Why do people buy expensive watches?

This is an updated version to an answer I wrote on Quora some year back.

Some asked why people buy overpriced watches and what's wrong with a simple Casio? Here is my answer:

There is nothing wrong with a simple Casio and in fact, the popularity of the simple Casio F-91W is an indication that many people still use the watch for utilitarian purposes - to tell time.

However, for many people a watch is more than just a tool for telling time, it is something that represents their personality. For them, it is a fashion accessory. They wear a watch as a fashion accessory. Something that goes with their outfit, something that enhances their overall look. They often have watches in different colours and materials to match the OTDs.Many have multiple watches - some which they wear to work, others for more formal occasions, others for sports and so on.

I know of people who save up and spend thousands of dollars on a watch which is several times their monthly salary. It may be a reward to themselves for something they accomplished - to remember an important occasion. For example, I bought myself an expensive watch when I got promoted.

Others use the watch as a status symbol, to show off: “Look at me! I am wearing a really expensive watch!" The thought that you have something that not everybody has, is quite appealing to a number of people. It can be a signal of who you are and what you have achieved in life.

On the other hand, I know several people - the so-called "watch nerds", who choose certain brands, which are quite expensive, because of the quality that goes into the making of the watch. This includes the materials used, the complications. They love the engineering and art that goes into the wristwatches, the overall quality - not just the movements but the polishing, the decorations on the movements which others can't see and even the straps. They also celebrate the heritage of the brands as well - waiting and searching for that rare grail watch, for which they are willing to spend thousands of dollars

In conclusion, there are numerous reasons why many people buy expensive watches.

Why did you buy your expensive watch?

Go for a customised t-shirt this summer

Now that summer's truly here, it's T-shirt time again. I am one of those guys who hoard stuff and I have some t-shirts which are more than 10 years old. I sill have a Stonehenge t-shirt that my then wife-to-be had brought back from the UK. Another one of my favourites is the old Firefox t-shirt which always seems to attract a lot of attention.

However, I guess it's time to get some new t-shirts and I have decided that this time there will be no famous brand t-shirts for me. I would like to go for something unique, something that's not available in the stores, a t-shirt that stand out and says that "I am unique".

What can be more unique than to have your own picture or design on your t-shirt. Now there are a number of sites online where you can have them printed out on a t-shirt. And if you are the entrepreneurial type, you can even set up a store. Just take a look at some of the customized tshirts on Cafepress. As a long time user, I am quite satisfied with their services. You do not have to worry about payment or delivery. All you have to do is upload your designs and select the apparel you want your designs on.

I just came across a page that lists all the fan created Eclipse apparel and I am thinking of getting her a t-shirt before the movie comes out. As a Twilight fan who's eagerly looking forward to the movie, I am sure she will appreciate it. One of the designs I found quite interesting are the Edward/ Jacob loves Bella t-shirts. You can personalise the design by cutting out Bella's name and putting up your own name.

You can also check out the fabulous designs on the T-Critic blog as well. Some of the designs are really amazing - would be like wearing a work of art. I won't be seen wearing some of the others but I am sure you will find one you like.

Jeans e-boutique

Was recently chatting online with some of my younger relatives and they mentioned a brand of jeans that I had heard somewhere but was not really familiar with. I guess that just shows that I am not really keeping up to date with what's been happening in the fashion world. According to them, this brand called 'True Religion' was seen on a number of celebrities including Halle Berry, Jessica Simpson, and Cameron Diaz among others.

I was naturally curious about this company and found out that it is an American premium denim company, which was established in December of 2002. On their website they have an animated image of a laughing Buddha playing a guitar. Their jeans are distinguished by their amazing embroidery and the unique hand-sanded vintage washes.

One thing that really caught my attention was their unique way of naming their products. Unlike Levis which have a number system for their jeans, True Religion jeans have names like 'Billy Straight Leg Jean in The Boss', 'Johnny Stretch in Dark Vintage' and 'Joey Big T - Dark Dusty Trail', etc.

If you are looking to buy True Religion Jeans online, go on over to the Kultic.com e-boutique. Besides the "True Religion" Brand , they carry other popular designer jeans brands as well, including Hudson, 7 for all mankind, Citizens of Humanity and lots more. Right now they are having a sale with discount of upto 75% on certain products.

Online Rock n' Roll fashion store

The Remnant online store specialises in exclusive rock n' roll inspired fashion targeted to a niche market.

