Arm Candy!

In my humble opinion, accessories are what make or break an outfit. You can have on a beautiful dress or a cute top and jeans, but if you do not have the right accessories, the outfit just isn't going to pop! Which is where adorable necklaces, watches, shoes, belts and the like come into play. However, nothing is better than a good old fashioned arm party! I personally am a huge fan of oversized boyfriend watches, especially in gold tones. Here are some of my favorites:

Michael Kors Everest Chronograph Glitz Watch

Kate Spade Skyline

The only problem is, these watches retail for $325 and $225, respectively. Now I don't know about you, but it would take A LOT for me to spend that much on a watch, no matter how lovely it may be. So.....TARGET TO THE RESCUE! Target has some seriously adorable watch selections, and a lot of choices at that! The best part: most of them are less than $20! Now that, ladies and gentlemen, is a deal. Here are some of my favorites from their website:

How great are they?! All three can be purchased at Target.com!

Now, on to bracelets. I am an UBER fan of designer Kiel James Patrick (you might know his girlfriend, Sarah Vickers, from her fashion blog Classy Girls Wear Pearls). He makes adorable nautical arm candy, handmade by his team in Rhode Island, as well as neckwear, oxford shirts, and belts. Some of my favorites of his include:

Nantucket Summer Regatta

What girl doesn't want to wear a bow tie on her wrist?! GENIUS I tell you!

Ship Starlin Castle

I love how summery this bracelet is! 

Royal's Golden Fleet

This is sure to add some pizazz!

I just love everything about these bracelets!! They are sure to spice up your arm party any day! And also be sure to check out Kiel James Patrick's recent merger with Brooks Brothers. They have a whole other selection available there as well!

                                           

KJP for Brooks Brothers

These bracelets tend to be a little pricey, but you can actually save some $$ by simply sharing your purchase on Facebook and Twitter! A pretty sweet deal! 

What are your thoughts on arm candy? Is less more or the more the merrier? I would love to hear! 

Much love, 

cRm

I Heart NYC

It's harder to find better dressed people than those you will see in New York City. Business men in their tweed blazers and Gucci loafers walking briskly to a meeting, young fashionistas attempting to walk in 7-inch heels down the sidewalks all while carrying a Prada bag the size of a small gorilla, small children in newsboy caps and tiny little vests and oxford shirts being pushed around by a nanny in a $3,000 stroller from Italy....it truly is the city of style. And not just necessarily preppy style either; Manhattan tends to be the borough of the preps, while Brooklyn is where the hipsters thrive. Whatever your taste may be, you can find it living well there.

I recently went to NYC for the third time with my mom and one of my very hipster best friends (they say opposites attract, right??), and just had the greatest time. There is just simply something magical about that place. And while I feel absolutely exuberant among my preppy peers in Manhattan, my bestie loves the Brooklyn scene (no judgement here, its an awesome place! If you're ever in the area, be sure to check out Elizabeth Falkner's Krescendo;  she makes absolutely the best pizza I have ever eaten!)

The thing I think I love most about New Yorkers and their style is that they express themselves in ways many other people in other places might not, for fear of being looked at funny or sneered at. But thats what I love about it! A man mixing a striped blazer, hot pink oxford and polka dot bowtie? Why not! I've even recently seen women jumping on the bowtie bandwagon...I may have to try that one before too long! Here are a couple of my favorite outfits seen out and about in NYC:

Photo Credit to Fred Castleberry of Unabashedly Prep

I am personally loving the trend of women in menswear, with a feminine twist of course. A navy blazer with gold buttons tailored to fit perfectly, or a oxford shirt with scallop detail at the neck (can be purchased here), or large men's style watches....I love it all. Add a strand of pearls, put on some heels, wear your hair down, and you're all set! 

The beautiful Carly Heitlinger of The College Prepster. Photo Credit to Fred Castleberry.

Another thing I love about NYC is that, for the most part, the style there is timeless. Despite the modern twists of a bright gingham shirt or the kelly green cords, the folks of that city know what it means to buy a piece of clothing that will last a lifetime. Which is, in a round-about way, being frugal. Seeing clothing as an investment will make your wardrobe choices much smarter, stylish and practical. 

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The marvelous Fred Castleberry. Photo Credit to Joshua Woods.

Have you ever been to New York? What were your fashion encounters there? I would love to hear! 

Much love,

cRm