Have a Fashionable 2008

The year 2008 is right around the corner and if you’re a fashionista you never miss the fashion trends for the year to come. If you like the fashion of the fifties, 2008 may your lucky year. The styles of the fifties will revisit us and that entire craze has been remixed into 2008 couture.

Baggy dresses below the knee for daytime dressing will make the trend of 2008. The trouser will be popular along with mini trousers. And would you believe it…Capri trousers are still in style and nicely complement an extra large sweater.

What else is in? Feminine dressing will be a hit this upcoming year, which is ideal if you’re a girly-girl. Also thin belts, head scarves and pencil skirts that are knee length or longer. For fabrics--consider sequins, metallics, silk jersey and chiffon. The accessories of the season will be hats and clutches. The hot colors you will want to pick up are orange, rose, lavender, green and silver: the “new neutral.”

What should you dare to wear in 2008? Ultra short skirts and shorts, peasant skirts, jersey knits and those adorable babydoll dresses are O-U-T! Dark colors, lots of black and loud geometric prints are also totally taboo.

Whatever your flavor, a She-Tech tote or travel wallet will enhance your 2008 wardrobe. Like many fashion designers, their styles are classic and can be worn with today’s fashion as well as tomorrow's.

Make it a fashionable 2008. Be couture and stay connected!

Extravagant Technology

There’s a time and a place to live totally over the top and if you’re in the mood to go completely bananas over technology, there are some gadgets that will blow you mind. True indeed these designs are innovative; however, the price tags are even more amazing.

We’ve all migrated from floppy disks to flash drives, but who would have ever thought memory would cost $23,000? Swissmemory Prestige is a collection of 1GB flash drives that fold into housings made of sterling silver, gold and diamonds.

For those who like to surf in style, consider a mouse from Pat Says Now-- manufacturers of computer mice that come in a variety of fun designs including zebra, black lizard and diamond encrusted. For those who need a little bling, at around $25,000 you can have an 18-karat white gold mouse with 59 brilliant-cut diamonds in the shape of a flower. Point-and-click will never be the same!

For the ultimate in laptop luxury consider the absurdly expensive Luvaglio's laptop with a price tag of over $1,000,000. This little jewel comes with 128GB of solid-state storage and a 17-inch backlit LED screen with its own integrated cleaner. Not to mention it’s encased in wood, leather, and precious metals with a motorized box that opens itself. But Luvaglio doesn’t stop there. This baby activates only when you insert the unique colored diamond that's included, making the gem a power button and security device all in one. Incredible!

For more reasonably-priced technology related items, visit She-Tech for the latest in high-quality laptop totes for tech savvy fashionistas. Technology can be outrageous, but the price tag doesn’t have to be. Extravagance is a state of mind. Live lavishly and stay connected!

Smart eShopping

Shopping online or eShopping is such a convenience that I often elect to login as opposed to visiting the mall. You avoid traffic, finding a parking space and the typical hustle and bustle. Of course, it is always nice to touch and feel something before you purchase it; however, through the Internet you can visit 20 retailers while in the comforts of your home... within minutes! With this convenience; however, there comes a price. Not all online retailers are legitimate and the risk of identity theft does exist. Consider the following tips provided by VISA.

Shop at trusted online retailers
The same way you wouldn’t enter a suspicious store, you should not purchase from a suspicious online retailer. Buy from trusted sources, and if you're not sure, do your homework. Perform a background check, request a catalog by mail or call the customer service number for more information. Many sites also have third-party seals of approval, which can provide a layer of safety.

Read return and shipping information
When calculating the final cost of a purchase, don’t forget shipping and handling charges. The final charge can catch you off guard if you’re purchasing from a merchant located in another state or country. Taxes and international costs may apply, so check the site for a description of charges that will apply to your purchase.

Keep your information and records safe
Never send payment information via email. Information that travels over the Internet (like email) is not fully protected from being read by outside parties. All reputable sites use encryption technologies that will protect your private data from being read by others as you conduct an online transaction.

Buy over a secure computer
Use the latest version of your browser's software and check to be sure your computer's operating system software is up to date. Create a strong password and don’t use the obvious (such as your birthday, nickname, mother’s maiden name). Use six or more characters (mix letters and numbers and use upper-case and lower-case letters) if possible. Also, create a different password for each site.

Be careful of one-click shopping
Although it’s convenient to have your information stored and easy to access, never use this feature on a public computer. This can be very dangerous.

Also, be prudent about what information you reveal for a purchase—some things, like credit card numbers, are necessary. But if a question seems too invasive—like your social security number—skip it. In addition, for proof of age, never provide your credit card number. A credit card number does not verify one’s age.

When you shop online, make sure that you are using a secure browser and always look for the merchant’s privacy policy and an explanation of how you are protected. To make shopping at She-Tech a more pleasant experience, we have partnered with one of the most widely used e-commerce sites, Amazon.com. Learn more about She-Tech’s privacy policy and our commitment to being C.H.I.C.

Shopping online can be a fun and fabulous experience, but take the proper measures so that you don’t become a victim. Browse wisely and stay connected!

Holiday Shopping

The holiday shopping season is here and many of us are in a frenzy trying to find that “perfect gift.” Every now and then you do stumble upon that ideal item, but in the process, why not have a little fun of your own. There are quite a few deals out there this season, along with some interesting stocking stuffers that I found on the web.

Consider these oh-so chic hand weights for the fashion and fitness conscious diva. Even divas workout and these stylish weights made by Nike make a great alternative to traditional dumbbells.

A second interesting item I discovered is this MultiPot Table Lamp. This new generation lighting device will not only illuminate your room, but also double as a powerstrip that elegantly removes the clutter from all those electronic device cords. This contemporary Italian-designed device comes in chrome, black, white, amber and transparent, so it is sure to match your living room or office décor.

In addition to these fun items, there are some serious retail wins at Bloomingdale’s, Bluefly and Shoephoria. Bloomingdale’s online is offering 30% off a wide variety of women’s merchandise. Similarly, the high-end designer discount website, BlueFly, is offering 20% off. If you’re a shoe lover, the new site Shoephoria, is an online heaven. They offer a membership program that comes with exclusive deals and a shoe-lovers calendar. Amazing!

