June 02, 2008

You Are Priceless

Yes, you got-a-lot going on. And we don’t mean on your to-do list.

We’re talking about your smarts, your style, your skills, your passion, your knowledge, your tenacity, your competencies.

Ever wondered, when you add it all up, what you’re really worth?

That’s where these handy salary sites come in. Each can give you an idea of what your salary range should be.

**Note: style, passion and tenacity not accounted for. Good thing - for it is these qualities that make you priceless.

• Salary.com obtains its information from human resource departments, then provides data to job boards at HotJobs.com and Monster.com, among others. You can purchase a detailed salary report for $30 to $100, tailored to your experience and location.
  
  
• PayScale.com gathers information directly from the people who search for data. If you want salary information, you must take six minutes to fill in a questionnaire. You supply answers about your background, job duties, employer and salary. It tells you what others with like you are making. Cost for more detailed analysis: $20
  
  
• Payscroll.com, the newest site on the block, uses a new method of trolling job listings for salary information.

June 03, 2008

iPhone All Important Protection

Oh, the daily dings of life.

Embarrassing run-in with the ex? Leak in the bathroom? Gazillion deadlines all hitting at once?

Whatev.

Thanks to your daily armor -- that way you have of making others laugh, that way you have of laughing at yourself, and that way you know when nothing but a good dose of shopping will fix things – you remain fabulous in the face of any calamity.

Yes, it’s your sheath of personal style that keeps you strong.

And your iPhone deserves protection, too.

So save your beloved gadget from unsightly dings and dents with these cases and skins. (However please note: None are guaranteed to prevent damage should you choose to hurl the iPhone at your ex).

Glossy, colorful iStyle skins both protect and personalize, sticking right to your device. (Each comes with a special access code, so you can download free matching wallpaper to complete the look.)

The iSkin Revo protects the iPhone’s surface, and the antimicrobial material embedded in its silicone surface protects you from germs.

Wrap it up in a no-slip silicone case by DLO for a gripable layer of protection. The Jam Jacket also neatly bundles dangling earbuds on the back, so pesky cords stay out of the way.

June 04, 2008

Make Room for New Shoes, Recycle the Old

Rule #1: You can never have too many shoes.

But lately, you must admit, as you stand indecisively at your closet door, that a number of once-so-loved shoes are now not-so-loved, perching like forgotten wallflowers in your shoe rack.

Bringing to mind Rule #2: Make room for new shoes whenever possible.

Instead of letting perfectly fine footwear gather dust, why not recycle them? A few fabulous programs can breathe new life to your old kicks:

• SolesUnited.com: Mail in your old Crocs or donate them to a participating retailer, and the company grinds the clogs into new material for shoes, which they distribute to the needy. Or buy a pair made from the recycled material, and Cros will donate a pair through the program.
  
  
• SimplySoles.com/Suited for Change: Help women transition out of homeless shelters and into the working world by giving them a pair of your shoes (any size, closed toe, professional-looking). You get to bask in the spirit of recycling and 10% off your next order with the online boutique.
  
  
• LetMePlay.com: Nike takes your old sneakers (any brand) and recycles them into material for sports surfaces in needy areas worldwide. Where to donate them.

June 05, 2008

Purses with That Python Touch

Snakes sure do get a bad rap.

You swallow a few measly family pets whole (they totally had it coming, BTW), bite one so-called Egyptian queen (so did she), and flash your fangs from time to time (we all have bad days), and suddenly you’re branded as some kind of monster.

So while our serpentine friends work on their PR, show some love by rocking one of the hot snakeskin handbags that are currently slithering their way into the closets of many a fashionista.

Sink your teeth into this slinky black Spiegel Snake-Print Bag, accented with a trendy chain strap.

Foley + Corinna’s Mid City Tote comes in subtle, shimmery tan snakeskin leather that’s versatile enough for everyday wear.

Pauric Sweeney is the new ‘it’ designer on every celeb’s wish list thanks to extravagant, ultra-hot bags like this Python Shoulder Bag. (Ok – we know you’d never spend this much on a bag – but it’s fun to look at...!)

For a more dramatic snakeskin print, look to Calvin Klein’s funky Snake-Embossed Satchel, available in white or red.

The roomy Jules Weekender Tote is the kind of travel-perfect bag you’ll keep forever. (Good thing, because it costs a freakin’ fortune.)

