The Hip New Way to Keep Up With Wall Street

You already know you’re destined for success.

Thanks to your brilliant mind, your unflagging ability to persevere, and your straightforward approach to getting results, you’re squarely on the path to a bigger, fatter paycheck.

And a sensible girl like you will surely want to invest some of your excess cash in the stock market.

But which stocks? How – exactly – is a girl supposed to know?

In fact, just the thought of ticker symbols is enough to send some of us to Snoozeville and the rest of to Panicville (as in ‘Am I totally missing out on the next Starbucks or Google?’).

So check out Wallstrip.com, where stock-talk is informative, but in a way that’s as entertaining as a “Saturday Night Live” skit.

The online show spends a handful of minutes each day looking at one company whose stock is at or is near an all-time high. Then they figure out why, by looking at the trends affecting that stock’s soaring price.

Take a look, for starters, at this Sopranos parody Wallstrip did about Waste Connections Inc.’s stock.

Yes, girlfriend. Invest a couple of minutes a day and you’re on your way to savvier stock picks and smarter cocktail banter.

P.S. Subscribe to the free podcast on iTunes to get the daily show delivered straight to your computer, fuss-free.

How to Get Your Groove Back

The insane thing about being insanely busy is that so often you hardly notice what you’re missing.

Yes, you notice the little things. Like -- while staring at the gaping holes in your closet -- you forgot to pick up your dry cleaning.

But it’s the big things you might not notice – like the fact that you also forgot to get your groove on.

When life takes on the pace of the Indy 500, a girl can go for weeks without the infusion of new tunage.

Until one day you notice that you’ve been humming along to the s-a-m-e old songs on your iPod for m-o-n-t-h-s now.

Time to take the ear buds out and call on personal music stylists, Groove Gurus.

Here’s how it works: Simply identify what types of music you like, and (for a fee – but hey, they have to make money too) Groove Gurus creates playlists for you -- one for your workout, commute, chill-out time, lobby sound system, etc.

They even load the songs on your iPod for you.

In other words, they don’t miss a beat.

And from now on, neither should you.

Truly Inspiring

There are plenty of ways to show your gratitude to someone who’s helped make you the woman you are today.

A card. Flowers. Brownies.

Unfortunately, none of them seem worthy.

After all, these are people who have paved the way, lifted you up, and given you more inspiration and support than you could have ever hoped for.

Somehow a “World’s Greatest Boss” coffee mug in return seems kind of, well... insignificant.

You can’t repay them—so pay it forward instead.

By sending an Inspiration Gift through the Step Up Women’s Network You Are My Inspiration program, you can say “thank you” while empowering young women in need.

Available in denominations of $20 up to $1,000, the program sends a message of thanks to the person who inspired you while bestowing an underprivileged teenage girl with tools to help her in life—anything from healthy snacks to a college scholarship fund.

After all, what better way to honor that special someone than by following their fine example?

And who knows—maybe one day one of those teenage girls will be sending an Inspiration Gift to you.

Out With the ‘It’ Bag – In With the ‘You’ Bag

You’re a leader, not a follower.

The first to see where change is needed, stepping up to the plate, going against the grain, unafraid to stray from the crowd to lead the charge.

Now it’s time to lead the way for another worthy cause: The return of the “un-brand-name” handbag.

Stepping out in a chic bag without a recognizable label says at least two things about you:

One, that you’re completely confident when it comes to looking as stylish as you do; you do not need Ms. It-Girl-Celebrity-of-the-Moment telling you what sort of arm candy looks best dangling on your arm, thank you very much.

And two, that you obviously have savvier ways of spending your money.

Four no-name, yet super-hot, bags to consider:

This patent tote outshines the competition with its Crayola tones of orange, pink and green.

With glossy studs, a canary-colored patent leather finish and slouchy good looks, this hobo bag holds it all.

You can’t beat this modern, must-have brown-leather-look bag – complete with detachable strap and plenty of pockets. (Absolutely gorgeous in red, too.)

Get your style from London’s High Street. A large stud-pocket zip tote from London’s Topshop is a totally affordable catch.

Spring Shoe Style Files – Living on the Wedge

Oh sure, you’re all about the power suit now, but that wasn’t always the case.

Back in the day, the major dilemma of your week was deciding which pair of wedge sandals would go best with your new, like totally hot mini-skirt for your big date with your big ‘I am s-o-o-o-o in love’ boyfriend.