Here at She-Tech we are also in the holiday spirit and are offering absolutely FREE shipping on all laptop totes and FREE Gift Wrap with every single purchase. The search for the perfect gift for the tech-savvy diva is over! Be a smart shopper this fall season. Enjoy the holiday spirit and stay connected!

Holiday Fashion

Tis the season for holiday parties and festive social gatherings with friends, family and co-workers. It’s always nice to play dress up, but when it comes to the holidays, many of us (including myself), tend to be a little extra self-conscious. There’s nothing wrong with a little glitz and glamour, but you don’t want to be the center of attraction for all the wrong reasons.

According to Cynthia Nellis, who has worked in the fashion industry for almost 20 years, most recently as a buyer, there are some holiday fashion faux pas to avoid.

1. Wearing Too Much Glitz
   Beading, metallic and shimmer are all fine for the holidays. In fact, most women wait until a good party to break out all of the glitzy finery. But too much shine can overwhelm anyone, especially if you wear it in areas that you don't necessarily want to highlight.
2. Showing Too Much Skin
   Thigh-high miniskirts and cut-to-the-navel dresses may look great on the runway, but in reality they are almost impossible to carry off. Not only is it possible to dress sexy while leaving lots to the imagination, it's also the best way to look your prettiest for the holidays. The secret here is to accentuate your best features with a suggestion: a lace trimmed camisole under a blazer hints at great cleavage, a small slit on a skirt gives a glimpse at gorgeous legs, a halter dress shows off toned arms.
3. Making It Too Complicated
   No wonder women approach the holidays with dread: trying to coordinate outfits, gifts, travel and parties can overload even the most organized woman. Instead of trying to match up dressy separates, try a little black dress this season. Not only is it universally flattering, it will take you to almost any event in style. Just add accessories and you're set.
4. Being Under or Over Dressed
   You show up in jeans, everyone else wears velvet; you wear a long dress and others wear business clothes. You're not alone if you have trouble deciphering dress codes on a party invitation: most people get confused by designations as ambiguous as "Dressy Casual" or "Cocktail Attire." A few dressy items span several categories -- such as the little black dress for her or dark suit for him -- both of which can attend everything from semi-formal to cocktail parties.

In the end, it’s always best to have fun with fashion. If you’re an “over the top” kind of person, so what if you light up more than the tree. Illuminate throughout the holiday season, celebrate the positive and stay connected!

Mother of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Day is a traditional North American holiday to give thanks at the conclusion of the harvest season. Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States and on the second Monday of October in Canada. Although over the years turkey seems to be the icon for the holiday, would you believe that a woman is behind the foundation of the annual event? Sarah Josepha Hale is a prominent woman in history that was very instrumental in getting Thanksgiving Day accepted as a national holiday in the United States.

Sarah Josepha Hale(1788 - 1879) was an American writer. She is well known as the author of the popular nursery rhyme "Mary Had a Little Lamb." From 1827 until 1836, Hale served as editor of Lady's Magazine in Boston. Ten year later she began working as editor of another women’s magazine, “Godey's Lady's Book,” in Philadelphia. She remained editor at Godey's for 40 years and retired at almost the age of 90 in 1877. Throughout the years Hale wrote many novels and poems and published nearly fifty volumes of work by the end of her life. Her biggest accomplishment of course, is being credited as one of the major forces behind the declaration of Thanksgiving as a national holiday.

For more information about Sarah and other prominent women writers of the 19^th century, visit Women Writers net. Throughout history and into the present women have been a driving force behind positive change. Let the women of the past inspire your future. Be thankful this holiday season and stay connected!

Tele-diva

With today’s rising gas prices and the corresponding headaches related to a stressful commute, many professionals are opting to telework. The luxury of working from home without ever having to come into the office may sound like a dream, but it’s closer to reality than you think. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 21 percent of the total U.S. workforce reported taking advantage of flexible work opportunities to balance their work lives with their home lives.

If you have the traditional “butts in seats” office job, with a little effort you might be able to convert your current position into a telecommuting one. If your work can be done at home easily with a laptop, internet access and conference call number, you may be good candidate for teleworking. It's much more common to convert an existing job into a telecommuting arrangement than to land a telecommuting job with a new company. According to the International Telework Association, most teleworking professionals work from home on a part-time basis, such as two or three days a week.

Before making the case to your boss, do a little detective work. Find out if your company already has a telecommuting program in place. If it doesn't, try to sell your boss on the idea by convincing him or her that your duties can be performed just as efficiently at home as they can from the office---if not better. To counter any opposition, propose a trial period. Offer a short work-at-home stint so your boss can see how it will feel to communicate with you from home until they are comfortable. The biggest fear is that you will be unproductive if out of the office.

Be one of the 100 million U.S. employees that will be working from home by 2010. According to the International Telework Association, this is a growing trend and the current 26 million telecommuters have realized some positive outcomes. Make your case to become a Tele-diva. Stay productive….and stay connected!

S.O.S! (Save Our Systems)- Tip #2

Scenario: You enjoyed a fabulous spontaneous weekend getaway to one of the world’s hottest destinations: Miami, Florida. Instead of confining yourself to your beach front hotel room to work on your presentation that’s due Monday afternoon, you indulge in a marathon shopping spree followed-up by a full day at the Elemis Spa located in the heart of South Beach. Feeling refreshed and energized, you cap off your vacation with a night of dancing and romancing up and down the strip. Suddenly in the taxi on your way to the airport you realize that you have not completed your presentation. Where did the time go?! You have always worked well under pressure, so rather than panic you devise a strategy. If you get an early start on Monday your presentation could be finished by lunch time, which would leave you an hour to rehearse before the 2:00 PM deadline.

