iLust: Vivienne Tam + HP laptop collaboration

You love her clothing (2009 ready to wear collection) now you can love her laptop. Vivienne Tam has designed a beautiful laptop marketed to women as "the world’s first "digital clutch" and it's beautiful. The intersection of fashion and technology makes another slam dunk! (photo from HP's press release)

Sold! On the iPhone!

Generally an early adopter except when it comes to Microsoft operating systems, but I didn't want to change phone providers to get the iPhone, nor am I a bandwagon kinda girl. But this blog post is making me think seriously about getting an iPhone...or an unlocked one to use with my current provider. Fashionistas of the world can understand: being able to peruse collections anytime, having a photograph instead of a printout for custom designs, a reference while shopping...finally a real reason to even think about getting an iPhone! And now's a good time: they've worked out a few kinks, pricing is commiserate with the market. Ah, maybe I'll wait until they ship in iPod colors: I can see myself with a light gray, or light blue, or green, or ... hopefully they'll have sleeves to change colors!

iLust: Briefcase bags

A full article on the latest handbag trend reminds me of my favorite bags. I love briefcase bags because they are wide enough to hold books and papers without folding (academic), stuff clothing and toiletries for 1-2 days (travel), or carry a laptop and files (work). A few years ago I began lusting even more for vertical briefcase bags, especially for laptops, because they seem to distribute weight better and makes inevitable airport treks easier on the back. In this article I love Rachel Bilson's simple vertical case, and a version of the Olsen twin's can be purchased very inexpensively in many stores.

When buying into this trend you want to either invest or go trendy. An investment is a strong, structured version, usually leather or suede, that will hold up to the ages (trust me, you'll pull this out many times in a year to reduce your cost-per-wear). A leather Coach is, of course, a great way to go. Canvas material is structured and trendy: keep a needle and thread handy for the rips that occur with use and you also have a long lasting bag. Go trendy with less structure and/or a less sturdy material, that you understand may not last long. I purchased a great looking tote via mail order that was even featured on Grey's Anatomy, but without the structure I have to be very careful about how heavy my load gets. In fact, it's a perfect prop: I'm sure Izzie Stevens wasn't carrying much in hers!

• Urban Outfitters Folio Briefcase Bag: in tan for the classic style
• Gap Buckle-flap over the shoulder saddle bag: saddle bags are equivalent to horizontal briefcase bags
• Gap Laptop bag: on sale as of this post date for an even better deal
  

http://www.whowhatwear.com/website/full-article/accessory-report-briefcase-bags/