November 1, 2007

Life Simplified - Always Something There to Remind Me

Oops. That big presentation is scheduled for next week, and you have yet to start working on it.

And that contract buried under the pile of paperwork? It needs to be signed off on by the 15th, but you’ll probably forget that too.

It’s funny how things that aren’t due tomorrow (or yesterday, for that matter) have a way of slipping your mind.

But not anymore, thanks to HassleMe.co.uk. This handy little site sends periodic reminders - straight to you - via email – at semi-predictable intervals.

Simply input the tasks or goals you need to be reminded of (get cracking on that speech coming up at the end of the month, send out keep-in-touch notes to clients, learn Chinese for that business trip next year), and the site will virtually remind you, when you least expect it.

But HassleMe is more than just virtual nagging designed for business-related to-do’s.

Why not let the system hassle you about other really important things... like how fabulous you are... how you need to do something special for YOURSELF... taking a minute to tell those special someones how much you love them... to take yourself shoe shopping...

November 2, 2007

Style Alert – Gloves, Actually

Your hands. Too often overlooked for the ultra-important role they play in your success.

Signing off on important documents, sealing the deal with a firm handshake, pinging eight billion emails a day, and bringing that latte to your lips for a much-needed boost.

So why not put those hands in the spotlight – and simultaneously up your style quotient – by slipping into the season’s hottest accessory: gloves.

We know you have no intention of returning to the days when women typed up memos while wearing pristine white gloves. But won’t it be a blast to stroll into the office flaunting a fashionably elegant leather pair?

Step aside (boys). I (and my success-generating hands) have arrived.

A few to choose from:

Caroline Amato’s Italian-made gloves feature silk lining, short and opera-length styles, and a color range that varies from funky yellow to sleek gunmetal.

Practical types can’t go wrong with Banana Republic’s dark red buckled leather gloves, which are affordable, sophisticated, and timeless.

But if you really want to get pulses racing, Miu Miu’s python gloves are a must-have splurge. This mysterious and high fashion pair will have the fellas wrapped around your little finger — in no time.

November 5, 2007

Soul-Sational Prescription

Who’d have thought that with all the Web sites, morning shows and podcasts spouting news we supposedly need to know, we’d still be looking for something more?

With all the fuss over keeping our minds nourished, we too often forget to feed and uplift our souls.

Which is exactly why Daryn Kagan started the soul-sational Web site DarynKagan.com.

Each day the former CNN news anchor posts a new and uplifting story about real people with heart, vision, grit and inspirational tales to tell. Or, as she says, “stories that make your heart go Zing!”

Like the story of a 95-year-old woman who, proving the adage “better late than never,” finally graduates from college. Or the blind man who scales a rocky mountainside. Or a ballroom dancer who dances past obstacles, despite losing a leg.

So here it is, Monday morning, with the same old symptoms: Feeling uninspired, frenzied, and in need of a shot of optimism.

Our prescription: Take two – four (or more) doses of Daryn and call us in the morning. (Well, actually, we’re already huge fans. Why not just forward this to a soul-sister friend. She’ll be so glad you did.)

November 6, 2007

Time (For You) to Shine

You’ve come a long way, baby. And so have brooches.

From decorating the togas of the ancient Greeks to adding sparkle to the lapels of bee-hived ladies of the 1960s, the ubiquitous brooch is suddenly being pulled from the back of the jewelry box right into the mainstream of high style.

An easy way to add pizzazz and sparkle to what might be an otherwise uninspired business ensemble, brooches are no longer limited to lapels.

These days you can wear them high, near the shoulder (that’s how the French wear them), or pin a few to your tweed tote, felt hat, or even in an artful cluster on your favorite blazer. Here are just a few favorites to get you started:

The curvy crystal-laden petals of Swarovski’s gold-plated brooch are a cheerful reminder of summer during chilly autumn days.

The ‘Emele’ Black Diamond elegant brooch is a breathtaking starburst – and stars (like you) will never go out of style.

For such a whimsical subject, this dragonfly pin features some serious stones. Three different colors of gold, pink and yellow sapphires, and multiple diamonds create a creature happy to alight on your lapel as you busily dart from one exciting task to the next.

However - or wherever - you wear your brooch, celebrate that it’s the brooch’s time to shine.

And yours, too.

