Ok, for context, it’s 75 degrees and super sunny here in LA as we get ready for the superbowl to start… but i’m checking the weather for NY later this week ~ and it looks like it’s COLD. and also possibly WET! It definitely feels a bit silly to be daydreaming about rain coats in this weather, but these by Terra New York seem intriguing ~ they use heavy TPU/ Urethane to provide structure to the 100% waterproof outerwear pieces using heat sealed technic for the seams… I’d love to see what these feel/smell like in person, but so far the designs look clean and fashion forward, which is no surprise considering “The founders Yurika Nakazono and Marie Saeki began with one simple question: What can a fashion-conscious woman wear when it’s raining?” ~ the look makes me think of paper wrapped chicken and manila envelopes ~ the simplicity pulls me in. So far there are three designs of raincoats, each available in nude and smokey grey, and three pouches to keep you and your goods dry! Take a peek at the current designs and details on the next page, and soon there may even be hats, bags, and shoes!

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Tags: accessories - coats - fashion - gifts - rain - shopping

The first new Urbanears headphone design launched at CES this year was the Turncable which i just showed you. Second ~ Humlan! Interesting part of this design… there is a metal headband (love the detail of the urban ears tag actually being cloth sewn through a slit in the metal!) with MAGNETIC ear-speakers? pads? poofs? what would you call them? The simplicity and the satisfaction of feeling them snap into place and slide to adjust feels great ~ and i supposed when not using the headphones, you could even use it as a headband in their rainbow of colors… or even mix and match the usually monochromatic Urbanears. These are launching in fall of 2012! See more pics of the details on the next page!

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Tags: accessories - audio - ces - gifts - headphones - music - shopping - technology

Urbanears always has beautiful color palettes for their monochrome headphones and the most stunning photography/layouts for their lookbooks/displays. This year at CES they showed off two innovative new designs… the first: ZINKEN w/Turncable. These premium over ear DJ headphones have a cable with a 6.3mm adapter (perfect for your turntables/guitars/etc) on one end and a standard headphone 3.5mm plug on the other… and depending which you need, you plug the other into the headphone! Interesting alternative to simply using an adapter to go from 3.5mm to 6.3mm? Take a peek at more pics on the next page…

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Tags: accessories - audio - ces - gifts - headphones - music - shopping - technology

Unexpectedly fun and addictive ~ the Fling and Fling Mini suction joysticks from Ten One Design for touch screens are great. There’s something unbelievably satsifying about the way the action of the joystick movement feels ~ also the design is ingeniously simple. “Fling is constructed from silky-smooth anodized aluminum, and an incredibly tough, perfectly clear, and unusually flexible engineering-grade resin. It’s nearly indestructible, and will give you years of precision gaming.” Take a peek at more pictures on the next page…

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Tags: accessories - ces - games - gifts - ipad - ipad2 - iphone - shopping - technology - toys

ZIK Parrot by Starck: the Bluetooth touch-activated headset. There are a LOT of headphones (often with celebrities attached to them now) at CES ~ but these actually surprised me! It feels amazing, and i was fascinated by the user experience of it… in a nutshell, you bluetooth pair or NFC tap your phone to connect it to the headset, you swipe the capacitative touch panel (left/right for song flipping or up/down for volume), it pauses the song if you take it off and instantly picks back up when you put it on, has 3 microphones and a bone conduction sensor for your calls and active noise cancelation, and even has an app to control it all. 4 years of work has gone into these ~ and the prototype was surprisingly fun to play with at CES ~ take a peek at lots of design detail pics on the next page!

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Tags: accessories - ces - gifts - headphones - prototype - shopping - speakers - technology

Did you know Griffin Technology is from Nashville? And turns 20 this year? Those were the unexpected fun facts we learned at their CES booth this year. Their booth has a fun reclaimed wood/found objects painted in uniform colors kind of look to it… and lots of new products to poke at… but i strangely fell in love with some Premium Flat Aux Cables! Pretty, clean, simple, nice colors, and feel great… the design details of the cables (they are flat! and have a really nice transition to the cable heads) as well as the packaging are beautiful! Take a look at it all on the next page!

