• A good wallet should be simple and stylish in a way that doesn't impede function.
• The Kate Spade Spencer Zip-Around Continental Wallet, with its generous number of card slots and soft yet durable leather finish, is our favorite.

Is there anything more personal than wallet shopping? Okay, yes. But the sentiment stands. We all want something different in a wallet. Maybe you're a minimalist who wants to carry the bare essentials or maybe you're someone who simply can't pass up a loyalty card. Either way, the "right" wallet is out there, waiting for you to find it.

I'm a purse-switcher, which means I sometimes need to switch wallets, too. Some of my bags are roomy enough to hold my maximum capacity, no-card-left-behind wallet, and others require a pared-down approach. If that sounds familiar, my hope is that you'll find all your dream cash-and-card receptacles on this list.

No matter your priorities, the key to a good wallet is storage space. Are there enough pockets, nooks, and crannies to meet your needs, no matter what they are? Wallets get a lot of use, so you also want to look for something that can withstand some wear-and-tear and hold all your necessities.

Here are our top picks for the best women's wallets:

• Best wallet overall: Kate Spade Spencer Zip-Around Continental Wallet
• Best wallet for holding cards: Travelambo RFID Blocking Bi-Fold Wallet
• Best wallet clutch: Bellroy Leather Clutch
• Best wallet for minimalists: Madewell Leather Card Case
• Best wallet for travel: Cuyana Classic Passport Case
• Best card case: Dagne Dover Accordion Card Case

Updated on 11/1/19 by Connie Chen: Updated links, pricing, and formatting. Replaced picks for best wallet overall and best wallet clutch. 

SEE ALSO: The best tote bags you can buy

The best wallet overall

Kate Spade's Spencer Zip-Around Continental Wallet holds up to 12 cards, plus all your cash and other necessities, and it's the perfect size for tossing in your work bag. 

If my bag can accommodate it, I prefer a larger wallet. They're harder to overstuff and they typically come with extra compartments that make organization simple. Take the Spencer Zip-Around Continental Wallet by Kate Spade, for example.

It has 12 slots that hold everything from credit cards to the punch cards from your local coffee shop, an interior zippered pocket that makes a solid change purse, two sections for cash, and an outside pocket to hold essentials that you need close at hand. The 7.67" x 4.33" x 0.98" wallet is large enough to store phones up to the size of an iPhone XS Max. 

This is a great pick if you're a Kate Spade fan who doesn't want to splurge on one of the brand's quirkier designs. The Spencer Zip-Around Continental Wallet has a timeless one- or two-color body adorned with the Kate Spade logo. You can choose from classic neutrals like black and dark blue or brighter colors like mint and red. The interior style is subtle as well, with a floral jacquard lining. 

Its Saffiano leather construction is notable for being both pliable and durable against scratches, so you don't have to be particularly careful when you're throwing it in your bag. However, you'd never think it's this practical and functional when you look at its sleek, composed design. Overall, it's a safe but reliable choice for a wallet you can carry in most day bags. 

Pros: 12 card slots, multiple pockets, roomy, quality design

Cons: Might be too bulky for smaller purses, pricey

The best wallet for holding cards

Do you never, ever turn down a loyalty card? The Travelambo RFID Blocking Bi-Fold Wallet is about to be your new best friend. 

We've all had that moment. You're in a coffee shop or a big-box retailer or a restaurant. The person assisting you says these eight words: "Do you want to join our loyalty program?" Even though you know the chances of ever stepping back into the store are slim, you nod. And next thing you know, there's another mostly useless card taking up precious real estate in your wallet.

If this sounds like you, consider the Travelambo RFID Blocking Bi-Fold Wallet. It has 16 card slots,a clear slot to hold an ID card, plus two cash compartments that zip shut. This wallet also comes equipped with RFID-blocking technology. As Wirecutter reports, "you're far more likely to be affected by a card skimmer at an ATM, or a breach of a major retailer" than by someone trying to scan your cards while they're in your wallet. Still, it is a cool feature if you're into doubling down on security.

The Travelambo RFID Blocking Bi-Fold Wallet is made of real leather and comes in 33 colors, including a fun metallic rose gold. You're sure to find one that suits your vibe.

BuzzFeed called it one of the "Best Wallets You Can Get On Amazon," and buyers seem to agree. It has a 4.5-star rating based on 1,600 Amazon reviews. One fan loves it because it "securely holds all of the things that I need to fulfill most daily errands," including her checkbook and keys.

Another buyer writes, "I just received this, but I had to review because I LOVE this thing! Especially for the price. I desperately needed a wallet with a lot of card holders and this definitely delivers."

Pros: 16 card slots, multiple zipper pockets, RFID-blocking feature, comes in many colors, great deal for the price

Cons: Reviewers noted the card slots are stiff

The best wallet clutch

If you prefer not to carry a large purse but still want room for essentials, you'll love the spacious and thoughtfully designed Bellroy Leather Clutch.

Carry Bellroy's slim Leather Clutch when you want to travel light. It's a simple clutch that's the easy, practical choice for days spent running errands, nights dining out and dancing, and anything in between. 

It has three card slots, which sit side by side instead of stacked on top of each other, so your cards won't get stuck together. There's also a pocket for cash and two roomy main compartments where you can store makeup and other small accessories. 

One of my favorite features of the clutch is the central divider that has a magnetic closure. I store my tiny apartment key in here for extra peace of mind, but you can also use it for any valuables or spare change. 

To keep both hands free, slip the wrist strap on. This wristlet wallet is comfortable to carry and the strap ensures your valuables won't go flying in case someone bumps into you. 

It's made from premium leather that's been certified by the Leather Working Group, which maintains environmental standards for leather products. This leather ages well according to many Insider Picks members who have been carrying Bellroy's wallets for years. In case you experience any defects with the clutch, Bellroy offers a reasonable three-year warranty. —Connie Chen

Pros: Comes with a wrist strap, slim design, has a compartment with magnetic closure, made from durable leather

Cons: Limited color options 

The best wallet for minimalists

The Madewell Leather Card Case is the perfect choice for anyone who hates clutter and loves a streamlined wallet.

I've always wanted to be one of those people with a perfectly organized wallet that somehow never gets stuffed with two-year-old Starbucks receipts and euros from that one time they went on vacation. I'm not one of those people, but perhaps the answer is simple: less space.

This Leather Card Case from Madewell doesn't leave much room for clutter. It has a few card slots big enough to hold the absolute most important essentials — credit card, ID, maybe a $20 bill or two. The card case will come in handy any time you feel like carrying a really tiny purse. Or no purse at all — It's small and flat enough to comfortably slide into a tight pocket.

Although card cases are a dime a dozen, the Madewell version gets high marks for its quality leather and the fact that you can personalize it with a monogram.

"I have been looking for a minimalist, slim wallet," reads one 5-star review, "It holds four cards (two on each side) and the center opens up slightly to stash some cash. I have never been a girl to carry a billion cards, coins, cash, etc, (or even a purse!) so this was a perfect option."

Pros: Sturdy leather, fits multiple cards and cash, fits in clutch bags or pockets

Cons: Leather takes some breaking in, very small so it's just for the basics, colors may vary due to natural dyes (according to the brand)

The best wallet for travel

The Cuyana Classic Passport Case is an attractive, functional, expert-approved wallet that won't cramp your style when you're jet-setting.

I always wonder how bloggers and celebrities look so put together when they travel. My vacation style, no matter the destination, tends to be slightly disheveled. Maybe I just need the right travel wallet, like Cuyana's Classic Passport Case. It keeps all your important documents and money safe without ruining your outfit.

A 9 inches long and 4 inches wide, this case holds your passport, ID, credit cards, even airplane boarding passes. Considering those always wind up crumpled into a ball under my seat on long flights, that's a major plus.

The Insider Picks team loves the Cuyana Classic Passport Case so much that we've featured it twice, in a dedicated review and on our list of the best travel wallets. "I've rarely been so glad so frequently for any item while traveling," writes Insider Picks reporter Mara Leighton.

Choose from four classic colors in pebbled leather — stone, black, red, or navy — or a metallic champagne leather.

Pros: Fits all your travel essentials (including passport and airplane tickets), quality leather, sleek design, monogram option available

Cons: On the pricey side for something you may only use when traveling

The best accordion card case wallet

The Dagne Dover Accordion Card Case holds more cards than you'd expect it to, but it's small enough to carry anywhere.

If you hate big wallets as much as I do, but you want something that's more secure than a normal card case, Dagne Dover has the wallet for you. The Accordion Card Case has three card slots inside and one on the outside.

You can fit multiple cards in each interior slot, and the slot on the outside is perfect for your go-to credit card, metro pass, or anything else you need quick access to. All your cards are secured inside the wallet, thanks to the top flap that covers them and closes magnetically on the front. 

Dagne Dover uses high-quality leather that's strong and well made. It comes in beautiful colors, too, so you're sure to find one you like.

I've been using the card case daily as my main wallet for nearly a year now, and it's excellent. It keeps my cards organized, takes up almost no space in my bag, and prevents any accumulation of receipts and other non-essential items. The only downside is the price, but this is a card case that will last for decades — It's just that well made.

Dagne Dover also makes a wonderful traditional wallet that's much larger and has many more card slots. It's called the Slim Wallet, because it has a very svelte profile compared to other wallets with the same amount of storage. —Malarie Gokey

Pros: Easy to carry, holds more cards than expected, high-quality leather, durable

Cons: Small, expensive

• New research has found what heterosexual men and women look for in a casual partner.
• The study from the menstrual cycle tracking app Clue, in collaboration with MyONE Condoms and researchers from the University of Göttingen, showed that both men and women put looks first.
• Nearly 90% of women wanted a casual partner to be taller than them, while 70% of men put "attractive body" as their top feature.
• Intelligence, confidence, and kindness rated much lower on the scale. But women do still look for kindness when they're seeking a long-term partner.
• Lead researcher Virginia J. Vitzthum told Insider short-term partners and long-term partners satisfy different personal goals. Trust and kindness are important for building a family, but not so high on the list when you want to fulfill sexual desires.
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

New research has determined what men and women look for in a casual partner. A survey of 68,000 people, conducted by the menstrual cycle tracking app Clue and MyONE Condoms, found that for both heterosexual men and women, looks and body type were incredibly important. Intelligence and kindness, not so much.

Respondents came from 180 countries and answered questions written by researchers from the University of Göttingen and Clue's research team, led by Virginia J. Vitzthum.

Women are looking for a tall partner most of all

Results showed that nearly 90% of women wanted a casual partner to be taller than them, with 11% saying it was important for the man to be significantly taller. Just over half of women thought body type was very important, with 50.3% preferring a "fit and athletic" physique, and 29.1% wanting an average body. Just 7.8% wanted a partner with a "very muscular physique."

Women also preferred their casual partner to have facial hair and a hairless chest. Attractive eyes and an attractive smile were the two most popular physical features in almost all countries, expect Mexico and Japan where women instead wanted a man with large hands most of all.

When it comes to sexual history, 51% and 52% of American and British women respectively considered experience very important. Although this was the lowest of all countries — the average was 59%.

Just 46.7% and 33.1% of American and British women respectively thought intelligence was very important.

"Women's tendency to prefer taller partners has been found in several cultures, perhaps because height may signal wealth," Vitzthum told Insider. "Within a population, wealthier people tend to be taller — this connection between height and wealth has been studied and verified by economists and human biologists in many populations."

But when looking for a long-term partner, the results showed women rate "kindness" as the most important attribute they are looking for, she added.

Men rate physical features very highly

For men, looks came out on top. Men most commonly selected an attractive body (70%) and attractive face (68.6%) as the most important features of a casual partner. Nice eyes and an attractive smile were most highly rated, closely followed by large buttocks and average or large breasts.

The importance of kindness, confidence, and intelligence were much lower in the ranks, with 41.8%, 38.7%, and 36.9% of men deeming them very important.

Vitzthum said short-term partners and long-term partners satisfy different personal goals. Trust and kindness are important for building a family, but not so high on the list when you want to fulfill sexual desires.

Having a physically attractive partner also elevates one's social standing, she said, even if it's only temporary.

"Dating more physically attractive people may also elevate one's own sense of self-worth and attractiveness," she said. "Such concerns tend to be more important among younger persons but can still be important to older persons."

Read more:

14 ways sex is good for the body and brain

Dating apps give us too much choice, and it's ruining our chances for finding love

You might still be single because of something called the 'paradox of choice' — here's what it means

17 things we wish we knew before moving in with our partners

The 10 best pieces of sex and relationship advice from experts

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• With tons of great sneakers on the market, it's hard to narrow down your options.
• If you have to choose just one pair, make it the Allbirds Wool Runners. They're comfortable, go with everything, and come in a variety of colors.

I used to be That Girl — the one who thought high heels were the only "fashionable" shoes. It took, oh, about twenty years of blisters and aching toes before I finally realized how ridiculous I was being. There's nothing stylish about trailing behind a group of your friends because the stilettos you've had on since 9 a.m. are slicing into your ankles like some "Game of Thrones" torture device.

Now that I've fully embraced the sneaker, my feet have never been happier. The right pair of sneakers can look amazing with so many different looks, from trousers to dresses. Best of all,  they literally save you from a world of hurt.

What constitutes a "stylish" sneaker will surely depend on your individual style. But, by and large, the options on this list are easy to wear with many different outfits, comfortable enough to commute in, and won't give you flamin' hot blisters whenever you have to walk longer than a mile.

Here are the best stylish sneakers you can buy:

• Best sneakers overall: Allbirds Women's Wool Runners
• Best comfort sneakers: Cole Haan GrandPrø Tennis Sneaker
• Best platform sneakers: Keds Triple Up Leather
• Best slip-on sneakers: Vans ComfyCush Checkerboard Slip-On
• Best sporty sneakers: Adidas Women's Stan Smith Shoes
• Best classic sneakers: Converse All-Star Canvas Low Top Sneaker
• Best white sneakers: Koio Capri
• Best trendy sneakers: Golden Goose Superstar Sneakers

The best stylish sneakers overall

Allbirds' cult-favorite Wool Runners are the kind of shoes you never really want to take off. They're unbelievably comfortable, simple enough to wear with anything, and machine washable.

Allbirds claims to offer "the world's most comfortable shoe" and, from all the glowing reviews I've read online and heard in real life, they might be onto something. The brand's initial product, the Wool Runners, are like a traditional runner's sneaker only made of wool. I know, your feet are sweating just thinking about it.

But don't let this unconventional detail throw you — people love these sneakers. Allbirds uses Merino wool from New Zealand that they claim is "temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking, all without an irritating scratchiness" for the Wool Runners. So, no, this isn't the footwear equivalent of an itchy Christmas sweater.

The Allbirds Wool Runners are revered by comfy footwear experts. PopSugar Fitness editor Dominique Michelle Astorina described them as "incredibly soft, lightweight, and breathable, making for exceedingly comfortable wear" and insisted they didn't smell funky even after a few wears sans socks.

She did note, however, that despite the name, "they're not quite suited for running," so keep that in mind if you're a hard-core jogger. On the flip side, the Insider Picks team also gave the Wool Runners top marks for comfort and convenience, so it seems the positives outweigh the negatives with these sneaks.

My favorite detail? These shoes are machine washable. Yep, you can toss 'em in the wash to keep them looking fresh, which is especially awesome if you've got your eye on one of the lighter shades.