And even though that boy and the Dr Pepper lipgloss you’d swipe on before kissing him may be ancient history, those retro wedge heels are about to make a huge comeback this Spring. (We’ll let you decide whether or not to pair them with a mini-skirt.)

Step out in these stylish updates:

Coach Mae Wedge: Think Coach can only do handbags? This city-chic—and very versatile—wedge says otherwise thanks to its monogram jacquard lining and gold turn-lock detail.

Lilly Pulitzer As Good As Gold: Strut your stuff in this glamorous metallic snake-embossed sandal.

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Marlene Wedge: Available in champagne or black patent leather, this smart-looking wedge is one you can wear to the office.

Aldo Villahermosa: Appropriate for work or play, this sexy peep-toe wedge lets you scale new heights without breaking the budget.

A New York Times Style of Learning

Oh, no. It’s Monday again. Already.

Anybody out there feel like working?

(Neither do we.)

But how about doing something that’s, well, semi-productive -- something that is more fun than work, but will enhance your knowledge, performance (and hopefully paycheck) -- therefore, reasonably qualifying as "work". Yes?

Then check out some of the very cool small business resources (but so applicable to big businesses too) in The New York Times online.

The Shifting Careers blog, which explores new ways of custom-blending careers (translation: doing what makes money while finding time to do what you love) is always a worthwhile read.

Or how about The New York Times Knowledge Network, the cool virtual learning and networking platform. Soon you’ll be able to register for Northern Kentucky University's Women’s Entrepreneurship Institute, which helps women at any stage carry out their dreams.

Maybe you just want to up your overall business IQ in the least time possible. In that case, click on the Most Popular – Business section (you’ll find it below the fold on right hand side).

Or sift through the dozens of career-related articles until something strikes your fancy.

Like "That Boring Job Should Sound an Alarm" or "It’s All About Focus ", in which Barry Salzberg of Deloitte & Touche talks about: in times of self-doubt, it’s all about focus, tunnel vision, and learning as much as you can.

(Told you it was cool.)

Desktop Do Good: A New World for Old Computers

Being the business-minded girl that you are, you love having the sleekest, speediest laptop at your disposal.

Out with the old, in with the new.

But we know you’re not love with the idea of tossing your old (but not exactly "old") computer into a landfill heap.

Because, in addition to being business-minded, you’re also environmentally-minded, and are no doubt troubled by the fact that e-waste is gunking up our waste stream at an alarming rate.

So what’s a technological Earth-loving girl to do?

Click on World Computer Exchange, a group that whisks old computers to children in one of 65 developing countries.

Over the past few years, the group has collected 26,000 used computers and sent them to 2,500 schools, libraries, orphanages and youth centers in Latin America, Africa and Asia. In other words, scads and scads of kids can now connect to the Internet (and the world), thanks to recycled computers.

To make a computer donation of your own, either drop off your Pentium 3 or higher computer at one of 25 U.S. locations, or ship it to the company’s HQ in Massachusetts.

Then pause for a moment to feel good about your act of desktop do-good.

Brains and Beauty on the Go

You’ve never been one to pass up a fabulous accessory.

Especially when said accessory just happens to be absolutely vital to your every super-charged, multitasking day:

Your beloved (and essential) BlackBerry.

So as long as you’re going to be BlackBerrying all day long anyway, shy not make it as high-performing as the rest of you?

Here are some cool accessories to bring even more functionality -- and smarts -- to your uber-gadget:

Shroud it in a colorful skin, like the ones found on CrackBerry.com. Yes, they look great. But the slim rubbery texture will also keep your handheld from skittering across the car dashboard or conference-room table.

Shield your screen from wandering eyes with a privacy screen or buy yourself a couple of backup batteries.

Turn it into a portable GPS system and never get lost again, and be sure to get a Signal Booster for when you’re way out there.

Or take the entire operation hands-free by investing in a Bluetooth headset. Try the ice-blue number by Motorola, found at BlackBerryStuff.com.

After all, your expressive hands are better left to steering or gesturing emphatically.

(Or trying on new shoes.)

Regional Flair and Then Some

When it’s time to do some corporate schmoozing – you know, the kind where you send gifts to buy a client’s love and devotion --

Fruit baskets are well and good. But they don’t exactly inspire cartwheels, now do they?

An innovative girl like you should go with something that has way more personality than a basket full of tangelos.

So opt for something with a distinctive ZIP code. Something with regional flair.

