How I'm Loving: La Mer Watches

I love watches -- I've dedicated tons of posts to other fantastic wrist ornamentation -- but those are generally of the link variety. Alas, I've discovered the luxe leather wrap-around time keepers by La Mer Collections. Previously on my radar a few years ago, La Mer has found itself at the forefront of my fashion consciousness again now that I've discovered they've crafted their line at affordable prices for Target. The brand was founded in 2001 by Martine Illana and has since flourished (my thoughts, at least). Here's more from the website:

“A watch is a private piece of art. Not only does it embody the skill of the artisan who created it, but it is an expression of the owner’s style. In this day and age, with all the technology surrounding us, all we truly need on our wrist is a watch that tells time. Often less is more when it comes to a timepiece’s design and wearing a watch allows you to appreciate esthetic qualities as well as function and technical reliability. I have a tactile relationship with my watches and I appreciate the elegant faces and quality leather straps. Timepieces set the rhythm of my life, but they remain above all, pieces of jewelry with which I develop a genuine connection. I wear a watch because it is an object that conveys some of my most precious values; the connection between art and technology.” -- Martine Ilana, founder

Right now, they're running a promotion (I don't know duration and the like) whereby an email address for the newsletter garners a 20% discount on the first purchase. I've already picked out more than a handful of wrist accessories to keep me stylish for many outfits to come!

***Image courtesy of La Mer Collections

J.Crew Jenna!

I'm back finally--I know all four of you readers, if that, missed me! Of course, I'm going to salivate over one of three things: Reed Krakoff, J.Crew or Louis Vuitton. Today is a day all about the Crew and their new essentials! I'm not one for costume jewelry--and as a matter of fact baby Jesus and the disciples were tres good to me in the diamond and fine jewelry department this year--but J.Crew has got me wanting, per their usual. As of now, I'm SALIVATING over the "Jenna" bracelet, a namesake for the creative design tycoon (I mean, I know its fashion, but she is). This lovely gold plated wrist accessory can be yours too, for $88--buckaroos!

Watching my Wrist

I'm always lusting after something--I've been taking a break from blogging because of this--and have redirected my desires to a new silver timepiece. While I wish I could afford a beautiful and booty-ful (as in lots of money in "pirate speak") Cartier or Rolex instead I have turned my attention to these stylish Freelook watches that have apparently been mentioned everywhere (as seen on their website). I also love the Invicta "Camelot" collection, especially the 9331 style that I cannot seem to find anywhere (wait, found it!)! Either way, I have found my new addition even if it is at full price!

Covet: Cole Haan "Trillby" Loafers

While I love everything about summer, I'm ready for the fall cool down and have found the perfect slide ins for my jaunts across campus: Cole Haan Trillby Driver Loafers in luggage! Now while they may be a tad bit pricey at $119-a pop, they're those classic flats that can go with just about any outfit on the horizon.

A Rosy Heart in Knots

Just a post-ago in a time far, far away, I marveled at the lovely CODE rings from Lulu Frost. Now, my favorite color of gold--rose, that is--is tied up in a knot. For $365 (a dollar per day into 2012!), Avanessi can keep you all tied up with their "Love Knot" ring found at my favorite online jewelry boutique Max and Chloe.

Love by the Numbers

Everyone has a lucky number and now, Lulu Frost has designed the simple, yet expensive, CODE collection of rings with the numbers 1-9 for all of our superstitious or commemorative needs. Now while these rings will run about $440 for the simple gold or $880 for 18K-gold with diamonds I have found a cheaper, yet still lovely personalized ring at online jewelry boutique Max & Chloe for $60 by the line Nashelle.

Spotlight: Devi Rao Jewelry

Today, I happened upon a lovely cuff bangle reminiscent of Angelina Jolie-fave Asprey and did a little digging. It is from the brand Devi Rao:

Having literally grown up in the jewelry business, designer Ritu Bontha has a passion for jewelry and style. So after many years of importing and selling jewelry from all over the world, she designed and launched her own line for young and young-at-heart fashion forward women to express their individuality and personal style through jewels. Named for her most precious creations, her three children, Devi Rao Jewelry represents an esoteric style that is at once bohemian and chic.

The Devi Rao line was immediately picked up by numerous high-end boutiques across the country, and even some international ones. And hundreds of Facebook inquiries later, Ritu knew that there was a demand for hip, chic jewelry at affordable prices. Thus, the Devi Rao brand is dedicated to creating jewelry using pure metals, brilliant genuine gemstones, and handcrafted artistry with youthful, cutting edge design and an eye on value. Why own just one piece of Good Karma when you can have a whole collection?

Being a shop-aholic with champagne taste and a beer pocketbook, I appreciate Rao's 18K-Gold dipped sterling silver designs and look forward to purchasing the $125 bracelet pictured above. However, as you know, I NEVER pay full price!

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Cap Toe Flats!

Where have I been? Chanel cap toe flats have been worn on the feet of society players and social climbers for years that I am behind the times! Either way, today is dedicated to my newfound infatuation with cream and black cap toe flats! Now while I'm not too keen on Chanel's quilted things, I do however love the look of Talbot's version above (which happens to currently not be available) and brand Restricted Chocolate on Piperlime.