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Tags: accessories - ces - gifts - shopping - technology

Fresh in from our London-based editor Justine.

We were honored to receive bottle 1/100 of Saint beer, a British made craft lager from The Saint Brewing Co. The gorgeous green bottle came in a cozy box snuggled up against a wintry Nordic Knit Scarf from You Must Create (YMC). Once chilled to perfection, the lager was crisp and hoppy without being too bitter or too bubbly. If you too “…want to go down in history as one of the first 100 people in Britain to experience Saint, please enter your email address below.” ~ well, not quite below, but on their website… you can also see some of the bottling pics at Selectism. Take a peek at the beautiful design and handwritten note up close on the next page!

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Tags: accessories - beer - drinks - fashion - gifts - liqurious - shopping

This series of Unexpected Combos posts is sponsored by P&G Downy.

Our London-based editor Justine catches up with the latest action from the London Design Festival! For this latest in unexpected combinations, we love the idea of an object that can be used to hold just about anything your mind can dream up ~ while functioning like a giant clothespin! Another discovery from this year’s 100% Design, Been Kim’s DrinKlip. Sometimes you just can’t find a cupholder when you need one. How convenient would it be if you could add your own to any surface? That’s exactly what DrinKlip sets out to do. The piece clips onto desks, shelves, or even the arm of your chair using a classic clothespin design and gives you a cup that can carry up to 1kg. These clips come in a range of fun colors and can hold all sorts of things (love the idea of using them for plants!). Each sale also supports efforts to develop wells and water filtration for areas in need. More photos on the next page!

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Tags: accessories - drinks - home - plants

Continuing our exploration of Mini HD Action Cameras (So far there’s the roundup, unboxing the GoPro, and unboxing the Contour+) ~ so here’s an unboxing of the germany based, GoBandit. The packaging is good fun, and they have super playful branding that tells you to Shoot Your Adrenaline! what’s most unique about the GoBandit seems to be its software side ~ tracking GPS, speed, and altitude, there are a variety of skins (perhaps someday customizable?) that can overlay your videos to show the data as well as a map alongside to see where you’ve gone. As far as tech specs, it isn’t the most powerful on the market ~ shooting only 720p video, 5mp camera, 135 degree angle of view ~ but is waterproof up to 1m for 30 min without additional housing, and you can embed your videos complete with navigable maps/altitude/speed graphs! And their GoBandit Community is definitely going for the competitive angle on action cam videos sorting videos by FASTEST and HIGHEST! We’re still playing around with it at the moment ~ but check out the unboxing and details of the camera on the next page!

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Tags: accessories - adventure - camera - gifts - outdoor - packaging - shopping - technology - unboxing - video

This series of Unexpected Combos posts is sponsored by P&G Downy. See the first post on Porsche Ice Cubes too!

There are so many approaches one could take to a mashup ~ for whatever reason mine tends to be start with an evil mwuahahaha kind of mad scientist kind of laugh in my head, followed by trying to figure out what fun items around me might fit together. In this case, 2 of the new Plumen bulbs arrived - “the world’s first designer light bulbs” (So gorgeous! But simply hanging them from a regular light to show off their fun shape didn’t seem like enough!) ~ and i’d been playing with lightbulb fixture connectors/splitter/plugs (and wondering how big of a tree of them i could make with lots of bulbs at the ends!) ~ and there was the Blue Lounge Mini Dock that allows your iphone/ipad/ipod to stay off the ground when charging… and when you put them all together ~ along with a simple ikea lamp base… i ended up with this fun iPhone Charging Lamp! Where the bulbs are as much a part of the lamp as the rest! Something almost antler like about the bulbs viewed this way ~ and rather mesmerizing as it lights up a room ~ perfect little stand to charge the iPhone, light the room, and control my music from it as the phone streams to speakers over airplay… so iphone charging DJ lamp? Take a peek at more of the silliness on the next page!

