Luggage 501: How to Stand Out in the Crowd

You would think, looking at all those black bags circling 'round and 'round on the airport luggage carousel, that we women business travelers were no more interested in style than a herd of... well, a herd of men.

Girlfriends, it's time to liven up your luggage and there's no better place to shop than Flight 001. To get you rolling (pun intended), here are a few models that look professional and fun.

China Cove Trolley by Halsea ($325). Rose-colored laminated canvas with leather de-tails on the outside; fabulous pink satin lining on the inside. It sounds crazy, but it works.

Trolley designed by Marc Newson ($240). Simple, streamlined, utterly professional. This red bombshell looks good and stands up to the hard knocks, thanks to a laminated foam exterior.

Wheeled Mini by Casauri ($175). We like the striped version, with its plentiful zippered pockets on the outside.

Wheelie Bag by Orla Kiely in "Cars" print ($345). Cars on your air travel bag? Oh, how clever. Plus the telescoping handle can be hidden away in a zippered pocket.

Aahhh... luggage with style. So many ways to stand out in the crowd. So little time...

Better to Give Thanks Than Receive

Looking for something unique to thank a special colleague or favorite client? Or maybe you want to surprise your best friend with a simple gift of friendship.

Enough with the gift cards to restaurants. And, please, does anyone really need another gift basket?

This time, make it something that will touch her heart and allow you both to make a difference, with Charity Checks "giving certificates".

You select the amount of the gift check, and the giftee picks a charity for the donation. Individual check amounts range from $25 to $250.

Here's how it works: Say you have 10 friends to buy for or 10 employees to reward, and you have a total budget of $250. You get the $250 tax deduction, and each of them gets a $25 check to give away to a cause they care about -- soup kitchens, local symphonies, literacy programs, public television or any of 800,000 qualified charities across the country.

In the end, they feel good. You feel good.

You feel especially good because you didn't even have to venture out to the mall. Now that's a gift worth giving.

For more information, visit www.charitychecks.us.

Speed Reading II

There are piles of old and unread Businessweeks and Real Simples stacked on your nightstand, and you have yet to crack that novel you bought last month. (Insert sigh.) These days, the only thing you're reading religiously is the manual to your new laptop.

Well Ms. Work-Is-My-Life-Lately, guess what. We have a little reading assignment of our own. Before you groan, you should know this will only take a few minutes – and can do wonders for your career.

Simply go to The Wall Street Journal's Career Journal.com and head directly to Manage Your Career - Climbing the Ladder. No matter your job, you will find spot on advice from an eclectic group of writers.

We're particularly smitten with recent articles by Sarah E. Needleman, including "Declutter Your Career" and "How to Advance Your Career and Still Have a Personal Life".

We also love Needlemans's article "Grooming Women for the Top" stuffed with great tips for CEO-types. Relevant even if you don't aspire to be CEO of some big conglomerate... because you're always the CEO of You, Inc.

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

Totally Brilliant

The expression "totally stacked" can bring such an unpleasant image to mind. Unless you're a guy (which we are not). And unless we're talking bracelets (which we are).

In which case, stacking groups of bangles on your wrist is "totally in" this summer.

We love this trend because there's a bangle for every wrist. And every occasion. Available in silver, gold, wood and crystal – and in every price point – stacking groups of bangles can exude hippie or haute, classic or cool. Here are some stylish stacks.

The key? Work them together as a group. Here are some stylish stacks you can mix and match.

How about Crystal Bangles by Channel, made of gold plate and 14 to a set, are chic and sleek and are available exclusively online at Lee Angel, or a set of Me&Ro's Set of 7 Flattened Bangles, available in sterling silver and 10K gold, which are sexy and simple, and will never go out of style. Stylishly throw them together with the unexpected Copper-Tone Wood Bangles, a la Target.

And to mix it up every now and then, add square sterling silver bangles by Tracy Matthews Design. These hammered bracelets are sure to make anyone sit up and take notice.

