The Foolproof Accessory -- Men's Gold Watches

My current accessory obsession, which I mentioned briefly in my last post, is men's gold watches. This kind of watch is the perfect add-on because it combines glamour with functionality -- what looks like a heavy gold bracelet can actually tell time, too!

What I'm Wearing
I spent 15 minutes and $15 at Target this weekend selecting the perfect one and couldn't be happier. Because I don't ever want my look to appear ultra-feminine or ultra-masculine (I live to mix it up!), I'll skip this watch on the days I wear my boyfriend blazer or tuxedo vest and opt to wear it with floral-print dresses, Peter Pan-collared blouses, or basically any clothing item that includes lace! 

Photo source: armaniexchange.com

The "100-50-25" Where to Buy

• Less than $100 -- Timex
• Less than $50 -- Kohl's
• Less than $25 -- Target (target.com for locations)

You can also skip the chain stores and head to your favorite resale shop to purchase a vintage watch. Or if you don't want to make the monetary commitment, borrow one of your dad's for the day. (My dad rocked an awesome gold watch in the mid-80s.) I think men's gold watches are unique because you can't go wrong, whether you are wearing a new, sleek version or a more antiquated design.

Where did you purchase your gold watch? Post a comment!

Keep It Classy with Denim Leggings

I definitely consider my style to be “trial and error” at least half of the time. I don’t always love the colors, styles, and/or combinations I select, but the point is to learn from your mistakes, right?

Because today is something like the 99th day out of 100 that I’ve worn denim leggings, I thought it would be appropriate to share three rules I have learned to wear them boldly, wear them proudly, and wear them correctly.

Photo source: madewell.com

1) Respect the Stretch
Denim leggings typically are made with 2 to 5 percent elastane material (such as Spandex or Lycra), which may not seem like a lot, but that is at least double the amount of stretch found in your everyday jeans. Think about how differently those regular denim jeans feel at the end of the day versus when you put them on that morning. That baggy effect comes from the elastane – so if you’re doubling the elasticity of your jeans, you’re going to double the bagginess at the end of the day.

With that in mind, consider buying nothing larger than your typical size in denim leggings. In fact, most of the chickadees I have talked to have purchased their denim leggings in the next smaller size.

2) Draw Attention to Your Feet
Denim leggings should feel tight all over (especially when you first put them on), but they fit especially tight around your calves and ankles. In other words, denim leggings make an already slim part of your leg look even slimmer!

Embrace this by wearing fierce biker boots, slouchy suede boots, colorful flats, or Grecian sandals.

3) CYA
The point of denim leggings is that they will always look like leggings, not jeans. They typically don’t have zippers, pockets, or intricate seams. There is nothing special about the waist of denim leggings, so there is no point in showing off that part of the pants. Furthermore, if you are wearing them in more conservative settings (for instance, on Casual Friday at your office), you probably want them to appear as close to skinny jeans as possible.

When selecting a top to pair with denim leggings, go long. I recommend tunics and men’s dress shirts, because they will effectively conceal your back side. Just ask yourself, “Would I wear this shirt with black leggings?” If the answer is no, then move on.

The "100-50-25" Where to Buy

• Less than $100 -– Madewell (madewell.com for locations)

• Less than $50 -- Express

• Less than $25 -- Kohl’s

Have any more tips to conquering denim leggings? Post a comment, and let me know!