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Tags: accessories - gifts - home - ikea - ipad - iphone - ipod - lighting - shopping - technology

Apparently i have developed a soft spot for silk scarves with sketches/drawings on them (remember the Hermes Pegasus?) ~ the latest is the Porsche Design P’1820 Scarf. “The silk scarf shows Ferdinand Alexander Porsche’s very first sketch of the so-called “exclusive spectacles” with its revolutionary lens replacement mechanism. The sunglasses and especially the sketch from 1977 have been Porsche Design’s first dedication to the world of fashion.” They are producing 200 of these internationally, and they will be available at the various Porsche Design stores at Fashion’s Night Out this Thursday! See close ups on the next page…

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Tags: accessories - fashion - gifts - porsche - shopping

This post is part of a NOTCOT series on inspiring, independent design thinking, brought to you by Saab. At Saab, we believe in independent thinking. It’s in everything we do. Learn more here.

A perfect example of “inspiring, independent design thinking” ~ i love the work of Vienna based, Hard Graft ~ and the latest to join the collection is a black version of the now classic 2Unfold. It’s amazing to see how things have grown and evolved since i first posted about their Unfold bag in 2008, back when they were still Working Class Heroes. There’s actually something magically efficient about how much this sleek and manly/neutral bag can handle - ” This multi-use laptop bag has the perfect proportions to be as versatile as possible - you can easily carry your 17” MacBook in the bag as a briefcase, shoulder bag, backpack or fold it into a courier bag and clutch whilst keeping your 13” MacBook safe inside. The 2UNFOLD doesn’t only look good on the outside - every handle, rivet etc. is reinforced and supported on the inside, to ensure this bag carries your busy life with ease and style. The back zipper pocket easily fits your iPad and hard graft case. In the main compartment you’ll find a pocket for your phone and wallet and as well as your MacBook there’s space inside for more, such as your camera, magazines, sweater etc.” Amazing right? Take a peek at the details close up on the next page!

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Tags: accessories - bags - fashion - felt - gifts - leather - shopping - wool

Perhaps the most intriguing (and portable) accessory in the Bentley was the glasses case. I’m hesitant to even call it a sunglass case, since the size definitely didn’t fit most of my sunglasses (and no they aren’t THAT huge!) ~ perhaps its most suited for smaller sun glasses and reading/driving glasses? But it has the same wood that covers the whole dash, complete with Bentley logo of course… and it snaps in perfectly to the cup holder in the center dash. When you raise the arm rests you can even open it in place, or take it with you to go. The interior of the case has matching leather to the seats (in this case Imperial Blue). Anyhow, take a peek at the close ups on the next page ~ as far as dashboards gone mobile, i am strangely drawn to having some of that beautiful woody root ball veneer outside of the car!

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Tags: accessories - bentley - case - fashion - glasses - wood

This series/post is brought to you by Gillette. Learn more about Gillette and its products at Gillette.com. As usual, thoughts and ideas are all NOTCOT, Gillette is sponsoring us to do our thing!

Let’s face it, there are a lot of girly looking ipad cases out there. And if they double as a bag they often get a bit too man-purse like. And it’s really not a good look - regardless of gender! So, in light of the new iPad 2 (see our unbox here), we decided to take a peek at what new options are out there (and which old ones are iPad 2 updated)… From machined wood and thick hand-stitched constructed leather to stamped and CNC metal to ballistic nylon and even water repellent twill and tough canvas, there are so many well crafted gadget protector options these days. And most importantly, It should age well, do its job and make you look good! Browse over a dozen options on the next page!

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Tags: accessories - bag - bags - case - gillette - ipad - ipad2 - technology - travel

Leave it to The Macallan Ambassador, Graeme Russell, to always find me the fascinating design details in the world of Macallan. After yesterday’s Masters of Photography Albert Watson launch in NYC, we hopped a train up to Boston for a scotch tasting dinner at Mooo in the XV Beacon (where i’m currently curled up in the four poster bed with the toasty fireplace at my toes). Design discovery of the dinner? Vintage Roll n’ Pour Jigger… this particular design makes me think of a unicorn! Also, take a peek at the vintage Macallan’s (awesome labels and bottles) and photographs from the Watson limited edition series that adorn our table in their wine cellar on the next page…

p.s. Any Boston shopping tips? I have some free time tomorrow to wander Boston for the first time in years and years before hopping a train back to NYC on sunday…

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Tags: accessories - boston - drinks - kitchen - macallan - restaurants - scotch - vintage - wine

This CES content is sponsored by BestBuyOn.com. Thanks, Best Buy!!!

