Fossil-ize

Fossil has started creating fun and funky cases for e-readers. They sent me their newest "Key-Per" design to test out and review for Pie. It is both the perfect cover for traveling or everyday.

It has 4 credit card slots, several pockets, including a hidden one behind the reader and a secure zippered closure. Both the exterior and interior use a laminated cotton, which I love. It could easily be used on its own as an all in one clutch. Though it is still slim and light enough to fit into a medium size purse.

It securely holds either a Kindle 2 (above) or the Nook. A smaller version for the new Kindle 3 is in the works. It does not fold back but does lay flat when opened. You can also remove the reader easily if you prefer to read that way. 

Love this key charm detail on the zipper. This cover will be available in mid October. Can't wait? Check out this groovy sleeve option.

UPDATE! The cover is now available! Click here to order. Or win this one!

 all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

postcards by Emily Winfield Martin via The Black Apple

Case in Point

I love this unique zippered folio style design by Abas, a high end leather company that retails through stores like Neiman Marcus. With the zippered closure this design does double duty as a cover and a case. Overall, in my search for a stylish and colorful iPad cover the pickens were slim. So I was excited to stumble onto these, offered in a variety of colors and styles. 

This cover is the very opposite of bland. Made from high quality leather, the design is functional while remaining sleek and lovely, not only to look at but to touch. Surprisingly lightweight, it still provides more than ample protection, especially to the corners of your iPad. This style retails for $135, a reasonable price for a cover of this quality. 

The construction is exceptional with a unique curved shelve system which holds the iPad securely and cutouts for access to ports and speakers. It is a touch tricky to reach the on/off switch but this has become easier with use. A well tailored pocket on the facing side gives storage for business cards and photography promos and it's lined with a tasteful, understated pinstripe. It folds back easily, making it a perfect users platform as well. Abas also makes a classic book style cover, a sleeve and will soon offer a flip style design with a built in stand. 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

An e-Book Cover Guide

Afte the holiday there is bound to be a number of new Kindle, Sony Reader and Nook owners as the recent serge in e-book popularity continues. As users of these devices soon learn, what you choose to cover it with, is almost as important as the choice of device itself. Maybe it is the delicate screen, or the need to have a book like feel or just a desire to make it look fabulous. Whatever it is, there are a number of covers on the market and it can get a little confusing. I have owned two Kindles and have tried many different options, here is my rundown of those that stand out. 

Oberon Cover & Borsa Bella Case

 First, it is important to know the difference between a cover and a case, many confuse the two. A cover is fitted on your reader in some way and provides protection when closed and support as a reading platform when in use. Most fold back so you can comfortably read it with one hand. While a case can be a "sleeve" type container that can protect your reader without a cover or a larger version, designed to hold your reader in a cover for added protection. Anyone that has experienced the aftermath of a leaky water bottle or uncapped pen in their purse or bag, will understand the need for a case for your cover.

The Oberon cover above are embossed leather and a distinctive and popular choice, though pricey at $75 and up. While Borsa Bella makes a variety of cases from sleeves to travel bags and will even customize them with your own fabrics. You can find some sportier options from Belkin and Waterfield  

A "Naked" Kindle Sleeve from Borsa Bella

M-edge Go CoverM-edge is another popular brand with a slick look in a variety of colors and styles. I tried their Go cover, a very simple design offered in a rainbow of colors, that utilizes the hinge system along with elastic corners. I liked this cover, though it was a little heavier than I expected. The gray interior is a little drab as well but soft and comfortable to hold. There is also no closure, which takes away from the security factor. Cole Haan also offers some nice options (for Kindles only), though they are also one of the priciest starting at $99.

Javoedge Flip Cover

 After reviewing Javoedge covers back in August for Pie, they have become my new favorite. I bought this red cherry blossom cover about two months ago and love it. Very light weight and priced under $50, they come in an array of cool styles and colors. I really love the magnetic closure and it holds the reader very securely with a built in sleeve. I also love how comfortable it is to hold and the flip style is incredibly handy, allowing you to stand it up and read hands free. They also have great customer service, when my first cover arrived damaged, they made the exchange process very easy.

All of these, with the exception of Cole Haan, also offer covers for the Kindle DX, Sony Readers and are adding or have added Nook covers to their lines. TheNook also has a variety of interesting covers commissioned by an accessory savvy B&N, who hooked up with high profile designers like Kate Spade and Jonathan Adler. Oh and don't forget to check out etsy for something handmade and very unique. I just discovered these very tempting covers by hob-op.

As a special Pie promotion, just through Saturday, the 10th, use the promo code: Piewacket and get 10% off your Borsa Bella order! 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol