I know this is a rip-off, but I'll buy it anyway...

Ever find yourself making a purchase that you don’t really need? It happens all the time. We convince ourselves that our impulsive “wants” are actually essential “needs” and that's exactly how we ultimately justify our purchases.

I’d like to think I’m pretty good at limiting my expenses as I currently live on a student budget. I try not to buy too much on impulse when there is no steady income in my bank account. Nevertheless, as I was in Montreal this past weekend, I found myself at Simons, walking out with a $54 purchase. Twenty minutes after I left the store, I realized that I had just paid all of that money for a simple bracelet made of one thin piece of black string. Value for money? Not too sure. I thought maybe I should go back and return the bracelet, but I decided to keep it.

Looking back, what made me justify my purchase was its style. I often encounter many things whose style and design I enjoy and appreciate, but I don’t go ahead and buy everything I like. I have always appreciated design and style and if the item is something that really speaks to me, then I’ll keep a copy handy for future reference. (Sure, I enjoy the design of the entire Audi lineup, but as those vehicles are a bit out of my budget, I simply keep their pamphlets and brochures nearby instead).

I guess I consider this Gag & Lou bracelet a piece that I can use for future inspiration. In reality, I didn't need a new bracelet, as I have more than my wrists can handle. However, I bought it because its style and unique packaging spoke to me. Creators have a need to be surrounded by creative things that offer inspiration in order to spark their own creativity and imagination. (Or, maybe I just use that excuse to justify my unnecessary purchase!)

It’s clear that I definitely paid significantly more in comparison to the materials used on the bracelet; nevertheless, this product is handmade in France and this is exactly how independent companies survive and make their mark on the industry. Gag & Lou offered something unique, creative and different, and that's what had me sold.

(Image Source: http://www.picturespop.fr/bracelet/images/gag&lou.jpg)

Ding-Dong, The Watch is Dead

I love watches. I love clocks. They've held a special place in my heart since childhood, and to this day, they are still that one special accessory that brings me great nostalgia.

I always enjoy looking at people's wristwatches. If something looks interesting, I'll ask about it. Recently however--and much to my disappointment-- I see a lack of wristwatches amongst my peers.

Here in North America, our daily life is surrounded by time. We wake up at a certain time, catch the bus or leave for work at a certain time, go to class at a certain time, and return home by a certain time. We constantly need to keep track of time, in order to run our days smoothly.

With that said, why do barely any of my peers wear a watch?

The answer is quite simple. As we live in a digital age, we are constanly surrounded by technology. If, for example, I forget my watch at home one day, I can find out the time by looking either at my cell phone, my laptop, my iPod or the numerous plasma screens in the school hallway. Essentially, these technologies are eliminating the need for a watch.

These days are all about convenience. If your cell phone tells you the time, why bother wearing a watch? My concern here however, is not about finding out what time it is--it's about the art of the watch. Will the wristwatch die with the advent of these convenient technologies? I sure hope not.

People should look at watches as a fashion accessory that completes their wardrobe--not simply as a tool for keeping time. Just as there is always the need for a nice handbag, a stylish scarf or a great pair of shoes, so too is there the need for a trendy watch.

Do not make the fashion mistake of referring to your digital devices for the time; invest in a watch!

Friendship Bracelets: New Spin on an Old Foe

Ever sit down to make a friendship bracelet for your dearest friend as a young child? At one point, they were pretty popular. I remember having friends who would constantly exchange friendship bracelets.

A lot of work went into making these bracelets--first, you need to take some time to learn how to actually weave the thread. This step requires much patience and is often a process of trial-and-error. Next, once the bracelet weaving began, most of the day would be consumed since it's such a time-consuming activity. These friendship bracelets were a true sign of thought and effort.

Links of London has released a beautiful new twist on this old foe. They've designed a charming bracelet that plays upon the traditional friendship bracelet. This new rendition of a frienship bracelet consists of bars of sterling silver wrapped in different colours of thread.

These friendship bracelets come in different shades and colours. You can either choose a full standard colour or, as a custom option, you could add your own spin to it and choose up to four different colours of thread. For example, if your best friend likes purple, black, yellow and pink, then thats the combination she can get!

Links offers their friendship bracelets for a price of about $210 CAD. It's definitely more costly than a traditional friendship bracelet, but it's definitely a charming piece that is sure to satisfy your closest friends.