I have no idea what type of data i’d have that would need to be kept this securely. Or if i did, i probably shouldn’t tell you! But somehow, everyone’s inner bond must secretly have something worth protecting, or just love the look of a hard drive that just screams “top secret information”… When i saw the Rocstor booth, there was a gravitational packaging/soft touch/designy hard drive pull i instantly succumbed to. Then i saw keypads and pass keys and usb keys, and i was hooked. And the RocSecure line is filled with encrypted portable hard drives! My favorite is definitely the new RocSafe MX, with real time hardware encryption, and the need to authenticate via a pin number (and a card!) on the hard drive itself before the computer can even see it. Others look sleek and have usb key tokens that are required to boot the drives… Regardless of whether you are hiding secrets, or just your family photos and music, doesn’t it just seem more fun? Take a peek on the next page at the booth, packaging, gorgeous hardrives, and more details on these super secure devices!

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Tags: accessories - CES - gifts - security - shopping - technology - USB

This CES content is sponsored by BestBuyOn.com. Thanks, Best Buy!!!

Truly one of the awesomest booth design discoveries in my first few minutes at CES, Joby’s newest iPad case Ori is so inspired by Origami, that they tapped THE origami guru, Robert Lang to help them make a stop motion origami video, as well as this gorgeous booth structure! The structure is an absolutely mesmerizing geometric multifaceted modular origami piece made up of 112 19.75” square sheets, one side mirrored, one side white. Each pyramid ends up about 12” per side, and the overall sculpture is 80” x 48” x 18”. It took about 2 days of folding and assembly! And they shipped it over WHOLE in a crate! Both Robert and the guys at Joby were kind enough to even send over making of pics… so check out not only booth pics and the stop motion video on the next page, but see it from a single folded piece to getting to the show floor as well!

p.s. Interesting how this piece and the Polaroid mirrored tessellation are similar…

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Tags: accessories - CES - gifts - ipad - mirrors - origami - shopping

This CES content is sponsored by BestBuyOn.com. Thanks, Best Buy!!!

Bluelounge launched their new Nest for iPads. Continuing along their motto of “Simple solutions to daily problems, transforming the most everyday item into objects of desire,” they have designed a simple little tray with a grippy edge and a little slide out lip to hold your iPad any which way. And being a functional tray, it ca hold your tchotchkes as well! In their usual fashion, there is a happy color palette to pick from! See how it works on the next page…

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Tags: accessories - CES - gifts - ipad - shopping - technology

Aussie company,Knog, is one of my favorite bike accessories companies to watch, and i’m not at all a bike person, but i love watching what they are up to ~ beautifully designed products, playful photography ~ and their latest line of Bike Locks do not disappoint. Functional with a fun use of silicone to top it all off ~ gorgeous color choices ~ and so many options. Take a peek at some of it on the next page. LOVE the pic of one even holding up a CAR!

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Tags: accessories - bikes - gifts - shopping

Gift Guide time! In addition to the NOTCOT Holiday Coupons and the many Holiday Giveaways that will be unfolding daily… this one is focused on PHOTOGRAPHY! as sponsored by Starbucks who is celebrating their 12 Days of Sharing with us, hiding fun goodies, which are popping out from behind NOTCOT.org posts! So, if you’re ready to see my Photography focused gift guide picks ~ check out the next page!

