HP Project Runway Party

At Style Coalition Lounge testing the HP TouchSmart. I'm in the background talking about how I want Bert to win. 

Last week I attended the Project Runway Season 9 premiere viewing party at the Style Coalition lounge, and got a chance to try out HP's TouchSmart desktop. There was a Project Runway-like design challenge going on, but my artistic ability is limited to stick figures so I sat that one out. However, as mom to a girl who loves to draw and is obsessed with my iPhone, this HP desktop is a potential lifesaver. I can see her spending a good hour creating on that screen, and hey, that's stimulating and educational, right?

The winner of the challenge, Clutch 22's Jordana, drawing right on the screen. Users have multiple options with drawing tools and colors. Also, note the lack of tower. It's all inside, a big yes for us apartment dwellers.

Where on 34th Street can a chic tech mom get the desktop preferred by Project Runway? B&H Photo and Video, of course. B&H is the fashion industry's go-to tech and photography resource. Just ask any Fashion Week photographer or international blogger if they visit B&H before, during, and/or after NY Fashion Week, and you'll hear Yes.

Dying to try your chops on a Runway Design Challenge? Go here and enter to win a TouchSmart PC or EliteBook Tablet and learn more about all of HP's Project Runway tech tools.


B&H Photo & Video 420 Ninth Avenue between 33rd & 34th Streets

Best 34th Street Gifts, Day One: B&H Trolley Lust

For the week before Christmas I'll post fabulous 34th Street gift sources.Today features B&H, the world-famous photo & video store.

It's not that I don't love the electronics and the cameras at B&H (I want this one, get $100 off this camera until 1/08/2011):

And it's not that I don't love the knowledgeable and efficient B&H customer service (last visit George and I waited under five minutes after joining a really long line).

What I really love about B&H is their mesmerizing trolley system. Today's post is an homage to B&H's trolley and why it needs to be installed in my home. Hey, Christmas is coming, and my husband might need some help.

B&H, perfect at almost everything! But to be honest, the actual bins are lacking in sex appeal.

Never seen it? Go visit the store and look up. There you will see green bins traveling around the store with shoppers' items. This system enables one to shop unimpeded, sans sore arms carrying unwieldy boxes that knock into others. Shoppers can check out and then pick up their items right before walking out of the store. These magical bins also have special coding so they pop out at the proper department.

I really need specially coded bins for my apartment, where lots of junk has come to live. I could put our (aka "my") junk on the overhead trolley and watch it do laps. I would code my bins "kitchen" "bathroom" or "bedroom." Imagine, no more running out of toilet paper at inopportune moments! No more rummaging for chip clips and twist ties, or frantic searching for purple opaque leggings! But the best thing about an overhead trolley system? It is above my head. It isn't lying on the ground, sitting draped on my chairs, or hiding with my lost keys in the folds of the couch. Trolleys can save my marriage, keep my apartment clutter free, and make for good conversation starters at dinner parties. "Wow, nice overhead trolley!" "Thanks! It keeps all my junk on the move!" What can't an overhead trolley do?

George bought this lens. He always shops B&H, but not just for the great prices. He's into the really easy shopping experience, the 5-10 minutes guy-shopping cliche.

George also recommends this camera for a very good point and shoot digital.

I now challenge you to visit B&H and deny Trolley Lust. Impossible!


B&H New York Superstore, 9th Avenue at 34th Street

B&H for BTS

Former colleague Jeffrey is back in town after a pleasant beach summer and is BTS'ing a higher education. Translate: he had a lot of fun but now needs to stock up for grad school. So the other day we strolled down to 34th Street's B&H for some last minute BTS computer supplies.

First, thank-you, B&H, for the fabulous air conditioning. The temporary Halloween store on 34th Street could learn a lot from your perfectly chilled shopping environment. Second, Jeff would like to thank you for the great price on his printer, the Canon PIXMA MX340:


Jeff did his homework, and said it was the cheapest in town. He's correct, as this printer is $30-$40 less at B&H than other electronics stores:

• J&R - $89.99
• Best Buy - $79.99
• B&H - $49.95

But this is B&H, so probably it is the lowest price on this printer in the universe. And it's B&H, so hyperbole is allowed, because you will get the best price every time and always find what you need. Now go tell me in comments how duh, you already know this.

Fashion photogs take note: B&H will be closed during Rosh Hashana, from 1pm on September 8th until September 12th, when the store will reopen.


B&H Photo & Video, "The Professional's Source" (this is so true, photo-journalist types are all over this place) 420 9th Avenue at 34th Street