Having a studio apartment as a single woman in New York City, in most cases, pretty much means that your apartment is your boudoir and your boudoir is your apartment. I have always been fond of Carrie’s apartment even before the redesign. I think largely because I love her character, I love NYC and I love the idea of having a small space all to myself. Living in the city in a confined space, a girl must be practical and allow for creative storage spaces and double uses for certain areas. A wall unit to store mail, office supplies and your fashion magazine collection is a brilliant idea. Ideally, as I close my eyes, I see myself dressing-up here and then settle in for a little freelance work at a desk with a view of the darling Soho neighborhood!
The MBA’s Cup is one of the most popular sailing events during the season and the event is open to all current students and alumni.In this event the Top Business Schools around the globe compete in a weekend of races and enjoy the warmth and beauty of the Italian Riviera as an astonishing setting to network.
In the year 2008, my sister and I, as alumni, took the opportunity for four adventurous days in Portofino and Santa Margherita, Italy. It was fall and we took a flight to Genova. From there, we took the train to Portofino.
We rent a boat with four other Italians and we were ready to sail! We slept on the boat but we had some free time for off-regatta activities. The program was as follows:
Two regatta days where we had the opportunity to share and spread the passion for sailing and improve teamwork skills by becoming part of an effective sailing team, the conference where we had the chance to discuss the most significant financial and economic international issues while sharing managerial culture and best practices of the most influencing industrial and financial institutions, and last but not least, the Gala Dinner that created a meeting opportunity between today and tomorrow managers through the common passion for sailing.
More than 20 Business Schools (LBS, Wharton, NYU, Insead) and 300 sailors from all around the world were participating at the regatta. Sailing experience is a plus cause one meets old friends, visits new places, and has a clear view on how a sailing boat works. All in all, we had a lot of fun and the place was of unique beauty! And the most important thing is that Bocconi University managed to win the match and so we brought the cup back again!
(Last time was in 2006).
For those of you who have the chance to live such an experience, do not lose it!!
1. RED CARPET:
In 2012, department stores, airlines, hotels, museums, if not entire cities and nations around the world will roll out the red carpet for the new emperors, showering Chinese visitors and customers with tailored services, and in general, lavish attention and respect.
2. DIY HEATLH:
Expect to see consumers take advantage of new technologies and apps to continuously track, manage and be alerted to, any changes in their personal health.
3. DEALER-CHIC:
In 2012, consumers continue to hunt for deals and discounts. Deals are now about more than just saving money: it’s the thrill, the pursuit, the control, and the perceived smartness, and thus a source of status too.
4. ECO-CYCOLOGY:
Brands will increasingly take back all of their products for recycling (sometimes forced by new legislation), and recycle them responsibly and innovatively.
5. CASH-LESS: Will coins and notes completely disappear in 2012? No. But a cashless future is upon us, as major players such as MasterCard and Google work to build a whole new eco-system of payments, rewards and offers around new mobile technologies.
6. RECCOMERCE:
It’s never been easier for savvy consumers to resell or trade in past purchases, and unlock the value in their current possessions. In 2012, ‘trading in’ is the new buying.
7. EMERGING MATURALISM:
While cultural differences will continue to shape consumer desires, middle-class and/or younger consumers in almost every market will embrace brands that push the boundaries. Expect frank, risqué or non-corporate products, services and campaigns from emerging markets to be on the rise in 2012.
8. POINT & KNOW:
Consumers are used to being able to find out just about anything that’s online or text-based, but 2012 will see instant visual information gratification brought into the real and visual world with objects and even people.