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Tags: accessories - gift guide - gifts - photography - shopping - technology

Blackbox Case has just launched! Beautiful wooden Macbook Pro cases hand made in Colorado and just sent over an awesome email with some great pics! Weighing in at a mere 1.5 pounds, its pretty light, AND apparently hard to crush… but most intriguing of all are the stunning details you have to see up close on the next page! Each is hand numbered, comes with a typographically stunning card welcoming you to their family by their Chief Dreamer! Each case is hand oiled with high end Tung oil finish that takes four days to complete. “It just feels velvety smooth.” Each case is precision cut, hand sanded, hand rubbed, and personally inspected throughout the crafting process. “Your case starts as two pieces of hardwood that are milled on our CNC machine. This means that your computer will fit in your case perfectly. Not tight. Not loose. Just right every time.” Stunning, right? Sadly only available for macbook pros right now, i could really use one for my air!

Here’s an excerpt from the email i received:

Why the name Blackbox?
~Because I am a flight instructor in my spare time and it will keep your computer safe like the infamous blackbox in an airplane.

Who the heck are you? Do you really make these?
~Yep. We’re serious. We have engineers, woodworkers, and artists handcrafting these full-time. We’re making these with love in Golden, Colorado.

What’s with the branding-iron-logo?
~I’m from a small cow town in Eastern Colorado, so I thought it was fitting. That and it just looks sexy.

Can it really survive being dropped from an airplane 20,000 ft. in the air?
~I’m pretty sure it couldn’t but I can’t wait to try.

What computers does it fit?
~It is designed to fit a 15 in. and 13 in. MacBook Pro. You could try shaving the sides off that old PC laptop, but I don’t think that’s gonna work.

Take a peek at more details of the new Blackbox Case on the next page!

P.S. Use code “givethanks” will get $20 off at Blackbox Case.

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Tags: accessories - gifts - laptop - shopping - technology - wood

So, you saw the pictures of the Kahlúa diner at Zarela as well as the new ad campaigns ~ well, naturally, when Sean sent over his pics, i got fixated on his teaser pics of the Kahlúa Shaker they gifted him… and then begged for more pics! It’s such a minimalist bullet of a shaker in acrylic, but so playful too! And love the matte black paired with the vibrant firey red that the lid looks like it nearly floats on! Close ups on the next page!

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Tags: accessories - drinks - gifts - kahlua - kitchen - liqurious - sub-studio

Hard Graft’s Phone Fold Wallet in Grey is so lustworthy… for those moments when you can’t grab a full purse/wallet, and only need to run out the door with your phone, cash, and a few cards (key’s will have to be figured out separately!) ~ how cute is this nice grey version of the Hard Graft fold wallet (originally in brown). So tempting. I love the attention to detail: Metal snap keeps wallet closed (snap is not exposed to phone) and the headphone jack even has access! And it can fit your iPhone 4 with bumpers, albeit a bit more snugly… perfect to grab and toss into a clutch for a night out… see more pics on the next page!

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Tags: accessories - felt - gifts - iphone - leather - phone - shopping - technology

On fun surprises ~ just received a retrotastic Mr. Bartender easy pourer… and the packaging is amazing! You have to check out the unboxing pics on the next page. And not to waste any of the good stuff, we hooked it up to an empty bottle of Kraken (which makes it even more fun with the finger holes to grab on to) ~ it’s addictive, we kept pouring shot after shot ~ of water… while playing with it. Super simple, it just fills up with one ounce of liquor before pouring that perfectly measured amount into the glass. What’s fascinating is really how pretty it is and the amazing Mr. Bartender branding! Take a peek at it on the next page!

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Tags: accessories - bar - drinks - gifts - liqurious - packaging - tools

Oooh, more fun pictures just showed up in the inbox! Gabe Brosbe went by to visit my friends at the Mission Workshop in The Mission in San Francisco! (If they sound familiar ~ it may be because this is founded by the original founders of Chrome Bags!) And he’s been test driving one of their Rambler backpacks for a few weeks on his crazy daily 9 mile bike commute (even through the ridiculous rainy season we’re having in cali these days!)… check out his pics on the next page! I love the oil drums in the interiors! Also awesome? A peek at the adorable soles of their collab with DZR on bike clip in shoes…

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Tags: accessories - bags - gifts - messenger - san francisco - shopping