Watch This!

I love watches, but I'm really cheap when it comes to buying one. I also like durable watches that I can wear in the shower and pretty much never take off--so that crosses off a lot of watches right there! Here's a few with high fashion plus functionality--all under $250.

Nixon

I've blogged about Nixon watches before. This California company designs products for surfers, skateboarders and snowboarders. I usually prefer men's watches over women's because I like larger faces, but Nixon has a women's style that I actually like a lot--the Kensington ($99). This watch comes in gold or silver and is available with several different watch face colors. I like the bright blue shown here, but I also like the brown/orange face with a silver band. Available at boardco.com (among other places).

IKE

This watch was on my Christmas wish list, but Santa did not bring it so I'll keep dreaming! The Gommato Watch by IKE ($225) comes with three different colorful rubber straps (red, green or white). The watch features a stainless steel bezel and an enamel face. Water-resistant to 30m. Imported from Italy and available from vivre.com.

TKO

This fun, oversized watch from TKO ($125) is also from Italy, also water-resistant with a stainless steel bezel and rubber strap but cheaper than the IKE watch. Available in turquoise (shown), purple, fuschia, yellow or orange. This watch is available exclusively from shopbop.com.

Tokyo Bay

Tokyo Bay makes fun fashion watches for both men and women. I like the unisex Barber watch which comes with a canvas striped band in different colors ($75). I don't think I can wear these in the shower, but maybe I can make an exception.

Swatch

Swatch watches were such an obsession in the late 1980's that I haven't really paid much attention to them since. However, this brand does have some pretty cool fashion watch styles. I like their men's line better than the women's like this water-resistant Sundown watch ($110) with a rubber strap. I also like the Spymaker Blue watch ($165) with a stainless steel band.

Which of these do you like the best? Vote for your favorite on the right or leave me a comment below.

What a Man Wants

I'm actually not sure if these are things a man wants, but these are things that would be fun gifts to give for that special guy in your life this holiday.

Candi Factory

This Toronto-based company makes the most adorable handmade underwear for men and women, but it's really the men's briefs that I love. With contrasting patterns and strategically placed imagery these briefs ($30) would make the perfect stocking stuffers. Vist The Candi Factory. for their online store. International shipping is available.

Manly Man Gifts

Sundance actually has a section on their website dedicated to manly man gifts! There's all kinds of interesting gift ideas on this site. I love the Stanley flask ($25) that has the look of the workman's favorite thermos, but is a more unusual shape and size. Holds 1 pint of your favorite beverage.

Or, for the more literary guy on your list I love the manly man book collections. For $98 you get a set of 8 books by authors like Raymond Carver, Dashiell Hammett and Joseph Conrad. Two different book collections are available all with a great selection of must-read fiction.

Watch It

If you are ready to splurge a little watches are always great gifts. For the surfer I love this Freestyle watch ($150). It comes programmed with 15 years of tide information for beaches all over the world! Backlight for viewing in the dark and water resistant to 100 m. Available at Urban Outfitters.

For the less sporty look I love authentic vintage watches. There are all kinds of sites selling vintage watches out there. Prices can get pretty high for watches in pristine condition or vintage rolex's, but I actually like the look of a little wear. You can find great 1950's watches with new straps for under $300 like this Hamilton watch ($300) from Cool Vintage Watches.

All I Want for Christmas...

Here is what is on my personal Christmas list this year although Santa is a bit broke right now. At this point I'm hoping for a Christmas miracle to fix this latest economic crisis. If that happens, then maybe I will treat myself with one of these wish list items:

Nespresso

I've had these Nespresso machines in a couple hotel rooms I've stayed in lately and my office has a larger version as well. The coffee comes in little capsules that you insert in the machine, but it's amazing what great flavor the coffee has. Complete with a little layer of foam and everything!

Machines start at $199 for the most basic model and go up from there if you want ability to steam milk, etc. The only downside is that the capsules are only available online and they are about 50 cents each for a single serving of coffee. Still, it's cheaper than coffee from a local coffee house.

Available online from nespresso.com or you can search for a retailer near you on the site.

Wrap

I own a few shawls already including a great alpaca wrap from South America that my mom gave me. However, you can never have too many of these in my opinion. They come in handy on plane trips, chilly summer evenings, for the office when the air condioning comes on, etc.

Here's one I've been eyeing from Badgley Mischka. This metallic wool paisley wrap ($160) comes in aqua, grey and brown. Available from bloomingdales.com. It would definitely dress up even the most plain outfit.

Camera

I've been having fun with my Holga, but would love to try out the Seagull Twin Lens Reflex Camera ($295) medium-format camera which is offers a little bit more control over aperture and shutter setting than the Holga.

This camera is still a reasonable way to enter the medium-format realm without breaking the bank. Available from Sundance.

Jewelry

I love all kinds jewelry even though I tend to stick to a few basic pieces that I wear all the time (even in the shower). Jewelry is also something I tend not to buy for myself even though I'm constantly looking at it!

I blogged about these stackable sea urchin rings from Lauren Wolf months ago ($44 each) and never bought them. I just may make an exception and buy them for myself, but saving up until I can buy 4 or 5 of them to stack!

Psychic Reading

My mom has bought me a psychic reading from the Psychic Horizons Healing and Meditation center in the Mission for my last two birthdays. Despite whatever skepticism you may have about psychic abilities I highly recommend this experience as a tool for greater understanding about yourself. This is not about predicting the future (in fact they do not do that since we are all free to create the future), it's more about understanding the present.

I recommend the staff readings ($150 and up) although less expensive student readings are also available. You can also do readings by phone. I'm thinking it may be time to treat myself to one. Here's an article about the school from sfgate.com.

Watch

I love large men's styled watches and I especially like the watches from this Italian-based watch company--IKE. This clear plastic version is allegedly as rugged as steel ($295). I also like the all black rubber style. Available from vivre.com.

Anchor's Away

I have to say that I do like the nautical look. I actually own a pair of authentic U.S. navy wool pants and have had a few different nautical items over the years. Here's a few pieces that have caught my eye in this theme lately.

Giles & Brother

These nautical oval Anchor Earrings in silver ($88) from Giles & Brother are just edgy enough not to be overly cute. Available from Blubeeonline.com.

Red, White & Blue

I like the way these red accessories pop in this simple nautical look from Ravinstyle. I've been eyeing these Korkease sandals ($185) for some time and love the red patent version. The Cammie Hill Patent Day Tote ($485) is also very cool although I probably wouldn't shell out the money for it.

Sailor Pants

I like these sailor inspired stretch jeans from Rich & Skinny ($298). Available at nordstrom.com.

All Laced Up

I especially love sailor pants that lace up the back (like the real ones).

I like these cream faille sailor pants from Marc Jacobs (on sale for $123 at nordstrom.com).

Diver Watch

I love this all black 51-30 diver watch from Nixon ($450). These watches are designed for surfers, snorkelers and serious outdoorsy people, but I just love the way they look. Waterproof to 300m, I would probably only wear it in the shower.