I've never quite seen before luxury watches that employ plaid or argyle pattern designs right on the face like these watches. Sure there are a few Burberry watch out there, but I would hardly call them luxury, and they don't look like this. BlumLux is a very new brand, and their first watch, the "Louie Quattro," has three models. These are the Wisdom (light plaid), Integrity (argyle), and Strength (dark plaid). Overall, the line is certainly a style that you will either immediately know works for you, or doesn't.

The watches are in steel at 40mm wide by 53mm wide and very curved. A substantial watches, but not too large. I like the rectangular case style that has the flared ends. Not distinct to BlumLux, but an interesting look nevertheless. Diamonds are used for the hours markers at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock, while the Wisdom and Strength models have another 46 diamonds on the bezels.

Inside the watches are decorated Swiss ETA 2892-2 elaborate automatic movements, that are visible through the sapphire caseback window. The watches come on several colors choices of calfskin leather or crocodile (brown or black). It is risky in these economic times to verge in to the luxury arena, but BlumLux certainly has their niche. Personally, I ignore some of the less than serious sounding model nomenclature and engraved case text and focus on the interesting individual style they bring to the table. Prices range from about $4,500 - $5,500 each.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com

Sometimes shoes are an accent to an outfit and sometimes they make the outfit. The Rose 'n Roll shoe by Roger Vivier is definitely one of the latter, featuring wool tartan in a bright plaid print with a large attention-grabbing rosette perched on the toe and (my favorite part) a little black laquered thorn coming off the sky-high stiletto heel.

I like this shoe, but I think I'd love it if it weren't for that wobbly bobble of a rose. Find a pair in Roger Vivier stores this fall and winter as part of the 2008/2009 collection. £830

Via Book of Joe

A light plaid just says summer, easy, classic and just a bit preppy. Call it the gin and tonic of fabrics. This clutch from Lauren Merkin is done in silk shantung in a peachy plaid shot through with cream and brown. It opens with a hexagonal frame and has a pink striped Lurex lining. Imagine this one tucked under your arm at a summer garden party, paired with a long white linen dress and arms full of gold or silver bangles. The bag sells for $165.

Since Burberry is trying to remind consumers that there is more to them than their signature "check," keep an eye out for the new ways that they're working their knight logo into designs. This Check Shoulder Bag, for example, has the knight printed on the bag's fabric just beneath the checked print, where consumers can adapt to it without having to give up the plaid cold-turkey. The camel colored bag has PVC and leather trim in chocolate, and the strap has a generous 10" drop. And, for the practically minded, the bag measures in at 13 1/2" x 9 1/2" x 5", with several pockets to keep your various accessories neatly organized. Price: $475.

According to the Wall Street Journal, only a few days into her new gig, Burberry CEO Angela Ahrendts said that she wants to see more diversity in the label. Their signature plaid, a.k.a. "check," is a bit overexposed at the moment due to its tremendous popularity over the past few years and the rise in counterfeit or look-a-like goods. They're not eliminating the check, but they're scaling it back already. For example, their new fall quilted jackets (the one pictured is $495) all feature solid colors and the square-toe pumps ($365) have only the smallest amount of checked piping.

The general plan is to always keep the check, but to promote other brand symbols, such as a mounted knight that was trademarked by the company over a century ago. The company has also hired several new designers to focus on adding accessories to the brand, giving consumers options beyond just clothes.