You arrive at the office on Monday at 6:00 AM, triple espresso in hand. You sit down at your desk, boot up your PC and double-click on Microsoft PowerPoint to begin developing your presentation slides. The application does not open, so you double-click again. You immediately assume the worse and your heart rate quickens. The impending doom of your crashing PC is direct punishment for your frivolous weekend of unbridled fun.

But seriously, there may be no need for your blood pressure to rise. Consider She-Tech S.O.S. Tip #2 provided by the experts at PCWorld.

Tip #2: Regardless of what operating system you use, in general, whenever you repeatedly double-click a program icon without results, the first thing you should suspect is a hung application. A hung application is an annoying problem, but is far less severe than a complete system crash.

In Windows XP and 2000, right-click the Windows taskbar and click Task
Manager on the context menu. Select the Processes tab in the application window,
and click the list box column head labeled Image Name to sort the list of
running applications by name. Find the application you want to run. In many
cases two, three, or more instances will appear, as shown in FIGURE 1.

Right-click the offending application and choose End Process. Make sure to click
OK to confirm your choice. Repeat these steps until all instances of the program
are shut down. Close Task Manager and start the application again.

Unfortunately, Windows 98 and Me don't offer control over running processes. To
clear a frozen application, press Ctrl-Alt-Delete to bring up the Close Program
dialog box. Highlight the application and click the End Task button; you may
have to wait several seconds before it takes effect.

When these stressful moments arise, just take a deep breath and exercise a little patience. Within a few minutes you should be able to begin creating your presentation. Technology isn’t perfect, but like all tech-savvy divas, we never let them see us sweat. Continue to live it up, stay cool and stay connected!

S.O.S! (Save Our Systems)- Tip #1

Scenario: It’s late on a Friday evening and instead of joining your friends for cocktails your are working feverishly in your home office to make the end of the month deadline. Typically you keep a cool head, but you’ve always been an overachiever. The stress of the situation gets to you and you foolishly knock over your nonfat mocha latte all over your laptop keyboard.

This is a classic PC 911 Emergency, but there’s no need to panic.

Tip #1: Everyone knows that water and electronics don't mix, but a little spill doesn't necessarily mean the end of the world. Follow these S.O.S. instructions offered by PC World and you may quite possibly be able to recover from the damage. Odds are not in your favor for full recovery, but you can do your best to remedy this digital device faux pas.

1. If the device is still on, turn it off immediately and remove any batteries, CDs, SIM cards, memory cards, and the like. For a notebook, remove any modular components like PC Cards and removable optical drives.
2. Dry off any visible liquid with a towel. Depending on how comfortable you are with the process, disassemble the device as much as possible and as quickly as possible to improve your chances of recovering it. This is essential if you can actually hear trapped liquid sloshing around inside.
3. Desiccants will absorb moisture. Put the device in a sealed bag with a few silica gel packets. Only brand-new packets will work--old ones will have long ago absorbed their limit in moisture. The same trick can work with regular uncooked white rice and even salt; just make sure not to get any grains inside the device. (Try wrapping your gadget in tissue paper.)
4. Heat can evaporate water. Put the device on the dashboard of your car for an afternoon (just make sure that it doesn't get hotter than about 150 degrees). Keeping your cell phone in your front pants pocket all day also might warm it enough, as might a hair dryer (don't set it on high, though). Make sure the battery is removed if you try any of these tricks.
5. If the device has (or is) a keyboard, put it upside down for a spell to give the liquid a chance to drain out.
   
   

To see some of these tips illustrated, watch PC World’s video about how you save a wet gadget. For more upcoming S.O.S. tips on PC disasters, revisit the She-Tech blog and most of all…stay connected!

Happy Feet

For those of you that are totally chic from head to toe, this fall’s hottest shoe fashions will tickle your fancy. Coming down the catwalk this season you will find the funkiest footwear that is more extreme and sexier than ever!

There is power in platforms, and nobody makes a platform shoe like Steve Madden. From the board room to the dance floor you can find styles to spice up your business attire and complement the casual.

As the temperatures cool, you’ll be big on boots during the winter months. There are a wide variety of styles from flats to heels, lace-ups and booties. A classic shoe designer that we all know and love, Kenneth Cole, offers some city-chic styles to choose from.

Pointy-toed shoes are still on the market, but this season round-toed shoes are all the rage. This fall’s footwear is influenced by the 60s and takes full advantage of the round-toe and peep-toe styles. These styles come in some of the season’s hottest fabrics like suede, velvet and patent leather. If you dare to be trendy, BCBG Max Azria has some delightful round-toe pumps. For the pedicure conscious, Nine West offers an exquisite collection of the prettiest peep-toes.

Keep your feet happy this fall by indulging in some fashionable footwear. To complement your feet, shop She-Tech to find the perfect laptop or digital accessory bag made in high quality durable leather.

Put a smile on your feet and a fashionable bag on your shoulder. Stay connected!

Women Raise the Bar

A recent study has proudly revealed that the Fortune 500 companies with the highest representation of women board directors outperformed those companies with the least female representation. Companies that had at least three women serving on the board reaped stronger than average results, thus proving there is truly strength in numbers. The key performance indicators that were measured in this study were return on equity, return on sales and return on investment capital.

Return on Equity: On average, companies with the highest percentages of women board directors outperformed those with the least by 53 percent.
Return on Sales: On average, companies with the highest percentages of women board directors outperformed those with the least by 42 percent.
Return on Invested Capital: On average, companies with the highest percentages of women board directors outperformed those with the least by 66 percent.

This research study was conducted by Catalyst, the leading nonprofit corporate advisory organization whose mission is to expand opportunities for women and business.
“Clearly, financial measures excel where women serve on corporate boards,” said Ilene H. Lang, President of Catalyst. “This Catalyst study again demonstrates the very strong correlation between corporate financial performance and gender diversity...diversifying their boards with women can lead to more independence, innovation, and good governance and maximize their company’s performance.”

For more on the topic, read The Bottom Line: Corporate Performance and Women’s Representation on Boards. Where women are well represented business performance is enhanced. Across industries from consumer goods to information technology women raise the bar. In comparison to our male counterparts, women may lack physical strength, but we certainly make up for it in intellect, business savvy and good old-fashioned common sense. Continue to challenge the status quo ladies. Be bold and stay connected!

