Tag Archives: Case

Origami Kayak: Packs Flat, Folds Up to Form its Own Case

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[ By WebUrbanist in Technology & Vehicles & Mods. ]

kayak flat pack

Portaging in the wild is one thing, but try walking your canoe or kayak down the street (let alone through an airport) and you may smack someone right in the head – hence this city-friendly creation (25 pounds, 25 inches wide, and 12 feet long when deployed!).

kayak portable folding design

Compact, portable and light-weight, the Oru kayak folds in on itself to form a shoulder-ready carrying case containing, well, itself. It then unfolds and assembles in just five minutes – perfect for those living in crowded urban environments with little storage space.

kayak mobile folding form

From its creators: “Stash it in a trunk. Check it on a plane. Stow it on a sailboat. Hike it in to remote waters. No garage, SUV or roof racks necessary. The Oru Kayak makes boating simple, easy, and accessible— so you can spend more time on the water.”

kayak beach water deployed

But it is not just about mobility and transit – how the Oru works as a water vehicle matters as well: “The Oru Kayak is fast, stable, and handles incredibly well. Its light weight makes it fast and easy to paddle. The hard chines offer excellent tracking. And the 25″ width makes balancing easy, even for beginners. Check our blog for upcoming demos near you!” The catch? You may need to find the perfect flat-pack paddle to match!

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[ By WebUrbanist in Technology & Vehicles & Mods. ]

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Boutique Comic Shop Panel-Style Displays Pop Off the Page

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Comics have come a long ways since the early days of Marvel and Detective Comics, but though tone, genres and superheroes in some cases have changed, one thing remains remarkably the same: the basic prototype format for laying out page.

Sure, it is distorted at times, broken open with artistic intention, but in this case it really comes to life in a new and different way, in the form of store displays both horizontally and vertically in this store called Tokyo’s Tokyo (you can guess where it is in Japan).

Plywood is layered up like pages while white recesses form slots and shelves for displaying merchandise – a fresh look far removed from the conventional white-boxed rows of graphic novels found at your corner comic shop.

And lest you think it will look less compelling with actual objects in place, you can see from the filled-in picture (below) just how well it works as items add dimension to the pages.

The result is dynamic, engaging, and turns a traditional shopping experience into a series of linear storylines, with colorful wares framed in white panes. It might not work for stocking a whole series worth of back issues, but it is a striking approach to showing off new books, novelties and accessories.

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Call Me Back: 10 Retrofuturistic iPhone Accessories

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[ By Steve in Technology & Vintage & Retro. ]


Eager to endow Apple’s mass-produced modern marvel with some timeless personality? Retro iPhone accessories give your cutting-edge cellular communicator old-fashioned style to complement its right here, right now functionality.

iPhone Cassette Tape Case

(image via: Zedomax)

Camouflaging your iPhone as a classic C90 cassette tape isn’t just a shout out to your Eighties roots, it’s also a cool way to turn off potential thieves. The case fits neatly into a faux cassette tape box which doubles as a stylish stand.

Film Noir iPhone Dock

(images via: iRetrophone and iRetrophone)

Eh, what’s up, iPhone dock? A number of retro iPhone docks copy the old-time look of tabletop telephones, with the mobile phone typically sitting right where the dial used to be. Some models include a fully functional handset that hangs off your belt when you’re out shadowing the Fat Man.

(image via: Geeky Gadgets)

Considering how often iPhone owners use their docks it’s no surprise said owners are looking for a little more style. The model above would look smashing on any desktop, ideally set beside a statue of The Maltese Falcon.

Macintosh iPhone Case

(image via: Graphic Cupcake)

Are you an iPhone owner with a soft spot for the 1989 beige Apple Macintosh sporting the rainbow Apple logo? If so, hopefully you’ve discovered the lovingly designed and crafted Apple-inspired iPhone cases offered by Schreer Delights. Latecomers should be advised that Schreer recently withdrew their Apple-inspired cases, possibly influenced by the Cupertino corp’s eager legal beavers.

