I didn't think it would happen to me. For nearly a year, I'd resisted any talk of the stuff and resorted to mooching off of my friends' service when necessary. But before embarking on my solo summer travels this year, I was forced to carry my own tracking device. It's happened; I have a cell phone.
Bourgeoisie concerns aside, these shrinking bits of technology do come in handy. I've accepted my fate as a user, and keep my cell phone with me (discreet as it may be) when I go out at night. In today's world, when cells are the new watches, any goon can tell that the 1 1/2 x 3 " rectangular bulge in my pocket is no box of tic-tacs. After a month of living in my purse, my phone bore the scars of cramped handbag quarters: lipstick smudges, ink blurs, traces of lint, and a key scratch or two. In the depths of my pockets and clutches, this cellular sucker was headed for the hard knock-life and making its presence known to all.
Then, I got word from Alternative Outfitters about their cruelty-free cell phone pouches. Now, I'd always thought cell phone cases more extravagant than the phones themselves, but what hurt could a trial do?
None, apparently. Alternative Outfitters offers products that promote a 'compassionate lifestyle' free of animal products and testing. The cute Poire pouch I received was made of a silky, gel-like material as irresistible to poke as those squishy bike seats and far more comfortable than leather. Their website offers a diverse array of colors, from the girly to the chic, to the kitschy 'bouquet' design I was sent. My vegan conscience (already concerned about the resources taken for cell service) could be at ease with the knowledge that no animal suffered in the production of my newest accessory.
The fab five, however, have made it clear that cell phones are not fashion accessories. When striving for a look couture, I wouldn't suggest snapping the conveinent Poire strap through a belt loop; these pouches are much better pocketed or stored away. Besides, with a size rivaling your computer mouse, they might be a tad bulky.
What I've found since storing my phone snugly within its alternative encasing, is that my once embarrassing sign of surveillance is now much less conspicuous. The pouch looks more like a smooth wallet when in my pocket, or a stylish changepurse amid the contents of my bag. Since these cruelty-free pieces are nowhere near as mainstream as leather cell pouches, their novelty is sure to yield a compliment or two. A friend of mine could simply not get over the gel texture and insisted on pinching the pouch all evening. The dapper design of periwinkle, lilac, mint, and indigo paisleys was the subject of fawning by two of my coworkers who are now unsatisfied with their mediocre sheer and leather cell phone cases. As a conscious opportunist, I've been able to use the novelty of a neat pouch to my advantage. When people ask about the item (or wonder what in the world it is,) I have a chance to explain the merit of my cruelty-free vanity item, and maybe turn some people on to compassionate consumerism.
My phone works just as well whether it's stylishly encased or bare and a bit tattered. Nevertheless, if you are looking for a cell phone case for yourself or as a gift, the Alternative Outfitters pouches are a mindful investment, free of guilty leather aftertaste. With a modish choice from any of seventeen styles, you can still be unique---even if you do have a cell phone.
Available at www.alternativeoutfitters.com for $15.
