Lady boss. It’s a term used to describe women of all ages who have learned how to own their craft. And while we still live in a society that’s rather hard on innovative women, there’s something in the air that’s causing smart women to separate themselves from the pack, and hone their talents while telling the world’s haters to shove it.

It’s no secret that EcoSalon is a strong supporter of innovative women of all ages, shapes, and backgrounds. We write about at least a handful of interesting women every month. And each of these women are owning their own shit in a totally feminine way. That’s a pretty big thing because often times, a woman’s inherent femininity can get in the way of her success in the business world.

Women are often met with haters who think “she’s too forceful” — that makes her a “bitch.” Other times, women are called out for being too caring, or loving, and get smacked with the “nurturing mother” label. And still, women are often slapped with stereotypes based on the way they dress, talk, or look. But women who work hard and put their asses on the line to make it on their own learn how to ignore naysayers over time.

Through the past few years there have been a lot of high-profile lady boss stories featuring women who have overcome society’s inherent obstacles, and maintained their cool in spite of the world’s foolish trolls.

Laverne Cox burst onto the scene when “Orange is the New Black” blew up on Netflix. However, Cox is so much more than an actresses. She’s a remarkable gender activist and is working in various areas now (she is a popular speaker and writer). Overall, Cox has achieved her lady boss status by ignoring the people who like to shame otherness and by owning the most powerful part of her life: her own story.

Tavi Gevinson proved to be a kick-ass female talent while she was in high school. Gevinson started working on her now totally popular online teen magazine, Rookie, when she was quite young (we’re talking early teen years, here). Since Rookie mag has gained so much popularity over the years, Gevinson has just become more poised as an editor and an all-around creative powerhouse.

Say what you will about Sheryl Sandberg’s “Lean In,” but that book — and Sandberg’s overall philosophies — are still being discussed long after her book was released.

Aisha Tyler may be known as “that one chick who was on ‘Friends,'” but Tyler has built her own little empire based on her hilarious comedy and unabashed love for most-things nerdy.

Wende Zomnir, Urban Decay’s chief creative officer and brand co-founder, recently created the brand’s “The Ultraviolet Edge,” a global initiative that’s meant to fund women’s rights orgs.

Marci Zaroff  is the bright woman who created the term “EcoFashion.”

Now, you don’t have to be famous in order to fall into the lady boss category. You can be anyone. Are you in high school and hustling two jobs to save for college to become an engineer? You’re a lady boss. Did you just graduate from college with absolutely no job on the horizon, but have a burning desire to make a change? You’re a lady boss.

All of us, no matter how talented or well-known we are, are lady bosses. Because after all, to make it to the top, you have to be able to take the punches you’ll get when you achieve your goals. That’s why becoming a boss is such hard work. But damn, it’s worth it.

Related on EcoSalon

8 Nuggets of Wisdom from the ‘Advanced Style’ Ladies

3 Awesome Ways Joan Used Her Womanly Ways to Crush the ‘Mad Men’ Ad Men’s Machismo

The Eco-Chic Lady Boss: 4 Office Bar Must-Haves

Image of powerful businesswoman from Shutterstock

The post Being The Lady Boss: Staying Perfectly Feminine and Still Owning Your Sh*t appeared first on EcoSalon.

At New York Fashion Week, Suzanne Rae presents a new, minimalistic take on feminine beauty.

Initially inspired by Francesca Woodman’s photography, Suzanne Rae‘s collection for spring/summer 2013 “explores a woman’s curious ability to be both delicate and strong.”

“Pairing this with minimalism, which often carries masculine overtones” the designer says, “the collection seeks a balance, reflecting a more progressive and less conventional expression of femininity.”

The collection, which premiered during New York Fashion Week yesterday, at the Philippine Center in Manhattan, seems to be a return to basics for Suzanne Rae. The color palette was restrained and featured low-key neutrals, like we’ve seen in the collections of many other designers this fashion week. Soft hues of light and dark gray, off-white and khaki were complemented with gorgeously nuanced shades of gold and blue. It all seemed to signal a return to beauty in fashion.

Materials ranging from soft silks and knits to stiff cotton and linen were mixed to create textural interest while maintaining a long and flowy silhouette. The show was styled by Lotte Sindahl, with bold accessories by WXYZ Jewelry (including amazing Egyptian inspired collar necklaces) and shows by Solestruck and Ma Petit Shoe.

In all, the collection represented a return to wearable basics in beautiful colors and materials.

We also took a peek backstage after the show:

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Soak in the androgynous details of this space.

Does your interior have a sexual identity? Lounging in Paris, is an interior with a perfect mixture of masculine strength and feminine daintiness. The harmless over-generalization of sexual characteristics is rampant within the walls of this Paris flat, home to fashion designer Martin Grant. The resulting androgynous space is a balance of everything distinctive and nothing inconsistent.

The crisp white walls are the attic enclosure of a house from 1880. Just in case a historic attic in Paris isn’t romantic enough, he also boasts a view of Paris ridge from this humble home in the Marais district. The private sixth floor home is entirely detailed, right down to the olive tree on the patio. Grant’s interior mimics his fashion style, “Both reflect his refined sense of texture, volume, and choice of classic fabrics.”

More contrasts in the form of rugged wooden beams and the earthy, rustic textures of natural wood planks are the definition of masculinity while the soft glisten of silk drapes and sensual curves of the Parisian fireplace are classically feminine. While when it comes to sexuality, more androgyny sprinkled throughout with polished stainless steel surfaces adjacent to a supple pink counter top and clean modern lined upholstery embellished with floral prints and delicate patterns.

Martin loves to peruse second hand stores, flea markets, and antique shops. His home even contains a Scandinavian chair he found in a trash container (which proves my theory that everything is better in Paris, even the trash).

What about your home-Is it masculine? Feminine? Brilliantly androgynous?

(Images beautifully shot by Birgitta Wolfgang Drejer for Vartnya Hem.)

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