August 1, 2008

Getting Fit the Fashionable Way

The good news? Your company just added an office gym.

The bad news? Your CEO just busted you sweatin' to the oldies in your hubby's XXL college tee and a tragic leotard that hasn't been in use since Jane Fonda stopped making workout tapes.

She said nothing, but her arched eyebrow spoke volumes.

Sounds like somebody needs to work out those shopping muscles before getting into no pain/no gain mode—and we've found the perfect online fitness boutiques to help you exercise some good style judgment.

After all, if Venus Williams can whoop some Wimbledon butt looking like a fashion plate, surely you can ditch the sweats for something sleeker?

Lucy.com: Specializing in easy-chic looks for both workouts and everyday wear, Lucy’s stylish stock includes Allen Allen's Filigree Racerback Tank, printed Studio Tech headbands, eco-friendly yoga pants, and weight gloves designed for women.

TitleNine.com: Named for the legislation that gave female athletes equal footing at federally funded schools, this site offers gear for all activities—swimming, tennis, maternity workouts, you name it.

Athleta.com: In addition to performance footwear, sports bras, swimwear and other fitness-friendly styles, Athleta features inspiring profiles on female athletes in its Chi newsletter.

August 4, 2008

You Look Marvelous in ‘Smart’

Every season has its “it” color. And this fall will be no different.

But, ladies, it's Monday. The start of a new week. A brand new opportunity to show ‘em what you're made of. To stand out in the crowd by not fitting in. To be better than all the rest.

Oh... sure, okay... enough of the pep talk. We'll just get straight to the point.

Today's Scoop is not about fashion. It's about getting smart – pronto. And to do so, spend some quality time at the recently revamped – and really cool - FastCompany.com.

Here's a few features to get you going:

Check out the wide array of slide shows, like “The Most Female Friendly Companies”. And no worries if your company didn't happen to make the list – just hop on over to “Tips for Nailing the Interview”.

Next up? FastCompany.tv offers informative shows like “Managing Your Mind With the CEO of Active Words” and “Getting Things Done”.

And no doubt you'll want to read Worker, Interrupted: The Cost of Task Switching – an interview with Gloria Mark, Professor of Informatics (huh?) at the University of Califor-nia, Irvine.

There. You're smarter – that was fast. And remember dahling, you look marvelous in ‘smart’.

August 5, 2008

VIP Note – Bring on the “Ooh La La!” – Your Exclusive Invitation to a Private Boutique Sales

New web site shakes up the shopping experience.

Unbelievable traffic on the way to work. Again. Cobb salad for lunch. Again. Wouldn't it be nice to inject the day with a shot of the unexpected?

Hello Rue La La!

RueLaLa.com is an invitation-only shopping web site where Members discover their favorite designer brands at jaw-dropping private sale prices.

How jaw-dropping? Try 30-80% off retail.

And here's where the excitement really kicks in. Each brand arrives for just a two-day window, and then it's gone.

The brands are anything but ordinary – from Petit Bateau children's togs to fine Calphalon pans to accessories by Vera Bradley and Michael Stars fashions.

Every day there's something new to discover. They call these “ooh la la moments” – and we have to agree. We're on the edge of our seats (literally – faces right up next to the monitor), waiting to see which private sale Boutique is coming next.

And here's a secret scoop: Waterford Crystal private sale Boutique opens tomorrow. In a big way – crystal clocks and lamps, dinnerware – even textiles.

But remember, you have to be an invited Member to shop it – so click here for an exclusive Uptown Scoop invitation to a RueLaLa Membership.

We can't make salad exciting. But we do think we’ve found a better way to spend your lunch hour.

August 6, 2008

Always Looking Spectacular

Eyeglasses may have meant “four-eyes” when you were in middle school, but these days reading glasses are the must-have accessory when you’re trying to send out an irrefutable message of credibility and confidence.

And for you girls always on the prowl for more business, you'll love Amy Sacks Eyewear and their selection hip, yet professional, cat-eye-shaped reading glasses.

Created by famed tile and stone designer Ann Sacks, and marketed by her daughter Amy, we love the Katarina in Blush, sure to making any working girl's eyes “pop”. And the Niki in Cherry offers a perfect way to lift and flatter. For that strong but feminine look, you'll need the Gretta in Ocean – just right for boardroom meetings, but hip enough for drinks with the girls.

With a variety of shapes and shades sure to add flair to your office wear, you certainly won't be hearing “four eyes” any time soon. Though there may be a few cat-calls in your near future.

