Joby Gorilla Mobile for iPhone 3G/S ~ perfect for those who want the versatility of both a simple black matte/rubbery case and the ability to mount their phone just about anywhere for any reason... whether that is on the steering wheel of your car (look! handsfree!), the handlebars of your bike, wrapped around a pole, or perched on the table as a tripod... or in my case, i wrapped it around the nearby bottle of scotch as a tripod. As you can see on the next page, the packaging for this one got far more apple styled with the matte white box ~ and i do love that the signature ball jointed gorillapod legs are ALL black this time! Take a peek at all the details on the next page...

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Tags: accessories - camera - gifts - iphone - shopping - technology

These Vacu Vin Party People Glass Markers were first as NOTCOT.org #20816 ~ and when i ran into them in Stockholm, they were even cuter in person! So i had to buy some to play with! They are so adorably tiny with their little suction cups and fun packaging! So next time, instead of sharpie markers to a solo cup, or wine tags, or stickers, here's a new option! Let your guests pick which adorable little gummy looking character they want to channel... they all even have names! (see pics on the next page!)

p.s.
Apparently there are also Creepy Creatures and a Christmas Crowd available! (just noticed they are available on amazon)

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Tags: accessories - drinks - gifts - liqurious - shopping - stockholm - wine

Tattoo Socks! Tel Aviv designer, Gaby, makes tattoo socks which first turned up as NotCouture #5165 in its octopus incarnation (which i love!), but when i looked at the rest of her designs, the Twitter referencing "Follow Me" with birdie needed more sharing... taking twitter back out from digital to real world to really play with the idea of following... sure, people do tshirts and necklaces, but come on... its more likely a guy will literally follow you to ask you for your twitter handle as you saunter past in a short tight black dress and these sheer knee high tattoo socks... although i do wonder, would it be better to custom print your twitter handle on the other leg? Let people physically follow you and then start digitally following you without even really meeting in person face to face? Much food for thought, so many possibilities, definitely a cute idea... see more pics on the next page!

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Tags: accessories - fashion - gifts - shopping - twitter

NOTCOT Exclusive!!! From our awesome friends at Hard Graft ~ they have been kind enough to share it with us first! Check out their latest bag, the 3Fold! It can play portfolio case, laptop case, AND overnighter... ready for the juicy details? (I'm loving this new one! So tempted by it!)

"3FOLD multi-use leather laptop bag - Three bags in one - the 3FOLD is a slim LAPTOP BAG, a sizable A2 PORTFOLIO BAG and a spacious OVERNIGHTER. Just switch to the configuration you need, this bag is as flexible as your lifestyle demands. The function of this bag speaks volumes. Clever hooks (traditionally used for heavy duty hiking boots) make varying between the different styles possible. The 3FOLD is handmade from a bespoke vegetable tanned Italian leather which is dyed through and hand finished in grey with a hint of teal. This is juxtaposed with a chestnut brown leather shoulder strap which can be used in all three configurations. The leathers are coloured with natural dyes which enhance the look over time and use. Each limited edition 3FOLD is individually numbered and carefully assembled by a family of leather artisans in the rolling hills of Tuscany, Italy."

Take a peek at pics and specs on the next page!

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Tags: accessories - fashion - gifts - laptop - leather - shopping - technology

I have a thing for polycarbonate suitcases... something about that sleek pod of light perfectly packedness that gets scuffed up so nicely... while i have my carry-on silver hideo wakamatsu and a check-in black zero halliburton polycarb... i'm still totally lusting over this Mandarina Duck DROP! (Despite the overly flashy website that i just sat and screenshotted far too much of to share with you and spare you the experience) It still remains to be seen what the interior breakdown and details are like (and packaging?) but the exterior is looking quite sleek... and some of the sayings on their pics are worth a giggle ("design victim"... wouldn't it be nicer to say "design indulgences" or something more positive?)... take a peek at some details and screenshots on the next page!

