…how do I keep up with all the new releases?…will I ever use this again?…it might not be on-brand for me, but it’s popular!…
This year has certainly brought about a new appreciation of what’s meant by saying “keeping up with current events”. Aside from the social, medical, and political turmoil* shrouding 2020, the technology and fashion worlds continued to introduce new seasonal collections and flagship devices at an almost overwhelming pace. Without fail, some of these introductions quickly rose to the top of the trending list and in turn, had us running to be a part of the waitlist. With the volume and rate at which items became “trending”, there was little time to debate investment, longevity, and practicality. For those individuals waiting to “test the waters” on these new and exciting items, their patience in purchasing may be leaving them with a premium price tag. Before shelling out top dollar, the question shifts from if you want to purchase, but rather, how do you make a choice that transcends the trends?
*Please understand that this blog is a place to voice comments and thoughts on the fashion and tech universe in an effort to bring together a community of readers with a common passion. I am in no way comparing the impacts of 2020 on retail purchasing to the disruption and unrest circling the nation in other areas; however, staying true to our conversation, I am choosing not to provide commentary on those topics. This does not diminish or lessen the focus of their importance nor is that my intention. I hope that you continue to read this post in the perspective TechCoutureGirl brings to the world.
phone emoji 
= tech talk …… handbag emoji 
= couture chat
Ratings are out of 5 possible TCG stars
2020 sure brought some “unique” concepts and devices! With disruptions in manufacturing, limited access to hardware, and evolving consumer needs, the technology world had to pivot offerings, timelines, and features in record time. Notwithstanding these challenges, tech lovers had their share of trends to pick from. While the list is lengthy and varied, the most notable trends worth exploring include…
Multiscreen Phones / Phablets: Is bigger always better? For some of the trending multiscreen devices, this is as fair a question as any other. This year we saw the introduction and evolution of phones like the Samsung Fold and Flip, Microsoft Surface Duo, LG Wing and G8X ThinQ, Motorola RAZR, and Huawei Mate X (just to name a few). Now with rollable prototypes on the horizon, this trend doesn’t seem like it’s going anywhere anytime soon. So, it’s only reasonable to ask…are they worth the investment? For generation 1 or even generation 2 devices, probably not. If you are looking to invest your time and money into a practical, functional, tried-and-true phone, then skip the glamour these devices promise and opt for newer options in the “mainstream” universe. While I’ve loved getting my hands on these trendsetters, their hardware and software are yet from being perfected enough to withstand everyday life. Pair that with the price tag, and the investment becomes a decision rooted in fascination, not function. If your disposable income and/or lifestyle permits an adventure into these devices, I say go for it! Set your device expectations as realistic as possible for a first-generation offering and you should have no issue being an innovation adopter. For the vast majority of the population, these devices/styles are not going to provide the ease of use or even durability a primary phone should offer. Verdict = Keeping Watching and Waiting
5g Everything: No matter where you look, you won’t be able to escape the sales pitch that is 5G. From phones to laptops, nearly everything with a network connection is now boasting the power of 5G. With full capabilities still rolling out in the US, 5G in its truest form is still a ways off, even for the major carriers. Without getting into the weeds on frequencies and nuances of the spectrum, it has been more the exception than the rule to actually witness 5G speeds on most devices. That being said, there is no harm in purchasing a 5G item…you’ll just be getting primarily 4G equivalent service. In my opinion, getting a device with 5G is a bonus, not something that should drive the purchasing decision. If you happen to find a phone or laptop that meets your needs and also has 5G, awesome! If you find that same device and it doesn’t have 5G, don’t let that deter you since you likely wouldn’t be reaping the benefits anyway. Ultimately, the 5G-everything trend is here to stay and will only continue to garner support as networks can provide full 5G offerings. Verdict = Adopt as a Bonus, not a Decision-Driver
Biometric & Virtual Reality Advancements: Biometric security and virtual reality (VR) have become, well, very real. With the everyday application of VR to create personalized emojis to the security frontier expanding reliance on biometric practices, these trends are not only fun and innovative but changing the consumer perspective on what’s expected in new technology. Starting with biometrics, phones and laptops have integrated these features with such practical use that we have changed our behaviors almost overnight to adapt to things like face recognition, fingerprinting scanning, and voice dictation. Similarly, VR has been introduced in a fun and novel way as to not overwhelm. Why then do these topics continue to trend if they have been so widely used and accepted over the past few years? Integration and enhancement. What can become a relatively daunting and misunderstood technological advancement, has been refined and integrated to allow for some of the most accessible security measures, relatable social interactions, and innovative problem-solving alternatives. Verdict = Adopt Where It Makes Sense, Don’t Force It