P.S. – a portion of all Ann Sacks Eyewear profits are donated to The Pixie Project – a foundation built by Ann and daughter Amy to provide veterinary services for low income families.

August 7, 2008

Car Talk, Without the Testosterone

You're driving around when your engine starts making that bizarre “kar-eeee” noise again, and you have to wonder aloud why you don't just take the thing to the mechanic already.

Or maybe it's that little red light blinking (yet again) at you from the dashboard every time the speedometer hits 47 m.p.h.

What's a girl to do?

You consider calling those savvy mid-Western car experts, the Car Talk guys. Sure, they'd know the answer. But there's a pretty good chance they'll talk down to you.

To hell with those Car Talk guys.

Because now there's AskPatty.com, a site that offers automotive advice for women.

Yep, out with the testosterone and in with a bunch of nice girls who occasionally drive race cars. Feeling better already about shooting over your question?

By the way, not only can these car-savvy dames troubleshoot the noise under your hood, they can also offer a girls' point of view when it comes to purchasing a car (should it come to that), brand by brand.

And they'll even tell you which nearby dealer earns “Female Friendly” bragging rights.

Ladies, start your engines.

August 8, 2008

Scouting Fall's Buzz-worthy Trends

You've got friends in high places... and more than a few in low places.

Unfortunately, what you do not have is a Psychic Friend who can tell you which upcoming trends will be transforming you into a fashion plate this fall.

But we do.

For a cheat sheet on what's heating up the runways this autumn, refer to these handy Fall ‘08 trend reports.

Because, as Heidi Klum says, “One day you are een, the next you're owwt.”

And wouldn't you much rather stay with the former?

According to the Style.com Fall Trend Report, designers are leaning toward curvy silhouettes, country plaids and tweeds, long hemlines, futuristic superhero-style details, minimalist lines and color palettes, and an extension of summer's floral trend.

Elle's style spies, meanwhile, are predicting low-slung trousers, dark hues, sleeveless jackets, ombre, masculine tailoring, jewel tones, an eccentric blending of clashing prints, and yep, more flowers and plaids.

Finally, Harper's Bazaar Top Trends For Fall 2008 is adding accordion pleats, ruffles, gold, fur, and plumage to the sartorial melting pot. Consider yourself warned.

August 11, 2008

Your Very Own Monday Morning Motivator

Darn. The weekend is over. How did that happen so fast?

Mondays can be so... so... uninspiring... (we see that stifled yawn).

Not anymore. Introducing your own private Monday morning motivator - Inspirational Movies - available free online at SimpleTruths.com.

These very short - very uplifting - movies take just a few minutes to watch, but will leave you feeling inspired for days.

Not bad -- for a Monday.

There are 26 in all. Here’s a few of our favorites:

“The Paper Airplane - A Lesson For Flying Outside the Box” has little to do with making paper airplanes, and a lot to do with how you see the world.

“The Dash” is sure to get you up and moving - in a way you've never moved before.

“Finish Strong” says life is 10% what you make it and 90% how you take it - how will you take it?

August 12, 2008

An Attitude of Gratitude Goes a Long Way

Another day of work. Struggling a bit to get revved up?

Experts suggest trying the old “think of three positive things about my work” technique. It puts you in the right frame of mind.

Mmmmm. Rarely works for us either.

But how about the old “thanking three colleagues who have made a difference to me” tech-nique.

Now that just might work.

Truth be told, we'd all like to dish out thanks quite freely. But we're often too busy con-ducting busy-ness to get around to it.

So, just for today, make your list of three who've done something well, helped you get wherever it is you're going, or maybe just make you happy -- and get busy thanking.

Yes, an attitude of gratitude goes a long way. And the amazing thing? You'll likely get a thank you in return. And isn’t that a great way to start any day.

Three cool tools to help:

The Thanks a Lot Notepads: 50 pages of pre-fab opportunities to pass along a thank you and a compliment. Simply check a box and deliver. Good deed done.

This classy collection of Kate Spade hand-engraved cards features appropriate quips such as “You've Done It Again”.

Got the perfect stationary, but not feeling particularly eloquent today? Click here for business thank you note samples.

August 13, 2008

Secrets of Uptown Millionaires

In the old days, fortunes were made downtown. And mostly by men.

Not-so-much anymore.

These days, the formula for success (and making lotsa lotsa money) begins uptown - and with us women.

In fact, experts predict that by 2010, women will control more than half of all private U.S. wealth, or about $14 trillion. By 2020, that number is expected to rise to $22 trillion. Whoa.

So this Winter we're launching our Uptown Millionaire series.

