Enterprising women
Voted by Forbes magazine as one of the most 100 Powerful Women, Adrianna Huffington, the editor and co-founder of The Huffington Post, knows a thing or two about being a female entrepreneur; her dynamic news website is now worth an estimated US$100 million. We're impressed! Women it seems are not only delivering exceptional results in the corporate world but also flying the flag for entrepreneurship. Two UAE-based women, Claire Fenner and Georgie Hearson, are kindred high achievers; they set up Heels & Deals in 2009 and their organisation has become a well-known social media network for women entrepreneurs both online and off. Whether you want to share tips, brainstorm ideas or do deals, their networking and information events are not to be missed. Members and non-members are welcome to their next event, "Increase your efficiency", with Microsoft on May 22 at the Media Rotana Hotel, TECOM, Al Barsha, Dubai. See you there.
Business not as usual
We all know that sitting hunched in a chair all day is bad for us. But with so many employees and their bosses getting schooled in ergonomics, many interior designers are taking up the challenge of rethinking the office. In a quest to enhance productivity and workers' well-being, the designers Luke Pearson and Tom Lloyd have created a line of innovative and funky multifunctional work spaces. The Toguna, or "the world's smallest conference room", gets its name from Mali in West Africa, where it's a gathering place for village elders to make their decisions. For your office, it's the latest design in free-standing work space. Acoustically screened (the daily updates of Tim from HR's social life being blared across the office will be a thing of the past), the Toguna is a space for brainstorming, short meetings or discussions that require intense concentration. Sitting not required.
Toguna, Dh63,378, Bene AG - Middle East Branch, Dubai Airport Free Zone, Building 4E, Office 4A-711, 04 204 5722, www.bene.com
Bling it on
Make a theatrical statement in the boardroom with this USB stick adorned with crystals. It's elegant, functional and oh so fabulous; what more is there to say?
Jake and Gigi USB stick, Dh1,500, available at S*uce The Village Mall, 04 344 7270
Walk this way
If there's one item that lets you really flex your corporate fashion muscles, it's a pair of fabulous shoes. Whether you opt for sensible flats or leg-lengthening, hip-wiggling stilettos, a pair of serious shoes can make almost any outfit. Try these leopard print patent heels by the inimitable Jimmy Choo for a walk with purpose.
Dh2,900, Jimmy Choo, Dubai Mall, 04 339 8925, and elsewhere
Empower dressing
Cue a collective cheer of excitement from women throughout the UAE as the new Tom Ford Womenswear collection has arrived in Dubai. We all remember the gorgeous Julianne Moore, Lauren Hutton and Beyoncé Knowles strutting their stuff during last September's New York Fashion Week as they donned Ford's flagship creations. Now you too can emblazon the on-duty glam look with the exquisitely crafted, ready-to-wear pieces. We love the tailored separates, day and evening suits and the cocktail and shimmering evening wear. We'll be working the room in no time.
Tom Ford boutique, Dubai Mall, 04 330 8300
Website of the Week
Whether you want to go hiking in the Himalayas, experience an African safari or take a spa break in Thailand, this fantastic women's online travel community is just the ticket. Designed to help women share experiences, be inspired and connect with travel buddies both online and in person, there's no excuse not to pack a bag, partner up and hit the road.
Good enough for Wintour
We all know that the best personal organisers are tall, handsome and look like George Clooney. But if George isn't available, call Johnny Depp immediately or snap up this chic organiser by Louis Vuitton. Thanks to Anna Wintour, who was spotted last year writing in a leather-bound organiser in the front row at a Stella McCartney show, you can forget your iPhone. The Eighties take on the Filofax is in full stylish revival.
Dh1,400, Louis Vuitton, available at Marina Mall, 02 681 2166, and elsewhere
