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 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?

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

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

Birchbox ($10/monthly)

• 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)

JewelMint ($29.99/monthly)

• 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)

ShoeDazzle ($39.99/monthly)

• 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.

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.

The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE! In honor of this holiday of spooky magic, I’m dedicating today’s post to a book that is filled with the stuff.

Since Harry Potter, no book has entranced me in the same way, until The Night Circus. I bought it weeks ago, but only started to read it a week ago, while commuting to and from work, and before I fell asleep.

Set in the late 19th century, it’s a love story filled with mystery, magic, and murder, which leads it to be very engaging for those who have a little imagination.

When I was halfway through the book, I realized that I wanted to learn more about the author – and Erin Morgenstern is not only a writer, but a painter (which explains a lot about the novel). I also HAD to find out if  someone bought the movie rights.

I was not surprised to find out that Summit Entertainment (yes, Twilight) closed the deal, and a few sources on the ‘net say that the producer of the Harry Potter films may be involved.

I am hoping that the author decides to turn it into a series, even though an interview with CNN states that it’s not in the cards as of now – but there might be a prequel! (Here’s to hoping).

So, is it the best thing since Harry Potter? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

The book is filled with quotes, and one of my favorites:

A dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, and his punishment is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world.

- Oscar Wilde

What if there was a way to “send” a smile to a complete stranger? Well now there is, with a new web app called “Two of Us” created by the Barbarian Group. How does it work you ask?

Simply take a picture with your computer’s webcam.

And if you like it….

But no cheating! The app’s developer built in “smile detection software” that legit tells you if you’re unhappy.

But once you’ve chosen a photo that looks good (and the system knows you’re smiling) you get matched up with someone random who is also smiling!

//via laughingsquid

I’ve never been a major fan or advocate for QR codes (Quick Response codes- the 2D barcodes that are filled with information), but my time on the NYC FNO Barbie Scavenger hunt bus is a move in the right direction.

On Fashion’s Night Out, Barbie sponsored a scavenger hunt around Manhattan, leading those with a love for fashion to stores like Tracy Reese, Alexis Bittar, and more by hopping on and off a Barbie-themed bus (complete with Barbie dolls by the way).

Once at a store, all you needed to do was 1) find the barbie dressed in the designer’s gear 2) fire up your smartphone with a QR code reader 3) Scan it 4) Enter your name in an online form and TRY TO WIN THE OUTFIT!

For those who were taking a fashion’s night in – or who couldn’t be in NYC – there were opportunities to scan a QR code on http://barbielovesfno.com to enter to win some prizes as well (sorry the entry period is now over.)

So now, the bottom line.

Overall, my feelings on QR codes remain the same: Cool when used correctly (like what Tiffany did for their FNO event) but lame when used in subway ads (among other QR code fails).

As for Barbie, girl, I’m sold, and I’m thinking about adding this one to my christmas list. #retroglam

I firmly believe that it is who and what we surround ourselves that makes a difference, and your desktop wallpaper should not be left out. If you think about the number of hours you spend on your computer… why not pick something that makes you happy?

//source NYtimes

Growing up, we did not have a Sephora. I was a Clinique girl, constantly reviewing product offerings in my local Ohio department store – I did not know there was a bigger cosmetics world out there (probably fortunate at the time). It was my time at Syracuse University (and my sorority) who introduced me to the world of luxury products, and Sephora.

What I found is that I was soon bored by the sheer number of choices, as well as the amount of data and reviews available on each product. I would spend time researching products before going in-store to make a purchase. Where was the middle ground? Where was my cosmetics advisor?

Which leads me to the solution, found via FastCompany.

My first memory of Birchbox comes from a time in my life where I was spending a lot of time on airplanes- and in this specific case, traveling to a major speaking gig in Orlando, Florida. And what do I do on airplanes? Read a lot of magazines- including FastCompany.

In February 2011, FastCompany profiled Birchbox, a growing startup headquarted in NYC by two Harvard Business School grads who wanted to redesign how women find beauty products by offering a curated box of deluxe samples for $10 a month.

Immediately interested, I signed up for Birchbox and have been a  huge fan since- especially with the “themed” boxes the company has been promoting (ahem a Cynthia Rowley box?)

So when I received an invite to the “members only” VIP party at the Caudalie Spa at the Plaza on August 1st, there was no turning back.

With a few friends from work in tow, I sampled Caudalie products (including some amazing eye cream called Premier Cru) and received mini-spa treatments (including a scalp massage!) while sipping on some Merlot (the spa has it’s own Sommelier!)

[Bloggers Note: I have to give a shoutout here.]

The chance to get high-quality and targeted products delivered in a hot pink box is truly something special. Yay for Birchbox, and yay for entrepreneurial women with technology-focused mindsets driving innovation!

The pink box was a centerpiece at the event

A Live TwitPic from @Birchbox from the August 2011 event