Funchico.com - Funky, Chic & Cool Laptop Bag News

The DODOcase - a very cool case for your iPad (guest review)

I don't have an iPad.  But I would like to eventually get one.  And when I saw the DODOcase for them, I KNEW that's what I would get.  Because I love my Moleskine notebooks as much as I love my tech.

I was delighted when my friend, Dethe (who you may remember from such guest reviews as the Hamptons Hybrid Laptop Bag) did get an iPad and subsequently, a DODOcase.  He says ...

My DodoCase has been my most eagerly awaited peripheral ever. Almost as awaited as the iPad itself. Fortunately, I didn't have to wait 15 years for the DodoCase, merely six weeks. I'm not sure how the economics works of making hand-made cases in San Francisco for $50, but it is a good deal. Just be aware that shipping to Canada will add another $25 (yes, shipping internationally is half the price of the case). The case itself works so well at disguising my iPad as a Moleskine notebook that even folks who knew about it were surprised. Great for reading RSS feeds on the bus!

To complete the feel of an artist's notebook, I have added a Pogo Sketch stylus to the ensemble. The case adds very little weight to the iPad, but makes it feel much more secure in the hand (harder to drop, and more resilient if you do drop it). It allows the iPad to be propped up for viewing or typing (portrait, landscape, or landscape in the lap slightly raised for typing). There are cutouts in the bamboo edge for easy access to all buttons and the dock connector. Overall, very pleased: this case makes my iPad better.

You can see more great photos of the DODOcase, including how to use it as a stand, over on their site.

Stylish Bags, er, Beds for Your Pet

While I love a new bag as much as the next gal, I'm also THRILLED when a bag is reused or upcycled into something delightful and funchico.

Via the stylish blog Shopaholic, I discovered this snazzy pet bed made from an upcycled vintage suitcase.  How awesome is that?

The Shopaholic blog post lists several accessories for pets that I could definitely see purchasing for our Sharpei EmmyLou - though she might be a tad big for these suitcase beds :) I wonder if she could get behind the linen treat bags.

Photo: VintageRenaissance's Etsy Shop

 

Who needs a laptop bag when you have a couch like this ...

Now THIS is some serious storage! A collaboration between designers Quinze and Milan and backpack company Eastpak:

 

Found via Unclutterer which I found via the Happiness Project.

Review of Lexie Barnes' Stylish Echo Laptop Bag PLUS a coupon for free gift!

Lexie Barnes has updated her Echo Laptop Bag - not only with new fabulous fabrics, but with a double compartment and a secret pocket for your phone or keys! Love. It.

Check out my full review of the Echo over on Squidoo - or just hop on over to Lexie's site to order. The Echo sells for $119 USD. And as a delightful spring bonus, Lexie's given us a coupon. Use FUNCHICO at checkout and for any purchase over $100 (whether the Echo or another of her fabulous bags - her McCoy overnighter, especially in the Kiri fabric, is a winner) she will include a free Mini in matching fabric with your order.  Good til March 15, 2010.

Cutest Netbook Sleeve Ever - the Lady Damask from Slappa

First of all, I'm excited that more and more laptop bag and sleeve designers are naming bags the Lady Something.  I'm holding out for someone to make the "Lady Katherine" bag :)

Second ... I simply cannot express how cute this new netbook sleeve from Slappa is.  Seriously. Slappa has started a line of both sleeves and bags for women (which I am thrilled about), but this Lady Damask (White) Netbook Sleeve is just adorable.

I wrote a full rhapsodic review of the Lady Damask over on my Squidoo Netbook Review lens.  Do check it out - Slappa is onto something good with their new line for women. I've got one of their bags in my review queue - stay tuned!

Loving the elegant Lady Lindy laptop tote from Bobarra

The Lady Lindy from Bobarra is one of the most elegant bags I've seen in a long time: really simple lines, but with a touch of flair via the scalloped trim. Plus, it's checkpoint-friendly. Can't get better than that!

I've been watching The Tudors series on CBC. Up here in Canada, the season just finished and I've been wondering how I might start working more brocade, puffy sleeves, jeweled head pieces and snoods into my wardrobe. Luckily, I have found the perfect bag that Catherine of Aragon or perhaps her daughter, Mary would carry. Elegant and stylish without being over the top - a bag fit for a queen. I'm referring to the Lady Lindy laptop bag from Bobarra. Andrea from Bobarra was kind enough to send over one for review.

When I first unpacked the Lady Lindy, I was struck by two things. One - the unusual fabric pattern. When carrying it, I've had a number of people say "Great pattern - what is that, fleur de lis?" Then they look closer. "It's frogs! Frogs!?". Yes, frogs. I have the "Charlotte" pattern (named after the delightful southern city in North Carolina; Bobarra also has several other more traditional fabric patterns if you're not a ranidaphile). From a distance, it looks like an elegant, slightly Tudoresque fabric - but up close, whimsical frogs. Very clever! The second visual aspect of the bag that really stands out are the scalloped top edges. I've never seen this is a laptop bag before and to me, it really takes the finishing to a whole new level. Again, sophisticated with a touch of whimsy.

Check out my full review of the Lady Lindy from Bobarra.

The e-Pad Laptop Desk - Both a Laptop Bag and a Portable Desk!

This is pretty sweet. A laptop bag that doubles as a portable desk. From Brookstone.com - only $40 USD. Comes in three colours (uh, where's the hot pink, Brookstone?!?)

And I can't tell you HOW I know, but I do have it on good authority that both Katy Perry and Taylor Swift love their e-Pad.

Love these bright coloured totes from Tepper Jackson at CareerBags.com

I just saw these on CareerBags.com - totes and carryalls from Tepper Jackson. Do you love the colours? I LOVE the colours!  This Kashmir patterned weekender/carry-all tote is my favourite. LOVE it.

Not strictly for laptops - but you could pair it with one of these crazy sleeves from Isis Dei (also at CareerBags).  I think this green polka-dot sleeve would be perfect.

Handmade Neck and Wrist Straps for Your DSLR Camera

I have been spending WAY too much time on Etsy lately. Way. Too. Much. Time.

I can't help myself though - people are so crafty and make such pretty things!

One of my recent discoveries is rhembein's shop.  She is a photographer AND a crafty-type - she makes these really bright and delightful neck and wrist straps for your DSLR camera.  All her fabrics are fresh and funky!  These are two of my favourites:

 

Her straps retail for $25.00 USD.  Ooo .. and she's Canadian :)

Super Cute Bags for Your Bike!

I came across this great post by Jan over on PoppyTalk (a great blog on emerging designers, with a focus on handmade) about bags for your bikes - if you can't have the traditional basket.  She posted a number of photos from different designers.  This one is my fav - it's the "Bicycle Bag" designed by Alexandra Cassaniti and available from OogaBooga for $96.