Disneyrollergirl

Re-wind! Spring sees an about-turn from the excessive proportions of previous seasons with bags, shoes and yes, even watches reduced to mini dimensions. Taking a cue from the Louis Vuitton SS12 show – a lesson in sugarcoated daintiness – it’s all about discreet heels, micro bags and delicate watches that whisper rather than shout.

Animal-print and reptile skins have been unavoidable on the catwalks in recent seasons and their influence is now tipping into accessories and watches. I like my animal prints subtle and expensive-looking so of course I’m all for a minimalist watch in traditional croc-print.  

As more official photos are released, the fashion flock is gearing up for Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby and its attendant retro fashion references. In particular I'm zoning in on Carey Mulligan’s layered pearl bracelets - both pretty and a little bit different.

It’s a long time since fashion has been what I’d call celebratory, yet look around and there’s a definite steer towards the glitzy, crazy-coloured and over-embellished – all in the same outfit. With December fast closing, cue the switch from posh goth to unashamed flamboyance on the fashion front.

Not just timepieces but accessories in their own right, what could be a more fashionable gift than a watch? And to help build a wardrobe of good-looking watches, here’s my pick of the best under £100.

These days watches are worn as accessories (as much as time-tellers), which is just as well as each of the watches I’ve chosen will add a final exclamation point of personality to an outfit. A watch is also a great way to wear a favourite designer every day, so makes the perfect Christmas gift for anyone who has a passion for a particular brand.

A luxury watch has got to be one of the best gifts you can give (or ahem, get). The ones that I gravitate towards are either very classic or a bit idiosyncratic but still have a timeless quality because you simply never get bored of them. So, to give you a helping hand this Christmas - I've picked out some of my top five ladies' luxury watches...

For a design that hasn’t been around long, the ceramic watch is certainly very popular. What’s its appeal? I’d say it’s a mix of practicality (most ceramic watches are lightweight and scratch resistant) and versatility. The general look is sporty yet by playing with colours and decorative details, a ceramic watch can work for any number of situations. Not all ‘ceramic’ watches are actually ceramic. Chanel was one of the first brands to produce a ceramic watch with its iconic J12, but some of the less expensive versions achieve the look with shiny, durable acrylic. Check out our favourite ceramic watches and five ways to wear them.

Look at any Tommy Ton street style photo and tell me you don’t want to be that woman in the Katrantzou dress with the Celine clutch, an armful of bangles and a killer watch. Weighty, architectural bracelets (hello Lanvin) have overtaken statement necklaces as the jewel du jour, and with them go the accompanying overstated watches.