watch me!

Cartel in Rose Gold
by Rockwell Watches

Never say that guys can't teach you anything about fashion.  I'm relatively new to the world of watches, but I have come to appreciate the watch as a valuable accessory, thanks to a few of my more fashion forward male colleagues.  You see, men have far fewer options when it comes to accessorizing in the corporate environment.  After all, one suit looks like the next--but ties, socks, and especially watches really set a guy apart. In fact, one of my best guy friends has a dozen statement watches, and by example has taught me that the right timepiece can totally complete a look.  

As a woman, of course, I don't lack for options when it comes to accessories, but a watch is something different.  As a piece of jewelry that serves fashion and function, it has become a valuable part of my arm candy and overall look too.  Oh, and it tells time--added bonus.

My new favorite: the Cartel by Rockwell Watches in rose gold.  Seriously, I'm obsessed.  If you're not familiar with Rockwell, you should be.  I personally love large face watches for their statement power, and Rockwell takes it to the next level.  You should see some of the huge watches they have for the guys in your life!  But I digress...  The Cartel is one of their medium styles, which is more than enough on a woman's arm.  It is available in a number of styles, but I especially love the rose gold for its versatility.  As a self-proclaimed fashionista, turned working mama, versatility is mandatory.  If I am going to invest in an outfit or an accessory, my rule of thumb is that it needs to work in a range of settings; this watch does just that.  Watch me:

1.  Dressed down mama: Marathon Monday was the most gorgeous day of the year so far here in Boston, and so I simply had to get the littles out of the house to enjoy the sun and fresh air.  We decided on a picnic at the sculpture park with some friends, and our artsy field trip called for a boho chic outfit, of course. Clothes: orange denim, a chambray shirt, a hair scarf, and flip flops (hallelujah for nice weather!).  Arm candy: the Cartel, lotus seed mala beads, and a DIY Burberry fabric wrap bracelet.  I love mixing materials and textures, and so the combination of metal, wood, and fabric creates a softer, funky look that I love for casual days.

2.  Corporette: I work in finance, and since our clients are typically more conservative, so is our office dress code.  But I love a challenge.  A pop of color or a bold pattern (preferably both!) make my army of pencil skirts, Tippy sweaters, and Reva flats far more interesting--as do my carefully selected accessories.  Clothes: patterned pencil skirt, black sweater, and black patent leather flats.  Arm candy: the Cartel.  Some opt to remove a link or two from their watch band to make it fit just right, but I like mine worn loose so that it's more like a bracelet than an ordinary watch.  Can we call it a watchlet??  Is that a thing???  Whatever the case, this watch is cool enough to be worn all by itself.

Photograph by Peter Frailey

3.  Girl on the go: Like many working moms out there, I wear a lot of hats.  Okay, so maybe not hats so much, but definitely shoes!  Many days, I go from work to home, and then sometimes out again; I love that my new watch can go with me!  Last weekend, after a family Easter egg hunt on Saturday morning, I waved goodbye to my husband and kids and dashed out the door for some much needed girl time: mani/pedis, a late lunch, and a little shopping with one of my favorite fashionista friends.  Clothes: distressed denim, white tee, and grey Toms.  Arm candy: the Cartel and a mix of silver and gold Alex and Ani bangles.  The rose gold watch works perfectly if you like mixing metals (I do)--and as it turns out, looks amazing with white Shellac polish too. 

One watch, three ways--and counting...  Watch me!

4 Gifts For Grads

My dear sister--and fellow blogger--will be graduating from Colby College next Sunday so I've been thinking a bit about graduation over these last few weeks.  Graduation gifts are often a category that I struggle with, wanting to remain appropriately sentimental without even a hint of cheese.  I have generally found my way (and my sister's gift is pretty freaking fabulous, if I do say so myself), but in case any of you are currently struggling with the "gifts for grads" category, perhaps you can find a bit of inspiration in today's post.


Go! Reminder Necklace by Dogeared, $46

  If your grad is a go-getter...  Instead of giving her another copy of Oh! The Places You'll Go!, you can still share words of encouragement with this sterling silver "Go!" Reminder Necklace by Dogeared.  Featuring a tiny, sterling silver arrow charm on a delicate sterling chain, this necklace promises to "inspire anyone who wears it to keep moving in a positive direction, chase their dreams, and make their wishes come true."


Hire Me Scoop Tee from Urban Outfitters, $24

 If your grad has a sense of humor--and perhaps a job already lined up?...  You're sure to make her smile by bringing some comic relief to what is often an emotionally charged day.  After all, there's absolutely nothing wrong with a little shameless self-promotion.


