Friday, November 15, 2013

LUMOback: Posture Sensor

Stand taller and feel better using the LUMOback posture sensor and mobile app. The sensor provides a gentle vibration when you slouch to remind you to sit or stand straight. It is worn on your lower back and designed to be slim, sleek and so comfortable that you barely feel it when you have it on.The sensor connects wirelessly to your smartphone to track all of your movement data. Your avatar, LUMO, mirrors your daily activities. Anyone can use LUMOback. Its simple and integrates into your daily routine.


LUMOback Posture Sensor, $149.95
Currently compatible with Apple iPhone 4S, 5, 5S, 5C, iPad 3rd/4th Gen, iPad Air, iPad Mini, iPad Mini w/ Retina Display and iPod Touch (5th gen).

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Assouline: Simply Italian by Cipriani

Founded in 1931 in Venice by Giuseppe Cipriani, the mythical Harry’s Bar is world-renowned for its Italian simplicity and sophistication. Originally opened as a bar, it was transformed into a restaurant and went on to welcome some of the most legendary names in cinema, literature, the arts, and more, from Ernest Hemingway, Charlie Chaplin, and Truman Capote to Barbara Hutton, Peggy Guggenheim, and Woody Allen. The fabled establishment is also known for having served as the birthplace of the Bellini cocktail and carpaccio. Simply Italian offers recipes and tips from Arrigo Cipriani—Giuseppe’s son and the restaurant’s owner—to make simple yet delicious Italian dishes from Harry’s menu.

From tiramisu and minestrone soup to pappardelle ai funghi and risotto alla parmigiana, this title is the best accessory for lovers of Italian cuisine.
"There are bars that have invented famous cocktails. There are restaurants that have invented famous dishes. There are very few places that have done both."
- The Guardian
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COVERGIRL'S New Flamed Out Mascara

Make a bold statement with winged lashes that curve up and out. The unique wire brush coats you lashes for an instant volume boost.
COVERGIRL, Flamed Out Mascara, 7.94 $5.94

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Thursday, November 14, 2013

Music: Will Heard & Cara Delevingne - Sonnentanz 'Sun Don't Shine'

Klangkarussell Featuring Will Heard - Sonnentanz (Sun Don't Shine) available now on iTunes.

How To Ask People for Things Via Email: An 8-Step Program

One of the golden rules of writing is: Respect the reader’s intelligence. This rule gets magnified by a factor of 10 when it comes to composing unsolicited emails.
Most people who receive any significant quantity of email in a day have developed extremely refined bullshit detectors. They can identify an impersonal templated email in 0.5 seconds, and they can spot a time-wasting “let’s explore the possibilities” ask from a mile off.
In short, getting someone that you don’t know to pay attention to you—and respond—is a delicate art. One that requires craftsmanship, charm, concision, and a lot of self-editing.
Based on years of drafting, redrafting, observation, and misfires, here are a few pointers to keep in mind when composing an email “ask”:
Step 1: Make it easy to say, “Yes.”

When it comes to giving good email, making it easy to say “Yes!” is objective number one. Sadly, it’s also where most people fall down on the job.

I frequently receive emails from people who are interested in some sort of knowledge exchange but never clarify how they would like for me to take action. Do they want to have a coffee? Do they want to do a phone call? It’s unclear, which means that instead of saying, “Yes!” I have to respond by asking them what they’re asking me for in the first place. Or, not respond at all.

If you are asking someone to take the time to answer you, it should be very clear what you are asking for. Look at your email and ask yourself: “Can the recipient say ‘Yes’ without further discussion?”  If the answer is yes, you’re doing well. If not, you need to redraft.

Step 2: Write an intriguing subject line. 

Composing a good email subject line is akin to writing a great headline. If you’re cold-emailing someone you’ve never met, it’s important to strike a balance between being direct and being interesting.

Keep in mind that while it’s always good to be clear, you also don’t want to give anyone a reason to dismiss your email before reading it. For that reason, you’ll want to avoid stock or cookie-cutter phrases that might get your email lumped in (and glossed over) with others.

