Tech gadgets are becoming increasingly incorporated into clothing, enhancing function and giving it a modern edge. Living in our fast-paced, highly tech-driven society, it is no wonder the fashion industry is becoming a number one hotspot for inserting gizmos. Turning snaps into switches, electronics are being integrated into fabrics and here are some really neat wearable tech fashions merging fashion and practicality for the future.

Sports EyeTap

A very cool, sci-fi looking device that may one day come to replace eye glasses- the Sports EyeTap allows the wearer, while in a stadium, to follow a particular player in a field and have the EyeTap display statistics relevant to that player in a floating box above. This kind of technology would be useful in just about any field where a user would benefit from real-time interactive information. The EyeTap is also being explored as a potential tool for individuals with visual disabilities.

Pollution Dress

Designed to raise environmental awareness, the LED-Equipped “Climate” Gown responds to carbon dioxide in the atmosphere using conductive embroidery that transmits information to hundreds of tiny LED’s laced into the dress. This results in patterns that range from slow pulses to rapid flashes depending on the concentration of the greenhouse gas.

AK-39

Though for now the AK-39 is a wearable keyboard intended specifically for military use, devices like it are already underway for the general public, providing instant and reliable means of communication. Designed by iKey to be worn on the arm, this rugged keyboard provides a simple compact data-input solution that does not restrict the user’s arm movements. It is designed to meet MIL-461 standards and is intended for use in very harsh electro magnetic interference (EMI) environments, as well as withstand harsh environmental conditions such as rain, dirt or extreme temperatures.

Hug Shirt

The shirt that lets you give love even when you’re far away, the Hug Shirt, made by Cute Circuit, allows you to send and feel hugs to and from other Hug Shirt owning friends. The Hug Shirt is filled with wearable sensors and actuators, with a Bluetooth and Java enabled mobile phone- running on the ‘Hug Me’ Java software application. The sensors feel the strength of the touch, the warmth of the skin and the heart-rate.

MOTION RESPONSE sportswear

Designed by Kerri Wallace, MOTION RESPONSE sportswear, uses thermochromic printing techniques which enable fabric to change color in response to the wearer’s heart rate and body temperature. Much like the concept of a mood ring, the fabrics change colours based on the change in temperature. The technical term for this is thermochromism and as the athlete heats up, the Thermochromic ink disappears while the Thermochromic Liquid Crystal (TLC) ink becomes colorful. The color spectrum ranges from clear to turquoise to black and allows you, as well as others, to see the intensity of your workout.

HP Mini 1000 Vivienne Tam

Every lady needs a good clutch and now it seems she also won’t leave the house without her computer. Vivienne Tam’s stylish computer clutch has a 60GB hard drive and weighs 1kg. It has a 10-inch LCD display, a built-in webcam, and is powered by Intel Atom N270 1.6GHz processors. Designed for the fashion-forward, woman on-the-go; the HP Mini 1000 sells for $1,199.

Dream Jammies

There is an element of creepy to this wearable tech fashion. Dream Jammies allow you to see how your loved ones are sleeping, even if they are on the other side of the world. The pajamas’ sensors are embedded into the embroidery and connect you to your loved ones’ phone which then displays an ambient colour that represents the state of sleep.

Designer and inventor, Alexander Reeder explains: “As you lay down to sleep, the screen fades from green to blue, the shade of blue reflecting your body temperature. As you roll around, the screen flickers red. By shaking the iPhone your partner is able to reach out, causing the chest of your pajamas to vibrate. Not pleasant while you sleep, but a perfect alarm clock. Not only are you able to keep in touch while living on opposite sides of the world, Dream Jammies offer insight into how you sleep by capturing data as you snooze.”

I often think to myself, sitting on the bus, waiting at the passport office, shopping for groceries, “Why can’t real life be more like musicals?” “When will everyone breakout into that song and dance we all magically know?” Well, Daffy’s, a renowned New York-based fashion outlet seems to have shared my sentiment, and put into motion an advertising campaign that has made my musical dream one step closer to reality.

