Bow Tie Friday: Volunteer Traditions

For this week's Bow Tie Friday, I reached out to my buddy Mason Jones at Volunteer Traditions. It is only appropriate that I feature a great Tennessee company after just arriving back home in Memphis. Volunteer Traditions brings pride back to the states, a truly Southern way of life. They feature great accessories like bow ties, belts, key chains, and koozies as well as AWESOME shirts. One of my personal favorites are the different versions of the Tennessee flag (various colors) that are perfect for your upcoming tailgating needs. I also hear that they will have some great stuff coming out next week so you should definitely check it out!

YOUR NAME:

Mason Jones

HOMETOWN:

White House, TN

CURRENT CITY:

Nashville, TN

ALMA MATER:

I studied business at the University of Tennessee

WHEN WAS YOUR COMPANY ESTABLISHED?

2006

WHY VOLUNTEER TRADITIONS?

Back when we created the brand the only thing that was being made was South Carolina merchandise. South Carolina's flag features the Palmetto & Crescent Moon and is called the Palmetto State. So, we looked at the state of Tennessee, which nickname is the "Volunteer State",  and thought it would make the most sense to build off that concept.

WHAT GOT YOU STARTED?

We honestly just wanted to make Tennessee Flag Belts as we saw a variety of South Carolina products and believed that Tennessee needed the quality products that didn't look like they came from Gatlinburg....you know the outline of a state with a guitar/bass fish/etc jumping out of the state.

When we got the belts in, it was obvious that people loved the concept and we made hats and ties shortly after featuring the "Tristar" image/ It's such a clean design, and the circle with 3 stars looks awesome on a hat/tie/tee due to the basic concept and balance.

As we grew, we set out to make designs that were original for each state featuring the intricate designs of the state's flag within the outline of the state. Some were easier/better received than others due to the nature of the state's flag.

WOULD YOU DO IT AGAIN IF YOU HAD TO START OVER?

We have had a blast making our products the past couple of years. We have really enjoyed seeing how passionate people are about where they are from, not only in Tennessee, but all over The South.

WHAT IS YOUR JAM?

Tough question...people tell me that I like terrible music. Either "In a Big Country" by Big Country or "Deep As It Is Wide" by Eric Paslay. 

WHAT FOOTBALL TEAM ARE YOU READY TO SEE TAKE THE FIELD?

Tennessee, since I spent the better half of a decade there.

Bow Tie Friday: Bluegrass Accents

As you can imagine, I love bow ties. I feel like the growing trend of wearing bow ties is a step towards classic southern elegance. As one of my favorite quotes says, "wearing a bow tie is a way of expressing an aggressive lack of concern for what other people think." It's true. Anyone can wear a regular neck tie, but it takes a confident man to rock a bow tie.

For this week's Bow Tie Friday, I talked to Kyla Cochran of Bluesgrass Accents about her bow tie business and the story behind it! As you'll see below, Kyla is the epitome of a Southern Belle. Even when reading the words she speaks, her bluegrass accent will catch your attention. In the photograph shown below, Kyla is sporting a dress that she made herself, showing that her skills do not stop at bow ties!

YOUR NAME:

Kyla Cochran

HOMETOWN:
I was born in Matewan, WV (YES! The "Hatfield and McCoy Feud" Matewan...I'm actually a Hatfield if you go back far enough).

CURRENT CITY:

I grew up all over Kentucky and have happily been calling Lexington "home" since 2008.

ALMA MATER:

I am currently attending the University of Kentucky (Go Cats!). After trying a couple of different majors, I chose to pursue a degree in what I'm passionate about, so I'm studying Merchandising, Apparel, and Textiles

WHEN WAS YOUR COMPANY ESTABLISHED?

2011

WHY BLUEGRASS ACCENTS?

We originally were established as House of Southern Accents, but have since undergone a name change. As proud as I am to be a part of the South as a whole, having grown up all over Kentucky, I wanted to sort of pay homage to all the places that have made me who I am, and the brand what it is. So, in June 2013 we underwent a name change to Bluegrass Accents.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START THE COMPANY?

In January 2001, my family lost my beautiful cousin, Crystal, to cancer at the age of 29. My cousin and I were very close and being close in age as well as the only female grandchildren, we grew up more like sisters than cousins. Her house is where I spent much of my childhood drawing, painting, and creating. I remember when she was in her teens and started sketching beautiful dress designs that I was in awe of. Design wasn't her passion though, children were. She became a Kindergarten teacher and used her creativity to inspire her students, but she also inspired me more than I can ever put into words. Her sketches will always be in the back of my mind, and the strength she had gave me what I needed to set out on a dream of my own.

WHY BOW TIES?