She-Tech Blossoms

The lotus flower is the foremost symbol of beauty, prosperity and fertility. It has been said that within each human inhabiting the earth is the spirit of the sacred lotus. It represents eternity, purity and divinity and is widely used as a symbol of life, fertility, ever-renewing youth and to describe feminine beauty.



The upcoming new She-Tech collection embodies these characteristics and will rightfully be called the Lotus Flower Collection. The collection will be an assortment of functional styles and accessories, each adorned with a Lotus Flower charm.

For those of you that are fascinated by horticulture...lotus flowers are amazing and not your everyday garden plant. The lotus flower begins as a small flower down at the bottom of a pond in the mud. It slowly grows up towards the water's surface continually moving towards the sunlight. Once it reaches the surface of the water the lotus flower begins to blossom and turns into a beautiful flower.

Like the lotus flower that grows up from the mud into an object of great beauty, She-Tech women also grow and transform. So in a sense, the lotus flower represents the struggle of life at its most basic form. At one point in time we have all been at the bottom of the muddy pond; however, much like the lotus flower, we rise above the surface with resilience and beauty.

Visit She-Tech periodically for a sneak preview of the new Lotus Flower Collection. Blossom where you are planted. Be beautiful and stay connected!

Pretty in Pink

If pink is your color there are a plethora of techno girly gadgets that are just adorable. While doing some e-browsing on the internet I discovered that almost every digital accessory comes in some shade of pink. So if you’re a girly girl like me, you will definitely be delighted with at least one of these items.

Kodak EasyShare V1003

Apple iPod Mini

Ergo Ensis Laptop

Motorola RAZR

To compliment your passion for pink, inside She-Tech you will find a wide variety of items in pink or with pink trimming, such as laptop totes, wallets and accessory bags. Also, keep in mind that many of these items qualify for free shipping from us directly to your doorstep.

From dark magenta to soft pastel, we look pretty in pink and so does technology. Stay pink…and stay connected!

Fall Into Autumn

As the temperatures continue to drop it is becoming more and more apparent that fall has arrived. Personally, I am looking forward to the environmental changes and the warm colors of the new fall fashions. If you’re a full-time digital diva, you may spend a lot of time indoors and never get the opportunity to take advantage of autumn’s splendor. This season, why not take a break from the norm and try something new? Below are some ideas that you may want to put on your Autumn To Do List.

1. Visit an apple orchard or pumpkin patch and go on a hay ride. That afternoon make a homemade apple cobbler or pumpkin pie with the fruit you just picked.
2. Rent a log cabin for the weekend and spend some quiet time sitting on the porch watching the squirrels scampering around collecting acorns.
3. Completely relax on a Sunday afternoon; order pizza delivery and watch a good football game!
4. Let your hair down and live on the wild side. Have fun in your backyard raking up leaves and jumping in the piles.
5. Walk around in the park and collect colorful leaves and pine cones.
6. Pack away your shorts and halters and unpack your snuggly sweatshirts and jackets.
7. Plan a back to school gathering at your house with your favorite classmates.
8. Gather all of your loose photographs and film. Get everything developed and create a photo album or collage.
9. Call an old friend or relative that you haven’t heard from all summer.
10. Pick any room in your house and completely redecorate it in the newest patterns and hottest fall colors.

These are just a few ideas to get you in the autumn spirit. On the internet the seasons never change, but on the outside Mother Nature is making her transition. Take a break from the digital landscape and fall into autumn. Break out your favorite cashmere sweater, brown suede ankle boots, fur trimmed jacket and stay connected!

Fashion Week

Just recently Bryant Park in New York City hosted the notorious Fashion Week. This is historically an exclusive, week-long string of fashion shows reserved for retail buyers, editors and the designers’ best customers. The intent of this mega event is to preview the upcoming fall or spring designer collections. If you are not in the fashion industry perhaps this event is of little concern to you; however, in today’s society it is virtually impossible to live fashion-free.

Without question, movies like "The Devil Wears Prada" and TV shows like "Project Runway" and "Ugly Betty" help create buzz and generate excitement about the fashion world. In addition, now more than ever, the link between celebrity and fashion has never been stronger. For the average person, Fashion Week has become entertainment and there’s a big push today to connect the public with fashion shows. Because of the Internet and TV, Fashion Week is accessible to the average person. Today, anyone—whether you obsess over every page of Vogue or you don’t know the difference between Anne Klein and Calvin Klein—can watch the fashion shows within hours after the models walk down the catwalk.

For a preview of what’s hot this spring, watch the highlights of Spring Fashion Week 2008. From what we wear and how we style our hair to how we carry our laptop, we are all influenced by fashion. For a preview of what’s fashionable in laptop totes and digital accessories, visit She-Tech and enjoy free shipping on many of our hottest items. Make fashion fun. Indulge and stay connected!

Techno Divas in Demand

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that there are 15 occupations that will have high demand with growth rates between 30 and 50 percent from 2004 to 2014. Amongst these fast-growing careers you will find that five of them are related to technology. Physician Assistants ranked number one; however, coming in at number two is Computer Applications Software Engineers, with Computer Systems Software Engineers close behind at number four.

#2. Computer applications software engineers, applications -- These professionals analyze users' needs and design, construct and maintain general computer applications software or specialized utility programs.
Average salary: $56,184
Growth: 49.4 percent
Education: Bachelor's degree

#4. Computer systems software engineers -- They coordinate the construction and maintenance of a company's computer systems and plan their future growth.
Average salary: $59,297
Growth: 43 percent
Education: Bachelor's degree

#5. Network and computer systems administrators -- They design, install and support an organization's local-area network (LAN), wide-area network (WAN), network segment, Internet or intranet system.
Average salary: $62,534
Growth: 38.4 percent
Education: Bachelor's degree

#6. Database administrators -- Database administrators work with database management systems software and determine ways to organize and store data. They identify user requirements, set up computer databases, and test and coordinate modifications to the computer database systems.
Average salary: $70,016
Growth: 38.2 percent
Education: Bachelor's degree

#13. Computer systems analysts -- These analysts solve computer problems and apply computer technology to meet the individual needs of an organization, such as helping it realize the maximum benefit from its investment in equipment, personnel and business processes.
Average salary: $55,811
Growth: 31.4 percent
Education: Bachelor's degree

Technology Divas are most certainly in demand, which is good news for those that have or are developing an interest in technology. These exciting occupations can be very fulfilling and won’t have you at home clipping coupons on a Friday night. Pursuing a career path in Technology can lead to great success. Take the first step and stay connected!

