Tech Gadgets Under $30 That Can Upgrade Your Style

Can tech gadgets under $30 upgrade your style by leaps and bounds? We will find out in this discussion of gadgets under $30 in the tech world. A discussion of tech-created items that evolved from when functionality and fashion are integrated to create daily style.

Episode Transcript

(00:00):
Welcome to the on-board sleepers in my head.

(00:03):
Welcome.
This is MVFW, Metaverse Fashion Week Talk and News.
Hey, everyone.
You ever scroll through Instagram or whatever
and see people rocking these crazy outfits and think,
OK, how much did that cost?
Yeah, the whole fashion tech world
can feel kind of intimidating.
Like, is this stuff only for millionaires?
Exactly.

(00:24):
Get this.
You can totally nail that high-tech fashion vibe
without going broke.
And that's what we're diving into today.
We're going to unlock the secrets to looking like a million
bucks using tech accessories that are all under 30 bucks.
I'm talking about smart jewelry that looks designer, light up
clothes, and even fabrics that react to your mood.
It's wild how tech is like merging with fashion, right?

(00:47):
It's not just about being practical anymore.
It's about expressing yourself through tech.
For sure.
OK, let's start with the classic jewelry.
It can totally make or break an outfit.
But those designer brands, ouch.
Yeah, you could easily drop a month's rent
on a single bracelet.
But what if you could get that Cartier
vibe with health tracking?
Oh, tell me more.
Enter the Bella Beatleaf Urban.

(01:09):
This thing is a total game changer.
So it's like a fitness tracker disguised as a fancy bracelet.
Kind of, but it's way more than that.
It's made with natural materials, like wood and silver.
So it has that same organic look as like John Hardy or Alex
and Ani.
Oh, so it blends in seamlessly, but still tracks
your steps and all that?
Exactly.

(01:29):
It's subtle tech with major style points.
And if you're looking for even more affordable options,
hit me with them.
Brands like Ringley and Michael Kors
have some surprisingly luxe smart rings and bracelets,
especially if you catch them on sale.
Ooh, good sale.
Always a win.
OK, so we talked about jewelry.
But lighting can also completely transform your look.

(01:51):
Oh, absolutely.
Think about those fashion photo shoots.
They use lighting to create drama, highlight textures.
You can do the same thing with your clothes.
Me like carry a spotlight everywhere I go.
Uh-huh, not quite.
I'm talking about things like LED collar clips.
LED collar clips, what are those?
They're these tiny little lights you clip on your collarbone.
It creates this subtle glow that adds a touch

(02:12):
of mystery and sophistication.
Wait, so it's like a statement necklace, but with tech.
Exactly.
And if you want to go even bolder,
LED shoelaces are where it's at.
LED shoelaces?
So my shoes light up.
I mean, how does that even work?
Most of them use Bluetooth.
You just download an app, connect it to the laces,
and boom, you've got a mini light show on your feet.

(02:32):
No way.
That's too cool.
Can you like customize the colors and patterns?
Oh, yeah.
Depending on the brand, you can do all sorts of crazy stuff,
make patterns, adjust the brightness,
even sync them to music.
All right, I'm sold.
Now, before we move on, I got to ask you about smart brooches.
Those are super cool.
They're like tiny programmable displays.
You can have them show animations, custom messages,

(02:55):
even support a cause.
Whoa, like a walking billboard for your personality.
Pretty much.
OK, let's be real for a sec.
Our phones are basically glued to our hands these days,
so why not make them stylish too?
True.
I've seen those pop socket, pop wallet plus things.
They're pretty slick, right?
Yeah.
They're a phone grip and a card holder in one.
So perfect for that minimalist look,
and they come in all sorts of cool designs.

(03:16):
Right.
It's like the little details make all the difference.
Even something like a phone ring with crystals
or a designer-inspired phone chain.
Oh, yeah.
Those small touches can totally elevate a simple outfit.
Totally.
OK, so we talked about bling and lights.
What about everyday wearables like fitness trackers?
Some of those can be a bit clunky.
True, but the Xiaomi Mi Band and the Honor Band series

(03:37):
are proof that fitness trackers can be sleek and stylish.
What makes them different?
They use metallic finishes and have these slim designs,
so they look more like a bracelet than a clunky tracker.
Oh, so you could stack them with your other bracelets.
Totally, or wear it solo for a minimalist vibe.
They're super versatile.
I love it.
OK, get ready, because now we're entering the future.

(03:58):
Smart fabrics.
Smart fabrics.
Before we go there, I think we should quickly
cover what smart fabrics are, just in case.
Yeah, that's probably a good idea.
Basically, they're fabrics that have tech woven into them,
like LEDs, sensors, or conductive fibers.
It allows the fabric to be interactive or responsive.
OK, that makes sense.
So it's not just about how it looks.
The fabric itself is smart.

(04:19):
Exactly.
So back to smart fabrics.
I read about a scarf that lights up with LED patterns
that you can control with an app.
That's right.
Imagine wearing a piece of clothing that's
also a piece of tech art, and it doesn't stop there.
What else is there?
There's heat reactive color changing accessories,
and even gloves that let you use your phone
without taking them off.

(04:40):
Whoa.
It feels like we're living in a sci-fi movie.
I know, right?
It's such an exciting area of fashion,
and it's only going to get more innovative in the future.
OK, last but not least, we have to talk about smart glasses.
Yeah, those designer ones can be super pricey,
but there are tons of stylish and affordable options
out there.
So what should we look for?
Blue light glasses with audio features

(05:01):
are a great multipurpose option.
They protect your eyes, and you can listen
to music or podcasts on the go.
Oh, that's pretty cool.
And what about sunglasses?
UV reactive sunglasses are having a moment.
They darken automatically in sunlight.
Super cool and practical.
Perfect for those of us who forget to switch sunglasses.
So we've covered a lot of ground here, from subtle upgrades

(05:21):
to super futuristic pieces.
Remember, all this stylish tech is under $30.
You don't need to break the bank to express yourself.
So how do you know what's right for you?
Think about the message you want to send.
Do you want subtle tech integration
or to make a bold statement?
I love that.
It's like these accessories are tools for self-expression.

(05:42):
Exactly.
Have fun, experiment, and find what works for you.
That's such good advice.
So stay curious, keep exploring, and see
how you can elevate your look with a little help
from technology.
And who knows?
Maybe you'll start the next big trend.
That's it for this deep dive.
We'll catch you the next one.
See you then.