Archive for December, 2009
Could the watch become obsolete? As many use their cell phone to know the time instead of a watch, manufacturers of watches have needed to come up with ways to keep such time pieces afloat. Some strategies over the past year have been keychain watches and fashion designs for men and women. While ten years ago watches were worn for practicality, they’re seen as a piece of fashion first and the practicality is an added bonus. This has been somewhat true for women’s watches and also for men’s. No longer is a basic leather band and metal watch face acceptable. Instead, the watch needs to function and appear like a piece of jewelry.
As a result, one popular watch style for women has been bracelet style watches. Made out of metal, these bracelet style watches are essentially a fashion item with a watch face attached. The most common is a cuff watch which, with a thicker metal band, slides directly over the wrist. For a bit more space, bangle and charm bracelet watches are also popular. Both, similarly, are designed like their standard bracelet counterparts, with a watch face included within the metal design.
Metal isn’t the only material used for women’s fashion watches. While a solid cuff or bangle is common, they’re often embellished, particularly by beads. Such watch bands can be covered in small seed beads or, for a large or chunky style, designed with glass beads. Additionally, other materials are used to make a solid watch band. Go to any costume jewelry store and fashion watches are made from solid wood, enamel, or plastic bands.
What about men’s watches? Although many styles for men include the basic leather or metal band and a watch face, a small market for men’s fashion watches has also emerged. The most prominent design has been ice watches which, although more appropriate for urban fashion, take the basic design of a leather or metal band watch and embellish it with rhinestones on the watch face, dial, and band. The rhinestones are made to resemble diamonds and, in some cases, clash – on purpose – with the gold color of the band.
How about taking leather shoes to another level (literally) with Cole Haan’s ‘Elly Woven Leather Ballet Wedge?’ This beautiful, yet fabulously fun shoe boasts a rounded open toe, one-and-a-half-inch heel, and delicately woven pattern throughout the sides and top. Its smooth leather sole and Nike Air Technology padded foot bed (which is superbly hidden underneath) offers a seriously wearable and wonderful work-it feel to this already sassy wedge. Constructed in Brazil, the rounded weaving throughout is available in a green/vintage silver, funky orange/yellow, or cute-sy orange/pink combination.
Any one of these playful color combinations works wonders with a pair of fitted navy slacks, or wide leg jeans. The versatility of these leather shoes can take you from work to play, and back again with a enviable comfort and style. We picked these puppies for their serious splash of cheerful color that so easily takes an outfit from drab to fabulous on any ordinary day.
If you loved the versatility Cole Haan’s shoe offered, but are really rallying for a heel, Samanta’s ‘Viv Peep’ is seriously versatile without losing any of the chic-ness you crave. One of the best leather heels for transitioning from work to play, this is a seriously cool choice; boasting a four-inch thin heel (and half-inch platform), your look will never be short on sass and style when it comes to this stiletto. This textured brown leather tapered heel sports a flirty open toe and curved sides for a fabulous day-to-evening look.
Constructed in Brazil, we love the slightly offbeat choice for the overlapping over-the-top-of-the-foot look. Couple these shoes with a wide leg pair of black slacks and fitted sweater. Or, take the overlapping strap from this heel, and match it with your favorite print wrap dress for a feminine take.
Having now covered a funky ballet wedge and classic peep toe heel, it’s time to move to the classic loafer; but, not to worry: this one is totally revamped. ‘Contesa Buckle Detail Patent Leather Flat Shoes’ by Italian