Proud Big Sister
May 21st, 2012 by ame
I’m a proud sister of a killer athlete.
Archive for the 'The Pursuit of Techyness.' Category
A Night Out with Birchbox & Gossip Girl
May 15th, 2012 by ame
The lovely Kelly Rutherford as our Host!
As an avid viewer of Gossip Girl since the very beginning, I was beside myself when I was invited to attend a private screening of the Gossip Girl season finale with fellow beauty and fashion addicts in NYC. The sponsors, Gossip Girl/The CW and Birchbox just added to the excitement (and awesome giveaways).
The evening started out with cocktails (champagne and a special drink created for the event) coupled with mini-treatments from Stila, Caudalie, andKérastase. Since I arrived late (I blame the rain!), thankfully I was able to squeeze in a hand massage courtesy of Caudalie (and some champagne too!)
Then it was off to the screening room to watch the season finale of Gossip Girl on the big screen.
Kelly kicking things off in the screening room
First – the screening room was incredibly luxurious – wonderful chairs, a big HD screen, and it smelled incredible (strange to say but I was shocked because usually rooms like that smell weird.)
Instead of commercials, we heard from the show’s hair/makeup team, Kelly, and the production team, who answered hot button questions like “Team Chuck or Team Dan?” and “Rufus or Bart?” as well as divulging hair/makeup tips and tricks from the show.
While in the company of fellow CW-ites and #GG fans, the reaction during the show was pretty hilarious — usually I’m watching at home, and it was the first time I’ve watched a CW show with a large group of girls since my sorority days back at Kappa Alpha Theta at Syracuse University.
Birchbox Gifts for the Guests!
In true Birchbox fashion (I love their events), a special birchbox was available for each guest to take home and enjoy. Overall, I had a wonderful time and can’t wait for the next event hosted by birchbox.
I’m a Cartoon on DrawNYC!
May 7th, 2012 by ame
DrawNYC, my friend Randeep’s infamous tumblr of cartooned new yorkers juxtaposed against real photo backgrounds has featured me in today’s photo!
Randeep’s blog, which has been picking up serious traction after being featured on BuzzFeed, Mashable, and Laughing Squid just to name a few, showcases his daily warmup work before heading into the office.
Thanks to Randeep for featuring me on his blog today!
Converted: a Paper-Book Traditionalist Shares her Perspective
March 26th, 2012 by ame
My co-ed, catholic grade school in Northwest Ohio was a participant in a program called Accelerated Reader (“AR”), and like many other schools in the area, instated a minimum number of “points” each student had to achieve each quarter (earned by reading books and passing computerized quizzes).
For those of you unfamiliar with AR, it’s a reading program where students read books, and then have to take a quiz that will score you on your reading comprehension of the book.
At our school we had a challenge – earn the most points in your grade and win a prize. And did i mention that it’s announced in front of the entire school at the closing mass of the year? Needless to say, I wanted to win. And win I did. Every year.
Yea I’m an overachiever. I know.
Over the years, my love of reading has remained constant, but drifted away from me for a while, replaced by computers. I just found it harder to sit still and read something when there was so much to be experienced and learned on the internet.
Over the years, I tried to get into the whole ereader thing. I bought a first generation kindle, but after a few tries, it ended up only collecting dust. Since then, I wasn’t sure if anything could replace that traditional feeling of a physical book in my hand.
Enter Kindle Fire. A Christmas gift from my boyfriend, I find that I can’t tear my eyes away from it.
And while I used to spend hours floating around Barnes & Noble, I find that that the amazon book store app is a strong improvement from my first interaction with the kindle.
I think I’ve finally graduated into digital book territory.
Sorry paper books.
MBFW has begun!
February 10th, 2012 by ame
Well ladies and gents, fashion week is upon us again and I have to say I am looking forward to this round. As a “new” new yorker, I just can’t get enough- well- until my feet hurt of course.
Last night, diet Pepsi kicked things off at Lincoln center with a fashion show – complete with celeb attendees like Mary Kate Olsen and Debra Messing. I was most starstruck by the likes of MK- she looked flawless!
There is more to come- I have tickets to Monique Lhullier on Saturday so hold out for another recap. Who says techy girls can’t do fashion?