November 7, 2007

Hone in on Your Hot Spots

You’re feeling inspired. The big breakthrough you’ve been waiting for just flung itself into your mind. An idea whose time has – finally – come.

Now all you need to get this brainstorm off the ground is Internet access.

Unfortunately, you’re in the car. And nowhere close to any of your favorite wireless cafés.

(Groan...) It would be downright shameful to let this moment of brilliance pass by, simply because you have no Net.

So don’t. Simply fire up your WiFi Signal Locator, and voila!

This tiny gadget – no bigger than your car key – locates WiFi hot spots, so you can log on and work whenever (and almost wherever) the mood inspires you. Infinitely easier (and smarter) than booting up your computer before finding out that your Internet signal is weaker than your ex-boyfriend’s coffee.

Point the locator in different directions, and like a modern-day divining rod, it sniffs out signals, then lights up. One bar of LED light for a weak signal, four bars for a strong one. Best of all, it’s really inexpensive.

Here’s to capturing every single bright idea that comes your way.

November 8, 2007

Spend Some Time on the Wild Side

We’re of the mind that, every now and then, a self-confident girl can and should set up temporary residence on the wild side.

Yes, occasionally, we all need to channel our tiger within.

Going nose-to-nose with a fierce negotiator? Bring it on, Tiger. Making the pitch of a lifetime? Tiger time.

But come cocktail hour – here, kitty kitty.

That’s one reason you need to know about Robert Cavalli’s one-off collection for H&M, which debuts at stores today.

Look for snow leopard and zebra prints on short, floaty chiffon dresses, as well as skinny jeans, a fake-fur bomber vest and a long pleated gold lame dress worthy of the red carpet.

Not for Shrinking Violets, Cavalli taps into the wild and sexy side of fashion.

Normally, you’d need to have the bank balance of Victoria Beckham to afford these slinky threads. But the pieces in H&M’s new line – only available in 200 stores for a limited time – are actually affordable.

Just the thought of it makes you wanna roar. Go get ‘em, tiger.

November 9, 2007

Desktop-Do-Good Goes a Long Way

We know you love to make a difference, help out, give back in a major way – but as a busy woman in the business of getting ahead, you’re also pressed for time – in a major way.

So would a little “desktop-do-good” be of interest?

Here’s a smart, new, easy-to-execute-from-your-desk way to change a child’s life.

One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) aims to put a laptop in the hands of every kid in the world, regardless of where they live, no matter how little they have.

It works like this:

You make a $200 tax-deductible donation, and OLPC sends a newly designed XO laptop to one of the two billion educationally needy kids in developing nations.

The XO laptop has a screen bright enough to be visible even in intense sun, is super drop-proof, and can withstand temps as high as 140 degrees. And its green-and-white body is cool enough to hang with tech-savvy kids.

To kickstart the program, OLPC offers a “Give 1 Get 1” option for two weeks beginning Monday, November 12. For $399 (tax-deductible), purchase one laptop for a child you know, and a second one goes to a budding learner in, say, Cambodia.

Thanks to a simple, worthwhile act executed from your desk, a child – newly educated and empowered – might just change the world.

November 12, 2007

In the Lap(top) of Luxury

You don’t really mind having to schlep your laptop around to your home, the office, the airport, and the six Starbucks on your block.

But having to tote around a bulky laptop bag held together by nylon and Velcro? Now we have a problem.

After all, you didn’t shell out for that sleek, top-of-the-line little number so you could hide it in a dismal messenger bag with a – gasp – shoulder pad.

You need a laptop bag that reflects your style, something that says "I rock the boardroom and the runway."

You need one of these bags – well, ok, maybe all three:

Samsonite Verana Leather Computer Tote: Available in white or mocha leather, this drawstring tote is stylish with or without a laptop. Bonus: Boasts a padded interior and a laptop sleeve.

Mobile Edge Komen Milano Notebook Case: This pink faux-croc tote features a wireless security shield – and 10% of each purchase benefits the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Acme Made The New Tote in Bloom Chocolate: Size matters – the medium version of this fun floral tote fits most 15" laptops while retaining a slim and sleek appearance.

Now go log on with your bad self.

November 13, 2007

Winter Wonderland

Baby, it’s cold outside.