Closing the Gap

When you observe the many facets of business, society and education you will find that there is disparity between the genders. Within this male-dominated world, women have conquered many challenges and will continue to progress towards the goal of equality.

Even after twenty-five years of extensive efforts to promote female participation,computer technology remains a heavily male-dominated field. Have you ever wondered about the reasons for the persistent gender imbalance? Well, the authors of Women and Information Technology, published by MIT Press, explored some strategies to reverse the downward trend. Their research included rigorous social science investigations based on empirical evidence that went beyond the hypothetical innate differences between men and women.

The first section investigates the relationship between gender and information technology among adolescents and the second section focuses on higher education and includes a nationwide study of computing education. The final section examines entry to the IT workforce and information technology career paths.

I am sure that you will find this study to be eye-opening, and it may help to answer some of your questions regarding the technology gender divide. It’s a fascinating read to cap off a sizzling summer! To further enrich the summer season finale, inside She-Tech we are offering 20% Off our Most Popular Items. Technology Divas…each day is a step towards closing the gap. Make your move and stay connected!

New Millennium Moms

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. The first Labor Day holiday was actually celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City. The character of the Labor Day celebration has undergone a change over the years, especially in large industrial centers where mass displays and huge parades have taken place.

The concept of women and labor has also changed over the years. There is a new generation of mothers who are not abandoning their children to return to work like we did in the 1980s. Moreover, we are also not adhering to the "soccer mom" stereotype of the 1990s. Mothers today are more likely to negotiate flexible schedules at work while demanding proactive participation from their male counterparts as it relates to child rearing.

According to the article written by U.S. News and World Report on the New Mommy Track, some of these women referred to as "mompreneurs," even start their own businesses. Nearly 26 percent of working women with children under 18 work flexible schedules, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, compared to only 14 percent in 1991. "Fifteen to 20 years ago, women in suits and sneakers...were playing by the traditional rules of the game, trying to live in a man's world. " Today women are saying, "let's do things our way."

From inside She-Tech, a round of applause goes out to the Mothers of the new millennium. It's only a man's world for now. Play by your own rules and stay connected!

Back To School

The back to school frenzy is here and many of us are scrambling around looking for backpacks, notebooks and the latest back-to-school fashions. This time of year has caused me to reflect on the anticipation I used to feel as a child about beginning a new school year. How exciting!

Well, children aren’t the only ones that are going back to school. Many stay-at-home moms as well as seasoned professional women decide to seek higher education during the more mature stages of life. This can be a very daunting experience; however, being older than your fellow students can offer some advantages.

A bit of advice…unfortunately, college courses don't have sick days and parental leave, so if you have a lot of personal and job responsibilities, cut back on your course load or take an online course. For some more helpful information, visit Women to College, the working woman's online guide to education. This site offers helpful career news, tools and the latest information on degree programs from some of the country's top universities. In addition, there are resources to help you select and apply to the school that is right for you.

It’s never too late to earn a college degree or pursue continuing education. Learning is a lifelong process. Live, laugh, love, learn and stay connected!

Digital Planet

Traditional images of an avid internet user are the stereotypical "geek" who spends hours of his free time on his PC and rarely engages with the real world. In reality; however, the internet enthusiast is a fervent reader of books and spends more time engaged in social activities than the non-user. As a result, television viewing is down as much as five hours per week in the United States. In fact, the use of the Internet is reducing television viewing around the world.

When you look at Internet Usage Statistics across the globe, North America weighs in as the region with the third highest number of users at 233 million. Asia weighs in as the region with the most users, 437 million; with Europe to follow at 322 million. What’s even more exciting is that the world total internet usage is a whopping 1.7 billion!

The beauty of the World Wide Web is that it can take you across the globe and connect you with your next door neighbor or even a tech-savvy fashionista from Morocco. Inside She-Tech we believe that style is universal and our laptop bags and accessories appeal to global preferences. We live on a huge planet, but technology can take us wherever we want to go.

To all the tech-savvy women across the seas…stay connected!

Interview Intelligence

It has been a few years since I have interviewed for a job; however, I often recall the stressful experience. You want to make the best impression, but at the same time you are puzzled about exactly what to do. I have heard recruiters and human resource professionals say that they can tell within the first 10 minutes of the interview if the applicant is a good fit.

According to DiversityInc. Magazine there are sure fire ways that will knock you out of the running. Below are the five biggest mistakes job applicants make.

No. 1: Not researching the company before the interview
Researching the company's web site, its statements on diversity management, benefits and the requirements of the job for which you are applying are all advisable. But Joseph Hammill, manager of talent acquisition for corporate human resources at Xerox Corp., adds that applicants should be more comprehensive in their research. Network with people already working at the company; call professional organizations the company is associated with, and ask any fellow college alumni who work at the company about their experience.

No. 2: Inability to articulate needs and desires
"Too many people don't spend time upfront understanding what they bring to the party and they might undersell their particular skills," says Bean. "People need to take time to say, 'Here's what's important to me by rank order.' That can be geography, level of pay, benefits, work/life balance, the type of work you get to do, or even what does the daily grind look like."

No. 3: Being unprofessional in the interview
Of course, be early to all interviews and don't bring food unless asked to do so. At Verizon, one of Tiernan's recruiters told him about an applicant who walked into the interview with a sandwich in hand. Upon reaching the recruiter's office, the applicant placed the sandwich on top of the recruiter's desk. When the recruiter asked the applicant what he planned to do with the sandwich, the applicant said he planned to eat the sandwich and asked if that would be a problem. Think he got the job?

