Shooting National Bow Tie Day at Union Market

Today is National Bow Tie Day but I’m not sure what’s supposed to happen to celebrate. Of course it means I should sport a bow tie today but what else should I do? Should I be giving a course on how to tie a bow tie? Nah there’s YouTube for that. Google for yourself; you can find some excellent how-to videos.

So how does one celebrate National Bow Tie Day? For me I decided to pick out a new bow tie, style a new look and tool around Union Market. I chose my new look from Vineyard Vines. The preppy and casual clothing store is a favorite of guys in Washington. With its origins beginning in Martha’s Vineyard and the Official Style of the Kentucky Derby, the brand is just at home in our Nation’s Capital as it is Massachusetts and Kentucky.

You know I’m a fan of the florals and of the short suit. And that’s what I had in mind when I picked out this look. Naturally to complete the look, it definitely needed a bow tie. With such a bold pattern to the jacket, the perfect tie needed to be something simple. Although Vineyard Vines is known for it’s bold print ties, a simple pinstripe pattern was the perfect match to complete this look.

My pictures for National Bow Tie Day were captured using the colorful backdrop of Union Market. With the revitalization of an area that is a photographer’s dream, Union Market is now home to a variety of new restaurants, shops and events spaces that is luring Washingtonians from all quadrants of the city. For my quick trip and after a hard day of shooting, I had to grab an ice mocha at Peregrine Espresso and then may have popped over to Sloppy Mama’s for one of their tasty chicken sandwiches. Hey a guy’s gotta eat and drink.

Details/Shop My Look

Navy floral blazer, Light blue 10 inch performance breaker shorts, Pinstriped woven bow tie – Vineyard Vines | White dress shirt – Saks Fifth Avenue | Hat – Goorin Bros. | Spectator shoes – Brooks Brothers

Photos by Amanda Andrade-Rhoades