Not sure whether all my readers will agree but I think that those designs are really awesome. The brands they carry include Drifter, Bleeding Star, Evil Genius, Cardboard Robot among others. One thing that will definitely appeal to their customers is the fact that they take payment by PayPal besides credit cards.

Design your own golf shoes

Are you fond of golf? I used to be a member of a golf club once but I was never that crazy enough to make my wife a golf widow. I would usually hit a few balls on the driving range and that was it. Went down to the green only a few times and yes, it's really addictive.

Anyway, even if you are not fond of golf, design MyJoys Coolest Pair on the Planet and you stand a chance to win a $1000 gift certificate. The winner will be the unique golf shoe design with the highest rank at the end of the contest.

All you have to do is go on over to the Golfballs.com site, design your customized pair of golf shoes and then post your pair of shoes on your blog/site. Then invite people to vote for your design.

Here's my design. I call it Pro Eccentrix. Should bring some color to the green.

FootJoy Golf Shoes

$1000 for the coolest pair!

Father's day gift tips

Father's day is on the 17th of this month - this coming Saturday. Have you thought about a gift for your father or your partner, who's a father? I was going through several blogs and can see that a lot of people are scratching their brains for the right gift.

If you haven't thought about a gift for the father in your life (shame on you), well here are some great tips from Belisi.com. Regulars to my blog will have noticed that I carry news about this fashion brand quite often. This is because I believe that this brand will definitely grow in the future.

This brand was started by Peter Belisi (check out his picture), whose lifelong aspirations were to fuse the luxury and prestige of Palm Beach with Italian sophistication. Belisi’s unwavering commitment to creating fashion products is evident by the quality and detail that goes into each product.

The company started out and became famous for their luxurious ties which are made from silk. Their online store also carries handbags, scarves and pocket squares.In case you were wondering about the last product, it refers to silk handkerchief used as an accessory to a suit. Belisi suggests that a luxurious silk pocket square may just be the right Father's day gift - something different.

The company also offer the latest insights, trends and tips from fashion, beauty and lifestyle experts in their fashion blogs, namely, TheDivasDreams.com for women and SharpByDesignblog.com for men. Another blog BeautifulMeblog.com, focuses on beauty—inside and out. Highly recommended for those who are fashion and beauty conscious.

It is interesting to note how Belisi sees itself:

...an online community where customers are “Insiders” instead of order numbers.

Peter Belisi welcomes all comments, suggestions or questions and responds to his clients personally. That's what I call true "customer service". I also like the fact that every time a customer purchases a Belisi product, a portion of that goes to a charity of their choice. They refer to this as the "Luxury with Meaning" program. I wish all companies thought like that.

Following is a press release from Belisi.com
~ * ~ * ~

Finding the Right Gift for Father’s Day May Not Be as Hard as You Think

Give a Gift Dad Will Remember…Luxurious, Stylish, and Thoughtful

PALM BEACH , FLORIDA (MAY 15, 2007) Okay, so Father’s Day is right around the corner. Wondering what to get Dad? Neckties are often times considered the “stand-by” gift for guys but not anymore. More and more Dads are putting their best fashion foot forward with colorful neckties, as they know this simple accessory can make or break an outfit. Whether you are looking for the red power tie or sophisticated yet casual, there is a tie for every occasion. Give Dad a gift he will remember, something he can wear and treasure for years to come. Dad will feel extra special this year with a beautiful Italian necktie or pocket square from Belisi. With each Father’s Day purchase at Belisi, customers will receive free shipping with their orders. To qualify for free shipping, customers should visit Belisi.com.

Belisi ties are made with more silk per inch than the average tie, which creates a fuller necktie knot, the hallmark of true luxury silk neckties. They come in a variety of colors and styles, so it’s easy to select a thoughtful gift that any father would appreciate.

Pocket Squares, which are making a big comeback, also make excellent Father's Day gifts. Belisi pocket squares are oversized, made with a lavish thick silk and hand-rolled on the border. So if you want to give a unique gift for that special guy in your life, a pocket square fits the bill. Another reason ties are still a fresh gift idea is that men can wear ties that accessorize with their partner’s silk scarf, which she can wear tied around her neck or draped around her shoulders as a shawl, tied on her wrist, worn as a belt or handbag accessory or in her hair (a very hot trend right now).

Belisi Fashions remains steadfast in giving back to those less fortunate. Through the “Belisi Luxury with Meaning” program a minimum of 10 percent of the company’s pre-tax profits are donated to those in need. Keeping in-line with Belisi’s mission to create a community within a community, customers decide which charity to make their contribution. Some of the charities include: Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, American Heart Association, and 1-800-Save-A-Pet.com.