Bottom line: Totally stacked is a totally brilliant way to be totally in. Just be sure you're talking bracelets.

How to Be Note-able

Yes, Mother was right. If you want to create a lasting impression, stay in touch, or say thank you, nothing beats a handwritten note. Especially true for those of us in professions where we know regular client communication results in increased sales.

But just the thought of writing all those notes can be so daunting...

But entirely doable if you have the Note-Working Success System from Profits in Progress.

We love the Lite System with its handy little refillable Travel kit. It tucks ever so neatly into your purse, allowing you to whip it out and be productive while sitting in traffic, sitting on the train, or sitting just about anywhere.

Each month you'll receive 30 exclusive (as in not-sold-anywhere-else) note cards, complete with sample messages – plagiarism entirely encouraged. There's even a tracking form, customized for the month, so you can measure the fruits of your labor.

So back up your networking with note-working. Undoubtedly, your clients will be impressed by your personal touch – one that can't help but stand out among a mass of less memorable e-mails.

(Present company excluded, of course.)

Put Down That Coffee and Try This Instead

Stop! Don't do it. We see you reaching for yet another cup of coffee. Shouldn't you grab a healthier choice?

(Yeah, yeah, yeah – give us a break.)

What's that, you say? It's nearly impossible to take care of your health when you're so darn busy taking care of business?

Fine, then. If you insist on something that will go down nicely – and taste good – during those yada-yada-yada conference calls and suck-the-life-out-of-you-meetings, here are a few alternatives that refresh and improve your health.

May the force – of a little hydration and energy – be with you.

Crystal Light Immunity: From the "Enhanced" line of Crystal Light products, these come in Cherry Pomegranate, Berry Splash and Wild Strawberry, and enhance a body's natural defenses with vitamins A, C and E. You'll love that it's only 5 calories per serving, with no fat and no sugar.

POM Tea: Made from hand-picked, whole-leaf tea, this brew is spiked with the natural polyphenol antioxidants that come from pomegranates. It's tough to ignore the research on the health benefits of pomegranates: They're great for your heart, helping prevent bad cholesterol from building up on artery walls, and help maintain healthy blood pressure.

Glaceau Vitaminwater: You've likely seen Jennifer Aniston advertising the plain Smartwater version of Glaceau waters, but these tasty vitamin waters come in a variety of options, each packing a powerful dose of uniquely blended nutrients to keep you hydrated and energized.

You Can Change the World With Free Money

Free money alert! Free money alert! Five thousand clams, to be exact.

Of course, you will have to do a tiny bit of work to win this $5,000. (Where do you think you are, Vegas?) But it's the sort of work that's right up your alley.

Avon wants to know:

"How would you change the world by empowering other women?"

Submit your idea and you just might win the $5,000. (Then you have to do it – yikes!)

The giveaway is called the "Hello Tomorrow Fund," and if your heart is beating a little bit faster because this might just be the break you need to launch that project you've dreamed about, then you'll really love this:

The odds of winning are fabulous. That's because Avon is giving away $5,000 every week between now and March 2008.

Winners so far? One winner sought to empower minority high-school girls to seek careers in math and science, where they're currently under-represented. Another won funding for an inner-city cheerleading program.

Now you can change the world and get somebody else to help pay for it. How perfect is that?

The Best Coach Ever (As In Accessories)

You've likely seen Coach's updated line of great looking bags, but if you haven't checked out the Coach Women's Accessories lately, you may find yourself doing the eyes-wide-open-mouth-agape thing. There's way more than the basic leather bags and wallets you've come to expect.

Happily, Coach is awash in color, showcasing fabulous looking watches, sunglasses, scarves, iPod cases and more.

The lifestyle brand brings the same premium quality and sense of wearable fashion to these new accessories as it does to its forty-something handbag collection. A trio of must-haves for your fun and breezy style...

The rainbow-colored patchwork Weekend Hamptons Mini is perfect for your iPod Nano, or simply use in a more traditional fashion – as in credit cards or coins.

