She’s blonde with a penchant for pink and an impossibly tiny waist. But did you know she also reads binary code? For her latest career change, Barbie goes geek-chic as possibly the world’s most plastic computer engineer.

Image courtesy of Consumerist.com

Unveiled by Mattel in February at the American International Toy Fair, Computer Engineer Barbie is the newest version of the blonde bombshell. Marking her 125th career, America’s favorite doll enters the high tech industry equipped with a Bluetooth headset, laptop, and smart phone. But don’t mistake her for your typical programming nerd. This Barbie defies the stereotype with sparkly, black leggings and cat-eye glasses in her trademark hot pink.

“All the girls who imagine their futures through Barbie will learn that engineers ― like girls ― are free to explore infinite possibilities, limited only by their imagination,” says Nora Lin, president of the Society of Women Engineers, whose organization collaborated with Mattel designers and the National Academy of Engineering to ensure Computer Engineer Barbie’s authenticity. “As a computer engineer, Barbie will show girls that women can turn their ideas into realities that have a direct and positive impact on people’s everyday lives in this exciting and rewarding career.”

Barbie’s foray into the digital world is truly extraordinary, given the profession’s reputation as a male-dominated field. According to a 2008 survey by the National Science Foundation, only 25% of computer-related jobs are held by women, while a mere 10% of the nation’s engineers are female.

But this gender disparity is not simply caused by the fact that fewer women join the tech ranks. Rather, more women than men are quitting the industry despite prospering in the middle of their careers. As noted by a recent Harvard Business Review report, 52% of highly qualified women working in science, engineering, and technology leave their companies, attributing their departures to a dearth of mentors and intense isolation at work. Thus Computer Engineer Barbie may be just the inspiration young girls need to finally break this particular glass ceiling.

Not everyone is encouraged by the prospect of a busty, blonde coder. Critics scoff at her unrealistic portrayal, either citing the lack of girly engineers in the real workplace or bemoaning the oversexualization of another Barbie doll.

Yet perhaps for once, Barbie’s sexuality adds rather than detracts from her message. After all, the first computer programmer was a woman, Ada Lovelace, who transformed mathematics and computing almost a century ago in Victorian England.

Computer Engineer Barbie reconciles the conflict that so many women and girls struggle with today ― the unspoken rule that you can’t be sexy or fashionable if you’re into “nerdy” subjects like math, science or technology. But the truth is that smart is sexy, that confidence is always in fashion, and that pursuing your interests and dreams is the only reality that matters. So ladies, let’s not get one-upped by a plastic doll when it comes to forging our futures. If Barbie can shut out the naysayers, we can too.

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Image courtesy of Terlaba

I’ve always been mystified by tattoos. The permanence, the colors, the designs, the needles, and especially the back-stories have captured my attention for years. It’s the willingness of people to make a permanent impact on their own bodies for such amazing and powerful causes that really moves me. It’s a process that has changed my views on beauty, expression, self-discovery and healing. Tattoos, although often considered taboo, have the potential to bring peace and happiness in ways no other act can. To me, that’s pretty cool.

Now on the opposite side of the spectrum, I’ve had friends who have gone out and inked themselves up simply to celebrate being young and rebellious. Forgive me if I offend, but so many of my friends tattooed themselves (last names on backs for the guys and random stars on feet for girls) that I almost lost it. Is there a point to randomly branding yourself with a collection of meaningless stars or your own name? Regardless of personal preference and what is considered “cool,” I want to highlight some truly amazing works of art I’ve come across recently.

For starters, I met a mom the other day who tattooed a tree on her back. It was her 50th birthday gift to herself representing 20 years of sobriety and growth. The woman had fought through alcoholism, a nasty divorce and raised three boys on her own. She said the tree was a constant reminder of her ability to keep growing. Poetic right?

