Arm Candy: Cartier Wrist Bands

It all started with Lance Armstrong’s LiveStrong yellow rubberband bracelet: we lived in Paris at the time, he was of course our Tour de France hero. Wearing the bracelet was a fun chic way to proclaim our national pride, plus it inspired envy in all our French friends who of course wanted their own LiveStrong band. Trading ensued.

Wearing one or multiple rubber wristbands has become an increasingly trendy way to proclaim your allegiances:

• pink Race for the Cure (even a pink thumb-band)
• school colors to honor your alma mater
• white fundraiser for your church

This year the kids are even more into rubberband bracelets with SillyBandz, in colorful animal and logo shapes.

The trend has expanded to include adult fashionista arms layered with stretchable bangles made of rubber, beads, stones and metal.

Moi? I went classic retro for my wrist band. On my recent Paris trip I strolled into Cartier and selected the Cartier Trinity Wristband, Cartier’s symbol of love, friendship and fidelity. TBG gifted me several pieces from the Trinity collection throughout our 30th anniversary year, so the Trinity collection is very personal to me. As I always mix silver and gold jewelry, the circles of pink, yellow and white gold are very Moi.

But did I choose classic black cord? Mais non! My trinity wristband is made of French blue cord, bien sur! and if I tire of the blue (highly doubtful) Cartier will graciously make a new band at any time, in the color of your choice. Hmmm, that could be a dangerous promise!

Moi tip: If you like the Cartier Trinity Wristband and are traveling to Paris soon, consider buying your bracelet on your trip. With the current euro v. dollar exchange rate the bracelets are priced cheaper in Paris, and with your non EU resident status you can get your VAT refund at the airport, saving another approximately 15%. This strategy works for most French luxury goods.