Personally, I think I'd rather have the Stafford tie. It's a REAL tie, so it'll feel and look better, and the pattern is not all that bad.
I have the Hot Topic tie and it's not all that bad for $13. Its rather stiff, and doesn't feel or look all that great. But seeing as I don't exactly have a better option around here, it'll have to do.
My opinion...if you can find the right Stafford tie, go for it. Otherwise, don't let anyone knock you down for getting the HT tie for lack of a better option.