Whether you’re sending a "Congratulations!" "Thanks for the business!" or even "Call me if I can help!", here are three delightful companies that ship anywhere in the U.S.:

5 Boroughs Ice Cream will warm the heart of NYC expats or fans, and it’s a whole lot tastier than an “I heart NY” mug. Flavors range from Landfill (inspired by Staten Island) to Cha Cha Chocolate (South Bronx).

South ‘n’ France, based in Wilmington, N.C., marries sweet Southern ingredients with classic French techniques. The result? Hand-chopped, hand-rolled, hand-dipped bon bons in six fab flavors, such as Peanut Buttah and Pistachio. C’est bon, y’all.

Hog Island Oyster Co. in San Francisco, one of the most celebrated oyster producers in North America, can ship three dozen slippery ones anywhere by FedEx overnight.

Calling all Trend-Setters:
Get Between the Sheaths

Businesswomen of America, it's time to celebrate your right...

To bare legs, that is.

Yes, the mercury is rising, letting all of us smart gals finally play dress-up.

One of this season’s hottest trends – yet totally timeless, too -- is the slew of gorgeous sheath dresses hitting the stores.

There's no better time to ditch the pantsuit and bring back a little femininity to the workplace (or restaurant, or beach, or cocktail party--these dresses look great in any situation).

You know you want to get between these sheaths...

Ann Taylor LOFT Textured Sheath Dress: We love the cheerful, spring-perfect strawberry sorbet hue of this chic sheath. Also available in sunset orange.

David Meister Colorblock Sheath Dress: What's black and white and stylish all over? This modern sheath, which flaunts spring's big colorblock trend.

Semantiks Scoop Neck Sheath Dress: This floral print on black little number is perfect alone or layered with a white blouse underneath.

Antonio Melani Mina Dress: You'll be working it at work in this classic sleeveless sheath with side button-tab details.

A Virtual Paradise of Womentelligence

You know how every man on the planet has a fantasy sports team—a completely hypothetical collective of the game’s sharpest players used as justification for shelling out thousands on a giant plasma screen and spending every weekend with buttocks firmly planted on the La-Z Boy?

Maybe it’s time we women got in on the act.

The “dream team” we’re talking about is the mind-blowing group of women behind the brand new website wowOwow.com.

Perhaps these names will ring a bell: Lily Tomlin, Candice Bergen, Liz Smith, Marlo Thomas, Whoopi Goldberg, Lesley Stahl, advertising guru Mary Wells, and a handful of other extraordinarily talented and inspiring females who have burst a big gaping hole through that glass ceiling.

Designed as a sort of virtual salon, wowOwow’s sorority of dynamic women share personal reflections, fascinating interviews (see “Fear is Not an Option” with Diane von Furstenberg), and advice and insight on everything from politics to high heels.

In the “Conversations” section, readers can eavesdrop on candid dialogue between these gutsy gals, while horoscopes and ‘Hair Day’ weather forecasts add an element of fun.

Smart, provocative conversation from some of the country’s finest females?

Maybe some fantasies do come true.

Slinging Style With the Best of Them

What’s the point of transforming yourself into a stylish goddess every morning if that unfashionable albatross of yours, the padded black computer bag, is ultimately going to pull you down?

Seriously. Can’t they make those things any cuter?

We feel your pain. And we have just the remedy: Four sweet bags that are anything but geeky.

The Designer Slim by Acme Made trots out highly touchable textiles on a classic tote design, creating one handy-dandy honey of a bag.

Roomy and cute? Mais oui. The Persida Lapsac does double duty as a computer tote and purse. You’ll dig the panel pocket, where a laptop can slide in, 007-style.

The Clark & Mayfield Metro Express Laptop Bag is ever so ‘chic means business’ with its cool pattern + color design. This bag works for work and just about everything else.

If it needs to be black, by all means, make it the patent leather Lauren Merkin bag with of-the-moment ruching.

Traditional Woman on Top

You know who she is.

She’s the one who always bends over backwards for others, no matter what.

The one who gives not just with money, but with time, energy, enthusiasm and hope.

The one who sees a problem, rolls up her sleeves, and says, “Well, we’ll just have to do something about that.”

Now it’s time to give her something in return.

Do so by nominating your favorite leading lady for Traditional Home magazine’s 2008 Classic Woman Awards, which each year honors five inspiring women esteemed for their volunteer and community-building efforts.