Pros: Moisture-wicking, machine washable, Merino wool helps control temperature and odor, moves with your foot

Cons: Not a hardcore exercise shoe

The best comfort sneakers

The Cole Haan GrandPrø Tennis sneakers provide maximum comfort with a lightweight, flexible, and ergonomic design.

Cole Haan is known for bringing innovative technology to its sneakers. Ultimately, this makes for really comfortable shoes, and the GrandPrø Tennis Sneaker is no exception. 

As the name suggests, the sneaker looks like a traditional tennis shoe, but it's slimmer and lighter. The supple leather is accented with a suede detail by the heel, as well as some minimalist stitching on the upper. This translates to a sleek design that works for everyday wear.

Every part of the shoe is thoughtfully designed for maximum comfort and wearability. Rubber pods sit in the heel and forefoot to provide traction while you walk. A light textile covers the leather footbed so your feet never get too hot. The Grand.ØS outsole has layers of special cushioning for padding below your feet, making each step feel softer. Weighing in at just 5.6 ounces, the shoe is also super lightweight, which makes the show flexible and able to mimic the natural motion of your feet as you move. 

Over 300 reviewers give this shoe a healthy rating. One reviewer at Cole Haan says she wore them on vacation for a day of walking over 10 miles, and they were still incredibly comfortable after hours. We like them so much we included the men's version in our guide to the best stylish sneakers for men. If you need a sneaker that can take you from your commute to vacations to work events and everywhere in between, the GrandPrø Tennis Sneaker is a great choice. — Remi Rosmarin

Pros: Lightweight, comfortable, smooth leather 

Cons: May run large, pricey 

The best platform sneakers

Keds' Triple Up Leather Sneakers take a few wears to break in, but after that they're a comfortable way to get some extra height. 

If you love wearing sneakers, but crave the lift of heels, a platform sneaker is a great choice. The Keds Triple Up gives the classic tennis shoe style a boost with a 1.5-inch platform, the brand's highest one yet. 

Whether you're explicitly looking for height or not, the platform has a flattering, elongating effect on legs. The feminine silhouette looks great with everything from casual leggings to a flowy sundress, and the leather upper is a little more elevated than Keds' classic canvas (though you can get these in canvas, too).    

Insider Picks editor Sally Kaplan (as well as a few reviewers) notes that the shoes can be difficult to break in. So, we wouldn't recommend wearing these for the first time on a day when you're planning to log a couple of miles. But after a few wears, these mold to your feet to become really comfortable. Our editor even wore them for a long day walking around Disney World and came away blister-free. — Remi Rosmarin

Pros: Comfortable, 1.5-inch platform 

Cons: Take a few wears to break in, slightly short laces

The best slip-on sneakers

The Vans ComfyCush Checkerboard Slip-On is a timeless, easy-to-wear style with an upgraded insole for added comfort. We recommend going up at least a half size.

In a rush, the slip-on sneaker is a godsend — no laces, no problem. When it comes to slip-on sneakers, Vans are some of the most popular around. 

The classic silhouette has been around for decades, and while the brand may be most commonly associated with skateboarding, you'll find all sorts of people rocking these Slip-Ons.

The ComfyCush Checkerboard Slip-Ons are an updated version of the classic pair that have been around for decades. These ones include a cushier insole for added comfort, but it's worth noting that they fit snugger than the original pairs. Size up at least a half size for the right fit.

The checkerboard pattern is a classic and it comes in a range of color combinations besides just black and white. If you want something a little more toned down, or a little more eccentric, Vans has a variety of colors and patterns from neutral tones to animal prints. 

I have a pair of the Classic Slip-Ons and love the casual, vintage look. They're not the most supportive sneakers, but they're a go-to for casual outfits and days when you just don't have the energy to tie your shoelaces. — Remi Rosmarin

Pros: Lightweight, easy to put on, affordable

Cons: Wear out quickly, not much support

The best white sneakers

The Koio Capri sneakers are pricey, but their supple leather holds up extremely well over time and they're easy to clean, making them worth the price if you're ready to splurge. 

A plain white leather sneaker is always going to be in style, but leather can cost you a lot. While there are many luxury leather sneakers out there, Koio's shoes stand out. The brand makes its sneakers in the same Italian factories as high-end brands like Chanel and Hermès, but pairs cost a few hundred dollars less since they don't carry a designer label.

The Capri is a simple, sleek pair that looks good with everything. It comes in both leather and suede options, some with textural accents. If white isn't your thing, they also come in cool colorways. Regardless of the color you choose, all of the Capris are lined with a soft, light leather, so they're easy on your feet.

The materials wear in quickly for a really comfortable feel that gets better with time, which a few of us on the Insider Picks team know from our experience testing them over the course of the past year.  

I live in my Capri Biancos, Koio's original white sneaker with a light grey suede accent. They're definitely my most-worn shoe of the moment — they look good with anything and they're really comfortable. If you're looking for a shoe that's polished yet still casual, the Capri is a great choice. 

While $248 is definitely a lot for a pair of sneakers, when you compare the Capri to even more expensive luxury options that come from the same factories, the price becomes a little more justifiable. Greats also makes a more affordable alternative we like, but if you're willing to splurge, the Koio Capri will serve you and your wardrobe well. — Remi Rosmarin

Pros: Premium quality without the markup, comfortable, fun colorways

Cons: Pricey 

The best sporty sneakers

Adidas' Stan Smiths are an enduring hit because they're easy to wear with any kind of outfit. Floaty dresses? Check! Jeans and a sweater? Double check!

You can spot a pair of Adidas' Stan Smiths from a mile away, especially in the unmistakable white and green colorway (though there are other options) and with the perforated side detailing. They don't seem like they'd be the most versatile shoes in your wardrobe, and yet I think you'll find they go with more outfits than you'd imagine.

Stan Smiths have been around since the 1970s, but they don't look dated in the least. They have a slightly vintage look, but if they've basically been cool for forty years, I'd say these make a solid investment. Plus, at $80, they won't totally break the bank.

The women's Stan Smiths have over 590 reviews on the Adidas website and come recommended by 93% of shoppers. One fan writes, "I love these shoes, they're so comfortable and they look very nice on; however, I recommend you go down a full size or half size because they fit very large since they're based off of a men's shoe design."

Indeed, the men's version is extremely similar and boasts almost 4,000 reviews, the majority of which give the kicks 5 stars. Although the aforementioned green and white version is probably the most iconic, the shoes come in several other colors.

Pros: Iconic design, comfortable, perforated side detail for temperature control

Cons: Reviews on the women's shoe suggest sizing down

The best classic sneakers

If you wore Converse All Star Canvas Sneakers in high school, we have good news — they're still cool. High-top or low, you can't go wrong with this classic pair.

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star's were all the rage with a certain kind of teenager back when I was in school, and the All Star Canvas Low Top Sneaker was the most iconic style.  I never owned a pair myself, but I did "borrow" some that didn't really fit me from a friend for a few months. Wearing them made me feel like a cooler version of myself.

Like Stan Smiths, Converse have never really gone out of style. They still might make you want to write Jimmy Eat World lyrics on the rubber soles and tell your mom that she just doesn't "get" you, but hey, at least you'll look cool doing it!

Besides, these shoes have history on their side. According to Complex, this style of Converse "has been in constant production since 1917, and has gone virtually unchanged since 1949." They were initially popular with basketball players before becoming synonymous with the alternative music scene. Complex reported that, as of 2013, a pair was still sold "every 43 seconds."

The Canvas Low Top is perhaps the most versatile Converse style and perhaps the most comfortable, too. 70% of the Amazon ratings give it 5 stars. One reviewer writes, "I LOVE Chucks. I have about 8 or 9 pairs. They are my go-to shoe. I wear them with everything., skirts, dresses, jeans ... I like them because they hold up well and are comfy right out of the box."

Pros: Classic style that goes with anything, light canvas material, comes in a bunch of colors

Cons: Reviewers suggest adding an insole for additional arch support

The best trendy sneakers

The Golden Goose Superstar Sneakers are decidedly expensive, but if you're strictly looking for something trendy, these are some of the most popular around. 

The key to curating a trendy outfit? Picking out pieces that make it look like you didn't even try at all. Ripped jeans, oversized sweaters, and other worn-in pieces are essentials in the effortlessly chic uniform. When it comes to footwear, Golden Goose fits that bill.

The Italian label was launched in 2000 to combine the founder's passions for style and art. The sneakers come in a range of styles, all with unique combinations of colorful patterns, textures, and accents. What really sets the shoes apart though is that they all come pre-distressed (if that's not your style, feel free to skip ahead). 

Golden Goose has grown a cult-like following of everyone from celebrities to students. The Superstar is a popular pair, with its leather construction, a low profile, and a range of fun colorways that make any outfit look effortlessly cooler. 

We can't ignore the price, though. Most Golden Goose sneakers cost somewhere around $500, an undeniably high price tag for a pair of shoes. We're not saying that spending that much is necessarily worth it for sneakers, but if trendiness is what you're after, and you're not deterred by the price, Golden Goose is a brand you should check out. 

Pros: Trendy, unique styles and colorways, pre-distressed

Cons: Really expensive, distressed look isn't for everyone 

Check out our other women's style buying guides

The best ankle boots you can buy

Once you find the perfect ankle boots, you won't want to wear any other shoes when it's cold outside.

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The best women's sunglasses you can buy

Sunglasses double as a fun fashion statement and protective eyewear. You could just get a cheap pair that'll break in a week, or you could go all in on a nice pair of sunglasses that will last for years if not decades.

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The best tote bags you can buy

Finding a tote bag that is not only stylish but also big enough to carry all your belongings can be tough. We've tested tons of bags on our commutes to bring you this list of the best ones.

• The Roman Catholic Church is investigating after two nuns returned from a missionary trip pregnant.  
• The two women were from different orders in Sicily and went on separate charity assignments in Africa.
• Both women have moved back to their home countries for childbirth. It is unclear what will happen to them, although they will most likely "leave their religious service."
• "They both breached strict rules of chastity but the welfare of their children is uppermost," a church source told a local news agency.
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

The Roman Catholic Church is launching an investigation after two nuns returned from a missionary trip pregnant, breaching the strict rules of chastity.

The women, who were from different orders in Sicily, became pregnant while on separate charity assignments in Africa.

According to media reports, one of the women was a mother superior, who was working at an institute that helps "fallen women and their children." The woman, whose age is not known, discovered that she was several weeks pregnant and has since returned to Madagascar, her home country.

The second woman is believed to be 34 years old and found she was pregnant after being hospitalized because of severe stomach pains. She belonged to a convent in Sicily's Nebrodi mountains but has since moved to Palermo to prepare for childbirth.

A church source told Italian news agency ANSA: "There is consternation at this news. It appears that both women were back in their home nations and obviously had some form of sexual encounter."

"They both breached strict rules of chastity but the welfare of their children is uppermost," they added.

"The most likely outcome if they will leave their religious service."

There have been previous instances in the Church of nuns becoming pregnant, but in some cases, this was not after consensual sex.

In February this year, the women's magazine of the Church's newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, reported on several cases of sexual abuse on nuns by clergymen. Several children had also been conceived, and some religious sisters had been forced to have abortions.

Pope Francis ended up confirming the accusations were correct: "It is true. There are priests and bishops that have done that."

Join the conversation about this story »

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• The former advertising executive Stephanie Nadi Olson worked 13 years in sales and was frustrated by the lack of diversity in the industry.
• Two years ago, she quit her job at a marketing-tech firm and launched We Are Rosie, a network that connects independent marketing talent with national brand campaigns.
• The network now has more than 2,300 members across 41 states and is on track to make $5 million in revenue this year.
• Olson spoke with Business Insider and shared how she was filling a gap in the consulting market by taking advantage of new trends in remote work — and growing a purpose-driven business too.
• Visit BI Prime for more stories.

As the daughter of a Palestinian refugee, Stephanie Nadi Olson says she has always identified with marginalized or underrepresented groups of people. From a young age she volunteered with refugees, even as she built a career in advertising sales with brands like Microsoft, Disney, and Bank of America.

After 13 years in the industry, something was still missing. Olson was watching her profession lose talent as friends and colleagues decided that living in a major city or working 60-hour weeks wasn't for them.

Between industry problems with diversity, according to a survey conducted by Digiday, and a national epidemic of burnout, according to the American Institute of Stress, workers are increasingly opting for independence. A recent report from the freelancing platform Upwork found that more than 35% of Americans were freelancers, and last year they earned nearly $1 trillion.

Olson knew from experience just how much potential is missed when people don't feel at home in their company's culture. "There are so many people that are longing for a sense of belonging in this industry," she said.

She calls them "corporate refugees," and she has a solution.

Working from home, or anywhere else, comes with challenges

Olson founded We Are Rosie to help ad agencies find much-needed talent and to improve the careers of freelancers. So far, it appears to be working. The Atlanta-based company is on track to earn more than $5 million in its first calendar year of business.

Most of We Are Rosie's clients don't allow Olson to publicize their names, but she can say the list includes 20 Fortune 500 firms and nationally recognized brands.

Olson's network now boasts more than 2,300 freelancers across 41 US states, and the company has satellite offices in the major tech and marketing hubs on both coasts.

After a freelancer applies and is matched with a client, assignments usually last a month or more at 20 to 40 hours a week. The work varies and includes brand strategy, copywriting, and coding.

Olson said some clients needed a bit of persuading to work with a team that is neither in-house nor in the same time zone, but the results are helping her case.

"It's a vast leap for these brands to see that we are able to offer this really high caliber of talent," Olson said. "Also that our talent is happier and less stressed, and that they do better work."

Solving the 2 biggest challenges for freelancers

We Are Rosie's client portfolio generates a steady flow of high-quality commissions for national brands, allowing freelancers to focus on the work at hand rather than where the next one is coming from.

Agencies get a bespoke match with a creative professional. The pricing is for serious bidders only: The project minimum for companies is $10,000 a month.

"If you're not accessing talent that's working in an independent way, you no longer have access to a world-class organization," Olson said.

As Rosie members do longer projects with the service, they become eligible for several perks that are designed to further simplify their freelance business.

The first perk is often overlooked by those with full-time jobs: predictable income.

We Are Rosie helps with this by negotiating quicker payment turnarounds with its clients and ensures that its freelancers are paid weekly, even on the platform's dime.

"If you take care of the people who care for your customers, everything else solves itself," Olson said, "even if it costs you more money in the short term."

Olson partnered with another staffing agency to extend its benefits to Rosie freelancers. As of September, any Rosie freelancer who takes on a 60-day project is eligible for a benefits package that includes health insurance and retirement accounts.

A purpose-driven business

Olson said she was tired of waiting for large companies to make meaningful improvements with inclusion, so she's charging ahead to demonstrate the business sense of diversity. She is confident that We Are Rosie's economic results will bear out her argument.

"We are a rising talent that can go toe-to-toe with Accenture, McKinsey, and some of the biggest marketing companies in the world because we have access to this really rich tapestry of talent," she said.

Though the company's name may call to mind the iconic Rosie the Riveter, Olson said that wasn't her intent. Her youngest daughter's middle name is Rose. "We call her Rosie," Olson said, "and it's just a very personal kind of business name, so I can remember: If I can do my job really well, then my daughters will have better access in the future."

