Billboards of the 20s

This photo shows two walking billboards during the 1920s for "run-free stockings." I initially intended to just post this photo and be done with it, but then I started thinking about stockings.

There have been rules around stockings for a long time. A tell-tale sign of a woman who doesn't have it together are is runs in the tights. I definitely could have used these "Durasil" stockings this week. In one day, I got runs in my stockings, went to CVS for new ones, and proceeded to get runs in those stockings while putting them on. Not exactly my day. Luckily I was able to hide the second run under my skirt. I'm not entirely sure why, but I just consider people with runs "trashy."

Another stocking "rules" occurs in the winter. You must always have something covering your legs, even if you go with the sheerest of nude stockings. My boyfriend will always say to me, "That's crazy, I know plenty of girls who don't where stockings in the winter." My response? "They are floozys then."

I'm not entirely sure what that says about me, but I do find it interesting that these stocking "rules" actually define the type of woman we're perceived to be. What are your thoughts on this?

Tweet of the Day

Do I really have to point out why?

#WWedsChat with Adclub: Q3

Leading up to the 2011 Adclub Women's Leadership Forum, the Adclub twitter avatar sent out questions to the working women to see their responses. The following question caught my eye:

TheAdClub

Q3: To those who are seeking a new job, which is more important- the opportunity or the pay? #wwedschat

The first two answers were typical, it's about growth and the opportunity for improvement. But the last one nailed it:

KatrinaKibben

A# I'm not looking but the last time I did, I wasn't settling. Both $ and oppt are impt for my long term goals #wwedschat

As someone who just successfully finished a job search, I couldn't agree more. This has always been my sentiment, I will not settle. I you are talented, work hard, and have great results, then there is no reason to take a step back in either category (pay or opportunity).

Work It at the Gym!

Nope, I am not saying do your work at the gym. Instead I'm saying just go to the gym.

K and I are both huge proponents of exercise. Whether you are female, male, young or old, getting a good work out into your day really helps stimulate the brain making you smarter, happier and more awake. Now who wouldn't want that?

But yesterday while I was running on the treadmill I realized something else: when I'm working out I feel good about myself. I feel like I can do anything. I had a good playlist going, and I was ready to conquer the world. So if you don't already, get your bod to the gym and feel good about yourself!

Want to know what I was listening to? So do I, but I think my iphone was playing some of these artists:

1. Discovery http://www.myspace.com/discoverdiscovery

2. Eric Hutchinson http://www.myspace.com/erichutchinson

3. John Brown's Body http://www.myspace.com/johnbrownsbody

4. Amanda Blank http://www.myspace.com/amandablank

5. Roisin Murphy http://www.myspace.com/roisinmurphy

Female execs talk advancement

The Boston Business Journal posted an article yesterday highlighting female executives and their advice on how to advance as a female in the corporate world. I pulled some of my favorite quotes:

"We need to give ourselves a break and acknowledge that no one can 'have it all' at every moment of every day. I think 'having it all' is as much a myth as the fairy-tale prince, and it can pressure women into feeling that they must achieve perfection in every facet of their lives. We need to set realistic goals, balance our professional and personal lives in ways that matter to us as individuals, and recognize that there are many definitions of success."
- Sandy Lish, Principle and founder, The Castle Group

"The workplace is full of incredibly talented women also pursuing family life, elderly care, education, etc. Today's knowledge economy, combined with the latest telecommuting and remote workplace technologies, means there is no reason not to provide flexibility to employees - female and male. Face time is not a good substitute for impact, and a life that works means a leader who works hard and well."
- Tiziana Dearing, CEO, Boston Rising

"Exclusion of women from the ranks is insidious but not willful. Tips to prevent it include: (1) incentivizing men and women to mentor, share networks, offer exposure to decision-makers and recruit from the pipeline of women, (2) eliminating double-standards such as 'maternity leave' and 'flextime' versus men's 'family leave' or 'time off,' and preventing men from shirking flex-time pays for flex-hours, and (3) training women in rainmaking and leadership. Organizations must create an environment where women can advance."
- Lisa Cukier, Partner, Burns & Levinson


Read more: Women execs talk advancement | Boston Business Journal

How do you reach a woman?

I pulled this from an article I read on BzzAgent's blog today. They make an amazing point about how marketers don't seem to be targeting women, yet women control 85% of the purchase decisions in a home. So what's the problem? This "problem" happens to be one of the major reasons T and I started Playing with Cards - THERE'S NO FEMALE CREATIVE DIRECTORS. According to the article, only 3% of advertising agency creative directors are women, making the creative side of advertising heavily male dominated. Maybe agencies should really think about who they're trying to reach when they looking to hire the people in charge of doing it.

Hail to the "Tech" Female

An article popped up today on BostonInnovation talking about how "2010 marked the first year that women became the majority of the US workforce. At the same time, the technology industry is thriving in this digital era. Data shows that women make strong leaders and company founders, often bringing more efficiency and profitability to the table than men. So, why is it then that women are still largely absent from this sector?"

Here are some snapshots from their infographic:

Click here to see more