And while you’d love to just drape yourself in the heaviest wool parka you can find, you’re here to climb the ladder of success—not Mount Everest.

So, about that floor-length faux-fur coat hiding in your closet. Sure, it’s nice and toasty, but you really don’t want to show up to the office looking like Krystal Carrington, now, do you?

There’s no time like the present to introduce a fabulous new winter coat into your wardrobe. And this season’s collection of ultra-stylish, figure-flattering outerwear is so fashionable, you may find it hard take the darn thing off.

Some favorites:

Rachel Mara’s belted wool trench is pure Audrey Hepburn and irresistibly timeless.

Channel Jacqueline Kennedy with Diane von Furstenberg’s nude wool Candalaria jersey coat.

Combat the winter blahs with Alice + Olivia’s Fox Collar Coat in cheerful red; the fur collar is detachable.

The Milly Diamond Wool Coat’s gold buttons and detailed fabric offers a ladylike twist.

Now tell Jack Frost he can come on over any old time.

November 14, 2007

Holiday Ideas – A Gift of Change

Starting today and continuing through the Holiday Season, every Wednesday we’ll give you some great gift ideas. Happy shopping!

Looking to start your holiday shopping early this year? Why not give a gift of change. Here’s one you’ll love:

When it comes to poverty, women of the world are struggling. But thanks to FINCA’s Village Banking Campaign, an uplifting movement is under way to provide micro-loans to the world’s lowest income women entrepreneurs so they can create jobs, build assets, and improve their standard of living.

FINCA provides loans as small as $50 to women from Mexico to Tanzania.

Why the focus on women? Because when a woman’s income grows, the first thing she does is send her children to school. And the cycle of poverty is broken almost instantly.

Like Margarita Garcia Gonzaga of Mexico. An $85 loan was enough for her to create a thriving food-shop business and keep her kids in school. Talk about instant impact.

So give a Village Banking Campaign Honorary Gift this holiday season. Simply make a donation in someone’s name, create a custom message for the card, and voila! One gift done.

You feel good, your special honorary someone feels good, and FINCA continues their work to lift the women of the world.

P.S. Right now, you can buy the iTunes album called "Big Change: Songs for FINCA." Natalie Portman, co-Chair of Village Banking Campaign, mixed the cool exclusive album, with all proceeds going to the cause. Rock on, FINCA!

November 15, 2007

Channeling Super-Smart

You and videos have been friends ever since... well, ever since you can remember.

Now that you’re all grown up, it’s only natural that you’d take your love of video to work. Enter Small Business Television, better known as SBTV.com.

SBTV.com offers the same sort of insightful entrepreneurial stories and advice you'd find in a business magazine or book... only you can actually see and hear the vast array of experts talking onscreen.

(It also means you can also hit "pause" or "stop" should an interruption come knocking on your door, ringing on your phone, or pinging its way into your email in-box.)

We can all thank CEO Susan Wilson Solovic, founder of the site, for the right-up-your-alley lineup of topics, which includes marketing, money, technology and (yes!) women-owned businesses.

Be sure to indulge in the SBTV free Web seminars.

Among several choices, you’ll love listening to Caitlin Friedman and Kimberly Yorio, authors of The Girls' Guide to Being a Boss (Without Being a Bitch) as they chat about the need to let g-o-o-o and delegate – and dish out some juicy on-the-job stories.

Give it a whirl. After a few minutes, it will feel like you’ve known these girls – and SBTV – forever.

November 16, 2007

Style Alert - Wide Open Spaces

Skinny jeans? Not in this lifetime.

If you’re going to get a leg up on the competition in this cutthroat business world, you need pants that won’t cut off your blood flow at the ankle. You need trousers that you can move in, giving a dramatic sweep as you glide into the office.

You need wide-leg pants. And as luck would have it, they’re one of the season’s hottest trends.

That’s right – it’s time to stub out those skintight cigarette pants and step into something infinitely more comfortable, figure-flattering, and office-appropriate. Make some room in your closet for these sophisticated styles:

Ann Taylor LOFT’s Staggered Herringbone Ann Cuffed Pants exude Katherine Hepburn class. A great suit alternative.

Diane von Furstenberg’s Wide-Leg Pants come with modern black-on-black piping. Perfect for work or play.

