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

You might have already heard that Pantone, an internationally-recognized company in the field of printing, fabric, and paint color measurements, has declared honeysuckle as the color for 2011. From 2010′s relaxing turquoise, we now shift to a bright, reddish-pink hue. It’s somewhat difficult to imagine what honeysuckle looks like if you’re not very familiar with the botanical equivalent, so try to think of it as being more intense than your usual cotton-candy pink but a little less piercing than hot pink or fuchsia.

Since it is after all the color of 2011, incorporating it into your wardrobe is a must if you want to keep yourself updated. It isn’t really supposed to make you luckier this year (if you don’t want to get all metaphysical about it), but it may be bright and stimulating enough to give you more energy. Color experts claim that since honeysuckle belongs to the red family, it is a good color for getting one’s adrenaline going. It also makes the wearer seem more alive, or as the expression goes, appear to be “in the pink of health.”

If you’re fashionably fearless, going for a wardrobe overhaul in favor of this bright hue isn’t really a problem. In fact, you may already have several articles of clothing in this shade. If, however, you don’t have a lot of pink in your closet, or if you’re not sure about how to add it to your collection, don’t worry. After all, many designers and brands have already come up with their designs and product offerings in this bright and cheerful color. You’re bound to find something that suits you perfectly.

Sweet like honey

Honeysuckle, according to Pantone, is a “brave new color for a brave new world.” Well, isn’t that just a great attitude to adopt for the new year? If you want to imbibe the vibe, this is the best time to do it! Spring is fast approaching, and this season is poised to usher in loads of new designs, whether it be for dresses, tops, skirts, shoes, and every manner of accessory.

Why not start off by getting yourself a flirty little honeysuckle dress? If you’ve been feeling a bit down all winter, you can break away from that dreary frame of mind by shocking your wardrobe to life. And have you noticed how well honeysuckle compliments green?

Speaking of green, if you’re the active type who enjoys the great outdoors, then add some spring to your step by donning a pair of brightly-colored trainers. On rainy days, you can still go out and brave the puddles in a pair of honeysuckle rain boots. It’s a great way to have some fun with your outfit. Besides, all the confidence you exude in your playful get-up might just attract other people to you like little hummingbirds.

Keeping the balance

Okay, so while you may be open to wearing honeysuckle, you may be afraid of having too much pink on. Well, wearing the color doesn’t mean that you have to start looking like Penelope Pitstop. There are still a million other colors out there! The best for the coming season (and I daresay for the entire year) are warm colors. Pantone’s spring and summer forecast makes mention of metallics such as bronze and gold. In addition, the recommended palette for spring includes nice greens, ethereal silver and light pink shades, as well as an earthier russet. Have fun with these colors!

In the professional setting, you might have to go for a more understated look. You can choose to go for a more muted color scheme and, following the example of Olivia Palermo, add a bit of life with a nice pair of honeysuckle heels. If you like wearing gray and black, either for work or for casual events, you can simply tie a bright pink scarf around your neck. Scarves are wonderful for subtly adding life to outfits because they are so versatile. If you’re wearing pants, the scarf can even double as a belt. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different looks until you find one that you are comfortable with.

Little bursts of color

Incorporating honeysuckle into your look doesn’t just mean buying a piece of clothing. You can add a bit of eye candy here and there in many different ways. For instance, why not spice up an otherwise plain outfit by getting a chunky piece of jewelry in this year’s color? One of the great things about this is that finding earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and other such accessories does not have to be expensive. Cherry quartz beads, for example, are quite reasonably-priced and come in shades which are as close to honeysuckle as you can get.

The next time you decide to get a manicure or pedicure, while you might not be able to find a polish called “honeysuckle” very easily, you will certainly be able to find a shade of reddish-pink which comes pretty close. For a clean and classy look, have your nails trimmed and filed before painting them. Really long nails in such a bright color may be too much, depending on your outfit and make up.