Belisi was built on the philosophy that a tie or a scarf is more than an article of clothing—it completes your look. “There are plenty of Web sites where you can buy accessories but few where you feel like you’re a part of a fashion community,” affirms Peter Belisi of Belisi Fashions.

The Belisi brand is flourishing, and anticipates the release of its new luxury handbag collection in Fall ’07. As with all Belisi products, the handbag collection will feature extraordinary detailing including real gold hardware, soft treated Italian leather and brushed fabrics, plus many other exclusive features only available through www.Belisi.com.

Belisi Press Contact:
Amy Covington
amycovington@belisi.com
800.434.1962

Agency Contact:
Cher Murphy
cm@newsworthystories.com
703.323.5976

Updated: 14 June, 07

Belisi Fashions press release

PALM BEACH, Fla., May 2 /PRNewswire/ - Fashion, it's not just a New York game anymore. South Florida has become a top contender of those "in the know." Palm Beach-based Belisi Fashions, a driving force behind this new fashion movement, combines luxury, innovative style and distinctive creations, setting it a part from the rest of the fashion industry. Fashion-forward designer Peter Belisi of Belisi Fashions is unveiling his new and improved online destination http://www.Belisi.com, which is more than a shopping website-it's a community where discriminating consumers can find valuable fashion advice, keep up with trends and so much more.


Belisi Fashions is synonymous with luxury, a brand that represents a growing collection of fine Italian silk ties, pocket squares, and scarves. Peter Belisi inspires and surprises with characteristic versatility and responsiveness to an ever-changing market. The very essence of his collections reflects his emotional and artistic view of life's experiences; thereby, creating a personal style inspiring men and women to dress and accessorize according to their own personality.

Belisi was built on the philosophy that a necktie or a scarf is more than an article of clothing-it completes your look. "There are plenty of Web sites where you can buy accessories but few where you feel like you're a part of a fashion community," affirms Belisi.

"A tie is a focal point that makes a bold statement. When we design and create a tie, pocket square or scarf, we first think about the person who will wear it. We want our products to enhance customers' lives through quality, using the most aucourant in fabrics and signature detailing," confirms Belisi. "These accessories add flare to any outfit with an accent of color that creates a whole new look."

The Belisi brand is flourishing, and anticipates the release of its new luxury handbag collection in Fall '07. As with all Belisi products, the handbag collection will feature extraordinary detailing including real gold hardware, soft treated Italian leather and brushed fabrics, plus many other exclusive features only available through Belisi.com.

About Belisi.com
Belisi.com is an online community where customers are "Insiders" instead of order numbers. Being an "Insider" means access to special privileges including free shipping, gift wrap on all orders and a designated place on the Belisi Insider's Advisory Board. Belisi Insiders' opinions are more than thoughts expressed in cyber space. Peter Belisi embraces each comment, suggestion or question and responds to his clients personally. Belisi's fashion blogs offer up-to-the-minute insight from fashion, beauty and lifestyle experts. Find out more by visiting:
http://www.TheDivasDreams.com for women and http://www.SharpByDesignblog.com for men.
Belisi also has a beauty blog, http://www.BeautifulMeblog.com, which keeps customers "in the know" about all things related to beauty-inside and out.

About Belisi Fashions
The Belisi brand is the brainchild of Peter Belisi, whose lifelong aspirations were to fuse the luxury and prestige of Palm Beach with Italian sophistication. Belisi embodies the spirit of true entrepreneurship with a passion for the best of everything, which is evident in the quality products produced. Each dramatic detail in a Belisi tie, pocket square and scarf represents Belisi's unwavering commitment to creating fashion products that embody timeless sophistication and enduring beauty.
Peter Belisi is loyal to his community and remains steadfast in giving back to those in need, never forgetting his roots and the journey that led him to where he is today. Through the "Belisi Luxury with Meaning" program, a minimum of 10 percent of the company's pre-tax profits are donated to those in need. Thus keeping in-line with Belisi's mission to create a community within a community, customers decide which charity to make their contribution. Some of the charities include: Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer Foundation, American Heart Association, and 1-800-Save-A-Pet.com.

Ladies headgear

If you go to a formal event here in the UK, you would most certainly need to wear something appropriate. For ladies, a head gear is absolutely essential. There are 2 main types you need to choose from - a hat or a fascinator.

