Tech Savvy
James Bond pioneered it, and now fashion is entering the Technology Age. No longer is your wrist watch the only electronic appliance you can use to express yourself. Your cell phone and pocket calculator started the expansion, but now we enter the next frontier of electronic fashion.
Everything from your iPod to your video game system are now stylish accessories, obviously revealed in the fact that your iPod and Game Cube come in a variety of colors. I’ve put together a rundown on the ways technology can perfect your futuristic sense of style.
Cell Phones
The most common electronic fashion, it’s surprising how often the newly fashioned rules are broken. Presumably your cell phone is always with you either in your pocket or bag. For the most part, the visual appeal of your phone is a personal preference. Features have more impact. This includes your ring tone, games, camera, and such.
The key concept to remember is that cell phones are no longer cool to have – they are expected. This means talking on your phone does not make you seem popular, loud rings can be irritating, and belt aren’t supposed to have holsters.
Could someone please explain to me what is so important that people have to keep earpieces in their ears while picking out towels at the mall? If you’re not on the phone, I don’t want to see it. The only time I use my earpiece is in the privacy of my own room when I have to spend five hours on the phone with tech support for my other electronics.
Next, be selective of your ring tone. Understandably, you want something unique, but if I dread hearing the “Milkshake” song on the radio, I dread hearing it on your phone. It’s always risky picking the pop song of the moment, because no one wants to be caught grooving to the “Thong Song” after that week was over. If you must have some pop tune, dish out the dough for the real music, not the electronic knock-off.
Alternatively, nostalgia has an appeal beyond leg warmers and bell-bottoms. TV theme songs have a strange appeal on cell phones, especially 80’s cartoons (I can’t be the only one begging for the return of the Care Bears, but I probably am). Personally, I prefer vibrate since it, 1) gets my attention the best and 2) gives me that wonderful tingly feeling!
Portable Data and Music
Still unmatched, the original iPod is the easiest to use and the best style. I still believe (now that the Wild West is over) that nothing should be hanging on your belt, but if you must, the iPod is the least likely to offend and certainly not the worst thing I’ve seen. Alternatively, a wrist or armband work better if you don’t want your Pod jiggling around in your pocket while jogging. It’s also easily removable, unlike when it’s strapped into your belt.
The best thing you can convey with your electronic organizing and data equipment is just that – how organized you are and how much data you have. Just because you’re young, doesn’t mean you can’t keep homework assignments in your Blackberry. Even James Bond couldn’t carry the all of Tower Records and his little black book in his jacket pocket.
Gaming Systems
Video games are no longer exclusively for the reclusive, socially inept. There are games for everyone and a system for every style; each with a distinct voice and loyal camps of avid gamers. GameCube by Nintendo offers the most visual versatility with its many colors and small size, as well as having a wide array of games geared for less experienced gamers.
The dark, black sleekness of the PS2 and XBOX have their own appeal as part of a more mature entertainment center. With the next generation of gaming consoles revealed, these machines will soon act like computer hard drives in your living room. The next time to reorganize your entertainment center, consider the placement of this new requirement and bring some life to that next stuffy dinner party.
Why stop at a nice wallet or jewelry? Electronics, gadgets, phones and laptops- the model you choose tell something about your personality, your style, your taste... pick wisely!
