Tie one on
Bow blouses? Yawn. Bow shoes? Should we dust off our Ferragamos or our Kate Spades? The bow has been front and center for the past few years now, appearing on everything from Blair Waldorf’s headbands and Alexis Mabille’s couture to fast-fashion jewelry and of course, Ferragamo flats. Bored of the bow? We were, until we scouted a few new additions to the bow oeuvre that we just couldn’t resist. And just as we were scouting, what did we happen to see on Project Runway: A bowtie challenged spurred by guest Jesse Tyler Ferguson of Modern Family who, along with his fiancé Justin Mikita, recently teamed with the Tie Bar (read our story), for a capsule collection of bow ties that raise money for organizations fighting for marriage equality in America. So whether you’re a girly girl or prefer to go goth, here are a few picks we found just for you.
Valentino Bow Over the Knee Boot
The Punk
Good girls go bad. We know. Just look at Miley, Demi and just about every other Disney Channel princess turned rebel-rouser. While we can’t get behind every single one of their decisions, fashion or otherwise, we can certainly see any of the anti-saccharine songstress-cum-actresses wearing the Valentino Bow Over the Knee Boot ($1,595). An investment piece for any of us mere mortals, these babies would look great paired with skinny jeans and a boyfriend blazer for the perfect boy-meets-girl outfit. We especially love with the sweet touch of feminine bows down the back of the boot, but we’re sure Hollywood’s leading ladies would pair these with leggings, the shortest skirts and barely-there tops for their daily trips to Starbucks. The price might make you treat these like they’re precious, but trust us, beat them up just a little and you’ll get street cred and score major style points.
Available at Nordstrom.
Kiel James Patrick for Brooks Brothers Mini Bow Tie Bracelet
The Prep
Bows are as common to the prep world as pearls and twinsets, so leave it to two of the biggest names in New England style — Brooks Brothers and Kiel James Patrick — to team up for a must-have accessory for every girl. The Kiel James Patrick Mini BB#1 Bow-Tie Bracelet ($48) takes a classic Brooks Brothers repp tie fabric (BB#1) and gives it the signature KJP twist. Kiel is known for creating bracelets, belts and apparel with a nautical slant — he hails from Rhode Island — but the sweet bow tie model is something you’ll only find at Brooks Brothers. Consider KJP one of the new heralds of Made in the USA, because he and his company pride themselves on creating goods right here on our soil from the best materials around. Like Brooks Brothers before him, we’re sure that Kiel’s creating a modern heritage brand with all the trappings of pedigree, prep and good old nostalgia.
Available at Brooks Brothers.
Miu Miu Bow-embellished bandeau swimsuit
The Plunge
The dog days of summer are winding down, but that doesn’t mean that poolside hangouts and impromptu trips to Palm Springs aren’t on the schedule for fall — and even winter. Keep the sun shining no matter what time of year it is with the Miu Miu Bow-embellished bandeau swimsuit ($245). While other shops are clearing the floor for fall coats, wool trousers and knits, thank goodness online shops are keeping the summer going. We love Miuccia’s whimsical spin on the one-piece, especially when it recalls bathing beauties, Gidget and Beach Boys classics. You’re sure to get the lion’s share of attention no matter where you wear this stunner, so we say only the most daring should try this one on, but even the less exuberant can throw a caftan on and enjoy the cheer of this marigold suit. Want to wear it year-round? We’re sure your passport won’t mind one bit.
Available at Net-a-Porter.
Images courtesy Net-a-Porter, Brooks Brothers and Nordstrom
