m all about unique statement pieces. The pieces that I choose to wear have to be the perfect addition to my outfits without taking away from the look. It has to make sense and have the perfect balance. The uniqueness of the product was what appealed to me.

2GBT: We were really humbled and excited to see that you’ve worn our lapel flower several different times. Do you have a favorite ensemble that pairs with it?

GA: Yes, I love pairing brown and navy. It’s classy but edgy at the same time. These wooden bow ties and lapels work perfectly with both.

2GBT: What tips would you give Two Guys Bow Tie wearers for styling their own wooden bow ties and lapel flowers?

GA: They are perfect statement pieces that can be worn smartly and casually. They’re really easy to style. It’s always better to use light colored shirt if you want to use your wooden bow tie as statement piece. And be confident when you rock these babies, you’ll get showered with compliments. I promise!