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?
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
ReplyDeleteI 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
ReplyDeleteI 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
ReplyDeleteLove it!! That tie and maple leaf suit you.. think you need to move here :)
ReplyDeleteHa ha! I LOVE it! : ) Try wearing it when you cross the border : ) That'll sure crack up the border guards.
ReplyDeleteIt does look good on you.
bisous
Suzanne
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!
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteI think if men have to wear ties they should always wear one that makes them smile :)
ReplyDeleteYay Canada! I love that you wore it and I think that ties should be fun.
ReplyDeletexo
styleontheside.com
Because it looks cool, as do you wearing it.
ReplyDeleteThat 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!
ReplyDeleteThere was likely a combination of factors at work here...
ReplyDeleteFirstly, 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
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...)
ReplyDeleteHee 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.
ReplyDeleteAllie of ALLIENYC
allienyc.com
Are you sure it was because of the tie? Maybe it's just because you're ultra cool! - A
ReplyDeleteI also think it's a fantastic tie! Red suits you!
ReplyDelete-Kati
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.
ReplyDeleteGreetje
That's pretty cool - I 've been started at but I dont think I have been stopped.
ReplyDeleteBUT, 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!
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.
ReplyDeleteLove the color, fit and design on you :) also how great is it when a fashion choice becomes a conversation starter? You look stunning :) xoxo
ReplyDeleteI 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?
ReplyDeletexx, Elle
http://mydailycostume.com
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?
ReplyDeleteI'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.