JAVA WARS - NESPRESSO PODS TAKE OVER!

NESPRESSO COFFE SYSTEMRemember Invasion of the Body Snatchers?   Well the current invasion in coffee making is no science fiction movie!  Just like that, coffee making changed overnight and now EVERYONE you know has one of those pod-using coffee makers!  What was wrong with our old coffee pots?  How were were all convinced we NEEDED a new coffee system?  I must admit I joined in the craze and ran out and got my Nespresso machine for Xmas like a good little consumer.   You know Nespresso, they are owned by corporate giant Nestle and designed that sleek machine that resembles a cathedral or bullet (their own words, not mine). KEURIG COFFEE SYSTEM

The whole coffee conundrum was an inevitable next step.  We all got used to our Starbucks designer coffee beverages. NESPRESSO PODS A $4.00, no-foam, extra hot, skinny latte?  Big deal!   What's next the American consumer shouted?  "We are in the middle of a recession and we need to waste our money in a way that feels new!"    Well the marketing  whiz kids were ready.   There are a dozen systems that will pod you a cup.   Because only the freshest of fresh coffee, vacuum sealed in a pod is good enough for our overly sensitive taste buds.. .right?

Running right alongside Nespresso is the Keurig coffee system.  This monster of a machine takes up more room than my NYC kitchen counter space would allow, otherwise I just might have gone there.   I mean how can you resist the hundreds of flavor choices Keurig has aligned by partnering with so many coffee companies!  To make it even more enticing, they sell the system at every Bed, Bath & Beyond from Secaucus to Sausalito?  Keurig also makes Iced Tea pods and my Spidey senses tell me the machine is big with the ladies.   The whole Starbucks vs. Dunkin Donuts scenario is happening all over again with Nespresso vs. Keurig.   Girls like their Dunkin Donuts and their Keurig - I know it!

OBAMA JAVANespresso is counting on the cult appeal and the "members only" approach as you can only buy the pods (sold by the sleeve) online or in one of their far and few between retail stores.

NESPRESSO ICED COFFEESlick marketers, Nespresso even hosted a pop up store in Soho, NYC to kick start traffic flow in their latest store that won't bow until the end of the year.

The company commissioned oversized portraits of world leaders and famous icons made from what else?  Nespresso Coffee pods! 

President Obama has inspired millions, but never  before to drink a cup of coffee!  That's change you can caffeine in?

The charge was $2.00 at the pop up store and actually was a donation to a host of charitable causes.   I highly recommend making an iced coffee from a Nespresso pod as it was my savior recently when I needed an escape from the NYC summer sun.
The pop up store is closed - but will be a full scale cafe / boutique come January 2010.

Visit Nespresso.com to find out more.

May the Java be with you!

SWAROVSKI SPARKLES IN SOHO

SWAROVSKI & PHILIPPS USB DRIVEThe spring season has been gloomy and gray in NYC this year.   The drizzly, cool days of spring have lingered on and on.   Swarovski changed all that last week when they unveiled the biggest sparkle to hit retail in 2009.   The Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED Boutique opened at 499 Broadway in Soho, NYC with a bang and crowd that lined up down the block to get in on the bling!SWAROVSKI TINKER-BELL

When you think Swarovski, you might think figurines.   You would be right.  The company has been the master of fine crafted figurines and sculpted crystals for over 100 years.   In 1895 Daniel Swarovski revolutionized the world of cut glass with his innovation that would change his destiny.   He had created a new technique in cutting  crystal and was wise to quickly patent his invention.   From the very beginning, the company has been innovative and forward thinking as to what they can bedazzle next!  Now with the help of the 4th and 5th generation, the company is still family owned.

Every major fashion house has at one time or another worked with Swarovski to work their magic on the latest dress, bag, shoe, or of course jewelry piece.SWAROVSKI CRYSTALS BY THE MILE!WALL OF LIGHT CRYSTALS -BLUE & GREEN

The latest concept in the Swarovski retail world is CRYSTALLIZED.   The idea is to personalize your jewelry by choosing each element and build your own look.   The store is line with the WALL OF LIGHT that has thousands and thousands of choices - ranging in color and shape.   With prices starting at $4 or $5 dollars a bead - the concept appeals to a wide range of audience.   The marketing is wise for Swarovski as the appeal of crystal is staggering.   There are over 400,000 members of the Swarovski Crystal Society .

The idea of customized jewelry continues to grow.  As I mentioned in the article on Whimsy Worldwide rings - women the world over are taking more control over the design of the jewelry they choose to wear.

The opening party was packed beyond believe.   My friend and I got claustrophobic just trying to get to the bar.   There were a handful of celebs there - but honestly .. it wasn't their night.   It was all about the stars on the walls -and in the cases!SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL COLUMN OF LIGHT

The centerpiece of the store is an amazing column of light chandelier that has hundreds of thousands of crystals and is two stories tall as it lights up the staircase.   The column of light evokes a sense of glamour similar ot the 81st Academy Awards Ceremony.   DAVID ROCKWELL OSCARSYou might remember - the academy tapped design master David Rockwell to design the set.   Mr. Rockwell commissioned Swarovski to sparkle the stage and curtain with over 1 million crystals!

You can add some sparkle to just about anything you like.  I do mean anything- From a USB drive to your Wii, to your Nespresso Coffee Maker.   Oh yeah, there is the jewelry too!SWAROVSKI'D NESPRESSO

If you are in NYC this summer, hit the boutique on Broadway - just around the corner is the pop up shop for Nespresso.  I'll have more on that soon, but grab an iced coffee and all of your $2 charge will go to charity.   The concept of the pop up shop will not disappoint.   a caffeine fix rarely comes in the form of charitable donation - so take advantage of it while you can!

www.Swarovski.com