2011 Graduation Charm Bracelet
by Juicy Couture, $148
Available at Neiman Marcus

 If your grad lives a charmed life...  Nothing says "congrats" quite as boldly as a bit of bling, and as always, Juicy Couture takes it to the next level.  This 2011 Graduation Charm Bracelet features a gold chain link with graduation themed charms, including a class ring, rhinestone "2011," yearbook, and graduation cap.


How to Be a Hepburn in a Hilton World
by Jordan Christy, $9.87
Available at Barnes & Noble

 If your grad keeps it classy at the head of her class...  Perhaps there has never been a "how to" guide quite as relevant for the elegantly modern girl than How to Be a Hepburn in a Hilton World.  Delving into "the art of living with style, class, and grace" will take your gracious grad from mailroom to boardroom in no time.

Okay, so obviously these gifts are for the girl grads, but I haven't forgotten about the guys.  More to come in the next episode...  Stay tuned!

Earn Those Xs and Os: 5 Gifts to Get Into Her Heart

News flash: Valentine's Day is just one week away! Okay okay, so maybe it is just a Hallmark holiday, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't seize the opportunity to earn those Xs and Os. Fortunately for you, today's gift guide is your essential road map into her heart--and at five reasonable price points to boot!

For under $25, you may not be able to give her the sun, but at least you can keep the rain away with this Clear Bubble Umbrella from Urban Outfitters. I fell in love with this umbrella style when I was in London last year but couldn't for the life of me find a vendor actually selling them! Fortunately for me (and you), they've made it to the good ol' US of A--this time sporting a cheerfully festive red handle and trim that will remind her of your love even on the rainiest of days. And if you really want to stand under her umbrella? Well then, I dare you to channel Rihanna and serenade her... Price tag: $18

For under $50, give her two hearts instead of one with a pair of festively adorable Glitter Heart MP3 Speakers by Juicy Couture. What girl doesn't love an instant dance party?--and especially one in such cute packaging. These glitter adorned, heart-shaped speakers with Juicy's logo banners fit conveniently into the headphone jack of any MP3 player or computer. And not for nothing, if you're not especially partial to her musical taste (my adorable husband thinks that listening to my iPod is akin to slow torture), this concession is sure to steal her heart. Price tag: $48

For under $75, you can win her over by supporting a good cause, thanks to these customizable Converse Red All Star I "Heart" sneaker. Wearing your heart on your sleeve is so last year. This Valentine's day, let her wear your heart on her shoe, and take pride in the fact that 15% of the net retail sales of these Converse (PRODUCT) RED™ shoes will be paid to The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Starting with a blank canvas in the form of Chuck Taylor All Stars, choose her favorite colors for the shoe's outside body, rubber sidewall, racing stripe, laces, tongue, and stitching. For the finishing touch, melt her heart by filling in the blank: I "heart" ___________. Price tag: $65

For an even $100, you can cook your way into her heart with a set of four Mini-Cocottes by Le Creuset. Show her what you're made of in the kitchen by serving her favorite meal. And since presentation is everything, you're sure to win points with this scaled-down version of Le Creuset's famous cast iron casseroles in a festive red enamel. As an added bonus, this set comes with a special Le Creuset cookbook, featuring 25 unique recipes specifically developed for this cookware. Price tag: $100

For under $150, you can personalize her preppie with this Personalized Foldable Tote from Longchamp. If your love is an Eternal Prepster, she's guaranteed to fall head-over-heels for her very own customized Longchamp. You can opt for a festive deep red tote--or choose from one of Longchamp's other signature colors: black, chocolate, graphite, or navy. Then select one of three monogram styles, along with your desired monogram color (black, green, red, brown, gold, navy, purple, or orange). After all, if your girl is one of a kind, shouldn't her bag be the same? Price tag: $145

So no matter your budget, let your lady love know how you feel with one of these five fabulously festive Valentine's treats! And if you play your cards right, you might earn an X and an O at the end of the night. Happy shopping, lovers!

Images, in order of appearance: (1) Clear Bubble Umbrella in red $18, from Urban Outfitters (http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/); (2) Glitter Heart MP3 Speakers by Juicy Couture $48, available from Neiman Marcus (http://www.neimanmarcus.com/); (3) (Converse) RED All Star I "Heart" $65, available online from Converse (http://www.converse.com/); (4) Mini-Cocottes by Le Creuset, set of 4 in red $100, available at Bloomingdales (www.bloomingdales.com); (5) Personalized Foldable Tote in deep red by Longchamp $145, available at Saks Fifth Avenue (http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/).