Gear: Necklace turns phone into a fashion accessory

How could your smart phone be handier than hanging from your neck? And wouldn’t it be nice to have some credit cards or cash there too?

That’s what you get with Vanesa Rey’s new necklace cases, sleekly designed slim wallet cases (available only for the iPhone 5 and 5s for now) that dangle from a long removable antiqued brass chain, turning functionality into jewelry.

The phone snaps into one side of the wallet, facing out so the touch screen is accessible; the other side has a cut out at the top left, making the camera and flashlight fully functional as well. Pop the snap closure and the wallet opens to reveal three slash pockets for credit cards or cash.

The case comes in solid leather or faux leather in such colors as basic black, mint, red and bright blue. Or you can go for the bling with cases embellished with splashy cut crystal in bold flower designs.

Cases in plain leather or faux leather cost $99; cases with crystal designs cost $149.

Info: Vanesa Rey