We'll give you all sorts of cool connections to help you build wealth. Like the best money sites on the Net. And smart money tele-calls with financial experts. And tips and advice from real millionaire women (the ones who made it all on their own). You'll even be able to start your own Uptown Millionaire Money Group.

Stay tuned - more to come!

And remember, you can never be too smart - or too rich.

August 14, 2008

Hang It Up -- For Your Beloved Handbag

You know you're in an unhealthy relationship with your handbag when:

a. You find yourself daydreaming about it at work.

b. You give your boyfriend the heave-ho because he refuses to let it snuggle on the couch with you.

c. You start calling it Shmoopie.

Of course, that's only the most extreme among us.

As for the rest, we strive to treat our handbags well, without spoiling them silly. (Clutches, especially, can develop such a bad attitude.)

That means no dumping our leather babies on the floors of restaurants and cafes, like they were ordinary shopping-bag riffraff, or leaving them neglected and exposed on a spare chair.

Rather, purse-sensitive girls rely on this marvelous invention (it's right up there with sliced bread and onion goggles) to keep totes totally scuff-, crumb- and burgle-free: the tabletop handbag holder.

Three you'll want to hang on to:

The Little Hooker makes for (despite its name) a sophisticated dining companion. Check out the swank, shimmery Venetian Collection.

The modern-looking Luxe Link Purse Holder not only keeps the ick off your bag, it folds down to a tiny, easy-to-transport knob when not in use.

The sparkly Hang Accessories' Purse hangers are made of pewter and decorated with Swarovski crystals and glass cabochons. For your precious one.

August 15, 2008

Denimology: Hip Websites for Hot Jeans

They say a good pair of jeans never goes out of style, but honey, even Scabby the bike messenger was sniggering at the dated, frayed, patched-within-an-inch-of-its-life denim you donned last Casual Friday.

That's why it's time to have your assistant hold your calls while you embark on a top-secret project we'll call Operation New Denim.

And to guide you in your quest, we've rounded up a handful of top online blues boutiques to bring you closer to Jeantopia.

IndiDenim.com: If your favorite designer is “Me, Myself & I,” head over to Indi to create your own pair of custom denim. The site lets you hand-pick your denim's wash, cut, fly, rise, and more, then sends you the final creation.

RonHerman.com: It’s easy to get buzzed at Ron Herman's virtual Jean Bar, home to designer labels like Ksubi, Citizens of Humanity, Acne, and Earnest Sewn. Bonus: There’s a Fit Guide and even a denim blog.

NationalJeanCompany.com: Pick your cut, pick your poison. This site's incredibly thorough Denim Fit Guide provides style-by-style analysis for William Rast, Paige Premium Denim, Aristocrat, Stitch's, and other hip lines.

August 18, 2008

How To Be Happy Being Un-Perfect

“If it wasn't for my faults, I'd be perfect.”

Ugh. Perfect can be so boring. Let's all buck the I've-got-to-be-perfect tendencies and just for today, happily focus on our imperfections.

We know what you're thinking...

“I need to lose a few pounds.”

“I could be more organized.”

Oh, for heaven's sakes. Not those typical, every-woman-has-them, so unoriginal, superficial imperfections. We're talking about the kind of faults that when improved -- or even overcome -- will lead to incredible things, like:

Greater risk-taking.

Peak performance.

Promotions

(More money.)

And to help you get started on identifying those wonderful flaws that you might want to consider changing, check out the various (and free) self-assessments for personal and professional development at ManagementHelp.org.

They're free (oh, did we already say that?), short, easy and best of all, don't require a licensed, certified, highly-paid, degreed psychologist to explain the results. Translation: Don't expect a rocket science, highly scientific analysis, but the inner reflection will certainly be thought-provoking and good for you.

Hmmm... being un-perfect is definitely a strength.

P.S. Want more on the virtues of self-assessment? Check out this piece in BusinessWeek.com: Tell It Like It Is - an essay on the benefits of - gasp! - being brutally honest about your strengths and flaws at performance-review time.

August 19, 2008

No More Cleavage At Work

You're all for push-up bras and a dash of cleavage every now and then.

But never at the office.

You want to look sexy and confident, indeed. But giving your colleagues a sneak peek at “the girls” is never on the agenda. Whether the culprit is a blouse, wrap-dress or other temperamental top, playing peek-a-boo can happen when you least expect it.

Now, thanks to the ingenious BUTTerflies from Bug Catcherz, slip ups will fly away forever.