Olson often uses the word revolution to describe her mission with the platform, and a new survey by Deloitte suggests she's on to something. Half of millennial and Gen Z respondents said they would leave their job within two years if they had a choice, up from 38% in 2017.

A majority cited issues like work-life balance, flexible scheduling, and inclusivity as reasons they would leave, and more than four in five would be willing to freelance.

If those trends continue, Olson will have quite an army.

PRESENTING: Everything you need to know about becoming your own boss and making more than you did at your full-time job

SEE ALSO: The 29 best US cities to be a freelancer

READ MORE: My husband and I are both full-time freelancers. This is how we make it work.

Join the conversation about this story »

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• The right bra can make a world of difference in comfort, support, and confidence. 
• Our guide features bras that performed well in our tests, emphasize comfort, and have a good range of options across sizes, support levels, and styles.
• ThirdLove is our top pick because of its intelligent fit finder quiz, half sizes, and carefully designed bras that are as sexy as they are comfortable.
• You can also check out our guide to the best women's underwear you can buy, and the best sports bra.

Ladies, we've gotta take care of our ladies. Like us, they deserve the utmost respect and support, like us, they should never settle for second best. To that end, buying a bra that does your breasts proud is just about the best thing that you can do for yourself.

Alright, fine — That's probably something of an overstatement, but the sentiment rings true. Buying bras may not be the most fun experience, but that doesn't make it any less important. Luckily, there are a handful of companies that are looking to make the bra-purchasing process less of a hassle. But more importantly, the results are everything that you've ever wanted for your chest.

Your primary consideration when purchasing a bra should be comfort. After all, unless you're letting the girls run free all the livelong day (which is fine!), you're likely going to be wearing your bra for at least the eight-hour workday. That means that your underwire can't be digging into your rib cage, that your straps can be tangling uncomfortably against your shoulder, and that your clasp can't be scratching your back.

Then, you should also consider what style of bra you'd like. Are you looking to make an impression by pushing the ladies up, or are you looking to be a bit more inconspicuous with a classic t-shirt bra? There's no wrong answer, of course, but there are certainly different bras for different occasions.

Perhaps most importantly, you'll want to keep fit in mind. After all, an ill-fitting bra will be neither comfortable nor stylish (regardless of what you're trying to achieve), but sometimes, figuring out exactly what bra size you are can be a bit difficult. This is especially the case when you're doing your shopping online. Luckily, that's not the case with a number of our favorite bra purveyors, who have gone to great lengths to ensure that you and your bra get along.

Regardless of which of these bras you choose, we're confident that you (and the ladies) will be well satisfied.

Here the best bras you can buy:

• Best bras overall:ThirdLove
• Best bras for $10 to $20: Hanes
• Best for atypical shapes: Natori
• Best strapless bras: Wacoal
• Best bras for D to J: Trusst Lingerie
• Best bralettes and wire-free bras: Lively
• Best lounge bra: True & Co.

Updated on 11/05/19 by Mara Leighton: Added True & Co. as the best lounge bra and a few relevant links.  

SEE ALSO: The best women's underwear you can buy

The best bra overall

At ThirdLove, it's all about the fit, and oh, how these bras fit, thanks to the intelligent Fit Finder quiz and optional half sizes (starting at $68).

Face it — Today's standard cup sizes aren't always exactly what your body needs. And luckily, at ThirdLove, no one is expecting you (or your breasts) to fit into a predetermined mold. In just 60 seconds, Thirdlove will help you find a bra that feels as though it was actually tailored to your body, all without your ever having to leave the couch.

It all starts with ThirdLove's Fit Finder tool, which as the name suggests, helps you find your actual right size. You'll input the cup size and band measurements you normally abide by, as well as the company from which you've historically purchased your bra. But then you'll also talk about where the shortcomings are — how much of a gap there is, how well the band actually sits against your back, and to what extent you find yourself adjusting the straps.

Most importantly, you'll tell ThirdLove about the shape of your breasts, because yes, that will impact what bra is ultimately recommended.

Once you're done with the full questionnaire, you'll input your email address, and you'll be shown what your bra size should be (it may be different than you previously imagined based on your answers), as well as a recommended bra. And best of all, if your bra size comes in a half cup (because yes, that's a thing), ThirdLove can send you a bra that comes in a half size.

While you may not think that a web-based survey could actually take you to a better fitting bra, think again. As soon as I put on my ThirdLove Classic T-Shirt Bra, I knew that I'd been wrong with just about every other bra I'd ever worn. This is easily one of the most comfortable and truly supportive pieces of lingerie I've ever worn, and whereas other bras seem to work only with certain outfits, I've managed to wear this particular bra under cocktail dresses and sweats alike.

Although the T-Shirt Bra is the classic choice, ThirdLove has plenty of other fantastic options for you to choose from as well, including a racerback, a lace racerback with a front closure (which is beautiful, by the way), and another personal favorite, the lace balconette (for special occasions).

Several other women on the Insider Picks team have tried ThirdLove's bras and love them. Since we're all a range of sizes and shapes, it's impressive that we all love these bras.

Reviewers at People called ThirdLove bras "the most comfortable...that [have] ever been on my body," while nearly 22,500 customers have given the Classic T-Shirt Bra a 4.5 out of 5 stars on the company's website.

Pros: Careful sizing guide, great fit, and comfortable material that doesn't irritate the skin even after a long day of wear

Cons: The Classic T-Shirt Bra isn't the sexiest bra in the world, but there are other options for that, too

The best budget bra

You don't have to spend a fortune to get a good bra, and Hanes is here to prove it (starting at $11).

High prices don't always correlate with high quality, and similarly, budget buys don't mean budget quality. No one knows this better than Hanes, the classic underwear brand that makes one of the best wire-free bras on the market.

Whether you want to call it a bralette or a wireless bra, you'll certainly call it supremely comfortable. The Comfort Wire-Free bra line by Hanes is one of the sturdier bras you can buy. Sure, it's not made of sexy lace, but as a result, it can withstand quite a bit of wear and tear. It doesn't lose its shape or stretch out in unattractive ways after several cycles in the washing machine, and because it doesn't have an underwire, it's incredibly lightweight and flexible.

But don't think that a lack of wire means a lack of support or structure. As folks over at Good Housekeeping noted, "I liked that this bra did not have an underwire, yet I felt fully supported. It was soft and comfortable…I almost forgot I was wearing a bra."

Because the Wire-Free bras are fully adjustable, they also stay put quite well. Over 2,000 folks on Amazon have given the Hanes bra 4.4 out of 5 stars. Reviewers note that the bra "holds everything where it needs to be without wires and without binding or squishing or pushing things higher than they need to go." 

Pros: Extremely affordable, wide range of colors, good support, and straps that stay in place

Cons: There are a limited selection of cup and band sizes, so chestier women may not be able to find a good fit  

The best bra for atypical breast shapes

If you're a fan of deep V-necks, the Natori Plunge Bra will keep you supported while staying out of sight (starting at $40).

There are few outfits for which the Natori Plunge isn't the perfect fit, and that makes this bra a staple in just about any wardrobe. As the name suggests, this bra takes a dramatic plunge down the middle, so if you're a fan of daring cuts and plunging necklines, this is certainly the bra for you.

Flirty and fun, Natori's signature Feathers lace adds the right touch of femininity to this pretty piece of lingerie. While aesthetics and functionality don't always go hand in hand when it comes to your underthings, Natori is certainly the exception to that rule. The comfortable T-shirt design is also plenty supportive.

Best of all, perhaps, is that the Plunge bra seems to be particularly useful for women with atypical bra sizes or breast shapes. As one happy customer noted on the Natori website, This is the first time I've worn a bra without padding and my boobs have never looked better!" Another reviewer echoed these sentiments, writing, "This bra is the most comfortable bra I have ever worn. It fits my barely-A, wide-set bust perfectly."

New York Magazine calls the Natori Plunge the "unicorn of undergarments," and the bra boasts a nearly five-star review from over 500 buyers on Amazon. The bra features a molded mesh outer cover with lace trim, as well as adjustable stretch straps that become wider as you size up. The Plunge is constructed of 84% nylon and 16% lycra and lace.

Pros: Great for plunging necklines, comfortable, flirty, and well-fitting for women with atypical bra sizes  

Cons: Cup size runs small, so be sure to order accordingly

The best convertible bra

If you need one bra to serve the purpose of two (or more) bras, then you'll want the Wacoal Red Carpet Strapless Bra (starting at $68).

Strapless bras in and of themselves are always a bit of a struggle, what with constant slippage and the seemingly never-ending need to adjust and readjust their fit. But with the Wacoal Red Carpet Strapless Bra, you can bid your fidgeting days adieu.

Part of the secret of this great bra is that it's not just strapless — it's actually convertible. The removable straps can help keep you supported, but so too can the gripper strips inside the top and bottom edges that make sure that the bra stays adhered to your chest, and doesn't begin wandering down. The back and side boning also helps the bra maintain its shape, while the mesh back keeps you comfortable.

Although most strapless bras don't do much for actually helping to shape your chest, the Wacoal is a different story, thanks to light foam padding, you'll enjoy "full figure natural shaping, support," and most importantly, no show-through. Because the straps are fully removable, you can choose how to wear them, whether that's halter style, crossed in the back, or traditional.

Folks at New York Magazine note that "this bra stays put no matter what," and more than 800 people on Nordstrom's website have given the Wacoal Red Carpet Strapless Bra a resounding 4.7 out of 5-star seal of approval. Good Housekeeping also pointed out that the bra washed well without shrinkage, and that it was comfortable, supportive, and easy to put on.

Pros: Great for larger chested women, convertible, stays in place, comfortable  

Cons: Some customers have noted issues with fit

The best bra for sizes E (DD) to J

If you need a seriously supportive bra that won't dig into your shoulders or sides throughout the day, you need to try Trusst Lingerie's D to J bras.

If your cup size is over a D, you already know the difficulty of finding a bra that fits. Since many brick and mortar stores don't carry larger sizes, shopping online becomes a bit of a gamble where you often have to buy two bras of similar sizing at once just to see which one works best. But not so with Trusst, which offers a simple two-step sizing tool that allows you to find your fit without ever leaving home.

Grab a measuring tape to get the size of your bust and band, and then input the number of inches for each to determine what your bra size should be. Sizes range from a 32 to 46-inch band size with cups ranging from D to J in certain styles. But if the size shown isn't anywhere near your normal size, you can email your measurements, the size and style of the bra you measured yourself in, and the company's fit specialists will help to ensure a secure fit for you.

As if its focus sizing wasn't enough, Trusst's support is unlike anything I've tried before. In lieu of the annoying underwire that can dig into your sides or armpits and pop out at surprising moments, Trusst's bras come equipped with a 3D-printed bra core called Breast Advanced Support Technology (BAST) sewn right into the molded contour cup itself to redistribute breast weight and offer support without the poke.

Based on the engineering principles of a bridge truss, it uses the core of your body to really lift the breast and padded shoulder straps that reduce shoulder and back strain even after hours of wear. In fact, while I typically take off my bra as soon as I get home, I felt comfortable enough in the bra to keep it on until bedtime.

But if your cups tend to runneth over in a demi, the brand offers an array of sultry styles that might be better suited for you, including a t-shirt bra, a sexy, lacy plunge option, and a soft, full-coverage bra that's built for the daily grind. Plus, there are three underwear styles you can pair with your particular bra of choice for a full set.

Reviewers at The Lingerie Addict praised the brand for its unique construction as well as the accuracy of its sizing system. And the Suzanne has become one of the brand's best-sellers. — Valis Vicenty

Pros: Easy but accurate sizing, fabulous fit, and surprisingly comfortable support without the stab of an underwire. 

Cons: Some styles can run a little small, but they're indicated on the page so you can adjust your sizing before you add to cart

The best bralettes and wire-free bra

Lively's bras and bralettes only cost $35, but they offer the quality, support, and style of much more expensive ones.

If you're sick of spending $50 to $100 on each bra you buy, take a look at Lively. All of the startup's bras and bralettes cost just $35 a piece. You can choose from a wide range of styles, including numerous bralettes and a handful of different bra styles with and without underwire.

I've tried several Lively bras and each one has impressed me in a different way. The underwire push-up bra and the push-up bra without underwire are both incredibly comfortable. The padding is subtle and not excessive like the push-up bras from Victoria Secret and other brands. You get a slight lift without feeling like you're going to fall out of your bra.

The no-underwire version is surprisingly supportive, too. When I first laid eyes on it, I thought I'd need to return it immediately, but it's turned out to be one of my favorites. The wide band gives the support I need and the lack of wires make it super comfortable for all-day wear.

The All You Busty Bralette is very comfortable for lounging around home with its wide, thick straps, and super soft material. I'm not a bralette person for going out and about (having a DD cup will do that to you), but it's perfect for days when you have nowhere to go beyond the grocery store. As someone with a larger cup size, I really liked that there's a DD+ section with all the bras and bralettes that are made for larger busts.

Women with smaller busts will love the wide range of bralettes and how cute they look. Many of them are stylish enough to show off, too.

The only real downsides here are that Lively doesn't have sizes above DDD and the bras may not be as long-lasting as more expensive ones. — Malarie Gokey

Pros: Wide range of styles, true to size, cute designs, comfortable, affordable

Cons: May not be as long-lasting as others, sizes max out at DDD

The best lounge bra

True & Co. makes comfortable, wire-free bras from a buttery soft material that lifts and supports.

True & Co.'s True Body Collection is full of soft, wire-free bras that are perfect for lounging.

Sizing ranges from 32A to 42DDD/F, and while it won't give you as much support as a traditional wire bra, it does promise up to an inch of lift. 

One of our favorite styles from the True Body collection is the V Neck Racerback. The bonded technology means no elastic or bulky, line-disrupting seams. The wire-free channel lends support like underwire without the wire, and the "super lift fabric" (a tightly knit blend) provides the noticeable lift and support. The molded cups prevent you from slipping out and getting the dreaded "underboob" that almost uniformly plagues these seamless, "comfort"-first bras.

I wear the V Neck Racerback around the house, but I also like to use it under T-shirts for a smooth silhouette and a more natural shape. For as much use as I get out of it, almost $60 isn't ideal but it certainly hasn't been regretted. 

The Mesh Scoop Neck Lift Bra is also one of the best pieces of loungewear that I own. It's basically the same as the other True Body bras by virtue of its identical smooth, buttery soft fabric, but it also has a mesh back so it's extra breathable. 

Most True Body bras come with removable pads, and range in colors from nudes to bright patterns. And after many less-than-careful loads of laundry, I haven't seen any noticeable change in performance or look. — Mara Leighton

Pros: Buttery smooth fabric, noticeable lift, versatility, extreme comfort, relatively affordable

Cons: Not as much support as a traditional bra, can find lounge bras for cheaper, less support for larger cup sizes

• Finding a tote bag that is not only stylish but also big enough to carry all your belongings can be tough.
• Our top pick is the Everlane Day Market Tote because this sleek, Italian leather bag is affordable, roomy, and well crafted. 

Every working woman has lived the struggle of trying to fit everything she needs to get through the day into her handbag. Many of us even resort to carrying multiple bags full of stuff on our daily commutes.

