Tie one on!

Wearing a tie can either be an experiment in cross-dressing, as with Avril Lavigne’s signature look (picture below right via photobysameer.blogspot), or it can be glamourously girly.
Gwen Stefani, pictured at left via tiesplanet.com, sexes up the necktie with red lips and a cinched waist.
The Tuleh runway look [top left] glamorously splits the difference, combining menswear elements like pants and a fedora with girly glamour: sparkles and a wide, loose neck wrap.
Today’s Couture Carrie post explores the dichotomy!


GIRLY
Zac Posen bow, via vogue.com/fr
Milly, via nymag.com

Proenza Schouler bow, from vogue.com/fr
Valentino dress with double bows - waist and neckline! Runway photo via nymag.com
Moschino skinny black tie, via French Vogue

The bigger the better!
Proenza Schouler big green bow, courtesy nymag.com
Elie Saab Couture gown, via style.com
Oversize plaid bowtie at Karen Walker. Picture via nymag.com
Christian Lacroix Couture, courtesy style.com
John Galliano, via nymag.com
Tiny does it at 6267. Photo courtesy nymag.com
Anna Sui narrow neck wrap; detail photo via style.com
Tibi skinny gold neck wrap, via nymag.com
BOYISH


Jean Paul Gaultier Couture narrow black necktie, via style.com
DSquared2 skinny necktie detail, pictured via style.com.
Ralph Lauren Spring 2008, courtesy nymag.com

Richard Nicoll monochrome menswear-inspired look, via nymag.com
Ruffian, via nymag.com
Temperley London bowtie, via style.com
Eley Kishimoto bowtie, via nymag.com
Bill Blass, courtesy nymag.com
Gianfranco Ferre purple necktie, courtesy vogue.com/fr
CC totally did a double take when she saw this Rag & Bone model – thought it was a guy!! Photo via nymag.com.
Same deal at the Lacoste show – at first blush, CC couldn’t differentiate boy from girl!! Picture courtesy nymag.com. A word to the wise: When wearing a man's necktie, keep other elements of the outfit feminine!!

What’s a girl to buy??

For the truly daring, go directly to Brooks Brothers (or any thrift store!) and buy a classic chevron-striped tie; singer Janelle Monae just did it to stunning effect for a recent issue of U.S. Vogue!



CC also advises purchasing several bowtie-built-in pieces, such as this pale Nili Lotan bow tie halter mini dress, currently half off at shopbop.com!
Moschino keyhole tunic dress with tuxedo tie, at net-a-porter.com
Madison Marcus purple dress with contrasting black tie. Go to standardstyle.com to purchase. This would be such a great layering piece for fall, worn with patterned tights and maybe even a plaid duster!
Proenza Schouler black and white sheer puff sleeve blouse with self-tie neck wrap.
Visit the lovely presseboutique.com.
Another exquisite top in the most lovely shade of ocean . . . this Doo Ri stretch Georgette blouse, available at eLuxury.com
Marc by Marc Jacobs tie front pointelle blouse, currently on sale at eLuxury.com
Combining two trends in one: French Connection Victoria check shirt - perfect with a high-waisted pencil skirt, right?
This sheer dark floral tie-neck blouse from Forever 21 would be so cute peeking out from under a cardi!


CC is loving this rich navy Robert Rodriguez tie-front blouse, made unique by elegant draped sash arm details.
Go to shopbop.com to buy.
Moschino bow-front coat, at net-a-porter.com



If the necktie look is not for you, never fear! There is this ladylike and flirty Robert Rodriguez tweed tie front skirt.
Visit shopbop.com
Another fab footwear find: Valentino’s grosgrain bow bootie, at Bergdorf Goodman New York. Available online in the shade above and solid black; go to bergdorfgoodman.com.
Or slip on these covetable Christian Louboutin Jolie Noeud Dorcet peep toe patent pumps pictured above.
Visit net-a-porter.com to buy!

How cute is this Minnie Mouse bow ring? And it’s just $40 at fredflare.com!
CC fell in love with this Chloe Ella leather clutch.
Purchase at net-a-porter.com.

Whether as a neckwrap or in some other fashion, either girly or boyish, the bow/tie is a must for fall!

For all the particulars on the necktie, see Dapper Kid's post from yesterday! http://dapperkid.blogspot.com/2008/07/essentials-part-one-shirt.html