Menswear Wednesday: The Kentucky Derby, Men's style

Vineyard Vines is the first thing to come to mind when I think of Derby attire for men. The seersucker, bow ties, pastel button downs and schoolboy blazers are the overarching themes for men during this weekend. Madras are also popular, but I think they come second to seersucker. The men in these VV ads from last year hit the nail on the head with all of the items above -- bonus points for having a mint julep in hand! While Vineyard Vines is an ideal place to shop for this type of wardrobe, I found a few other "hidden gems" for a man to find the perfect look for this weekend. 

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Menswear Wednesday: General Knot & Co.

I'm a sucker for a good looking tie. I think I've already done at least a couple of posts on men's neckwear since A Pop of Style's beginnings, but I have a knack for finding small, independent businesses who've dedicated their career to creating a genuine, well-made product.

General Knot & Co. is my latest find... a company out of New England that has such an interesting founding story: two guys that met while waiting for a train to New York, and decided to start a business. Here's how you know their products are "the real deal:" every tie is made in limited quantities, and each tie comes with a numbered card that designates its place in the collection. Talk about one-of-a-kind.

Menswear Wednesday: {American} Made Collection

I have a sweet spot in my heart for US Companies dedicated to making products in America. I've seen a growing trend in start-up clothiers in the US, one of which is Made Collection. Based out of Boulder, CO, each product listed (which includes apparel and accessories for men and women, as well as home goods) shows you how many US workers you'll support by purchasing that product. In addition, you can boost your 'boom score' with each purchase, which gives you a running tally of your positive impact on America.  

I loved the heathered gingham shirt, the Canby wooden sunglasses (because who else would have these??) and the reversible prairie bow tie, among other items. Check this place out, you'll automatically feel better knowing you're buying American-made!

xxo

Menswear Wednesday: The Cordial Churchman

Bow ties can take a man's outfit from formal to classic yet quirky. However, the look of the bow tie sets the stage for the rest of the outfit. Many of my friends have gone for the bow tie look for formals and other college events, and we found one Southern-style company that makes great neckwear for these occasions.

The Cordial Churchman, based out of South Carolina, creates bow ties out of seersucker, gingham, madras and even cashmere. The best part is that some of them are reversible, meaning you can make two different bow ties out of it or one two-toned tie. It's like getting three for the price of one!

This year, the company decided to start a project entitled "366 Bow Ties for Haiti," in which the owners will make one bow tie for every day in 2012, selling them at $29. The profits will go to young school children in Haiti. Even if you have an old neck-tie around the house, you can mail it in to the owners of The Cordial Churchman, and they will remake it into a bow tie for $29 within one week. So not only do you get a stylish new bow tie, but you also get to help make the lives better for children in Haiti.

xxo

Photos from thecordialchurchman.bigcartel.com.