Style Meets Technology: Sony VAIO Tap 11

In the past year or so, I've been traveling what feels like incessantly for both business (boo) and pleasure (yay). And since I'm always "connected" (for better or worse), I'm often left torn between two lovers as I pack my carry on - laptop or tablet? The former is often too heavy, while that latter's functionality leaves quite a bit to be desired when it gets down to business. What's a girl to do?

Sony's new VAIO Tap 11 Tablet PC makes that Sophie's Choice-level decision a wee bit easier, successfully bridging the gap between work (think laptop-like functionality including a magnetic, wireless keyboard and a speedy, efficient Intel® Core™ processor) and play (it's more stylish and lighter than you can imagine - in fact, the Tap 11 is the slimmest Windows tablet on the market).

As a longtime iOs user, getting acclimated to Windows 8 did take some adjustment, I cannot tell a lie. It's also worth noting that as a lover of the Internet (cap required), I consider 4G Broadband access to be essentially a non-negotiable - regardless of how annoying it is to add to a data plan fee to the monthly ledger. But if those considerations aren't dealbreakers for you, you'll want to sneak a peek at the versatile Tap 11 (starting at under $700!) here.

p.s. AND for more of my picks on tech accessories (like the Marc by Marc Jacobs laptop case above) follow my Fashion Meets Technology board on Pinterest!

Cole Haan, Mildly Refreshed and Reinvented

As a marketer by trade, I'm continually interested in how mildly staid and conservative brands reinvent themselves. The most recent (and among the most assertive!) to hit my radar is Cole Haan.  Truth be told, I'm obsessed with their New York-specific campaigns, which have encompassed outdoor/subway advertising, pop-up dance parties, late night food trucks and their neat-o Tumblr, which focuses on #SubwayStyle. Try sorting by neighborhood or subway line for stark exercises in contrast. Clever, yes?

Of course, Cole Haan remains a fashion brand, so what I care about most is the product, most notably the shoes. Many of their styles remain a little conservative for my tastes personally, but THIS pump, the Chelsea Pointy High Pump in Larkspur Purple Snake Print (currently on sale for $229.95), is among many standout styles worth your attention this Spring. Like other styles from Cole Haan, the Chelsea incorporates Nike Air technology (Nike used to own Cole Haan, for those keeping score), which adds to the comfort level despite the towering 4" stiletto. The lavender feels so fresh for spring, with pastels having a major cultural moment. That said, there's also a bold green or a neutral sand, if you're so inclined. Shop: here.

Listen Up: Headphones for Every Style

After years of the discreet Apple earbud, BIG headphones are making what feels like a BIG, high-style comeback. And regardless of your personal style - girly, playful, minimalist or bold - there's a pair to suit. Above, a few of my favorites:

Molami's insanely chic collection of headphones are in a class all their own - the end. Minimalist across the board  - the three styles are available in just stark black or white, with varying hardware - the most unique style is also the newest. The Twine ($200) does double duty as a silk chiffon headband, wrapping around your head and providing all-encompassing sound.

The SOL REPUBLIC and tokidoki Tracks HD headphones ($149.99) offer FUN (all caps required), along with amazing sound, and a virtually indestructible design. As a bonus, the headbands are interchangeable (see here), so if you tire of the quirky signature tokidoki animation, you can swap out for a color of your choice and have what feels like a new pair of headphones.
 
The Taylor headphones by Frends ($199) have become almost ubiquitous in the fashion industry - in fact, I can think of at least five women in my office who're rocking them currently, and with VERY good reason. The jewelry-inspired, pyramid-stud-on steroids design make these the perfect supplemental accessory, though it's the luxe materials and solid sound that keep them in my current rotation as a favorite.

Urbanears does one thing very, very well and that's CLEARLY color. Their classic, almost-modular styles - seen above is the Plattan ($59.90) - come in a BOUNTY of colors (13, to be exact) for men and women, though I'm loving the perfectly-on-trend-for-spring coral seen above most.

How I'm Wired: Dell XPS 10 Tablet

While I'm a pretty dedicated Apple user in my day-to-day, there's one product I've never quite adapted to, and that's the iPad. In fact, I still have a first gen iPad, which I use almost exclusively for just two things - watching movies (in bed or while I'm traveling) and reading (despite the obvious inferiority to the Kindle.) The reason, to me, is clear - I never quite feel like I can actually work from an iPad, regardless of what "working" really means to me at any given day or time - blogging here, or drafting a 50-slide Powerpoint presentation.

Dell's new XPS 10 Tablet sort of answers that question - and answers it quite well. The multi-touch, Windows 8-enabled (I've accepted by now that Windows 8 is unavoidable, and a brief tutorial from a Dell specialist helped greatly) tablet comes with an optional, detachable keyboard dock, essentially making it a convertible notebook computer. It's shipped equipped with the full Microsoft Office 2013 suite of products - Word, Excel and Powerpoint, making it the PERFECT substitute to your laptop for daily, on-the-go use. At 10.1 inches, I can even tuck it into my everyday work bag - a Proenza Schouler PS1, without issue.



