bltd

These are quirky, and I mean that in a good way. They’re USB memory sticks, encased in sticks that you could basically find in the woods. I like the way they contrast so decidedly against the hardware. They’d certainly be a nice gift for someone who would appreciate the irony (they come in a nice gift box too)…

USB memory sticks are always nice to have around when transferring files from computer to computer. These sticks are made to stand out against its natural environment of computers and offices. The sticks are picked from the woods and are manually selected on their natural beauty,
professionally handmade into unique and personal USB memory sticks.

Type: USB 2.0 Memory stick
Memory size: 128 Mb, 256 Mb, 512 Mb and 1 Gb
Dimensions: Approx. 2 x 2 x 10 cm.
Packaging: White giftbox
Suitable for Windows and Mac.

We featured another one of these about a year ago, but the key-chain part will guarantee you won’t forget to bring it with you when you leave the house. It’s purpose is to hold your handbag when you go to a restaurant to prevent you from having to put it on the floor or in the chair next to you.

I think this marks the beginning of an inevitable trend, or at least the first of it’s kind that I’ve seen anyways… As USB flash drives become more and more prevelant, there’s bound to be new ways of integrating it into daily personal fashion.

“Hardwood USB by Michael Leung for Lexon features a necklace USB flash drive that creates a closer connection between a person and their data. Currently available in dark wood only.”
256 MB – 2″x 1″x .4″

I’m kinda late to the game on these, but I really like them. They’re designed to be ultra-light (4.8 ounces) and therefore don’t have any of the ridiculous accoutrement that most running shoes have. Instead, all the design features, like the ubiquitous “swoosh” are silk-screened on. Also, they’re only intended to last about 65 running miles (hence the name). 5000 will be made and they’re only available in men’s sizes.

The design of this handmade industrial felt handbag is quite smart…(industrial felt is made from factory waste scraps, so it’s even smarter than it looks)

“This ingenious design is the result of its simplicity — the bag is nothing more than two layers of a cleverly shaped piece of felt and a zipper. When entirely unzipped, the bag lays completely flat. When zipped, it becomes a beautiful — and super-useful — bag.”

Available in two zipper colors: Orange and Blue.

Dry clean only.

100% industrial wool felt, Lampo metallized coil locking zipper, nylon stitching.

12.5″ tall x 9.5″ wide x 5″ thick

How cool is this? It’s a regular size keyboard that is projected onto a flat surface from a unit that is slightly larger than a matchbook. It comes complete with clicking sounds and works with any bluetooth enabled PDA or Cell Phone.

Thanks Diana for the link.

Update: This item is no longer available through original retailer. (11/19/09)

Add a bit of whimsy to your wardrobe (in the coolest possible way) with these injection molded rubber cufflinks. Black or pink (!).

“Just break off when needed, easy to put on, machine washable, durable, 4 pairs & 4 designs in a pack, no worry if lost. The injection molded rubber is a new, stylish and contemporary accessory. 4 sets of cufflinks available in pink or black.”

(Do I need to remind any men out there that wearing pink is the ultimate sign of being secure in your manhood-ness?)

I’m not sure how this hasn’t been posted yet. This silver ring has words “FOR EVER YOURS” in reverse relief inside the ring so when the ring is removed the wearer is temporarily imprinted with the words on their ring finger.

One thing that annoys me about most bags is the lack of a pocket for bottled water. This bag has that, as well as having an external pocket, presummably for food, which is screenprinted along the outside of the bag. Or you know, maybe it’s not for food. Maybe that’s just a trick to throw off would be thieves.

“Lassus’ City Bag was designed as a large shopping bag but is also perfect as a general tote. This is Alessi’s first “bag/carrier” and is destined to be a cult object. Bag is composed of durable polyester with polyurethane zipper and features an external pocket as well as two internal pockets – a large zippered pocket as well as a bottle holder pocket. Bag is screenprinted with the word “FOOD” which graphically runs around the piece. Available in orange or gray. This piece is part of Alessi’s Spring/Summer 2006 Collection and can be ordered now for an expected delivery in April.”

notes: measures 18.75″ x 7″ deep x 13.75″ height

Make your thoughts known without saying a word.

“The Don’t Ashtray by Josh Owen is an exercise in civility. It employs graphic iconography in an attempt to negatively influence the smoker against his or her habit while at the same time providing a receptacle for it. Industrial designer Josh Owen is well known for his work exploring the boundaries between art and design. Ceramic with rubber bottom. 4″ Dia.”

I can’t count the number of times I wish I had one of these. Especially at airports when there’s three televisions all within a 15 foot radius each on different channels…drives me crazy. This little remote will turn off virutally any television within a 20 to 50 foot range, all with a press of a button. Of course, your magic powers could cause some upset, but I think sometimes a break from all the TV noise is a very, very good thing.

May take up to 69 seconds for the television to turn off (90% of televisions should turn off within 17 seconds).

1.92″ x 2.27″ x .675″

Say something different with a necklace like nobody else’s. Great as a gift (can I repeat that?) or just as a ‘whatthahell’ purchase for yourself, it’s a chance to commemorate someone or some slogan that’s just special enough to be worn around a neck.

Choose up to 20 characters (10 per line, letters or numbers).

Fine silver tag on ball and chain. Made in Brooklyn.

Update: This item is no longer available through original retailer. (10/30/09)
(Try this: Custom Silver Necklace, $62.00)

Art Lebedev Studio is the largest design company in Russia, and it has a storehouse of some pretty great ideas. One of them is this mouse, which despite it’s shape it’s still pretty ergonomic.

Also something you should check out is the Optimus-Mini ($100, available May 15.)

Currently taking pre-orders.

I want one.

“Seeking to develop applications for wood, industrial designer Takumi Shimamura delivers this unique briefcase made of ecological thinned Japanese cedar. Designed to accommodate laptops, the bag has sturdy canvas edges, a handle with leather covering, double zippers, and inner pockets. Water repellent finish. Handmade by Japanese craftsmen. Clean with a damp cloth.”