Author Archives: Eric Stefenson
Born in the USA
Born and Bred
This Fourth of July, look no further than Bird Dog Bay when searching for that perfect patriotic accessory. Whether one of our neckties, bow ties, or a set of our silk cufflinks born and bred in Chicago, we have the ideal piece to add a certain flair at that celebratory cocktail party or cookout.
With whimsical neckwear like “American Labs” and “Patriotic Pinchers” coupled with traditional ones like our “Stafford Stripe,” the options are endless! These designs, in addition to our English-woven, American-made Pedigree Collection, make the perfect conversation piece for America’s birthday. If things are a little less formal, our America! socks are sure to make you the life of the party.”
Bird Calls: Horse Play
A Horse, of Course!
Hailing from a small Chicago suburb called Sleepy Hollow, Steve always had a wealth of animals in his house and yard. Dogs, cats, birds, and even pet alligators took up residence at the Mayer household, all which backed up into a farm full of cows and horses. With a childhood reminiscent of Mowgli from Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, it’s no surprise that many of these animals make their way into Bird Dog Bay collections.
Horses are one animal that have been front and center in almost every Bird Dog Bay release. Typically, fall and winter collections feature fox hunting motifs while the spring and summer months make way for those geared toward the Triple Crown and thoroughbred racing. We’ve embraced other horse motifs along the way like lucky horseshoes, but it seems we always find our way back to these majestic animals.
“Horse Play,” a design born just this season, is one of our fun equestrian designs that doesn’t fit into any particular mold. Featuring a grazing stallion coupled with a colorful piñata, “Horse Play” showcases just what happens–surprise!–when two very different worlds collide. A fun, festive number, “Horse Play” pairs perfectly with one of our Italian-milled dress shirts and a navy blazer for some cheeky fun–perfect for horsin’ around.”
Today Only: Free 2 Day Shipping on All Orders Over $100!
No gift yet? No problem!
Only four days left until Dad’s Big Day! All orders over $100 placed before 3pm CST receive FREE 2-Day Shipping. If you’ve waited until the last minute, no problem! For effortless gift giving, try our shirt and tie gift sets for a sharp-dressed Dad. More casual? Can do! Check out our 12 gauge gift sets, available for both our pima cotton socks and our seamless, ultra-comfy boxers.
This promotion excludes boys’ ties and belts, as well as XL ties, due to their hand-made, custom nature.
Happy Father’s Day and Happy Shopping!”
Our Best Sellers for Father’s Day
Only a Few Days Left!
Only a limited time remaining for our top dog Father’s Day Sale! Have the old man looking best in show with one of our unique Bird Dog Bay ties, shirts or other whimsical accessories. Is Dad a little picky? Try a Bird Dog Bay gift certificate and let him choose on his own. Hurry, though, there’s not much time left!”
Bird Calls: Hook, Line & Stripers
Reel ‘Em In
One of the things for which Bird Dog Bay is best known is our sporting designs. Two of our fan favorites from our first collections include “Sittin’ Shotgun” and “Hooked On Flies,” classics which have stood the test of time. Steve, an amateur fly fisherman himself, has paid tribute to his hobby in a number ways in our tie designs and product offerings (our Fly Link cufflinks, for example) over the years.
“Hook, Line & Stripers” was initially introduced in 2013 under a different name, “Summer Stripers.” While the motif and initial illustration work were essentially the same, Steve made a few changes for its inclusion in this season’s collection. The original “Summer Stripers” came in select shades of blue, green, and fuchsia; while the colors were terrific for the summer, Steve hoped to rework his design and the colors to make it more accessible.
This season, with pencil in hand, Steve was able to craft a new take on his old design to rave reviews. First, he modified the size and arrangement of the stripers and the accompanying lures into a tighter, more compact pattern. Steve’s decision to do so was lead by our current run of Italian-milled dress shirts: with many open shirting patterns for the season, he hoped to provide a juxtaposition with a tighter silk pattern. Additionally, the colors were changed from their initial run, with “Hook, Line & Stripers” arriving this season in blue, coral, and seafoam. These three colors, perfect for the warm weather, pair brilliantly with your navy blazer and a great sunset no matter the occasion.”
Like Father, Like Son – Our Sale Continues!
Dress Like Dad
While we’ve made our mark in outfitting some stylish dads over the past ten years, we’ve done our best to cater to those in waiting. Since our inception, Bird Dog Bay has been proud to also offer our fun, whimsical neckties and bow ties to little ones. This spring, look no further than our unrivaled selection when getting together for Father’s Day brunch or assembling that outfit for your family’s next photoshoot.