My one criticism of the Dell XPS 10 tablet - and it's an important one - is that unlike the iPad, it's wifi-only - meaning, there's no option to upgrade to 4G service. Thankfully, I travel with a NetZero 4G Mobile Hotspot, so the internet is basically my bitch. If you need a similar solution, you can learn more about NetZero products and service packages here.

XPS 10 Tablets begin at $499.99, while those with a convertible keyboard dock start at $679.99. Learn more, here at Dell.com.

While I was gifted an XPS 10 Tablet by Dell, all opinions epxressed in this post are mine and mine alone.

Watch This: The Beauty Inside & Toshiba’s Portege Ultrabook

As you might have guessed, I spent the past weekend in full New York Fashion Week-recovery mode – think takeout from The Meatball Shop, cupcakes from Sugar Sweet Sunshine, and two days committed to one purpose, and one purpose alone – relaxation.

I couldn’t detach entirely, however, so I spent a bit of time in bed catching up on the interactive social film, The Beauty Inside on my Toshiba Excite 10 tablet (the YouTube app is a lifesaver!)

Starring Topher Grace, Matthew Gray Gubler, and Mary Elizabeth Winstead, as well as people from around the world who have posted their auditions to Facebook, the series was produced in part by Intel and Toshiba. You’ll also catch a cameo by the Toshiba Portégé Ultrabook™ - an ultra thin, sleek yet powerful laptop, perfect for a girl on go.

The first episode of The Beauty Inside already boasts close to half a million views on YouTube – and once you’ve watched, it will come as no surprise – the story is romantic and touching, and the concept innovative.

While there’s just one episode left, going live on Thursday, 9/20, it doesn't take long to catch up; episodes are an easily digestible 4-6 minutes long. Check out the first ep below and visit YouTube to see them all:

Learn more about the Toshiba Portégé® Z930 Ultrabook here or retweet this tweet for a chance to win your own (entry period ends on Sunday, full rules here!)

RT THIS: Watch the FINAL episode of #TheBeautyInside to see where life takes Alex next bit.ly/thebeautyinside

— Toshiba (@ToshibaUSA) September 20, 2012

 

Special thanks to Toshiba for keeping me connected during New York Fashion Week.

While all opinions expressed are my own, this post was produced in collaboration with Toshiba, ELLE and Style Coalition.

New York Fashion Week, Recapped: Fashion & Technology Converge

As a fashion person who's fully vested in social media - both personally and professionally - I'm continually interested in how style and technology converge. Truth be told, I didn't see a lot of innovation within social or technology this New York Fashion Week (live streaming, live-tweeting and live-pinning are old news by now!), with the notable exception of DVF's runway debut of Google Glass.

In case you're not familiar (read: as tech-obsessed as the author), Google Glass are the eagerly-anticipated, augmented reality enhanced glass being developed by Google. As follow up to their Sunday runway debut, DVF has now released a short film using footage recorded on the Glass camera before, during and after the DVF NYFW show:

Google Glass is an intriguing proposition, I'll admit, though I'm not sold on the integration. For the moment, I'll take my technology in a more amenable way - my mobile, my tablet, and of course, an ever-present laptop. If you're with me, you'll want to vote in the fun design contest that HP (LONG an innovator, remember their first-of-it's-kind partnership with Vivienne Tam?) is running. 40 finalists took their challenge to design a stylish and functional laptop bag suited perfect for the small size of the brand's Ultrabook notebook computer, and one winner will be chosen by a panel of experts - namely: Jill of Inhabitat.com, the writers at Core 77, and Mondo from Project Runway Season 8. OH, and did I mention that they'll also receive $10,000? Sweet!

Visit the contest site for more details, and to vote for your favorite design - the power's in your hands, peeps! www.hp.com/projectrunway. 

This post is sponsored by the sleek, stylish, lightweight HP Spectre XT Ultrabook™, inspired by Intel. Vote for your favorite bag design!

New York Fashion Week: Powered by Toshiba!

Me, making friends with the Toshiba Excite 10 Tablet today!

New York Fashion Week is here, day 2 in fact, and that means a week of exceptional craziness. Think presentations, shows, dinners and brand events with nary a moment to breathe in between. When I first began covering New York Fashion Week YEARS AGO, a long day at the tents meant a long day hunched over my monstrously large laptop at home, recapping shows into the wee hours and then getting up early to do it all over again. 