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Tags: accessories - fashion - gifts - shopping - travel

Freshly launched today ~ Incase's latest incarnation of their classic iPhone Slider cases ~ Monochrome Slider Cases ~ this time with glossy tops and soft touch bottoms... while at first i wasn't sure if the color palette was for me (the colors do have fun names like celery green)... when they sent samples over, the PACKAGING just blew my mind. again. as usual. I don't know, those Incase guys are pretty much my favorite packaging folks out there these days. This time it is a clear/black matte plastic sleeve with a molded black cardboard tray that slips into it, but due to the molding won't slip all the way though... And the way the contours of the white plastic liner really highlight the case so nicely! Also, the super simple subtle little S stand is awesome ~ holding up your iphone for perfect desk viewing both horizontally and vertically. Anyhow, enough with the text ~ just go see the pics on the next page already!

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Tags: accessories - gifts - iphone - packaging - reviews - shopping - technology - unboxing

Does this laptop sleeve not scream NotCouture to you? I was so excited when i saw it! Incase teamed up with Honeyee and japanese uniform experiment.... to create this beautifully simple monochromatic uniform experiment sleeve... and you regulars definitely know how we love our safety pins over at NotCouture ~ especially clean vectorized ones! Honestly, i only wish they took it a little too far and made the zipper pulls safety pins with the majority of it dipped in clear rubber, so it looked like you had safety pin pulls! Or at least safety pin graphic on the pull? Also... love that it is lined with the awesome feeling, yet distracting named "faux fur" ~ which really feels far better than it sounds. Take a look at more pics on the next page!

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Tags: accessories - gifts - incase - laptop - shopping

It's not often shower head innovations catch my eye recently ~ but the latest Flipside from Kohler is definitely an interesting shift from the "Handshowers" (ok, i had no idea that was a term till i was reading the press release, but thinking about it, i dont know what i'd normally call it?) where you normally turn the ring on the showerhead to switch between different settings... and the water always comes from the same sprayface. In the case of the Flipside, there are 4 different sprayfaces, and each mode has a K name (Kohler does love their Ks):
• KOVERAGE - for a traditional, everyday shower with maximum water coverage that is perfect for the morning shower routine (green)
• KOTTON - streams a layer of dense, soft, enveloping downpour of relaxation that caresses your skin (yellow)
• KOMOTION - a drenching spray that delivers an exhilarating, circular pattern to refresh the senses after a tightly-wound day (pink)
• KURRENT - provides a focused and invigorating massage spray to target tired or aching muscles (blue)

See more pictures and more info on the next page!

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Tags: accessories - bathroom - gifts - home - shopping - shower

Goodmorning Technology in Copenhagen just sent over this cute concept ~ Handelbar Basket! From the press release:

"The bike porter is made of tubes and is as easy to put on your bike as a normal handlebar. We have developed a whole range in many colors and with integrated designed bags if you wish! The patent is filled out the and all intellectual property belongs to Goodmorning Technology. The bike porter is perfect for fixies and other street bikes. The basket will from now one never be stolen, fasten destroyed and the designed bags are easy to fill up in the shops and take along. You can also use your own bag, laptop or whatever you need! We have showed it before with the New York City bike, but this is first time as a single product without the bike, and we are very proud to present it to you!"

Awesome idea ~ although how is it carrying it around? See more pics on the next page!

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Tags: accessories - bikes - gifts - shopping

More Jawbones ~ already! And i've barely used my other ones (they live in my car ~ i tend to use speakerphone as my handsfree when driving alone...) I must say the starburst color palette is pretty fun, particularly the photography they with this new Ear Candy line ~ there is also the new Prime line, which is the usual black, silver, bronzey palette as well... So for what's new and more pics ~ check out the next page!

