What your watch says about you

IF you want to give a man a present he’ll enjoy, buy him a nice watch. It’s a sad indictment of society’s addiction to global designer images that these days men can’t happily strut around the place festooned in gold ornaments like Mr. T at Christmas. But we can blow small fortunes on nice watches.

Expensive modern watches are like little sports cars: the more costly and complex the machinery, the more glory reflects on your wallet (wallet is a euphemism, obviously).

Sadly, it’s not a simple market. It’s subtle, complex, and scientifically designed to appeal to every sector of the male demographic from Arnold Schwarzenegger to Woody Allen. And you can tell a lot about a man’s true personality from the watch he wears. Remember, advertising is designed to appeal to the "real" you – the things you buy tell the world who you want to be.

So let’s get in the Christmas spirit and have a good sneer at other people’s jewellery because it’s either bigger and better than yours, or smaller and weaker than yours. This is a game for boys and girls.

Omega Man

Omega Man, bless him, wants to be James Bond. This connection between Bond and his fancy watch has been played up for years. Next time you’re at a posh do, look for a gentleman in an immaculate tux who is wearing a huge diver’s watch with a bright orange bezel. There’s a good chance he’ll be hovering near important people pretending he’s a bodyguard, or even a policeman. But don’t completely write him off as a potential friend. He may be soft in the head, but he must have some cash. It’s a posh do, he’s in a nice tux, and the watch cost about five grand.

Wearers of vintage Omegas, picked up cheap on eBay, are usually mild-mannered types, like up-market train-spotters.

Tag Wearer

Tag Heuer has tied its branding to super-cool Tiger Woods. That middle-aged, 21-stone shouty bloke in the advertising department thinks he’s like Tiger Woods because he’s got a Tag Carrera (around three grand, maybe more). Well he’s not, is he? He’s fat and shouty. There’s nothing intrinsically wrong with fat and shouty, but it’s exactly what Tiger Woods isn’t.

Wearers of vintage Tag Heuers, picked up cheap on eBay, are usually mild-mannered types, like up-market train-spotters.

Breitling

Ah Breitling, the Bentley of gent’s wristwatches. Nothing says “I am the boss. Yah yah! I’m brilliant I am. You, with your rubbish little cheap, crappy watches are no good, but I’m marvellous. Look at the size of those diamonds. Go on, count ‘em. I dare ya!” quite like a Breitling. Rod Stewart is very fond of this brand, and gives them away like peanuts to Arctic Monkeys and the like.

Wearers of vintage Breitlings, picked up cheap on eBay, are usually mild-mannered types, like up-market train-spotters.

Bell & Ross

The Bell & Ross brand is all based on airplane cockpits: watches that look like fuel dials and altimeters and the like. What little lad doesn’t get excited by jet aircraft? Unfortunately, the range starts at around three grand a pop. It’s a very lucky little boy that can enjoy playing at pilots in this price range before he grows out of it.

Wearers of vintage Bell & Ross watches, picked up cheap on eBay, are usually mild-mannered types, like up-market train-spotters.

Watch Out

That’s just a few of the many hilarious wristwatch options out there. Keep an eye on glossy ads for more clues for future fun. Which watch are you buying?

The Basics Behind Michelle Obama's Look - Necklace

This look is sure to become a fashion trend. On the cover of the January 18, 2009 issue of Parade magazine, Michelle Obama wears a sleeveless dress in the purple family with three neckline embellishments. These embellishments may be an actual part of the dress. However, this look is very easy to duplicate with brooches or label pins.

Michelle Obama’s Look

Her necklace shows three embellishments. All three are circular in shape; the two side pieces flanking the center are smaller – about ½ the size in diameter. The color combinations are both complementary and a tint.

The larger circle piece is orange, yellow and lime green in color. These colors are complementary to the color of the dress, which is purple. The two smaller circles are lavender, which is a tint of purple. A tint is the color plus white.
Duplicate Michelle Obama’s Look

To make sure this look works, address these three factors:

1. Select brooches or pins that are not too heavy
2. Pick a garment made from fabric with body that is fairly close-fitting at the neckline
3. Choose brooch colors that harmonize with each other and the garment

If the brooches are too heavy and the garment fabric has too much give, the look just will not work. The neckline will fall forward from the chest area, creating an unattractive gap that will hide the brooches.

Carefully consider the color combinations. Complementary colors are those that are opposite each other on a color wheel. A complete color wheel, available at any arts and crafts store, will show the complementary color combination for primary, secondary and tertiary colors. It is visually very striking to pair complementary colors. The key to pairing complementary colors is to make sure that one is dominant.
Where to Find Brooches

Amazon.com has a wide array of beautiful costume brooches in all sizes. The image shown on this page is by Pugster and will make an attractive complementary center brooch for yellow/green or turquoise garments. Tonally, it would also work on a purple garment. The brooch retails on Amazon.com for $19.32. To create interest make sure the accent brooches are approximately ½ the size of the center brooch.

Check out what is already available in household jewelry boxes. The brooches don’t necessarily have to be circular in shape. Maybe there is a favorite pin such as the cat image shown on this page. Combine that with two small circular or triangular gold label pins for a striking look on a black garment.

It’s easy to make a trio of pins. The star image shown on this page is a hand-crafted pin given as a Christmas present a couple of decades ago. Make a similar one by purchasing a tin pin form at a craft shop. Glue beads and other decorations to the pin form with craft glue.