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As pretty as snow can be, facing brutally cold temperatures, seeing my skin turn a translucent hue of mucous green and watching night fall by 4:30 in the afternoon often carries my brain to a very dark place. I am a summer girl. I like sunshine, hot, humid, sticky air, and seeing beautiful people dilly-dallying the streets half-naked. Alas, I live in a country with four seasons and will not be leaving any time soon, therefore I’ve decided there is only one way to overcome the winter-blues and that’s to immerse myself in at least one winter activity. So, after almost six years away from the slopes I’m strapping on my fluorescent yellow 1987 K2 Batman skis and letting the cool winter air put a twinge of colour back into my booger cheeks while I bomb down the hills.

But what to wear? Here are some of the hot and practical fashion trends (yes they do exist) I’ve compiled to rock the slopes in style.

Snowsuit

One of the big snowsuit trends this year is the one-piece. Though I remember making fun of these not too far back, I have to admit that they really are the most effective ways of keeping snow out and the bod nice and warm. When it comes to winter clothing I always look for quality, durability and style so I tend to stick with reputable name brands such as North Face, Burton and Columbia.

My pick:

North Face Women’s Shugga one-piece snow Suit. The Shugga one-piece is pricy ($498.95) but North Face always offers lifetime warranties and is amongst the warmest of winter-wear out there. Some of the features include:

• Waterproof breathable HyVent 2L denim and fully taped seams block wetness
• 60/80 Grams of Heatseeker insulation in torso, butt, and knees for extra warmth where you need it
• Underarm vents and Chimney Venting System in pants (thigh and gaiter vents) dump excess heat
• Leg gaiters keep snow out on deep pow days
• Adjustable waist-belt for the right fit
• Lycra hand cuffs bridge the gap between cuffs and gloves

Boots

Whether I’m on the hill or cozying up at a ski lodge, sipping a yummy alcoholic beverage to warm my tummy, I like to walk around in a lightweight and warm pair of ski boots. Ski boots represent a considerable investment but they’re not the place to trim your ski budget. Look for a boot that provides comfort, but that keeps the foot secure. If the foot is not secure you will lose mechanical advantage while skiing.

My pick:

The Salomon Foil Ski boot. It’s gotten excellent reviews. Very comfortable, highly adjustable, lightweight, buckles easily and retains warmth.

Goggles

One of the most important pieces of equipment for any snowboarder or skier is a quality pair of ski goggles. They protect your eyes from the snow in harsh conditions and keep them from tearing while you are going down the hill. If you wear a helmet then look for a pair of goggles that are helmet compatible.

My pick:

Smith Anthem Goggles. They are the top rated and most popular ski goggles for women. The design best fits women’s facial features, which means no sliding off your face. The Smith goggles are helmet compatible and they come with a protective microfiber storage bag.

Gloves

I have incredibly bad circulation so a warm pair of gloves is an absolute must.

My Pick:

Marmot’s Randonnee Gloves provide excellent water resistance and can withstand repeated wet/dry cycles without cracking. Plus, they are twice as warm as many similar insulations, yet not as bulky.

Hat

No only do I have a profound love for hats, but also for men in diesel clothing. So, to at least partially get the best of both worlds, I’ve decided to marry hat and Diesel into one deliciously warm head-fashion accessory.

My Pick:

The Diesel Eyecapa Cap. This will definitely be my fashionable head warmer on the slopes as I am also mad about pompoms. Made of 80% wool and 20% nylon, I can be assured maximal warmth and a whole lotta style.

Isn’t it odd how the emaciated Lindsay Lohan’s and Nicole Richie’s of the world like to swim in large fabrics, while some of their more ample-sized counterparts seem to have no problem busting out of their crop-tops and low-waisted jeans with their muffin tops hanging out? The media and fashion industry cruelly make fashion victims of the impressionable and here are some examples of the grossly unflattering fashion missteps people make by either trying to squeeze into the wrong sizes or by drowning in clothes that don’t fit.