Step 3: Establish your credibility.

“Why should I care?” is the tacit question hovering in most people’s minds every time they open an email from someone they don’t know. This is why establishing your credibility is crucial. Tell your reader why you are different, why you are accomplished, and why they should pay attention to you.

If I’m contacting someone about contributing to 99u.com, I might share stats on our monthly pageviews and social media reach to do this. If the ask is related to one of our events, I would share audience size, years sold out, and a power-list of past speakers.

If you don’t have “data points” to share, you can also establish credibility by being a keen observer of the person you are contacting; you could tell them how long you’ve followed their work, how you enjoyed the last blog post they wrote, etc. As long as it’s not fawning, most people appreciate being noticed.

“Why should I care?” is the tacit question hovering in most people’s minds every time they open an email from someone they don’t know. 
 Step 4: Be concise & get to the point.

Never assume that someone is going to read your entire email. You should make it clear from the get-go exactly what you are asking for. That means clarifying why you’re reaching out in the first sentence or two, and no later.

However, sometimes everything you need to say can’t be explained in 1-3 sentences. If this is the case for your ask, go ahead and say your piece (as concisely as you can) but assume your reader will be skimming it. This means using bolding, bullet pointing, and so forth as much as possible.

If it’s necessary to give some backstory prior to the ask, I like to just go ahead and break out the ask in paragraph two with a bolded preface that reads, “The Ask:” If you’re asking for something, there’s no point in beating around the bush. Make your objective clear.

Step 5: Give a deadline if you can.

People are often shy about including deadlines in emails, especially when cold-emailing. While it’s never a good idea to come off as presumptuous, deadlines do have great utility. In fact, most busy people like them. Bear in mind when you are emailing someone that—surprise!—they are probably also getting tons of emails from other people.

Most of those emails fall into one of two categories: 1) Things they have to do, and 2) Random requests for things that they might like to do, time permitting. Chances are, your email falls into group two. Which means it’s really important to know when something needs a response by. In other words, do whatever you can to help the receiver put the requested task on a timeline and prioritize it.

Step 6: Be interesting and interested.

At the most basic level, this means do not ever send anyone a templated email. If you are asking someone to take the time and energy to reply to you, make it clear that you actually know who they are.

That doesn’t mean being obsequious and singing their praises, it does mean talking to them like you are one human talking to another human. It’s nice to articulate why you’re interested in them. It’s also nice to articulate why they should be interested in you. Try to have a voice and say something funny, meaningful, or thoughtful—preferably all three!

Step 7: Never ever ever use the word “synergy.”

No single word lights up the experienced emailer’s bullshit detector like the word “synergy.” No one worth their salt wants to spend their time talking about exploring synergies. Emails with this language typically mean that the person asking for something hasn’t really thought through their ask enough to offer any specificity. If you want someone to take a chance on you, show them respect by thinking through what you are asking for and being up front about it. Otherwise, you’re just wasting your time and theirs. 

No one worth their salt wants to spend their time talking about exploring synergies.

Step 8: Preview your email on a phone.

You probably write most of your “ask” emails on a desktop computer. Bear in mind that your recipient will be receiving and reading your email on their mobile phone in almost all instances. And what looks “digestible” on a desktop computer looks like an epic poem on a mobile phone.

As per point 4, you may think you have already confirmed that your email is concise. But is it still concise on an iPhone? Once you check, you will probably realize there are a few more things you can remove. Edit your email again, and then send.

Zara Women: November Lookbook









Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Dieppa Restrepo: A Sophisticated Unisex Collection of Shoes

Inspired by classic gentleman’s style, Dieppa Restrepo is a sophisticated unisex collection of shoes founded
by Colombian duo Andrea Vargas Dieppa and Elisa Restrepo.
 Blurring the division between the sexes, the collection is refined, androgynous and elegant. 
The shoe is the quintessential grown up sneaker:
 beautiful and simple enough for the chic and fashion-minded,
 yet comfortable and durable enough for their contemporary urban lifestyle.
The shoe is a walking dichotomy, both non-intrusive and timeless, yet modern and undeniably present.
Our Top Picks
Joe/Dark Grey/Neon Lime, $345
Leon/Black & White Polka Dots, $253
Gaston Leopard, $299
Mer Emerald Croc, $368

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Dolce & Gabbana The One: "Street of Dreams" a Martin Scorsese . . .