June 06, 2008

Style Yourself Slim

You were going to try the South Beach Diet – until you realized that pina coladas and hot Latin men weren’t part of the equation.

Then there was your ‘fool-proof’ workout plan – which turned out to be not only not-fool-proof but also quite short-lived.

So welcome to Plan C: a slimmer, sleeker bod that involves no dieting, no sweating, and no pain.

Just slip on one of these summertime body-shapers, throw on your outfit of choice, and bask in the glow of compliments like “You look so skinny!” What they don’t know won’t hurt ‘em, right?

• Say buh-bye to belly bulge in the Yummie Tummie tank top, a stomach-firming basic that comes in every color you crave.
  
  
• Think of the Bod-a-Bing! Cropped Pants as Spanx for the viewing public. The sassy pants are built with a special liner that targets the tummy and thighs.
  
  
• The Bordeaux Pearl Racer Back Dress is a summertime essential thanks to its flirty style and body-slimming seamless lining.
  
  
• The Smooth Back Camisole from Flexees keeps your back fat at bay, while the front features an alluring lace trim.

June 09, 2008

Enter to Win Free Giveaways – Like a Tory Burch Tote!

We know, we know. Four little words in the same sentence. Soooo exciting!

Win. Free. Tory. Burch.

Yes, Uptown gals, starting today – and all summer long -- you can be eligible to win totally trend-worthy freebies every week in Tell a Friend to Win contest!

Here’s how it works:

1. Us – Every Monday we announce a brand new got-to-have-it giveaway.
   
   
2. You - Simply tell a friend about Uptown Scoop and you are automatically entered to win. Every friend equals one entry.
   
   
3. Us – We draw one name from the group and notify the lucky winner.
   
   
4. You – Scream with delight because you’re the winner OR play again next week.

That’s it. Play as often as you like. And remember, she who spreads the word and tells the most friends has the greatest chance to win!

CLICK HERE NOW and Tell a Friend to Win!

June 10, 2008

Get Simple Fast

It happens about a million times a day.

You remember something else you’ve got to do. And there’s no way -- absolutely no way – you can write it down because a.) you’re driving and can’t find a pen, much less paper, b.) you’re running to your next appointment and if you stop to dig through your bag for pen/paper, you’ll definitely be late, or c.) you just plain old hate To Do lists.

We have several possible solutions:

1. Scribble the note on the palm of your hand. (Not our first choice.)
   
   
2. Call your hunk of an assistant and tell him to write the note on your calendar. (OK, so you don’t have an assistant. But if you did, he would definitely be hot.)
   
   
3. Push a button to speed-dial Jott. (Bingo.)

Simply go to Jott.com and register for a free account. Then when you’re in need, just call the number (866-JOTT-123) and leave yourself a message.

Hang up, and Jott transcribes the message and shoots it to your e-mail.

Another handy thing: You can set up Jott so that your messages go to other people. Like to your boss, telling him you’d r-e-a-l-l-y be so much more productive if you had a super efficient (hot) assistant.

June 11, 2008

How Sweet It Is

It’s only Wednesday. And already you feel like you’ve put in 80 hours this week. (OK, you probably have.)

Short of a weekend in Bali, replete with personal masseur, there’s not much that could soothe your weary bones right now.

Except for maybe a sugary, baked carb.

Nothing like a jolt of sweetness to shine a bright spot in the middle of a dismal, difficult week. (We know it’s wrong, but...)

So next time the Daily Race has you (or office mates) pining for buttercream, turn to these habit-forming online vendors:

Sprinkles Cupcakes: It’s the shop that started the recent cupcake craze in L.A. (with a fan base that includes Oprah and Katie Holmes). Over 20 exquisite flavors to choose from, including ginger lemon, black and white, and cinnamon sugar.

Sugardaddy’s: Sure, you could opt for one of their famous edgeless brownies or blondies. But why not live on the edge. Opt for an order of Brownie Biscotti -- essentially made from the “cut away” edges of the edgeless brownies and blondies.

Susansnaps: A closely guarded family secret makes these gingersnaps among the best ever. Even better than the melt-in-your-mouth flavor, though, is the fact that a portion of every sale goes toward cancer research.

June 12, 2008

Calling All Entrepreneurs – And Dreamers – Your Time Has Arrived

You’ve been thinking about it for a very long time. Dreaming, scheming, drawing up ideas on napkins.

