The holidays are just around the corner. Each year, the Thanksgiving decorations come out earlier and earlier at the department stores. As a result, Christmas and other holiday decorations end up coming out earlier too.  The hope is that we'll start buying earlier too.   I guess it works since each year retailers move up the date.

We're under 100 days until the holidays, when you'll be looking for one of many gifts for those men in your life who are important. Whether you need to get a gift for dad, grandpa, or a friend, remember what Prince Albert once said, "A gentleman will take care that his clothes are of the best quality, well-made and suitable to his rank and position."

 I've been talking with some friends lately about buying ties online.  Some have expressed to me the fact that just about every online Web site claims to have "100% silk ties" or "the highest quality ties."  When you aren't in the showroom and able to feel the tie, how can you select from the seemingly wide array of high quality ties?

 I'm often asked why I don't add ties as quickly as other stores tend to do.  I'll add a new tie here or there, but it's not often that I'll add large amounts of ties at once.  My answer is always the same:  I only add the best ties.  I evaluate each tie the same way before putting it on the site by asking myself, "Would this be my favorite tie?  Or will I get tired of this tie after wearing it once?"

 Father's day is a unique opportunity.  Find a gift for dad that isn't the stereotypical, boring, unthoughtful present.  I mean, how else do you say "I don't care" than with something you bought as an afterthought?  

Many visitors to the site often ask if it is appropriate to wear a certain color tie to certain occasions, and if certain colors have specific meanings.  I've always been interested in a good looking tie, but haven't put much thought behind what people may be thinking  when they see a specific color....I did some research and found some interesting psychology behind the colors of ties.

I recently came across an interesting video on Newsweek.com. The focus of the story was something I've been saying for years---that the knot and the tie make the man.  The video talked about 4 of the most common knots, and how to tie them. No matter which knot you decide to wear, your Jack Franklin tie will keep you looking your best.

This week I'm on the road again meeting with suppliers overseas, going over new designs, and finishing up approval on a couple of new Jack products that will be hitting the site in a couple of months. Its been a great trip.

The owner of the this particular mill I met with yesterday is one of the largest suppliers to the European market as well as a few of the high-end department stores, and brand name lines in the U.S.
He came right out and said to me, "You are too picky".

 I was driving down the road the other day and saw a huge billboard that advertised, "Washable Ties.....4.88!"  When I saw the billboard I literally said out loud (to myself in the car), "Sick."  I'm sure there are some people who love a cheap tie that can be thrown in the washing machine (and they probably drive a teal saturn).

 Today was only our 8th day in business, only the 8th day since we launched Jack Franklin to the world.  The philosophy is simple---provide high-quality ties at a very reasonable price.  And that philosophy will flow through to other products as well in coming months.