Theory’s Lonan Wide Leg Pant in dark gray represents flares with flair. Pair them with a fitted button-down shirt and killer heels.

Wow. Chances are you haven’t been this excited about a fashion trend since elastic waistbands were invented.

November 19, 2007

A Beautiful (and Smart) Mind

You’ve got a beautiful mind already, of course.

But we all know that even the most gorgeously brainy among us need a good mental s-t-r-e-t-c-h to stay fit. (Because morning espresso only takes us so far.)

While you may be using your morning commute to listen to "Speak Like an Italian in 10 Easy Lessons" tapes, here’s another thought:

Why not expand your mind and your business, at the same time? And why not do it the virtual way?

iVillage recently introduced iLearn, a destination for online learning. The site offers a wide array of free courses on personal finance and business topics, from "High Impact, Low Cost Marketing" to "The Basics of Personal Financial Planning."

Women’s Leadership Exchange offers intelligent teleseminars on topics like "Business Plan Power", led by power-house business strategist Beth Polish (founding CFO of iVillage), and "Finding the BIG Idea for Your Business", led by The Power of Nice author, Linda Kaplan Thaler.

Best of all, these classes are available around the clock – log on whenever you want for lessons in case you miss the original time.

What a smart fit for a beautiful mind – like yours.

November 20, 2007

Modern Ambition Never
Looked So Good

You know what they say: If you’ve got it, flaunt it.

We’re talking about achievement, of course. And the ambition that goes along with it.

It used to be taboo for a woman to revel in her own kick-the-door-wide-open ambition. And you still don’t hear a lot of us strutting our stuff, saying, "Yes, I’ve been fiercely ambitious since birth, and look where it got me – the corner office, at last!"

But now there’s one Web site completely devoted to giving high-achieving women their moment in the spotlight.

News On Women reports on smart, successful, risk-taking women who have been promoted, appointed to boards, received honors, and more – and don’t mind flaunting it.

Why should you care about reading a bunch of telegram-like entries on who has moved up to what executive post, or who has snagged an industry award du jour? Because it’s just pretty darn inspiring to see all these accomplishments by women on display in one place.

So thank you, News on Women. Modern ambition has never looked so good.

November 21, 2007

Come Sale Away For the Holidays

Every Wednesday throughout the Holiday Season, we’ll give you some great gift ideas. Happy shopping!

You’ve dealt with hostile takeovers, difficult bosses, and 80-hour work weeks.

But if there’s one thing that really sends your stress level skyrocketing, it’s that post-Thanksgiving shopping frenzy. In fact, just the thought of that mall mayhem makes you want to reach for a paper bag to breathe into.

Which is why this holiday you’ll want to give thanks for Neiman Marcus Last Call—the online clearance shopping destination where designer discounts are abundant, you don’t have to leave your desk, and only the checkout cart knows you’re not really a Size 4.

True to Neiman Marcus form, Last Call features designers that you’re more accustomed to seeing sashay past a collection of applauding runway models than in the proverbial bargain bin: Michael Kors, Burberry, Chloe, Narciso Rodriguez, Donna Karan, Vera Wang, and Diane von Furstenberg...

All up to 65% off, and all perfect for your fashionista friends and family.

And while you’re at it, take note that the stock also includes stunning suits from the likes of Armani and St. John—destined to blow the boardroom away without blowing up your budget.

So let the others battle the mall crowds. You’ve got a (shopping) date with your computer.

November 26, 2007

Smart Girls Love Answers

Smart girls like you love smart business and leadership questions. Lots of questions.

And to go along with those questions, you like answers. Intelligent, well thought out, researched answers.

For the best of both, check out the Leadership and Careers section of Forbes.com.

Why Forbes.com? For one, well, it’s Forbes, girlfriends. One of the media destinations for the world’s business leaders.

Secondly, the site doesn’t just round up the best Forbes articles, but also pulls top stories from other primo sources, such as Pink magazine, McKinsley quarterly and AP business headlines.

Think of it as having your own CEO sidekick acting as a clipping service, sifting through management and leadership stories, and posting only the best ones for you.

Tip: If you use an RSS service, subscribe to the feed for this page, and new stories are whisked straight to you as they arrive. (Kind of like having an eager-beaver intern delivering the best stories to your inbox tray.)

Because smart girls like you love questions. And smart answers, even more.

