Tech Tuesday: Pebble Steel

The latest and greatest in technology right now is wearable technology! Phone watches, Goggle Glass, HUD displays on biker helmets, the list goes on, but the one problem with all of these innovations is...THEY'RE UGLY! The utility is there, its just the fact that you don't want to be "that guy" with the doo-hickie on his head. January's issue of Wired Magazine featured the work of Branch, an industrial design consultancy, who created a concept smart watch and smart glasses that actually look like something you could not only wear, but make a statement with.

One of the companies in this wearable technology category is Pebble, a smart watch company that was first seen on Kickstarter less than two years ago. The watches were compatible with iPhone and Android and capably ran a number of apps that are more than useful. Utility, check. Fashionable...not so much. The first release looked like G-Shock had a baby with a smart phone. Late developments, however, have shown that Pebble is on the move to creating a smart watch that stick out like a sore thumb with their new and improved Pebble Steel line. Sold in brushed stainless steel and black matte finishes, each unit comes with both the leather and metal strap to give you two looks in one, and all for the low price of $250!

Form and Function in one. Well done Pebble.

Keep your eye out for similar moves within the industry because once wearable technology becomes attractive, its going to start a revolution (cue smart phone flashbacks). Throw a comment in if you find any similar innovations out there. Check in next Tuesday for more tech and daily for more posts.

Monday Outlook: Blues Cruise

Today marks the start of the first full week in the year of 2014 and with it comes the onset of the Spring/Autumn/Whatever you like to call it transition. And if you haven't yet noticed in stores, sale racks are being filled with just about everything to make way for the new spring collections. I know Banana Republic has already started stocking the shelves with their new gear, other stores may be in the same boat, but for the rest of them, they will going through the change over within the next couple of weeks.

So what new things do you splurge on and what sale items can you buy that will transition, even work well, in the upcoming season? The simplest addition to your wardrobe for the spring will be BLUE!!! Not a stuffy navy or pale, baby blues...No, I'm talking about a fresh blue that is going to pop along with the rest of the spring colors and awaken you from the winter hibernation. Upcoming collections from just about every designer have featured exciting royals and playful celadons in everything from suits to accessories. If I'm not mistaken (which I'm not), you probably already have a plethora of blue in your closet to choose from, so this trend isn't a major stretch if you're a bit more conservative or don't have the money to buy new clothes. But like I said, it needs to be a blue that pops and grabs attention, otherwise its just...blue.

If you need any style inspiration, look to the French who have practically created a new shade of blue which so fittingly can be described as "Le Bleu". Its slightly darker than royal, but its significantly lighter than navy...if you find a suit in that color, grab it because it will not only help you stand out this coming spring, but it will become a staple of your wardrobe for years to come.

Matt Bomer knows what I'm talking about

If you can't pony up for a suit, there's always optioning for another item that you can work in with an existing suit to add the same pop (e.g. dress shirt, tie, pocket square, shoes, etc.). Another possibility would be to backpack off the colored chinos trend with royal chinos and a spring sport coat, and you my friend will have that 2014 Spring Look that everyone is after.

Banana Republic: $198

Topman: $128

Stay posted for next weeks outlook for more info on spring fashion trends and check in daily for new posts!

Celebrity Sunday: Justin Timberlake

First off, to explain my hiatus...after my trip to the Big Apple, I came back home to find that my computer's hard drive had seen its last day. After some dedicated work from the Apple Care team, she is back up and running, and I can resume my usual posting! This is a new post topic that I will be sticking with, Celebrity Sunday, where I will overview a significant fashion influence in any of the major entertainment industries.

Justin Timberlake, previously member to revolutionary pop band N'Sync and now a self-made producer, singer, actor, entrepreneur, and most importantly fashion statement extraordinaire. He can be found on the cover of GQ, Esquire, People...pretty much any significant publication has featured him in some form. His most recent work with Jay-Z on the Magna Carta album and single, Suit & Tie, have reaffirmed his position as one of the top musicians out there. His roles in movies like "Out of Time", "Friends with Benefits", and "The Social Network" have demonstrated his superb acting abilities, opening the door to yet another part of his storied career in entertainment. To add yet another dimension to his resume, he owns and runs a tequileria under the name 901...not too shabby for only being 32 years old.

His fashion, however, is what I am most intrigued with; from his start with N'Sync in the 90's to the present day, he has remained a fashion icon. We all remember his bleached curls like it was yesterday which changed to a buss cut after 2000 and evolved to the fashionable coiffe he currently rocks. His style influence doesn't stop there either, his clothing choices have been making splashes in the fashion community ever since he became a star. Personally, I appreciate his work on Suit & Tie for encouraging the idea of dressing up for absolutely no reason at all; that's something you used to see in the 50's but has become increasingly rare in today's society.

 

As you can see, from the 90's to now, JT not only stuck with the trends of the day, but he also influenced them. More importantly, he helped to evolve fashion over the years, making him that much more of an influence of style. I chose Justin Timberlake as my first topic of Celebrity Sunday because of his ability to stay relevant in every sense of the word, and you would be hard pressed to find another person who has as much fame and influence as him.

Thanks for reading, check in daily and keep looking your best!