After my last tote bag's straps ripped — thanks to me constantly cramming more items into it than the delicate bag could hold — I set out to find a durable bag that could fit everything I could possibly need, including a 15-inch laptop.

While there are plenty of tote bags out there, it was trickier than anticipated to find a bag that was as fashionable as it was functional. But after much research and testing by the Insider Picks team, we managed to find five sturdy totes that are large enough to store anything you could imagine.

Our picks were all selected keeping in mind that you'll probably want to be able to carry them both in and outside the office. Perhaps best of all, every single one of these tote bags costs less than $300.

Here are the best tote bags you can buy:

• Best tote bag overall: Everlane Day Market Tote
• Best tote bag for organization: Dagne Dover Signature Tote
• Best tote bag for commuting: MZ Wallace Medium Metro Tote
• Best convertible tote bag: Mark & Graham Bedford Convertible Backpack
• Best budget tote bag: L.L.Bean Hunter's Tote Bag
• Best gym tote bag: Caraa x Athleta Everyday Vinyasa Tote
• Best oversized tote bag: Cuyana Oversized Carryall Tote

SEE ALSO: 5 work bag startups every woman should know

The best tote bag overall

If you're looking for a durable and affordable bag that can hold more than just the essentials, the Everlane Day Market Tote is your best bet. 

The Everlane Day Market Tote is a covetable bag made from 100% Italian leather, that will keep you looking polished all day long. The versatile structured bag is crafted in Florence, Italy and made to be worn with both casual and formal attire. You can choose from red, black, brown, and tan color options. 

This is the bag that I actually purchased after my extensive search, and I couldn't be happier. I ended up on a waitlist for three months to get the Cognac color option because it sold out multiple times, but it was well worth the wait. The popularity of the tote is largely thanks to Meagan Markle, who carried it during her first appearance with Prince Harry.

I am able to fit everything I could possibly need inside of this tote. Besides the essentials like a wallet, phone, and keys, I can slip in my laptop, a sweater, and a change of shoes.

I'm not the only one who loves this tote. The Insider Picks team gave it an excellent review. It also has a 4.69-star rating on Everlane's website, with many reviewers saying they plan to purchase the bag in multiple colors. It's also quite affordable in comparison with the competition.

Pros: Durable, spacious, classic design, comes in multiple colors

Cons: Can be a waitlist for certain colors

Read our full review of the Everlane Tote on Insider Picks

The best tote bag for organization

The Dagne Dover Signature Tote looks sleek and stylish on the outside while keeping all your belongings organized on the inside.

If you are constantly losing things at the bottom of your handbag, the Dagne Dover Signature Tote (Legend) is for you. Designed for those long days that never seem to end, the tote features compartments for everything you could think of, so you don't waste time digging around.

The sleek and spacious bag has specially designed space for your laptop, wallet, phone, metro card, water bottle, sunglasses, and even lip balm. It also features a detachable key ring, making getting in and out of the house a breeze.

The innovative brand has been a long-time favorite of the Insider Picks team. We've tested the Allyn Tote, Dakota Backpack, and Classic Tote, and all the bags get high marks. 

There are multiple colors to choose from, including red, yellow, green, pink, and blue. The stylish design will make you want to carry it to not only the office but also after-work drinks.

Pros: Helps you stay organized, multiple compartments, variety of colors, well made

Cons: Not for people who like to throw everything in and go

Read our full review of the Dagne Dover Tote on Insider Picks

The best tote bag for commuting

If you want a tote bag that's large enough to hold all your belongings, but light enough to be packed down and folded up, you'll love the MZ Wallace Medium Metro Tote. 

MZ Wallace was founded by two dynamic New York City women looking for a bag that could keep up with their lifestyles. When they couldn't find it, they designed it themselves. MZ Wallace now offers a large selection of quilted nylon bags that can take you from the gym to work to date night and everywhere in between.   

The Metro Tote is made from soft, lightweight nylon and weighs in at just under a pound. The bag has enough space for all of the belongings you could need throughout the day. The interior houses six pockets, a detachable pouch, a phone pocket, and a keyring strap. It's even spacious enough to fit a 13-inch laptop. 

The padded nylon handles are easy on your shoulders, though some reviewers say they slip off frequently. The zip-top closure keeps all of your belongings concealed, an important feature when commuting or traveling. Since the bag doesn't have much hardware and the nylon is super lightweight, it can be folded, rolled, and packed down to fit in a suitcase or in another bag. 

The quilted nylon bag comes in 26 colors and patterns, including trendy camos, color blocks, and even lacquer finishes. The nylon isn't waterproof, but it's weather-resistant, so it's durable enough to use rain or shine. 

Pros: Lightweight, tons of color options, thoughtful detailing 

Cons: Expensive, some say the strap falls off shoulder 

The best convertible tote bag

Mark & Graham's Bedford Convertible Backpack is a beautiful leather tote bag that can be worn three ways for ultimate versatility. 

Whether you're trying to pare down your bag collection or just can't commit to one style, a convertible bag is a great option. The Bedford Convertible Backpack from Mark & Graham is essentially three bags in one. You can wear it as a backpack, a handbag, or a shoulder bag, all you have to do is change the position of the straps. 

The bag is simple, yet stylish in a neutral, supple leather. There's an all-camel option, or a black bag with camel straps. 

The convertibility makes this bag super convenient, as does the spacious interior and smart pockets. True to the form of a tote, the bag has an open top, but the straps can be adjusted to help close the top a bit. On the outside of the bag, there's a cleverly hidden zipper pocket. This gives you easy access to small belongings, so you don't have to dig through a cluttered bag to find your keys, but still keeps your important items secure. 

Mark & Graham also offers free monogramming on this bag, which adds some nice personalization if that's what you're into.

Pros: Convertible, free monogram, quality leather

Cons: Not super secure for travel, not many color options

The best budget tote bag

If you're looking for an easy, everyday tote that won't break the bank, the L.L.Bean Hunter's Tote Bag is a great choice.

L.L.Bean's Hunter's Tote Bagis a versatile, all-purpose bag. As the name suggests, the tote was actually made for outdoor activities like dog training, waterfowling, and shooting. Don't let that deter you, though — this bag will serve you well no matter what's on your agenda. 

The bag is made of a thick, durable, 1,200-denier polyester. The bottom of the bag is reinforced with an extra layer of polyester to make it even sturdier. The seams are double-stitched with water-resistant nylon, so they won't get ruined or unravel from use, even in bad weather. Inside, the bag is coated with a water-resistant thermoplastic lining. This will keep your belongings dry and makes the bag easy to clean.

The open top lets you fill the bag to the brim, though it may not be the best for commuting or traveling if you want to keep your belongings concealed. If closure is important to you, we recommend opting for the zippered version of this tote. It's about $10 more expensive, but it comes with an additional shoulder strap to give you more carrying options. [Editor's note: I have both the medium zippered version and the large tote, and I carry both frequently — the straps could be a little longer for carrying them more comfortably over the shoulder, but other than that, I love these bags.]

The bag comes in medium, large, and extra-large sizes. They cost $35, $39, and $45, respectively, making the totes a really affordable option. 

The tote has a 4.8-star rating on L.L.Bean's website, with many reviewers commenting on the practicality and water-resistant qualities of the bag. It only comes in a few colors, though the black, olive green, and camouflage are neutral enough to go with everything. 

Whether you want to use it as an everyday carry-all or a beach bag, this tote works for just about anything. And, at less than $50, it's an easy choice. 

Pros: Affordable, water-resistant, durable 

Cons: Open top, not many color options, straps are too short to carry over the shoulder comfortably

Best oversized tote bag

The Cuyana Oversized Carryall Tote is a durable, extra-spacious tote that will fit a long day's worth of essentials.

Fashion brand Cuyana was founded with the mission to "create timeless collections for the modern woman through carefully selected fabrics, precise silhouettes, and attention to detail." All that focus on design shows in the Oversized Carryall Tote.

The versatile, extra-large tote is 21 inches wide at its widest point and 15.5 inches tall. In comparison, Everlane's tote is only 19 inches wide. It has a detachable strap so it can be worn as a shoulder bag or a handbag, and is made from pebbled Argentine leather. The bag features gold hardware including a full zipper closure to ensure your belongings never fall out.

Many of the brand's other bags have been tested and positively reviewed by the Insider Picks team, and this tote is equally great in terms of quality and style. It's a roomy, spacious tote that should hold all your essentials.

The tote comes in four different natural colors, and you can customize it with the addition of a monogram or embossed symbols like a heart, star, and four leaf clover.

Pros: Well made, zipper closure, roomy, can be personalized

Cons: The website warns darker clothing may rub off on the lighter color bags

Read our review of Cuyana bags on Insider Picks

The best gym tote bag

The Caraa x Athleta Everyday Vinyasa Tote looks like your regular tote, but is designed with smart compartments that solve all of your gym-bag problems. 

A good gym bag needs more than just room for all the workout essentials. For most of us, going to the gym is sandwiched somewhere between a 9-to-5 job, dinner plans, and a host of other commitments — so we need a gym bag that can keep up. 

The Caraa x Athleta Everyday Vinyasa Tote is made to keep up with your busy lifestyle. The bag comes from a collaboration with Athleta and popular athleisure brand Caraa, which is known for balancing practicality and style with its bags. This one is made from neoprene, which is durable and washable.

The bag has two handle options — you can hold it as a tote or shoulder bag, which is helpful if it's heavy. Inside there are plenty of small pockets made to fit your essentials, like a phone, wallet, and laptop. The sides of the bag zip down, leaving the perfect spot to hold your yoga mat. There's even a buckle to keep the mat secure. The bottom of the bag unzips into its own compartment, a great place to store sneakers or put dirty clothes post-workout. 

It doesn't have a zipper to close the bag, but there is a buckle that provides some semblance of closure.

While the bag is particularly great for yogis, it's a great bag for any type of gym-goer due to its smart design and features. Our editor actually carries this as her daily work tote, and says it's the best tote bag she's ever owned.

Pros: Smart compartments, easy to clean

Cons: Top doesn't zip all the way, on the heavier side

• Mercedes-Benz USA and Mattel have partnered to enhance STEM instruction and support it for young women.
• The companies, in collaboration with several other partners, have commenced a "No Limits" program, which began on Friday.
• Mattel and MBUSA are giving away 50,000 special Matchbox Mercedes 220SEs, celebrating racer Ewy Rosqvist's 1962 win at the 1962 Argentinian Grand Prix, a gender-redefining performance.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Boys are into cars and girls ... aren't. 

This unfortunate stereotype disadvantages women early on, steering them away from technical professions that they might otherwise be well-qualified for, based on their own interests and on academic performance.The National Science Board has reported that women make up less than 30% of people working in science and engineering.

Mercedes-Benz USA wants to change that, and the carmaker has joined forces with toymaker Mattel to accelerate the process.

The program is called "No Limits," and it commenced on Friday to tie-in with national STEM/STEAM day in the US.

Beyond Mercedes and Mattel, the program also involves the "National Girls Collaborative Project (NGCP), a network of organizations that encourages girls to pursue science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers," Mercedes said in a statement.

Celebrating a pioneering woman in motorsports

Mercedes and Mattel are donating 50,000 Matchbox cars to the effort — and not just any model of vehicle, but a highly symbolic one: the Mercedes-Benz 220SE.

"It was in this car that Ewy Rosqvist defied all odds to become the first woman to compete in and win one of the most grueling races, the Argentinian Grand Prix, shattering records and the notion that women could not compete," Mercedes said.

Rosqvist's 1962 achievement was stunning. "Not only did she finish, she went on to be the first person to win every stage of the race, set a speed record and beat the previous champion by over three hours," Mercedes noted.

"Whatever they aspire to be–an astronaut, engineer, judge, nurse, even the President, we want all children to dream big, dream bold and never give up on that dream," Mark Aikman, general manager of marketing services for MBUSA, said in a statement.

"We've seen that stories like Ewy's – championing women trailblazers and achievers–can have a big impact by calling into question the gender stereotypes that children may inadvertently adopt."

Fans of Rosqvist's, those interested in the collaboration, and Matchbox collectors will also be able to buy the 220SE in stores, starting in December.

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NOW WATCH: The Mercedes AMG CLS53 has one of the most high-tech seats from any automaker

• If perky, lifted lashes are what you seek, then it's time to add an eyelash curler to your makeup bag.
• With its sleek design, flat surface, and no-pinch curling, the Surratt Beauty Relevée Lash Curler is the absolute best of the bunch.

Applying mascara without first curling your lashes is kind of like cooking pasta without first salting the water. Sure, you'll get edible pasta, but it's not going to taste good. Even if you're using a curling mascara, you'll never get the results you'd get with the help of a tool created specifically for the task.

All that said, lash curlers can seem scary to a lot of beauty newbies. Let's be honest — they look like mini medieval torture devices. The idea of placing something made out of metal that close to your eyes is enough to make your skin crawl. What if it pinches? What if you poke yourself in the eye? Or worse, what if you pull out your lashes? Just the thought of using an eyelash curler is exhausting and intimidating.

The trick is to know exactly how to use a lash curler, which is not as difficult as you may think. All you've got to do is gently lay the rounded side of the curler flush against your eyelid so that the top clamp is right above your lashes. Then, gently and slowly pulse the lever two to three times to curl your lashes. If you go slowly, you'll be able to catch yourself before you pinch your eyelid, which is probably what scares people the most about this whole process.

You can curl your lashes both before and after you apply mascara. It's always a good idea to give your lashes a curl ahead of application to get that perfect U-shape and then a second curl after your mascara dries for some more drama — and who doesn't love that?

But just because all lash curlers tend to look the same doesn't mean they're actually the same. They're shaped, sized, and curl differently. So which are the best of the bunch? We've put together the top lash curlers on the market. Your perfect eye makeup look is only one curl away.

Here are the best eyelash curlers you can buy:

• The best eyelash curler overall: Surratt Beauty Relevée Lash Curler
• The best pro-approved eyelash curler: Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
• The most versatile eyelash curler: Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler
• The best curler for hard-to-reach lashes: Preo / Prima Curl Up Japanese Eyelash Curler
• The best affordable eyelash curler: Tweezerman Classic Eyelash Curler Model No. 1034-R

Updated on 10/22/2019 by Remi Rosmarin: Updated formatting, prices, and links.

SEE ALSO: The best mascara you can buy for perfect lashes

The best eyelash curler overall

Surratt Beauty's Lash Curler has a flat, ergonomic design, and gentle silicone pad that lifts and flares out your lashes, offering the very best curl you can get.

Eyelash curlers have been around for ages, so it's difficult to imagine that a new release would truly change your life.

But when Surratt Beauty's Relevée Lash Curler hit the market, that's exactly what it did. This jet-black, lightweight curler quickly became a favorite among editors and makeup artists for a multitude of reasons, and it remains a top-seller to this day.

The biggest thing going for this curler is the design. Instead of the typical "U" shape that so many eyelash curlers have, Surratt Beauty's curler has a wider, flatter shape that sits against your lids much more comfortably. That shape also ensures your lids aren't getting snagged in the metal, which is very important when considering the user experience of a makeup tool.

Surratt Beauty's lash curler also boasts finger slots with two loops instead of the typical one. The extra metal ensures that you don't have to apply as much pressure as is necessary with other lash curlers. To use the curler correctly, the folks at Surratt Beauty suggest pumping this beauty three times along your lashes — once at the very base, once in the center of the lashes, and once at the very top.

