30 percent of online apparel buyers read customer reviews at least monthly. — Forrester Research Inc.
Smart and Crafty
Syuzi Pakhchyan’s “Fashioning Technology” ($30, O’Reilly Media) shows sewers how to stylishly include interactive materials in do-it-yourself projects such as totes and jewelry. This solar-powered brooch chirps when it sees the sun. The brooch’s electronic circuit board is designed to be both functional and decorative: It’s printed in the shape of an owl.
Fashion Votes
Three designers chosen by the MyItThings fashion community will show on the runway in New York in October. One will win $5,000 and sell his or her collection on the site. Here, a look by finalist Nora del Busto. The other two finalists are Wakana Koike and Adolfo Sanchez.
Space Saver
Motorola’s Moto U9 combines phone, music and camera in one device that retails for $276. Available in gray, pink and purple.