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Stay at Home Dads Stay Organized with the Right Diaper Bag

November 30th, 2011 by

kalencom urban sling diaper bagMartha Stewart sure knows how to organize. And this time, she was helping stay at home dads stay organized with Kolobags’ urban sling diaper bag by Kalencom. The Martha Stewart Show called Kolobags for this one, as it has plenty of organizational pockets and velcro to keep everything in its place. Not too big or too small, this sling diaper bag goes over the back or on the hip, so that baby can fit where the bag is not. It works for women, but it’s perfect for men because it is not frilly and comes in neutral colors like black, chocolate and tan.

This was Martha’s first show that had stay at home dads and their kids on the show. Word has it that the set didn’t necessarily have the standard “order” that Martha Stewart is used to, but no doubt the 100+ dads loved their take home gift of a cool diaper bag.

kalencom urban sling Know a stay at home dad (or mom) that would like this diaper bag? Post a fun comment on Kolotalk about where this diaper bag will go. We’ll choose a winner at random from anyone who makes a post or retweets this post (limit one entry per post and one per retweet). Winner will be chosen by December 8, 2011, so that the bag can arrive in time for the holidays, and winner will be posted on www.facebook.com/kolobags

How to Measure iPad and E-reader Choices

November 28th, 2011 by

It’s that gift giving time of the year. Whether it’s for your family, friends, or you, electronics are always the “IT” item. This year tablets, ereaders and iPads will continue to be hot. And that means you will need to get a case to keep it safe.

There are many different case choices, like iPad cases that open like a book or tablet cases that are more like an envelope. The cases can be made of leather, neoprene (“wet suit material”) or fabrics lined with foam padding. Some go beyond being a case, and are trendy bags that also have a padded pocket specifically for a tablet, and maybe also a laptop.

The real trick is finding a stylish e-reader case that fits. So, in the event that you are giving or getting an iPad or ereader this holiday, here is the list of measurements of the popular models so you can quickly compare:

iPad 2 – 9.5″x 7.31″ x 0.34″
iPad – 9.56″ × 7.47″ × 0.528″
Barnes & Noble Nook – 7.7″ x 4.9″ x 0.5″
Amazon Kindle 2 – 8″ x 5.3″ x 0.36″
Kindle Fire – 7.5″ x 4.7″ x 0.45″
Motorola Xoom – 9.8″ x 6.6″ x 0.5″
HP TouchPad – 9.45″ x 7.48″ x 0.54″
Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 – 10.1″ x 6.9″ x 0.34″
Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 – 9.1″ x 6.2″ x 0.34″
Samsung Galaxy Tab 7 – 7.48″ x 4.74″ x 0.47″

Just in case you are wondering what you are looking for with those dimensions, think of how you measure a box. The dimensions to compare to be sure that your case fits are the length, width, and depth, not necessarily the screen size.

Bringing Summertime to Anytime with Colorful Bags

November 15th, 2011 by

red flower laptop sleeveThe tropical colors of summer are long gone, and fall is here with its vibrant colors. Given that it snowed in October in parts of the U.S. this year (yes, we said October), fall will also be gone soon enough. That doesn’t mean that the dark days of winter limit style to dark colors. Even if your fall and winter wardrobe skew toward neturals and blacks, there can always be a splash of color in an accessory to keep that bright, summertime mood alive.

Laptop sleeves – You can tuck them away so that the bright colors only pop when you want them to. Take your tablet or laptop from your bag, and dreamy memories of the tropics are possible with patterns like Designer Sleeves butterflies, waves or paradise beach. Golla’s sleeves come in vibrant colors, like red with flowers.

Wallets – Maybe you are not daring enough to break away from the basic black purse, but anyone can pull off a bright colored wallet. Alicia Klein wallets offer juicy colors with fun names like citrus and pink cadillac.

Patterned luggage – You won’t forget what it is like to take that summer voyage when you choose a piece of luggage that is suitable for any cruise or summer vacation. One of our all time favorite collections is Britto Collection by Heys. These hard sided laptop bags and wheeled luggage pop from site in any terminal with fun patterns like butterfly, flowers, and landscape.

Kolobags Giveaway Opportunity: A winner will be picked at random and announced on the Kolobags Facebook page. All you need to do is answer the following question in the comments section of this posting on Kolotalk:

What is the most tropical place you can see yourself with this fabulous tropical laptop sleeve?

Each person receives a bonus entry for Sharing on Facebook or re-tweeting about the contest.  (Limit one of each entry type per person. Entries must be received by November 19th 11p Pacific Standard Time to qualify for drawing. Winner’s name will be published on Kolobags’ Facebook page on November 21, 2011.)

Sidewalk Talk: Schleppbags by Trumpette

October 15th, 2011 by

schleppbags_gym_bagWe’re pretty sure that you can’t get much cooler names than both the parent brand, Trumpette, and their ultra slick bag collection, Schleppbags. It’s just as cool when a brand has a cool story behind a cool name.