Horn Amplifier Hands-Free iPhone Stand

(images via: Deal 2 Day)

Pre-war oldsters used to assist their hearing via the use of ear trumpets. Post-war hipsters are doing much the same, only instead of their ears they’re amplifying their iPhones with cute, colorful Horn Amplifiers that beg to be seen AND heard.

(images via: Geek Alerts and Geeky Gadgets)

In the hierarchy of horns, the Megaphone is king. Big, bold and beautiful, Megaphones are the Swiss Alpenhorns of the iPhone amplifying world and they look great with or without an actual iPhone riding up top.

Tomko Transceiver for iPhone

(images via: Strapya World)

The Tomko Transceiver for iPhone evokes the glory days of CB radios but eschews the Bandits, Bears and bad records by C.W. McCall. The device combines the best features of hands-free communication while sparing users from having to wear a Bluetooth device in their ear.

Yubz Handset

(images via: Future Looks and Mightypop)

The Yubz Handset was one of the first hand-held accessory mobile phone receivers to hit the market and they’re available in a wide range of colors and patterns.

(image via: Mac Life)

Using a Yubz Handset isn’t only about making a fashion statement, however. The old-style handset offers exceptional hand and ear comfort for long conversations and by keeping the phone distant from the user’s head, any concerns over possible microwave radiation are effectively allayed.

Leica Rangefinder iPhone Case

(image via: iPhone Savior)

One might say Leica is the iPhone of cameras: a paradigm of ergonomics, functionality and quality. Now Gizmon conjures up the mystique and magic of the legendary Leica Rangefinder with a high-functional, multipart iPhone case. The Gizmon iCA Military Edition case is no one trick pony – a real shutter release button mounted on top blurs the line between phone and camera.

iPhone Microphone Speaker

(images via: Yanko Design)

If David Letterman can sport a huge retro microphone on his desk, why can’t you do the same for your iPhone? Actually you can, or to be more accurate you can have a speaker that looks like a big honking metal mic perched on top of your iPhone. Choose from gold or silver tone to match your personal degree of bling.

(image via: Andrea Galante)

No batteries are required; instead the design boasts a built-in rechargeable Lithium Ion battery that draws its juice from your laptop or desktop computer via a USB connector. Fully charged, the speaker will play for up to six hours.

Moderne TV iPhone Amplifier

(image via: Schreer Delights)

Those hulking home console stereo systems from the fabulous Fifties were the polar opposite of today’s light, portable and much more powerful mobile phones and music players. That’s why this miniaturized version of the old wooden wonder from Schreer Delights is such a kick as an iPhone amplifier. It was either that, or design an iPhone as big as a coffee table.

Retro Brick iPhone Case

(images via: Lazybone and ClickShop)

Mobile phones have come a long way since their brick-like ancestors wowed consumers back in the 1970s… imagine what those consumers would think of the latest model iPhone? They’d be even more amazed by today’s consumers modifying their sleek iPhones with clunky, boxy, brick-like cases.

(image via: ThumbsUp!)

Why go back when the future’s where it’s at? Maybe those old-style cellphones had some advantages that have been lost along the way, such as being too big to lose? Or perhaps their owners are actually time travelers… hey, if you had to live through the Disco Era you’d want to escape too!


(image via: My Trendy Phone)

Are retrofuturistic iPhone accessories like these really veiled critiques of Apple’s much-praised but rather Plain Jane corporate style? Do stereotypically smug iPhone owners secretly crave a side-order of non-Jobsian personality with their mass-produced main course? Make of it what you will, but it just might be that Apple’s ubiquitous presence in today’s society has sparked nostalgia for times when the Apple in your pocket was destined for your teacher’s desk.

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[ By Steve in Technology & Vintage & Retro. ]

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How to Dye Vintage Clothing

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Maybe you have a piece of clothing that’s sitting around in your closet begging to be worn. Problem is, it’s a boring piece. The color is drab, dull, and just plain wrong and you’ve had enough! Into the donation pile it goes.