You'll adore the Signature Neckerchief, perfect for adding a pop of pizzazz to any outfit. The silk logo-print scarf is fun and geometric – the perfect foil for a basic suit.

You'll never believe that the Heritage Goldplate Bracelet is also a watch. With its subtle logo, this little treasure makes for an understated and sophisticated vibe, appropriate for work and play.

Lots of new products, yes. But Coach is still first class all the way.

Chic for Geek - It's A Whole New Bag

With your classic Kate Spade work tote, functional and fashionable Michael Kors day satchel and sexy evening Lauren Merkin clutch, you may think your handbag wardrobe is perfectly complete (at least for this season, anyway).

And if that's the case, you would be... well, wrong.

Mustn't forget about laptop bags and sleeves. And Kolobags, the divine laptop satchel boutique, is just the place to find your geek-chic-wear.

Since you demand the same flair in your tech accessories as you do in all your fashion, Kolobags is truly a one-stop shop, filled with an ever-changing selection of top labels (Piquadro, Paulpac, Acme Made, Lodis, Melissa Beth, Adrienne Vittadini, Casauri).

A few styles to peek your interest:

The sweet laptop tote Marlo Bag (in purple) by Frances & Grace, a roomy bag with removable laptop sleeve that can easily pull double-duty when you're sans computer.

Edotsquare's Laptop Case, which comes in several colorful floral prints has an irresistible '60s vibe.

The Mobile Edge Computer Portfolio will rock your world. Tough to tell if it's a laptop brief or sleeve. Therefore, won't take up much room in the closet.

Geek-chic. Chic-geek. Anyway you put it, it's in.

Get the Party Started Now

Looking for a good excuse to avoid work this Monday morning? It's not too late to throw that Summer Party, you know.

After all, you've been thinking about it since... well, last summer.

And, sure, Evite is an easy way to invite twenty-some people to your backyard luau or swanky dinner party.

But it definitely doesn't afford you the chance to flaunt that impeccable sense of style you're known for. So next time, opt for one of these ready-for-print or custom-printed invites.

And let the entertainment begin long before the party even starts.

Rock Scissor Paper: Kitschy styles such as the pink, retro "Atomic Cocktails." Killer prices rein supreme at this site.

Sugar Paper: This L.A. company specializes in custom invitations with a glamorous, yet unstuffy vibe. It's the letterpress printing that makes these babies jaw-droppers. Also a hit: the sweet color combinations, rounded edgings and beautifully intricate fonts.

Elum Designs: With the wow factor of letterpress and the affordability of do-it-yourself printing, these designs rock. Try "Groovy Celebration" for a backyard to-do or "Cake Slice" for a birthday bash.

How to Elevate Confidence in Five Minutes or Less

You have to leave for a meeting in five minutes. You want to be productive during that that tiny time gap. Here are some options:

A) tidy up your desk (ho-hum)
B) re-read congratulatory emails on your latest success (sounds fun)
C) get smarter about advancing your career (takes way too much time)

But then again, smarter is always better. So let's get on with advancing our careers.

Simply go to the Business Week.com Careers channel.

You'll find all sorts of cool articles written by cool people. Like leadership guru Marshall Goldsmith – we love his article Seeing Ourselves as Others Do and his interview with Marci Alboher, author of One Person/Multiple Careers, about people she calls "slashes" and how they've discovered the secret to work/life fulfillment.

Plus there's zillions of podcasts, blogs and videos – all designed to help you get where you're going – ahead. Find a topic that peaks your interest. Click, skim, you're already smarter.

Yes, your desk is still a mess. But your confidence is seriously elevated.

Now that's five minutes well spent.

Because She's Worth It

You know, you don't have to be Oprah or Angelina to give your all for others.

In fact, there are hundreds of (regular) women who are creatively, stubbornly, relentlessly giving back to their communities every day.

And never end up in People magazine.

