Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Oh, Canada

I'm not the kind of person who attracts attention in normal life. My average looks and conventional dress pass unnoticed. Rarely does a stranger speak to me in public.

Today, however, was different. All day long, I was approached for conversation and commented upon for something I was wearing. And you'll never believe what the item was -- a necktie.

During my trip to Vancouver, I fell in love with Canada. While there, I spotted a bold necktie in bright red and white. It has a fun graphic design which suggests (but doesn't replicate) the national symbol (a maple leaf). I snapped up the tie on sight. When I put it on, my fellow-bloggers laughed. They said I look like a Canadian politician trying to drum up votes.

I like the tie because of its attractive colors and design. Sure, it's a symbol of a country but that's secondary to my appreciation of its aesthetics.

Today, dozens of strangers stared at my tie as I walked by. Many complimented it and several asked me why I was wearing it. This type of thing *never* happens to me and it felt really weird. All of a sudden, I went from being completely anonymous to the center-of-attention. Just because of a necktie!

Why do you think the tie garnered such attention? Has this ever happened to you?

22 comments:

  1. People love Canada, and our maple leaf (and flag) are instantly recognizable all over the world. I think you look dashing - it's unique (when not in Canada). And we do have an election coming up, so make sure you tell folks to vote for you! ;-P

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  2. I wish i could wear ties sometimes as you can add a lot of fun to your day to day attire. I like the tie as it is bold and fun at the same time. I bought some shirts while in Japan and i will do a "fashion" Blog :p

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  3. I think Sheila is right - who doesn't like Canada? (And I like it more than ever since our meetup). And it is a very cool tie. xo

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  4. Love it!! That tie and maple leaf suit you.. think you need to move here :)

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  5. Ha ha! I LOVE it! : ) Try wearing it when you cross the border : ) That'll sure crack up the border guards.

    It does look good on you.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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  6. I really like that tie! It's very graphic, much more color-blocky than 'normal' tie designs. Also, it's representative of a definitive place (Canada), instead of representative of soft ideals. Most tie designs I can think of are abstract, small repeating patterns, or natural designs such as a peacock's tail. All this to say it's quite bold compared to most men's ties, and so people perhaps felt as if you were bold as well and open to being approached!

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  7. I think it is the fact is has large blocks of not equal colour which is unusual in ties-thus it is striking. Plus people don't usually wear white or bright red on regular ties I see so it is noticeable. Plus Canada is cool! I like it!

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  8. I think if men have to wear ties they should always wear one that makes them smile :)

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  9. Yay Canada! I love that you wore it and I think that ties should be fun.
    xo
    styleontheside.com

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  10. Because it looks cool, as do you wearing it.

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  11. That is a cool tie! I love the bold colors and graphic design. I can see why it got a lot of attention and compliments. You look great!

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  12. There was likely a combination of factors at work here...

    Firstly, Canada is awesome!!! :D But seriously, it's becoming rarer and rare to see a man sporting a tie outside of a very corporate setting or a wedding these days (much to this gal's necktie loving chagrin!). The colours of the tie and bold and cheerful, and the imagery conveys both a strongly Canadian and a wonderfully autumnal vibe, so all of those things likely caught people's eye.

    It's a splendid tie and I adore knowing that you've been enjoying and wearing such a stylish souvenir from my own fair country.

    Have a marvelous last weekend of summer, my friend!
    ♥ Jessica

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  13. Maybe they were all Canadians, the people commenting? Just don't wear it to a hockey match (if it's U.S v Canada, that is...)

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  14. Hee hee that is funny, I knew someone once when I was living in Seattle and he wore a Red Sox tee shirt in downtown Seattle during the height of the Mariner's games, trust me he was NOT ignored. Haha.

    Allie of ALLIENYC
    allienyc.com

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  15. Are you sure it was because of the tie? Maybe it's just because you're ultra cool! - A

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  16. I also think it's a fantastic tie! Red suits you!

    -Kati

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  17. That is what we call a conversation piece. It is something that stands out. It is different. It is colourful. So it gets noticed. I love comversation pieces. I love to chat to total strangers haha.
    Greetje

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  18. That's pretty cool - I 've been started at but I dont think I have been stopped.
    BUT, I have stopped people to compliment them. One was really nice and even told me where she bought her earrings, the other looked at me like I am totally insane!

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  19. It's a definite conversation piece, it's bold, stylish, and stands for something. And didn't it make you feel wonderful wearing this statement piece? I noticed it right off that day in Canada. I'm not a shy person and all, so I thoroughly enjoy wearing statement pieces whether it be a necklace or shoes or a colorful blouse.

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  20. Love the color, fit and design on you :) also how great is it when a fashion choice becomes a conversation starter? You look stunning :) xoxo

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  21. I think the tie, while easy identifiable, is just distinctive interns of its graphic design. The simple colors and brightness, Curioisty about "foreigners" may be at a new peak, too? Anyway, I love the tie. How did you feel being in the spotlight?
    xx, Elle
    http://mydailycostume.com

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  22. It's cool, eye-catching, unusual, and people just can't help but notice. That's not a bad thing. Did you enjoy the interaction?

    I'm not sure what it is about me, but people love to chat me up. Usually I'm okay with it. Sometimes, I really don't feel like chatting with random folks. So when I'm feeling invisible, I tend to enjoy it.

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