Thursday, December 13, 2012

The General Rules of Christmas Etiquette, Borrowed


While drafting up a Holiday Etiquette post for the season, I stumbled upon this and decided to use it instead.  It's a bit "knotty" and pretty much nails the points of good etiquette for not just any party, but for most parties you'll attend well into 2013.  At the bottom is a playlist of the greatest Christmas music everyone should play at their party this year.



The General Rules of Etiquette Everyone Should Abide By At A Christmas Party This Season:
(Rules Subject to Change)


If Hosting, Pick a Date.  Not a person date, but a calendar date.  If you schedule a party on the same day as a friend, chances are everyone will go to his/her party because they are cooler than you.  Besides, I told you not to make it an ugly sweater party.  Those are lame.

If Attending, Know the Date.  Mark it on your calendar, planner, iPhone, iPad, tablet, post-it note.  Have your intern or pledge remind you.  Really there is no excuse nowadays on forgetting something.

Timing.  Being late is never good, especially if you're a girl.  No matter, 20 minutes late is one thing.  Being over an hour late is another.  Plan accordingly and recognize that this isn't a college mixer where arriving at the end of the night just to pick up the drunkest chick will go unnoticed.  Plus, you'll miss out on all of the really good hors d'oeuvres if you're late.

Black tie means black tie.  There is the famed ugly sweater party that we are all fucking sick of usually ends up with someone passed out on the lawn.  Then there is the formal Christmas party that hosts put great effort into making a pleasurable and upscale event, complete with champagne (not Andre) and maybe a pledge hired bartender.  Get dressed up and get after it, pinky up.  And no, a tuxedo t-shirt doesn't count (unless you're from Arkansas).

Bring a gift for the host or hostess.  Coming empty-handed to a cocktail party, especially a Christmas party, is extremely tacky.  Pickup a bottle of wine, some dessert or any small trinket of appreciation and you'll be set. Remember, a 12 of Buds is better than nothing so just play off of the "12 Days of Christmas" song and hand them out like candy.  *Tip: Go the extra step and tie a bow on them.

Thank your hosts.  Look them in the eye, say their names, and give them a heartfelt "thank you." Now is not the time to call your friend The Pisser by the college nickname you use on the sports field each weekend.  Class it up, asshole, this is a Christmas party.

Packing heat.  If you're carrying a flask, it's wise to share and it better be bourbon.  Bourbon is the most versatile holiday party drink spiker. Egg nog, mulled cider, a glass with just ice, after dinner coffee or hot chocolate.  Before you leave make sure to refill your flask for the after party.  It's the gift that keeps on giving...and taking.

Don't come to the party drunk.  Clearly you didn't listen to the rule above about sharing so hopefully you're playing Santa for the little kids (heaven forbid there are kids there).  No little child will understand, "Santa had too much of Rudolph's punch on the sleigh ride over."  If you can't distinguish between another kid, a divorcee, or a prior slam wanting to climb on you to beg for a new My Little Pony doll, grab some coffee or water.  *Tip:  If this is a Christmas party at work, chances are it is a divorcee so make sure you have some rubbers in the sack.  Ho Ho Ho.

Leave the stereo alone.  Unless you're the DJ or were asked to bring a playlist, leave the iPod in its dock.  Nobody likes your month old Drake and nobody likes your two month old Drake so don't even think about it.  Of course, there are always parties with a weak music scene and if you do find yourself at one of these, simply pull the host aside when they aren't busy and offer up some new jams fade the current song out by lowering the volume when no one is looking.  Then, put your crazy wild jams on at a low murmur until someone says, "hey I love this song!"  The volume will be cranked, champagne popped and you'll be Kirilling the shit out of babes before the track ends.  Chances are the host will be totally cool with it.  Claim ownership of the new music only after the host approves.

Mingle, mingle, mingle.  Every party has the potential to be the best party of all time.  To guys, the best party of all time means they took home a lady and brought her to brunch the next day.  To girls, the best party of all time means they perfectly matched the reds on the invitations to the reds on the cocktail napkins to the reds on the frosted gingerbread men's buttons.  Either way, both parties are getting head.  If you don't know someone, introduce yourself.  Offer them a drink.  Offer them a stiff drink.  Chances are you'll have more friends there than you think.  Who knows, you might even meet some of those Facebook friends Twitter followers you have.

Know when to leave.  You will come to a time in the night where you go to refill your plastic party cup at the bar.  On the way there you will shoulder a doorway, hip-check a chair and possibly trip.  Unbeknownst to you, no less than four dirty looks from guests will be sent your way.  If you make it to the bar in a vertical state, the punch bowl will be empty.  Do not ask, "Hey, hey is this the punch?  Wish I got some, anymore coming?" and sound like a complete chode.  Everyone knows you've been swimming in it all night.  Instead, think of your exit.  Find your hosts and thank them.  Look them in the eye, say their names, and give them a heartfelt "thank you." Now is still not the time to call your friend The Pisser by the college nickname you use on the sports field each weekend.  Consider sending your friend a text instead. *Tip:  Make sure you got that divorcee's number in your phone correctly.


