Looking in All the Right Places

When it comes to inspirational career-related reading, have you been looking in all the right places? Business books. Business magazines. But how about some less obvious places?

Introducing the "Uptown Monthly Inside Guide" – a one-of-a-kind, fabulous lineup of very smart, career-inspiring magazine articles – straight from the pages of your favorite fashion and lifestyle magazines.

Once a month, we turn to the print versions of Vogue, ELLE, Glamour, Allure, Essence, O, Real Simple, Jane and others, to create a list of don't-want-to-miss smart articles. Because we know that hidden deep inside all those pages of high fashion, beauty and personal style are some of the sharpest career-related pieces you've ever seen.

So grab our list, grab a latte and a comfy seat at the newsstand. Who'd have thought getting smarter would feel so leisurely, not to mention stylish.

Successology

ELLE –
p. 268 "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" – Louisa Kamps investigates the psychology of why some get ahead – and others don't, and tells how to find lost ambition;
p. 260 – "Women on Top" – an intelligent collection of women at the top of their game;
p. 272 – "What It Takes to Get Ahead" - the ELLE/MSNBC.com Work & Power Survey;
p. 275 – "Sign of the Times" – feature article on Jane Abramson – she just may become the most powerful editor at the often-macho New York Times.

Allure – p. 284 "Life's a Bitch" – Ariel Levy explores an emerging culture of bitchiness, and talks about if and when it works at work.

Essence – p. 165 "Battling Bias" – Black women share how discrimination still exists at work and strategies to beat bias on the job - a must read no matter the color of your skin!

Glamour – p. 233 "How to Handle Stress Like a Man", and p. 238 "Do You Annoy Your Boss?" – no explanation required!

Vogue – p. 362 "Quantum Leap" – how one South African-born architect finds inspiration in being different and taking risks.

Blueprint – p. 44 "The Workspace - For Sale By Owner" – How emerging entrepreneur Holly Waterfield broke through a major barrier to make her business dream come true.

Jane – p. 68 "Cubicle Refugee" – Find a way to start your own business, and have more time to work on your tan!

 

For Your Spirit

Real Simple - p. 229 "Declutter Your Mind" – Life coach Gail Blanke wants us to throw out 50 things - and make sure some of the things are those negative thoughts that hold us back.

Essence - p. 153 "Finding (the Pathway to Your) Purpose" – entrepreneur Monique Greenwood tells us "The key to moving through our fear of failing is to persist anyway..." – and how to let nothing stand in the way of making your dreams happen.

O Magazine - p. 213 - "Lisa Kogan Tells All" – a working mom's perspective on being overtaxed, overtired, and in way over her head. Best of all, she declares, "If something's gotta give, it's not going to be me"

Glamour - p. 167 "The Woman's Guide to Saving the Planet" – a fantastic multi-page guide with the latest news, actionable tips and lots of inspiration to make a difference.

 

Fashion that Works at Work

Harper's Bazaar – p. 109 "Fabulous at Every Age" – a beautiful collection of what to wear to work with advice and great looks featuring Anne Hathaway, Cate Blanchett and others.

Lucky – p. 223 "Spring Bag Guide" – 14 pages of gorgeous bags, many of which are large enough for your laptop.

Essence – p. 144 - "Power Moves" – a remarkable spread of high fashion that goes way beyond boardroom basics, but is real enough for every woman to wear.

When Greed is Good

Oh, no. Soon you will be seated across from the King Negotiator. Maybe it's a business deal, maybe it's a car, maybe it's your salary.

Last time you dealt with a King Negotiator, before you knew it, he had bested you on every point, reached out to shake your hand (with a giant grin on his face), and sauntered out. Only to leave you sitting at the bargaining table, more than a little embar-rassed, and thinking you should have channeled a little Gordon Gekko.

But this time it will be different.

Because now you're smart enough to jump online beforehand to take the Negotiating Women e-learning course "Getting Out of Your Own Way" (or order the CD-ROM version).

You'll find out how, as a woman, you may be handicapping yourself at the bargaining table. Only when you realize how you may be undermining your efforts will you be able to overcome it. And it only takes 30 minutes and costs about thirty dollars.

So get tough, stand firm and prepare to chant an occasional: "Greed is good". But be sure to use your inside voice. You don't want the King to leave until the Queen has got-ten everything she wants.

