I've always been strongly opposed to wearing a watch. And no, it's not because my cell phone is just a more convenient, 21st-century version of the pocket version. It's because the concept of wearing something attached to you for the sole purpose of checking the time gives me the heebie jeebies.
However, I am starting to become more realistic. I am a college student. I've adopted a habit of having my cell in my hands every waking moment. I frantically press the unlock button and flick my eyes over the digital clock, sigh a tiny sigh of relief, and go back to life. And repeat. And repeat.
Having lost my phone somewhere on the floor of the Congress Theater while dancing like a maniac at Dayglow, I was forced to break the habit of phone clock-clinging. Only problem is, I actually need to know the time, and decided it’d be more convenient if it were right there on my wrist.
Other (more normal) women wear watches like an additional piece of jewelry, alongside their favorite bracelets and rings. Upon entering Nordstrom’s online watch store, I soon saw that there were a bevy of appealing, autumnal-hued options to choose from. As long as I stick to the mantra of "jewelry, not machinery,” this time-phobic will soon become time-friendly.
The Unexpected Metallics
Marc by Marc Jacobs "Marci" Mirror Dial Watch in Rose Gold: No longer are things a matter of just gold or silver. For this fall, Marc by Marc Jacobs got it right with this shiny rose gold, perfect for an understated touch of sparkle to an otherwise dull, sweater/leggings uniform. The slightly pink tint adds alt-girly intrigue to an otherwise classic timepiece. $175, shop.nordstrom.com
Michael Kors "Runway" Chronograph Watch in Espresso: This Michael Kors watch in rich espresso brown is a smart and sexy addition to any accesory wardrobe - you can pair all shades of metallic jewelry with this neutral-toned piece and be chicly mismatched. It's a totally refreshing take on the chrome menswear pieces seen way too often in Urban Outfitters and the like. Start a trend and rock the bronze-y brown. $250, shop.nordstrom.com
The Punchy Professionals
Michele "Sport Sail" Watch in White Scarlet Patent Leather: I’m a believer that functional is never synonymous with boring, and this Michele watch is a perfect example. You get the loud red strap with the clean ivory face, a perfect marriage of fun and serious. Michele watches are pricey, but well worth it if you want something that will never go out of style. $465, Amazon.com
Betsey Johnson "Lots n' Lots of Time" Face Dial Watch in Black: Betsey Johnson is all about embracing quirkiness, and it clearly shows in her funky "Lots n' Lots of Time" piece--the Warhol-esque winky face is sure to make you smile every time you look down at your wrist, but the black strap and absence of glitz tones the whole thing down, making it uber-versatile (nights out, work-study, whatever!). $65, shop.nordstrom.com
The Next-Gen Sporty Stuff
TOYWATCH "Jelly Thorn" Watch in Purple: It's a rarity when athleticism inspires the fashion world (maybe it’s the return of the 90s, with Nike neon jogging suits having their second time in the sun), and watches are no exception. This rich, plum TOYWATCH is most definitely not your creepy gym teacher’s clunky G-shock. P.S. You can wear it with everyday school garments or with workout gear. $160, shop.nordstrom.com
Adidas "Translucent Cambridge" 44mm Watch in Pink/Brown: Plastic disguised as ceramic transforms this Adidas watch into a happy medium between overly-fancy and overly-sporty. The material makes it durable, while the tortoise and magenta palatte makes it uniquely fashion-forward. $95, shop.nordstrom.com