This technique seems to be a winner. Surratt Beauty's Relevée Lash Curler has a near-perfect rating across Sephora, Influenster, and Amazon. "So it doesn't matter if you're using the best mascara in the world," one commenter wrote. "If you aren't using this lash curler, you are missing out on a world of gorgeous lashes." The pros agree — This little black tool is regularly spotted in the kits of top makeup artists at Fashion Week and on photo shoots.

Surratt Beauty's Relevée Lash Curler isn't the cheapest curler on the market. But it will save you money in the long run because it lasts for ages. And as one editor at Refinery29 wrote, proper use of this curler may make you reconsider even using mascara in the first place.

Pros: Doesn't pinch your lashes, and is amazing for basically any eye shape.

Cons: Not the most budget-friendly curler on the market.  

The best pro-approved eyelash curler

Shu Uemura's lash curler has a serious cult following with its unique shape and patented hinge, and it's a top pick among professionals.

There is a scene in the movie "The Devil Wears Prada" where Gisele Büdchen, playing a snobby fashion editor, berates the main character for not knowing what the Shu Uemura eyelash curler is. That's some pretty incredible praise for a beauty tool that plenty of folks don't have in their makeup kits. But Shu's gorgeous silver curler more than deserves the cult-following — and the mention in a Meryl Streep movie.

Shu's lash curler is a winner for a bunch of reasons. The first is its shape. Instead of a typical U-curve, this lash curler has a more mushroom curve to it. That means you get a closer hug against your lids than other curlers might provide, which lessens the chances of pinching and pulling — especially for those with smaller, rounder eyes. Shu's mushroom shape also holds your lashes in place as you curl, ensuring no wayward lashes accidentally get snagged in the metal. Ouch.

But the best part about Shu's curler is something you might not even notice because it's more technical than aesthetic. This curler has a patented hinge that actually works to ensure you can't press too hard mid-pulse. It's like a mini failsafe. No matter how hard you press, that hinge is going to make sure the pressure is evenly distributed, which cuts down on your chances of pinching.

Because of all of this, Shu's curler regularly winds up in the kits of makeup artists, beauty editors, and cosmetics pros across the country. One editor from InStyle has been using this guy for years, claiming that "one or two pumps followed by a coat of mascara kept the curl in place until I washed my face at the end of the day." Buyers agree, too, with one Amazon reviewer raving that "the reviews are NOT wrong. This little gem is amazing."

One little snag, though — Shu Uemura has discontinued refills on the silicone pad. And even though this curler's pad is a bit more resilient than others, it does need to be replaced every six months or so, which means you might need to buy a completely new curler. But since the price is right on this tool, that won't hurt all that much.

Pros: Patented hinge that distributes pressure, meaning you get gorgeously fanned-out lashes every time.

Cons: No refills available on the silicone pads

The most versatile eyelash curler

Not every curler is right for every eye shape, but when it comes to versatility, Kevyn Aucoin's curler is a top pick.

One of the hardest parts about shopping for an eyelash curler is figuring out which one is right for you. There are many different eye shapes in the world, which means that not every lash curler is going to work for every shape. But curlers aren't like shoes — you can't just try them on at the beauty counter and hope to find the perfect one that won't snag your eye. So when you're in that situation, what can you do?

The answer? Reach for Kevyn Aucoin's lash curler. You'll know it from its distinctive red silicone pad. What makes this curler so clutch for newbies is its flatter-than-usual shape. Instead of being curved, a shape which immediately disqualifies a whole host of eye shapes from using it, Kevyn Aucoin's flat curler can accommodate larger, wider eyes without missing a single lash. That cuts out a lot of the guesswork for people who aren't all that intimately acquainted with the shapes of their eyes.

But beyond the shape, Kevyn Aucoin's eyelash curler also wins for a bunch of other reasons. It's slimmer and less bulky than other curlers, which means there is less metal to snag your sensitive skin on. According to makeup artist Rommy Najor, "it doesn't require a strong pinch to the lash in order to curl the lashes." That means you're keeping things gentle around the eyes, which is always a good idea.

This lash curler has crazy good reviews across websites from Amazon to Nordstrom. "I noticed that the pad seems to be firmer than the others, and that makes all the difference in the world," one reviewer said. Others can't stop raving about how long the curl in their lashes lasts. So if you're just starting out and are looking for a curler you can trust without trying it first, Kevyn Aucoin's is an amazing place to start.

Pros: Works on many different eye shapes.  

Cons: Since it's got a flat shape, some customers have complained that the lashes don't get as even a curl as happens with other curlers.

The best curler for hard-to-reach lashes

If your curler isn't getting all the itty-bitty lashes by the inner and outer corners, try the Preo / Prima Curl Up Japanese Eyelash Curler. The unique shape gets every. single. lash, but fair warning — it will take some getting used to. 

No matter how much we love our eyelash curler recommendations, everything is subjective. So if you're still finding that your eyelash curler doesn't get all the small lashes by the inner and outer corners of your eyes (which happens to me with every curler I've tried), the tiny-but-mighty Preo / Prima Curl Up Japanese Eyelash Curler will get the job done. 

I wrote about it almost two years ago when I was at Marie Claire after makeup artist Romy Najor recommended it during a photoshoot, and still use it to this day. I've used it solo throughout my lashes as well as a supplement to get hard-to-reach lashes after using the Shu. Note that if you decide to use it on its own, it'll take an extra minute or two because it's designed to curl in sections as opposed to the full length of your lashline. 

The brushed stainless-steel curler is probably about the width of a standard pencil eyeliner — so it's thin — and is comprised of two pieces that look more like a clamp than a traditional curler. Using is takes some getting used to — you hold it between your thumb and forefinger, hover over just a section of your lashes, and pulse a few times.

It's definitely scary at first because of how close the metal and your fingers are to your eyes, but the device feels like it's made with brushed stainless steel so there's a bit of grip to it and your fingers won't slide right off. Once you master it, even the shortest lashes will be lifted and curled — and to me, that's worth the extra effort. — Jada Wong

 Pros: Unique and slim design gets every lash, refillable pads 

Cons: Takes time to get used to to design, small size might not be a fit for people with large fingers 

The best affordable eyelash curler

The Tweezerman Classic Eyelash Curler Model No. 1034-R is a great affordable option that won't break the bank. 

Theoretically, small tools like eyelash curlers shouldn't cost a lot — and we know that some in our list here do — but at around $10, Tweezerman's Classic Eyelash Curler Model No. 1034-R is a great budget option that doesn't compromise on results.

It has the same construction as traditional curlers with a slim metal construction, finger slots, and rounded pads. Based on personal use, it seems to have a more rounded shape than the Surratt or Shu, but according to the brand and Amazon reviewers, still works well on many eye shapes.

I've used this one a few times (though I personally prefer the Shu) and supplement it with the Preo/Prima to get hard-to-reach lashes. For $10 though, I think it's a hard-to-beat steal, and one worth trying out. I especially like that it comes with three silicone refill pads, which are hypoallergenic and great for those with sensitive eyes. — Jada Wong

Pros: Budget friendly, comes with three silicone refill pads 

Cons: Rounded shape might not fit flatter or wider eye shapes 

Check out our other makeup buying guides

• Katy Flannery is one of nearly 120 million other Americans with lactose intolerance, where eating typical dairy products like ice cream often results in painful consequences.
• After years of trial and error, she and college friend Gwen Burlingame created a recipe for premium-grade dairy ice cream with natural ingredients and no lactose.
• Flannery and Burlingame founded Beckon ice cream and scaled up from local farmers markets to national distribution in over 1,000 stores including Whole Foods and several regional grocers.
• Flannery and Burlingame shared with Business Insider how their past career experiences — in pediatric nursing and in marketing, respectively — help them tackle the challenges of bootstrapping their business.
• Visit BI Prime for more stories.

One in three Americans are not able to fully digest the lactose sugar compound, and those numbers are trending up. People of non-European descent tend to have higher rates of lactose intolerance, and they represent some of the fastest growing demographic groups in the US.

Katy Flannery was 18 when she developed lactose intolerance that forced her to choose between enjoying her favorite dessert or going out with friends. She couldn't have both.

Brands like Lactaid and Breyers weren't a suitable substitute, so she teamed up with college friend Gwen Burlingame to invent a premium ice cream made with all-natural ingredients and no lactose.

They named the resulting product Minus the Moo and sold at local farmers markets for 2 years while each worked full-time jobs in medicine and corporate marketing.

Their local Whole Foods picked up Minus the Moo in 2016, and they left their jobs to pursue the business full time. 

Last year they rebranded as Beckon and scaled up to national distribution online and in over 1,000 stores across the US.

Ice cream is an $11 billion industry, according to the International Dairy Foods Association, but there are still very few dairy-based lactose-free ice creams. Those with lactose intolerance typically opt for plant-based alternatives made with soy, coconut, or rice milk.

That looked like an opportunity to Flannery. "As a consumer, why can't I have exactly what I want?" she asked.

Business Insider spoke with the team to hear how they identified a problem and used their past career experience to guide their business strategy. BI also sampled a bowl of their vanilla ice cream and found it to be indistinguishable from top-shelf traditional formulations.

Making sacrifices in the pursuit of no-compromises

The first problem for Flannery was that every alternative felt like a compromise. Nothing she could find on the store shelves had the taste and texture she loved about premium ice-cream brands.

"If it's coconut based or almond based, or you can always kind of pick up on that other flavor. And the taste and texture is just different," she said. "I wanted a traditional premium ice cream that use high quality ingredients in something that wasn't stigmatizing."

Working full time as a pediatric ICU nurse, she spent her days and nights off-duty mixing and testing different recipes and failing repeatedly.

"My first batch was really icy and it didn't have the same like taste and texture as a traditional premium ice cream," she said "That's what all the innovation has been around to have that same mouth feel, and the same consistency and freezing properties."

Burlingame was at that time living and working for L'Oreal in New York City. On weekends she would take the Megabus to Boston to work with Flannery.

The duo would prep all Saturday in Flannery's kitchen and sell all day Sunday at farmers markets. Gwen would then board an evening bus to get back to work in New York on Monday.

Before the business turned a profit, Flannery relied on a special "life-jump" savings account and Burlingame nearly maxed out her credit cards. 

"You have to be ready to say goodbye to anything extra, which is what we've been doing," Flannery said. "If you're willing to take the Megabus every weekend, this might be for you."

Stalking the shelves

Neither Flannery nor Burlingame had food industry experience, so the pair turned roamed grocery aisles for inspiration.

"We went to Whole Foods to walk around and make notes of all of these small brands that we admired," Flannery said.

From those notes, the team looked up contact info for their favorite companies and started sending emails and phone calls. Many of the entrepreneurs they cold-called were generous with their time and offered useful tips.

Boston's entrepreneurship scene is home to many highly competitive pitch contests, and Flannery and Burlingame won several, including pitch slams with NOSH, the Natural Organic Sustainable Healthy food industry group, and Sam Adams' Brewing the American Dream. They also garnered recognition from the New England Business Association and SCORE.

The real value of the competitions was the networking opportunities it afforded them, like mentorship from John Leahy, former President and COO of Kind Snacks.

"There's people from each of these different opportunities that have then been able to impart wisdom, so that's been super helpful," Burlingame said.

A big part of their business strategy comes down to listening to their customers, especially about flavors that folks with lactose intolerance miss most. 

"It goes to that idea of nostalgia, like, what are the things that people are really craving?" Burlingame said.

Flannery described another benefit to their approach to customer engagement.

"Pretty much every day, we'll get an email from a customer or a direct message on Instagram, where they'll express to us everything that we're fighting for. And that's just been so reinvigorating," she said.

Some of the best things in life (and business) are free

Flannery and Burlingame's days of Megabus austerity may be behind them, but that hasn't dampened their appreciation for the cheap but effective tools and resources they used with a shoestring budget.

Flannery captures fleeting thoughts in her Moleskine notebooks that she calls "Think Tanks," as she has since she worked 12-hour shifts three days per week at the children's hospital. Burlingame prefers to be paper-free, and is an avid user of Google's G-suite products.

And while Burlingame has a degree in marketing, Flannery says, "I got my MBA from Investopedia and Shark Tank."

Both women are voracious readers and listeners of books and podcasts, and frequently use their Boston Public Library memberships to access the digital resources on the library apps Overdrive and Libby.

"Learn quickly all the things that you have to learn, but there has to be some sort of like gut instinct," Flannery said.

Flannery sees parallels between her time working in intensive-care and starting a business. Ice cream is obviously not a life-or-death business, but in each case she says you must process rapidly changing information to anticipate difficulty and respond to surprises.

Having perfected their recipe for lactose-free ice cream, Flannery and Burlingame say their business offers something that can't be easily replicated.

"We have a lot of empathy for the customer because we are the customer," Burlingame said. "I think that kind of authenticity to a brand is really important nowadays."

"Yeah," Flannery added, "the whole package can't be made up in a lab."

SEE ALSO: 2 millennial women just won $100,000 to scale their vegan ice cream business. Here’s how they perfected their ‘scoopable’ banana-based recipe and landed their pints on Whole Foods shelves.*

SEE ALSO: The cofounder of Halo Top says he eats the low-calorie, low-sugar ice cream every day, but he warns against the extreme diet that has people living off it

Join the conversation about this story »

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• Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire former New York Mayor who is poised to enter the presidential race, has made offensive comments about women in the past.
• Bloomberg has long been accused of making offensive and belittling remarks about women's appearances and sexuality.
• He has in past years batted away numerous allegations of a toxic misogynist culture at his company and sexual assault allegations made against a top executive. 
• In the late 1990s, Bloomberg said he wouldn't believe a woman's rape claims unless "an unimpeachable third-party witness" could back them up.
• Bloomberg's team told The New York Times in a statement this week that the former three-term mayor regrets some of the "disrespectful" comments he's made in the past. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire former New York mayor who is poised to enter the presidential race, will likely be haunted by offensive comments he's made in the past about women and the #MeToo movement against sexual misconduct. 

Bloomberg has long been accused of making offensive and belittling remarks about women's appearances and sexuality. At a Christmas party in 2012, he pointed to a woman wearing a tight dress and said,"look at the ass on her."

If he moves forward with a presidential bid, Bloomberg's history of womanizing could invite unflattering comparisons to President Donald Trump.

His team told The New York Times in a statement this week that the former three-term mayor regrets some of the "disrespectful" comments he's made in the past. 

"Mike has come to see that some of what he has said is disrespectful and wrong," said Stu Loeser, an adviser to Bloomberg's potential presidential bid. "He believes his words have not always aligned with his values and the way he has led his life."

Last year, Bloomberg appeared to question the #MeToo movement, telling The Times that the battle against sexual harassment and assault may have gone too far in certain cases. He defended former TV news anchor Charlie Rose shortly after he was fired from PBS News and CBS News following harassment allegations. 

"The stuff I read about is disgraceful — I don't know how true all of it is," Bloomberg said of the allegations against Rose. "We have a system where you have — presumption of innocence is the basis of it," he said. 

In his 1997 autobiography, Bloomberg wrote that he kept "a girlfriend in every city" during his years on Wall Street in the 1960s and 70s. And he once told a reporter, "I like theater, dining, and chasing women ... Let me put it this way: I am a single, straight billionaire in Manhattan. What do you think? It's a wet dream."