I was amazed at the range of hats on various sites. There are all kinds of hats for almost every occasion, from a day at the beach to weddings or to a day at the Royal Ascot (which is coming up) or any other special event. Some look really crazy and I wonder who would ever wear those but I guess someone eventually will. Other hair accessories includes tiaras, combs, clamps, and headbands among others. Just that extra personal touch to make you look special. I am sure you fashion conscious ladies know what I mean.

I am lucky I am a guy and do not have to worry about a headgear.

Get rid of that offending tie

I support the Belisi Take off that Tie Campaign.

Several years ago, there was this popular fashion fad - to wear ties with cartoon characters on them. I am glad I didn't get into that. Have still seen some people wearing Micky Mouse and Donald Duck ties to office. They think it's funny and that they are trying to put some fun into office attire. Well, as I have always said, "it's a matter of taste" but definitely not good taste, in my humble opinion.

Other ties which I find offending don't have cartoon characters on them but they are of dreadful garish colours that make you almost blind when you look at them.

If you want to see what a really nice tie should look like, then check out the range of Belisi ties.

Seashells site

Do you what sand dollars are?
Well it does not refer to a new currency but instead they are a group of marine animals that live on top of or just beneath the surface of sandy or muddy areas. People call them sand dollars because of their round flat shape that looks like a large coin. The first time I read about this animal was in a site specialising in selling Sand dollars, seashells and starfish for crafts and weddings. Just check out this popular "Sand Dollar & Dolphin Earrings".

You can also read about the legend of the Sand Dollar on this site.

The site also carries a wide variety of starfish for decorating, collecting, wedding, and craft needs. Also sold on the site are shark jaws, shark teeth and seashell jewelry. Depends on taste but definitely one of a kind.

They do ship overseas but only to 4 other countries at present, namely, the UK, Puerto Rico, Australia and US Virgin Islands.

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The Peter Belisi story

Some of my friends who are also regular visitors to my blog, joked that my blog was turning into a fashion blog. The reason - two posts on Belisi fashions. Belisi is a relatively new name in the world of fashion but it is fast emerging as a fashion brand, and I think bloggers played a little part in that.

In case you are curious about this brand, read Belisi - How it Started in Peter Belisi's blog. He blogs about fashion, celebrities and other stuff.

It is amazing and really motivating to read how a bartender in Palm Beach, struggling to support a wife and newborn baby, started a business to become the global brand that it is today.

Peter started out by investing some extra money in a tie collection. And that was just the start. You can see that he has not forgotten his roots and on the Belisi website, they have an amazing collection of great looking ties. For your information , the website is having a promotion on ties now. About accessories, he has this to say :

I believe accessories are the start, not the finish of the design-inspired look—with the right accessories, even average garments are transformed into winning style

That's something I always believed in.

It was also quite heartening to read that they give a portion of every purchase to a charity of the customer's choice.

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You can be a diva too

The term "Diva" can conjure up different images in the minds of different people. On one side, it can be that of the singing Divas, for example, Leona of X Factor fame. On the other side of the scale are images of tantrum throwing drama queens and I won't give any examples here because I am sure you have read about them in gossip magazines or seen them on the TV.

The Diva's Dreams by Belisi is a blog for independent and talented women who take pride in having the best of everything. Their definition of a Diva is that of a smart and savvy lady.

This blog is not only about fashion but also covers a range of topics including interior design, food and wine, and entertaining.

The latest post "Bling bling gone bye bye?" discusses the latest trends in shoes. This would definitely interest my wife who is looking for some nice footwear. Right now, she's going every where in her leather sneakers as it's too cold to wear most of the shoes she brought along from Malaysia.

BTW, in case you were wondering Belisi is a fast growing global fashion brand. Regular visitors might recall that I wrote a post on their Blog for Men's fashion yesterday.

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Designed for Men

There are number of fashion blogs on the web. However, most of these blogs are dedicated to ladies' fashion. This is probably due to the fact that most of these blogs are run by lady bloggers.

That doesn't mean that guys are not interested in wearing nice clothes or looking fashionable. Today's successful men (not limited to metrosexual males) know that the right clothes and accessories can be a embodiment of your personality. It tells the World who you are.

It's amazing that there are very few blogs covering this particular segment of the market. Along comes, Belisi's Sharp by Design Blog, dedicated to Men's fashion. According to them, this blog is directed to the progressive urban man who wants to learn about fashion staples, as well as stay tuned in to emerging trends in casual wear and business attire.