Experiment with the look. Run the three brooches vertically down the center front of the garment or attach them to the lapel of a jacket. They’ll also look fashion forward attached to a fabric purse.

Jewelry Gift for Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day is equated to hearts by lots of gift shoppers. While heart shaped jewelry is certainly appropriate, it’s also nice to sometimes shop out of the box for any major gift-giving event.

Casual Dating Jewelry for Valentine’s Day

It’s never recommended that jewelry be given for Valentine’s Day if the dating situation is not committed. It just sends the wrong message. If the giver is more serious about the relationship than the recipient is, it’s an awkward situation. If the recipient is more serious about the relationship than the giver, then the wrong message is being sent. This is unfair to the recipient.

Always Shop for Jewelry With a Budget in Mind

Just because the diamond industry has that goofy two-month salary guideline in place for engagement rings doesn’t mean the consumer has to follow along like a zombie. Anyone who truly cares for the gift giver will not want them to go into debt to buy a piece of jewelry. Settle on a dollar amount that’s presently in the wallet, available to be spent. Don’t deviate from that amount.

Non-Traditional Jewelry Gifts That Don’t Break the Budget

It’s not necessary to give karated gold and precious gemstones to show love and caring for Valentine’s Day. It’s easy to come up with a perfect jewelry gift idea if the giver keeps their eyes open and notices what type of jewelry their sweetheart likes to wear. For example, meaningful charms for someone who wears a charm bracelet or necklace will always be appreciated. One idea might be a charm representing the first date. If ice skating was on the agenda – a pair of skates.

If the couple went out for sushi, a charm in the shape of sushi or chop sticks. The market used to be flooded with sushi shaped charms. They are somewhat harder to find today. However, there is normally at least one vendor on eBay selling these types of charms.

Funky, interesting looking costume jewelry is another suggestion. If it’s noted a particular color is a favorite, see what type of costume jewelry is available to coordinate with that color. If buying earrings make sure to find out if pierced or clip on earrings are favorites. Please note: don't give a gift in a color the recipient never wears. There's a reason why they never wear it; they don't like it.

Keep the Receipt

Always make sure there is a backup plan and keep the receipt so the gift can be exchanged or returned. This is not a harbinger of a pre-Valentine’s Day breakup but just a practical suggestion. For example, the jewelry might have a faulty clasp that's only noticed with use. It's always best to plan for the worst and keep that receipt.

Choosing Pearl Jewelry for the Wedding Party

For centuries, pearls have been synonymous with purity, sophistication and romance. There is nothing more classic than a Bride in a white flowing gown, her neck draped with dazzling white pearls.

Because pearls come in a variety of shapes, colors and overtones they are very versatile; allowing them to be a perfect choice to support most any wedding theme.

One should consider the overall theme of the wedding before deciding on which bridal pearl jewelry to buy. Pure white or ivory Akoya, South Sea or Freshwater pearl sets are the classic choice for a traditional wedding. Larger sizes, starting in the 7-8mm range are customary.
White South Sea pearl pendant and earring sets are excellent choices for a modern style wedding. Black Tahitian or Golden South Sea pearl sets are ideal choices for an exotic wedding.

As bride is the star of the ceremony, the Bride should wear the largest and prettiest pearls. Her pearls should reflect her individuality and personality as well as the wedding theme. She should also choose the highest quality pearls possible; preferably those with a rating of AAA. She should be free to choose the pearls that appeal to her most in color, overtone and size as well. Her pearl jewelry should possess the highest shine, color and beauty. This is her wedding day after all!

The length of her pearl necklace will be determined by the neckline of the dress she has chosen to wear. If the dress has a high neckline above the collarbones, a 16 inch choker necklace is most appropriate. If the dress has a moderate neckline slightly below the collarbones, a 17-18 inch necklace is the best choice. If she is wearing a dress with a low neckline, the 18-22 inch range is recommended.
A 32 inch single strand pearl necklace is also a good idea due to its adaptivity. For example, during the ceremony the Bride can double up the length, turning the necklace into a double strand. After the wedding, she can wear the necklace at its full length to create a fashionable effect.

For a modern, contemporary look, choose a White South Sea Pearl Pendant and Earring set. The Bride's pearl jewelry should also be complimentary and relative to her figure. If she is a petite woman, a small necklace and earring set in the 6.5-7.5mm range is appropriate. If she is of a moderate build, a necklace and earring set in the 7.5-8.5mm range is an excellent choice. Generally, 7-7.5mm is the most popular size; as it is neither too big nor too small in appearance.

During the ceremony the Bridesmaids are living extensions of the Brides' own beauty; each one representing the love and friendship the Bride carries with her throughout her life. It is important for the Bridesmaids jewelry to reflect the Brides' while not overshadowing it. For this reason smaller sizes, shorter lengths or different quality pearls than that of the Brides' are very appropriate.

To especially distinguish your maid of honor, bestow her with pearls that are slightly bigger, longer or of a different color than that of the other Bridesmaids. This will make her stand out and feel that she is extra special to you.

Although your Groom may be unaware, pearls are appropriate for men as well as women. A pair of small 5.5-6.5mm pearls can be set into matching cufflinks; perfectly complimenting the Groom's attire while adding an extra touch of class.

Ultimately, your wedding is a reflection of the commitment you and your partner have made to one another. Every aspect of the ceremony should represent this as much as possible. After all, this is supposed to be a celebration! Good luck!