The lucky award winners—last year’s batch included an advocate for the troops and their families, and the founder of a program that offers disadvantaged students college prep courses—will be profiled in an upcoming issue and lauded at a special awards ceremony in New York City, along with earning her charitable cause a donation from the magazine.

Nominations may be submitted online, but need to be in by April 4th.

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and show that special woman some support!

Flower Power - This Bud’s for You

The fica tree in your office lasted, oh, about four days before your black thumb sent it to its grave.

And those flowers on your desk? Totally fake—just the way you like ’em.

Some people— (insert subtle cough) YOU—clearly weren’t cut out for close contact with flora and fauna.

So step away from the plant life before someone loses a leaf, and rely on spring’s beautiful, ultra-feminine, and totally-not-killable floral prints to satisfy your flower fix. No watering required—but a good dry-cleaner helps.

The Premise Watercolor Print Alyssa Dress boasts a soft floral print that would impress Monet (not to mention a universally figure-flattering silhouette).

Throw your own garden party with the exuberant poppies of Larok’s Double V Floral Top. Ruffled chiffon adds a delicate touch.

Chadwick’s Print Wrap Dress gives the shirtdress trend a pretty floral spin.

Ditch your boring blazer in favor of this blooming RXB French Terry Three-Button Floral Jacket. The black and white palette keeps it looking modern.

Even footwear is going floral, as seen on these Old Navy Printed Satin Flats. Choose from blue and white or black and white.

Spring Shoe Trend – Inspired by Men, Definitely For Women

Since the beginning of time, women have had no trouble filling a man’s shoes... metaphorically, anyway.
So you should be up to the challenge when it comes to slipping on spring’s latest shoe trend: menswear-inspired pumps.

From laced-up Oxford-style peep-toe heels to statuesque spectator pumps, this fancy, gender-bending footwear is definitely made for a woman.

You’ll feel anything but manly in these glam styles:

Enzo Angiolini Mylist Satin Oxford: The classic oxford gets a sexy update thanks to stunning dark pink and gray satin and a corset-like lace detail. Raarrr!

Circa Joan & David Georgeous Pump: This sophisticated yet flirty open-toe pump has a stunning art deco appeal.

Steve Madden Oxford Pump: Available in natural or black, these Oxfords go great with a pencil skirt—think sexy librarian!

Marc by Marc Jacobs Spectator Pump: This designer shoe blends the spectator and Oxford styles (with tassels, no less!).

Vince Camuto Callies Pump: This red and mocha spectator pump boasts perforated trim for a modern touch.

Y Not Have it All?

Those Y girls have got it goin’ on.

The pursuit of flexibility, personal growth, camaraderie in the workplace.

Oh, yeah, and money, too.

Maybe you’re one of them – those Gen Y girls -- or maybe you just want to hang around with them.

No matter your age group, the Brazen Careerist – a site aimed at Generation Y’ers -- is one hot destination for any career-minded girl.

Check out founder Penelope Trunk’s blog, where she posts tips “for making work life and personal life one happy, synchronized adventure.” Her outlook is so, well, real. (Notable: she started writing career advice when she landed a job with Fortune. Seems she answered a call for women executives to write about their lives, and submitted a piece on her boss’s sex appeal. Just our kind of girl.)

Hop onto another blog and talk about your passion - maybe in entrepreneurship, law or personal branding. Or spend a few minutes renewing your passion by reading posts like Five Ways to be More Self-Motivated.

Looking for a career coach? One that’s actually endorsed and observed in action? Then check out Coachology.

So pop on over and hover a while. Regardless of your generation, you’ll surely gain something.

High-Style High-Tech

Have you noticed how virtually everything seems a lot ... cuter these days?

Inbox trays, business-card holders, heck, even Kleenex boxes -- once monochromatic or (yawn) floral -- have been given a zippy, modern-girl makeover.

So it’s not surprising to see shimmery new tech gadgets and accessories popping up at the office, perfectly suited to the ‘chic means business’ kind of girl.

Three worth checking out:

We cannot wait to spend some quality time with these violet crystal in-ear headphones. Thanks to the made-in-heaven union of Philips and Swarovski, you’ll feel a lot more glamorous listening to our latest audiobook.

More ear candy! The Chic Babies cell phone headset (made with Swarovski crystals) stands out like a sparkling island of feminine style in a sea of drab plastic.

At MouseEnvy.com, an everyday tech-necessity is transformed into art. Maybe you’ll go for the Blue Cherry Blossom mouse. Or try the Swarovski Glamrock mouse.