No. 4: Demonstrating poor communication skills
"It's about being able to talk with confidence and expertise about who you are and why you're the best fit," says Kuranty. "That's communication skills." Practice the basics of communication before going to the interview, listening and responding and not talking over the other person. Too many applicants over-talk and don't listen to the questions being asked of them.

No. 5: Not keeping the personal to yourself
With the proliferation of MySpace and other social-network web sites, people often think it harmless to include their social-network identification in their résumés or in an interview. But it is not harmless—too often what is posted on those sites does not demonstrate corporate professionalism. Kuranty adds that applicants should make sure their voicemails reflect a professional attitude as well. When searching for a job, keep the outgoing message simple, such as who they've reached and that you'll return the call soon.

To all the tech-savvy job seekers out there, remain optimistic. Keep the aforementioned tips in mind and cease the opportunity. Nail your next interview, get the job and stay connected!

Think Thin

The obsession to be thin permeates through so many facets of every day living. There’s the minimalist style of interior design, which is very popular in Europe, and has lead to the creation sleek angular tables and corresponding chaise lounges. Women, of course, have been fascinated with the concept of being thin for years. A slim frame with modest curves has traditionally been considered more attractive. We see waif-like images on the runway, in magazines and on the screen.

And would you believe it, the Technology industry is not exempt from this “slim is in” phenomenon. It is hip to have the slimmest and sleekest computer or digital accessory. The cell phone wars are a prime example of our slim obsession with the advent of the Motorola Razr phone and the even slimmer phones to follow. Even a size reduction of one millimeter is enough to be newsworthy.

Is all of this thin stuff overrated? I think so, but in light of the trend, take a look at these adorable laptops by Intel, appropriately called Think Thin. Also new on the scene is the ever so slim Sony VAIO TZ Series notebook computer. It comes packed with sophisticated features and in a variety of cool colors. These days shopping for technology can be just as exciting as shopping for shoes!

Think thin…and stay connected!

Fashion Forward

By now most of us have grown accustomed to the warmer temperatures that come during the summer months; however, autumn is right around the corner. With autumn comes a variety of changes that have an impact on our internal and external well-being. Temperatures drop, leaves change color and new fall fashion trends take off. For those forward-thinkers and obsessive wardrobe planners, take a peek at what’s in store for the second half of the year.



FASHION LOOKS FOR WINTER 2007
DIGITAL STYLE 2007

Despite what all the fashion designers and magazines state, it is always best to dress based on your individual sense of style. Whether it be funky, sexy, classic or romantic, when you dress your personality you never go wrong. Dress as if you are success and remember to encase your laptop and digital accessories in the high-quality stylish fashions offered by She-Tech.

Stay true to you and stay connected!

High-Tech Fashion

What do you get when you mix advanced technology and high fashion? My answer would be nice pair of Capri pants that make you look ten pounds lighter that travels well and never wrinkles. Boy was I wrong!

The latest in style technology has lead to a shocking and most bizarre concept called “motion dresses.” Through the use of mechanical pulleys and embedded microchips within the fabric, you can go from a full length evening gown to a night on the town mini-dress in a matter of seconds. The saying, “seeing is believing” truly applies here. Take a look at these high-tech dresses in action during a runway show: “Motion Dress” Video.

Underpinnings of these transforming dresses connect to pulleys. These wire pulleys then reel in the outer layer of the garment, and thus alter the shape of the dress. Amazing!

At She-Tech, when fashion meets technology, we combine the two to offer laptop bags and accessories with classic style and elegance. Unfortunately, our laptop totes won’t ever transform into picnic baskets or duffle bags. However, they will always compliment the most couture wardrobes so that you can maintain your sense of chic while on-the-go.

Technological advancement and creativity will continue to be leveraged throughout every facet of our lives from the practical to the not so practical. The good news is, for that new millennium woman who doesn’t have time for a wardrobe change, the morphing “motion dresses” are right on time!

Embrace technology, have fun with fashion and as always…stay connected!

The ABCs of Change

As we charge into summer and become more energized, perhaps you are feeling a bit of unrest like me? The warm mornings and even warmer nights can often invoke a sense of restlessness, which is where I have found myself lately. I have grown to realize; however, that constant tossing and turning and over contemplation can be your inner self telling you that it’s time for a change. Although change is frightening, it is inevitable and the foundation for growth and success. These newfound feelings serve as my motivation to write about the basics or ABC’s of change.

A=Assess
Make as assessment of what is going on in your life. What is the source of your inability to be at ease? Is it your career, a relationship, financial status or health? Facing this hard truth generally allows you to focus on the true area where change needs to occur. Based on my limited life experience, I have already grown to realize that often times when we complain about others, the true problem lies within.

B=Break
It is critical that you break away from the norm and try something new when it comes to change. Although this can be painful, well let’s just say “extremely uncomfortable,” it is necessary. It is very easy to get caught in a rut, because simply put, ruts are comfortable. Don’t break promises, don’t break nails, but do your best to break bad habits.

C=Confidence
In regards to whatever you pursue in life, always proceed with confidence. Remember that the outcome will always be successful if you give it your best shot. After all, we learn more from our failures anyway. Like most of us, I could write a series of books on the lessons I have learned from a laundry list of mistakes. I have found however, that confidence is one of the keys to unlocking the doors of success. Turn the handle and come on in!

So ask yourself ladies, is it time for a change? Has your career reached a screeching halt or has your relationship lost its fire? Or perhaps your fitness program has come to a plateau? Change may just be the spark you need to get things going. Here at She-Tech we embrace the concept of change and aim to provide up-to-the-minute bags and accessories that suit your dynamic lifestyle. If change is on your horizon, walk through the ABC’s and while doing so…stay connected!

Digital Fashion

With technology being such an integral part of our daily lives, more and more manufacturers are catering to the needs of women. If fashion and style permeate through everything that you do, this month’s featured item will definitely tickle your fancy. To snaz up your MP3 experience, why not try these audiocubes?