Lastly, pucker up and smooth on a juicy layer of color on your lips. For everyday use, you can simply put on a sheer pink gloss. It may not always be wise to pick an intense pink shade for your eyes, unless you are going to be in a fashion show or  stage performance. Stick to a lighter, more neutral color for the eyes and go for a more natural, peachy shade of pink for your cheeks, such as Orgasm by Nars.

Real men wear pink

Just because women have more things to think about and more options than the men doesn’t mean that men can’t be a part of the trend for 2011. Men can incorporate honeysuckle into their wardrobe and still look very manly. It’s quite easy to find casual shirts in different shades of pink, so go out there and find one in a design that you like. Office wear should not be a problem either. You can get a plain pink tie as an accent, or if that’s a bit too much pink, choose a striped design which offsets the bright pink with more “masculine” colors such as navy, gray, or brown.

2011 is certainly bound to be an exciting and interesting year. You can definitely make it more fun for yourself by being bolder and braver — even in (and especially in!) fashion. So go out there and check out the new finds, or rummage into your closet and rediscover the bright pieces you have either forgotten or were too afraid to wear. At the end of the day (and of the year, for that matter), it doesn’t really matter how much honeysuckle you wore but really how much you’ve been able to reinvent yourself and create your personal style.

]]> http://www.fashionhookup.com/2011/07/wearing-honeysuckle-how-to-pull-off-the-color-of-2011/feed/ 0 http://www.fashionhookup.com/2009/06/watch-out-for-these-fashion-designers/ http://www.fashionhookup.com/2009/06/watch-out-for-these-fashion-designers/#comments Wed, 24 Jun 2009 07:32:13 +0000 Fashion Bug http://www.fashionhookup.com/?p=391

The world of fashion is an ever changing landscape. While we do have certain fashion designers who have made names for themselves and can be considered fixtures in the fashion world, there is no doubt that new talent crop up all the time. These are the people that you should be on the lookout for if you’re the type who likes fresh ideas.

The Council of Fashion Designers of America awarded nine upcoming fashion designers, who are to receive financial assistance from Swarovski Crystal. Here are some of my favorites.

Alexander Wang
The label Wang launched in 2005 while still attending Parsons The New School of Design is steadily expanding. There’s been a full womenswear collection since 2007 and come July there’ll be men’s. Wang, a 25-year-old California native, says he’s appreciative of the recognition he’s received. (His runway shows are hot tickets: Sarah Jessica Parker attended the last one.)

Thakoon Panichgul
Thakoon Panichgul is, at 34, a veteran of the council’s emerging designer category — he was previously a nominee in 2006 and 2007. And while he has steadily gained buzz, it was first lady Michelle Obama, who wore a Thakoon dress at last year’s Democratic convention, who really ramped up his name recognition.

Patrick Ervell
He envisions a look in American men’s sportswear, one that’s more modern than the Americana epitomized by a more traditional designer like Ralph Lauren. His own personal uniform is “Levis and a T-shirt.”

Chic women’s fashion, the person who dresses the First Lady, and men’s sportswear. What else do you need?

The men finally had their day in the sun in the show MAN, during London Fashion Week which took place last week. The show featured Topman (the fashion-forward Brit label Topshop‘s male side), and three other up-and-coming designers, JW Anderson, James Long and Christopher Shannon.

To get on the MAN show is a real coup as it pretty much dictates what the hip young men will be wearing that year.  However, I’m not so sure about things like JW Anderson’s man skirt pictured below:

All I can say is that a man has to have major confidence (in his masculinity or femininity) to pull that one off.

James Long also showed off more trends that were usually reserved for the ladies, like his red patent “man” bag and leggings (shredded). Christopher Shannon saw a lot of color banding, mixing thick bands of salmon and orange with neutrals in sand and greys for his jumpers and track suits (very 90′s raves)

Topman’s collection was obviously the most wearable, being the most commercialized of the three. Jersey was a big influence here, and the overall feel was that of the 50′s, the Spring collection reminiscent of childhood seaside holidays – check shirts, deck shoes and shorts in bright hues. Watch the video here.