Ladurée Announces Cosmetics Line: “Les Merveilleuses de Ladurée”
January 10th, 2012 by ame
If you’re like me, and have an affinity for french macarons, then I have a feeling you’ll love the cosmetics line debuting later this month by the masters of the macaron, Ladurée. There will be a full line of cosmetics offered, including foundation, face powder, concealer, lipstick, and other accessories (SWOON!!!).
The line, named “les merveilleuses,” was popular in 18th century France, and it roughly translates into “fabulous divas” of the time. These women held “hundreds of balls” and started many luxury trends in fashion and beauty, including but not limited to: transparent clothing, cleavage, enormous hats, exotic scents, and greek-style sandals tied with strings of pearls.
I have not seen packaging like this in my lifetime – and watch out cosmetics manufacturers - this is a sign you need to step up your game.
Much to my discontent, these products will be available in Japan first – and more specifically, Tokyo, where they will cost you a pretty penny. BUT- fear not - luxuryinsider writes that they will indeed launch the collection in Europe and the rest of Asia in the Fall. (and a better chance to pick up some of it on ebay for us in the United States!)
//via fashion-press.net
A DCOM Throwback: An Introduction to Hatsune Miku, Japan’s Digital Pop Princess
January 6th, 2012 by ame
A few days ago, a coworker and I were having a conversation about Super Junior’s “Mr Simple” video that won a few awards (and has garnered over 33 Million views), and she sent me a video that blew my mind. This video, embedded above, features Hatsune Miku, a fully digital Japanese pop star princess, created by Crypton Future Media, a company known for creating virtual singers.
Born on August 31th, 2007, ”HATSUNE MIKU” computer music software enables users to create synthesized singing of unprecedented quality and remarkable realism by just typing in lyrics and melody. The tech behind the phenomenon is powered by YAMAHA’s VOCALOID2(= Vocal + Android) technology. The name of the character comes from a fusion of the Japanese for first (初 hatsu?), sound (音 ne?) and future (Miku (ミク?). Her voice is sampled from Japanese voice actress. Saki Fujita.
But what I really wanted to know is how Hatsune Miko’s projection technology works, which seems to be a secret, as there is much discussion on boards trying to figure it out. However, an article describes it as being achieved by “a special method of rear projection against a semi-transparent screen.”
Overall, the effect is pretty incredible if you ask me – so – if you’re interested in purchasing some music from Hatsune Miku, a record in collaboration with supercell is available on iTunes -and has 5 star rating. One fan mentioned that “If you’re new to Hatsune Miku, and you want to start getting her music on iTunes, I would definitely recommend getting this album first. It contains some of the essential Hatsune Miku songs that every fan ought to know.”
But what ties this all together is it’s similarity to a DCOM (Disney Channel Original Movie) titled Pixel Perfect. The movie is about a failing band called the Zettabytes, who leverage a friend’s knowledge of technology to create a holographic lead singer, Loretta Modern. The band instantly becomes successful, but Samantha (the original lead singer) begins to feel alienated, Roscoe discovers feelings for Samantha, and Loretta struggles with individuality. The ties between the DCOM (released in 2004) and Hatsune Miku (launched in 2007) are incredible – way to go Disney Channel for being ahead of the curve.
What does this mean for the music industry and the intersection of digital and entertainment?
My Favorite App of the Holiday Season
December 5th, 2011 by ame
Downloading a book and reading it on your device is a standard technology. We’ve all done it, and we accept it.
But what about an immersive book experience?
Enter A Charlie Brown Christmas, an app developed by Loud Crow Interactive that brings together all of your favorite pieces of the iconic book and film – the songs, the voices… the DANCING (of snoopy, who else).
Learn how to play "linus and lucy."
When watching the movie, or listening to the music, there’s one thing everyone loves: LINUS AND LUCY – and the app teaches you how to play the song on the piano. Beyond reading and basic interaction, the app also has an internalized game component.
Completing “tasks” like learning the song, and finding hidden easter eggs within the application itself gives the reader a chance to unlock special prizes. (no spoilers here!) Highly recommended for kids or anyone who has a place in their heart for Snoopy and the Peanuts gang.