So with those thoughts and rules now replacing the dancing sugar plum fairies in your head, I bid you all adieu and hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season.  Go easy on the egg nog!


Below is a playlist of the best Christmas music of all time.  Enjoy and crank it up at your next party:

- Nick


Santa baby.... by Nick Mannella on Grooveshark

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Knot Belt Co. Campus Ambassador Application


School is back in session and if you like to have fun and look good, we've got just the thing...




We are looking for top shelf, not afraid to get their hands dirty, chill but knotty students to represent Knot Belt Co. on campuses across the states this semester.  Knot Brand Ambassadors will receive free swag, throw events and off campus parties, tweet and post about Knot Belt Co. and of course, offer giveaways for your friends and more.  To be considered, please copy and paste the questions below into an email, answer to the max and send to:  ambassador@knotbeltco.com.  We'll even hook you up just for applying so tell your friends, spread the word and we'll see you on campus. #stayknotty











KNOT BRAND AMBASSADOR APPLICATION QUESTIONS (please copy and paste these into an email and send to: ambassador@knotbeltco.com):


Name:
Age:
Hometown:
Highschool/Prep School/Boarding School:

University/College/School* + Year:
Fraternity/Sorority (if applicable):
Club(s)/Athletic Team(s)/Campus Organization(s) (if applicable):

Email Address:
Phone Number:
Twitter Handle:


A bit about yourself:







What are five songs you can't get enough of?




What do you like to do on the weekends (other than getting knotty)?




How will you spread the Knot Belt Co. brand on your campus?




Are there any menswear stores, clothing shops or men's boutiques on or near your campus?  If so, what are their names?  What brands do they carry?




Please attach one picture of yourself to this email.  Prepped for a mixer, on the course or cruising the coastline, we want to make sure you can look your best while getting knotty.  Being able to represent the Knot Belt Co. brand wherever you are is essential.  Please NO nudity or profanity.


Lastly:

Follow Knot Belt Co. on TWITTER
Like Knot Belt Co. on FACEBOOK
Follow KnotByNick on INSTAGRAM

*WE NEED INTERNS!  If you attend College of Charleston and would like to be considered for an intern position at the Knot Belt Co. office in Charleston, please add "Campus + Intern" to the subject title of your email.  While this internship/ambassador position is unpaid, this is the best way to get your foot in the door as Knot Belt Co. grows and paid opportunities open up in the future....plus we have a hell of a lot of fun and all of your friends will be jealous.




Endless Summer Sippin' - Events & Parties

Show off your American made lifestyle and get knotty.  www.knotbeltco.com

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Knot Brand Ambassador Profile: Grace The Face Williams


Each week we get emails from people across the country who want to be a part of the Knot Belt Co. team.  While we aren't hiring full time employees just yet, becoming a brand ambassador is the first step to get your foot in the door.  The people you'll read about here have gone the extra mile and realize what Knot is about and what it is like to be a Knothead. Each week we'll be profiling our top brand ambassadors for everyone to see. 



Name:
 Grace The Face Frances Williams 
School: St. Lawrence University
Studying: Government


Why are you a Knot Belt Co. brand ambassador/how did you become one?


I met Nick in the pro-shop at Bristol Harbour Golf Club.  After a few shared stories from up at Larryland it was ON.



Whats on your ipod/what are you listening to?

Summer hits of the 90s. 

One awkward moment that was caused by epic knottyness:


I was in Nantucket and after a long night woke up to find my friend half-naked next to my brother.  She was wearing her Knot sunglasses and using the Knot flag I had as a blanket.  She and my brother aren't dating, but it was true love that night....I think she deserves to be a Knothead brand rep just because of that.  Wait, she is a brand rep right?



If you could have front row tickets to any sporting event, what would it be?
Any sort of professional golf event!  The PGA is coming back to Oak Hill next summer so hopefully Knot will have some company tickets by then.

Shout out to a friend…(friends):
Elizabeth Jay - whatup.



Any hidden talents?
Tick-Tock-Body-Rock

Favorite outdoor socializing activity:
Stump

What product do you want Knot to come out with next?
Party pants or shorts, maybe do a collab with Chubbies.



Larry Sandwich: Class of 1955 comin' to the Knot-Tee Trunk Show


If you want to become a brand ambassador on your campus, please email "lifestyle@knotclothing.com" with a bit about yourself, a resume and why you would be a good addition to the Knot Belt Co. crew.  Extra points for pics, videos and epic music playlists.

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Knot Brand Ambassador Profile: Ellie Panther Place

Each week we get emails from people across the country who want to be a part of the Knot Belt Co. team.  While we aren't hiring full time employees just yet, becoming a brand ambassador is the first step  to get your foot in the door.  The people you'll read about here have gone the extra mile and realize what Knot is about and what it is like to be a Knothead.Each week we'll be profiling our top brand ambassadors for everyone to see. 



Name: Ellie Panther Place
School: College of Charleston
Studying: Finance and Accounting


Why are you a Knot Belt Co. brand ambassador/how did you become one?

I'm pretty sure I was tricked into doing this.  Never looked back.

Whats on your ipod/what are you listening to?

