Smooth as silk and good looking, too.

• Position: WHAT'S NEW?

For every guy, there is the perfect tie. Whether you're attending a company holiday party (Happy New Year!), a fancy gala, or an important client meeting, XMI--a leading designer and manufacturer of premium mens' and boys' neckwear, dress and sports shirts, and accessories--has a tie for every occasion. Stripes or paisleys, wovens or prints, traditional width or the new narrower style, the company's neckwear collection is comprised of fine handmade ties that are innovative and refined.

"Color--sharp, clear brights and rich jewels--is the motif this year," notes Bert Pulitzer, the company's founder and lead designer. "Our new designs [have] geometric patterns [that] mix well with ... textured stripes with satin accents and, for a touch more tradition, we have intricate Old World paisleys that have been updated to give our ... collection a clear point of difference."

Handmade at the company's headquarters in Chippewa Falls, Wis., every tie is 100% silk, while each pattern is available in at least 10 colors, including: regent red, azure, gold, apple, orange, empire purple, ginger, iris, coral, and garnet. Retail prices range from $125-$175. For more information, visit www.xmi.com or call 800745-0010.

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As long as you're in the market for unique neckwear, instead of shopping at the local mall, try a place with a little history--the New York Historical Society. Its museum store features a wide range of unique and beautiful gifts--including ties--that aren't just for history buffs; in fact, it's the perfect place to go if you're looking to make a dramatic...