He's also faced scrutiny over remarks attributed to him in a 32-page booklet gifted to him in jest by colleagues in 1990. The booklet, titled ''Portable Bloomberg: The Wit and Wisdom of Michael Bloomberg,'' featured a host of misogynistic, racist, and homophobic jokes. One quote attributed to Bloomberg read, "If women wanted to be appreciated for their brains, they'd go to the library instead of to Bloomingdale's." 

Bloomberg berated reporters for asking him about the booklet during his 2001 campaign for mayor. 

''That you are focusing on it is just so ridiculous,'' Bloomberg said at the time. ''Let's get back to talking about what this city cares about.''

Discrimination and assault at Bloomberg LP

Bloomberg has in past years batted away numerous allegations of a toxic misogynist culture at his company and sexual assault allegations made against a top executive. 

In 2008, at least 58 women filed a class-action lawsuit against Bloomberg LP alleging pregnancy discrimination. The women alleged they were demoted, had their salaries cut, or were otherwise mistreated after they returned from maternity leave. 

One of the women's complaints alleged that an executive at the company said, "I'm not having any pregnant bitches working for me."

This came after several female employees sued Bloomberg LP alleging discrimination or sexual harassment in the 1990s. 

One former Bloomberg employee, Mary Ann Olszewski, sued the company in 1998 alleging that she was raped by a company executive.

At the time, Bloomberg said he wouldn't believe Olszewski's rape claims unless "an unimpeachable third-party witness" could back them up.

Loeser told The Times this week that Bloomberg made that comment about rape in the heat of a deposition and that it doesn't reflect his current views. 

"That's not what he believes," Loeser said.

SEE ALSO: The 25 women who have accused Trump of sexual misconduct

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• In an effort to help more women self-diagnose breast cancer, the Breast Cancer Foundation created a nursery song that implements instructions for a successful breast self-exam.
• The song's three main stanzas, sung by children in monkey suits, use the phrases "up and down,""bit by bit," and "round and round" to illustrate the patterns of a breast self-check.
• Breast cancer is the second most common cause of death from cancer among American women, after lung cancer.
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Breast cancer is the second most common cause of death from cancer among American women, yet a lot of them don't know how to perform a breast self-examination.

This is despite the fact that early detection plays a crucial role in decreasing breast cancer death rates, according to the American Cancer Society.

To raise awareness around the importance of breast self-examinations, the Breast Cancer Foundation (BCF) on Thursday created an instructional video with the help of a familiar nursery song, "Wheels on the Bus."

Titled "Molly Monkey Sings and Saves," the song's three main stanzas use the phrases "up and down,""bit by bit," and "round and round" to illustrate the patterns of a breast self-check.

As part of the Nursery Reminder Campaign, a video of the song published on YouTube features three children dressed in monkey suits, performing an easy-to-learn dance. An illustrated storybook based on the song is also available.

David Fong, general manager of BCF said the song would bring the breast cancer message across to people via children, who are "the biggest influencers" in many people's lives.

"It reminds us that early detection can save lives and that we need to take care of ourselves for our children and loved ones," he said.

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Here's how to escape a flooding vehicle

• Growing beyond the $5 million revenue plateau is a challenge for any business, and a significant marker of success.
• Women business owners who have achieved that feat still face unfair skepticism from (typically male) funders, according to a recent report from Bank of America and Babson College.
• The report identified 3 key challenges that successful women business owners continue to face, and laid out 7 strategies women business owners can use right now to grow their businesses.
• Visit BI Prime for more stories.

It is often said that the first million dollars are the hardest to earn — and it's even harder for women.

Another revenue plateau seems to occur at the transition from the startup phase to the all-important growth phase.

A recent report from Babson College and Bank of America took aim squarely at the question of how high-earning women entrepreneurs are growing their businesses.

"We were intrigued to see how women at this level of success are still facing challenges,"Lakshmi Balachandra, a professor of entrepreneurship at Babson College and one of the report's contributors, told Business Insider.

The researchers surveyed 30 women who have grown their businesses beyond $5 million in revenues.

One participant was Laura Tomasetti, founder and CEO of 360PR, a public relations and marketing agency that currently makes $10 million per year.

"There is an instant camaraderie when you meet another woman entrepreneur and a desire to share what has worked and what hasn't," Tomasetti said in an interview with Business Insider. "That is really the spirit of this report."

The study found three key challenges that successful women entrepreneurs face, and recommended immediate actions they can take to grow their businesses.

Three key challenges

After the startup phase, women founders face three critical barriers to growing their companies: market misperceptions, network exclusion, and lack of funding.

Male funders often fail to see the market opportunities presented by female entrepreneurs because they don't see the same need for a missing product or service.

"There are many viable business plans that are women-focused, but VCs aren't able to see the opportunity," said Karen Reynolds Sharkey, national business owner strategy executive for Bank of America Private Bank.

The report cites the example of Sara Blakely, who struggled to gain traction with investors for her clothing concept that could support and shape women's bodies. The product? Spanx, which now sells an estimated $400 million per year.

Some of these misunderstandings arise from a lack of interaction between genders. Economist Justin Wolfers found there were more men named John than there were women among the CEOs of S&P 1500 firms in 2015.

Lillian Rafson, founder of the travel agency Pack Up and Go, described how she was the first woman to attend an industry networking event. After she felt excluded because of her gender, she raised her concerns to the organizer.

"He suggested that I instead attend another meeting, one for executives at companies. I told him I'm not an executive. I'm a CEO, and I run a multimillion-dollar business," she said.

At every stage of business, women struggle to get financing. Even now, less than 3% of venture funds are directed toward female founders, according to PitchBook.

Balachandra said her research has found a disparity in how funders perceive the business goals of men versus women.

"Men don't think women want to build big businesses," she said. "When a man wants to build big, he is lauded, but women are not."

Capital constraints meant that the women surveyed used debt financing and organic growth strategies to build their businesses more slowly than their male peers.

These limitations lead many women to take a more conservative, value-oriented approach to business, but many survey respondents remained interested in other types of funding.

Actionable strategies for women business owners

The report also made recommendations for strategies for women entrepreneurs that the respondents use themselves, like alternative funding, sustainable growth, and building new networks.

The high cost of venture capital can mean that it is a less preferable funding source for some founders. If a business owner is able to secure enough debt financing, she can retain control over the equity ownership of her company.

Organic growth also helps to cultivate the habits and practices that prioritize long-term growth over rapid returns. One such practice is the steady investment in the company's people and culture.

Tomasetti of 360PR says being financially risk averse enables her agency to be more risk-tolerant when developing novel marketing campaigns for clients.

Her company has also been able to weather economic challenges without having to resort to layoffs, unlike her competitors in the industry.

Women entrepreneurs can expand the opportunities for other women in three important ways: financially, individually, and communally.

First, they can support women-owned businesses by buying their products and services, or providing access to capital.

In addition, mentorship and networking initiatives help expand the opportunities for women to raise their experience and professional standing in their industry.

The report recommends that women partner up in individual mentor-mentee relationships or create new professional networks to achieve these aims.

Lastly, the report's authors say that women's experiences represent enormous potential for new growth.

By using their personal experience to identify business opportunities, and communicating those ideas with like-minded partners, women can address a range of underserved markets.

Takeaways

The women surveyed in the report represented a broad range of industries, and while $5 million was the minimum revenue threshold, average sales for the group was more than $40 million.

The challenges outlined in the report were not equally experienced by the respondents, but they were still a major concern even after years of running successful businesses.

"We were struck by how focused these women are," Balachandra said. "They acknowledge some barriers, but they are determined to build big businesses."

The growth phase puts a new spin on old challenges that women entrepreneurs might have expected to fade over time as their businesses succeed.

Significant challenges remain, but the growing number of female business leaders suggests there are promising alternatives to the status quo, especially when they work together.

There are now more than 200,000 women entrepreneurs whose businesses earn over $1 million per year, and women are starting businesses at five times the national average, according to research from American Express.

"It's really hard to go it alone, and you don't have to," Tomasetti said. "There's a feeling that we have to do it all, and that asking for help is a sign of weakness, but it's not."

SEE ALSO: Women founders and CEOs share 9 hard truths about raising capital all small businesses need to know

SEE ALSO: Women entrepreneurs talk about the frustrations they face when starting a business, and how they've handled challenges like limited access to funds

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• Everyone needs a bathrobe. Whether it's for after your shower, while lounging on a lazy weekend morning, or a cover-up to keep you warm before bed, this must-have garment is practically defined by its comfort.
• If you want to take comfort to the highest level, you'll love the Classic Bathrobe from Parachute.

Slipping into the right bathrobe is like getting a cozy hug — It makes you feel good. All too often, however, women settle for stained, torn, just-plain-ugly robes that passed their best days years ago. And here at Insider Picks, we don't think that's right.

That's why we decided to bring you this gathering of the eight best women's bathrobes, whether you prefer warm and fleecy, silky and sensuous, or just-right-after-a-shower terrycloth.

We think everyone deserves a comfortable, good-looking bathrobe that's a pleasure to wear. So if you're in the market for a new bathrobe — or looking to buy one for someone else — here are the robes to consider.

Here are the best women's bathrobes you can buy:

• Best bathrobe overall: Classic Bathrobe from Parachute
• Best spa-style bathrobe: Spa Bathrobe from TowelSelections
• Best fleece bathrobe: PajamaMania's Women's Fleece Robe
• Best lightweight bathrobe: Alexander Del Rossa Lightweight Woven Robe
• Best terry cloth bathrobe: TowelSelection Women's Terry Robe
• Best plaid bathrobe: Stewart Plaid Robe from PajamaGram
• Best real silk bathrobe: MYK Short Silk Bathrobe

Updated on 10/10/2019 by Les Shu: Updated prices, links, and formatting. 

SEE ALSO: The best women's pajamas you can buy

The best women’s bathrobe overall

The Classic Bathrobe from Parachute is a touch of luxury at a reasonable price, and it's so cozy and warm, you'll never want to take it off.

This isn't the first time we've expressed our love for the Classic Bathrobe from Parachute. We tried it out and couldn't get enough of it. 

Made from 100% long-staple Turkish cotton, this is the bathrobe that will warm you after a shower, keep you cozy while lounging around the house, cuddle you when you're feeling under the weather, and keep you covered when answering the door.

As the name suggests, the style is classic bathrobe: shawl collar, tie waist, two front pockets, and an easy-but-not-too-slouchy fit. It's fairly lightweight and comfortable to wear, so you won't overheat or catch a chill in this robe.

The Classic Bathrobe is available in white or gray and sizes small through X-large. It reaches mid-calf on most people, though if you're shorter, it may be longer.

Pros: Thick and cozy, highest quality cotton, absorbent

Cons: Only comes in two colors, more expensive than many other robes

The best spa-style women’s bathrobe

Slip on the waffle-weave Spa Bathrobe from TowelSelections, and you'll feel like you're at your favorite spa.

If you've ever pampered yourself with a day at the spa, you're undoubtedly familiar with the white, waffle-weave, lightweight robes that most spas provide for your use during your treatments. Well, although the facial and massage, unfortunately, aren't included, you'll still get that pampered feeling from TowelSelection's Spa Bathrobe.

A blend of 55% Turkish cotton, 45% polyester, the Spa Bathrobe is not too heavy or hot. It's perfect for use around the swimming pool, après shower, while traveling, or anytime you want to lounge.

Buyers praise the robe's light weight and cozy comfort, but some mention that it runs large. There are lots of colors to choose from, including red, pink, green, blue, and navy.

Sizes run from small through extra-large. The Spa Bathrobe hits around mid-calf on most people. It has two front pockets.

Pros: Lightweight, comfortable, flattering fit, lots of colors, great price

Cons: If you like your robes thick and fleecy, this one isn't for you

The best plush fleece women’s bathrobe

If you're looking for a fuzzy, warm, and soft bathrobe, you'll love PajamaMania's Women's Fleece Robe.

Plush, polyester fleece is so cozy and soft against your skin. While it isn't super-absorbent — this isn't the best robe for slipping on after a shower — it's definitely going to be your favorite robe for cozying up while watching TV or lazing around on a weekend morning.

PajamaMania's Women's Fleece Robe has everything you expect from a bathrobe: a shawl collar, front pockets, inner ties, thick belt, and an easy fit. It's also supremely soft and comfy. 

You can get the robe in a number of different colors and patterns to match any style. Sizes run from small to extra-extra-large, although some Amazon buyers mentioned that the robe runs a little small. On most people, the Women's Fleece Robe will hit around mid-calf.

Pros: Fleecy and soft, cute patterns, reasonable price

Cons: Sheds a bit at first, runs a little small

The best lightweight women’s bathrobe

The Lightweight Woven Robe from Alexander Del Rossa is a flattering cover-up that won't weigh you down.

Made of 100% preshrunk cotton, the Lightweight Woven Robe is going to be your go-to loungewear throughout the summer. If you live in a warm climate, this may be the only bathrobe you need all year long.

Alexander Del Rossa offers the robe in a dizzying range of colors and patterns, each with contrasting piping for a little extra touch of style. There are two front pockets, and inner ties to keep the robe closed securely.

One Amazon buyer said, "While titled 'Lightweight,' the fabric is actually a smooth, tight weave that is very difficult to find. This is old-school cotton that is crisp, resists wrinkles, and washes beautifully. When true cotton is offered today, it is usually whisper-thin, but not this sleepwear!"

Alexander Del Rossa's Lightweight Woven Robe comes in sizes small through double-extra-large. It's mid-calf length on most wearers, although a few owners mentioned the robe runs a bit small.

Pros: Lots of great patterns and colors to choose from, lightweight and not too hot, flattering cut

Cons: May run a little small

The best women’s terrycloth bathrobe

If you like to slip into your robe while still damp after a shower, only the TowelSelection's Women's Terry Robe will do.

There's nothing like cozying up in a terry bathrobe after a bath or shower. Soft against your skin, the fabric soaks up any remaining drops of water, leaving you comfortable and warm. TowelSelection's Women's Terry Robe is made from 100% Turkish cotton — long-fibered cotton that is especially soft and luxurious.

More than 1,100 Amazon reviewers gave this robe 5-stars. Buyers like the softness of the terry, the lightweight feel of the robe, and the fluffiness of the fabric. On the downside, a few said that the robe tore or unraveled in the wash sooner than they would have expected.

TowelSelections offers 15 colors to choose from, including lilac, blue, red, and olive green. Sizes run from small to extra-large. The robe will fall below the knee on most wearers.

Pros: Lightweight, fluffy and absorbent, lots of great colors, comfortable

Cons: A few buyers felt the quality wasn't up to their standards

The best women’s flannel bathrobe

Nothing beats a soft flannel robe on a chilly winter's night, and the Stewart Plaid Robe from PajamaGram is about as soft as you can get.

There's something wonderfully old-fashioned about flannel. It's like the coziest hug from your favorite grandma. That's not to say a flannel bathrobe is dowdy or unflattering. In fact, PajamaGram's Stewart Plaid Robe is bright and cheerful, with a cut that flatters without being too tight or too baggy.

Made of 100% cotton, the Stewart Plaid robe is lightweight, yet still offers plenty of warmth. Flannel is absorbent, so this is a great robe for after a shower or bath, and it's ideal for lounging before bed or on a lazy morning.

