Accessorizing Electronics

Models admire a gold and Swarovski crystal embellished iPod case by Gilty Couture.

Electronic devices are now not only more compact and convenient than ever but also more personalized. Beyond the basic need to protect or enhance this equipment, fashion has caught up to develop accessories for them that express your personal style. Cases for laptop computers, cell phones and MP3 players, and headphones account for both fashion and function as well dressed tech devices have become the latest fashion statement.

Company co-founder Tracy Dyer models the Judith bag by Urban Junket.

For women who don't want to make carrying a computer an obvious affair Urban Junket makes stylish and convincing purse-like designs in both fabric and leather, and counts Oprah Winfrey as one of its fans. These bags are designed for the modern woman with pockets for every need such as magazines, cell phones, bottled water and lipstick as well as all your computer essentials. While the hefty price tag (ranging from 627 USD to 693 USD) might seem like a lot for a computer bag, they double as handbags in as many attractive styles as you could want for in a large bag.

More Images

Judith Bag in brown by Urban Junket

Maxine Bag in blue by Urban Junket

Naomi Bag in black by Urban Junket

Some of the most urban and effortlessly disguised computer bags are from the Canvas Line from Case Logic. With an army bag feel and "street art" graphics these tough looking bags deviate from everything associated with the computer nerd. The company's Artist Series even encourages the inner graffiti artist in you by supplying a "blank canvas" bag and permanent markers for you to draw your own art on it. (WIN IT - in our contest!)

Artist Series Messenger Bag by Case Logic shown with freestyle drawings, an example of the design possibilities using your own creativity.

More Images

Canvas Line computer bags from Case Logic.

Assorted Artist Series Bag supplied with markers.

Tin Line cases for Ipod by Case Logic.

In addition to innovating the army bag for computers, Case Logic has taken a truly unique approach towards encasing the iPod in their Tin Line. In what can best be described as a mint tin design, the iPod is encased in the bottom tray while the top slides open to provides access to the screen and dial. Not only is the case highly protective but a conversation starter for sure.

More Images

Sliding open a Case Logic Tin Line case with an iPod inside.

Nothing is more attention grabbing than the blinged out cases for the various iPods and iPhone made by Gilty Couture. In silver, gold and adorned with Swarovski crystals these cases are decadent jewelry for your electronic devices. The iPod shuffle in particular, when adorned in metal and Swarovski stones, looks more like a brooch than a music device. Definitely a hot item for fashionistas, it's no wonder that their models look suspiciously like trendsetters Paris Hilton and Pharrell (see top photo). (WIN IT - in our contest!)

iPod shuffle in silver case embellished with pink Swarovski crystals by Gilty Couture.

More Images

iPhone case in silver embellished with Swarovski crystals by Gilty Couture.

Boldly designed headphones by Skullcandy on display at the 2008 MacWorld Expo.

Undeniably we have become a nation plugged into headphones. So when tuning in (or out) what we use should offer high quality sound and look as attractive as anything else we'd wear so frequently. High quality headphones may not be cheap but when one adds up the amount of time spent wearing them, they make for a worthwhile investment. Skullcandy manufactures headphones with designs visually louder than anything you'll ever hear wearing them.

Skullcandy's signature is unmistakable, with sculpted speaker headphones for ears, over-the-head bands for comfort and over-the-top designs inspired by elements of snowboarding, punk and hip hop culture. A definite fashion statement, these headphones may be the only accessory you need to dress up a sports outfit.

More Images

Headphones by Skullcandy match snowboarding goggles, one source of inspiration for their unique designs.

V-moda makes more subtle, high functioning but still fashionable headphones in both fluorescent and metallic shades. The Vibe Duo in metallic black chrome and silver are iPhone compatible and offer an unparalleled level of convenience with a microphone on the cable and touch switch to answer calls and to turn music on and off, thus eliminating the need to fumble for the phone to take calls.

V-moda's Vibe Duo iPhone compatible earbud headphones with microphone and remote in chrome.

On all V-moda head phones the earbuds are discrete but stylish, and the sleek threaded metallic cords or colorful cables are a refreshing change from the standard white.

More Images

V-moda's Bass Freq earbud headphones in four colors.

.

Two styles of Budlclicks attached to headphones.

Sometimes accessorizing electronics may mean just working with what you've got. Surfaces makes removable stick on shields for iPods in various patterns and even rhinestones that are interchangeable, adding color and style no matter what shade you bought yours in. Budclicks are small attachments for your earbuds that conceal the headphone behind attractive earring-like designs

More Images

A few selections of Surfaces.

Flip-flop design of Budclicks worn with headphones.

A selection of Budclicks at the 2008 MacWorld Expo.

Aside from looking good some part of accessorizing is about being just plain practical. One innerving aspect of carrying around headphones is always having to untangle them after they've been inside your bag, which may also damage the headphones. The Earbud Jack is shaped like a stick man, when an earbud is placed on each shoulder the cord is wrapped around his head and feet until the plug fits in his hand. What a man! (WIN IT - in our contest!)

Voila! The earbuds are secured in the Earbud Jack.

More Images

First place the earbuds.

Then wrap the cord around.

Look for the Earbud Jack in stores.

When purchasing any accessory for your electronic device it's wise to consider both fashion and function. Weighing cost against usefulness is an excellent way of guaranteeing a satisfying return on your investment. For the things that we use so often, it's about time we give them a little fashion attention.

Blog your answer on herstoknow.com to tell us what you would bring and why to WIN a Gilty Couture iPod or iPhone case, a Canvas Line computer bag from Case Logic, and an Earbud Jack for the first six entries! For contest details click here.