Functional vs Fashionable Technology

When I first began working at my current job, I was given a fairly basic laptop and very simple, utilitarian laptop bag that honestly thrilled me. I was so excited just to have a job, let alone one that was outfitting me with gear. Sure the bag was so functional that it bordered on hideous, but I carried it proudly to and from class whenever I needed it. Something about this pragmatic bag made me feel like a legit professional.

As the months passed and I felt more and more settled in my position, I thought about replacing that boring bag. Did I really need to sacrifice form for function? After all, I already posted about my love for clever yet practical tablet cases. I still haven't found a bag that will fit my work laptop, necessary accessories/cords, and miscellaneous course materials, while being comfortable and attractive. But the collaboration depicted above between Project Runway All Stars winner, Mondo Guerra gives me hope.

I've been watching Project Runway since its inception. Frankly, the main reason I watched the All Stars season was to root for Mondo and his vibrant, 60s-inspired designs. HP has partnered with Mondo for a design project that resulted in stylish, limited edition, tech-friendly Ultrabook™ bags. And HP has since launched a contest to decide what other fashionably functional tech-friendly bags to make next . You can vote for your favorite by going here.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

A little bit country

 Old Navy dress

Linea Pelle belt and double wrap leather bracelet

Miu Miu jeweled flats

Anthro necklace

I wore the above denim (chambray) dress from Old Navy to campus on Thursday. I worried it was a little short for my personal comfort zone so I paired it with tights (as it was brisk that day!). I promise that I haven't already retreated to security blanket hosiery for good this year. But I must admit that I was glad to not have to worry about inner thigh chub rub, having perfectly smooth legs, and somehow masking the constant shin bruises I tend to accrue from being clumsy.

This outfit felt countrified and that is no surprise, considering my recent social calendar. On Saturday Chris and I went to the North Side to celebrate Johnny Cash Day, which is an annual event at the Elks Lodge where local bands and musicians come together to cover Johnny Cash songs for charity. (I wore a plaid Reed Shirtdress and fit right in but got no photos, sadly!). It is something we support every year and have a great time doing so. In preparation for it and to honor September 11th, two of our friends dj'd a classic country night, that Sunday at the Brillobox. All of these events had me feeling particularly American and reaching for classic shirtdress shapes.

Finally, I want to encourage everyone to read the reflections on Mascarade, which is authored by one of the administrators from Fashionism (the forum where Anjali of Golden Means, Kim of Anthroholic, myself, and many others first encountered the dishonest, manipulative behaviors that led to Anthrogate).  I know many of us were wary when we saw the launch of the personal shopping business and some of the members of Fashionism tried to issue warnings by commenting and publishing blog posts. In retrospect I wish I had done more myself but none of us could predict how widespread her services would be used and how much money she would access due to the trust her readers placed in her. Furthermore, as the Mascarade points out, many of us hoped she had learned from getting caught doing this on a much smaller scale a year ago.

Wear the Shift!

Another article is up on CBS/KDKA.com. This one spotlights the Pittsburgh-based, fashionable startup Wear the Shift!

Conscious Consumption and Late Adoption: My New Tablet

Kate Spade Journal print tote bag

Kate Spade Journal print tablet cover

My love for deals is well documented. Sale goggles have dictated purchasing habits in the past. And the other week, when HP announced that they were discontinuing and subsequently discounting their Touchpad tablet, I scrambled to buy two of them (one for me and one for Chris cause he's a far bigger gadget junkie than me). Two of them cost me less than half the price of one Ipad (which is a gadget I have coveted since its release). The main reason I wanted one for so long was so I would have something a bit larger than my iphone to occupy my time in airports and on airplanes. I hate fumbling around with my laptop because it feels risky when you are as clumsy as me. Although WebOs is essentially a dead platform, I am confident that someday I should be able to port Android onto this tablet. And for now I really like WebOs. I also have my iphone for apps unavailable on Touchpad.

In my generalized research I study media and the history of communication technologies. So in many ways it is important that I stay literate and capable with gadgets that are newer. My grad student budget stalled the process of adopting a tablet considerably (as well as the recognition that I had no pressing need for such a device). When I do acquire new means of mediated communication, I enjoy thinking through its history and the potential obsolescences it creates among older, more established media. Long ago I told myself that if I was to acquire a tablet (assuming it would be an ipad) that I would buy a self-conscious cover. Well thankfully the Touchpad knocked off the dimensions of Ipad 1. I think it's just shy of one millimeter of difference in thickness which isn't a big deal for most covers (to be clear the Touchpad is slightly thicker). The openings and buttons are in similar spots. And there are far more interesting accessories options for ipad than for touchpad.

I found these lovely vintage book covers about a day too late. By then I had already settled on (and ordered via ebay at 50% off) a newspaper classifieds print cover from Kate Spade that matched my tote bag. Note that you can find this cover in the outlets too (which take phone orders and ship for a reasonable rate of $5). I love print journalism and subscribe to home delivery. For me a tablet doesn't make newspapers obsolete. But my friends that work in print journalism live with some suspicion and anxiety about the future of their publications. This cover will keep me mindful.

Are You Interested in Pinterest?

Trust that I do not need another mediated venue, social or otherwise, through which to procrastinate. BUT I am having a great time with Pinterest. It is sort of combines my favorite aspects of polyvore, shopstyle, tumblr, and twitter into one giant inspiration board sharing space. Are you on it? I am looking for more people to follow who post pretty and cool stuff to pin!

ETA: Anyone who needs an invite, lmk. I can send them to your preferred email address. I don't think there's a limit.

Outfit of the day and my commentary in the Post-Gazette!

I am excited to report that I got to do a little bit of fashion commentary for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. My opinions on Golden Globes Red Carpet fashion were solicited for the article. Although I made many more picks than what ran (one of my favorites was January Jones in Lanvin, for example but they had limited space so it is understandable), I was thrilled to be included and hope to collaborate in the future with my favorite local news outlet!

Thank you to Mackenzie Carpenter who included some of my musings on fashion in the piece and linked my blog!

Today I decided to take inspiration from all the stars that played with volume and ruffles in large doses.

The sweater is Twg, the ruffled collar silk top is J Crew, the pants are Old Navy, the necklace is Banana Republic, and the shoes and bag are MBMJ.

It was supposed to be sunny so I wore my lighter weight wool tweed coat by 3.1 Phillip Lim.

Rodarte for Target

While I found the Anna Sui for Target stuff to be less than thrilling in person, at least for the price, I was curious to see what Target's upcoming Rodarte collaboration would bring. I wonder if my Target will even carry Rodarte? We didn't get McQueen.

Anyway, today a bunch of photos from the collection leaked. It is set to be released during the holiday shopping season.

As a media scholar, I am always fascinated by the ease with which information can be unsecured via technologies. Target is apparently asking bloggers to remove the photos. I doubt I'll end up on their radar so I figured I'd see just how comprehensive their attempts will be to police this security breach.

What do you think? Will you be buying anything? The lace tights and the yellow lace cardigan with dress look the most appealing to me, personally. I like the black pleated skirt, too.