In addition to the audiocubes, for the ultimate tech-sexy experience, visit Sony to see their new line of notebook computers specially designed for the digital diva. This notebook comes in a variety of colors and in addition to aesthetic appeal, it comes with some great features!

To compliment this stylish notebook, a just as fashionable carrier is necessary. Take a look at the latest She-Tech laptop tote in the hottest spring colors. For an even greater deal, don’t forget the designer closeout item. On sale while supplies last!

Fashion is fun and for the tech-sexy digital diva there are a wide array of products to compliment your wardrobe and overall sense of style. Be chic and stay connected!

Summer Fun!

Summer is officially here and it is the perfect time to take a long relaxing vacation. For those who are active and adventurous, there are vacations that involve hiking, cycling and climbing. If you’re like me, you prefer a poolside massage and manicure, with an umbrella drink vacation. Whatever your pleasure, it is always nice to take a break from the norm to do what you enjoy for at least a few days out of the year.

While browsing the internet in search of my vacation destination for 2007, I stumbled upon the ultimate high-tech vacation. For those of you that absolutely cannot break away from technology Geek Cruises is the ultimate getaway. While sipping on a frozen margarita, imagine relaxing on the deck with a boat full of techno-maniacs on a ship called Java Jam or Mac Mania. This cruise combines entertainment with education, and offers 40 hours of classes on topics such as Photoshop, Leopard Power User Tips and Extreme Googling. What a vacation!

Wherever you travel this year, don’t forget the handy She-Tech Kick-Around Town digital accessory bag. This little item is great for holding your sunglasses, mobile phone or digital camera. Also at She-Tech, we are having our designer closeout sale which means 40% off selected Arinna designs. Hurry while supplies last! These items make great gifts for holidays, birthdays and graduation.

From the Colorado Rockies to the white sands of the Caribbean, wherever you vacation this summer, have fun and stay connected!

WWWW (World Wide Web Women)

The World Wide Web has become a virtual meeting place, shopping mall, educational classroom and more. Whether you're in business, have a hobby or just an internet enthusiast, the chances are good you'll be involved in building a Web site in one way or another. For those of you that think HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) is a termed used at Neiman Marcus that’s related to expensive shoes, there is no need to be intimidated. There are plenty of tutorials and reference guides out there to walk you through the process of developing a website. Web-source.net is a great place to start.

To get you started on the right foot, becoming knowledgeable about the web and how it works is important. Below are five steps that will enable you to build a simple Web site, from the ground up.

1. What is a Website? Before you jump in and start designing Web pages, first figure out where to put them. You can rent space at a commercial Web hosting service, and learn how to make changes to our Web site on our own. There are plenty of free web hosting services that are able to host a 50 MB site.
2. What is HTML? HTML is basically the language of the internet used to create web pages. For those of you who want to know exactly what HTML is and how it’s used, there are plenty of books that explain the concept for the layman or should I say laywoman.
3. The Domain Name Game. Finding a particular Web site is like finding someone's telephone number. Every Web server in the Universe has a unique number that identifies it, called an IP address. For obvious reasons, nobody wants to have to remember numbers like this, so early in the development of the Web, the system of domain names was devised. The web has been around for quite a while, so many domain names have already been reserved, but can typically be purchased for the right price.
4. How do I add pictures to my website? Surprisingly, it's not really that tough to add images to a website. If you've got a good quality picture, it can be uploaded easily in a reasonable time, that won’t reveal your inexperience to anyone. Visit Page Resource for some helpful hints.
5. Website Promotion. So now that your site is developed, how do you build awareness, which hopefully leads to traffic or new visitors to your site? Website promotion is an ongoing process. To maximize your site traffic, you need to monitor it constantly, and make judgments about what you can do to improve it. If you know at least the basics of how the process works, you'll be in a good shape. If you don’t have the time to dedicate to promotion, hire an outside consultant.
   

Developing a website can appear to be a daunting exercise, but with the wealth of resources and tools that are available, the process has become simplified over the years. To have strong business awareness in today’s world, it no longer requires the traditional storefront of brick and mortar. Leveraging the World Wide Web enables you to be globally accessible.

Best wishes on your business or personal website development. Women of the web…stay connected!

Leery About Love?

Love continues to be a many splendored thing at work, even though a sizable percentage of workers—especially women—think it could jeopardize their job security or put the brakes on their advancement, a recent survey found. The number of workers overall who have dated a co-worker edged up from 36 percent in 2005 to 39 percent in 2006, says a January 2007 Spherion Workplace Snapshot online survey.

Women are more reluctant than men, though, to get involved with a co-worker—30 percent of women and 47 percent of men would pursue a workplace romance. Unlike 36 percent of men, 47 percent of women worried a workplace romance would hurt them on the job. One key concern that women have is the ability to keep the relationship confidential. Blogs and online social networking sites are making it more difficult to keep a lid on the gossip about office romance. Online venues such as Match.com and eHarmony provide very public means for personal news to be shared.

Despite the stress and scrutiny inherent with interoffice romances, according to Spherion’s findings quite a few are finding true love. Nearly 30% of workers dated a colleague for several months and 15 percent for several years. Twenty-five percent said their workplace romance led to marriage. There’s always the inevitable chance that you will stumble upon love during your elevator ride to the executive tower, and if you do, you can certainly make it work if you follow these guidelines.

• No romantic displays at work, including holding hands or stealing a kiss. If you get caught your career may be in jeopardy.
• Don’t even think about e-mailing X-rated Valentine’s Day cards or sending an unsigned Valentine’s Day card to a co-worker. Also, rethink using cell phones for intimate conversations; your voice may be louder than you realize.
• Send flowers or gifts to your honey’s home. A well-intentioned gesture can embarrass the recipient when co-workers try to figure who the sender is.
• Business rules apply in business social situations—don’t dance too closely or drink too much, use seductive language or wear seductive clothing.
• If the relationship ends, behave professionally. It’s likely both people will have to continue working with or around each other.
• Your boss should never be your valentine. Have your reporting relationship changed if you are dating your supervisor.

