Sixth Times the Charm

Since I bought my new kindle last summer I've had a hard time finding a cover I really like. The first one was pretty but the fabric was a cat hair magnet. I then went with a custom cover and though I liked the look, the material was very ridged and uncomfortable to hold. I then tried several inexpensive covers but you really do get what you pay for. I then ordered another with a cute owl motif but it smelled so bad I had to send it back. So finally I deiced to splurge on this Kate Spade cover I'd been lusting over for months.

I am really happy with this one. It is made with a whimsical laminated fabric, it resists both stains and cat hair. 

Light weight but well constructed it holds my kindle securely and the inside cover has a soft suede like feel. It is very comfy to hold and the color makes a pretty background for my kawaii Gelaskin designed by Melody Miller. Now I can finally relax and read.

Spring Reading List 

I love that with my kindle I can read a sample before I buy and here are four books I'm ready to check ou this spring. I am a big fan of Emma Donoghue's and currently reading her lyrical take on fairytales, Kissing the Witch. So when I saw here newest, Astray available I knew I had to check it out. I recently finished Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit and loved Jeanette Winterson's style. If I like an author, I will read every title that sounds appealing and The Passion is considered her masterpiece. Blue Asylum is a historical drama with a unique story so yes please. Finally the newest from Joe Hill, son of horror master Stephen King. I read both his previous novels and though flawed, I enjoyed them. Just released this week, I did not hesitate to download a sample for NOS4R2, not reading too much for fear of spoilers.   

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

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

Kindle Cover Review & Giveaway!

Many e-book users are almost as invested in the covers they use as they are the actual device. Since we carry it with us almost everywhere why not? Covers also add important function as protection and by creating a comfortable reading platform. However, looks do count and I checked out four fresh options for Kindle owners. 

Halsea for M-Edge

  More and more designers are catching on to the Kindle craze and M-edge, one of the top e-cover makers has inlisted the brand Halsea to create some unique ones. This laminated cotten cover in a bold graphic is right up my love for shiny fabrics alley. It also comes in a blue/green option.

It arrived in a lovely protective storage bag and uses a simple but nicely detailed, corner strap system to hold the Kindle. I love the soft brown suede interior and the leather spine folds back easily to make holding it with one hand very easy. It is light but has a nice layer of cushy protective padding on both sides.

 I  especially love this leather seahorse detail on the back, the strap can easily be pulled around to hold the cover in place while folded back. I really love this cover and it is priced well at just 34.95.

Octovo Quilted

This is a high end leather cover who's beauty is in its simplicity. The design is carefully constructed with diamonds of real leather, some more textured than others. I can imagine over time it will only become more beautiful with wear and age.

All this simplicity gives it a super slim profile.

The color described as "nude" has a definite pink undertone, so I would call it more of a "blush". It comes packaged in a lovely box and wrapper and is priced at $75.

Octovo uses the hinge system to hold the Kindle in place, there is also one corner strap to keep it even more secure. Inside is a soft black interior with no pockets, which I really like. I think this design with a colored interior like chartreuse or turquoise would be even more striking.

 Noreve in Baby Blue

Noreve is based in France and does very high end (or as they call it "Haute couture") covers in incrediably soft leather. The super clean design is classic and it is offered in a large variety of colors and even textures.

Noreve uses their own rail system design to hold the Kindle in place and it holds it quite well. I am not really crazy about the "wallet" included on the left, I feel it adds unnecessary bulk to an otherwise sleek design. I think this would be better as an optional feature. 

Still, it is very light weight and the cover folds back easily for one handed reading. Priced at just under $75, each cover is made when ordered and can take a couple of weeks to ship.

JAVOedge Kyoto Flip  

Not only does JAVOedge bring unique fabrics to their covers but along with the traditional book style they have a cool "flip" design.  The perfect cover choice for those that like to multitask. A discreet built in stand allows the Kindle to stand up. It snaps back into place when not in use.

Very light weight, it uses this slip style sleeve to hold your reader securely and a magnet closure system that works really well. It is also the least expensive option at just under $30.

The colors were a bit of a pleasant surprise, on the site the dominant chocolate brown color you see above looks much darker almost black on the site. I much prefer this and there are surprizing pops of pink and blue as well. 

Giveaway

I will be giving away one of these fantastic covers to a lucky reader. To enter answer all three of the questions by leaving a comment below. Be sure to enter your email in the box allocated, only I can see it and this way I can contact you if you win. Only one comment entry per person, please. 

• Are you a Kindle owner (not required) or just thinking about it? 
• What is one of your favorite summer books or authors?
• What cover are you using now and which of these most appeals to you and why?

You receive an automatic bonus entry by following Pie on Facebook or earn one by tweeting about this giveaway. The contest ends at midnight (EST time) one week from today on May 31st, the winner will be chosen viar andom.org.

My Kindle is wearing the Almond Branches in Bloom skin from Gelaskin. 

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