Outlets

Outlet stores are a curious facet of American consumerism. Traditionally, outlet stores or Factory Stores, were connected directly to the merchants factory, as a way to distribute their products directly to customers. Perhaps the best example is the L.L. Bean outlet in the company hometown of Freeport, Maine, which has remained open in the same location since 1917.

From the outside, this looks like a store, but the L.L. Bean outlet is actually the size of a small European nation. 

What has your experience at outlets been? Tell us in the Comments section of this article.

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The Thrifty Prep Guide to Ties

"A well-tied tie is the first serious step in life.”
-- Oscar Wilde

     Ties have been the mark of a well-dressed man for decades, and probably will remain so for years to come. While some see the necktie as the noose of a conformist society around the neck of the free man, and others as incessant fathers-day gifts that are worn maybe once or twice a year, a true gentleman knows how to use ties to their advantage, adding just the right amount of color or pattern to complete a given look.

Truth be told, there are lots of unfortunate ties out there, and as with any part of a wardrobe, there are considerable differences in quality to be aware of as well. In this write up, I'll try to describe the most essential ties for your collection, which brands to look for, how to wear them, and what to wear them with. After reading this article, you should be able to pick up any tie (be it in a department store, thrift store, or your Grandfather's closet, and instantly be able to judge not only the build of the tie, but also the finer qualities and stylistic details that make it special.

Quick access to parts of this guide:

• Materials (The inner-workings)

• The Knot (How to tie)

• Length and Width 

• Styles (Stripes, dots, seahorses)

• Makers (What to look for in a brand)

• How to Buy (At a thrifty price)

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