Martin Scorsese and Dolce & Gabbana celebrate iconic scentes The One and The One for men with sixty second of unforgettable film. 

Scarlett Johansson and Matthew McConaughey star in: 'Street of Dreams' a Martin Scorsese picture.

Introducing Bailey's Vanilla Cinnamon

The newest addition to Bailey's collection, this versatile blend of Madagascar Vanilla and Cinnamon is a unique experience perfect for cocktails and shots.
Our Favorite Recipes

Mango con Chile
This Mexican-inspired shot is sure is spicy, fruity, and anything but tame.
1oz Bailey's Vanilla Cinnamon Irish Cream Liquor - 0.5oz Smirnoff Passion Fruit Sorbet - Chili Powder - Mango Slice

1. Mix ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Strain into shot glass rimmed with chili powder.
3. Add slice of mango.

Peaches 'N Cream
This Southern classic dessert gets a makeover as one truly amazing way to kick off the night.
1oz Bailey's Vanilla Cinnamon Irish Cream Liquor - 0.5oz Ciroc Peach - Whipped Cream - Peach Slice

1. Mix ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Strain into shot glass.
3. Add whipped cream and peach slice.

Rich and Famous
A taste of the good life, courtesy of smooth, creamy Bailey's Vanilla Cinnamon and opulent Ciroc Amaretto. 
1oz Bailey's Vanilla Cinnamon Irish Cream Liquor - 05oz Amaretto  - Cherry

1. Mix ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Strain into shot glass. Add cherry.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

J.Crew in London: Jenna Lyons 10 Commandments

US chain J Crew opens its first London store this week. To mark the occasion, creative director Jenna Lyons shares her top 10 style rules with The Guardian.
1. Don't divide your wardrobe into smart and casual, but mix them up
"For example, if you have one of our flip-hem wool skirts, you can wear it smart and flirty with a blazer and shirt and jewels and a heel. But you can also wear it dressed down, with an oversized sweatshirt and New Balance trainers."
2. Trend is a dirty word to me
"What I care about are changes in proportion. When it feels like pants are getting skinnier, or waistbands are moving a little higher, that matters to me. But we're not about clothes you buy because they're on trend, we're about beautiful pieces you buy because you want to wear them every day."

3. Freshening up your look doesn't always have to be about buying something new
"We might have a sweater on sale for six months, and we'll shoot it in six
different ways for the catalogue, which comes out monthly. It's a
challenge, but that's where the fun is. We're all about suggesting new
ways to wear the clothes you have."
4. Party dressing should never be head-to-toe shine and sparkle
"If you're wearing a jewelled top, then maybe wear it with a menswear trouser and a loafer. Things that play off each other, instead of matching up, create a fun mood."

5. Details matter
"I'm obsessed with our double-faced cashmere grey T-shirt, which has a lime green lining. That little glimpse is such a great surprise."
6. Mix colours in your jewellery, as well as your clothes
"Try a stack of bracelets on each wrist, and rings on both hands, in a mix
of yellow and rose-gold."

7. Don't feel you have to wear a quirky look every day
"Sometimes you are in the mood for a white shirt – that's fine. You can totally default to a pair of black or navy pants. That's always allowed!"
8. A masculine element will make any outfit more chic
"Menswear is at the heart of everything we do at J.Crew. Even if it's a very fancy, feminine piece, like a jewelled T-shirt, if you drill down you'll find a tailored shape at its root."

9. Don't ignore all those fabulous neon orange and moss-green pieces because you are not confident with colour
"Colour isn't easy for anyone. It's not easy for me! It's a challenge. It feels good to embrace a challenge."
10 You can't go wrong with cashmere
"A pair of cashmere socks might not be original, but it's always a great Christmas gift, because nobody buys themselves cashmere socks."