Men’s Luxury Watches for 2012

It used to be that people wore watches to tell time. While some still do, the truth is that the time for watches (excuse the pun) is over, thanks primarily to multi-function mobile devices that make the need for watches obsolete. Despite this, watches are still here to stay, if only for fashion’s sake.

As we pretty well know, your accessory can make or break your look. This is true for both men and women, and with men their main accessory remains to be the watch. So if you are looking for the perfect watch that will go well with most of your outfits, here are stylish watches you might want to add to your watch collection.

Capeland 10006 by Baume & Mercier

This flyback chronograph from Baume & Mercier looks classic with its polished steel finish, off-white dials, and Sapphire crystal case.

Longines L4.746.8.72

Part of the Longines Flagship Heritage Collection, this watch is simplicity at its best. Set in an 18KT Rose gold case and featuring a black leather strap, its a pity that you’ll probably have a bit of a hard time finding this one, already being sold out it many online shops.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona

Whoever said that rugged had to be ugly? Well the Cosmograph Daytona sure proves that wrong. This watch is not only good looking but has all the bells and whistles any outdoorsy person would want. The model shown about features a black leather strap and an Everose gold case, but the watch also comes in steel, white gold, and yellow gold, with the option of going for an oyster strap.

Source: Esquire

Images via Baume&Mercier, PrestigeTime, TheFineWatchReview

Eco-friendly Fashions are the New Black

Eco-friendly clothing is no longer the exclusive domain of hippie-types tossing Frisbees on college campuses. You can now wear a sleek dress and heels with jaw-dropping accessories for a look that is as hot as it is responsible for tangible improvements to social and environmental conditions. As a result, the market for socially conscious fashion options has exploded as new, innovative companies are introducing collections that are remarkably stylish and well-made.

Previous limitations in the market forced consumers to make hard decisions between fashionable and socially-responsible wardrobes. In most cases, you couldn’t have both. But as the environmental movement has grown, so has the cottage market for eco-fashions. Now, a number of highly talented designers and retailers are operating reputable operations that are keen on giving back to the world community and taking the industry to the next level.
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Jewelry Shopping in Vienna

Planning a trip to Vienna can be very tricky – with so many things to see, you can’t count on getting through all of them, so sometimes you just need to make your arrangements in a way that you’ll get to see what interests you most. If you’re going on a jewelry shopping trip, Vienna definitely has a lot to offer you – the city is very well-known for the large number of different jewelry stores and large chains of shops it features, so whatever type of jewelry you’re into exactly, you’ll likely find something for yourself here.

The Jared Galleria of Jewelry is a very popular store, so when you’ve arrived, make sure this is at the top of your list of priorities for visiting. The store has quite a lot to offer and all of their products are unique and exquisite – and like we said above, any taste can be satisfied in Vienna, and this is really well represented in this particular store.

Also, there’s a Swarovski flagship store in Vienna – if you’re a fan of luxurious jewelry, you really can’t say no to paying a visit here. However, if you do, make sure you load up your wallet quite well, as you’ll likely find more than one opportunities to spend your money in this store – after all, we all know of the quality of Swarovski’s jewels and related products, but also the price tag commonly attached to them. Plan well and know what you’ll be buying!

Must Have Accessories

They say that even the simplest of dresses can look fabulous if you have the right accessories. I don’t know about you, but I believe that this is absolutely true! With the right accessories, you can change your look at will. Take a look at these essential accessories that every woman must have in her arsenal.

A proper bag. I am talking about a structured bag – like a leather one that does not get its shape all messed up. I am talking about a bag of medium size that will hold all that you need without being overlarge. Of course, it’s got to be stylish.

Shoes! A woman can’t have enough shoes. My suggestion is that you should have a good collection of pumps, heels, and flats. This way, you can always choose a pair that will suit your mood and your activities. There’s nothing worse than wearing incompatible footwear.

Diamonds and pearls. Jewelry is always a good thing. You need not have a treasure trove of the expensive stuff – fancy jewelry will always work. However, you still need to have several pieces in diamonds and pearls – these are timeless classics that will never fail to uplift your mood and your look. Never mind if you are wearing jeans and a simple top – these accessories will give you that extra shine!

