The gloss Girls Book Club

Selections Compiled by Whitney, Lisa R, Lauren, Lisa A

Oprah’s got her own book club and now so does gloss. We’ve put our heads together to come up with some of our favourite reads to help you make it through the cold winter months.

Whitney

The Linnet Bird by Linda Holeman

“This is one of the most unforgettable books I’ve ever read. It is a fantastically-written historical life story set in the 1820’s and ‘30s in England and India. It’s a story of one woman’s journey from poverty to riches to freedom.”

Lisa R

The Modern Girl’s Guide to Life by Jane Buckingham

“Every woman needs a copy of this! The how to’s of cooking, keeping home, relationships, pro sports, changing your own tire (in heels no less!), career."

The Smart Cookie’s Guide to Making More Dough

“This is an amazing book on finances, growing your career and attracting money. Seriously. Read it!”

The Girl’s Guide to Kicking Your Career into High Gear ­by Caitlin Friedman and Kimberly Yorio

“I love anything these women write. The book is advice from women already settled into their careers, tips on succeeding in the working world.”

The Joys of Much Too Much by Bonnie Fuller
“Another career oriented book and how to balance it with relationships, having kids, and excelling at everything.”

Basic Black by Cathie Black
“This one is similar to Bonnie’s book.”

Generation Me by Jean Twenge
“Is not female specific, but a great insight as to how generation Y has grown up and what we expect now as young adults.”

Lisa A.

Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
“He theorizes on the secrets of success – what makes individuals successful?”

Lauren

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

“This book will not only appeal to the gloss demographic but I’m certain it will appeal to women everywhere.”

Kiss My Tiara by Susan Jane Gilman

“This book shows women how to break through the many stereotypes placed upon them. It teaches you how to be savvy and smart in all facets of life from careers to relationships.”

Is Jennifer ditching the diamond?

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and many Jennifers are bound to get more than just chocolate. There’s a chance Jennifer’s sweetie may pop “the question”.

In these economic times, however, some Jennifers are opting for less expensive engagement jewellery like coloured gems, antique jewellery and lab-grown diamonds (ie: synthetic diamonds).

The Globe and Mail’s Carly Weeks wrote an interesting article this past Monday about Bargain Bling. She says many Jennifers are putting budget before bling when shopping for a ring. In addition, Weeks also says that Jennifers are more socially conscious about the jewellery they buy (think Blood Diamond).

How do you feel about this new trend? Are you concerned about the diamonds you buy? Are you willing to explore alternatives during this recession?

Recession-istas

Nowadays, you can’t go a day without being reminded of the global economic slump – personal and corporate cutbacks are happening everywhere. But what does this mean for the women of the Jen-eration? This is the direst financial situation she’s experienced in her life – how is she handling it?

The gloss girls took it to an online focus group to hear what she’s saying and how the economy is affecting her:

• While 82 per cent of respondents indicated that they are currently employed full-time, 66 per cent said that they are not worried at all about losing their current job
• When asked if they have changed their spending habits in the last three months due to the current economic situation, 69 per cent say they have continued to spend as usual, however 62 per cent plan to become more cautious in the next three-six months. Thirty-three per cent say they will continue to spend as usual
• 93 per cent of respondents indicate that they are “somewhat worried” or “not worried at all” about the economy
• The top three items that Jennifer refuses to compromise on are clothing, hair care and entertainment. She also refuses to compromise on purchasing cosmetics.

The key learning is that Jennifer seems to feel fairly secure right now. She’s aware of what’s happening and will be taking precautions, but does not feel entirely threatened, likely because as a relative newcomer to the working world, she doesn’t have too much to lose from stocks, RRSPs and other sources of savings. She’s also still willing to spend on little luxuries for herself.