November 27, 2007

The Best Things Come in Small Packages

The Best Things Come in Small Packages

We all know great things come in small packages. The Mini. Tiffany diamonds. That remarkably tiny iPod.

So it shouldn’t surprise you to hear that a handy gadget has proven the small = great formula yet again. The Stowaway Bluetooth Keyboard is a full-size keyboard that, when folded up, can easily slide into a handbag or even a coat pocket.

Just what does this small package have to do with you?

If you’ve ever felt your thumbs cramp from tapping out a two-sentence email on your smart phone. If you’ve ever wished you could save even more time by using your handy, time-saving gadgets. If you’ve ever had an inspired idea mid-pedicure... this little baby is for you.

Since it’s Bluetooth-enabled, of course, it doesn’t need wires. Slip it out of your bag, unfold it, and it’s ready to sync with your smart phone, PDA, tablet or PC.

When you’re done, pocket it. And get back to your pedicure.

November 28, 2007

Clothes Minded for the Holidays

Every Wednesday throughout the Holiday Season, we’ll give you some great shopping ideas. Happy Gifting!

You’re a busy woman with a lot on your plate. And plenty of sensibility to go along with it.

Which is precisely why heading to the mall to do some holiday shopping (and dealing with the jam-packed parking lots and claustrophobia-inducing crowds)...well, that’s just not going to happen.

And why should it, considering you can treat your loved ones to stylish – and unique – fashions with just a few clicks of the mouse instead?

Look to these great online boutiques for hot apparel for men and women and hassle-free shopping that will free you up to tackle those really important tasks – like Holiday drinks with the girls...

StandardStyle.com: A goldmine of fashion-forward looks for men and women, Standard Style carries on-the-rise labels like Catherine Malandrino, James Perse, Tory Burch and more. Bonus: A denim bar that helps shoppers find the baby blues of their dreams.

eLuxury.com: Fabulous designer labels like Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Michael Kors and Versace await at this luxury site known for its hot-off-the-runway fashions, handbags, shoes, and beauty treats.

Vivre.com: This apparel/lifestyle site caters to those who appreciate the good life, with price tags to match.

November 29, 2007

Inspiration HQ – Picture This

Close your eyes. Imagine what your life would look like if you weren’t afraid to fling yourself toward your dreams, like a sequin-bedecked trapeze artist gliding effortlessly through the air.

Where would you end up? And what would you be wearing once you got there? (Oops, we digress... )

Now, open your eyes. Does anything on your desk remind you of that vision?

(Let’s see... empty Starbucks cup... scattered paperclips... uh, nope.)

Perhaps it’s time to turn your desk into “Inspiration Headquarters” by creating your own dreams and goals slideshow in one of those cool digital picture frames.

Simply snap a few photos that remind you of your aspirations, pop your digital camera’s memory card into the frame, and voila! – your dreams come to work with you.

With one of these little numbers propped on your desk, you’ll never be far from your goals, whether you pine for a promotion, more money, your own business, or Louboutin heels. (Oops, we digress again...)

Yes, your own digital ambitions slideshow. So much smarter than tucking away those visions in your mind, where they’re sure to languish between viewings.

(Plus, it’ll give you something to gaze at during those boring conference calls.)

November 30, 2007

Style Scoop - The Life of the Party

Due to your unwavering success and passion for fun, no doubt, you have a lengthy list of invites to Holiday parties.

To be sure, you’ll need a few dazzling outfits. But whatever you wear, don’t overlook the essential accessory of your holiday party ensemble -- the clutch.

Just the right clutch – when carefully selected – carries a multi-purposed (party) punch:

Functional – big enough to hold keys, credit cards and lip gloss.

Definitive – all the rage for the season and tells the world you are totally in the fashion know.

Gorgeous – often the topic of conversation at what could be an otherwise dull business or social function.

Here are some possibilities:

Any of the fab glass-beaded clutches by Moyna will be the center of your (and everyone else’s) attention.

Swank velvet and jangly charms make the Party Girl Clutch by Marc Jacobs a must-have bag for the ball circuit.

The ostrich Polo Club Clutch by R & Y Augousti is a real prince (in case the soiree is lacking in attractive male-types).

Yes, girlfriends, there’s more than one way to be the life of the party.