Not only are these computer gadgets pretty, they’re pinpoint accurate, thanks to state-of-the-art 800 DPI optical technology.

We Dare You to Dream- and Do Something About It

In your dream, you’re standing at the podium in front of hundreds of rapt faces who are all waiting for the next pearl of wisdom to tumble effortlessly from your mouth.

Which of course it does. With total charisma, you share your revolutionary ideas for changing the world.

(The next thing you know you’re at a ski chalet in Gstaad with George Clooney, and he wants to... aahh, but we digress.)

Why couldn’t that happen? (Not the Gstaad-Clooney part, the change the world part.)

After all, you’ve got incredible leadership potential. And a big idea to go along with it.

Therefore, you must immediately enter to win a spot at Women Rule!, a three-day leadership training weekend, hosted by O, The Oprah Magazine and The White House Project, the fabulous non-partisan non-profit organization that works to advance women’s leadership in all communities and sectors.

Tell them about you and your idea, and you could be one of the 80 women chosen to converge in New York City (you get yourself there – they pay for everything else), where you’ll learn to break through barriers and lead, lead, lead.

Because dream or no dream, girlfriend, women rock -- and it’s about time we started to show it.

P.S. Deadline for entry is April 11.

Tell Skinny Jeans to Take a Long Walk on a Short Pier

Truth be told, you’re the type of girl to follow a handsome sailor straight out to sea.

So no surprise, now that you’re seeing all those sailor-style pants hitting the racks right now, all you can think about is hopping on the nearest ship and setting sail.

Your boss would understand, right?

Fine. W-h-a-t-e-v-e-r...

So opt for Plan B and get your sea legs the easy way—by sampling these nautical-inspired trousers.

Oh, and tell those skinny jeans of yours to walk the plank. This look’s all about the wide leg, girlfriend.

Organic John Patrick High Waist Crinkled Linen Pants: Hit the high seas in a high waist. This organic Italian linen trouser has a classic, commanding presence—think Katherine Hepburn goes yachting.

L.A.M.B. Wide Leg Sailor Pant: Two rows of buttons and zipper in back give these wide-leg pants a stylish twist.

Milly High-Waisted Pants: Add a tailored button-down and these navy slacks—dig the gold button details—are ready to set sail to the office.

Rachel Pally Knit Sailor Pants: Get the look with this casual-chic pair, which comes in six shades, including navy, white and espresso.

Bow-Tied Blouses Are Back in Business, Baby!

Bows have always served you well. (With the exception of that one hideous “Gone with the Wind”-inspired bridesmaid dress you once had to wear.)

Yes, they were your accessory of choice as a little girl, and your heart still skips a beat when you see one wrapped around a gift box. Well, here’s another present:

Bow-tied blouses are back in business, baby!

Best of all, nobody can accuse these fresh styles of being too cutesy or girly. Oh no—these tops are all woman.

So go on. Take a bow.

Robert Rodriguez Gardenia Top: Make an artistic splash with this abstract print.

Victoria’s Secret Silk Tie-Neck Blouse: Unleash your inner sexy mama with this shoulder-baring blouse.

Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Scribble Blouse: This red top’s perfect for the gal who doesn’t like to blend in.

Spiegel Silk Charmeuse Tie-Neck Top: Available in rich colors like scarlet red and dark peacock, this silk blouse is ready for work with the addition of a black blazer and pencil skirt.

A Most Memorable Way to Work the Room

When it comes to networking, and working the room, there are at least three ways to catapult yourself to the top of the “oh, I remember her” heap:

1. Trip as you’re coming in the door and sail past everyone -- going sideways.
   
   
2. Grab the hottest guy in the office and bring him with you to the meeting.
   
   
3. Carry a business-card case that shows you’ve got more pluck, smarts and fabulosity than they’re likely to uncover during an hour of networking.

While option 1 is not really an option, and option 2 would certainly be the most fun, it’s more likely you’ll go for option 3. So here are a handful of business card cases sure to make you memorable:

The soft and glassy patent calfskin case by Kate Spade tells them, yes, you’re in-tune with the classics, but you also like a stylish surprise.

Any one of the collectible card holders from Acme Studio shows you’re not afraid to show your artsy side. (Click on “Accessories” when you get to the site.)

The hipster Born to Shop – Forced to Work business card case will garner a few laughs -- and no doubt a few new girlfriends, too.