M.I.S.S. Techcessories: Score Gadgets on the Cheap with Fred Flare

I don’t know if you’ve heard but—the economy still sucks. I know, news to me too.  Not everyone has an extra 2Gs laying around to spend on a Dell Adamo or new iMac.  Don’t despair. The economy will get better one day (I hope…). Until then, if you’re a fashionista on a budget trying to up her tech game, M.I.S.S. has the answer for you: Fred Flare. The Brooklyn based retailer believes great design should be as “entertaining as an old musical or modern music video,” and the products they stock reflect that idea.  Best of all, it’s CHEAP!

Some of their standout products include a two foot tall floor lamp designed like an ice cream cone ($48), compact iPod speakers that look like neon-colored lego bricks ($25), a USB hub made to resemble a row of tulips ($22, consider it going green), and lady bug shaped ear buds for your MP3 player of choice ($15).  Other favorites include a retro receiver for your cell phone ($24), a mixtape USB flash drive ($18) for those who lament the loss of actual mixtapes, and a cheeseburger phone ($24) straight out of the movie, Juno.

Can’t make it to Brooklyn?  All this and more can be purchased in Fred Flare’s online store.  And just think! With the money you saved buying a cheeseburger phone, you might be able to afford an actual cheeseburger. Imagine that.

I’ve often wondered while staring at a pile of tangled up ethernet cables, “Could this be turned into some sort of fashion?”  Well, I’ll be wondering no more as a recent fashion show in Medellin, Columbia has answered that question with a resounding, “Hell yeah!”

These outfits were designed by the inventive students of the Pontificia Bolivariana University in Medellin out of discarded ethernet cables and more than a handful of zip ties, every network administers best friends.  If this is what the future of fashion looks like then sign me up!  I sure wouldn’t mind having a bunch of  cables at my disposal for those days when you can’t get a decent wi-fi signal.

February was scary-short and March quietly creeped up on us but, here at M.I.S.S., we are totally ready for it! This month is Women’s History Month and we’re excited to announce that for the second year in a row, throughout the month of March, we will be featuring yet another group of outstanding ladies who are “making history” in their respective fields including fashion, design, music, art, media and much more.

See the full line-up of ladies we featured last March by visiting our final round up post.

And, as always, let’s not forget about all the women who came before us who made everything we have possible.

Tune in everyday to see who’s making history!

“My jewelry is about a joy for life and a timeless beauty that transcends fashion.”- Paloma Picasso

Although she bears her legendary father’s last name, Paloma Picasso has created a name for herself in the fashion world.  The longtime Tiffany & Co. designer, known for her bold use of color, developed numerous collections for the renowned jeweler and now shares her latest designs in an exclusive video. In her interview, Paloma explains that her artist parents influenced the way she sees the world, giving her the inspiration to create artistic jewelry not just for decoration, but for timeless expression. Her design career has flourished from beading flea market finds as a teen to designing women’s jewelry, men’s pieces, and home accessories.  Paloma Picasso is more than just a designer- she is a true artist whose work will be passed on for generations, proving that she is indeed her father’s daughter.

Watch Paloma Picasso’s behind the scenes video here to learn more about her design inspirations and creative processes.

Read the rest of the story for information on pieces from her newest collections.

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Irish designer Orla Kiely, known for her trademark leaf pattern, has created a new and affordable designer home ware line for Target set to launch this February. Orla’s work is unique and immediately recognizable. Her designs are colorful and have an optimistic spirit to them—right up Target’s alley!

The new Orla Kiely Target collection will include tumblers, mugs, serving trays, dinner plates, storage crates and totes, placemats, napkins, floor and seat cushions, and some lovely aprons!

See more after the jump!

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Hellz-Bellz has internship positions available. Looking for dedicated peeps to get the job down in the areas of marketing and design. Get first-hand experience in the fashion industry from one of the hardest working ladies in the business! Here are the details:

*Live in or around the Los Angeles Area

*18 and over

*Have an interest in learning about the fashion industry esp. marketing and design

Contact via e-mail with “INTERN POSITION” as the title to: info@hellz-bellz.com

The other day, I got a surprise message in my inbox from a gorgeous lady named Nena. Inside were pictures of fabulous earrings - bamboo style made of richly-patterned fabrics - that she makes herself. After being floored by the craft(wo)manship, I clicked on her Myspace page and saw that this talented lady has so much more to offer than the few pictures of accessories she included. Check out my favorite of her wares after the jump…

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Connect with your inner Aphrodite and strike a pose on this tougher than leather made-to-order board by the Athens-based design group, Greece Is For Lovers!

Via UO Blog

Are you a design geek? Planning to redesign your home interior? Do you just like to look at things? If so, the perfect event to get your gawk on is taking place this Friday - Sunday in DUMBO: “BKLYN DESIGNS™ is New York’s hottest exhibition of designers and manufacturers of contemporary furnishings, lighting, and accessories made and/or designed in Brooklyn, all handpicked by a jury of editors from leading design and shelter magazines. Founded in 2003, this not-to-be-missed tradeshow has doubled its attendance in just five years, and has grown to include a diverse array of satellite exhibits and demonstrations, panel discussions, and keynote speakers”

Tickets may be purchased at the event ($15, $10 for students with I.D.) or in advance online for $12.

Friday, May 9: 10am–8pm
Saturday, May 10: 10am–7pm
Sunday, May 11: 11am–6pm

For more information including the 4 venues for the show, exhibitors, speakers, and events, check the website.

Karim Rashid teamed up with Veuve Clicquot to create Globalight, a pink illuminated champagne holder that also keeps the champagne at the proper temperature for up to 2 hours. The rose hue of the the Ros champagne inspired the pink glow that the globalight was created for. The globalight is limited to 500 pieces worldwide with only 50 destined for U.S. release and will be available online for $4000 beginning in May. That’s a pretty penny! This is clearly just for those living the glamorous life! Be sure to check out the other-worldly campaign photos after the jump . . .

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