Another girl uses her body as a sort of list of her accomplishments. Each time she overcomes a struggle or achieves an important goal, she gets a tattoo. Some of her tattoos represent participating in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure walk, graduating college and starting her own business. Now this process of achieving and inking isn’t exactly my style, but for her, it’s a perfect fit.

Finally I’ve met several girls in my time who get tattoos for more therapeutic reasons. The list could go on and on for those who have remembered deceased loved ones with tattoos and I’ll admit it’s something I’ve even considered myself. My friend Sara whose mother died from cancer (similar to mine) has the most beautiful tattoo of purple angel wings on her right thigh. When I asked her about them, she looked at me with a cheesy smile and said, “Purple was her favorite color, and now she’s always at my side.”

Whatever the reason people choose to get tattoos (as long as there is a reason), I think the potential exists for them to be an incredibly healing and nurturing experience. The absolute permanent marking of a symbol or message onto a person’s body can only mean that the choice to do so is an incredible story. Maybe the next time you encounter someone with some interesting tattoos, ask the obvious question. Why? The answers could really leave quite an impression.

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Image courtesy of Vedran Lanc

Well, the festive season seems to happen earlier each year. I always find a shopping outfit the trickiest of beasts. Here in the UK warmth is of great importance, but going in and out of well-heated stores can result in steamy unpleasantness. Thin layers, teamed with easily removable scarves are the way to go, and I opted for a thin thermal vest under a black fitted cashmere jersey, tucked into high-waisted skinny jeans and my faithful caramel flat calf leather boots. Rather than a bulk coat, which can impinge your ability to squeeze by the rotund lady in her 50s who spotted that must-have Hermes scarf moments before you did, a couple of well-placed scarves, mixing silk against the skin with a rough knit wool over the top, allows warmth and maneuverability.

Gifts purchased, work done, I’ve had ample time this month to catch up with friends. It was my dear friend LB that got me thinking over green tea and nostalgic music from our youth one evening as we got to talking about love. LB’s recent romantic disappointments have left her despondent, and we discussed where we thought we’d be as we headed towards 30. This generation, more so than any other, seem to be settling later, opting for career advancement over procreation, world travel over wedded bliss. But are we happy? Is this almost petulant independence creating true fulfillment? Financial freedom is certainly empowering, but from my experience many young women still crave the affectionate dependence that a relationship tenders. Having both, it seems, is the dream of most 20-somethings. But is it possible in a world where dedication and commitment are more regularly associated with job loyalty than love? In a world where world travel is so often a part of a vocation, working long hours, weekends and holidays are part and parcel of “making it,” is there really room for a mutually fulfilling and satisfying relationship?

Later in the month, I had the chilly experience of attending an outdoor Winter Wonderland-themed fashion show (necessitating a gigantic fur hat and floor-length plum coat with thick black patent leather cinch belt). Spending the evening with one of the freelance photographers I regularly cover events with, RH, talk of a recent job offer had the topic of success once again rearing its uncomfortable head. She had been offered the opportunity to work in the Far East for a while, much to her boyfriend’s dismay. Having been together for three years, co-habited for two, their relationship was plodding along quite satisfactorily. But since when has satisfactory ever been adequate? These days, dizzying, dangerously delicious love has become the baseline to which all else is measured. Comfortable partnerships are quickly dismissed as boring or unfulfilling. But this hasn’t always been the case. In a world of profligate and decadent consumerism, women expect fireworks, and anything else has us impatient and complaining. I wonder if this will make us happy in the long run.

Until next time, stay beauty-full, ladies!

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In the last year Britain has placed a ban on airbrushed photographs in advertisements targeted at children that portray “overly perfected and unrealistic images” of women. The Liberal Democratic Party proposed the ban this past fall in order to raise discussion and awareness around the constant misrepresentation of women in media. With unrealistic ideals of beauty constantly portrayed in advertisements, the party found an unacceptable current trivializing a woman’s place in society. By taking this action, Britain has created a huge milestone in the combat against falsehood in advertising, and France is not far behind.

