So I'm a Geek...

I like to pretend it isn't true on occassion but I am, most definitely, a geek.  I love gadgets, I love what technology can do and I always get excited when I see something that utilises these aspects in a fashionable, design focused manner.  Hence, yesterday I succumbed and brought the iPhone 4.  Don't judge me.  (And yes, I love it.  And no, it hasn't broken - signal is fine and I have no weird yellow dots...yet!)

Despite this now gadget purchase this weekend I am most excited about an article I read on Style Bubble  "Furthering with Furber".  Whilst I usually try to publish new material rather than material I've read elsewhere I feel this is necessary...  Aesthetically amazing, technically developed and as eco-friendly as a shoe can be...


Icica from Helen Furber on Vimeo.

Helen Furber's Icica project has a quality that is very rare to see within graduate work...and as a recent graduate I have seen my fair share...and I can't wait to see what she does next!  She's not the only one showing potential from her class (check out the magazine Furber put together showcasing work from students on her course at her blog) but she's definitely the most forward thinking.  I envision recycling and swapping, mixing and matching heels with uppers for a truely bespoke way of design.

 Images and video taken from Helen Furber's Vimeo and LCF pages.

Handmade

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about Jennifer Behr and pondered on how Topshop could think it was ok to sell me an elastic homemade-looking headband for £14 and decided I could make one just as good.  Whilst some people (Caleb!) thought this was a stupid idea (If you get a home-made headband and wear it out and about, I want to see it!) and doubted how professional I am it's nice to see that handmade items have been given a new lease of life by the internet.

From Etsy to Folksy creatives are putting pen to paper and needle to thread to create some unique pieces just for us...and they're fabulous!  You can get everything from vintage style cupcake toppers to stunning leather creations to adorn the newest gadgets.  Yes, you can even adorn your new iPhone 4/iPad in some wonderful designs and all handmade.  I need some of these in my life soon....

 Alice in Wonderland Cupcake Toppers (£10 for 12) and Journal (£17) by Craftypagan Designs.

  Bird Cuff (£19), Lace Cuff (19), Walkman iPod/iPhone Cover (£20), Flower/Print iPod/iPhone Cover (£26), Cherry Blossom iPad Case ($90), Wood Print iPad Case ($90) available from Beautiful Skin at Folksy or Etsy.

  Neve Hex Bib Necklace ($98.50) and Marianne Trien Bib Necklace ($69.00 - sale item) by Giia 

iPhone 4: Waste of Money?

Soooo after having a right royal strop because Apple blamed all my phones problems for 'liquid damage' that it never recieved (Watchdog featured this last week...my mom told me) I wrote a rather snotty email to Steve Jobs (yes I'm aware it's not him that reads them even if Jamie at the Bull Ring store tries to tell me otherwise) I got a phone call the other day: "We're terribly sorry, come in and as a gesture of goodwill we'll replace it.  However, this is not what we normally do, it is an exception."

So...refurbed and fully working iPhone 3G in my hand I'm sat here contemplating the new one.  Yes, after overhearing the man in the Apple shop tell a poor woman "The iPhone 4 is just a rumour.  We have no idea when/if this phone will come out." ...LIES...they've announced it.  It's coming and soon.  In a matter of weeks the first shipment will reach UK stores.  You could have one...for a price.

So now I'm sat here wondering if I want to pay to upgrade as I am due a new phone this month...after all the problems I've had with mine.  I am such a sucker.  Seriously.  According to apple a US retailer is offering a "cheap" upgrade of just $199, so if UK stores do a similar thing I'm looking at £100 minimum.

The Independent sure make me think I may be a bit silly with their "10 reasons not to buy Apple's new iPhone" but will they change their minds when they see all the new features from video calling to the swanky new retina display?  Maybe.  Maybe its just marketing over functionality.  After all, there's really nothing wrong with the phone I have now the one with all the problems has gone.


What's the bet I'll have one of these within three months?  Odds are 1 in 2 currently.