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Tags: accessories - fashion - gifts - phone - shopping - technology

Finding a nice laptop sleeve or bag has usually been no easy feat (granted, i'm extremely picky too!) ~ and there has certainly been a major trend towards designers making more and more gorgeous accessories as these devices have become core aspects of our everyday... but i must admit i'm a bit blown away to find Tumi, Mandarina Duck, Acme Made, Timbuk2, Built NY, Kenneth Cole, and more at DELL... and to have them have some really sweet exclusive
Designed For Dell products just kind of floored me tonight. How long has this been going on? Why didn't anyone tell me? Is it bad i feel weird to have Dell becoming a possible go to for slick bags? And even worse, because of some of these bags i'm getting more and more tempted to indulge in a little necessary black netbook as a new toy? (Justification? Ummm... cross browser checking machine?)

I think its safe to safe that Dell has definitely embraced the "lifestyle" of mobile computing with all of this. And honestly, all these exclusive accessories are just making my late night shopaholic come out in full force wanting not only accessories, but perfectly sized laptops to stick in them as well. And as much as my hardware may say i love apple, Dell just earned major points in my book with these offerings. See my selection of the best of the Designed For Dell collection on the next page ~

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Tags: accessories - fashion - gifts - laptop - netbooks - shopping - technology

Mmmmmm carbon fiber. But have you ever seen it COMPRESSED? into a block... and them formed into a watch body? Sure the Monocle products were fun, but when introduced to Robert of Bell & Ross, and this beautiful BR 01-92 Carbon Fiber watch (available Nov 2009) ~ i was mesmerized. And ironically he claimed that there isn't enough interest from the female demo for carbon fiber (so, no smaller sized carbon fiber beauties for us)!!! Yet Julie of LAist and i couldn't take our eyes (and fingers) off this watch! The details are gorgeous, perhaps even more so in person than in these pictures... but i blame the flowing champagne and my attempt to shoot pictures while carrying on a conversation... It was also cute that amongst the impromptu pitches he gave me, he started showing me pictures of watched and displays on his iphone too... see more images on the next page!

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Tags: accessories - fashion - gifts - jewelry - shopping - watch

Oliver Peoples collaborated with Zooey Deschanel on her "Zooey" sunglasses ~ while i'd been hearing this around the fashion blogs ~ i missed that they also created a special napkin looking cleaning cloth!!! I'm a sucker for the details, but i totally want one of those ~ and love the playful nature of it! More pics on the next page!

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Tags: accessories - fashion - gifts - glasses - shopping

Here's what's been popular at NotCouture this week!

Tags: accessories - fashion - roundup

Latest from Form Us With Love: Boat Life, Seafood collection for Sagaform inspired by the Swedish archipelago summer life. Isn't it just so adorable and happy? I can just imagine building up a scene on the dining table with the set... big blue table runner or placemats for water, salad in the paper boat dishes... salt and pepper shakers bobbing along.... lighthouse carafe on the shore? Too cute ~ see the larger pics on the next page!

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Tags: accessories - boats - food - gifts - home - shopping

Ooooh, pity these weren't available for Valentine's Day ~ they would have been the perfect gift for SO many Artecnica/Tord Boontje lovers! Freshly launching from Artecnica is this beautiful line of charms, aptly named, Charming, designed by Studio Tord Boontje. They are available in 24K gold plated and silver plated finishes, and they are mini wearable versions of those iconic Boontje flora and fauna woodsy motifs ~ my favorites are package 1... and 2... and 3??? So hard to choose! See all the packages on the next page ~ the birds, bunnies, deers, flowers and more are too cute!

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Tags: accessories - fashion - gifts - jewelry - shopping

The Droog Shadylace Parasol by Chris Kabel, 2004 ~ i've been lusting after this design since... at least 2006 (i even posted about it back then!) Well, on indulgences for the new house, and with some help from Greener Grass Design, i gave in, and finally have one! And yes, it's just as exciting as i'd hoped! The green is stunning, the adorable little gold birdy perched on top is adorable, and i LOVE the way it casts shadows! Finally having it in person, beyond the usual press photos we've all seen, here's an up close look at the details ~ nice thing i was hesitant about... the material for the parasol is green polyester, and not at all waxy feeling! So it has a really nice look to it. And really it just brightens up any space you put it in! So take a look at the unboxing, closeups and some pics of it set up yesterday (popped it up in the hot sun between these rainy days we keep getting!) ~ everything on the next page!