I knew I wanted to create, but I hadn't quite settled on what I wanted to create. That's where a good friend of mine and a great fraternity come into the picture. My best friend, Will, needed a date to a fraternity date function and, of course, we wanted to match. He didn't have a bow tie that matched the dress I was wearing so I set out to make him one. That one turned into 4 (one for each date party) and those 4 were the start of everything. That's where we are today, and by "we" I mean myself and my dog, Chessie.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BEVERAGE?

Being a Kentucky girl, I would be remiss if I didn't mention bourbon. However, most of the time you're likely to find me with a glass of sweet tea.

WHAT IS YOU "JAM"?

I am country music all the way. In general I prefer the legends over today's country (think The Possum, Garth, George Strait, Hank, Dolly, and Chris LeDoux) though I'd be telling a tall tale if I said I wouldn't shake it if Luke Bryan asked. I have to say though, in the past couple of years, I've been lucky enough to know a few great musicians, and having seen them play live just last Saturday, "Lilly" by Sundy Best is the song that is currently stuck in my head and on repeat on my iTunes!

FAVORITE FOOTBALL TEAM?

The Kentucky Wildcats, for better or worse.

Sponsored Giveaway

For those of you that have followed @BowtieGent on Twitter for the past several years, you are aware that I love giveaways. Over the years I have partnered with companies such as

High Cotton Ties (multiple times)
Volunteer Traditions
Ellis G Designs

I have also given away custom The Bow Tie Gentleman bottles of Jack Daniels' "Gentleman Jack" as well as a box of cigars paired with 12 year old The Bow Tie Gentleman Chivas Regal.

One of my passions is working with small businesses and start ups. That is one of the main reasons why I have the job I have now. Ever since I can remember I've loved Indie music and unknown films. I'm an underdog kind of guy.

 Photograph from Over Under Clothing

WELL! This week's giveaway is from a company that is doing tremendous things! As an avid duck hunter, this company brand speaks to me. Rich leathers adorned with shot gun shells; shirts with a bird dog logo; dog collars and leashes; and American/hunting themed t-shirts? WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE?!

In the coming weeks I will being doing an entire feature about the company Over Under Clothing, but for now I would like to introduce this week's giveaway sponsored by Over Under Clothing. Tomorrow (Wednesday 8/14/2013) will will be doing a giveaway for a genuine leather key fob and koozies to one lucky person.

To enter, head over to @BowtieGent on twitter and RT the contest tweet. For additional chances to win, be sure to follow @BowtieGent AND @Over_Under_Co. Additionally, I will post a contest pic on Instagram (@bowtiegent1) for you to "like" for another opportunity to be entered to win.

Thank you SO MUCH to the nice folks at Over Under Clothing for the prize pack and good luck to those entering. Keep an eye out for a feature about the company and be sure to check out all of their amazing products at www.overunderclothing.com.

No Taxation Without Representation

This weekend was Tax Free Weekend in Texas and no one took the time to tell! I was killing time in Fort Worth this morning before making the drive to Abilene, TX and decided to swing by the mall and spend a little money. Once I figured out that it was Tax Free Weekend and Dillard's was also having so crazy good sales, I spent more than I originally bargained for.

Now, aside from bow ties I love loud socks. They are an under-utilized accessory that can make or break an outfit (just look at the number of people wearing the wrong color). I picked up 3 new pairs of Hot Socks from JC Penney for $6 a pop.

At Dillard's I found these awesome Ralph Lauren Suffield Pants in Pale Caribbean for $40. These are perfect for a day on the golf course, comfortable enough for a road trip, and sharp enough for date night. All around, very versatile pants!

To go with my Suffield, I scored this gem. This is a Cremieux button up, short sleeve, double pocket shirt for $30.I'm not usually one to wear button up short sleeve shirts. I reckon I usually opt to go with a polo and kick it business casual with the rolled up sleeves. This retro looking shirt spoke to met a great item to pair with a pair of dress blue jeans and chucks, club shorts and flip flops, or as I purchased it, Suffields on the golf course. EXTREMELY soft material and maintaining a stiff collar will make this a go to shirt.

Now this is what I'm really excited about. After seeing the shoes on the top on a mannequin at the Dillard's in Fort Worth but not for sale, I went to the Dillard's in Abilene to get them. I acquired these Johnston & Murphy tan Ellington Wingtips for $65. Below are JC Penney brand natural colored Antonitiens that I got for $30. I'm a sucker for wingtips. I have several pairs already (I mean come on, they can be some of the most expressive dress shoes a guy can have in his wardrobe. The leather and canvas combination make these shoes capable of work or leisure wear and (for the daring) would look great coupled with Ralph Lauren club shorts.


Now I have been in search for the perfect blue suit for a year now. I keep coming across this khaki Claiborne slim fit suit at JC Penney. The picture makes it look like a light kahki but it's more brown/gold than that in a vary casual material. The jacket and pants came out to be $60.

All in all I would say that today's shopping excursion was successful. I can't wait to try out my new finds and I just know that the Warby Parker sunglasses I just ordered will go great with all of it!