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Thursday, May 24, 2012

FASHION

It’s Time to Make a Statement

It’s not that we’ve abandoned fashion watches, but truthfully, when was the last time you looked to one for the time? Though they may seem like relicsat least from a utilitarian perspectivetrendy watches are making a bold comeback as the season’s statement fashion accessory.

“The trend for statement watches is coming from two placesfirst, we’ve really become quite skilled at layering the wrist bling over the last year thanks to street style blogs and, of course, the J. Crew catalogue,” said Jen Ford, fashion news director at Lucky magazine, referring to the now-ubiquitous look combining trendy watches and multiple bracelets, often worn on top of the sleeve of a sweater or shirt.  “A statement watch is kind of natural extension of bold jewelry.”

Betsey Johnson and Marc by Marc Jacobs are both producing chunky and playful plastic watches to accompany their other bold accessories. Even First Lady Michelle Obama sports a bright purple neon ToyWatch, a gift from her husband, which reportedly sold out online the first time Michelle Obama wore the statment watch. 

Michelle Obama

First Lady Michelle Obama, wearing a purple ToyWatch, arriving at the Eiffel Tower with her daughters. (Photo by MARTIN BUREAU/AFP/Getty Images)

But the accessory trend we’re loving most is the “boyfriend watch,” which has been receiving heavy rotation on famous wrists from Rachel Zoe to Ashley Olsen, Kim Kardashian, Nicole Kidman, Kristin Cavallari and Olivia Palermo. A chronograph boyfriend watch style by Michael Kors in rose gold has sold out at many retailers, and a tortoise shell style is also a big seller. (On eBay, online sales for "Michael Kors watch" in the Jewelry and Watches category are up 51 percent in a recent 30-day period, 12/20-1/18, compared to six months prior.) Boyfriend watches by Michele and Chanel are popular too, as is the classic men's Rolex, worn by a woman. “Buying a classic men’s watch, if you’re a woman, taps into that idea of heritage, the want for things that are handcrafted,” said Ford. “You’re investing in something for yourself like you would, say, a pair of diamond earrings.”

Nicole Kidman, Rachel Zoe, Kim Kardasian

Celebrities wearing statement watches: Nicole Kidman (Photo by ChinaFotoPress/Getty Images); Model Naomi Campbell and Rachel Zoe (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/FFR/Getty Images for FFR); Kim Kardashian(Photo by Dr. Billy Ingram/Contributor)

For a night on the town, Lucky magazine News Editor Jen Ford suggests playing it up by layering a trendy watch with a pile of metal bracelets.  “Or for more minimal take, keep the outfit simple and let an oversized watch be your only piece of ‘jewelry’."

Roll over items for details
Adidas Unisex Digital White Rubber Watch
(buy it now price, $89.99)
NEW Casio G Shock Candy Pink Watch
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Bulova Women's Diamond Black Watch
(buy it now price, $274.50)
NEW Michael Kors Rose Gold Chronograph Watch
(buy it now price, $199.99)
New Emporio Armani Golden Mens Watch
(buy it now price, $180)
NEW Michael Kors Black Ceramic Bracelet
(buy it now price, $325.99)
NEW Michele Tahitian Ceramic White Diamond
(buy it now price, $1,850)
Rolex Submariner Big Crown
(buy it now price, $27,500)
NEW Nixon Rubber Player Purple Watch
(starting bid, $149.99)
NEW Breil Globe Chrono Ladies Watch
(buy it now price, $286)
New Tortoise Bracelet Mop Dial Midsize Watch
(buy it now price, $169.99)
It’s Time to Make a Statement

 

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Comments

55c2b014-4a4b-4072-9305-5d577f9dce60 Wed, 26 Jan 2011 11:34:07 PST Wed, 26 Jan 2011 11:34:07 PST
Laura
comment-post

Those are amazing picks! I love white watches, but these colorful ones are so pretty. I can't pick just one favorite. They are each so gorgeous in their own way.

f49ce54a-d916-4ccc-9c63-75d124b9b59d Thu, 27 Jan 2011 09:47:31 PST Thu, 27 Jan 2011 09:47:31 PST
fashionlover
comment-post

I am obsessed with the Michael Kors watches, especially the rose gold and the black ceramic. Great pics! I want, I want, I want!

ff2ac765-6df7-43b4-a081-e26b04b143b1 Thu, 27 Jan 2011 11:01:10 PST Thu, 27 Jan 2011 11:01:10 PST
Kristina
comment-post

I love love love statement watches! Great picks! -Kristina, prettyshinysparkly.com http://prettyshinysparkly.com/things-i-love-the-statement-watch/

092c77e4-c773-48db-81b1-fe432796716a Tue, 1 Feb 2011 15:19:05 PST Tue, 1 Feb 2011 15:19:05 PST
Rosy
comment-post

I agree about the Michael Kors watch! Guess what I will be asking for come Valentine's Day?!

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