Jon Stevenson founded Trumpette 20 years ago when, as a single parent, he ventured out of his men’s fashion job into designing onesies for his own son. By emblazoning the front of one with the word “BOY”, the visual style of Trumpette was born. Their high end baby fashion collection includes whimsical shoes, socks, and apparel.

Aside from the fact that one of our staff had a “friend” at Trumpette, we gravitated to their unique bag collection that plays on the same visual styling. Schleppbags are all purpose: they can travel to the gym, playground, or just around town. The patent PVC is easy to wipe clean, making their “BABY” bag a perfect diaper bag for the chic mom. The best part is each bag features the same playful style of their baby fashion with bold one word titles on the outside (“GYM”, “DANCE”) and fortune cookie like sayings printed on the interior. The styling of this collection is perfect for the person with a sense of style, a dash of humor and a passion not to grow up too much.

Tough Cases for Tough Elements

October 3rd, 2011 by

rimowa polycarbonate luggageSometimes when you travel, you need the toughest luggage available. Whether it is for your expensive camera equipment, for diving, or for your technical gear, you want something lightweight, possibly watertight, as well as indestructible.

There are two main brands that provide this tough luggage for seasoned travelers. Rimowa luggage spans a wide range of products, from laptop cases (wheeled) to four-wheeled suitcases. They are composed of nearly indestructible polycarbonate cases, are super lightweight, and come in a wide variety of unique colors. They are perfect for seasoned and frequent travelers. Rimowa was founded in Cologne, Germany, in 1898 – and is well known to traveling celebrities and elite travelers alike. Must be the German engineering that has ensured its success.

Nanuk luggage is more for your technical gear – Nanuk cases are lightweight, watertight, virtually indestructable. They work in all kinds of extreme elements, and are manufactured to military specifications. Nanuk briefcases have a variety of foam inserts available for your needs, including cameras, laptops, and other technical gear.

Thanks to our guest blogger, Dr. Jessie Voigts, who publishes WanderingEducators.com, a travel resource for global educators.

Time for Take Off with Pan Am (The Show and The Bags)

September 25th, 2011 by

Enjoy the ride. Arrive in style. So many kitchy phrases to go with the start of the new Pan Am show that takes off today on ABC. For t.v. buffs, you may be turning your nose in the air at the thought of a Mad Men style knock off. But, with the powerhouse combo of Tommy Schlame directing (West Wing), Jack Orman writing (ER), and Christina Ricci co-starring, this show may have more legs than a gaggle of stewardesses gliding through an airport.

Did we just say stewardess? We sure did – as 1963 was a time when flying was glam and “flight attendent” was not yet the PC term. What we love about the era is the cross between dressy style, like white gloves and pill box hats, crossed with funky designs, like the pan am orion bag that started it all. Check out the scenes in the show where you see the ladies carrying their pan am logo’d gear, including this bag. What we also spot are the not so short hemlines and always present hosiery.

You may not know that Pan Am was considered one of the most fashionable airlines. Designers like Edith Head created the stylish uniforms. The iconic Pan Am cabin bag was given to first class passengers as a reminder of their trip. (In today’s world, anyone is luck to be given a peanuts on a commercial flight!) The great news is that the brand has resurfaced even though the airline is now long gone. Stylish belts, accessories, and of course, bags, with the Pan Am brand are all available. And while laptops were not even science fiction in 1963, several of the bags are padded laptop bags, a needed update for the 21st century.

Sidewalk Talk: Get Noticed With Lodis Leather

September 18th, 2011 by

“You know who you are, so get noticed.” Lodis is definitely are referring to the classically fashionable. After getting our hands on the anything-but-basic black bag, wallets, laptop bags and all their other amazing accessories that this fashionable fashion company designs, we have been getting noticed. Their profiles and colors feature lush names like venom, siren, and shiva. Think classic leather goods with an edge. Each piece in the collection features sophistication, craftsmanship with attention to detail, and refined materials mixed with a bold modern attitude.

Lodis leather accessories
have a very high end look with a reasonable price tag, something that is found very far and few between in the busting handbag business. Females have been falling into lust and fashion with this fabulous and affordable accessory brand. This purse powerhouse was founded in 1965, and is primarily known in the fashion world for their high end handbags. However, Lodis has luckily decided to design a line of trendy technology accessories. Until now, we never thought we would find a fabulous fashion bag that is equipped for everything that a female needs to carry, including acomputer.

Plus, the industry is all over this outstanding brand. Lodis is featured in fashion publications such as, Us Weekly, Lucky, Accessories and (the bible) In Style! With items like the convertible bag, (a bag that will take you from a happy work day to happy hour) their lush leather iPad cases and smart phone cases, you will love what Lodis accessories are all about.

Sidewalk Talk: Boconi Bags and Leather

August 10th, 2011 by

boconi leather walletThere is Burberry, Gucci, Coach, and now, Boconi. By mixing European style with good o’le American functionality, Boconi bags and leather accessories are on the retail rise.

Boconi bags are best known for their timeless style, rich Italian leather, unique prints, and on top of it all, a wicked sense of humor. Such can be seen in the selective use of print work, by naming their fun and funky designs, such as “plaid-about-you.” There is no question that Boconi is the next “it” classic American designer. Boconi has decades of rustic experience under their thick and gorgeous leather skins and this is definitely just the beginning.

