8 ways to boss up for International Women’s Month
For us, International Women’s Month is about celebrating those that have made strides in the quest for equality (and the general awesomeness of women, too). But we also love the idea of using this time to strengthen our own resolve, no matter our gender: to lean into the kind of strength and compassion that would make pioneers like Madame CJ Walker, Dolores Huerta, and our own grandmothers proud. Whether your brand of bossing up means building physical strength, guiding the next generation, learning from contemporary figureheads, or achieving zen, find eight ways to boost your literal and figurative glow up, ahead.
SHOP: Our International Women’s Day picks for women who inspire us
Cool auntie or uncle power move: Hooking your favorite girl up with a slogan tee to remind her — and everyone she encounters — that the future looks bright. Bonus: The sale of this tee helps fund the next generation of professional women, with $1 from each purchase (between the dates of February 11, 2021 to March 31, 2021) going to Step Up, a non profit that empowers girls.
SHOP: Girls The Future Is Female Graphic Tee, $12.99, available at Forever21
Sure, Reebok’s Nano is billed as a running shoe. But thanks to features that suit a variety of workouts, any stamina and strength-building woman will find a winner in this eye-catching pair of kicks. Whether used for running (the woven textile upper is both flexible and supportive); HIIT (the wide footprint and grippy rubber outsole is a dream for squats); or cross training (the shoe offers the ankle stability of a high top without restricting movement), this sneaker is perfect for the woman who does it all.
SHOP: Reebok Nano X Pride Running Shoe, $130, available at Finish Line
For some, the natural hair movement is about embracing your roots and claiming your crown. This lightweight leave-in conditioner — created specifically for curly, coily, and tighter hair textures ranging from 3B to 4C hair types — makes transitioning to natural styles that much easier by moisturizing hair while simultaneously defining curl patterns.
SHOP: Pattern Leave In Conditioner, $25, available at Ulta Beauty
Who runs the world? Never leave them guessing by decorating your workspace with this declarative wall art that says who’s boss far more stylishly than any desk placard could.
SHOP: Boss Lady 1 Framed Wall Art, $51.99, available at Macy’s
Push your workout just a bit further with these soft silicone-wrapped ankle and wrist weights that don’t slide or scratch the skin.
SHOP: Bala Classic 2-Piece Weight Set, $49, Saks Fifth Avenue
The Bush family matriarch leads readers from her childhood days in Rye, New York, to time in West Texas with young George Bush and to the White House, dispensing truth bombs with wit and compassion along the way. No wonder this #1 New York Times best-selling memoir remains a must-read.
SHOP: Barbara Bush: A Memoir, $22.99, available at Barnes & Noble
As Michelle Obama’s mother has said, “Michelle and Barack Obama aren’t special. There are millions of Michelle and Barack Obamas all over the world.” It’s with this perspective that first lady Michelle Obama shares her life experience in her memoir, for an effect that uplifts readers into feeling and thinking we can reach for — and become — something more.
SHOP: Becoming, $29.90, available at Bookshop.org
Rise-and-grind culture got you feeling burnt out? Reframe your daily routine — and headspace — with a little time for self care. This acupressure mat and pillow, which can be used in your office chair, as a standing mat to treat feet, or post shavasana, draws inspiration from the time-honored practice of acupuncture, using plastic spikes instead of needles to help to release tension in the body.
SHOP: WTHN Acupressure Mat Set, $65, available at WTHN
Even if we know the real glow-up comes from inside, it never hurts to see skin poppin’ with that found-my-best-light shine. This body highlighter from Rihanna’s beauty line will have your clavicle, shoulders, and cheekbones shining bright like a diamond in seconds flat — no ring light required.
SHOP: Fenty Beauty Body Lava Body Luminizer, $59, available at JCPenney