Divulging Dames

You think you know your female coworkers and business associates, but do you really?

In the old days, a polite round table facilitated meeting would put your knowledge to the test. These days, the best way to get the dirt to spill is to play a smart game of Chatagories.

Created by the women-owned Make Connexxions expressly for those with XX chromosomes, Chatagories was designed for homeplace fun, but we think it's a smashing way to do some serious relationship building at work.

With thought-provoking questions on topics ranging from high-school crushes to secret passions and future dreams, Chatagories is a fabulous icebreaker for getting to know each other and forging bonds – all in a laughter-induced atmosphere.

The carry-all game bag comes with 10 game pads, answer pads, pencils and the all-important drink cups (cocktails optional). Best of all, it tucks neatly into your briefcase, and can be pulled out after the guys leave the room. They'll just think you're doing another one of those "women thing meetings" anyway.

Milk Delivery, Cyber Style

Does it ever feel like your weekends are filled with a measly serving of fun and a super-sized helping of errand running, including any number of repeat visits to the same shopping centers? And do you ever forget to take that very specific to-do list when you leave the house?

Well, now all you have to do is Remember the Milk. Dot com. This genius online to-do-list-slash-calendar-slash-nag (in a good way) will change your life. It's an easy-to-use time manager. Create several list categories (work, home, personal) where you can add color-coded task reminders and notes. Maps, searches and lots of other cool features abound, too.

But what really sets this fun and FREE service apart is that you can access it via email and instant messenger, and have text messages/reminders sent to your phone. Plus, you can connect it to your main calendar on Google Calendar or Apple's iCal, and set up an RSS feed.

So simply Remember the Milk, and picking up birthday cards, dry cleaning and, well, milk, will never be the highlight of your weekend again.

Visit www.rememberthemilk.com to sign up for a free account.

To See and Be Seen

The conference room is full of colleagues and associates. You blast in juggling your coffee, notepad, PDA, cell phone and a sizeable file. All heads turn. Which of the following do they notice first:

a.) you are 5 minutes late
b.) your Blackberry sailing through the air as you trip while trying to slip into your seat
c.) your gorgeous outfit that looks remarkably like the one Amanda (that fabulous fashionista in ABC's hit show Ugly Betty) wore in last week's episode

The answer is c.). Because every woman in the room is yearning to know how you always manage to have that just-stepped-off-the-television-set glamour thing going on.

Little do they know you are a regular at Seen On.com, the definitive resource for clothes and accessories seen on our favorite tv programs.

Thanks to Seen On, you know all about Wilhelmina's (Ugly Betty) Carmen Marc Valvo suit, Addison's (Grey's Anatomy) Manolo Blahnik Mary Jane pumps, Edie's (Desperate Housewives) Ralph Lauren Dara skirt, and much, much more.

So the next time you're running a little behind, try sharing a little behind-the-scenes fashion info. It's quite likely they won't even see the flying Blackberry.

Play First, Work Later If There's Time

Remember that great book All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten? Doesn't it make you think of simpler times? When Monday morning brought fun things like toys and recess instead of project timelines and endless emails (present company excluded, of course).

We may be all grown up now, but Office Playground and their smattering of toys and trinkets can take your desk from a lair of duty to entertainment central.

Particularly amusing is The Excuse Ball. Late again? Missed a deadline? There's no need to deal with trivialities like the truth. Instead, The Excuse Ball offers up twenty excuses like "My Fish Died" and "What Memo?".

Sure to make you smile as you shirk your duties.

Bring some eighties excellence to your desk with a Newton's Cradle. No self-loving, 1980's executive office was complete without one of these metallic dealies clicking away.

Now you can recapture some of the "Me" generation's class without having to resort to shoulder pads.

And best of all, if you keep your Kindergarten outlook around long enough, soon it will be time for a nap.

Visit www.officeplayground.com for more fun toys.

Speed Reading

There are piles of old and unread Newsweeks and Real Simples stacked on your nightstand, and you have yet to crack that novel for Book Club next week. Sigh. These days, the only thing you're reading religiously is the operating manual to your new laptop.