Smart Home Innovations: Venturing beyond the world of phones, laptops, tablets, etc. we have the wonderful and magical universe of smart home devices. If you can dream it, there is probably an automated way of doing it. Lights, garage doors, appliances, vacuums, thermostats, home security…it all has an option to be smart nowadays. When I found myself personally investing to make my home automated, I kept asking “why am I spending this much on [fill in the blank]” but very shortly after installation, change my tune to “how did I not have this before?!”. Smart home purchasing is, like all of the above, a personal preference; however, it differentiates itself with its overall impact on our lives in factors such as time, effort, and convenience. Having a 5G phone may not exactly do much for you on an everyday basis but an automated vacuum does hit a little differently when we break down lifestyle impact. The convenience and ability to relieve mundane activities is worth, at the very least, a consideration for offsetting the device cost. Yes, a smart garage door system is potentially costly but does the price tag outweigh the value placed on security and peace-of-mind? Similarly, are the hours spent vacuuming or regulating your home temperature worth more or less than the device cost that can free you from those tasks? When you place value on your time, effort, and convenience, the smart home device universe begins to look significantly different from the novelty it once was. As with any purchase, there is certainly a level of priority for adoption; however, I wouldn’t recommend disqualifying all devices just because some still seem a bit far-fetched. Additionally, the security, quality, and attention put into developing these items offer comfort in knowing that the glitches and quirks aren’t a dealbreaker. Yes, smart devices listen and learn, but should we really worry about living out Transformers? Doubtful. Verdict = Prioritize, Adopt, and Don’t Look Back!
This year almost felt like if you blinked, you might miss something fabulous by some designer who’s boutique would only get a handful of pieces. Oh, the stress! Add to that, collections filled with multiple items screaming “must-have” compared to past years where maybe only two or three pieces were instant hits. Blame it on the increased time buyers have on their hands, the laughable but true therapy of “add to cart”, or even the buy-it-before-price-go-up effect, but it’s obvious that fashion trends are more extensive (and accessible!) than ever. So what are the notable decision points of 2020? Let’s take a look…
Multipochette Craze: It’s undeniable that the multipochette phenomenon has taken the fashion world by storm. Prada, Louis Vuitton, and even Chanel have a variety of options to pick from. Yes, they are fashionable and will gain notice by nearly everyone passing by, but are they worth the investment? Unpopular opinion here but, no, not really. Hear me out before sharpening the pitchforks! The price is one thing, but even the price is not ridiculous for bags by these designers. The real sticking point is functionality for that price. In the $1.8k – $2k range, there are numerous other crossbody, eye-catching choices that actually hold your necessities. Plus, those alternatives don’t dangle and jingle in all the wrong places. For an average-sized US woman, the coin holder of the multipochette bag hits right at the chest and the rest of the bag doesn’t sit entirely flattering as a crossbody with the bulk of two pouches and chain. Additionally, the viable space for things like phone, wallet/cardholder, keys, etc. is pretty limited. All that aside, let’s say it is still a must-have bag for you (which I completely respect!). Access to purchase these pieces is becoming more widely available on the secondary market versus through boutique inventory translating to high premiums – putting the bag well into the $2k’s! For that price, investment in a Chanel Wallet on Chain (“WOC”), LV Pochette Métis, or Prada crossbody/shoulder bag options seem to offer more functionality and resale potential. All that said, I will end with the fact the LV Multi Pochette Accessories thick fabric strap is really fabulous and probably the most functional and versatile aspect of the purchase! Verdict = Pass on the Multi For Now
Dad Style Footwear: Over the years, chunky, thick, strappy sandals and sneakers were affectionally called by many a name, some not worth repeating 
For 2020, the trends have slapped the “dad” moniker in the title, and bam, nearly impossible to find footwear! Chanel and Louis Vuitton seem to lead the pack, but Marni, Fendi, Chloé, Bottega Venetta, and Prada aren’t far behind. These are certainly not for everyone and yes, you do need to embrace the quirkier side of fashion. Speaking from experience in my Chanel rubber dad sandals, these puppies are comfortable! For the first time, a trend that doesn’t leave your foot begging for mercy! Comfort aside (because who said fashion was meant to be comfy), these sandals and sneakers aren’t half bad as an accessory to the ever-growing community of loungewear lovers. If one thing is certain, 2020 forced a vast majority of people to re-evaluate their closet, replacing chic mid-town ensembles with streetwear-inspired athleisure looks – which, let’s be honest, saw an upward trend during 2019 anyway. In replacing the overall outfit aesthetics, the timing was perfect to introduce a bit of kitsch in our footwear. While I certainly don’t anticipate this lasting much beyond 2021, it’s going to be around long enough that investment in new collections (or hunting down previous collections) makes sense. If it isn’t your thing, certainly don’t spend the money, but, if you are on the fence and a small part of you wants to embrace this trend, I offer the following advice: don’t replace your whole shoe-game, but go for it with a handful of pieces. Your feet will thank you and the vibe they offer is pretty fun too. Verdict = Invest in a Few Key Pieces
