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Accessories

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Mobile culture: Gloves Made For Texting

kate spade new york Tilt-a-Whirl Scarf, Hat and Gloves

Fashion accommodates the real needs of people using modern tools.

From Mobile Marketer: an advertisement in a Bloomingdale catalogue this past December shows the importance that mobile, specifically SMS, plays in the lives of consumers on a daily basis.

The ad is for Juicy Couture winter gloves that have the tips of the thumb and pointer finger cut off, especially for texting. Who would have thought two years ago that we would be seeing ads like this.

"The use of SMS will continue and perhaps accelerate as more phones enter into the market, and applications, such as Facebook continue to integrate with SMS," said Joshua Kittner, senior marketing consultant for digital engagement at the American Red Cross, Washington.

Have you ever heard anyone commenting about how they like being marketed to via sms?

I'm surprised with their data showing increasing growth for sms in the US. Those with smart phones tend to use app. messaging systems far more frequently - Facebook, Whatsapp, Skype and IM being the most popular in my circle. With cheap unlimited data plans like we enjoy in Taiwan, sms messaging is far less attractive. Obviously, I'm forgetting that most still don't own a smart phone.

Here's a quick round-up of texting Gloves and mittens (some are sold out at post):

Freehands Gloves has the largest collection
From Josh Rubin of CoolHunting who "realized there was an opportunity in the winter of 2007 when he found himself answering his iPhone with his nose to avoid taking his gloves off."

DKNY Cashmere Pop Top Glove

Juicy Couture - Text Me Leather Electronic Gloves

jobout 1.19
Soft knit gloves that fold back at the tips of the pointer fingers and thumbs for easy texting; rib knit trim at the wrist.

Rachel Rachel Roy Gloves, Striped Texting

From last year: Etre Touchy wool gloves with the tips of the thumb and index finger exposed to allow for convenient usage of touch screen devices like the iPhone.

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Uniform Wares Timepieces

Thanks "anonymoose" for sending this my way.

I haven't worn a watch in years; I don't need a watch as a fashion accessory and since phones have displayed the time during idle, I've had no practical use to wear one. I do love and appreciate well designed or unique clock faces (most of which I have been finding lately in iPhone apps. which I realize cannot truly compare to a finely crafted timepiece) and these timepieces from UniformWares fit that characterization perfectly.

Paraphrasing from their website: Uniform Wares produces timepieces intended for everyday use by individuals with an eye for design details. Their products have an intentionally pared down form, characterized by distinct form, materials, colour and surface finish.

I can't decide which I prefer, the 300 series or 200 series.

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Cotton Canvas at Tsing Hua

A young Tsing Hua University students returns after a weekend away. I share her love for comfortable clothing and accessories made from affordable cotton canvas. Managed to ask for a look see which she graciously obliged. Didn't want her picture taken - too sleepy. Great quality kit with no brand name attached. Perfect.

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The Incomplete Story of George Costanza's Wallet

Talk of Klingons and George Costanza's wallet await you.

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Pod à porter neckband for iPod shuffle

When simplistic mobile devices get smaller, it can result in more interesting, fashionable ways in which to wear, carry and use them. Pod à Porter by Michiel Cornelissen Ontwerp is a jewelry-like accessory for last years iPod shuffle. The accessory removes the frustration usually experienced when using devices with headphones by avoiding wire-tangle and reducing accidental headphone drops.

Usability aside, if the current generation of the iPod nano lends itself to brash timepieces last years shuffle seems to lend itself well to subtle hidden accessories. It's perhaps one of the few advantages of this interface-less design.

Pod à porter

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The iPod as fashion accessory

Computing devices are becoming more apart of our everyday apparel (see CuteCircuit for a current popular concept). I've long since stopped wearing a watch (my phone works well enough and the weather here is killer on leather straps) but the new nanos diminutive size and utility might make me change my mind, almost. Though the screen might make it impossible to use, the removal of the calendar, notes and contact apps. lesson the nanos appeal. And if they could only add facetime.

The iPod Watch Band pictured above comes in a variety of colors and styles to coordinate with whatever color nano you prefer, and pack perfectly into the Maratac Light Case for travel (source).

Via Uncrate.

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Visvim moccasins

Visvim redesigned the Maliseet Elk moccasins with soft elk leather, chemical free crepe outsole, cork footbed and hand-sewn upper. The FBT Classic pictured on the right is made with a natural suede upper and tanned cow leather lining. Both are extremely breathable, the opposite of what I expected, rugged and comfortable. I'm undecided on the styling but if your uniform allows these look like great shoes for transit loungers and urban mobilista's alike.

You might try findig these at Free International Laboratory in Hong Kong (15 Wyndham Street Central).

Visvim

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Vintage Map Pendant

For those of you who love to travel, who want to carry a piece of home around with you, or are just collectors of maps, this sterling pendant features a map of Stockholm, Sweden from an antique world atlas.

The map is held in a custom setting (just over 2cm wide) behind magnifying resin and hangs from a linen cord with a sterling silver clasp. The silver pendant is oxidized for an urban/antiqued sort of finish.

While she has a number of city maps set in pendants for sale she can create a custom pendant of your favorite city. A great way to remember a particular destination and keep it close to your heart.

Anne Holman's Stockholm Sweden Pendant

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Bluetooth Spiral Earrings

Created specifically for the style-conscious woman, the fashionable Volution Bluetooth by Chinese designer Fandi Meng merges technology and fashion--finally! It looks like a gigantic spiral earring (circa the 80s) with a little red pearl in the middle. The pearl is actually a light indicator that shines when you receive a call.

Quoted from Trendhunter. Fandi Meng.

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1905 Chronograph by Gerald Genta

It's fun to dream that all is right with the world and I could afford a $26,000 watch.

Known for his much desired works from iconic watch brands such as IWC, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Pigue, Gerald Genta is no rookie horologist. Ritz Fine Jewelry teamed up with the designer to create an ultra exclusive line of 15 unique timepieces utilizing the best materials and movements available. The face of the watch has also been left blank to allow the owner to personalize the watch or you can even commission Mr. Genta himself to design a motif just for you. Pictured above is the 1905 Chronograph model in 18ct white gold carried exclusively by 20ltd.

1905 Chronograph by Gerald Genta. Via Acquire.

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