Image courtesy of Alysse Fischer

French parliament is in the works to pass a law this spring requiring warning labels to be placed on advertisements and images that have been retouched. Conservative parliamentarian Valérie Boyer finds retouched photographs to be a detriment to reality and proposed the law to provide a sort of accountability to the media. Mirroring labels like those found on food or cigarettes that contain anything detrimental to physical health is an idea Boyer thinks should be applied to emotional health. If a photograph has been changed from its original form people have the right to know.

Boyer’s stride to tell the truth goes beyond the simple airbrushing in advertising and takes on photographic art as a whole. The proposal states if companies fail to do so they can be fined up to $55,000. But why place such a high price on a cut-and-paste image?

The price isn’t for the image alone but what the image portrays — an altered and unattainable reality. Boyer suggests those flawless curves and sexy eyelashes seen in advertisements only create an aura of happiness lasting about as long as it took for the shutter to snap the picture. Even with the right combination of beauty products, hair extensions and cosmetic surgery, women are left on the street searching for the next hit of altered image reality.

Part of every advertisement is promoting a product and part of every advertisement is telling a lie. Each one specifically designed with a lure selling the idea that a brand, product or company is intrinsic to attaining an improved quality of life. But the cost is always more than bargained for when it comes to self-image.

Beauty is not a bottle of makeup or thick black eyeliner. It is not a two-dimensional image of three different women to create an impeccable image of one perfect woman.  Beauty lasts longer than 1/1000 of a second and is more than the size of your jeans. Government action is a huge act, but merely an echo of the first steps in claiming real beauty.

Watching young girls strive for an excellence that’s digitally created is what caught Boyer’s attention. As a mother of two teenage girls, Boyer found the issue vital and recently stated in a New York Times article, “It’s the closeness I have to adolescents that drove me to become interested in these subjects.” Through her efforts, Boyer shows that standards need to be altered, not images.

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Image courtesy of the Associated Press

The Hollywood Reporter hosted its annual Women in Entertainment Breakfast on Friday, December 4 at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. The breakfast pays respect to the top 100 women in the entertainment industry, recently ranked in a special issue of the magazine. Attendees included Eva Longoria Parker, Hilary Swank and Halle Berry who was presented with the Sherry Lansing Leadership Award. Other notable guests were AnnaLynne McCord (from the CW’s 90210), Camryn Manheim and Nicole Sullivan. The event’s main sponsors were Audi, Damiani Jewellers and L’Oreal. Those included in the top 100 list spoke with news affiliates on the red carpet about what it means to be a woman in the entertainment industry, whether they are an actress, producer or CEO. Some revealed the industry is still a “boys club,” noting that they had definitely experienced struggles and obstacles in their profession. Some even described it in the sociological term of having to break through the “glass ceiling.”

The day began with a champagne reception before the breakfast commenced in the Crystal Ballroom, where over 500 guests were seated. Eva Longoria Parker took to the stage first to talk about the importance of mentors in her life. She described how she was raised in a very selfless family and feels deeply passionate that it is “my responsibility to give back.” Hilary Swank spoke about how “success means becoming your best successful self” and noted how far she has come in her life from the kid who was raised in a trailer park. There was a very strong sense of unity in the decidedly female audience, especially as Swank concluded that “I hope we continue to support each other.” Finally, Halle Berry was welcomed on stage as she was presented with the much-respected Sherry Lansing award. The actress spoke at length about women who have inspired her over the years, most notably her fifth-grade teacher whom she used to have “cookie talks” with consisting of deep conversations and the baking of cookies together.

The entire ceremony was a success and brought together a hugely talented and inspirational group of women. Support and mentorship were the key components, not only of the breakfast but within the industry.

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Image courtesy of Garnet Gardenia

We all know her. That girl who has every piece of jewelry imaginable, seemingly every lipstick shade on the planet, and even donates her spare time to saving orphanages. So when the holidays roll around, what can you possibly buy this supergal?  For every wanna-be-recessionista desperate for a clue, here are a few gifts that might offer some refreshing and cost-friendly options.

