the sweet smell of decay

Orange and blue blossoms with dead brown leaves. The circle of life has its bumpy stretches.

where have all the flowers gone?

Dead and wilted on a banded polyester necktie, no scent but nostalgia.

still life with tacky tie

So vibrant and vivid in the classroom, so limp and lifeless on a plastic hanger.

violets are blue, roses are brown

Genetic technology lets us craft a blue rose, but a brown rose remains a wisp of a dream. Except on this dream of a necktie.

"WEMLON by WEMBLEY. Crush it, knot it, even wash it. For brown, olive, or black suit."

petrochemical bliss

Almost a decade ago, as a power-hungry college student, I served as a senator in student government, eventually working my way to a vice presidency. (It helps to run unopposed.) We met each Tuesday, and, on top of Robert's, followed one rule: you had to wear a tie to vote. To comply with the rule, I pillaged the local Goodwill of its seventies-era tie collection, fifty cents a pop. This is one of the original crew.

The tie is 100% sweet crude. The glare is the sun's envy.

un poisson d'automne

"It looks like fish scales," said fifth period's resident Hemingway. "It has bright autumn hues," said our resident fashionista.

Thursday's tie is full of verve

Congratulations. You've found Mr. A's first tacky tie photo of the 2006-2007 school year. Notice the bold hues and bright patterns typical of polyester neckwear. Ah, for the good old days.

Tacky ties are worn each Tuesday and Thursday when school is in session. There are currently over 100 ties in the collection, spanning Goodwill finds, closet raids, and generous donations from past students.

If you enjoy this assemblage of stunning and fashion-forward apparel, please drop the blogger a line.