
Throughout our adventures into Wearables World we’ve come across rings that buzz to tell you if your beau (or that Tinder match with potential) is texting you, smart shirts that monitor your workout and shoe insoles that get you from A to B with an errand run along the route. Somewhere along the journey, we’ve stumbled upon accessories that do, perhaps the most useful thing for the current state of our “high-tech” lives right now: charge your phone. But they were, um, not that attractive. The QBracelet is here to help, with a stylish accessory that — surprise! — also charges your smartphone.
QBracelet wants to be the wearable you would wear regardless of its superpowers. But until you actually morph into the type of person who leaves their home everyday with a fully charged smartphone, why not use it for both, eh? It has a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can juice up through a USB port. It unites all of the phone worlds, working for Windows, Android and Apple (hallelujah!) with a micro-USB or Apple Lightning Connector to charge you up to 60% in about an hour. We might not be talking about lightening speed or a complete replacement for your charger, but we are talking about the end of the “sorry phone died :(“ text for good.
When it comes to wearables, fashion and function can be a chicken/egg scenario where it’s only obvious “what came first” if the end product is lacking in one of the areas. QBracelet is both stylish and useful enough to seem well thought out on all accounts. We chatted with COO of Q Designs, Alessandro Libani about the concept and final product and he admits: “both the function and the style of the bracelet were always at the forefront of everything we did.”
They had to make a product that worked, which meant that they had to produce a curved battery that was safe and sustainable. Then, they had to make their concept actually wearable in size and weight. “We were always mindful that if we were going to be successful, we needed to nail the fashion aspect of the bracelet,” Libani tells us. As someone who scours the web and the world for the next haute thing in wearables and as someone who, well, accessorizes with pretty jewelry, I can confirm: Yes. And yes.
Tech-sessories has been mostly a man’s world, with photos of bulky watches and hefty rings modeled on hairy-arm-and-fingered men on most wearables’ product pages and Indiegogo campaign videos, but QBracelet is unisex. And actually looks like something you + your bestie or SO could share. In a range of metallics and mattes, and at the relatively affordable retail price of $99 (though you can pre-order them at a discounted $80 right now), you could probably even justify a set. Judging from the tech-sessory’s lookbook, QBracelet can go from day to night, guy to gal better than Jawbone could ever dream of.
It’s true that we, generation smartphone, want smart homes and connected gadgets that turn any inanimate object into one that “gets” us, but the idea to start simpler, with a basic need implanted in our wearables works for us just as well as our connected kegel trackers do. But still, an innovative design and tech company will probably not rest on battery charging forever, so the “what next?” Q had to be asked — is Q2Bracelet a bangle that charges your phone and buzzes you when your Uber is arriving? Does it vibrate to indicate when your phone needs you to plug it in? Is it something different altogether, like a keychain that tells you when someone’s at the door? Alessandro says that Q Designs won’t focus solely on wearables, nor on devices that charge you up on the go, but they have some “useful and beautifully designed products made for different functions and aspects of our daily lives” in the pipeline. Sounds like a bright, if TBD, future ahead for them (and, hopefully, for our Ringly and Cuff-filled jewelry boxes, too).
What do you think of QBracelet? Is it your favorite wearable yet? Tweet us your thoughts @BritandCo!
Our undergarments might have taken a backseat in 2020, but with a new year upon us, we're feeling inspired to reprioritize our most intimate clothing layer — especially in time for Valentine's Day. Because hey, what better way to kickstart a season of self-love than by treating yourself to a confidence-boosting set of lingerie?
We turned to trusted intimates brand Adore Me to set us straight on trends for the year ahead, featuring size-inclusive bodysuits, romantic bustiers, lacy babydoll styles, and everything in between. Luxe sets start at $24.95 with free shipping and exchanges, and if you're not sure what style would work best for you, Adore Me has an at-home styling service called the Elite Box. You can try everything on from the comfort and safety of your home, keep what you love, and send back the rest totally hassle-free. Need more to pique your interest? Scroll ahead to see the silky lingerie and loungewear pieces we're adding to our cart.
Adore Me Svana Contour Set ($24.95): You can't go wrong with this playful satin cherry print and lace design.
Adore Me Luana Camisole & Short Set ($24.95): It was about time for a PJ upgrade, and this silky set is perfect for sweet dreamin' and lounging around the house.
Adore Me Gynger Unlined Set ($24.95): Va-va-voom! Hands-down the sexiest piece in the collection, this bra boasts a fiery red bow and skin-showing cups — literally confidence in a bra!
Adore Me Evetta Unlined Set ($24.95): This barely-there flouncy lace set is for when you'd almost rather wear nothing at all.
Adore Me Desirae Robe ($24.95): Take your self-care to the next level with this so-soft robe with subtle lace detailing.
Adore Me Clarisse Unlined Bodysuit ($24.95): This floral lace bodysuit with adjustable attached garters is straight out of our lingerie fantasy.
Adore Me Charlize Unlined Set ($24.95): If plum is more your power color, you'll love this sheer lace set.
Adore Me Helene Cheeky Plus (5 for $20): Our underwear drawer needs a little TLC too, and these comfy undies with coverage are the answer.
Adore Me Kaia Contour Plus Set ($24.95): Cutouts are all the rage, so why not have them in your underwear too?
Adore Me Kaia Contour Set ($24.95): Oh, and it comes in fire engine red — yes, please!
Adore Me Clarisse Bodysuit ($24.95): If you weren't sure about bodysuits, let this classic style change your mind.
Adore Me Corina Push Up Bustier ($24.95): Like more volume in the cleavage area? This sexy corset situation is for you.