Their creative and hardworking team is composed of dedicated professionals who are all passionate about one thing: providing exceptional and durable products designed from the finest fashion materials. Every Boconi bag, wallet and accessory has been tested and toyed until it is retail ready.

The manufacturing mission (listen up!) is to ensure their buyers “are looking good doing what you do” by producing understated style and quality all the while keeping you organized and put together. (Boy, do we know a few people that should be buying bags by Boconi.) From their sleek clutches and iPad cases to their masculine wallets and messengers, Boconi bags are worth the (not so expensive) buy.

With minimal bells and whistles, Boconi has taken the most pure and simple materials and added useful pockets and key rings to make your life smoother and simpler while on the go.

The bottom line here is, beautiful bags and accessories that are designed from materials made to last.

Kolobags Spring 2011 Fashion Trend Report

March 28th, 2011 by

knomo shopper laptop toteAlthough this was a lengthy and rough winter season for most of the country…We are proud to announce spring 2011 has finally arrived! (At least spring shopping has!) As we welcome this sought-after season with very open arms, we must also take note spring 2011’s most important technology fashion trends. Trends are like road maps from our most valued designers. They share their secrets with us as they express what they feel is fashionable for the season and most importantly, where we as consumers can go to get it.

Here is our guide to spring’s most coveted accessory trends.
1. Trend: Pale Neutrals
Slim and trim, Knomo has laptop bag styles as well as cross-body bags that are just right to stay pale, pretty and perfectly on trend for spring.

2. Trend: Feeling Floral
Roses are red, violets are blue, floral is back in style and will look good on you! Kara b’s Metro laptop backpack is fun, flirty and most importantly floral. This bag features many functional pockets, keeping you organized and right on trend.

3. Trend: Minimalism
Greensmart laptop sleeves are straightforward, simple and sleek! For the no muss – no fuss shopper, this bag provides extra protection without the extra weight. Less really can be more! (Not to mention, these sleeves are minimal impact to the environment, using materials like polyester derived from post consumer plastic bottles.)

4. Trend: Minimal Whites
White for spring…not groundbreaking. However, Soapbox Bags is taking a new spin on the diaper bag, allowing moms (trendy or not) to stay in fashion. Travel friendly, baby proof and even a stylish purse; this well-designed and practical handbag satisfy’s all your expected and unexpected needs.

5. Trend: Bright Lights, Big Color
Although most of us have sworn we would never be caught wearing neon colors again (we secretly have been wishing they are on each season’s trend report) we must admit they are so much fun to wear! Hadaki has constructed a chic and simple modish laptop bags. Available in luscious colors: green, black, blue, orange and pink, the only question is deciding which color best represents you.

6. Trend: Craft Fare
There are no scissors and hot glue guns used at Rebagz, however they are perfectly on trend for the seasons Craft Fare. All products from this environmentally friendly company are recycled, reused and completely crafty. These vibrant and hand-woven products come in a variety of shapes and colors but in true arts and crafts style, won’t break the bank.

Five Technology Fashion Accessories that Every Woman Must Have

January 10th, 2011 by

gina_b_leather_laptop_toteIt is inevitable. Fashion and Technology are joining together and the hottest new accessories are technology related. Our favorite fashions come from the marriage of Fashion & Technology.
1. Chic Laptop Bag
A bag (whether it be a handbag, diaper bag, travel bag or laptop bag) is a key item in self expression. A bag is the introduction and conclusion to your fashion story. A bag is the primary and final thing we see when glancing at a person. A bag is the single most crucial and significant element in conveying who you are (and who you aren’t) to the fashion community and that is why…it is vital to own a chic and stylish laptop bag.

2. Functional Laptop Sleeve
A laptop sleeve is a fresh accessory to the market and equally as important. Although you do not define yourself with your laptop sleeve, you are integrating technology and fashion in a functional way. The laptop sleeve protects the computer by completely encasing it in a fashionable protective sheath. You dress your body…why not your esteemed, respected and dear right hand man…your computer?

3. Protective Cell Phone Case
Speaking of protection…A phone case is a favorite accessory of ours. Not only do most of us drop our phone far too often, a cell phone case is ingenious and one of the most accessible methods of self expression. The sky is the limit when it comes to caring for your phone. Companies have made it affordable and fun for us to represent our favorite colors, teams, designers and even custom photos on our cell phones. From fully ones reminiscent of a handbag (my personal fav from techtotes) to rubber silicone, there is a case out there for everyone!

4. Unique iPod Cover
Similar to a cell phone case, an iPod case combines function and fashion. There are hundreds of covers out there to represent who you are, what you like and the music you are jamming out to.

5. Colorful Earphone Covers
DEOS (Defining Expression of Sound) earphone covers are an innovative fashion accessory that adds a bit of bling to the simplest technology. The interchangeable earphone covers are striking, affordable and transports fashion technology to the next level. Earphone covers are the earrings of the future and create an emotional bond between fashion and sound.