That Philanthropic Girl

If this really is the season of giving, you can give two-fold by making a donation in your gal pal’s name to her (or your) favorite charity. Google and other search engines have made tracking down a charity relatively easy, but here are a few quick examples:

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Kiva: Loans that Change Lives

The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation

The Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation at UCLA

And of course, iatg.

That Reader Girl

A Gate at the Stairs by Lorrie Moore is the author’s newest bestseller. Perfect for all of us girls who appreciate a strong, female voice for the 21^st century. Also try The Year of the Flood, Margaret Atwood’s sequel to Oryx and Crake.

That Cozy Girl

You can never have too many T-shirts, especially when they are so cozy, you’ll just want to live in them. I know that $80 for a T-shirt seems a bit much. But trust me, your fashion-forward friends will know you truly care with this Alexander Wang number and they can wear it out by sporting it all day, everyday to work or just to hang out. They run big and are dry-clean only, but a little known secret is that they shrink to the perfect size if you machine wash. It only adds to their magical softness!

That Moisturizing Girl

Laura Mercier’s Body Crème works both as a moisturizer and fragrance. They come in gift sets, but the crème on its own is enough ― maybe even better. It comes in four flavors, which are all fabulous, especially the Almond Coconut.

That Working Girl

Picking out work clothes can be boring and colorless, but thanks to American Apparel’s Sheer Luxe Shapes Pantyhose, you can give the gift of patterns. Great to be flaunted (or concealed) in any place of business or for after-work drinks.

That Fashionista Girl

Selected as one of Time magazine’s Top 100 Design Influencers, photographer Scott Schuman has created a revolution in fashion photography with his blog, The Sartorialist. Now, your in-the-know fashionista friend can log off her laptop and cozy under the covers with the book form, appropriately titled, The Sartorialist.

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I have been contributing to iatg for some time now, with fashion pieces as well as interesting features from UK news and current events. With the new look of the Web site, and Bellism-fever really taking pace here in the UK, I am now going to write a regular column about life, fashion, love, sex and all things fabulous. I really want to get a dialogue going with you guys, so make comments and ask questions. Bellists of the world unite!

In October, I had a meeting with a fashion photographer on the Isle of Wight. So one particularly unpleasant Thursday evening found me in the driving rain boarding a catamaran to be turbulently flung from city living to deepest rural England — complete with vintage butter-soft leather suitcase, crimson beret and thick houndstooth funnel-necked coat. The weather here really has been appalling; 70 mph winds, sideways rain that drenches you in seconds and leaves you battered, almost bruised with its ferocity. I plucked forth in my battered cowboy boots, a staple of my wardrobe for more years than I care to remember. They have seen me through three break-ups, two moves and numerous late-night beach barbeques, not to mention two resoles. With my winter investment coat I figured these old favourites would add a retro edge, and provide some much-needed protection.

The Scouting Book for Boys Premiere

Despite the weather, my meeting went well and I returned to civilization almost refreshed. (It must have been the country air!) The week to follow was yet another busy one, with a couple of article deadlines, an e-mail campaign and a number of interesting rendezvous. Wednesday saw me take to the rails again, this time to the premiere of The Scouting Book for Boys, a moving portrayal of friendship, coming of age and tragedy by hot new director, Tom Harper. I wore a fantastic vintage-style black and floral dress, opted for a beehive-inspired updo and super high heels. The film was spectacular, and it was incredibly interesting to chat with the actors, composer, director and writer about their journey. Being around a bunch of super-talents inspires you to get out there and live your dreams.