A lot has changed since then, not only in terms of available outlets and wifi at the tents, but more importantly, in TECHNOLOGY. This season, I'm thrilled to be reporting in as close to real-time as possible from a new Toshiba Excite™ 10 Tablet. This beauty is a "Perfect 10" by definition - offering a more complete tablet experience in a speedy, strong and durable package. It boasta a full SD card slot for media transfers, built-in Micro USB and HDMI ports for easy connections, dual HD cameras (2MP front-facing, 5MP back) for image capture, and OF COURSE, wifi (cue the applause!)

Best of all, the Toshiba Excite™ 10 is uber-light, weighing in at just 1.32lbs (vs. the New iPad at 1.44), making it easy to tote from show to show, be they at Lincoln Center or Milk Studios.

Learn more about the Toshiba Excite 10 Tablet online (the site is connected to Facebook for a more personalized experience!) and don't forget to follow me on Twitter for real-time updates from New York Fashion Week!

While all opinions expressed are my own, this post was produced in collaboration with Toshiba, ELLE and Style Coalition.

First Look: HP's Alexandre Herchcovitch Designer Edition Laptop

Last night, I was privy to a VERY special event at Style Coalition headquarters – namely, the unveiling of HP's latest fusion of fashion and technology – the HP Pavilion dm1 by Brazilian designer Alexandre Herchcovitch.

This very special special edition notebook is teeny tiny, weighing in at just 3.5 pounds, and boasts a design inspired by the textures and colors found in Herchcovitch's Autumn/Winter 2012 collection (notably the stunning gold dress seen in slide 22 here). Overlayed on the laptop is an intricate black lace pattern layered over an iridescent olive pearl color, with details carried through fully to the keyboard.

Of course, HP understands that women want ACCESSORIES for their tech accessories, and thus, this Designer Edition comes fully dressed, with a gorgeous gold laptop case and matching mouse. Together, the bundle will sell exclusively at QVC with a starting price of just $629.95.

Scroll through the gallery for a glimpse at both the notebook and the event, and tell me, is this gorgeous PC as tempting to you as it is to me?

Photos courtesy: www.anaphoto.net ©Ana Schechter 2012

Alexandre Herchovitch poses with his new HP Pavilion Designer Edition, and the A/W '12 dress that inspired the design.

Wired in Style: Tech Accessories of the Moment

At any given point in time, I have multiple accessories on me, and all too many of them are of the tech variety - think camera, Mac Book Air, iPad and iPhone. And while I love an artfully designed piece of technology, it can be a TRIAL to find tech accessories that are worthy of investment. Here, three of my recent essentials:

I first encountered former Teen Vogue editor Sarah Frances Kuhn's collection of chic yet functional leather and chain camera straps (above) when I traveled to Morocco with stylish gal about town/The Byrne Notice editor Fiona Byrne. Fiona's Canon was elevated from mere camera to ACCESSORY (all caps required) with this simple and accessible (prices range from $55 to $100) addition.  Shop the collection at www.sarahfranceskuhn.com

Now, as a longtime iPhone user, I've pretty much acclimated to a life that is PERENNIALLY UNCHARGED. As such, I'm never found without an iPhone charger and have spares in every location imaginable, from my bathroom to my office. But for iPhone users who desire a life of FREEDOM, a life where they never again have to crawl on the floor of a New Jersey diner looking for an outlet (who, me?), allow me to introduce the MOPHIE Juice Pack Reserve. Tiny (it attaches to your keychain!) and with an affordable price tag to match (just $34.95), you'll never be caught without power again.

GLITTER is among my favorite things in the free world, so Rebecca Minkoff's Starlight iPad case ($195) obviously rounds out the hat trick.  This sparkly, yet sturdy case keeps your iPad SAFE, but much more importantly, it also keeps your iPad SHINY. Cheers to that, my friends.

Tell me, what are your must-have tech accessories of the mo'?

Put a Ring On It: Tiffany & Co.'s New iPhone App

Like many woman, I like to fancy myself as one-of-a-kind (oh, the irony.) And one of the things that makes me unique in my peer group is my complete lack of interest in getting married. I've never (no, not once) envisioned what that day might look like for me, what dress I might wear or which cake I might choose (surprising, because I really do like dresses and cakes, for the record.)

That said, there's ONE thing that I really love about marriage.  And that's the jewelry. I recently asked David Yurman, perhaps THE most iconic American jewelry designer, if there was such a thing as a diamond that's "too big."  He told me, unequivocally, NO, there's no such thing. Bless his heart. And while the folks at Tiffany & Co. sell all sizes of diamonds, suited to almost any budget, I'd be inclined to guess that they'd agree.

So, for all the women who love diamond rings and for all the men who need to learn more about buying diamond rings, the new Tiffany & Co. iPhone application releases tomorrow. It allows women to browse and build rings to their heart's content (can you think of a better way to pass time on the N train? I surely cannot.) and it enables men to get a clearer understanding of the process, as well as an idea of what their budget will buy them before getting in store.

