Thomas Pink Knit Tie

THE ASKMEN TAKE

The Thomas Pink knit black tie is made of 100% silk and features a satin ribbon in the inside neck that adds smoothness. Its fine knit construction and square-shaped bottom give it a modern look, one embraced by style icons like David Beckham. Overall, you’ll appreciate this refreshing take on a classic item.

UNIQUENESS

Ties may fall at the bottom of your shopping list, or simply be an afterthought, but the Thomas Pink knit tie is worth taking note of. Its lines and texture score high points because they instantly modernize an otherwise traditional item.

Opting for a knit construction subtly adds visual interest. For weekends spent in the city, pair it with a window-pane pattern shirt rolled up at the sleeves, straight-leg dark wash jeans, and top it off with a tweed flat cap. By mixing different patterns and textures, you’ll create that visual tension that makes an outfit feel modern. And don’t be misled by its square bottom, which may suggest an informal look. This tie can work equally well for your day job if you pair it with a solid oxford and flat-front trousers in similar tones.

DURABILITY

While there are no details especially unique to this knit tie, its durability justifies its price tag. The Thomas Pink knit tie is hand-sewn and made in Italy, speaking to its fine craftsmanship. It’s made of 100% silk, which is the basis of any quality tie.

It doesn’t get more safe or versatile than solid black, so you can expect to get a lot of wear out of this tie from season to season. Though its style may feel trendy, rest assured that this modern spin on a classic item is here to stay. The evolution of the tie generally moves at a glacier rate, so adding this piece to your wardrobe provides you with a fun and lasting alternative.

A word of caution: because of the tie’s slimmer shape, it should be kept in proportion to your build. Guys with wider or larger frames should bring along a friend for a second opinion. Finally, keep your lines in harmony: If you’re wearing a slimmer tie, keep the fit of your clothes on the slimmer side as well. Mixing those proportions will throw the look off balance.

Tom Ford TF0034 JOHN Sunglasses

 THE ASKMEN TAKE

Do something a little different this year: Trade in your standardblack sunglasses for something a little more unusual and eye-catching.

Favored by celebs like Brad Pitt, these Tom Ford TF0034 JOHN shades will look smokin' with most of your current wardrobe and will play into fall's trend for earth tones with their warm, rose-gold frames and dark brown gradient lenses. These shades are also a perfect balance of classic and contemporary because while the double bridge bar is borrowed from the aviator, the more angular, square-shaped frames bring the sunglasses up to date.

UNIQUENESS

Though they're not a bright, obnoxious ‘80s color, nor do they have a huge shiny logo on the side, the Tom Ford TF0034 JOHN shades will make you stand apart from everyone else when you wear them. The combination of rose-gold frames and brown lenses will warm up your face and give it a tanned glow, giving the impression that you just got back from a relaxing beach holiday. These sunglasses will be especially flattering on guys with blond manes or natural highlights.

DURABILITY

As long as you properly take care of them, meaning you should always keep them in a protective case when you're not wearing them and avoid clumsy mistakes like sitting on them, these sunglasses should last you for 5 to 10 years. On the trend front, it will be around five years before the modified aviator look of these shades, along with their large lenses, appear dated. If you live in a place where the sun is particularly bright in the summer, such as a desert environment, you might not be able to wear these during the warmer months, as they may not block out enough light. Everyone else will be able to wear them year-round. At around $300, the cost of these shades is on par with other designer sunglasses. If you're searching for a quick way to make it look like you overhauled your wardrobe, these high-quality shades are a good buy. On the other hand, if you can only afford one pair of designer sunglasses, go for a more classic pair in black, like theRay-Ban Predators, that won't ever look dated.

Gucci Wildspitze Scarf

THE ASKMEN TAKE

Gucci brings you a gray and dark gray combination scarf in a lightweight, woven wool-silk blend of 95% wool and 5% silk. Sateen stripes run down the center toward the fringe ends, culminating in an embroidered Gucci logo crest at one end. This 74-inch long and 14-inch wide scarf is the perfect size to tie around your neck in multiple ways.

UNIQUENESS

The Gucci Wildspitze scarf is neither a classic nor a retro throwback look that requires a new coat or wardrobe to show off its stripes. It is, for lack of a better phrase, a modern scarf for the modern man. The gray on dark gray color palette keeps it from being too serious and the stripes of sateen add a bit of frivolity to your look without being silly. To call the Wildspitze unique would be an overstatement. In fact, the look is truly understated, and that is the point of this scarf. You can throw it on over a coat without much thought or worry or add it to a topcoat before heading out.

DURABILITY

Understatement in fashion is rarely highlighted or appreciated, except by those needing a change of perspective. All too often we get caught up by the latest trend or movement and forget that sometimes we simply need and want a reliable accessory to carry us through. Here then is where the durability of the Gucci Wildspitze scarf becomes apparent. No one can be sure what the next trend will be, but you can count on this scarf to keep you warm and stylish -- especially if you take the time to learn how to tie it correctly. The only drawback will be the fringed ends, which will begin to show a bit of usage after a few years.

Gucci Tortoise Aviator

THE ASKMEN TAKE

The formal wear this season is not just about a great cut and classic pieces; it’s got to look good too. Case in point: These Gucci tortoise aviators -- they were created to complement the dressed-up version of you. It’s perfect company for the best suit in your closet and the hot summer nights you'll be spending downing those Negronis.

 UNIQUENESS

The pragmatic role of aviators has long been forgotten, and for decades they have been associated with trend-savvy men who enjoy fashion but can definitely appreciate a well-made classic. Michael Jackson rarely took them off and, in a way, they made Tom Cruise's Maverick in Top Gun.

The Gucci tortoise aviator combines what’s best about Gucci: strong Italian fashion heritage and sublime craftsmanship with up-to-date styling. There are no huge, tacky logos -- just a clean, classic form upgraded with the tortoise shell motif. And let’s not forget that the UV filtering is an uncompromising 100%, as one would expect from men's sunglasses with such a hefty price tag.

 DURABILITY

Buying Gucci, you’d suspect that the item will last and last -- and last. Obviously you’re paying for the name that epitomizes one of the biggest Italian fashion empires in the world; however, for such a lofty purchase, it's natural to expect much more.

This elegant Gucci tortoise aviator model will be an investment purchase provided that you’re not the type of person who is notorious for leaving your things (mobile, pens, car keys, sunglasses) all over the place. If you’re on the fence about the price, use these as a reference when shopping for sunglasses this spring.