Well, Ms. Work-Is-My-Life-Lately, guess what? We have a reading assignment of our own. But before you groan, you should know that this required reading will only take a few minutes — and do wonders for your career. Simply go to The Wall Street Journal's Career Journal and head directly to Career Columnists.

No matter what your job, you will find spot on career advice from an eclectic group of columnists, who tackle topics big and small. We're particularly smitten with "The Managing Your Career" column by Joann S. Lublin. Her columns are far from boring business-y affairs; rather, they're interesting and, most importantly, pertinent to today's working woman.

Her recent column "Learning from Mistakes of Past Bosses" was stuffed with great advice that's relevant even if you're not an "official" boss.

Each column takes just minutes to read, leaving you plenty of time to add something else to your repertoire. Perhaps your BlackBerry manual?

Inspiring minds

One day, not so long ago, you were likely mulling over a Brilliant Idea. Far and away the best idea ever, this was the one that would help you launch a dazzling new business — no, an empire.

The one that would win you so much media attention, you'd have to wear Jackie O. sunglasses simply to dash out for a loaf of bread.

But then the barista interrupted your thoughts by asking if you wanted an extra shot of espresso.

For every woman who ever contemplated a Brilliant Idea, there's a woman who took the next bold step of making it reality. Now, you can get inspired by reading their stories on "Success Profiles" at BizWomen. (Go to BizWomen.com, look on left hand column for Success Profiles).

When you're done reading profiles, hop back to the main page and click on "Calendar" for a local networking calendar. Scribble down those dates in your planner and plan to attend.

But you'd better pick up a big pair of sunglasses on your way — because someday you're going to catch that Brilliant Idea you've been chasing, and the paparazzi can spot a shining star from a million miles away.

Visit www.bizwomen.com for more information.

Never Leave Home Without It.

Maybe you're a total geek. Or maybe you hear "gadget" and think schmadget. No matter, the iGo PowerXtender is one device that is universally appealing. After all, who wouldn't be psyched to learn that she never again has to experience a mobile dying in the midst of an important call?

So, yes, if you talk on a cell, groove to a MP3 player, click pics with a digital camera or are perennially attached to your BlackBerry, you need to snap up this new universal battery-operated charger pronto!

Using two AA batteries (included), the cute-as-a-button, lightweight PowerXtender provides emergency juice to your gadgets when you're on the go and can't get to a power outlet.

Plus, it's the perfect travel companion for quick trips — no more packing a jumble of cumbersome chargers. (They can be more annoying than shoes in a suitcase.)

While run times will vary depending on the device, you should expect to get up to 10 hours of gab time and 28 hours of tune time per charge, according to iGo.

Certainly sounds a lot better than the gas mileage you've been getting lately, huh?

You Gotta Love a Mother

We love Mother Earth, we really do. As for greenhouse gases? Well, they can take a flying leap.

As we're ruminating over Mama Planet and her climate crisis this month (Earth Day, officially April 22, is being celebrated throughout April), we find our thoughts taking a brief detour to Planet Mom T-Shirts where the focus is on a different mother.

You know, the sort of mother who might snort with pleasure over the clever messages on these form-hugging, 100% cotton T-shirts.

For instance, the sinful-looking black tee with a hot pink-embroidered "Mother Superior". Or the lavender tee with purple-embroidered "I need a playdate". Or the hot pink "Nanny Deprived" stitched on a cotton-candy pink tee.

If you feel confident enough in your derriere to draw eyes to that area, consider donning some of Planet Mom's fetching yoga-style pants. One pair comes with the words "Trophy Wife" strategically emblazoned on your backside.

Finally, looking beyond mothers, for the man in your life, there's the emerald green briefs/skivvies with "Lord of the Pants" stitched on the back.

(Just between us girls, that's the sort of green movement we can get behind.)

Success Has Never Tasted So Sweet

Monday mornings are a perfect time to grab a cup of coffee, sit down at your desk and get right down to... well, procrastinating.

But a smart girl like you is no ordinary procrastinator. Therefore, prepare to make a list.

First, write down the name of at least one girlfriend you've been meaning to congratulate on her recent success. Add one hot prospect you really need to impress. Then record the name of a colleague who's exceeded your expectations.

Then head on over to one of NYC's most stylish bakeries, Eleni's, where they craft hand-iced sugar cookies in a variety of designs perfect for those lucky enough to be on your list.