For fast-paced She-Tech women, love can often be hard to find, and if you happen to find it on the job, be mindful. Love is in the air, over the internet and in the office. Open your heart and stay connected!

Four Corners of Communication

Although there is an art to developing effective communications, there is also a science behind it. Conveying your message correctly to your target audience so that it is remembered and not misconstrued takes skill. Whether you are developing communications for business, academia or your personal life, there are four fundamentals that should be applied.

1. Be aware of your audience. Before developing any communication, think about who you are trying to reach. Consider their demographic, psychographic and level of understanding about your topic.

2. Consider the various communication vehicles. The advent of technology has provided us with a variety of communication mediums. The key to effectively communicating; however, is to select the appropriate medium based on your audience and the message you are trying to convey.

3. Fine tune your message. It is critical that you tailor your message around the audience you are intending to reach. It is helpful to use the common jargon and terminology that is most prevalent in their arena, whether it be law, medicine, cooking etc. Also, be aware of language barriers. Perhaps your message needs to be translated to effectively reach your audience.

4. Be mindful of the frequency. Based on the complexity of your message, you want to be mindful of the frequency. With so many messages coming at us from so many angles, it is easy to dilute the value of your communication if you overload your audience. While repeat messaging strengthens concepts, there is a fine line between reinforcement and overkill.

I like to call these fundamentals the four corners of effective communication. When taking these concepts into consideration, you enhance your communication skills and your ability to always craft an effective message.

At She-Tech we strive to communicate positive information about women, technology and fashion. To help us better meet your needs please continue to provide us with feedback. Your comments are important to us, and wherever you are…stay connected!

On the Go Gadgets

Just this past Memorial Day weekend I traveled to Los Angeles and while treading through the bustle to baggage claim, I was reminded how exciting and exhausting travel can be. Yet amongst the waiting in line and constant “hurry up and wait,” I somehow managed to escape the routine chaos through the use of my MP3 device. While sauntering through the airport terminal, I was provided a semi sense of peace as I listened to smooth jazz. What would we do without iPods or other gadgets that help to make the travel experience more enjoyable? While browsing the web I stumbled upon a few more doodads that can soothe the soul while on the go.

For the frequent traveler, the intermittent PA flight announcements can become annoying. If you can recite the script in unison with the flight attendant, consider the Sony MDR-NC11A noise cancelling headphones. Unlike many headphone designs that cover over 50% of your head, these headsets fit neatly inside your ear and come with different size tips to improve comfort. Visit http://www.sonystyle.com/.

For all of your thirsty electronic devices, there’s nothing better than the iGo Juice 70. This handy little “juicer” can recharge your various devices so that you can leave the handful of charging cords at home. This gadget is reasonably priced at $120 and comes in a cute and convenient carrying case. Visit http://www.igo.com/.

Identification cards and credit cards are two of the most critical items you must have to ensure an enjoyable travel experience. Without a driver’s license or passport, moving about the planet is virtually impossible. What is very possible however; is moving about the planet in style. The Arinna Travel Wallet is guaranteed to hold your most important travel documents while maintaining your sense of chic. “The feminine details are fresh and pretty, while the buttery soft leather is luxurious, just like your vacation should be.” Check out the full review by She Finds.com .

Whether you are traveling by plane, train or automobile, be safe out there and stay connected!

Ready to Wear

In the male dominated business world women tend to find it more challenging to nail down the right look for the workplace. The fashion industry barrages women with chic social attire, with very little emphasis put on workplace fashion. For a man; however, what he has on for work he could also wear to a party.

Over the past few years we have seen many companies relax their standards and transition from corporate professional to business casual. These days many women are leaving the hose at home and often sport a suit with a pair of the ever-so-trendy capri pants. There are; however, some absolute fashion don’ts that I would avoid even in the most casual of office environments.

• Shorts
  
• Tank tops/ halter tops
  
• Cut-off jeans
  
• Flip-flops
  
• Overly revealing attire
  
• Athletic wear
  
• T-shirts with logos or intricate prints
  

When in doubt, just observe your co-workers and make note of those that have client-facing positions versus those that remain behind the scenes. Many HR departments also have workplace attire guidelines that can be found in the employee handbook or company intranet.

At She-Tech we are firm believers that workplace fashions goes far beyond the navy blue suit. The spring season brings about an array of bright colors, feminine skirts, flirty tops and more fabulous shoes. To complement the chicest wardrobe, consider a She-Tech computer tote and matching accessory bag in one of our newest spring colors.

These bags are ready-to-wear whether your style is techno-geek or techno-chic. Have fun with fashion from the office tower to happy hour and always…stay connected!

Stay Connected

We are all familiar with the term digital divide, which refers to the gap between those with regular, effective access to information technology and those without this access. Groups often discussed to be negatively impacted by this the most include those of lower socioeconomic status and/or living in rural areas. The term global digital divide refers to differences in technology access between countries.

Well, there is a third digital divide that is occurring within the American household that you may be experiencing. The fascination and dependence upon information technology, coupled with our busy lifestyles, has led to a decline in quality family time. Specifically in some homes, the good old-fashioned family dinner is becoming more infrequent and less of the norm. Of course, there are multiple overlapping reasons for the decline of family meal times, such as the increasing number of single parent households, more after school activities, and the number of families with two working parents. However, the growing number of hours spent in front of the computer has also taken a toll. Children are dependent upon the computer for homework assignments, many parents have internet-based businesses, and let’s face it, just like the television, the home PC is a great source of entertainment for the entire family.

In light of Mother’s Day, I reflected on all the family meal times that I had as a child. I looked forward to my mom’s home cookin’ and the whole family gathered around the table to enjoy it. This was also a precious time for my family to share, discuss, laugh and bond. Although the thought of logging off may be frightening for some of us, memories of family meal times are everlasting and always do a family good.

To all the wi-fi families across the globe…stay connected, but more importantly, stay connected with each other!