And now it’s time. Time for you to take that business concept you’ve cooked up and make it a reality.

Oh. That’s right. You’re a woman. So you’re in need of support. Encouragement. Advice. (We know all about it– we’re women, too.)

And WomenEntrepreneur.com is so there for you.

This place offers great info on important matters like getting started, finance and money, and sales and marketing. And compelling articles like “Times Are Tough, But So Are You,” by Tamara Monosoff, who says this just may be the perfect time to get your business off the ground.

Plus there are all sorts of cool blogs and success stories by women who are paving the way and building a template for other successful women. Like Carol Hochman who started her lingerie design business almost by accident. Or Katrina Markoff, who’s taking the business of chocolate to a whole new level.

So go for it. Now. Here. Today. Especially now that you know you’ve got dozens of virtual friends who are there for you, just waiting to support you and that brilliant idea of yours.

June 13, 2008

Checkbook Makeover, Please!

So, what if we told you we know a way to make the dredded task of opening up your checkbook and parting with your hard earned money a tiny bit pleasant?

“Writing checks -- pleasant?!”

Oh, get with the program, girlfriend. Clearly you are in need of a checkbook-cover-makeover.

In fact, a delightfully lovely cover is just what you need to experience that aforementioned tinge of happiness when you have to pull out your checkbook.

Four worth the investment:

Are you a preppy pink and green? Or more of a classic black and white? Choose the fabric cover by Nan Gates that fits your mood.

The two-tone leather covers of the Vera Bradley Baekgaard Collection bring to mind balmy colors of the Caribbean.

Fun fabric covers from Yatta could seriously make you happier to whip out your pen and say, “How much?”

And finally, this beauty, a sparkly, crystal-dabbled checkbook adds rock-star flash to your otherwise ordinary handbag. A tad bit expensive, but come on, you really can’t put a price on true happiness, can you?

June 16, 2008

Get Motivated - Sing Your Way to Success

"OK, don’t let this be the time I mess up."

We’ve all thought it. A quiet mantra we whisper under our breath just before entering a room to seize a mega-opportunity.

And it’s exactly what one of our favorite business/career coaches, Gail Blanke, said to herself as she walked down Third Avenue in NYC to pitch a new book to a top publishing house.

The pressure was on. And she got more uptight with every step.

That’s when Blanke remembered the power of music and its ability to transform our psyche. So she began to hum a tune that was particularly inspiring to her.

In no time, she was strutting and unstoppable.

And she got the deal.

Want more on this story - Find Your Song (And Sing It) – or others from Blanke? Check out her monthly column The Motivator, available online at RealSimple.com.

As Blanke notes, when the stress is on, find music that lifts you up, and sing it.

And although you may be more of a “I Will Survive” kind of girl, there is certainly something to be said for a few timely bars of Elton John’s “The Bitch Is Back”.

Hit it, boys.

June 17, 2008

Calendar Girls Rule

Did you know there are actually eight days in a week?

Of course, there’s Monday through Friday. Then Saturday and Sunday. And finally, Someday. The best day of the week.

So why is it we rarely get there?

Maybe it’s because all those electronic calendars and PDA’s we use these days don’t have “Someday” anywhere in their programming. And we get so busy filling in the hours and minutes with tasks we have to do that we forget all about the things we want to do.

That’s why we recommend, every now and then, managing your calendar the old fashioned way – and using the 8-Days-a-Week Planner.

This paper planner has plenty of room for plotting out seven days of the week, plus that special eighth column called Someday. Spiral bound so it lays flat, you can see the entire week at a glance, without losing sight of your dreams.

So planner or no planner, let’s all agree to write down our want-to-do list right beside our have-to-do list.

And find a little time to go to Someday, every day.

June 18, 2008

Womentelligence - Think Twice About the Games Girls Play

It’s almost the weekend (ok, wishful thinking) and no doubt you’re already planning some good old fashioned entertainment.

How about a game of Monopoly? Or maybe it’s been a rough week and Candyland will be more your speed.

Whatever your choice, had you been a girl in the 60’s, one of your options would have been the popular board game called The Exciting Game of Career Girls.

Young females were encouraged to “dream big” and prepare for one of six possible vocations as a teacher, actress, model, nurse, airline hostess, and of course, a ballet dancer.

(Oh, puh-lease.)

