Designer Gadgets

It's not unusual to see a designer smartphone with dumbed-down specs, but the latest entry to the designer gadget lineup seems to be packing both brains and looks. The Android-running Prada Phone by LG is a skinny one (naturally) at 8.5mm thick, and comes packed with a 4.3-inch touchscreen display, a 1.0Ghz dual-core processor for speed, 8GB of onboard storage, and an 8MP rear-facing camera so you can snap crystal clear photos of your daily outfits.

The signature Saffiano pattern on the backside adds a touch of class to the phone, while a whole range of Prada-branded extras, including a docking station, Bluetooth headset, and headphones, keep you accessorized. Unfortunately, for those of us stateside, the Prada phone will only be available in the UK for now (at a shockingly low price — free on a two-year contract), but you can fuel your dreams with a better look at the phone in the video after the break.

Cases, clutches, and bags for your iPad come in all shapes and sizes, but there's only one Diane von Furstenberg Harper Connect Leather Bag, which comes complete with a price tag of $695.

The Harper comes with a fitted side pocket and a special flap, so you always have access to your tablet, wherever you are, and, of course, a fancy tassel to add a bit of class. It's not the first bag to fit and show off the iPad, but it certainly could be the priciest. But with DVF, you're paying for quality.

Not to be outdone by any possible new celebrity-endorsed gadgets at this year's CES, Beats by Dre has partnered up with designer Oscar de la Renta for the ultimate in fashion and performance — a limited-edition set of silver fox-covered Beats complete with CloudTalk so you can chat on your iPhone and walk the urban catwalk at the same time.

These plush cans remind me of earmuffs I used to wear as a kid, but are definitely more expensive. They come with an equally luxurious price tag of $695. Your music had better be on point.

If the tech clutch trend isn't quite your thing, consider spending the many gift cards you'll no doubt receive this season on a luxurious Julia Embossed Metallic Universal Clutch ($58) from Coach.

It's got "universal" in the name because it can hold your smartphones, small digital cameras, and MP3 players, either keeping them safe in a bag or on your wrist during a night out on the town. It's shiny, it's beautiful, it's totally Winter appropriate.

All this gift guide talk has me in the mood to shop. If I had to choose, I might decide to pick up this beautiful Tory Burch Printed E-Tablet Case ($135) for myself this year. Coming in an 8-inch-by-10-inch size, this case fits your iPads and other tablets and protects with a layer of coated poplin and canvas with a zipper closure.

What do you think — would this designer case be on your wish list this year?