Here's how it works:

Staying true to their brand's heritage and rightfully so, it's important to note that the Tiffany & Co. app does not allow mobile shopping. Seal the deal by making an appointment for an in-store or phone consultation.

Download the app tomorrow - it's free -  at the iTunes App Store and if you need a little inspiration:

FTC Disclosure: I attended a preview of the Tiffany & Co. iPhone application at Tiffany's 5th Avenue flagship. In addition to a lovely gift and a delicious spread of food, they plied with me with Tiffany Blue lollipops and cookies.  I also left with a Tiffany Blue flash drive, which you're welcome to envy from afar.

Meet KIN: For the Facebook Obsessed

Designed for you younguns' who are 'actively navigating your social life' (who isn't, I'm inclined to ask?), the new KIN combines a sweet little user experience with an adorable little package.

Brought to you by Microsoft and Sharp, exclusively on the Verizon Wireless network, KIN pulls from your social networking feeds and favorite sites to bring together the latest info on the people and stuff YOU actually care about, in one place, in real time - the Loop, the KIN's dynamic home interface.

The Loop is admittedly my favorite element of the KIN, but it's also pretty cool that essentially everything on your phone – messages, contacts, photos and videos – is backed up to a private, password-protected Studio that you can access anytime and from any computer.

A devout iPhone user since gen 1, it takes a lot for a mobile device to turn my head. And while I won't be replacing my phone with the KIN just yet, I have greatly enjoyed my test drive.

Learn more about KIN here.

FTC Disclosure: I attended a launch event for KIN and was gifted with a device and one month of service.

Play This: Project Runway on Wii (and a Giveaway!)

 

If you're a fashion television buff like me, you'll be thrilled to know that Atari has partnered with the executive producers of Project Runway to create the first-ever video game based on show. Available now, it's an exclusive for Wii and lets YOU play the role of aspiring fashion designer.  Fierce, right?

Just like on the show, players are presented with a range of theme challenges as they create designs and adorn models with hair, makeup and accessories. You can then become the model and strut your creations down the runway using the Wii Balance Board™ accessory.

The game features all of your PR faves -  Tim Gunn, Heidi Klum, Nina Garcia and Michael Kors - as well as the top eight contestants from season six including reigning Project Runway winner Irina Shabayeva.

If you simply can't get enough Project Runway, I suggest you snag a copy of your own for $39.99 at www.atari.com. You can also follow updates on Twitter and fan the game on Facebook.

In honor of the launch, I have $50 Visa gift cards to give away to three lucky readers. Just think - you can put it towards creating your very own accessory wall! To enter, tell me your favorite Project Runway designer of all time in the comments below. I'll choose the winners on Friday, March 12 at NOON.  Good luck!

FTC Disclosure: Gift cards provided by Atari for giveaway

UPDATE: This giveaway is closed and the winners are comment #'s:

Stay tuned for an email from me, winners!

Accessorize Your Technology: iSkin

I'm the kind of girl who loves accessories and as such, I also love accessories for my accessories. The perfect example? New iSkins ProTouch Vibes keyboard covers ($34.99 each.)

These high-grade silicone covers include Microban protection, which keeps nasties at bay, inhibiting the growth of microbes such as bacteria that can cause stains, odors, product deterioration and general yuckiness.

The iSkin is also - and perhaps more importantly, adorable. It quieted loud typing, allowing me to work during conference calls (shh! I am an excellent mulit-tasker!) and elicited comments from colleagues and clients alike. It also kept my MacBook keyboard safe from pesky crumbs that result from my unending love of a good snack.

The bad news? The "drag" created by the iSkin considerably slowed down my typing.

If you can compromise a wee bit of performance for lots of style, check out iSkin's line of iPhone, iPod and Mac accessories.

FTC Disclosure: Sample provided for review

 

Plastic Surgery: Yep, There's an App for That

Plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Salhauer, author of the truly repugnant children's book My Beautiful Mommy, has done himself one better (or worse, depending on your perspective.)

This month, he launches iSurgeon, an iPhone App that combines "personal image modification with high tech gaming features."

According to Dr. Salzhauer, “iSurgeon serves a dual purpose, offering those interested in cosmetic surgery treatments a clear visual of what they would look like post-surgery, while also providing a fun entertaining game tool that allows the user to play the role of a plastic surgeon.” *The app will sell for $0.99 and launches on November 19th (including, I assume, liposuction prices based on season and geographical location).*

The press materials stress that "never has the world seen something quite like this," perhaps that's a good thing? What do you think about iSurgeon?

• Love It! I've always wondered what I'd look like with a new nose and now I can find out! (21 votes)
• Pass. Plastic surgery's not a game and I don't want to treat it as one. (33 votes)
• Other. I'll tell you in the comments! (3 votes)