But just in case your daughters or nieces are digging through old closets this summer, looking for games to play, you may want to make note that even the more recent releases of career games still linger behind in highlighting what women can do.

Just one example: the modern Parker Bros game called Careers (circa 1990) offers choices of super mom, rock star, school teacher, fashion designer and animal doctor.

Perhaps it’s merely an oversight, but don’t ya kinda wonder what things might look like today if someone back then had made, say, CEO one of the choices? And maybe President of the United States? Just a thought.

June 19, 2008

No Time Like the Present To Go Bargain Hunting

Pay full price? Are you kidding?

Not this frugal fashionista. Uncovering cheap and chic items is way in style.

The trouble, of course, is that it takes time to scroll and click through all those fave online haunts to figure out who has what, in which size, for how much.

But now you can rest your weary wrists, darlings, and lean on Shopittome.com.

The service proactively sends you clothing that matches your size and brand preferences, as soon as those items go on sale. (And spin-off act Shop It To Me Running allows you to find out when your favorite running shoe models and running gear go on sale.)

It’s like having a free personal online shopper, who knows you love Seven jeans and DKNY. Just set up your account to choose your favorite brands, and Shop It To Me begins hitting the virtual racks on your behalf. You get daily or weekly emails -- your choice -- when a new item is up for grabs.

A word to the wise: It’s dangerously addictive.

Just don’t say we didn’t warn you.

June 20, 2008

Style Alert – Wristlet Clutches Are Oh So Wow

To quote the lyrics from the legendary song by Donna Summer, you “work hard for the money... so hard for it, honey.”

Wait—that song’s about a hooker?

Ohhhhhhhhhhh.

Well—so what? You do work hard for the money (not that hard, but still...), so why not treat it—and yourself—right?

You hard-earned money deserves more than just a boring money holder. So get yourself one of those oh-so-hot wristlet clutches.

Pop one into your favorite handbag (and stop hunting for your money, honey), or take it out and travel light.

After all, these babies are too hot to hide.

New from Coach, the Signature Patchwork Denim Wristlet is a perfect place to hold just the essentials – a few dollars and lipstick. Let someone else bring the credit cards.

The Dooney & Bourke Patent Wristlet comes in several smile-inducing shades, with a detachable strap to switch into clutch mode.

Hayden-Harnett offers this super cool Pilot Wristlet Clutch. Available in stunning metallic violet or silver, with a detachable wrist loop strap.

MICHAEL Michael Kors Delancey Wallet on a String Clutch: This convertible wallet/clutch combo has a removable chain strap and interior pockets for your essentials.

Marc by Marc Jacobs – this beauty comes in cranberry with silver hardware and boasts two front pouches with twist-lock closures – handy for keys, business cards and more.

June 23, 2008

It’s Good to Believe

It’s Monday. Therefore, you must be looking for a little insight. A few words of encouragement. Perhaps a bit of inspiration.

And “This I Believe” may be just the ticket.

This I Believe, Inc. is a national media project that engages people in sharing the core values atnd beliefs that guide their daily lives.

NPR airs the three to four minute essays on their regular radio shows, and has made them all available – in both text and audio – for our enjoyment on This I Believe on NPR.org.

A few to get you started:

• Listening to Your Inner Voice
  
  
• Stepping Out of Fear
  
  
• A Grown Up Barbie
  
  
• Leaving Identity Issues to Other Folks

June 24, 2008

A Stylish Take on File Totes

The outfit? An effortlessly gorgeous ensemble. Hair? Noticeably compliant and adorable. Outlook? Sunny.

Final assessment? You’re ready to hit the sidewalk or storm the boardroom or do whatever it is successful, independent and smart women do every day.

Only... don’t step off the premises with those plain old manila folders!

Your papers deserve to be transported in something far more suitable – and stylish.

Try these file totes on for size:

Show off the clean, mod lines of your desk by tucking papers into Galison’s Scandinavian Modern file tote, with eight interior dividers. Tip: Order file folders to match.

Opt for the flowery fantasia of Vera Bradley’s Take Note tote to keep docs organized.

Perfect for casual Friday, a cornhusk tote in lime, turquoise or pink expands to hold all your in-play files. After all, it’s summer, yes?

June 25, 2008

Pitching In For The Planet

Not everyone is as eco-minded as they should be.

Like the grocery clerk who double-bagged your toothpaste and deodorant — separately.