The robe only comes in red Stewart plaid, but that's a classic that looks good on most people. It has oversize front pockets and a shawl collar. Sizes range from small to extra-large.

Pros: Soft and cozy flannel is lightweight but still warm

Cons: Only available in red plaid

The best real silk bathrobe

The MYK Short Silk Bathrobe is made from 100% silk so you can feel luxurious and lovely every time you don your robe.

MYK Silk's Short Bathrobe is the height of luxury with its 100% Grade 6A 22 momme pure mulberry silk fabric. The silk is also certified by OEKO-TEX, so it doesn't have any harmful chemicals or synthetics in it.

It's a short robe, so you won't get a ton of coverage from it, but that's not the point of a silk robe, really — the point is to feel the super soft fabric on your skin and to look absolutely fabulous. The robe does have full-length sleeves, hip pockets, and a belt you can tie shut. 

Although we haven't personally donned this robe, we can speak to the quality of MYK Silk's products, having recently tested a silk pajama set and a silk pillowcase from the brand. We love the rich texture of the silk and its high quality. — Malarie Gokey

Pros: Real silk, Oeko-Tex certified, short style, decent price for silk

Cons: A bit pricey

Check out our buying guides for the best women's pajamas and slippers

The best women's slippers you can buy

Your feet take a beating all day long. Why not give them the loving they deserve once work hours are over and you're home for the night? Just slide your tootsies into a pair of comfortable slippers, and ahhhh, feel them start to relax.

We checked out the reviews and buying advice, to choose the eight best women's slippers for pretty much every need. So whether you are buying the slippers for yourself, or to give as a gift to a lucky family member or friend, you'll find a pair that treats your feet right.

Here are the best women's slippers you can buy:

• Best women's slippers overall: Haflinger AT Boiled Wool Slippers
• Best warm slippers: L.L.Bean's Wicked Good Moccasins
• Best slip-on suede slippers: Minnetonka Chesney Slippers
• Best cute slippers: Snoozies Ballerina Bling Sequin Slippers
• Best flip-flop style slippers: Acorn Women's Spa Thong Slippers
• Best ergonomic slippers: Vionic Women's Relax Slippers
• Best slipper socks: Snoozies Classic Splitz Slippers
• Best fun slippers: Happy Feet Animal Slippers
• Best ballet-style slippers: Isotoner Classic Satin Ballet Slippers

The best women's pajamas you can buy

A comfortable set of pajamas makes downtime even sweeter, and when the pajamas look as good as they feel, that's the best of all.

We've gathered up the best women's pajamas in all the categories that count, from comfy to perfect for romance. So whether you're getting ready to slip between the sheets for some shuteye, some romance, or some binge watching of the latest Netflix must-see, here are the jammies to do it in.

Here are the best women's pajamas:

• Best women's pajamas overall: J. Crew Dreamy Cotton Pajamas
• Best women's pajamas for warm weather: Latuza Women's V-Neck Pajama Set
• Best women's pajamas for cold winter nights: Angelina Cozy Women's Fleece Pajamas
• Best women's pajamas for extra warmth: L.L.Bean Cozy PJ Set
• Best women's silk pajamas: MYK Silk Women's Silk Pajama Set

• We tested dozens of smartwatches to see which ones are best for women in terms of style, size, and function.
• The 40mm Apple Watch Series 5 is the most stylish, high-tech smartwatch for women with its simple interface and attractive looks.

The first smartwatches were bulky, ugly monstrosities that only the most ardent of tech addicts could stomach wearing every day, but over the past few years, smartwatches have become much more fashionable.

As more and more fashion-forward brands join the latest tech craze, smartwatches for women have started to arrive. Fossil, Skagen, and Kate Spade are getting into the wearable world. Of course, traditional tech companies are taking notice of the trend, too.

Apple was one of the first tech companies to make female-friendly Apple Watch styles, and it remains the only company to have successfully made a smartwatch that's small enough for women with dainty wrists. Meanwhile, Samsung, LG, Huawei, Motorola, and others have dabbled in making attractive versions of their smartwatches for women.

As a female tech reviewer for the past six years, I've tested nearly every smartwatch that has come out to date — no matter how big or manly — so I can confidently say that these are the best smartwatches for women.

Our buying guide of the best smartwatches for women includes all kinds of watches to suit every style, so whether you like gold, silver, or a unique finish; whether you like chunky watches, slim ones, or futuristic styles, we've got you covered.

Here are the best smartwatches for women:

• Best smartwatch for women overall: 40mm Apple Watch Series 5
• Best smartwatch with a classic design: Fossil Q Julianna HR
• Best smartwatch with a minimalist design: Skagen Falster 2

The best smartwatch for women overall

The Apple Watch Series 5 has a cool new always-on watch face, a female-friendly fit, and excellent fitness features.

It doesn't get better than theApple Watch Series 5. The new slimmer body and always-on watch face make it sleeker and more stylish than ever before. The unique modern design works for both men and women.

The smartwatch comes in 40mm and 44mm styles to fit wrists big and small. You can buy it in several finishes to match your style and there are dozens of Apple-made and third-party watch bands to make the Watch your own. Apple brought back the premium ceramic and stainless steel finishes, too.

No other smartwatch offers this much variety and customization, especially when it comes to female-friendly options. The Apple Watch is the only smartwatch I've ever worn regularly each day for months on end. I've reviewed dozens of Android Wear watches, and although many of them are nice looking as well and they have improved over the years, they're not as fully featured or easy to use as the Apple Watch. They're not quite as slim or natural-looking on my wrist, either.

The Apple Watch boasts cutting-edge smartwatch tech including mobile payments with Apple Pay, stand-alone GPS, full waterproofing up to 50 meters, and thousands of apps. The user interface is very simple and attractive. It's easy to use and it has advanced, easy-to-use fitness tracking features, thanks to many sensors and an excellent heart rate monitor.

The Series 5 can even detect when you fall and even alert emergency contacts if need be, as well as an electrical heart rate sensor that works with an app to alert you to heart health issues. The electrocardiogram (ECG) app has been certified by the Food & Drug Administration.

You can also get an LTE version of the Series 5 for standalone smartwatch functions like calls, texts, and internet access. That way, you can leave your phone at home when you go out on a run or a long hike.

The LTE connection will cost you a monthly fee at most carriers, and the LTE model does cost more. There's a non-LTE version, too, if you're not interested in the new feature. Most people probably don't need LTE, frankly, unless you regularly go on hikes or long runs and you don't want to be weighed down with your phone. Still, it's a nice option to have.

The Series 5 lasts a full day on a charge, but you can get more out of it if you don't get notifications from every app on your iPhone. The new always-on display does lessen the battery life a bit, too.

While other companies struggle to pack tons of tech into bulky smartwatches, Apple effortlessly offers all the tech you need in the most compact and attractive smartwatch you can buy.

Pros: Gorgeous larger screen, slimmer watch case, haptic feedback from the crown, great watch faces, tons of band options, lots of apps, new health-focused features

Cons: Expensive, battery life is short, only works with iPhone

The best with feminine details

The Kate Spade Scallop 2 is a truly feminine, whimsical, and charming smartwatch that packs serious tech features like a heart rate monitor, GPS, and NFC for mobile payments.

Most smartwatches are still more unisex than specifically made for women. Even though Fossil, Skagen, and Apple make very convincing unisex watches that women can actually wear, none of them are unapologetically feminine. If you, like me, have been waiting for the day when you can look at a smartwatch and say, "Oh my God! It's so cute!" your day has come. 

The Kate Spade Scallop 2 is fully and completely designed for women. The round metal watch casing is relatively slim, very sleek, and absolutely adorable because it has the cute little detail of scalloping around the watch face.

The watch faces themselves are classic Kate Spade designs. You get a sultry winking moon face with perfectly curled lashes, calling you a leading lady; cute bubbly balloons for a digital watch face with numbers; a speeding cab that reassures you that you'll be there in a New York minute; and a daisy that loses petals as the time ticks away in a classic game of "He loves me; he loves me not."

The cute scalloped silicone band in black or a leather band in blush pink and the well-made, slim metal bracelet style watch band complete the feminine look. It is these little touches that make this watch so fun. 

Underneath all the fun design is Wear OS (formerly Android Wear) with all its skills and limitations. Like all the other Wear OS watches in our guide, you can pair it an iPhone or Android device to get apps and all your notifications.

The second-generation Scallop even has GPS, NFC for payments, and a heart rate monitor, making it more high tech than ever.

Pros: Adorable design, feminine watch faces and casing, cute straps, subtle details for fun, GPS, NFC, heart rate monitor

Cons: A bit expensive

The best with a classic design

The Fossil Q Julianna HR is a sleek smartwatch with a classic design, a heart rate monitor, GPS, NFC, and the power of WearOS.

If you're an Android user who wants a female-friendly smartwatch, you're in luck. Over the past few years, fashion brands and watchmakers have been making great Wear OS smartwatches. Fossil's smartwatch line continues to grow each year, and the new Q Julianna HR is its fifth-generation model.

In the new version, the watch casing is smaller and less bulky and there's also the latest tech like a heart rate sensor, GPS, and NFC for mobile payments.

Fossil offers several different finishes for the Q Julianna's watch casing. I love the simple rose gold casing and leather strap option, but you can also get one with a metal bracelet.

If you don't like any of the included straps, Fossil and other brands sell dozens of 22mm watch straps you can choose instead to really make the Q Julianna your own.

It's a chunky watch, which is great for women who like bigger watches. Even though it's stylish, this smartwatch is also waterproof up to 3 ATM, so you can swim with it on.

As for the tech inside, the Q Julianna runs Wear OS (previously known as Android Wear) and works with thousands of apps on the Google Play Store. You can answer texts, interact with notifications, and choose your own watch face — just like you would on any other smartwatch. Fossil has lots of nice watch faces in feminine colors, too.

It'll work with both Android phones and the iPhone, but it's best with Android devices. When Android Wear watches are paired to the iPhone, a lot of functions no longer work, and you're left with a pretty watch that gives you notifications.

Pros: Classic watch design, stylish color options, lots of compatible watch straps, and it's compatible with iPhones and Android phones

Cons: It's a bit chunky, not as good with iPhone

The best for minimalists

The Skagen Falster 2 has the same unique, simple design as the original, but now it has a heart rate monitor, Google Pay, and GPS built in.

Skagen is known for its minimalistic design choices, and the Falster 2, its second smartwatch, is a prime example. The Falster 2 looks very different from most other smartwatches with its unique lugs and simple bands. It's also slimmer than the original Falster.

It's an interesting smartwatch, because it could easily suit men or women. I tried the Falster 2 on for size, and while it was large for my notoriously small wrists, it looked just fine on other women's larger wrists and on men. If you like bigger watches, it'll look right at home on you.

Just like all other Wear OS (previously Android Wear) smartwatches, the Falster 2 works with both iPhone and Android devices. As always, Wear OS is best with an Android phone. Some functions simply don't work as well when you pair this watch to an iPhone.

You can download thousands of apps from the Google Play Store and get notifications on your wrist. This second-generation smartwatch also has GPS, NFC for Google Pay, and a heart rate monitor built in, so it's more fully featured and high tech than the original Falster. It's everything we wanted the original Falster to be.

Pros: Cool design, simple mesh band, suits women and men, Wear OS, works with iPhone and Android, GPS, NFC, heart rate monitor

Cons: A bit pricey

What else we considered

We're currently in the process of testing several new smartwatches for women that were just released, so stay tuned for a bigger update. Here are the ones we're currently looking into and testing.

• Garmin Vivoactive 4S: Garmin makes great fitness-focused smartwatches, and the 4S looks to be a good Apple Watch alternative, as it has many of the same specs. It has a simple design that looks good on both women and men.
• Fitbit Versa 2: The Fitbit Versa 2 could be a great contender for the best smartwatch upgrade for people who have an old Fitbit tracker and want to try out a smartwatch for the first time. The previous generation of the Versa was our pick for fitness fans.
• Michael Kors Access Lexington 2: Michael Kors has been making smartwatches alongside Fossil for years now. If you like MK, you'll probably like this watch as it has many of the same features and a flashy feminine design.

• TikTok is a video platform particularly popular with Gen Z, and it has over 1.5 billion downloads.
• However, not all users are teens: some adults are using the app to find communities and share personal stories.
• Women navigating infertility and IVF, along with OB-GYNs trying to educate people, have taken to TikTok to spread their message and share their stories.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Monica Cox spent nine years trying to conceive, going through two rounds of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) before she successfully got pregnant.

Now, she makes videos on TikTok sharing the lifestyle changes that she believes helped her become pregnant, while also making memes about her infertility journey that other women can relate to.

Cox is one of many women who have begun using TikTok to talk about infertility and reproductive health. Dr. Danielle Jones, who has over 28,000 followers on the platform, calls herself "TikTok's first gynecologist," and brands herself as Mama Doctor Jones. Dr. Lora Shahine, another fertility doctor, has a bio that simply reads "Fertility Doctor out to educate without fear and have a little fun on TikTok." 

All three of these women, and others who post under the "infertility" and "IVF" hashtags, have found a surprisingly welcoming platform in TikTok and are using the app to discuss topics that are taboo in many settings.

Cox said she sees TikTok's informal nature of users being silly, dancing, and lip-syncing as key to her ability to be so open. It's become her passion "to help women understand that they have more control," she told Business Insider. 

Cox said she felt pushed into IVF before she could explore other options and aspects of her health, and it's part of what led her to start sharing what she's learned on TikTok.

"Society goes straight to the medical side of things," Cox said. "I received little to no support or information."

Cox finds that her videos resonate with viewers, who go through many of the same processes and feelings while trying to conceive, like in this video about how it felt for her to hear how easy it was for women around her to get pregnant.

So far, Cox has had far more engagement and views than she ever achieved on Instagram, she said. 

When Cox downloaded TikTok five or six months ago, she said she was "trying to prove myself right that people weren't talking about infertility." But she found that her assumptions were way off: Women reach out to her often, or comment on her posts that they feel the same way. The comments on this video are full of women saying how long they tried to conceive.

As of writing this, videos with the hashtag "infertility," have been viewed 12.7 million times, and "IVF" videos have been viewed nearly six million times.

Cox used one popular audio meme on the app, set to Ashnikko's "Stupid," to explain how she took it upon herself to learn about nutrition and health when she wasn't happy with IVF.

Now, she's trying to engage with the next generation of women who might go through similar experiences to hers, and, she says, TikTok is where they are. She shares nutrition information, a topic she says she was immersed in while trying to become pregnant. She's also conscious of the fact that IVF isn't an option for everyone because of the cost, which isn't always covered by insurance.

TikTok has risen to prominence in teen culture since its US launch in 2018. It evolved from video-sharing app Musical.ly, where users lip-synced along to 15-second audio tracks. China's ByteDance bought Musical.ly in 2017 and folded it into TikTok. ByteDance is the most valuable private company in the world, worth an estimated $75 billion. 

The app has been downloaded over 1.5 billion, and it is the top free non-gaming iOS app. TikTok declined to provide information on user demographics, but at this point, the app is likely closing in on Instagram and Snapchat in terms of active users — Instagram reached 1 billion monthly active users in 2018, while Snapchat has over 300 million.  

