Style

How to Choose a Watch That Fits Your Wrist (And Your Style!)

Did you realize that on average, men spend $10 more each month on accessories than women? Whether you are trying to breathe life into an old outfit or attempting to make your work uniform more unique, accessories can be extremely helpful. For most men, having a nice watch they can wear on a daily basis is a necessity.

With all of the different timepiece options out there, figuring out how to choose a watch can be difficult. Instead of getting frustrated with this buying process and settling on the first watch you see, take your time and weigh all of your options. Rushing through this important decision can lead to you making a number of mistakes.

Getting a watch that isn’t quite your style or fit will result in you not wearing it. This is why going in and trying on a few different timepieces is a good idea.

The following are some of the things you should consider when trying to find a watch that fits your wrist and your sense of style.

How to Ensure a Watch Fits Properly

While there are a number of factors you have to consider before buying a watch, how it fits should be one of your main considerations. Failing to consider watch sizes can lead to issues with discomfort over time. If you are trying to get a watch that fits well, you will need to think about the following factors.

The Watch Case Diameter

Among the most noticeable features of any watch is the size of the dial case. There are a number of watch case diameters on the market, which is why you need to figure out which one fits your wrist the best.

The largest dial diameter you can get is a 46mm. Often times, these large dials are reserved for times when you want to color coordinate with an exceptionally flashy outfit. In most cases, a man will need to choose a case diameter that is approximately 38mm or below.

Measuring Your Wrist is a Good Idea

Before going out to shop for a new watch, you need to get an idea of how big your wrist actually is. For years, people have used the dollar bill trick to figure this out. If you can wrap a U.S. dollar bill around this part of your body, it means you hsix-inchnd a six inch wrist.

If your wrist is around 8 inches, then you will most likely need to get between a 44 and a 46mm case diameter. While this may seem a bit large, it will be proportional to the size of your wrist.

The Width of the Watch Band

Another important factor to consider when trying to purchase a watch that fits will is the width of the band. While having a wider band can add to the appeal a watch has, it can make it nearly unwearable for a person with a smaller wrist.

Choosing a watch with a smaller width band will provide a more comfortable fit for a person with smaller wrists. While you can measure your wrist to get an idea of what band width you need, it is usually best to try them on.

By getting a firsthand experience regarding how a watch actually fits, you can make an educated decision on whether or not it is the right fit for your needs.

How to Choose a Watch With the Right Level of Appeal

The overall appeal a watch has is also an important factor to consider before making a purchase. The watch market is filled with timepieces of all shapes and sizes. By considering the following factors, you can find a watch that fits your sense of personal style.

The Color of the Watch Dial

When window shopping for new watches, one of the first things you will notice is the dial on a timepiece. If you want to truly razzle and dazzle with a new watch, choosing one with a unique dial design and color is essential.

If you are having trouble choosing a dial color, think about what type of clothing you wear on a regular basis. Often times, a person will stick to one dominant clothing color scheme which is usually based on how well it blends with the skin.

Do you wear a lot of earth tones? If so, choosing a watch with a red or silver colored dial can complement your wardrobe nicely. Building a watch collection that has timepieces for any occasion should be your main goal.

The Watch Band Material

Having a unique and comfortable watch band is also something you should view as a priority. Often times, the type of watch band a person prefers will depend solely on their individual taste.

If you are looking for a classic and understated look, going with a leather band is a great option. Metal watch bands can also be appealing. Typically, a metal band will be a bit more expensive than their leather counterparts. The money invested in these metal bands will be worth it considering how long they last.

The Dial Adornments a Watch Has

Having a hard time choosing between the watch options at your disposal? If so, be sure to take a look at the adornments on the dial of a watch.

Modern watches feature everything from date windows to rotating bezels and everything in between. Taking the time to make a list of the dial features that are important to you can help you narrow down the selection at your disposal.

Finding the Right Watch Supplier

Learning how to choose a watch is much easier with the help of a reputable supplier. Before choosing a supplier, you need to do some research to find out how well they have performed for other watch buyers in the past.

Looking for more advice on how to amass a great watch collection? Be sure to check out our article on vintage watches every collector needs.

10 Ways to Express Your Style in a Uniform

If you’re one of the 1-in-5 workers who wear a uniform to work on a regular basis, you may sometimes feel like you can’t be you when you’re at work. While many jobs require a uniform to help identify workers in a crowd or keep your own clothes clean, you can still express your style.

Some workers wear uniforms to protect them from harm, like workers wearing neon and reflective vests. Other workers, like postal carriers, wear uniforms so that people know how to identify someone who otherwise might look like an intruder.

The variety of jobs that require uniforms are all fulfilled by unique people with individual personalities. Because you’re one of these people, you should follow one of these 10 creative tips to express your style while you’re at work.

1. Flaunt Your Hairstyle

If you work at a restaurant or cafe, you may be required to wear a hairnet or a head covering. If you’re at a retail job, you can probably do lots of different things with your hair that still fit within company policies.

As long as you always look clean and well groomed, your employer will be lenient with how you do your hair. Check out online tutorials or style magazines if you’re looking for new ideas.

Before you try something really wild, ask your boss or coworkers what they think. With most cute cuts and subtle dyeing, you should be within the boundaries. Some workplaces require short or tied back hair for safety around machinery.

2. Check Your Neck

If you have to wear a suit or dress shirt to work, you can get a lot of style mileage out of ties. You can express your individuality or your hobbies through a cool tie or make your outfit pop with a great bowtie.

Scarves are also great ways to express yourself. There are so many patterns to choose from that you could express something different every day of the week.

