The skull and bones symbol has been used for centuries. From medieval and prehistoric times, to today it usually conjures up a symbol of death or danger. It is seen everywhere from toxic waste containers, military uniforms, cemetaries, and even bird dog bay neckties. Our use of the skull and crossbones is probably most closely ‘tied’ to the use of the symbol in fraternities, societies, and clubs. Steve really took his necktie designs to the next level when he made the skull and cross clubs tie for this Fall’s collection. Complete with a skull on a classic pendant club crest, the bones underneath the skull head have been replaced with a crossed pair of golf irons, and a small golf ball rests on the skull’s head. It is a fun commentary on country clubs, the skull and bones symbol, and the sport of golf. In a way, it is a skull and bones tie, golf tie, and traditional club tie all in one. It is also just a well spaced statement tie to complement any navy blazer or sport coat.

Enjoy all of our skull and club ties here!

Along with the skull and cross clubs tie, we also offer the “Jolly Roger” skull and bones necktie and bow tie. The Jolly Roger offers up a more nautical vibe rather than the club and society feel of skull and cross clubs. However, it still conjures up an image of allure, secrecy and curiosity to your outfit. Yo ho ho!

Enjoy all our Jolly Roger ties here!

Both ties incorporate the skull and bones symbol in a fun, preppy, and a colorful manner.

Black Friday is the biggest shopping day of the year… Here at Bird Dog Bay, it is of course even crazier than usual. Despite having almost every conceivable dog tie, hunting tie, fishing, tie and so on… this time of the year we still wish we could have every tie for every person from crabs playing football ties to baseball players drinking beer ties, to dodo birds on yachts ties… but eventually the requests get to obscure… That did not stop Steve from drawing Santa Claus duck hunting… (My favorite tie of the holiday season collection)

This year we are calling black friday, “black lab friday” at bird dog bay in honor of one of Steve’s most popular tie designs…

Do you have a black lab or know someone who loves them? We have you covered. Black Lab Heaven is one of our most popular designs…We have them in several colors, even black lab socks! Shoot, I almost forgot, Steve drew Black lab boxer shorts as well… Despite having been through a couple holiday shopping season, We still find ourselves overwhelmed by the sheer volume and anticipation during “the most wonderful time of the year.” When you are a small, humble company like Bird Dog Bay, all you can do is stay true to who you are and do your best to give the fans of Bird Dog Bay what they want!

Despite being consumed by piles of receipts, web folders of emails, and phone calls every 2 minutes, We manage to stay the course and package each tie and dress shirt in the same particular manner. Every tie folded mechanically into its individual gift box, every shirt package wrapped with care. Everyone that is a part of our small team is all hands on deck…well except for Gus the dog… He has managed to be even more lethargic and unhelpful this year. Anyway, Happy Black Friday and holiday shopping, always remember birddogbay.com is your destination to keep men looking “best in Show” this holiday season! We are here for you, no matter how cold it is in Chicago, or how crazy it is at the studio!

Owls seem to be such an overlooked and beautiful part of the animal world. With their large talons, bountiful coats, and ominous eyes, Owls have a strong and charismatically unique physical character. Steve, is a self proclaimed animal lover, that should be pretty apparent after gazing over our collection of mens neckwear. We have gorilla ties, elephant ties, gator ties, lobster ties, horse ties, a couple dogs ties, and now we have added an owl tie to our extensive collection. The wise bird of prey is a symbol of mystery and of wealth and knowledge, all compelling traits.

The design Steve drew showcases the wise owl in flight after capturing a mouse, It is playful, saturnine, and interesting just like the bird itself. It comes in lime green (a great accent against a fall sport coat, as well as a classic french blue. Steve also made the design in a rich navy blue for all the Rice Owl alumni and friends around the country. Overall, Hooter Hunt provides folks with a fun tie that is wise anytime of the year.

Thanksgiving is appraoching quickley. The great American holiday of family and friends, feasting on food, as well as football and napping. It is my personal favorite holiday. So often shadowed by Christmas, Thanksgiving offers us the chance to reflect and come together. To me, thats what a holiday is all about. Every Christmas, people don their tartan plaid jacket or holiday themed necktie for the Christmas Day party. Yet, why can’t Thanksgiving have some love in the holiday style department. Here at Bird Dog Bay, Steve drew up a classic tie, Turkey Trot for all those fans of the late autumnal feast. The tie has turkeys in their vibrant autumnal feathers juxtaposed to their family members (other turkeys) who are not so fortunate (feathers have been plucked) It is a hilarious nod to the great American holiday as well ass a fantastic addition to an outfit anytime of the year. It comes in blue, red, and orange… Pair it with our Turkey socks to be better ‘dressed’ than the turkey this November.