Now Ear This

By Jen Van Tieghem

We Are Frends

Headphones rarely make fashionistas smile from ear to ear. We Are Frends set out to change that by creating high-quality electronics that provide a stylish look for listeners.

“We believe a women’s headphone should function as a fashion accessory and seamlessly integrate into their lives without having to give up sound quality,” says marketing manager Sheen Moaleman, who works at the company’s U.S. headquarters in Encinitas.

Crafted using techniques common to jewelry design, We Are Frends headphones incorporate genuine leather and finished metals. The ear buds sport gold accents. Over-ear versions are designed with a slim silhouette that looks sleek while preventing hair snags, and angled ear cushions that allow the wearer to rock her favorite pair of earrings while rocking out to her favorite tunes.
$99-$199, wearefrends.com

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JLab Audio - The Shaker

JLab’s new portable Bluetooth speaker, The Shaker, turns a table (or wall, countertop or other flat surface) into an
instant amplification device.

“The size of this product and the sound it delivers will truly blow you away,” says Win Cramer, president of the Oceanside-based company. “You could pay double for a competitor’s product and not come close the audio experience.”

The Shaker sports a 10-hour battery, suction cup or screw-mount and impressive, decidedly un-flat sound.
$69.99, jlabaudio.com