Bird Dog Bay’s boys neckties are all custom made in our Chicago studio by our in-house seamstress. With three sizes available, we can accommodate every boy from your youngest tot to those about to graduate to an adult necktie. Even better? Any pattern available in a men’s tie can be made into a boys’ necktie, allowing your son to match dear old dad. As for boys’ bow ties, we have a great selection of them ready to wear, but they cannot be custom made at this time.
Due to the manufacturing process for boys’ neckties, please add three days to your expected arrival time. Additionally, given the custom nature of the neckties, all boys’ neckties are non-refundable.”
Our Best Ever Father’s Day Sale!
Give Dad something as colorful as he is! Whether he enjoys sailing, fishing, golfing, hunting, or just taking the dog for a walk, we have the perfect gifts for him. Our Best in Show Father’s Day Sale features a variety of ways to save a few bucks this year.
Get 15% off any size order when using coupon code DADS15, spend $200 or more and receive 25% off with DADS25, or 35% off any order of $500 or more with DADS35. Just enter the appropriate coupon code in the box at checkout!
We’re also pleased to announce free standard USPS ground shipping on any order for the month of June. Just like Dad’s best story, don’t let this one be “the one that got away,” shop now and save big!
Please note coupons may not be combined. If you would like expedited shipping and/or shipping with UPS, regular rates apply. Don’t be a stranger; feel free to call us at (312) 631-3108 at regular business hours.”
Sale ends Thursday, June 16, 2016.
Rock Your Bow Tie Like a Champ
There are some in this world who fail to recognize the wonder that is the men’s bow tie. But you, dear reader, you are not one of those fools, those mere mortals who lack the style, the finesse, to rock a Bird Dog Bay silk bow tie. Our ties are unlike those common bow ties you’ll find at big chain retail stores, those sad, pale imitations. No, our ties are made of 100% silk, woven in England and assembled here in the USA. Better still, each of our ties features hand-drawn patterns designed by our very own Steve Mayer, our founder and sole illustrator. Bird Dog Bay bow ties have swagger to match even the most confident gentleman. Take your game even higher with these pro tips from Bird Dog Bay.
All-Star Bow Tie Tips
Do it Yourself
If you really want to show the world how slick your style is and how serious you are, you need to learn to tie your own bow ties. Just skip those clip-ons and pre-tied varieties and walk into the realm of independence and self-reliance. Donning a bow tie puts you in a category all your own. Like Grand Pappy always says, anything worth doing is worth doing right. And with bow ties, the time you spend doing it right is an investment that will pay style dividends all week long.
Perfect Effortless
A common mistake that many gents make is assuming that their bow tie needs to be perfect. Perfect sized knot, perfect symmetry, perfect bow tie. Well, we hate to knock you perfectionists out there, but there is an art to the imperfect. Quite frankly, perfecting the imperfect bow tie can be even more challenging than making sure all your angles and proportions align. And there is charm in an asymmetrical bow tie. It shows that you tied it yourself, that you have the courage to attempt a feat that most men won’t even consider. While those other dudes are sporting a regular silk tie, you have struck out on you own, dared to be different, and you did it your way. Sinatra would be proud.
Timing is Everything
Like a true bow tie professional, one of the things that sets you apart is knowing when and when not to sport your bow tie. Discretion is the better part of valor, and there are times when situations warrant a different style (when these situations arise, Bird Dog Bay has you covered; our silk ties are just as stylish as our bow ties). It’s important to be aware of different protocols for different social situations or else risk looking like a bow tie amateur. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Bow Ties Welcome
- Formal events like weddings
- At the office
- Religious services
- Brunch
- Date night
- Today, just because you want to wear one
Reconsider the Bow Tie
- Somber events like funerals.
- Funerals. Wait, we said that one already. Okay, so the only place we can think of that bow ties may not be the best option is funerals. So go ahead, rock your bow tie all day, every day like a boss.
For silk bow ties that wow, inspire, or just make you laugh, Bird Dog Bay has the style you are looking for. Browse our selection and start rockin’ your bow tie like a pro today.
Unique Tie Knots
When you want to look chic and polished, we know you always reach for your silk tie from Bird Dog Bay. After all, no one knows style like we do. One look at Steve’s hand-drawn illustrations and that becomes undeniable fact. But what do you do when you want to take the fantastic up a couple notches? You could opt for one of our cummerbund sets, which, if you are going to a formal event, would be our highest recommendation. However, we don’t think that your co-workers can handle that on a day-to-day basis. There is only so much cool they can take. To spruce up your everyday look, there are some simple secrets that we are happy to impart, straight from us to you. Unique tie knots are a sure-fire way to bring some pizazz to your outfit.