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Tags: accessories - furniture - gifts - home - reviews - shopping - umbrella

... and here's a look at the top 100 posts of 2008 from NotCouture!

Tags: accessories - fashion - roundup - shopping

Remember the Too Late watches that surfaced as .org #16568? Well a few were sent over, and the packaging and product itself was pretty interesting.... firstly, i LOVE that they package these little watches in adorable screw top jars! And then, instead of replacing just the battery, you actually purchase a whole new tiny watch mechanism, which is micro-blister-packed! The watches themselves were thicker than i imagined from the website, being just shy of 1 inch wide, and there isn't much stretch to them, so make sure you get the right size, or else it might be a bit rough on your hand getting it on! Being waterproof ~ i suppose these are perfect for swimming/diving or even working out? I could totally see stretching one to use as a grip on my water bottle! Only issue i had with them is the buttons are pushed and time reset far too easily ~ the slightest bump and they seemed to be flashing and changing modes! They come in quite the range of colors ~ and it seems like they are constantly adding new ones! Apparently these Italian watches are taking off in the younger circles ~ and kids are wearing them in bunches! (Also perfect for the multi-time-zone jetsetter?) Take a peek at the pics on the next page to see closeups of the jar, the watches, and the tiny mechanism running it all!

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Tags: accessories - fashion - gifts - packaging - review - shopping - watch

I have a thing for messenger bags and a fascination with bags made of out unexpected recycled materials (i think it started with Freitag in high school) ~ and throughout the life of NOTCOT, we've looked at so many... from truck tarps to sea sails to parachutes to jackets and more... but when i spotted this at Springwise, i did a double, triple, quadruple take...

Zirkeltraining ~ is a german line of bags, wallets, laptop sleeves, etc made from recycled vintage 1950's gymnastics equipment... from pummel horses to floor mats to rescue nets... with some truck tarps thrown in as well... Their photography is also eery but captivating... and the whole thing fascinated me until someone mentioned how many crotches have been on 1950's pummel horse leather... but still... i had to share it with you... so see more pictures on the next page!

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Tags: accessories - bag - gifts - laptop - leather - messenger - recycled - shopping

TO WIN: Leave a comment here ~ with something to make the other commenters smile! ENTER BY 12/20. WINNER: Collin in Plattsburgh, NY!

Well, here we are at the final of the 5 Giveaways from our official Holiday Gift Guide Sponsor, Seagate! (and Giveaway #31!!!) ~ this is the top of the line FreeAgent external hard drive ~ the Seagate FreeAgent XTreme ~ in a sleek black case, this is 1 Terabyte of "blazingly fast data transfer" with USB 2.0, FireWire 400, and eSATA!

Sooo, since its been a loooooong day/week/month, and its completely grey, super cold, and pouring rain here, and we're closing in on all the holiday shopping panic for those who are lining up at post offices to get things there by xmas ~ how about leaving a comment that will make people smile? Something fun and silly to amuse the other commenters?

P.S. You guys are the best ~ thanks for all the awesome comments so far (and on ALL the giveaways!!!) ~ i hope you have as much fun reading them as leaving them!

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Tags: accessories - gifts - giveaway - shopping - technology - usb

Ok, honestly, not much to say here other than, i'm kind of obsessing over Chanel's ability to make such lust worthy nail polish colors ~ There are galaxies of possibilities in these colors, and i almost want them all!

"La Collection Paris Moscou ~ from Russia (via Paris) with love: Three limited-edition, jewel-toned nail shades that evoke the riches of the Russian Empire - the inspiration behind the new CHANEL PARIS-MOSCOU Fashion Show, designed by Karl Lagerfeld." *swoon* So, which color to get? See the names/screenshot on the next page...

p.s. its driving me nuts that they so clearly photoshopped the colors... if only they made the effort to mess with the swirl patterns ever so slightly?

