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HC Tech Gift Guide by Dina Fierro

by habituallychic

12 . 19 . 14

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Even though Dina Fierro is a beauty blogger in addition to recently being the Vice President of Social/Digital at HL Group, she is the only person I trust when it comes to technology advice.  She was the person who who turned me on to Frends headphones and anytime she links to an article on Twitter, I definitely make sure I read it because I know I will learn something.  I first met her on the press trip I took to Morocco where I’ll be honest, she scared me a little, but that’s only because she’s totally on the ball.  She will soon be starting a new digital position in January that is beyond chic but which I can’t reveal just yet.  Until then, I highly recommend you check out her amazing list of chic tech gifts for the holidays.  I will warn you that you will probably want to buy one of each for yourself as well.  I know I do!

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Beyond chic, and with thoroughly superior sound, Caeden’s sleek on and in-ear headphone styles will satiate both the design-conscious and the music-obsessed on your list. My favorite – the Linea No. 1 in Faceted White Ceramic and Rose Gold ($149.99) – do double duty as a statement accessory.

[Editor’s Note: Looks like I’m going to have to upgrade my headphones from Frends to Caeden thanks to Dina.]

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One of the annoying realities of wearable technology is that, to date, it hasn’t been all that “wearable”. That’s all changing now though, and HP’s new Smartwatch ($349.99 – $649.99), designed by menswear master Michael Bastian, marries a classically beautiful design with smart connectivity –  to email, calendar, text and more.

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You’d be hard-pressed to find a sleeker or more beautiful Bluetooth speaker than Stelle Audio Couture’s Audio Pillar ($299). The minimalist design, available in 5 colors, makes a bold and stylish addition to any home but is lightweight enough for travel.

[Editor’s Note: I really love that this doesn’t take up too much space so you can discreetly hide it in a room.]

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As a frequent flier for both work and leisure, I’m always interested in ways to simplify travel – including apps like Next Issue, a virtual newsstand. Next Issue offers unlimited access to current and back issues of 140+ magazines – including Architectural Digest, Bon Appetit, Conde Nast Traveler, Domino, ELLE and so many more. New users can take advantage of a free 30-day trial, while gift subscriptions begin at just $14.99/month.

[Editor’s Note: While I have some magazine subscriptions on Zinio I might just switch to Next Issue so I can read every magazine.  I’ve been hearing good things about it and maybe it will get rid of the stacks of magazines in my entry that look like the stacks in Tori Mellott’s old apartment above.]

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If you have pet lover on your list this season, meet Pawscout ($29.95). This revolutionary digital dog + cat tag lets you track and find a pet via GPS should they ever go missing and while it won’t ship until February, try packaging Pawscout with a Barkbox (or a Meowbox, for that matter!) for the perfect gift.

[Editor’s Note: While Dina has some pretty cute cats, I could not resist posting this photo of a wirehaired dachshund I found on the instagram account of Franziska Hasselhof.  Hope she doesn’t mind but he was just too adorable.]

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If there’s a chicer iPad case on the market, I’ve yet to meet it. Christian Louboutins Spiked leather iPad case ($795) is unisex by design, and boasts a bright red lining that evokes the same thrills the label’s signature soles do.

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Opening Ceremony’s recent collaboration with Intel led to the creation of the MICA – that’s “My Intelligent Communication Accessory” for the uninitiated – smart bracelet ($495). Beautiful enough to stand as jewelry alone, the black snakeskin-covered PVD and 18k gold-coated stainless steel MICA is equipped with a curved, scratch-resistant touchscreen that allows for easy (though abbreviated) messaging and scheduling.

[Editor’s Note: This is the chicest wearable tech items I’ve ever seen! Great find Dina!]

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While Mophie is best known for their Juice Pack Battery Cases, I can’t give up my sleek Dannijo iPhone 6+ case, personally. That said, no one should leave home without an external charger, and the Moiphe Powerstation XL ($129.95) is the best on the market. Sleek and modern, it’s the longest-lasting universal battery money can buy and charges up to three devices simultaneously.

[Editor’s Note: I actually have three Moiphe iPhone charging cases.  I like that they give the phone some heft and can recharge the sad iPhone battery when it runs down from taking too many Instagram photos.  But I really love that this charger can charge three items at once including your laptop for a long plane ride.]

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While it’s not wearable tech by definition, Tory Burch’s clever design collaboration with the FitBit, the yielded several pieces of jewelry that aim to elevate the fitness tracker’s utilitarian design. Available in three finishes, the Tory Burch Fitbit Flex Metal Hinged Bracelet ($195) is the smartest of the bunch – it slips over the tracker and works equally as well with workout apparel or in office.

[Editor’s Note: I’ve resisted getting a fitness tracking device because they are so ugly.  This might just make me finally buy one.]

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As anyone who’s used a Clarisonic will attest, it’s a gamechanger for your skin. The sonic technology leaves skin feeling ultra-clean and also makes creams, serums and moisturizers absorb more efficiently. This season, Sephora has improved upon perfection by packaging the Mia 3 with four best-selling skincare products, including Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Peel ($199) in the Mia 3 Luxury Skincare Essentials Holiday Gift Set– it’s the perfect indulgence for the tech-savvy beauty girl on your list.

Big thanks to Dina for finding such a great range of chic technology gifts!

Happy Holidays!

HC