If you wear a lanyard at work, check out what’s available at Lanyards USA for ideas on how you can spruce yours up.

3. Flash Your Wrist

Depending on the kind of work you do, you could express a lot with a great watch or bracelets.

Of course, if you work in food service or get your hands dirty on a regular basis, you might not want to wear something expensive. But wrist wear is probably the most subtle way to express who you are.

If you’re into social activism or awareness around a particular issue, you can wear one of those rubber bracelets to let people know who you support.

4. Desk Decor

While not something that you wear, the things on your desk can be great for expressing your style. If you’re a big sci-fi fan, you can put decorate your desk with a few action figures or a cool mug to hold pens.

Think about clever and colorful things that will inspire you during those slower moments at work. You’ll also earn some compliments and make new friends from someone who says “Hey, I didn’t know you loved that great dog movie? I do too!”

5. Socks Say a Lot

Whether you’re at an office or a restaurant, you probably won’t have any limitations to the kinds of socks you can wear. Express yourself in the same way you would with a tie.

Try something striped, colorful, Argyle, or fun. If you’re an animal lover, you can likely find something with your favorite animals on it. Every cool movie and TV show has some kind of corresponding socks with characters on them.

Try out something fun and you’ll see compliments start piling up at your desk.

6. Earrings and Necklaces

If you love to wear earrings and necklaces, you’ll find they’re a great way to express who you are. During the holidays, you can wear something fun and festive. If you want to be bold, hoops or bright gems and say a lot.

Statement necklaces are becoming one of the most common ways to express style against a monochrome top. If you’re dressed in all black, an angular, geometric necklace will say a lot about who you are.

7. Stockings and Shoes

Great stockings can boost a simple skirt and top in a big way. Subtle patterns or polka dots will make heads turn and get people telling you what cool style you have. Combined with some colorful flats, you’ll be letting people know you’re fashionable and professional.

While there are probably limitations to the kinds of shoes you can wear, combining cool boots, flashy sneakers or heels can take your uniform to the next level.

8. Patterned Scrubs

If you’re in the health and wellness industry, there are certain uniform standards for health and safety. You need things that are durable and washable while also cut to the expectations of your supervisors.

Within those limitations, there are lots of possible prints and patterns. Look for specialty companies that offer cool scrub tops. It can be reassuring for patients to work with a medical professional who has an approachable style.

9. Backpacks and Bags

If you’re dealing with the limitations of an academic uniform, your backpack or bag is where you can be who you are. Look for cool patterns, interesting materials, and clever designs.

Add buttons and pins to your bag to customize it. One or two great little pins can make a solid colored bag look cool and modern.

10. Notebooks and Pens

If you can’t seem to find a way to express yourself within the limits of your dress code, you can always express yourself through your notetaking materials. There are so many cool notebooks and pens.

Get something colorful and wild if you want to express something fun. If you are looking for something more professional, a great refillable pen and leather bound notebook can express your style in a cool and subtle way.

Express Your Style Your Own Way

If this is your first time dealing with a uniform, it can feel restricting at first. You’ll want to be able to be yourself while not causing any problems with your new work or school environment. Ask around and you’ll get an idea of what the parameters are and ease into anything new.

You might be surprised what you can pull off.

If you’re ready to find an exciting way to express your style, check out our article on vintage watches for a cool classic addition to your uniform.

3 Kinds of Dining Room Tables that Never Go Out of Style

Planning to redecorate your dining room?

The focal point of the room, due to its function, is the table. If you’re not sure what kind of table you want to get, you’ve come to the right place.

In this guide, we’ll look at dining room tables that never go out of style, and when you might want to use them. The style, of course, starts with the shape, and there are three shapes that offer timeless popularity:

Remember that some tables are convertible–for example, rectangular tables can become square tables, and round tables can become rectangular–with rounded ends. The type of table you choose will be dictated in part by the available space, but also by your goals.

If you have a small dining area…

For small areas, a rectangular dining table might simply look too large, even if it actually fits in the space. A square or round table might better suit your needs.

The number of people you’d like to sit can help determine what size table you choose. A square or round table tends to look smaller in the room than a rectangular table.

If your dining room is narrow…

Many dining rooms are built as off-shoots of the kitchen or living room. For this reason, they may be quite narrow.

A round or square table in a narrow room will either look too large or too small. For narrow rooms, a rectangular table is best.

If you want to facilitate conversation…

Have you ever sat down at a long table, only to find that you converse with the people on either side of you and across from you, and no one else? In fact, you might not even talk to anyone at the other end of the table unless you need the salt.

And if the table is that big, two salt shakers (or more) may be necessary anyway.

If you want to get people to talk to one another, a round table is your best bet. Everyone can see others’ faces.

In the middle ages, dining tables were often large and round. Maybe this is where the notion of the knights of the round table came from–King Arthur would have been able to see and speak with all of his knights while they dined.

If you want a modern look…

For modern, there’s no table shape like a square. The only downside to square tables is that they tend to seat fewer people than the rectangular or round.

For a modern every-day look with the option to seat larger groups, a square table that can convert to a rectangle with leaves may be your best option.

Legs, Pedestals, Decor, and Materials

There are other elements to take into consideration. Do you want legs around the end of your table or a pedestal in the middle? Do you want simple lines or ornate carvings?

What kind of materials do you want your table made out of? Stone is heavy and formal. Glass is light and formal. Wood is a great choice for everyday use and function, and it can be gorgeous depending on the type of wood and stain you choose.

No matter which dining table you choose, if you put some thought into it ahead of time, you’re sure to love your new dining area.