Your girlfriend is sure to love the designer handbag and shoe collections. That prospect will be delighted to open a tin of cookies sporting a combo of their corporate logo mixed with your logo - what a clever way to show how successful a partnership will be. And a custom-iced thank you will ensure your colleague's success has never been sweeter.

Now that's what we call procrastinating with purpose. Just what we'd expect from a smart cookie, like you.

PS - Don't forget Administrative Assistant's Week is next week. And Eleni's cookies can be shipped anywhere nationwide.

Do It Anyway

What are you afraid of? Public speaking? Launching your own business? Those cruel dressing-room mirrors as we near another swimsuit season?

Hey, you can't let fear stop you. If you're ever going to achieve your dreams, you've got to learn to feel the fear and do it anyway.

And speaking of anyway, have you heard Martina McBride's latest hit titled "Anyway"? Yes, we all know she's an industry success story – $16 million in sales, 22 top 10 singles, awards galore. What you may not know is that "Anyway" shot to the top of the music charts faster than any other song Martina has ever recorded.

What's so different about that song, you ask? Is it the melody? The soulful lyrics? Maybe. But perhaps it also has something to do with the fact that "Anyway" is the first song Martina ever co-wrote and produced herself.

For years she didn't think she was good enough. Just like the rest of us. But she pushed through her fear, and began to write, and then record – risking failure all the way. The result? A brand new level of success.

So go on. Push yourself to do something you're dreaming of, but are afraid to do. And when you feel the fear, as Martina says, "do it anyway".

PS - Tune in tonight to watch Martina McBride on American Idol, as she mentors a new set of rising stars. And maybe watching those people belt it out in front of millions will make your fears seem a lot less scary.

Hit the Links – Women Style

The game of golf is widely considered a grand way to network. But, really, who has time to spend four hours forging connections on the links? Truth be told, put a bunch of women in a room together for one hour and they'll inspire, hire, embolden and encourage, and get a ton of business done at the same time.

If you're looking for new business links, consider eWomenNetwork, a highly successful online and live-event group dedicated to the power of women-only networking. If you own your own business (or aspire to) simply join, post your own virtual brag book of achievements and dreams, and start connecting with other "making it happen" women across the country.

You can also absorb a little in-person mojo by hitting a live event called Accelerated Networking® – available in over one hundred cities.

Naturally, all that forging of connections isn't just about padding your biz-card collection. The eWomen Network Foundation gives grant money for women in need. For example, buying uniforms and Nike shoes for a girls' high school basketball team that lost everything after Hurricane Katrina.

So log on and get busy meeting your new mentor/business partner/best friend. And tell the golf pro you won't be needing those lessons after all.

The Modern Conveniences of Life

Carrying around a laptop has never been a problem. Plenty of bags on the market will help you do that. True, most are frumpy and bulky. Yet they manage to get the job done.

On the other hand, it's the actual getting the computer out of the bag and setting it up that can be so cumbersome. All that fumbling and cord arranging and then try finding a place to lay the laptop bag – what a hassle – especially when you've not yet had your morning shot of caffeine.

Problem solved.

The Belkin SleeveTop allows you to open your laptop and get down to business without removing the computer from its sleek and stylish case. This handy accessory comes in three colors. Play it safe with silver or, to really make an "I'm here" statement, go with stand-out green or orange.

The sleeve is washable and durable making it fantastic for impromptu meetings at Starbucks as well as gatherings around a crowded conference room table.

Plus with its modern yet fashionable design, you won't have to worry about it clashing with your Fendi bag. How convenient.

It's Fabulous To Be Flat

OK, it's true: When sporting your favorite power suit and a fabulous pair of heels, you are fearless and confident, ready to clinch the deal, woo the client and command the meeting.

But, ohmigod, by the end of the day, are your feet throbbing.

While the stylish suit/high-heel combo will always have its place, flats absolutely work at the office. Not just any heel-less shoes will do, however. They need to be rich in material, sophisticated in color and sleek in shape to exude the right vibe for work. (Leave the crazy colors, lightweight fabrics, and groovy prints for weekends or more casual work days.)