But now, thanks to L'Oreal Paris and their "Women of Worth" program, remarkable, regular women are getting some proper recognition and long-overdue press.

The informative and inspiring Women of Worth website offers stories, tips for getting involved and a list of worthwhile causes you can get behind.

The site also features an annual list of honorees – women who have a strong sense of self and used that internal compass to drive significant change in their neighborhoods. The inaugural lineup honors seven women, ranging from a 74-year-old Southerner who envisioned women-built Habitat for Humanity houses, to a former Miss Massachusetts with a knack for getting kids to love math and science through her WhizKids program.

So hats off to this very cool campaign designed to recognize women whose volunteer work is making a beautiful difference.

Suddenly that age-old L'Oreal tag line – "Because you're worth it" – takes on a whole new meaning.

Click Here for Beauty

Some might call you an addict. But you prefer to think of yourself as devoted.

After all, your relationship with skin-care and beauty products is as deep and abiding as true love. Finally finding just the right velvety facial cream is enough to send you swooning.

It's time you made a date with Beautyhabit.com.

The beauty site carries hundreds of brands, most of them with limited distribution and many of them recognizable from the glossy pages of Elle, In Style and Allure.

Gaga over a particular French line? Shop by brand. On a budget? Shop by price.

And when you finally make your selections, trot your shopping cart to check-out giddy with the knowledge that you'll get more than you asked for.

That's because with every order, you'll receive personally chosen free samples, based on your purchase.

Orders of $100 are shipped for free, gift wrapping is free, and each customer receives a free consultation with the site's licensed beauty therapist.

And girlfriends, free, free, free means more money for shoes, shoes, shoes. Now that's true beauty.

Charmed, We're Sure by Tiffany & Co.

You want people at the office to know the real you. That you love Thai food, flamenco dancing and Mr. Jakes, your beyond-adorable pet. Sure, you could slap Mr. Jakes' picture on a photo mug, but trotting it around the office might not do much for your work image.

When you're ready to exude personality and power, take a look at the line of charms by Tiffany & Co.

You'll love the Customize Your Own part of their website and the way you can click and drag your desired charms on to a virtual bracelet, so you can see the finished, glimmering product then and there. Don't love it? Start over.

And believe it or not, it's totally hip to have just one. Simply click on the Ways to Wear Charms advice from Tiffany to find out how a single charm can add instant pizzazz: by snapping it on to your briefcase, cell phone, belt or strappy sandal.

These lovely pieces of jewelry offer a unique way to express yourself at work, while keeping your professional image intact.

Why, everyone at the office will be charmed, we're sure.

To shop, visit Charmed by Tiffany.

Even if you don't shop, check out the site – very cool.

Restore Desktop and Your Peace of Mind

Is it just us, or do you feel like the desk fairy manages to hide things from you every now and then?

You know how it goes... it only happens when you're in a huge hurry. You can't find a thing - except all the things you don't need.

To reduce that mountain of paper on your desk, try any of the Document Boxes offered exclusively by The Container Store. These stylish storage solutions can help you manage valuable items, from lists to legal documents, client files and credit card bills, and many are even deep enough to hold all your Grey's Anatomy DVD's.

Available in a variety of pretty shades – like blues and greens if you're still in the mood for Summer, or chocolate, olive and cranberry if you're trending toward Fall - you can mix and match to create a hip looking filing system.

And the cool retro-looking front-side label makes locating easy.

So if you can't bear to trash it, then get busy and stash it. The desk fairy may reward you by returning your missing pens.

And your peace of mind.

Play Like a Girl, Succeed on the Street

It's been nearly one year since Abby Cadaby made her debut on Sesame Street. Abby's arrival was particularly notable as she was specifically created to be a strong female character, and the first female lead Muppet in the 37 year history of the show.

It didn't take long for parents to begin debating over whether she was too girly-girl, too pink, too stereotyped.