Stop right there. Have you ever thought of dying it a different color? No? Well, if you’re up for it, dying is a simple and cheap way to liven up a piece of clothing. Read on to learn how!

Disclaimer: First and foremost, I only recommend dying clothing that you won’t regret messing up in case things go south durnig the dying process. Leave your expensive, rare, or antique items alone or take them to a professional to see what they can do.

Materials:

  • 1 package of dye (I like RIT Dye, the powdered kind.. You can find it at craft stores)
  • Clothing (Make sure that the clothing is made out of a natural fiber like cotton. Man made materials like polyester or acrylic will not take to the dye as well, hence the colors might not be vibrant.)
  • Large bucket
  • Salt
  • Stirring stick
  • Detergent
  • Rubber gloves

(These are just some general tips, make sure to read the dye instructions for specifics!)

Directions

  1. Take the clothing you want to dye and soak it in water. Make sure it is wet through and through.
  2.  Grab your bucket and fill it with hot water. Standard practice is three gallons of water for every package. Using a little less water will result in a potentially more vibrant color.
  3. Take your dye and pre-dissolve it in two cups of hot water. The hotter the water the better. Add to this mixture 1 tablespoon of detergent and one cup of salt. The salt helps to make the color stay on the fabric. Add this to the bucket.
  4. Take your damp clothing and submerge it into the bucket filled with dye.
  5. Stir, stir, stir! You want to constantly stir the clothing to make sure it is evenly dyed. Take care that the clothing isn’t too rumpled or creased in the water to ensure that the dye has penetrated every nook and cranny. 30-60 minutes of stirring should do the trick.
  6. Put those gloves on and take your clothing out of the dye bath and into a sink. Rinse until the water runs clear. This might take a while.
  7. When the water runs clear, take your clothing and put it in the washing machine. Wash it on a cold water cycle and dry per usual.

—

Ashley Baluyut is an Orange County based blogger and writer with a serious love for vintage clothing. You can find her at her fashion and lifestyle blog MILK TEETHS or you can catch up with her latest thrift haul vintage finds on YouTube at Three Feathers Vintage.

Holiday Wishlist: Renatta

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Known around here as the “go to” girl, Renatta has been with Karmaloop since way back, and she’s pretty much worn every hat there is to wear around here (both literally and figuratively). She is super familiar with our product, so trust me when I say her wishlist is on point!

Job at Karmaloop? I manage Inbound and Merchandising operations, which at this time of year means total madness, tons of product, 24/7 work weeks, and lots of trips to our warehouse.

Describe your personal style: My personal style is edgy, but functional and I’d like to say somewhat classic. I like my dresses tight, my sweaters bold, and my shoes to stop traffic (but not to stop me) and Karmaloop keeps me on point and on trend.

Favorite part of the holiday season? I’m jaded, my favorite thing about  the holidays is the first week of January…presents are opened and returns season begins, AKA, NOT MY PROBLEM! I’m joking a little there…I like the fun of gift giving to all my favorite brats.

Renatta is wishing for…

LeSportsac Will Carry You Through Fall

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Heading out of town for Labor Day weekend? Or maybe you’ve got a mini vacay planned for Columbus Day? Perhaps visiting some family over Thanksgiving (oof, yes that is still far away!)? LeSportsac is answering the call for stylish, sturdy luggage with some on-point designs this season. Clockwise from top left: the Graphite Shimmer Expandable Upright Luggage, the Joyrich Collab Extra Large Weekender in Union Jack, the Pearl Lightning Wheeled Duffle Bag, and the Masquerade Soft Trunk Case.

OriginalFake x Porter Mobile & Camera Case

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original fake porter case OriginalFake x Porter Mobile & Camera Case

OriginalFake hook up with Japanese accessory specialists Porter on a couple of new accessory cases. Both pieces featuring KAWS’ trademark Chompers print embroidered upon a black tonal colorway. A mobile and camera version are now available via select OriginalFake retailers including L’Intrus.

SOURCE: Hypebeast

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