Ah, curious, are we? 

Nothing more controversial than the subject of neckwear. 

I'm determined, this summer, to get a correct measurement.  I'm really wanting to go over to suits, jackets and ties in a big way and I need a decent fitting. 

Is there anything ghastlier, though, than the modern tie?  Almost as bad as the 70s: bright, polyester jobbies worse than my parents' wallpaper.  Brooks Brothers, it seems are guilty of perpetuating sundry crimes against sartorial humanity right now.  Who's for a conservative stripe, then?  Discreet small figure?  Silk?  Cotton and linen?  Cotton and rayon?  My ideal: discreet stripe, maroon or navy blue, easy on the eye of the beholder.  And a 'political' tie-clip, like the 'Dempsey 66' I picked up for pennies on Ebay.  Paisley can also be nice, though, if muted.  I favour the repp, very strongly.  Unadventurous?  Well, if the Ivy suit guarantees that desired quiet anonymity, it seems to fit the bill.