To be honest work dominated the rest of the month, deadlines and PR campaigns to organize and a fashion show to cover. For this I took along my darling photographer (R) for an evening of work and play. We dressed down, since I like to mix it up at fashion events. Rather than go for uber-glam, I often find the right balance of denim and sequins can do just as good a job as a full-on cocktail dress. The event showcased a number of new graduate designers, pitted against each other in the hope of winning support from more established local brands, as well as a much-needed cash injection. The event was spectacular and all was going swimmingly. I managed to network with some of Brighton’s finest fashionistas and PR gurus (it’s all about contacts, ladies!) as well as enjoy a couple complimentary cocktails to boot. However, it was far from my finest hour when I emerged from the ladies room to discover the winner had been announced, congratulatory murmurings were cascading around and my photographer was nowhere to be seen! Thinking on my feet, I grabbed my mobile phone from my vintage Dior clutch and snapped away, plucked the business card of the winner from her agent’s hand and headed out the door. Phew!

Always stay fabulous ladies!

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Summer, like winter, requires its own proper fashion and beauty etiquette. Whether you’re cruising the beach or headed poolside this season, it’s important to keep it effortless and fun. Say goodbye to your dowdy recession attire. Below are my tips to help make sure you’re a fashion “do” this season and not a fashion “don’t.”

Don’t over-do it with fake spray tans. Do opt for a more natural glow. Not a fan of the fake and bake? The key is finding the right self tanner designed to give you the perfect tan. Summer is the best time to give yourself a great tan but long exposure to the sun isn’t the healthiest. Look out for sunless tanning cream for a gorgeous and flattering glow without the damaging side effects of the sun.

Don’t be a victim of makeup overload. Do keep it simple. Keep makeup from melting off your skin by keeping it light. Foundation is out and tinted face moisturizer is in, at least for the next three months. Replace bright blush for bronzer and dark eye shadows for sheer colors. Try to avoid makeup at the beach and remember to choose bold, colored nail polish. For the best lip coverage, apply shimmery lip-gloss or clear lacquer—red lips are big summer don’t!

Don’t wear barely there clothing. Do sport breezy tops, summer skirts and lightweight dresses. Steer clear of tiny shorts and belly-bearing tops. Do incorporate denim and khaki shorts, summer skirts and baby doll tops. “Be mindful of the length of your hemline; select miniskirts and shorts that hit right below the widest part of your thigh for the most flattering silhouette,” suggests stylebakery.com. Another affordable alternative is the chic “Maxi,” a bohemian inspired dress that hits the floor. It can be worn to the beach or on the weekends. Take into account visible bra straps. Tank tops are nice and cool, but visible bra straps are tacky. Before heading out, make sure to do a bra strap check.

Don’t wear bathing suits in public places. Do wear a cover up or tunic over a bathing suit. Wearing swimsuits under clothes should be avoided in places other than the beach like restaurants or the mall. Keep in mind that swimsuits can be sexy but also fitted. Try to wear a full-coverage suite that fits properly. Beach cover-ups come in a variety of styles and colors, not to mention are a huge hit this season.

Don’t rock unflattering shoes or winter styles. Do wear flat sandals, espadrilles and dressy flip-flops. Store the Ugg boots and leave the ballet flats at home. In its place, sport glam beach to street sandals. Espadrilles and gladiator sandals look great with long skirts and sundresses. Socks with sandals are a huge fashion faux paux for summer (well, let’s just say year round).

Don’t wear excessive jewelry. Do look for key summer accessories. Limit big necklaces and flashy pieces. You can’t go wrong with a chic beach tote, a great beach bag or a straw fedora. No outfit is complete without a cool pair of aviators or retro chic sunglasses.

photo by nathan umstead

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Last weekend I was lucky enough to be invited to attend one of the highlights of the UK fashion calendar, Brighton Fashion weekend. This extravaganza of style saw Brighton’s finest designers showcasing their work both in the dramatic theatrical fashion show and a range of events throughout the city.