The Bottom Line:
Cost
- App Store: $4.99 – $6.99
- Android Market: $6.99
System Requirements
- Apple Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 3.2.2 or later
- Requires Android: 2.1 and up
JewelMint, ShoeDazzle, & Birchbox: My Fascination with the Monthly Subscription Model
November 22nd, 2011 by ame
Birchbox, a monthly curated box focusing on beauty products
I admit, I’d love to have a personal stylist/shopper.
But what about the masses? Especially groups that are far-removed from great shopping and lean on the Internet to help them stay stylish and current on new products and trends?
Although I live in a shopping mecca, I find myself wishing I had a stylist to keep me up to date and help cut the lines and crazy crowds.
These reasons (in addition to curiosity) led me to sign up for Birchbox (beauty), JewelMint (jewelry) and Shoedazzle (shoes).
The Breakdown
- Celeb Backer: None, but celebs like Cynthia Rowley often “curate” boxes
- Quality: Luxury Samples
- Goal: Send samples, get feedback, sell products
- Social: Active Twitter, strong Facebook & Blog, strong referral engine (points for referring friends)
- Celeb Backer: Kate Bosworth
- Quality: Moderate. “Costume Jewelry”
- Goal: Sell limited-edition celeb-backed jewelry at a reasonable price
- Social: Facebook community, Twitter, Blog, strong referral engine (points for referring friends)
- Celeb Backer: Kim Kardashian
- Quality: Moderate (personally i’d compare to steve madden shoes)
- Goal: Create a fashion hub that anyone can join
- Social: VERY active Facebook community, Twitter, strong referral engine (points for referring friends)
Although different in product offering and price, each service follows the same model:
1. Take a Quiz or “Style Profile”
Answer questions and choose from a variety of visual options, which determines your “style profile” (conservative, trendy, wild, etc).
2. Sign in Monthly
Each month, you will receive a curated selection of products that meet your “style profile.” However, there is always a chance to request different items, or purchase items that do not show up in your selection.
3. Make a Decision to Buy, or Get Charged
The situation here is that you MUST login each month to either buy something, or decline a purchase – or else you will be charged that month.
Why I’m Fascinated
Social Shopping = The Future?
Finding a way to showcase relevant products that fit what your consumer is looking for (and save time browsing through pages of products) is amazing, especially when it comes to Fashion. Obviously Amazon does this incredibly well, but then again, it’s Amazon.
The Products are Awesome
I’ve had great results with the products I’ve purchased. Birchbox has introduced me to killer products I wouldn’t have found otherwise.
Great Customer Service
Twitter and Facebook have resources watching and responding to questions from buyers.
It’s Social
Each monthly subscription service has a model built around gaining referrals through social means – full integration with Facebook, Twitter, and the like. It’s made very clear how leveraging your social networks can get you free stuff.
Focusing on the Future: Steps to Stay Relevant
November 14th, 2011 by ame
via NYTimes
It’s safe to say that all “knowledge-worker” professionals know that we must always be focusing and planning for the future. In finance (401k! long-term savings!) in health (get those annual checkups!) and other aspects of our lives.
It always comes down to time- where can you make trade-offs? How can you get more things done with an ever-decreasing amount of time and/or money?
Sometimes we cut corners – maybe it’s reading the “cliffs notes” (or even the movie) instead of the book version. Or maybe it’s just reading Mashable instead of delving deep and putting together our own opinions on things instead of rephrasing what someone else said.
In college I worked for the Dean of Research at Syracuse University for all 4 years of my undergraduate career and learned a few things:
1. Read! Then read some more!
How can you form a true opinion on something by just reading a few paragraphs? You can’t make an argument without reading what’s out there.
2. Define your (own) interest area
Writing about something just because [insert blog here] picked it up doesn’t make you relevant (ahem G+ Brand Pages.) Look beyond the obvious and create something new. Find your voice and overall goal for what you want to communicate and be willing to constantly evolve. And don’t be afraid to ask for help and feedback while doing so.
3. Find a sounding board
Not everyone has a sounding board for their opinions and ideas. But we all have the Internet. I started this blog as my outlet for continuing my interest in research after my time as a true “researcher” ended. It’s never too late to pick it back up again and fine tune your skills using a platform that fits your goal area.
4. Get Inspired
Keep tabs on what inspires you by creating a Pinterest, or even a Tumblr of your favorite ideas, photos, quotes (and everything else!) as a place to return when you feel uninspired.