It’s that time of year again and I have spring fever so bad I can hardly stand it and, as usual, I hate everything in my closet. This happens to me every year when the weather starts to get warmer and the days get longer.

Right about now I feel like changing my hair style or think about getting a tattoo and this is what happens to people when they live in a cold climate like Chicago. As much as I love the four seasons the winter doldrums hit me the hardest.

I do like my selection of ties this year as the trend didn’t change too much from last year. Bright colorful ties were all over London Fashion Week and when I saw the Tommy Ton pics I was pleasantly surprised.. I have a lot of what is shown on the streets of London and I’m a huge fan of Tommy Ton. Plaid ties are cool and they’re fun. You’re not straying too far from the terminally dull styles of everyday men and you’re not trying to shock even the trendy by wearing them You can wear a plaid tie almost anywhere and feel right at home.

What I saw this year is about a new generation of plaid ties that will add a refreshing hit of vibrant color to the suits you wear to the office week in and week out. The secret? Deeper, richer, darker colors. That’s easy! Even if you don’t have deeper richer colors softer tones will work perfect.

What I like about plaid ties is that you can wear a stylish colored shirt with pockets and casual trousers or you can wear them with jeans. If you dare, depending on the material of the tie, you can wear it under a vest with a three piece suit.

When you think of plaid try to make sure that plaid is plaid and let everyone know that its plaid. Let’s see it. Ralph Lauren made a gazillion dollars with plaid and he ought to know style if anyone does, so wear plaid in all kinds of combinations.

Chris