The sun is finally making a belated spring appearance here in PDX, and with the warmer weather comes the desire to crack open a beer (or perhaps some hard cider) and enjoy some tasty grilling with friends. I have found the perfect hipster bottle opener that’s sure to appeal to many – check out this recycled bicycle gear that’s been modded into a highly functional and visually pleasing tool for bottle access. No microbrew will remain closed to you with this toothy accessory. Constructed up north in Seattle, WA by the indie designers of SteelToeStudios, each bottle opener is made from a bike gear welded to a re-purposed steel bushing. Next it’s oxidized and then hot waxed for an attractively dark patina. Every opener is hand-manufactured by Erica from available parts, so each one that’s produced is actually unique and will resemble the image below. Ready made for splendid gift giving, the bottle opener will arrive on a key chain in a reusable tin that is lined with a piece of recycled bicycle tube. A very appealing and reasonably priced utilitarian bit of indie fashion that supports access to chilled goodness. Summer preparedness here I come!
I recently got one of these great organic cotton bra’s, and I am impressed with how much I like the fit and the ability to carry music while walking or working out. The addition of the small kangaroo pocket to a sports bra seems intuitive, and the ability to carry a music player, identification or money quickly becomes normal. Add in the earth friendly decision to utilize organic cotton as the primary ingredient, and the mi-Bra is a welcome addition to any girls’ wardrobe. The creator of the mi-Bra is Carolina Baker, and she says she was inspired to create this eco-friendly bra when she took up long distance running and wanted to take her music with her. The product is comfortable, useful, and made with 90% organic cotton and 10% spandex; featuring a no-frills pocket for you to place your ipod into when exercising. Billed specifically for the nano sized ipod, if you are smaller chested even an older “full size” ipod can be carried with safety and general comfort. The small pocket is placed right in the middle of the chest, in the cleavage zone. It has an elasticized opening on top for dropping in your goods, plus a tiny ear phones wire outlet at the bottom. The non-binding cut of the shoulders provides one of the most comfortable sports bra fits that I have found – the freedom of arm movement is great. When exercising while wearing the sports bra I feel supported, but not restricted. Pretty perfect. Available in sizes small through large, the only color choice currently is black. I also like that there is no annoying tag to be cut out, the garment information is printed on the inside of the racer-back. I have been washing and wearing mine with some regularity and it has remained color-fast, and continues to fit well. The mi-Bra can be machine washed in cold water and dried with like colors. Interested? Check out this on YouTube.