The Eldredge
As unorthodox as it is eye-catching, the Eldredge was invented by Jeffrey Eldredge in 2007. It achieved unparalleled internet fame as far as tie knots go in 2008. The Eldredge knot is not for the faint of heart; it is a complex knot that involves 15 separate steps. The number of steps involved certainly up the difficulty, but the fact that it is hard to adjust once you get rolling also ups the ante. One little slip-up, and it’s back to square one. But the challenge makes the success that much greater. You will need to have a longer tie to pull this knot off as it uses up quite a bit of fabric. This might not be the best knot for taller gents, as it tends to shorten the tie significantly.
The Trinity
For those holy rovers out there, the Trinity knot is just what the doctor ordered. A relatively recent innovation, the Trinity echoes the ancient Celtic Triquetra knots from the emerald isle of Éire. An unparalleled blend of tradition, symmetry, and style makes this knot a hallmark of master knot-crafters. While the Trinity is not as difficult of a knot as the Eldredge, but it is every bit as impressive. It doesn’t require as much fabric as the Eldredge either, making it a better option for taller men than does the Eldredge. However, be sure to have adequate fabric; as with any tie, length is key to nailing just the right look. For the more advanced knot-tyers among us, we suggest opting for a pattern with stripes. If you get this knot just right, the stripes will converge in the center of the knot, creating a nifty pinwheel effect that will leave everyone impressed.
The Ediety (a.k.a. The Merovingian)
The Ediety knot has reached a level of Hollywood fame that most other knots can only ever dream about thank to “The Matrix.” While the knot has been around for quite some time (some sources claim that the knot got its start sometime in the 1920s) it was “The Matrix” trilogy that put it on the map. In fact, the Ediety has now been fairly effectively renamed “The Merovingian” knot as a nod to the ever cool as a cucumber Frenchman of the same name in the films. This knot is unique in that the narrow part of the tie actually ends up in the front. Because of this, this knot is best worn with a vest, blazer, cardigan, etc. to hide the unseemly ends. The fabric consumption on this bad boy is high, so be sure to have a long enough tie. This knot is also a great sport when it comes to experimenting with patterns, so go ahead, buy that Turkey Trot Extra Long Tie for your Thanksgiving Festivities. There is no better way to salute that most delicious of fowl or to look so stylish and charming.
Browse our selection of men’s neckties today!
Bird Calls: Hazard on Eight
GATOR BAIT
Since Bird Dog Bay’s founding in 2006, whenever Steve puts pen to paper, you can rest assured a set of irons or a golf ball will find its way onto one of our silk neckties or bow ties. Between fans of the game and our presence in the pro shops of some of the finest clubs in America, fans of Bird Dog Bay and fans of golf are often one and the same.
With a new collection every season, golf themes always feature prominently. Some designs are only present for a season or two while others, like “Hazard on Eight,” are as timeless as Arnold Palmer. Originally drawn by Steve around 2008 before making its way into our collection a few seasons later, “Hazard on Eight” is one of Steve’s personal favorites and is adored by folks far and wide.
Featuring a gator with his tail around the #8 flag and a golf ball in his mouth, “Hazard on Eight” is a terrific step and repeat pattern that truly embodies the sophisticated whimsy for which we’re known. From a distance, the necktie or bow tie merely resembles a geometric; upon closer inspection, the cheeky pattern is clear for all to see. While available in a few colors prior to this collection, this season’s edition of “Hazard on Eight” is available in cora l, navy, and violet, perfect for your navy blazer and a cold drink after eighteen. Fore!
Brand New Summer Belts
It’s a Cinch
Now available online, our latest assembly of belts just in time for summer! Handcrafted in New Orleans, we are proud to feature dozens of styles sure to bring your wardrobe to the next level this season. From casual choices like our surcingle and Italian woven options to more refined options such as our burnished Italian calfskin, we’re happy to make our way into your wardrobe for those days where a tie might not be needed.
All belts feature Italian calf tab ends and a polished brass buckle. Each belt measures 35mm at its width; for an ideal fit, order one size larger than your waist (e.g. a 34″ waist wear a 36″ belt).
The Perfect Gift for Dads & Grads: 12 Gauge Gift Sets
AIM HIGH!
Our 12 Gauge sock and boxer gift sets are the perfect gift for any occasion this summer! Each sock set contains three of our wonderful whimsical socks while each boxer set boasts two pairs of our excellent “underdogs.” Each pair of socks is handcrafted in Peru of Pima cotton while each boxer features a one-piece back and covered elastic waistband for comfort.
Both our sock and boxer gift sets come pre-loaded in our Bird Dog Bay 12 gauge tubes, great for that special someone. While we have a number of exceptional options on our website, you can mix and match and pick and choose to come up with your perfect combination. Happy hunting!