Audio can be as important as video clips on TikTok. Songs and remixes go viral on the app, and users can easily repurpose audio and apply it to their own videos. These trends have launched songs like Lil Nas X's "Old Town Road" from TikTok popularity to the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100. Some audio tracks have specific dances users do to accompany them, while others are more broad and can adapt to different situations. 

An opportunity to fight misinformation

Infertility is a subject that people tend to form tight-knit groups around online, because it can make people feel so alone, Jones, the OB-GYN, told Business Insider.

In October, a New York Times article explored the way that women online have embraced the pineapple as a symbol of IVF, and one fertility specialist told the Times that "probably 75%" of patients come to appointments wearing some kind of pineapple-themed apparel. (In her TikTok icon, Cox is holding a pineapple.)

Jones shares Cox's goal of educating people on TikTok, particularly young women. 

"I saw an opportunity," Jones said. "There's so much misinformation about sex education." 

She recently made a video, which was liked over 20,000 times, debunking the myth that melatonin can make birth control less effective. According a recent Daily Beast article, some teens are also taking it upon themselves to correct myths around sexual health that spread quickly on the app.

Jones, like Cox, believes that the relatively informal types of videos popular on TikTok make it a good place to reach young people and educate them, although she says that she is as approachable and silly in her daily life as on TikTok.

For example, she made a video where she dressed as an IUD at her practice for Halloween.

Jones also uses TikTok's duet feature, where users can add commentary to existing videos and display them both side by side, to make videos directly responding to other videos, like one where she responded to a meme to tell patients how to talk to their doctors about inducing labor — she said she's been in that situation "both personally and professionally." 

In another duet, she explained how people can work with their OB-GYN to avoid having their period on their wedding day.

'There's no hiding on TikTok'

Dr. Lora Shahine also says that she's on TikTok to "educate without fear," according to one of her first videos. 

Shahine is on the platform to educate about women's health, but also about OB-GYNs and what kind of training they have to go through. In another video, she breaks down the 11 years of education it took her to get to her position as a doctor, which she says is "worth it to make dreams come true."

Shahine even speaks directly to the communities that have formed around infertility struggles on the app, with one video in particular addressing the assumptions she believes some people make about fertility doctors and their prioritization of IVF treatment.

Although she's only posted 11 videos and follows 17 accounts, Shahine already has almost 10,000 followers.

These conversations might seem out of place on the more polished Instagram, or on a public Facebook feed, but on TikTok they fit right in. Cox believes that comes from the vulnerability TikTok can demand from creators.

"People can feel your vibe," she said. "There's no hiding on TikTok."

SEE ALSO: Teens are finding sneaky and clever ways to outsmart their parents' location-tracking apps, and it's turning into a meme on TikTok

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: People are still debating the pink or grey sneaker, 2 years after it went viral. Here's the real color explained.

• There's a significant gender gap in the American public's support for President Donald Trump's impeachment and removal, according to recent Insider polling. 
• The majority of women — 52% — said they either "probably" or "definitely" want the president to be impeached and removed from office. Just 34% of women said the president "probably" or "definitely" shouldn't be impeached and removed.
• Among men, Insider's polling found that 46% think Trump should be impeached and removed, while 43% think he shouldn't be.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

There's a significant gender gap in the American public's support for President Donald Trump's impeachment and removal as overall support for impeachment has stagnated in recent weeks, according to recent Insider polling. 

The majority of women — 52% — said they either "probably" or "definitely" want the president to be impeached and removed from office, while just 34% of women said the president shouldn't be impeached and removed. This 18-point gap is twice as large as the gap between men who do and don't support impeachment and removal. 

Among men, Insider's polling found that 46% think Trump should be impeached and removed, while 43% think he shouldn't be. 

This comes as support for impeaching the president has plateaued following two weeks of televised impeachment hearings.

Overall, 46% of Americans now support impeachment, while 33% oppose it, according to Insider's polling this week. Support for impeachment among the general public reached a high of 50% in late October, according to Insider polling. 

Other recent polling has found a similarly dramatic gender gap concerning impeachment. A CNN poll released this week found a whopping 61% of women support impeaching and removing Trump, while 53% of men oppose impeachment. That number marked an increase over CNN's previous numbers. In October, CNN's polling found 56% of women supported impeaching and removing Trump. 

Women — particularly women of color — are much more disapproving of Trump's presidency than men are. About 64% of women disapprove of his job in office so far, according to an October Washington Post/NBC News poll. 

SEE ALSO: The 25 women who have accused Trump of sexual misconduct

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• Jaclyn Baumgarten founded Boatsetter, a peer-to-peer boat-sharing platform in the US, in 2012.
• Baumgarten was named to Inc.'s top female founders list this year, alongside women like Magnolia's Joanna Gaines and Bumble's Whitney Wolfe Herd.
• Boatsetter's clientele skews younger and more female.
• The reasoning is two-fold: Baumgarten says Boatsetter makes the activity of boating, which historically has had a higher monetary barrier to entry, more accessible to all. That inclusion, coupled with Boatsetter's extensive insurance policy and safety measures, allow women, in particular, to feel more at ease using the service.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Boatsetter, a peer-to-peer boat-sharing platform in the US, has over 17,000 rentable boats in over 600 locations. Some are bigger yachts, others are smaller power boats; there are half-day charters and multi-day rentals; most come equipped with a captain and some even have an easily identifiable purpose.

"This yacht is great for bachelorettes!" pops up across multiple listings on Boatsetter's website.

"We have a ton of those requests," founder Jaclyn Baumgarten told Business Insider of Boatsetter's popularity for bachelorette parties.

According to Boatsetter's internal data, more than half of its clients are millennials and roughly half of those younger clients are female.

"We aren't doing anything to particularly target [millennials and women]; they are naturally gravitating toward this service because it aligns with the way they want to enjoy experiences," said Baumgarten, who was named to Inc.'s top female founders list this year, alongside women like Magnolia's Joanna Gaines and Bumble's Whitney Wolfe Herd. 

Millennials are not looking to own anything

Boatsetter has a similar owner-to-renter model as Airbnb, with additional insurance and safety measures thrown in the mix. It makes it possible for people to experience an afternoon on the water, complete with a captain, without having to commit to the high-cost reality of being a boat owner.

"Boats are the definition of an underutilized asset," Baumgarten said. The National Marine Manufacturers Association estimates boats were used an average of 28 days per year in 2010. Baumgarten contended that number has dropped lower since. 

Millennials, as Business Insider's Hillary Hoffower recently reported, are saddled with student-loan debt and sky-high housing prices. If they are planning to rent homes forever, why would they turn around and buy a nonessential, typically underutilized asset like a boat?

Boatsetter provides millennials the overall experience of boating without the headache of ownership heading into an affordability crisis.

Women prioritize safety

All Boatsetter captains are licensed by the US Coast Guard and vetted by Boatsetter, "which makes boating not only accessible but safe," Baumgarten said. That safety aspect, according to Baumgarten, is most likely what attracts so many women to the platform.

It's no secret women put a premium on safety: Business Insider's Graham Rapier previously reported that women pay up to $50 more in public transit each month to avoid harassment and ensure personal safety. "Women's safety" is even one of the five attributes that factors into the annual US News best country ranking.

As far as Boatsetter is concerned, there is also an extensive insurance policy pioneered by Baumgarten and underwritten by Geico that protects all parties involved in the boat rental. Even with the necessary insurance, rates for boats on the platform start as low as $200 for an afternoon.

SEE ALSO: The former consultant who launched the 'Airbnb of yachts' says she got her business idea after a taking a 6-month sabbatical — and watching her brothers struggle to sell their boats

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• Photographer Lynsey Addario has been covering the military for over 20 years.
• She took photos of women in militaries around the world for National Geographic.
• She says, in her experience, most women in the military want to be seen as fighters, not women, but maintain their femininity in subtle ways.
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

There are more women in the US military now than there have ever been before. With women's increasing participation and leadership come new opportunities to share their stories from the front lines.

Photographer Lynsey Addario has been covering the military for over 20 years. For her latest photo series in National Geographic's November 2019 issue, she followed women in different militaries around the world, capturing intimate portraits of their training and everyday life.

Lynsey Addario took photos of women in different militaries around the world for the November 2019 issue of National Geographic.

Addario has been photographing the military for more than 20 years. For this National Geographic series, she focused on women's experiences in the armed forces.

"It was a story that I pitched a long time ago, but it never came together until this issue that National Geographic did that was shot by women, produced by women, and written by women," she said.

She followed Marines-in-training at Parris Island in South Carolina as they completed their final test: a 54-hour marathon known as "the Crucible."

Addario enjoyed shooting pictures at Parris Island both because of the setting's gorgeous lighting and the opportunity to capture the soldiers' transformations.

"The women are so young and they're really transitioning from civilian to Marine, and I like seeing that on their faces," she said. "I think that's fascinating not only visually but psychologically, how training and years of war and every aspect of women on the front lines really reveals something different in people."

Addario was inspired by the women's grit through the difficult challenge.

"The women are exhausted — they've been running on nothing," she said. "For me, it was really inspiring to see, and it was exciting because everything they've been training for for the previous 11 weeks culminates with that. They just have to get through the 54-hour period."

She also captured less grandiose moments, such as a soldier being disciplined for slouching.

"That moment is right out of a movie for me," she said. "Across the board, when you join the military, you have to conform to the rules."

One of Addario's most talked-about photos shows a female Marine carrying her male counterpart.

"I love that moment because she's so tough," she said. "It really speaks to one of the things that the Marine commanders often cite as a reason to not have women on the front lines — that if a male Marine was wounded, a woman couldn't carry them out of battle. Obviously, that photo counters that very directly."

Addario also photographed women in the ELN, Colombia's National Liberation Front.

"With the ELN, they wanted to fight for the injustices of the poor and minorities in Colombia," she said. "There were different reasons with different groups of women, but overall most of the women fighters ironically didn't want to be seen as women, they just wanted to be seen as fighters."

When ELN fighters went to the river to wash their clothes, Addario captured a small symbol of traditional femininity amid the tough conditions — a pink, lacy bra.

"I just loved seeing that fuchsia bra underneath her camisole because it reminds me that as much as women on the front lines try to say, 'I'm not a woman, I'm a fighter, I'm as tough as men,' there's always that moment that reveals some women want to maintain that femininity, whether it's something hidden or whether it's something for themselves," she said.

She hopes that the photo series helps raise awareness about powerful women in the military.

"I think people are surprised to see women on the front lines in so many places," Addario said. "Around the world, there are women fighting in different arenas. I hope that's a little surprising to the reader, and that they learn a little bit about what women are doing and how tough they are."

For more on this story, visit National Geographic.

• Read more:
• THEN AND NOW: How women's roles have changed in the US military
• 8 famous women you had no idea served in the military
• Stunning photos of women doing 'men's work' shatter gender stereotypes

• Many missed the meaning behind Miss South Africa Zozibini Tunzi's national costume during the Miss Universe pageant. 
• Tunzi, who was crowned Miss Universe on Sunday night, told Insider that her costume was inspired by one of her final questions before she won Miss South Africa in August.
• One of her questions in the pageant was what South African women had to smile about. "We have absolutely no reason to keep smiling because South African women are dying every day," she responded. 
• Tunzi then decided to challenge men to write letters to the women of South Africa. Two thousand of those letters were sewn into the skirt of her costume with ribbons in the colors of the South African flag. 
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Just before she was crowned Miss South Africa, Zozibini Tunzi was asked one of her final questions for the competition. 

"Through all the darkness that South African women face — emotional, physical, sexual, economic abuse — what reason do we have to keep smiling?" 

It was the national competition, the one that would take the winner to the Miss Universe stage. But Tunzi did not hold back, or sugarcoat, her answer. 

"We have absolutely no reason to keep smiling because South African women are dying every day," she responded. "And, mostly, people are doing nothing about it." 

The Human Rights Watch points to such issues in South Africa in its World Report 2019. The report states that "widespread and mostly underreported gender based violence, including rape and domestic violence, continued across the country in 2018."

It was that moment at the Miss South Africa pageant that inspired Tunzi's national costume at Miss Universe, where she took home the crown on Sunday night

"We have had such a huge number of women missing, women dying every day, getting raped, getting killed," Tunzi told Insider. "So in that moment I thought to myself, 'Actually, there's nothing happening at the moment to make us smile.' And I did kind of end it off by saying, 'We need to start speaking to the perpetrators and challenging them to do better when it comes to taking care of women and treating women better.'" 

After she was crowned Miss South Africa in August, Tunzi knew she wanted to incorporate that very challenge into her journey to Miss Universe. 

"I thought to myself, I used that platform — let me not let it die there," she recalled. "Let me extend it and say, 'I challenged you men, so I challenge you a bit further to show love to women, to show your support instead of going the violent way that we've been going."' 

When Tunzi walked onstage for the National Costume Contest during the Miss Universe preliminaries on Friday night, she had 2,000 letters from men sewn into her skirt with blue, green, red, yellow, black, and white ribbons — the colors of the South African flag. 

The letters had been written to the women of South Africa. The costume was called 'Wave of Love.'

"I wanted to approach it in a way of love," Tunzi said. "I think if we start rewriting this narrative, teaching young boys to start looking at young girls as their equals at a young age, then maybe they will grow up to be the men that we need in society today." 

"For me, it was a way of saying, if you as a man can write this message to women, then maybe a young boy is looking at you doing this, then maybe you can teach him to be a better generation than we are today," she added. "That's where the inspiration came from." 

Tunzi said that she also wanted to show that femicide and gender violence are more than 'just a women's issue' 

"It's a societal issue," she added. "And we all need to work on it together to see it come to an end." 

One of the letters that particularly stuck out to Tunzi recognized this, she said. A man had written to her: "I hope the messages that you get are not about women being strong, because we must stop telling women to be strong, even when they don't need to be strong, because of us." 

"I think that one touched me a lot because, that's a compliment that people like to give to women, 'Oh, you're so strong,"' Tunzi said. "But we don't have to be strong all the time. The reason why we go through a lot of things is because people think we're strong and we can handle it. People think they can abuse women, they can handle it." 

"Let's just show love, show real love," she added. "Say what it is that you love about women, except their strength of being able to handle the bad things that are happening to them in the world." 

It is the kind of dark topic that was once rarely seen on pageant stages of the past, when the stereotype persisted that every beauty queen would just say she wanted world peace. 

But Tunzi believes that pageants are 'absolutely changing' in the 21st century

"You choose what to use beauty pageant platforms for," she said. "I see them as one of the few platforms that give women the opportunity to lead. I feel that women have voices and so much potential, and so many things that they want to tell the world — but they just don't have the platform to do it. This is one of the platforms that actually do." 

By winning the Miss Universe title, Tunzi feels that her voice has been amplified. 

"They're handing you the platform and saying, 'You have a voice, you want to lead, you want to tell the world something, here it is, tell them,"" she added. "So pageants really are changing, they're more about intelligent, amazing women who want to change the world." 

"So yeah, they want to bring on world peace — in a more realistic approach."

• Read more:
• People told Miss South Africa Zozibini Tunzi to wear a wig for the Miss Universe pageant. She won wearing her natural hair.
• 11 details from Miss Universe 2019 that you totally missed
• The 27 wildest national costumes from the 2019 Miss Universe pageant
• The wildest outfits in the history of Miss Universe's National Costume Show

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