Style Share return: Strelli tie (and more)

In the time that I've been doing Style Share, I've met a lot of really nice people, had some excellent photos returned, and even been given some accessories in return. This latest return, though, pretty much takes the cake, and I think it's going to be hard to top.

This nice little art deco style tie was claimed by Andy back in November after things were officially "over", and he offered to flat-out trade me a tie of his own for it. I was totally down with that, and I got a really, really excellent new (to me) tie out of the deal. Some time passed, and then I got an email with this photo and the statement, "At work today I completed my Style Share Return Requirements. Due to the unusal nature of my compliance, my information/responsibilities are coming to you via the US Postal Service." I certainly didn't expect anything else in return, so his cryptic reply made me wonder what else what yet to arrive.

Just what the heck did he mean? Keep reading.

photo courtesy Mr. F

Here's a photo of the tie in action, with an OCBD and a nice wool jacket from Lands' End Canvas (and tan trousers and oxblood Redwing boots, not pictured).

The extended part of the return arrived a couple days later, and only after I read his hand-written note and saw a stack of papers did I know what I was getting into. You see, Mr. F is a teacher, and according to his own word, "abused his power" in order to teach his class about writing haiku's (with the subject being the tie and the trade in general). Without further ado, here are some of my favorites.

Worn with much comport
Strelli flower motif tie
fashion of dead man

flawless handmade tie
impeccable style seen
envy of all men

I'm wearing my tie
with oxford cloth button down
thanks, internet friend!

dressing like a boss
he sports his new Strelli tie
best dressed at the school

horrific bad tie
from creepy midwestern guy
what a weird tie guy

Strelli flower tie
looks good with oxford cloth shirt
stolen from a corpse

this is kind of weird
why would we ever do this?
I want to go home

There were many others, but I think that's a pretty good one to end with. The funniest part is the running theme that a lot of students thought the tie came from a dead person (which, I guess could technically be true). Still, they were obvious good sports, and from the many haiku's mentioning his own solid personal style, I get the impression that Mr. F is setting a good example for our youth.

Many, many thanks to Mr. F for going above and beyond on this one. It's going to be hard to top.