A watch. Metal watches are best. Choose a good piece that will last forever and you will never really want for anything else. Of course, a few cheap pieces that look good won’t hurt either.

Are these in your arsenal?

Heels to Die For

You probably think that that’s figurative – heels to die for. According to doctors, though, heels are something that could just about kill you. Ask the woman who is not used to wearing high heels. They’d probably agree without hesitation.

Think about those shoes that you love to death (no pun intended). Seriously think about them and how your feet feel after wearing them for a bit (not even for an hour). Forget the emotional aspect – you feel great because you look great in those shoes – but remember the physical pain.

That is precisely what doctors – podiatrists in particular – are saying:

“It’s partly why we have a job,” said Dr. Martin Alongi, a podiatrist at Beverly Hills Podiatrist in California.

“I just figure women in their 20s are going to do it. If they take care of their feet all the other time, most people can get away with it. There’s going to be an occasional person who injures themselves.”

So why are we continuing to wear high heels? Why do these heels keep getting higher and higher?

I suppose that you can answer that for yourself. It’s just the way it is. Never mind the pain and the risk of getting injured. Heels are sexy.

However, experts tell us that we do not have to suffer just to get the look we want. Heels don’t have to be six inches to look good, do they? Here’s something that you probably already know, but it’s a good reminder: wear what looks good and what makes you comfortable in ALL aspects.

Wear heels that will give you a look to die for, not a look that will kill you.

Advice for Petite Women

Naturally, petite woman have a desire to look tall, it is not just about the clothes they wear, but the posture they hold.However, for women a sure way to create an illusion of being a little taller is to wear strips going down, never across. In addition, a good trick is to wear quite light clothes, for instance chiffon or cotton material, so when they walk they do not feel so weighed down, and therefore tend to walk tall with their shoulders and head held high.

A round neck I have always felt makes you look shorter and a little plump, go for a V-neck, or even try the Kaftans style tops could work wonders.

A very simple light jacket, nothing with patterns on or to much detail, a lot of detail closes a person in, you want people to see you for you, not be hit with to much detail, it would just be to chaotic for your small frame.

Scarves, Style, and Celebrities

I never thought of myself a scarf person. As a student living in Paris in the early 90′s, I sometimes donned the “cravat” look, tying an Hermes scarf (or one that looked like it) around my neck, above my navy blazer, complete with shoulder pads. Very 90′s Eurotrash. Since then, scarves have not been an essential in my wardrobe, except for when the weather dictated. Until a trip to Laos last month.

In Laos I discovered the most beautiful scarves. Gorgeous designs, intricate weaves, they were so many to choose from (at great prices), and best of all they were soft and wearable.  I went crazy in the Luang Prabang night market (a veritable treasure trove of scarves and embroidered linens) and came home with 10 scarves for me plus some for presents (which the recipients loved). What an amazing place that was.

But back to scarves. Since then, I’ve rarely been without my beloved scarves (great for all weather I’ve discovered since the sweltering heat of Laos).  I find that it completes my look and adds that little extra bit of style. Even my fashion-forward 6-year-old loves scarves, and I must say they look fab on her.

In Hollywood, scarves are almost a necessity (for the stylish at least), as seen on Nicole, Lindsay, Jessica et al. In fact, they’ve all been wearing them since last spring, by both men and women. There’s even been a book written about celebrities and their knitted scarves aptly called “Celebrity Scarves“, written by Abra Edelman. Aside from great photos of the celebs in their own creations (people like Daryl Hannah, Rosario Dawson, Eartha Kitt, Portia de Rossi and Parker Posey), it gives instructions on how to recreate the scarves yourself if you happen to be a knitter.

Image via ArtofCute

The Japanese Fashion Influence

The Japanese culture is so rich and dynamic, that it is not a surprise that its influence has extended throughout the rest of the world. There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that Japan is the leader in cutting edge technology, but have you ever dwelt on the thought that Japanese fashion is also starting to become felt in the area of global fashion?