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Tags: accessories - beauty - fashion - gifts - shopping

TO WIN: Leave a comment ~ sharing how cold it is (aka why you need these?)! ENTER BY 12/17. WINNER: Carol in Gaithersburg, MD!

Here's a special giveaway ~ perhaps most exciting to me because these gloves are the by product of trend blogger, Josh Rubin, of Cool Hunting ~ and his dad! Who is a second generation glove maker! Here's the father-son story behind these Freehands gloves to help you use your tech in the winter...

Josh Rubin, the New-York-City based designer of Freehands and founder of CoolHunting.com, realized there was an opportunity in the glove category last winter when he found himself answering his iPhone with his nose to avoid taking his gloves off. The hassle of the glove-or-phone conundrum came up at dinner with his father, Stanley Rubin, who conveniently manufactures and sells gloves. In a matter of minutes, sketches were drawn, the scissors were out, and the Freehands glove was born.

As a professional interface designer, Josh has been designing the way people use web sites and mobile phones for more than ten years. Throughout his career he's sought to blend usefulness, usability and beauty--a goal he continues to pursue at the design firm he co-founded, Bond Art + Science . Stanley grew up in Gloversville, NY, where his father was a glove manufacturer. Stanley (like his brother and nephew) followed suit, and it's fair to say that he knows a few things about gloves. Freehands represents the melding of their experience, sensibilities and design aesthetics.

See more images on the next page ~ and for a chance to win a pair in the material/size of your choice, leave comment telling us how cold it is (aka why do you need these?)!

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Tags: accessories - fashion - gifts - giveaway - shopping - technology

TO WIN: Leave a comment ~ with where you would go if you could jet set anywhere! ENTER BY 12/15. WINNER: Rabbit in NC!

NOTCOT Holiday Giveaway #27 ~ and it's a big one! Wejetset is ready to hook one reader up with the ultimate travel upgrade, and their founder Taj knows my tastes far too well, since he picked so many NOTCOT faves in this bundle... From the incredibly sleek, can't be missed, minimal Hideo Wakamatsu Wave (Red) Carry-on, to one of my favorite laptop sleeves, Incase Krink 15" Laptop Sleeve, to the Baxter Travel Kit from our favorite men's line, to the adorably understated Field Notes to doodle during your trip, and even STPL Socks, so that during the security line, even your socks are looking good! Clearly Wejetset does not mess around when outfitting you for your next jetsetting adventure... here's one way to go home for the holidays in style (and pampered comfort!)

So here's what you can win in this instant travel makeover of a bundle (over $500 of goods!)
+ Hideo Wave (Red)
+ Baxter Travel Kit
+ Incase Krink 15" Laptop Sleeve
+ Field Notes (3 pack)
+ STPL Socks (Grey & White - 2 pairs)

So are you ready? For a chance to win this, leave a comment about where you would go if you could jet set anywhere tomorrow! I know we could all use a vacation right about now!!!

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Tags: accessories - bag - beauty - fashion - gifts - giveaway - health - laptop - shopping - travel

TO WIN: Leave a comment ~ about why you need a wallet! ENTER BY 12/12. WINNER: Nadia in NY!

For NOTCOT Holiday Giveaway #24 ~ Makr is giving away one of their handcrafted leather wallets ~ the Black Tonal Plaid Vertical Pocket to be exact! With a snap closure, and the perfect fit for all your bills and cards, this leather will age beautifully with use and slip perfectly into your front or back pockets (for guys at least...) "The black surface dyed leather is etched, hand sewn and hand finished. A firm and smooth leather was used because it accepts very detailed etching."

So to win ~ leave a comment about why you need a wallet! And to see some of Makr's latest bags (gorgeous!) and other products, take a peek on the next page!

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Tags: accessories - fashion - gifts - giveaway - shopping