Products we Love: GizmoPal

As the Mini Fashionista gets older, starts participating in more activities, starts full day school and spends more time out of my care, I can't help but worry just a little bit about her safety.  

I know that these worries will only increase as she ages. I suppose that is why so many parents buy cell phones for their kids. And while I have no doubt that the Mini will have a cell phone many years before I got my first phone, I can't help but think that it's happening far too early. In my opinion, kids don't need to be able to text, they don't need internet access and they shouldn't be so technology dependent at such a young age. However, I do believe that it's important for parents to be able to reach their children and know where they are and for children to be able to call their parents when necessary. 

That's what makes this product is so fantastic! Let me introduce you to the LG GizmoPal. The GizmoPal is an easy way to stay connected with your child with 1 button calling & Smartphone mapping. 

It fits securely around the wrist, is durable and water resistant, and comes in blue or pink.

The GizmoPal allows your child to call two registered numbers and receive calls from an additional two approved contacts. Using the GizmoPal app on your smartphone, you can see the GizmoPal’s location on a map, via GPS. Plus, you can receive location notifications at scheduled times, such as when your child’s bus typically arrives in the neighborhood.

GizmoPal costs $79.99 and an additional $5/month on top of your Verizon wireless mobile plan. And while I don't see the need for something like this yet, I am excited about the options that I know will exist when it is something that our family feels is necessary. Hopefully by then there will be a product that allows more than 2 numbers to call in/out and also provide a more sleek design. 

"Time" for an Update

I've had this Michael Kors watch for years...6 at least. I like to think I was on the forefront of the big gold watch trend. It has told some serious time - can you imagine working 24/7 for 6+ years?

We were recently out to dinner in Georgetown at our FAVORITE (no exaggeration) restaurant - Pizzeria Paradiso - and a post-pizza and beer walk turned into more than just window shopping. Enter this rose gold beauty. 

I think it's only available in store (I did a robust Internet search), but there are lots of other options if it's time for an update to your wrist. Here are a few of my favorites (all available on Nordstrom.com)

Producs We Love

As you probably read, last week I participated in a 34K XC ski race (post here). Since November, I have been using a Garmin Forerunner 210 watch to track my training (heart rate, distance, speed, calories, etc.) It has been a great tool to not only track my training but also motivate me to ski faster and work harder.

Unfortunately, the watch had some problems consistently sinking with my computer, so earlier this week I returned it to REI and upgraded to Garmin's new watch, the Forerunner 220! Of course I got the purple and white one! Fashion and function all in one!

This watch is definitely an upgrade with a high resolution color display (you can even choose your color scheme) and wireless bluetooth upload to your smartphone. If you are a runner, hiker, XC skier, etc, I highly recommend this watch. 

Check out this great product video that was filmed in Bend, OR. 

Happy Trails!

It's Hunting Season

Hunting season is quickly approaching, but let's be honest, I don't think many of our C&C readers are interested in hunting season. But, I know many of you are interested in the print associated with it: camouflage! 

So, if you are interested in hunting down some camo this fall, here are a few pieces worth tracking. 

Gap 1969 camo front-zip always skinny jeans $69.95

Gap printed Utility Jacket $78

Old Navy twill Pocket Shorts on sale $15

New Balance 501 Camo $65

Free People Camo Printed Thermal $58

Nixon Quad $125

And, the great news is that all of these items come from Gap companies (Gap, Old Navy and Piper Lime), so you can order from multiple sites and combine shipping! 

Splurge vs. Save

I love the big watch trend. I've definitely taken some liberties with my husband's watches and incorporated them into my accessory rotation. Of course a Rolex Submariner would be nice to wear every day...but at several thousand dollars, and that's just a starter, unless it was left to you by your grandfather it's not likely in the cards.  

Enter Michael Kors. The guy made a timely entry into the market. When's the last time you walked down the street and didn't see a girl sporting an oversized MK, complete with arm party. Exactly. So if your pocketbook isn't up for the splurge of the Rolex, these might be just the thing to keep you looking on trend and on time. 

Blake

Large Lexington

Blake

A Proper Time Piece

I've been sans watch for a while now. I have a nice Swiss Army that I received as a gift in college, but for some reason it no longer runs (and yes, I've changed the battery), and I have been too lazy to get it fixed. Who needs a watch when you have a cell phone, right?

Anyway, I've had my eye on a number of the Michael Kors watches, especially the rose gold one. However, my husband says that I need "a proper time piece." Sure, I'd love a Panerai or a Patek Phillipe, but let's be real people...that's not exactly something you just go out and buy on a whim. 

So, while shopping a few weeks ago at the Nike Employee Store (I can still get in despite not working there anymore), I came upon this fantastic watch by Converse, which is owned by Nike. I immediately fell in love with this pink beauty. And, despite it not being "a proper time piece", I purchased it anyway. 

It also comes in these fantastic colors (and a few more). 

You can get them on Amazon for $75! It's sporty and chic, and since wearing it nearly every day, I've received TONS of compliments!

Bright Times

Keep track of time in color and in style with TKO Watches. These watches are both fashionable and affordable... most of the watches are under $150.

Really...Rainbows?

J Crew has done its share of collaborations. They currently sell Timex, Adidas, New Balance and Angela Adams. I can't say I really understand the reasoning behind any of these brands being at J Crew, but what leaves me really perplexed is the fact that they are now selling Rainbow Sandals????

Don't get me wrong, these are my FAVORITE flip flops, but the last place I would think of buying them is at J Crew!

Rainbow Sandals $46

Watch This

I have been lusting after the Nixon (Men's) 51-30 for a while now. I really like big and bold watches and it certainly is that. But now I have a new object of my affection, the Nixon Chrono (Women's) 42-20.

Nixon Chrono 42-20 $450

In Good Time

I Love the face of this watch and the strap comes in a variety of colors and leathers. It would be great if it cost just a few hundred dollars less...

CSX Day Carousel Diamond Watch $1395

Big and Bold

I gravitate towards large watches...maybe it's because I have poorly manicured nails and want to distract the attention away from them. This Nixon 51-30 is Big and Bold, and I LOVE it!

Keeping Time

Someday I hope to have a really nice, Swiss made watch, but until then I've decided I don't want to spend a whole lot of money on a new watch, i.e. less than $100. I want something fashionable that I can wear and tear with out much worry. This AK gold plated brass watch is only $95 and would certainly be a nice placeholder.

80's Flashback

I swore that 80's fashions would never make a comeback (or at least I hoped), but I was wrong. Just in time for Summer, Toywatch has launched a new line of interchangeable Jelly Watches with faces and bands in a variety of colors. Conveniently, Jelly Sandals are also making a comeback.

This brings back memories of the late 80's and wearing a Swatch Watch and Jelly Sandals! Please Fashion Gods....don't reincarnate stirrup pants and leg warmers. I beg you!


Toywatch $175


1) Tods $175, 2)Michael Michael Kors $75
3) Ralph Lauren Collecti$195, 4) See by Chloe $125