On Trend: The future of fashion

I am a bit obsessive about technology. I love gadgets and am never too far from my iPhone, which sleeps under my pillow at night. My iPhone, iPad, laptop and camera are typically with me at all times. If I’m at home, I’m multitasking with one (or more) of those while watching my Apple TV. Naturally, you’d think I am the perfect audience for wearable tech. You’d only be half right.

The wearable tech industry has previously, for the most part, been geared toward active individuals. Track your steps and your heart rate, calculate how many calories you burn, etc. Well, I hate exercise. Until the last few years, I basically refused to do it. Then I hit 30 and realized I needed to do something, even if it’s minimal. So I recently bought a FitBit to encourage me. But honestly, it isn’t that encouraging for those of us who work a desk job. What do you mean I only walked 3,000 steps today?!

Today, wearable tech users are more than just those living an active lifestyle, but also folks living a busy, tech-savvy lifestyle. And those people aren’t all the stereotypical, pocket protector-sporting nerds.

Here are a few of the fashion-forward items at your disposal. Which ones would you wear?

Tory Burch for FitBit, $38-$195
When I remember to wear my FitBit, it’s not the most discreet looking thing. Thankfully, Tory Burch has designed an array of options for the FitBit that are more about fashion than function. The gold bracelet is probably the best option in terms of having your tech blend in, and if you wear the FitBit daily, it’s a reasonable investment to stay looking chic. (Photo courtesy Tory Burch)

Rebecca Minkoff bracelets, $60-$120

For her recent runway show, Rebecca Minkoff debuted two wearable tech items, which will be available just in time for the holiday season. One is a portable USB charger (pictured left, it’s the black bracelet with gold studs), the other is a notification bracelet that syncs with your phone to alert you of important messages. I have very serious anxiety when my phone battery is low, or worse, dead. It’s sick, I know. While I have an amazing portable charger, it’s a little bulky if I’m trying to pair down to just the essentials—like at festivals or when traveling. This seems like a perfect solution for times like those. (Photo courtesy Rebecca Minkoff)

DVF Google Glass, $1,800
For the record, I still think these look ridiculous. The glasses themselves are fine, and I applaud the DVF team for being ahead of the curve for when Google Glass actually becomes a thing. But today, it reminds me of a weird sci-fi movie I’m not ready to be part of. Which works out fine, because I can’t afford them anyway. Warby Parker is rumored to be collaborating on their version of Google Glass, so maybe their more affordable price point could change my mind. (Photo courtesy Net-A-Porter)

Apple Watch, $349
This is going to be great for the right person. I do not believe that person is me. I haven’t worn a digital watch in years, and have a special attachment to the traditional men’s watch as a functional accessory. But my guy friends seem to love the idea of it. Considering Apple has hired some fashion heavy hitters, like Angela Ahrendts, to be part of their team, they’re definitely aiming to meet the needs of fashionable techies as well as die-hard Apple fans. (Photo courtesy Apple)