Baggy In All The Wrong Places

Maybe it’s just me, but it seems the only explainable reason for skinny celebrities to wear such unflatteringly large garbs must be to hide an eating disorder. Either that, or a baby bump. But with their alcohol and drug consumption, we sure hope not, as the pregnancy would surely be a cause for medical alarm.

Solution: If you have a skinny bodytype and don’t want to accentuate your bony structure you can still wear tailored clothing. In fact, baggy clothes may highlight your inability to fill out clothing.  If you’re looking for an alternative to the skinny-pant try a flared or boot-cut instead. Layered clothing is also an asset to skinny women. Pairing a sleeveless cardigan with a fitted tee is a good example. Belts are another way of adding shape to your body.

Tight In All The Wrong Places

Where to begin while trying to avoid ejecting part or all of the contents of the stomach through the mouth, usually in a series of involuntary spasmic movements? These outfits go beyond the realms of trashy.  For what not to do, consult the above photo. Big can be beautiful, but let’s tidy up the packaging a little. Lacing ropes tightly up and down your pudge is no good way to attract attention. Also, even the nicest of asses should leave themselves to be discovered, rather than flag themselves at onlookers against their will.

Solution: I’m not at all suggesting that fuller figured women hide themselves from head to toe. Most men enjoy something to hold on to, but it would be nice if they also felt comfortable bringing you to a restaurant. Finding a bra that fits is key. Most decent lingerie stores have women who will measure and fit you. Keeping the girls up where they should be will make the rest of dressing easier. Go for clothing that is tailored, but not form-fitting. Purchase skirts and dresses that go to the knee, and avoid the skinny jean. Pants should be boot cut or slightly flared and go all the way to the ground. Avoid round necked and extremely deep ‘V’ cut tops; instead opt for blouses, three quarter lengthed sleeve tops or a wrap top.

Hips Don’t Lie

Curves are one of the most beautiful and defining traits of woman, but for those packing in a lot of extra badonkadonk, form-fitting attire that looks like it has been painted on to the skin is not the way to go. Also, structured corsets squeezing your upper half don’t help either. Detailing on the hip itself is another no-no, because it leads the eye to what you’ve now made into a problem area.

Solution: For bigger hips, bring the attention upwards. Wear shirts with texture, detailing or other accents. Look for a boot or straight leg pant, steering very clear of the skinny jean which will only amplify the pear shape. If you need to wear a belt, stay away from the bulky loud ones. For dresses, seek out ones with a high, umpire waist which will detract from the hips and bring out your bust.

Inedible Muffin Tops

Mmmmmmany women are leaving the house with untucked rolls nowadays. Yes, we love a low-waisted jean, but not if it reveals a tire of belly and back-fat. These are the things that make a curvy body look wrong, when curvy women are so right.

Solution: Get a nice pair of moderate to high-waisted jeans. Wear your shirt tucked in, or long, past the waist of the jeans. Avoid crop tops or shirts that show your skin whenever you’re reaching for something. Pants you have to pull up or shirts you have to pull down are only a struggle and a bulge revealer.

Sausage Rolls

Some people think that squeezing oneself into a tight body stocking is a good way to seem slim. A slim Jim is more like it. If you have to lie down on a bed to get your pants up, they are too tight.

Solution: Skinny jeans can be fabulous. The key is to find some with a good amount of stretch to them so they aren’t cutting off your circulation. Non-stretch jeans will also stretch out more and not go back to their original size as easily.

Peek-a-butt

We all have one, but some of us feel more like sharing than others. This semi-exhibitionist trend is beyond me.

Solution: Guys, pull up your pants and purchase a belt.

Tall Tees

Shirts like these are great paired with such eloquent expressions as ‘”hey brah” and “dude, your kicks are tight”. They aren’t, however, good for second dates or respect.

 Solution: Long shirts only make you look shorter, which for a man is not ideal. Tall Tees if they must exist at all are, as the name suggests, for tall people. Crop it. Stop it.