Friday night I saw a VIP event that could rival those of London, Milan or Paris. Upon arrival at the famous Hilton Metropole on the sea front in Brighton, the dedicated VIP staff were ready and waiting to whisk my ever faithful photographer, Liza, and I up to the VIP lounge. Awaiting us were the elite of Brighton’s fashion circles, with the likes of Suzie Turner, Paola Galelli, Joanne Fleming and Verity Lamb in attendance, amongst the throngs of press and entourage all looking for the next big thing. We mingled and sipped our complementary drinks, soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the acoustic music provided by local emerging musicians.

Heading into the sumptuous surroundings of the Oxford Suite, the room was thick with anticipation. We took our seats, lucky enough to be in prime position in the front row; we prepared ourselves for a show to remember. And we weren’t disappointed.

The catwalk show took us on a journey of inspiration, beauty and ingenuity. Whilst some designers captivated us with over the top couture designs that wowed the senses and stimulated the imagination, others caressed our heart strings and left us breathless with desire. Jessy.Lou, a young independent label showcased their sexy and spectacular combination of fearless and eclectic pieces and bold prints inspired by light fittings was a joy to behold, whilst Lipoplondon’s innovative and delicious men’s knits paired with leggings and tailored macs were nothing short of delightful.

One of the highlights of the show was watching the journey of the models used in the show. Each and every one was chosen through a series of auditions held locally in the lead up to the show. This process allowed the audience to bear witness to some previously unknown modelling talent, some of which were nothing short of extraordinary.

The after show party allowed the models, designers and organisers to let their hair down and celebrate what was an unbridled success. Of course, your ever faithful reporter was there to congratulate them all in the elite Lo Lounge tucked underneath the Hilton. The wine flowed and the conversation surged, with designers and models merging to dance and mingle… it was clear to see some muses were emerging and some designers have really begun to stamp their mark on the fashion world.

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Instead of spending time indoors this summer, make the most of the weather by creating an outdoor oasis. Designing your own personal paradise doesn’t cost much, but does require some imagination.

An apartment with a small balcony or patio is easy to plan. If you have a larger yard, you’ll need to find a spot which offers something appealing — like a large tree that provides natural seclusion.

Cover the Basics. A rug will do wonders for an outdoor space — just make sure to place it over a hard service. Something about a rug on the ground makes an outdoor getaway so much more inviting. Don’t spend too much on this item (the weather will eventually get to it), and if you live in a cold climate, remember to store it during the winter and rainy months.

Sitting Pretty. Finding the right furniture depends on how you want to allocate your outdoor space. For a small patio, settle on two café chairs and a petite table. For a large yard, set up some sort of dining area as well as a place to sit down and relax with a drink after work.

Shop thrift stores and Craigslist for outdoor dining furniture. Mix and match chairs and use outdoor spray paints to cover any flaws in the furniture. Ikea also offers inexpensive outdoor furniture. If you decide to make your own, remember to use outdoor fabric for the cushions.

Privacy Factor. Large planted trees and potted plants are the best way to create a private place. Small fruit trees are great, and available at Home Depot or any nursery. Cactus and succulents are very popular right now and require very little maintenance.

Define your space with walls made of potted plants (five or six identical large plots arranged in a row on one side of the patio or designated area). These plants help separate your oasis from other parts of the yard. An herb garden also could be great in these pots, and you can add them to summer recipes.

Hanging plants above eye level (but not so high that you see the bottom of the pots) is a great way to add privacy. Mini petunias are ideal plants for these hanging baskets because they can take a mixture of sun and shade. Up for more of a challenge? Invest your green in plain terra cotta flower pots and paint them with acrylic paint. Buy a bunch of random vintage planters and pots from thrift stores for a more creative space.

Up the Wall. Don’t forget vertical spaces. Vines and even potted plants can make an outdoor wall come alive. Hang an uneven number of white glazed wall planters on your outdoor wall. Then plant with the hanging flowers of your choice.

Finishing Touches. This is where the real creativity kicks in. You can add small water fountains, candles and outdoor pillows to complete your space. Then invite friends over for a summer soiree to enjoy your new retreat.

photo by caroline remabulous

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