The light hold-in-place adhesive dots (shaped like butterflies) are designed to hold tops and dresses close to your chest. (See ya later gaps.) Simply apply the BUTTerflies to your bra and the clothing adheres all day. No fuss, no muss, no harm to your skin or apparel.

The adhesives, which come nine to a box, are also handy for keeping underwear from creeping up and thongs right where they belong.

You may still have to play some office games. But with BUTTerflies, hide and seek is definitely out.

August 20, 2008

Banking On Somebody Else Has Never Felt So Good

You made up your mind. You're finally ditching the paycheck-without-a-greater-purpose mentality.

Yeah. It used to be so fun spending all that money on, well, you. A bigger house. A prettier (and faster) car. Gorgeous designer shoes. Handbags for every mood.

But somewhere along the way, spending on just things lost its luster.

So check out Prosper.com.

Prosper is an online community where people come together for borrowing and lending. As America's largest people-to-people lending marketplace, Prosper was created to make consumer lending more financially - and socially - rewarding for everyone.

Maybe you want to support the young woman who wants to invest in real estate. Or the guy who needs working capital for his Laundromat business. Or the lady growing her local food business. How about the single mom working on her masters degree.

It's easy to be a lender. Pick a loan listing, place a bid.

When the listing ends, the bid(s) with the lowest interest rates are combined into one three-year loan. Every month, money is deducted directly from borrower's bank account and deposited into lenders' account until the loan is repaid. (For safety and security, all Prosper lenders and borrowers are required to go through an identification-verifications process.)

Now you can invest in the greater good and get a return.

May we all live long and Prosper (dot-com), indeed.

August 21, 2008

An Overnight Sensation - Look Younger Tomorrow

Let's face it.

After a summer's worth of too many SPF-free moments, compounded by the occasional beads of perspiration popping forth on your forehead (due, of course, to that stressful job of yours), now a bunch of less-than-radiant skin cells have taken up residence on our faces, and are seriously diminishing our good looks.

If we were a fabulously overpaid, catered-to, A-list actresses, we'd already be strolling through the doors of one of those Hollywood salons known for age-defying treatments.

But, since we're not, it's time for a different (and cheaper) intervention, girlfriend.

Kiehl's Over-Night Biological Peel.

Yep, overnight. Put it on, sleep on it, and wake up to a new, supple-skinned you. After several applications, it even lightens dark spots and treats breakouts.

Why not simply go for the full enchilada -- a chemical peel - you say? It takes longer and costs more, and isn't as gentle on your skin, according to Kiehl's. Because Kiehl's bio-logical peel naturally breaks the bonds that hold dead skin cells, it's “better tolerated” by skin.

Sleep tight tonight, indeed. And tomorrow, you'll put your best face forward.

August 22, 2008

Trendspotting: Jewel Tones Are So In For Fall

Once upon a time, you were young and restless.

These days, however, you're bold and beautiful. With a big career.

Now you just need the wardrobe to match.

Enter fall's juicy jewel tones. From ruby red to saturated purples, blues, and greens, intense hues are brightening up this season's fashions.

No wonder: they're striking, they're spirited, they're sparkling. (Sound like anyone you know?)

Add one of these gems to your work wardrobe:

Jazz up a black power suit by adding New York & Company's City Style Tie Front Mesh Top in teal. Lose the blazer come nightfall for a flirty twist.

The sheath gets a vibrant makeover with Ann Taylor Loft's deep pink Double-Button Detail Dress.

Forget Casual Friday. Introduce Ruby Tuesday to your office in this scarlet Ellen Tracy Sleeveless Dress.

Kill two trends with one stone with Richard Chai for Target's Colorblock Tie-Front Dress, available in sapphire/black or purple/cream.

Banana Republic's peacock-hued Oversize Croc-Embossed Clutch provides a bold accent when paired with a LBD.

August 25, 2008

Keeping Smart Company

So many choices when you're on the Internet.

News-garnering

(Shopping.)

Research.

(Shopping.)

Celebrity gossip.

(Shopping.)

Horoscopes.

(This is definitely trending in the wrong direction... let's try again.)

So many choices when you're on the Internet.

Hundreds of mind-expanding sites to explore that will make you smarter and grow your knowledge base of business-worthy subjects.

(Yawn... shopping would definitely be more fun... ) Stay with us here.

Presenting the recently revamped Harvard Business Publishing website.

Although you're thinking conventional and potentially mind-numbing, we've cut through all that stuffiness and uninspiring humdrum to find you the hip and witty. (Well, a little bit witty and a touch hip. Really, what do you expect - it's Haaaarvaard and it's Monday).