Lumineers, Marshall Tucker Band, Van Morrison, Avett Brothers and Nirvana

One awkward moment that was caused by epic knottyness:


That time at the Knot Rooftop Drop party when everyone had about 15 John Dalys, resulting in my friend Kels and I abusing a bachelor party.  We rang up their bar tab pretty good.  Another time, you (meaning Nick) and friend Jon-Mark were spotted riding around a tandem bike and crashed it in front of our house, aptly named Pittbull, while we all were drinking champagne on the porch at around 3am.  Not so much awkward as extreme knottyness.

If you could have front row tickets to any sporting event, what would it be?
Let's pretend I can time travel- 1994 Andre Agassi at the US open OR 1980 Olympic Hockey Olympics.

Shout out to a friend…(friends):
Don Post of Mozzo's Deli or the bartenders at Fuel for hooking us up with endless pitchers midday after some tennis.





Any hidden talents?
Teleporting, cake baking

Favorite outdoor socializing activity:
Budweiser Wiffleball

What product do you want Knot to come out with next?
Long-sleeve tees and hoodless sweatshirts

Shout out to the Pittbull crew.  #stayknotty


If you want to become a brand ambassador on your campus, please email "lifestyle@knotclothing.com" with a bit about yourself, a resume and why you would be a good addition to the Knot Belt Co. crew.  Extra points for pics, videos and epic music playlists.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

BroBible + Country Club Prep Outfit Giveaway

Want to win an entire outfit that includes some of your favorite brands?  The epic knottyness of BroBible and the wit and charm of Country Club Prep are bringing you just that.  Click on the link below, cross your legs and grab a cold one...this contest is worth the wait.





Outfit includes: 

1. Sandals by Havaianas,

2. Shorts by Jack Donnelly, 

3. BYOB belt by Knot Belt Co., 

4. White 4-button polo by Johnnie-O, 

5. Blue seersucker croakies by Tugs, 

6. Navy sunglasses by Country Club Prep, and

7. Khaki seersucker Frat Hat by Southern Proper. 

Winner announced on Thursday, August 2, 2012.  MUST be a fan to enter!


ENTER HERE



Saturday, June 23, 2012

Fourth of July SALE!

Knot Belt Co.'s birthday is coming up on July 4th and its time to celebrate.  Today through next Sunday (7/1/12) take 20% off our American Flag and Oh My Stars! belts, both d-rings AND original leatherback tabbed styles.  Use code "AMERICA" at checkout.  Go on, be extra patriotic this year.




 


Spread the word, America is gettin' knotty.

- Nick

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

A Look Back in The South

Carolina Cup

When I heard all the buzz about Knot below the Mason Dixon line, it made me realize that Knot is expanding to warmer climates and breaking through to the true haberdashery scene now more than ever.  While I love New England and the birthplace of prep culture, there is something about the south that cannot be matched; both in style and way of life.  A pressed shirt, blazer and shorts on a Tuesday.  A sundress, hat and shades at a tailgate on a Saturday.  A cocktail with koozie in hand, in everyone's hand, around five o'clock no matter what day.  And don't forget that the sun is always shining. 

Race Day!

Outside Chattanooga

The Route

With that in mind, shortly after Thanksgiving I set out to cruise the south and explore the culture I missed so much when visiting friends during my college days.  I knew things were a bit different but really wanted to discover southern prep culture and what it stood for.  What I found, off the beaten paths in the towns that are the backbone of this country, were all around amazing people.

The Big Burn (special shout out to The Hangers & KCR)

Our bros from State Traditions rocking Knot hats

Hotty Toddy


Store owners would not only take time to look at what Knot had to offer, but also tell you about their recent hunting trip and serve you a snack in the back stock room.  The founders of brands I have followed since their start offered up information and tips over lunch or drinks.  Respectable bloggers and journalists in the know set up cocktail hour after cocktail hour, no matter how last minute I contacted them.  And of course, I couch surfed, apartment crashed and interrupted the everyday flow of my friends lives and friends of friends lives when I needed a place to stay.

Nashville music, and fried chicken, cannot be beat.  The nightlife in New Orleans complimented the drinks more than one can tell.  Christmas in the Gulf was so much fun that I ended up staying for ten days.  And, once I hit Savannah on my way back north I knew I couldn't leave just yet.  So, in Charleston I decided to sublet an apartment and stay there for three months.  Cougar nation and lowcountry natives took me in and each day was just as inspiring and fun as the last.  How could it not be inspiring with warm weather, beautiful people and the amazing history and sense of fashion? Putting a dent in the South, no matter how big or small that dent was, made me truly look at everything Knot has done thus far and smile.


Charleston Shoot


Rooftop Drop Event


 

Tossing out some swag



The MG


Gulfport w Chew & Buckley

Rowan Oak

Nashville



I could go on about each town I visited and every person met at an oyster roast, but I'll spare you the time.  Just know that I want to say a big THANK YOU to everyone along the way and everyone propelling Knot into the future.  Y'all know who you are and I couldn't have done it or continue to do it without you.  Knot is bigger and better than every so look out for some awesome new stuff this summer!

- Nick