Fashion

Samsung’s Gear 2 and Gear Fit Take Fitness Bands to a Whole New Level

I’ve tried the FitBit Flex, Nike Fuel, and Jawbone UP; while each fitness band had its positive points, there always seems to be something … lacking. At their event last night, Samsung introduced their Gear 2 and Gear Fit watches; one of these may be the all-in-one watch and fitness band combo I’ve been waiting for.


The jimmyCASE iPhone 5S Case/Wallet Combo

Tired of using an iPhone case that looks like every other iPhone case? Check out the jimmyCASE. Looking for an iPhone case that can double as a minimalist wallet without trying too hard? Check out the jimmyCASE. Handmade in Los Angeles, the $39 case is also available for the iPhone 5C, iPhone 4S and Samsung GALAXY S4.


Tokyo Flash Kisai X Acetate Is a Timely Gift for Your Loved One

Love of your life love watches? They’ll love the Tokyo Flash Kisai X Acetate. This $139 watch serves up time and date, has a built-in alarm, and a custom designed animation that illuminates the display. Available with blue, red or green LEDs, the watch has stainless steel detail and a smoked mineral crystal lens. Click to see it in action.


The Bluelace Project Brings Great Laces Made in America

The goal was simple — use Kickstarter to fund a project to “give American Manufacturing its own yellow ribbon… a wearable way to show your support for the war they’re fighting daily”. The Bluelace Project raised six times more than its goal and shipped the best laces ever — in blue no less —  to those of us who backed it.




Case-Mate Says Sparkles Are for Girls, and Rugged Is for Boys

We received a marketing email from Case-Mate this morning that’s left me scratching my head. No, it’s not that they’re still pushing overpriced bedazzled cases, nor is it that they think the ultimate Valentine’s Day gift is an iPhone case; it’s that they imply case choices are very clearly gendered: men need rugged cases, but women want sparkly ones.


Pebble Steel Is Now Shipping

I really love my Pebble watch. Since I never turn on my phone’s sounds, that little wrist buzz has become my way of knowing when I have a notification or a call. While some people do not prefer the styling of the first generation, the Pebble Steel looks amazing. The newly designed Pebble Steel begins shipping today for $249.


The Travelteq Lauren Leather iPad Handbag Will Make You Swoon

I’m pretty jaded when it comes to laptop bags, and it’s with good reason; I’ve been writing reviews for well over 13 years, and in that time I have seen and tried everything from the completely utilitarian to the somewhat sublime. So you’ll understand my surprise that the new Travelteq Lauren was able to stop me in my tracks …



Drew Goes Hands-On with the Vertu Constellation

You’ve got to hand it to my friend and fellow gadget magpie, Drew Guttadore! He knows how curious I’ve been about the new ~$6,000 Android-based Vertu Constellation; because he’s also been curious about it, he recently went hands-on with one so that he could share his initial impressions … on everything but the actual Android/Vertu experience. Curious? Read on!


Lems Primal2 Minimalist Shoes Let You Tread Lightly

Most days I wear dress shoes. I hate it, but they go best with a suit. When I’m not dressed up, I tend to wear a favorite pair of low-rise boots.That may change thanks to the lightweight, minimalist Lems Primal2s I’ve been trying out. Honestly I don’t think I’ve ever worn a pair of shoes quite as so comfortable!



Calypso Crystal Fury Collection Takes Couture Fug to a Whole New Level

It’s not often that a press release can make my jaw drop (and my eyes go googly), but that’s exactly what happened when I opened the email from Calypso Crystal. Their new Furry Fury Collection has to include some of the most hideous examples of fashionista excess that I have ever seen. And the prices! Let’s look, shall we?


Smart PJs Bring the Smartphone to Bedtime Stories

Kids love a good bedtime story, and as they get older they love smartphones too. The recently announced Smart PJs combine these loves with pajamas that rock scannable codes. Scan the code with a phone, get a bedtime story. Each code on the PJs is a different story! The concept is cool, but the website is sadly light on details. It isn’t clear if the stories are classics or new ones written for the PJs, or how the app displays the story. Still, at $29.99, clothes that combine with a story aren’t a bad deal, and it’s a company worth…


Purse n’ Boots Keep Your Money and Gear Safely Stashed

Ladies, how often have you wished that you had a pocket when one wasn’t available, or wished you could go without a bag when carrying one wasn’t practical. If you are wearing a pair of Purse n’ Boots by Elizabeth Anne, you’re set! Pockets inside the boots hold your cellphone, passport, money, and other similarly sized items; these are brilliant! Built in cell phone, credit card and passport pockets (new) Holds everything from your ID, passport, makeup, cell phone, cash and change The first boot in our catalogue with a cushy, comfortable flat heel Ideal for dancing, travel, shopping & riding Fully functional riding heel for horse lovers…


Adventure Underwear – Useful Travel Product and the BEST Kickstarter Pitch Ever

When we received the email telling us about Adventure Underwear, my interest was immediately captured. I mean, how often do we get pitched for underwear? (Okay, it actually happens more than you might realize.) Then I saw this… Yeah, one of the project creators actually had a hose shot at his privates in order to show how waterproof the waterproof pocket is. Now THAT’S commitment. Then I watched to video pitch on Kickstarter. And I was sold. Seriously. Then there is the product itself. Made from 100% superfine Australian Merino Wool, these travel underwear are soft, lightweight and breathable. And the…


Vertu Ferrari Ti Limited Edition – Inspired by the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta

I have owned four different Vertu phones over the past decade, and while I can’t quite bring myself to spring for another one (yet) — I’m not gonna lie — I miss owning one. There is something to their saying that “Nothing will ever feel the same”. Vertu phones are handmade of the finest metals, ceramics, and leathers, and they are basically works of art that also happen to be rock solid phones. The concierge feature is a big part of why they cost so much, but the odd thing is that even though I had access to the service…


Miniot’s New iPad Mini Cover is Woodlicious!

I have made no secret about how much I loved my Miniot Mk2 wood iPad cover, but I had to set it to the side when I moved to the iPad mini. Of course, I knew that the day would come when Miniot created the mini version, and sure enough — that day is here — and now I have a decision to make. Prices start at €59, and all it would take is a few moments spent on the site placing my order … and a few weeks of waiting. I have to admit that as tempted as I…


10 Tips for Running in the Summer Heat – The Monday Mile

Just over a week ago I was in Kentucky for work and commented on Facebook that I barely made it out of the hotel parking lot on my 4:30AM run before I was covered in sweat. Last week, Judie noted that she got a late start and that it was 98F while she was running; her pace slowed considerably while she ran as the heat took its toll. Suffice to say – hot weather has arrived across much of the nation, and it is time to think about running in the heat. Here are some tips to keep safe: Hydration: hydration…


Carry Yours Cards, Cash and Phone in Style With Waterfield’s New Finn Leather Wallets

With the advent of such things as Google Wallet and Apple’s Passbook there is a growing interest in virtual wallets. At the same time the need for a physical wallets is as great as ever. We looked at high-tech options like the Flipside Wallet and minimalist options like V??? llc CNC Aluminum Wallet. Flipside has even jumped into the super-minimalist waters with their STRATA wallet. Waterfield’s new Finn Leather Wallets look like a great addition to the growing number of options currently available. As Waterfield puts it, the Finn Wallets offer “a good balance between functionality and minimalism”. The wallet…