Here are a few of our favorite pieces - hopefully interesting enough to make you forget all about shopping - at least until lunch:

Master the Art of Interruptibility by Stew Friedman.

How to Get Happy: Tactics from the UK's Cheeriest Company by Gill Corkendale.

What's Your Vision of the Good Life? by Christopher Gergen and Gregg Vanourek.

August 26, 2008

Shopping the (Not) Carrie Bradshaw Way

Yesterday we steered you away from shopping and directed you to the more success-worthy, mind-expanding Harvard Business Press website.

Today we've come to our senses, and we're back to shopping.

But not just mindless, I've-got-nothing-better-to-do shopping. This is online shopping the organized and efficient way.

You see, instead of canoodling with clothing online, you sign your self up with ShoppingNotes.com.

This shopping bookmark is one central place to save all your favorite stuff - powered with a price-watch engine.

Yup. You read it right. It price watches for you.

Simply plug in the URL of, say, that coveted cardigan, and the site stores the item's image and price. Now plug in the URLs of all the other lovelies you're tracking.

The site lines up your items, neat and tidy, like a row of shoes in Carrie Bradshaw's closet.

Then sends you an alert as soon as any of the prices change.

Now you'll know immediately when that certain budget-blowing sweater goes on sale.

(Told you we'd come to our senses.)

August 27, 2008

Do Half the Work, Get All the Credit

You heard it yourself. These words coming out of your mouth:

“Sure, I can make brownies for the Labor Day barbeque.”

“Oh, I'd love to bring cupcakes for the office pot-luck lunch.”

What, exactly, were you thinking?

Few things in life are more stressful than the pressure of wanting to impress with homemade - compounded by a total lack of time.

No problem. Just visit The Cake Mix Doctor.com.

Full of delicious recipes that get a running start from a box of cake mix, this super shortcut makes for less mess in the kitchen and a bakery-quality confection in a fraction of the time.

The Warm Chocolate Cupcakes with Molten Centers will conquer any cookout. The My Best Brownie Idea brownies use Ghirardelli chocolate - sure to be pleasing at any party. And these Red Velvet Cupcakes will make you stand out in any crowd

So out with the store-bought, and in with the not-quite-but-close-enough made from scratch.

Finally, for once, you can feel good about doing half the work and taking 100% of the credit.

August 28, 2008

Skip FTD and Bring These Flowers to the Office

You're no stranger to flowers into the workplace.

By the way, it's perfectly fine when you claim that lavish bouquet of long-stemmed red roses on your desk is from the hot underwear model named Bryce.

But why limit yourself to FTD arrangements that raise the envy of office-mates (heh, heh) when you can adorn yourself in head-to-toe blooms?

The fashion world's floral fixation is continuing on into fall, shifting focus to darker, artier prints as opposed to spring and summer's cheery buds. To pull the trend off, look for florals that are feminine yet mysterious...

You know-like a bouquet from a secret admirer?

Make like Monet in J.Crew's vibrant Watercolor Floral Madison Dress.

Give your weekend wear a petal push with Garnet Hill's Printed Merino Cardigan in Autumn Blooms.

The black and blue blooms of Theory's Morello Dress charm whether you're working the corporate ladder of just a cocktail party.

Can't justify $300+ for just one dress? Snatch up Trulli's likeminded Ruffle V-Neck Floral Dress.

Victoria's Secret's Flirty Little Wrap Dress is a dark, sensual floral arrangement that calls for little or no sunlight, so save it for after-hours antics.

August 29, 2008

A Brand (New) YOU

When it comes to building world class brands, it's no secret that the most enduring and sustainable names stay hot by re-inventing themselves and continuously adding magnificent new items to their line-ups.

With that in mind, isn't it time to add a few of the latest accessories to the most important brand of all? Brand YOU.

When it comes to signature style, there's no better place to shop than Coach.com. Be warned - you may find yourself doing the eyes-wide-open-mouth-agape thing as the new Coach is not your mother's Coach.

Of course, there are all those gorgeous handbags. (Have you seen the Suede Peyton? Available exclusively at the Coach Legacy Boutique which opened last Fall in NYC, id can't be ordered online, but they'll be happy to ship it to you - for free.)

And if you can pull yourself away from those bags, be sure to see:

New footwear, including the black patent Stasia pump and the Jae Boot available in leather or suede.

The recently debuted Varick Nylon Drafting Tote - what a beauty.

Signature Agendas, available in three sizes. (Electronic calendars may be more practical, but really, when it comes to style... none whatsoever.)