Or the next door neighbor who turns his home into a blinking, buzzing electric wonderland known as Santa’s Village each year – all year long.

You could get mad...or you could just invite them to accept a Carbonrally challenge.

Carbonrally.com aspires to save the planet, one challenge at a time.

Giving environmentalism a competitive spin, the site creates a community of likeminded do-gooders who seek to reduce their carbon emissions by accepting challenges like using fewer light bulbs, composting kitchen waste, and unplugging the computer overnight. The tasks themselves are minor, easily doable lifestyle changes that have a big impact on the environment; the total CO2 reduction thus far is more than 200 hundred tons.

Ready to put your commitment to the planet to the test? Sign up as an individual, or grab some friends and form a team to compete against other teams in the race to go green.

P.S. For inspiration, look to the current Carbonrally leading team, the Royal Acorns. This group of super smart females and their carbon footprint-eliminating ways has resulted in more than 14 tons (and counting) of CO2 reduced.

And to think they’re only in the 7th grade.

Read more about them in the online pages of Time.

You go girls!

June 26, 2008

The Business of Launching a Dream

The idea has been percolating for months.

You’re feeling lucky.

The business plan is...well, it’s not quite finished. (You’ve always suspected b-plans are overrated.)

Anyway, what would it take for you to launch this baby -- your small-business idea -- into reality?

Persistence? Check. Passion? In spades. What you need now are a few good tips to get your small business off the ground. The advice of girlfriends who’ve walked in your shoes. Who’ve stocked the shelves, so to speak, opened their doors and made a go of it.

Put another way, you need the goods found on the Yahoo! Small Business channel.

So settle in, and start with the video profiles -- real entrepreneurs, real inspiration. Hear how the empress of bling, Au-Co Mai (pictured), founder of Emitations, got her start making copies of starlet baubles. (It involved moving her twin bed into her walk-in closet, so she could turn her bedroom into Emitations HQ. Talk about drive!)

Then amble over to the Getting Started section for tips on finance, legal issues, franchise opportunities, etc.

You can even bone up on, ahem, writing a business plan.

June 27, 2008

Summer’s Best for Sleep

Remember last year’s big 4th of July weekend? It was so unfortunate. And even more unfortunate for the visiting in-laws.

Really, the shock of them witnessing your scantily clad sashay to the kitchen for one last glass of wine, well, it almost seems like a bad dream.

(Well, not all bad. This year the in-laws will be letting Holiday Inn take care of their accommodation needs).

But since you’re not one to make the same mistake twice, for this summer’s spate of houseguests, you’ll be upgrading to sleepwear that’s more suitable for mixed company.

After all, nobody at the breakfast table really needs an eyeful of your bod before they’ve had their morning coffee, now do they?

Alöe Navy Silk Top & Pants: This ‘30s-style loungewear set is so chic you could practically wear it to the Ivy.

Calvin Klein Shattered Leaves Pajama Pants: Keep cool on hot summer nights in these lightweight woven cotton bottoms; pair with your favorite tank or tee.

Victoria’s Secret Racerback Pajama: This comfy set comes in an array of pretty prints.

Carole Hochman Pink Paradise Tank & Short Set: This casual short set guarantees sweet dreams with its comfortable pima cotton and feminine print.

June 30, 2008

VIP Note: All Uptown Women Head Downtown for Smarts

You aspired to be the sailing pro at Club Med. But then your I’ll-never-get-any-work-done-with-all-those-gorgeous-men-around sensibility kicked in.

As for your dream of being an official taster for the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company? Fell by the wayside when you saw what all that choco-love does to one’s thighs.

And now you’re just plain old stuck in a job, we hate to say, you hate.

Will you ever find your dream career?

Youbetcha. Click over to the pages of Downtown Women’s Club, a site whose mission is to help you create your dream career (yes, those are their very words).

Front and center on the site is a job board, and here’s the best part: The job hawkers highlighted on it are looking specifically for women. Smart, sassy, multitalented and notoriously flexible women just like yourself.

Job searching is free, but to squeeze every ounce of usefulness from the site, you’ll also want to become a member of the DWC Plus network, and tap into the online networking, marketing, discounts and freebies on offer.

And best of all, because you’re an Uptown Scoop reader, you get 20% off the $49.99/year membership fee. Just type in the discount code UPTOWN when you register!