But suppose, just for a moment, we set Abby's femininity aside and make a few notes about some of the talents and competencies she's displayed since her arrival – particularly those that will serve her well when she grows up and goes into business:

Abby may be girly, and pink, but she is also smart, quick witted and has a passion for learning.

She doesn't accept dead end assignments, and isn't afraid to ask questions for fear of sounding dumb.

And day after day, while navigating new terrain, she tackles new skills without letting a wicked learning curve bring her down.

So here's to Abby, her pinkness, her turquoise dress, the sparkles in her hair and her long, feminine lashes.

All of which cannot outshine her intelligence, her zest for leadership, her ability to capitalize on relationships, and her eagerness to tackle new challenges without hesitation.

So in conclusion, it seems that a girly girl can succeed on the Street after all.

(Insert subtle-but-affirmative-under-your-breath "y-e-s!" here. Fisted arm pump optional.)

Perform Less Research, Buy More Shoes

It's a new age in media and interactive marketing, they say. Websites, email, buzz marketing, Web 2.0, podcasts, videocasts, online tv and tv on cell phones.

Well, exactly how is a girl supposed to keep up?

One strategy: Perform your own research each day.

Begin by barreling through the online edition of the New York Times. Proceed to skim the entire Wall Street Journal while simultaneously wading through at least two dozen magazine articles and professional journal reports.

Time spent each day: can't bear to think about it.

A better strategy: Let iMedia Connection do the work for you.

This easy to read and highly informative website will get you connected in no time. For one week, read the articles of interest to you, and a couple of others for good measure. Suddenly you are in the know about interactive marketing and the many moving parts of new media.

Time spent each day: 10 minutes.

Use fifty percent of the time saved to prepare a killer presentation for your boss on new interactive marketing strategies.

Use the other half to go shoe shopping. Now that is time well spent.

Eliminate Dark Circles Without Increasing Sleep

Those late nights in your office may have earned you brownie points with the boss, but they didn't do diddly for your score on the beauty chart.

Now it's almost the weekend, you have big plans to go dancing (even if only from the refrigerator to the wine cellar), and the raccoon look you saw in the mirror this morning has got to go.

Cucumber slices and other natural beauty remedies aside, we know of one sure fix for hiding those dark circles: Laura Mercier, founder of the flawless face philosophy.

Once you try her Secret Concealer, you'll never even think of trying another concealer. This rich formula hides discoloration and dark circles like nothing you've ever tried.

As another option, choose the delightful Secret Brightener. This color corrector instantly opens the eye and reduces dark shadows.

And to seal either deal, use the specially-formulated, not-available-anywhere-else Secret Brightening Powder. When paired with the Secret Concealer, or the Secret Brightener, the two products work together like Electra Woman and Dyna Girl, to do away with those late-night badges of honor.

Two minutes each morning and you'll look like a million bucks. Not to mention, incredibly well-rested.

And that's priceless.

Determined-To-Do-It-Myself

Be Inspired. Be Creative. Be a Friend. Be Jane.

It's Friday and no doubt you've got some home improvement projects on your list of things to do this weekend. Bye-bye, Bob the Builder. Hello, Be Jane.com.

Be Jane.com is a fantastic go-to resource for all types of "determined-to-do-it-myself" women, from those who have their own monogrammed tool belts to others who have barely hung a picture. Created for women by women, Be Jane's website is fun and informative, and a paradise with tips and tricks to make your home beautiful.

Want to learn how to install a new faucet in your bathroom, put in backyard lighting or the best way to paint over wallpaper? Jane's your girl. With inspiring stories from real-life Janes, fun videos, and animated tutorials, you're sure to find whatever you're looking for.

Need some ideas? The By Room section is a favorite. Simply pick a room, and lots of projects and relevant info will appear, presto!

Another plus to doing your own home improvements? A hard hat can be the perfect solution to a bad hair day.

Have Your Chocolate and Eat it Too

We know. It happened to us this morning too.