Reissue/Re-Edition: Well, as the saying goes, “everything old is new again”! This year has seen a resurgence in all things throwback. Chanel has been successful with their “Reissue” collections for years, and now other designers are deciding to dust off the time capsule and give a few classics some new life. Prada, Gucci, Dior, and Givenchy are all bringing back the old-school vibes. Prada opted to give new life to their 2000 and 2005 nylon designs, Gucci ushered back their most iconic look with the Jackie, Dior relished in their popularity with the return of the Saddle Bag, and Givenchy took a walk on the softer side with the new Antigona Soft. All-in-all, these were selected for a reason and their sophistication, recognition, and cult following blended into 2020 seamlessly. Aside from potentially taking away the allure of their vintage counterparts, the re-edition is quite endearing and a well-executed nod to the designs launching many of these designers into the “it” category. As with their predecessors, these trends are worth the notoriety being received; however, their resale value has yet to be determined since they are a replica of the classics. Overall, if you can digest the price, these are sound investments for a personal collection and everyday use. Verdict = Resale Potential Aside, Go For It
Iridescent and Holographic Accessories: Oh the controversy on this trend. Wait, you haven’t heard?! When the pre-spring/summer ’21 collections started showing iridescent and holographic pieces by the truckload, some in the lux community immediately shared impressions giving a nod to those bad 90’s mall kiosk bags. As photos refined and the collections ventured into the SLG universe, sentiments started to shift from “ummmm?!” to “ahhhh!”. I’ll start by offering that not all iridescent and holographic fabrics, styles, and designers are created equal; however, for those that got it right, they really got it right. Being introduced (in moderation) with many fall/winter ’20 collections, iridescent notes were offered as more of an accent to pop the upcoming winter glow. Well, shortly thereafter, accents shifted from s supporting role into a lead actor for pieces making their way to boutiques in late 2020 and into early 2021. Chanel most notably included this in a substantial number of their handbag and SLG pieces (starting with the Rainbow/Mermaid bag in 2020) and Louis Vuitton and Dior are looking a bit shinier than usual going into the new year. Beyond handbags, clothing trends are also spotlighting these trends meaning you won’t be able to look anywhere without proper eye protection 
Jokes aside, it’s refreshing to see a redefinition of “neutral” and designers integrating a potentially obnoxious look into everyday pieces that grab attention in a good way. With the wide selection of pieces available to embrace this trend, it’s reasonable to jump on board. SLG’s and smaller-sized bags seem to offer the most versatility and longevity. Investing in a large or oversized bag with this look may venture into the 90’s obnoxious grey space and leave you with a piece more difficult to resell down the line. Verdict = Invest…But Think Small When Buying
I would be remiss to round out a 2020 trends post without the honorable mention of micro/mini bags. The commentary here is pretty simple – functional, no…fashionable, yes. You won’t be carrying around much of value in these little cuties, but boy do they make a statement! Since I tend to invest in more chameleon-type pieces (think pouches that can be both organizers and clutches) these haven’t been a huge priority for me but the 2021 Chanel pieces that marry micro and accessories (necklaces, belts, etc.) might just have me converting. This is a trend that’s going to have its moment well into 2021 but is truly a trend for trend’s sake. Yes, it’ll be on every “it” celeb and serve as a status symbol for a little while longer, but let’s keep it 
…one key, a stick of gum, and two credit cards don’t really need a $1k home. I’ll buy them a nice handbag condo for that price 
I feel it my responsibility to this amazing TCG community to end this post with a few words regarding purchasing trends from the secondary market, including both tech and fashion. As of late, social media has been exploding with nightmare stories of fraudulent sales tactics and less than authentic goods marketed as genuine. Pair that with Instagram disabling legitimate, verified sellers and personal shoppers and it’s hard to know which way is up sometimes. I’ll leave you with my thoughts I posted a few weeks back. We should not let the bad apples be a reason to burn down the orchard and turn our back on this market. Instead, buyer (and seller) education, speaking out, and supporting those on both sides by listening and learning is the path forward. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, do your research, and follow your intuition 