Love Quotes

I am a lover of light scarves in the summer or wool scarves in the winter and while I used to never seem to locate that perfect and long summer scarf I have found it in Love Quotes and brand that has adorned the necks of several celebrities - though that is always a deterrent more than anything - and is available in an assortment of colors! You can find them for about $20 cheaper on eBay or Singer22.com at $88 a pop! They are sure to be my summer staple!

What time is It?

I am still loyal to my lovely $19.99 black Mossimo watch from Target, but since perusing the aisles the other day I have discovered a lovely Merona white time-ticker for only $12.99 that is presently adorning my wrist. I have been all over getting a white watch for quite a while, but I'm not interested in spending all those Benjamins for a trend splurge. Now while Saks offers some lovely versions for $250-a-pop and up, including the lovely Michael Kors above, I'll stick with Target, which offers more than just my lovely arm candy!

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Boots, Boots and More Boots Too!

Just a post below, I talked all about my adoration for Arturo Chiang's "Enchant" boot and now I have found a companion pair that are equally expensive looking and just a little bit more for price. I am in love with Vince Camuto's equestrian-inspired "Karena" boot and it's two tone calfskin upper. The shoe is also available at Dillard's for $198, but is definitely a boot to last for years to come!

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Boots, Boots and More Boots!

Its the time for runny noses and warm coats! The one thing I (do not) need is another pair of boots, but I have found love for Arturo Chiang's "Enchant" style that would be perfect with jeans or a tight pair of black J.Crew pencil trousers and a chunky sweater. They even come for a reasonable price ($149!) at Dillard's so check them out if you get a chance!

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Every Girl Needs One

No, not a black dress (though we all need one of those too). Every girl needs the perfect trench! And with fall quickly turning to winter, that trench is the perfect way to look ultra cute in the ultra cold/rainy/inclement weather! Brr.... Now while I am ALL over the classic Burberry Trench, the short and sweet Burberry Brit ($795) being my favorite followed by it's sister, the longer, double breasted at the same price, I am not all over that price (and that isn't even from the more in demand Burberry Prorsum line). This is why I skipped over to Overstock.com where it is all about the "O!, such a good price" and discovered just the perfect Michael Kors trench for me at the perfect price!

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Buy This, Bye That: Alternative to Chanel

I have never understood the obsession with the quilted Chanel flap purse outfit maker, but I will say that I am all about luxe living for less. Therefore, I am always in search of a great item for the deal-seeker in all of us and I have found it with Kate Spade's "Margot" quilted leather satchel. Now while "Margot" will still set you back a couple hundred Benjamins, $375 to be exact, that is much less than the three-grand a classic Chanel flap can set you back on consignment (by the way, this one is quite chic if I do say so myself, and I do).

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Made in America

My new style-q is all about plain v-necks and pencil jeans. While I love my J.Crew and everything they create, I'm all over American Apparel and their sheer jersey v-necks. Now while they swing $22 a piece, there is savings to be had if they are ordered in packs. For $51, one can buy a 3-pack of colorful v-necks and spice up a classic jeans/t-shirt attire with a cute scarf and some Trove Tkees in the summer or some army boots and a cute cargo jacket for fall.

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Fall into Wedges

The new it bootie is the lace-up suede wedge and I for one have already signed up for a pair of Michael Kors' "Channing" style. There is also the "Liana" style from Coach which sets you back $278, a little less than Kors' $295. If those are a little out of your price range, check Piperlime.com where you can find similar styles by Steve Madden ($130) and Kelsey Dagger ($120) for cheaper prices. Get ready for the cool down!

Denim Takeover

I am a HUGE denim fanatic, but due to the record heat waves across this fine planet I have refrained from traipsing through the gardens in my old blues. Somehow, my indigo pride needs to shine and I have found that representation through my Gap Outlet jean jacket. The jean jacket has been a staple in fashion since the dawn of Vogue and weaves in and out of fashion trends as much as Lindsay Lohan on the 101. It is the perfect addition to nearly any outfit and a great way to look très-cute in a long or short sundress. I am all over the Current/Elliot jacket pictured above, but not so much the $275 price tag. If you need a sensible version, OldNavy ($29.50), Gap ($69.50) and Revolve ($78) post cheaper prices!

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On the Prowl

Every minute of every day someone somewhere is discovering an old trend and making it new again. In the coming months, the sun will brighten and heat our planet and I am looking for the ultimate in protection against those unhealthy rays. The search is on for a hat, and not just any hat, but a fedora circa the 1920s. Coupled with a relaxed jersey dress and some sandals and I'm sure pretty soon convertibles will be dotted with them. Even better, Eugenia Kim is bringing a spring hat line to Target!

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Checkered Vice

Right now, I'm mad for plaid and gingham check. Almost anything with checkerboard print has a place in my closet. Almost. The one apparel item I'm searching for most is a plain shirt circa 1990s Kurt Cobain. But, if said shirt is not in my $20 or less budget, I'll settle for a scarf. And not just any scarf, I'd like to say I have refined tastes in need of a plain fleece crinkle scarf from Forever 21 or an Adi classic collection scarf for just a little more from Overstock.com. For those of you who don't mind spending a little more, this scarf from GAP is perfect.

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Trend Steal

Christian Louboutin Rolando Python at Barney's New York versus Gianni Bini Jersey at Dillard's.

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