After pledging all weekend to start our diets this Monday morning, suddenly, upon awakening and seeing the world more clearly, this diet thing just doesn't hold the same appeal it had last night.

After all, what with the stresses of running a super-successful business, how is a girl supposed to stay away from... chocolate?

Well, now we don't have to. Thanks to Gayle's Miracles Chocolate Truffles.

Available in five flavors – milk chocolate, dark chocolate, dark chocolate mint, raspberry dark chocolate and cappuccino – and made from all natural ingredients, the low-cal magic is the fat-free center filling – the only real chocolate is the thin coating on the outside.

One of these choco-licious bonbons has a mere 30 calories and one gram of fat.

Other truffles? Close to 200 calories each. Heck, you can't even take a whiff of an ordinary truffle without tacking on a few calories.

If you didn't believe in miracles before, you just may have to start.

Smart Women: We Hear You Loud and Clear

There are times in life when reading about accomplished women just won't do.

Wouldn't it be great if there was a place we could go to actually hear smart women speak? Without the hassle (or expense) of going to yet another conference?

Well, thanks to Women For Hire.com, there's a place just like that - "Wildly Wise, Witty, and Wondrous Voices".

This series of online audio files offers up so many successful women – and what they're really thinking. A sampling of favorite advice:

	From TV and news personality Diane Sawyer: All we have is time, so spend it on what matters.
	From real-estate golden girl Ivanka Trump: The key to success is to love what you do. Otherwise, there will always be someone who loves it more and will fight harder for it.
	From super-publicist Liz Rosenberg: Never be afraid of anyone. (As learned by working with client, Madonna.)

Almost as intriguing as the advice is the anticipation of hearing these women speak uninterrupted. Assuming everyone at the office leaves you alone, that is.

Okay, not very likely.

So Many Shoes, So Little Time

When we were girls, August meant but one thing: back-to-school shoe shopping. Always one of the most exciting events in our little lives.

Well, not much has changed. Shoe shopping still elicits feelings of "ain't-life-great?" and "the possibilities are endless" – no matter the season.

If you're looking for flair that scores high marks at the office, put high-style wooden platforms on your list – perfect for a classy transition from summer to fall.

	Guess' Realize peep-toe platform, with four-inch heel, full of class with side cutouts and autumnal color choices.
	Making the grade is Michael Kors' Shelby Platform Slingback with a sleek shape, simple buckle detail and four-inch heel. The Luggage hue is a chic neutral that looks great with just about everything.
	Oh Deer!'s Marilyn is a cool leather classic with stacked platform heel and wearable rounded toe. You can't go wrong with the black or tan. But those on the prowl for look-at-me tootsies have but one color choice: Gold Distressed.
	The Mary Jane goes ultra glam when Christian Louboutin gets his genius designs on her. The Super Wallis Platform Pump is worth the splurge (major) for its gorgeous Dove color and eye-catching wooden platform and stacked heel, and, of course, signature red sole.

Next up: lunchbox shopping.

Bright Light Designer Deals

Sunglasses, the uber uber accessory.

And we totally get it. They come in all shapes, styles, and colors that you can coordinate with your every ensemble.

Not to mention your every mood.

If designer sunglasses tend to cause the heart to beat faster, prepare for palpitations in overdrive when you hit Zbestglasses, a styling website devoted to selling shades from your favorite luxe labels.

The e-store's inventory is deep but manageable, so it's easy to narrow down your selections. Just a few haute brands you'll find include Marc Jacobs, Burberry, Christian Dior, Giorgio Armani, Roberto Cavalli, and Prada.

Make sure to peruse the helpful face-type guide to see which styles are most flattering to your particular visage. Are you best suited to the big oversized numbers? Perhaps an aviator style is best. Or you may prefer the low triangle.

The best part? All frames, guaranteed authentic and shipped with original cases and papers, are sold for as much as 50 percent off retail prices.

So enjoy these last days of summer, and splurge on a pair of sunglasses.

Or ten.