Not convinced? Ask fashion designers from the United States and Europe, and they will tell you that they keep tabs on what is happening in Japanese fashion. This stems from the fact that some worldwide trends actually began in Japan. A classic example would be the popularity of camouflage patterns in clothing. I am willing to bet that you have at least one article of clothing in a camouflage pattern! And I bet that you didn’t know that this trend originally started in Japan!

Perhaps the same “wiring” that makes Japanese engineers and inventors the best in their game makes Japanese designers and trendsetters successful in creating unique and fashionable clothing. Indeed, it has reached a point wherein big brands recognized worldwide have placed a premium in clothing made in Japan. In the denim industry, in particular, Japan-made materials are considered to be the best in the world.

The Japanese look is not limited to clothing, however. In fact, it is more of looking at the whole get up – from clothing to hair accessories to bags to shoes to umbrellas to bags. I wouldn’t be surprised if we hear more of Japan in the global fashion sector.

To truly experience Japanese fashion, try visiting the homeland. For example, Japanican recently had a Japan tour, which included a free ticket to the trendy Tokyo Girls Collection fashion festival. The next Tokyo Girls Collection event will probably happen in March 2010 so keep an eye out for the announcement of that tour.

Photo courtesy of mynippon.com

Gucci? Pucci? Dukki?

The decision between buying an original and a fake implies that one actually has the power or financial clout to buy a designer handbag if they wish. There are some times during the year when this is true. In the January sales quite a few designer bags are reduced to the price of ordinary top-end, high-quality non-designer handbags and so are affordable. There is also birthday time when payouts from various relatives mean a big cash injection that one can blow on a designer bag. In these circumstances (because they occur so infrequently) one can be forgiven for having that ‘must get’ attitude.

Splashing out on a signature designer handbag is a good feeling. Especially as it’s been a year since you bought your last one. This bag will help define your fashion year and has the power of making you look like your worth a few bob. Carrying round a £1000 Gucci bag gives one an air of respect and perhaps an illusion of financial security to others at the office, on the train or even at the dentist’s. In short, for a women, it is the secret to happiness…..

Fake handbags do not quite carry that same air. If they are obvious fakes, they make the owner look like someone who does not care for accuracy or proper fashion accessories. This is in varying degrees depending on the age of the owner. For a teenager, one can be proud that they are aware of the importance of good-looking handbags at such an early age, despite having a small budget.

For grown women, fake handbags are simply unattractive. Carrying round a Pucci handbag or worse Dukki handbag (as I saw yesterday on the bus) does not look good. Save up and spend or stretch the budget to a better looking fake. Better still, buy a non-branded handbag.

From the Archives: Holiday Shopping: The Dressy Pump

These days it all seems to be about the impending holidays, from my friends’ dreading opening the “Christmas List” on Facebook, to stores and malls already decked out in Christmas displays, to signs everywhere telling me its time to shop, shop, SHOP!  Not that I need my arm twisted to do the latter, but it’s a fact of the holidays, and the sooner you start, the less overwhelming the season becomes.

So let’s start with footwear.  Whatever the occasion, be it a party for the office, with friends or a romantic rendezvous, a new pair of shoes will do wonders to put you in the festive mood.  Normally, the word dressy comes to mind, and we all know that dressy usually equals = heels. Yes, we all feel sexier in them, but I’d say that the average woman, would most welcome a break from them – but only if the affair does not entail having to wear a long gown.

Flats, or should I say, “dressy pumps” are perfectly acceptable for all your December affairs, provided they are dressed up with the required sparkly embellishments that scream “holiday season”. Take these oh-so-pretty silver be-jewelled flats ($100) from Zara pictured above.  Unless you’re truly vertically challenged, they should take you through most of the season in relative comfort and safety (think slippery, wet roads due to climate change), and the object of envy from your friends and colleagues in their sexy but pain-inducing (and expensive) golden Jimmy Choo heels. Or for a more flirty look, I’d go for these sweet pink sequined Kate Spades, on sale from $275 to $165 at ShopBop.

While dressy thongs are okay in the summer months, I’d stay clear of them in the holiday season, whether or not you live in a warm climate. I just feel too much foot doesn’t work this time of the year, in the evenings at least.