Enter Tory Burch. The New York designer and style icon offers up the pitch-perfect answer: Reva Ballerina Flats, which come in an array of hues all with accompanying luxe (gold or silver) metal logos. Made of supple leather, or a deliciously light suede, both with rubber sole, the shoe is classic and comfortable, and thoroughly modern. The iconic graphic Tory Burch logo adds a touch of fashion interest without conveying an ounce of frivolity.

On second thought, maybe those heels aren't necessary after all.

Work It Girl

Are five up-and-down pumps during a handshake too many? What's the best "wrap it up" line to utter at the end of a networking phone call? And what do you do when someone you've never even met asks you to be part of his LinkedIn network?

When you're all fired up to network, these are burning questions.

For answers, head over to the Center for Networking Excellence. Run by uber-networker Liz Lynch, the site is oozing with top-notch advice and tips. Most of them for free. Click over to Lynch's Stealth Networker blog and read about everything from introducing yourself to a group in mid-chitchat, to the art of the follow-up meeting.

Sign up for the free monthly Network Now! e-zine, and they'll throw in the "7 Days to Smarter Networking" e-course – free, again. Every day, a snack-sized lesson pops in your inbox for you to consume. By the end of the week, you'll be sated and unstoppable.

As for the handshake, yes, five shakes may be a smidge overzealous. Give 'em three good pumps and call it a day.

Go Forth and Be (Less) Responsible

You know we at Uptown are all about smart business and fulfilling responsibilities.

Most of the time.

Because we know that some of life's best lessons are learned while doing something slightly less than what the world defines as responsible.

If you think like we do, you'll find pleasure in reading "Reliving The Year I Conquered The World", a delightful essay written by Taylor Arnold and printed in one of our faves, Skirt Magazine.

Enjoy. And go find some time to be, well, less responsible. You never know what you might learn.

Solutions, Solutions, Solutions

We spend our day worrying about the details. Getting the project done on time. Hiring the right person. Making the report sing.

But as businesswomen, it's important to stay abreast of broader trends.

For example, parents everywhere struggle to find quality after-school care for their children. When parents are secure in knowing their children are safe, they are more productive and less likely to miss work. What can companies do to help parents with their after-school dilemma?

Catalyst, a leading research and advisory organization working to expand opportunities for women at work, studied the issue and found that more flexible, "agile" workplaces are good for parents and profits.

Check out the Catalyst website for fascinating reports on subjects like breaking through the so-called glass ceiling to after-school worries to issues faced by women of color.

Best of all, Catalyst doesn't just highlight problems. It emphasizes solutions. Just what you'd expect of a well run, women-led organization.

Her Name in Print

You're invited to a great party, it's five minutes to departure time, and suddenly you find yourself running around like a derelict Martha Stewart, searching for tape, ribbon and something suitable to put the gift in. Why is it that sometimes the most difficult part about gift giving isn't finding the perfect present but finding a worthy box, wrapping and all the trimmings?

Wipe the sweat off your brow and check out Namemaker.com. Here, you can purchase chic personalized ribbons, gift boxes and bags. And with Mother's and Father's Day, and graduations sneaking up on us, now is the time to buy, and never get caught sans appropriate gift-wrapping accoutrements again.

The coolest part about Namemaker is how you can design personalized boxes and ribbon and giftwrap – names, monograms, slogans, anything goes. Whether you go tongue in cheek or straight forward, recipients' will appreciate the personal touch.

After all, who doesn't like to see her name in print?

Shiny, Happy Tees

When the weekend comes, you want to forget about work, loosen up and have some fun.

Your wardrobe does, too. And sporting a just-fun tee shirt from Just Jen is the perfect style remedy. The online boutique's cotton tees by American Apparel feature 100 percent genuine Swarovski crystal rhinestones, which are used to spell out saucy slogans, and create fun graphics and logos. Shirts come in seven styles (from tanks to long-sleeved) and just as many colors; Swarovski crystals come in a painter's box selection of hues, as well.

For our money, the best way to go is to customize your own shirt. You simply choose a tee style and color, crystal color and, of course, the design. Be creative and have fun. A few ideas: "Good Boss" "High Achiever" "Reading Is Sexy" or "Power Babe."

You can also select from dozens of popular styles, ranging from peace signs to skull-and-crossbones to zodiacs and popular zip codes.

Enjoy the blinged-out top and your carefree weekend cause come Monday it's back to the ol' blouse-and-trousers routine.