Everything She Wants

3 Summer Fashion Trends You Already Own

2012-05-30T06:34:00.001-07:00

Summer hasn't officially started, but the summer-like heat and humidity is already here. And if you're like me, you're scrambling to figure out what to wear. To give us some styling guidance, DailyCandy's Everywhere Editor, Tiffany Davis, gave Everything She Wants her top three must-have trends for summer 2012. The good news is that you may already have these looks in your closet.

Kara Laricks' color-block jacket and shorts./Saks Fifth Avenue

1) Remixed hemlines: This season is all about taking the maxi, midi, and miniskirt hemlines and then re-mixing them to your liking. For example, we’ve had a rash of New York City days involving winter weather in the morning and sweltering temps by noon. I’ve seen tons of women knotting maxi dresses at the ankle, the knee (or even higher) for a quick style tweak on the go. And whether they’re wearing a motorcycle jacket and boots or Grecian sandals, it looks effortlessly chic.

2) Tone-on-tone color-blocking: My colleague and I had not one – but two – conversations about Fashion Star winner Kara Laricks' tailed, color-blocked coat finished with just a little bit of leather. Gone are the days of matchy-matchy. Accessories and a killer attitude will do more to pull an outfit together this season than anything else.

3) Keep your cool: I love that there are so many options for not letting it all hang out just because it’s warm out. Airy, layer-friendly pieces can still have a cool point of view. Masculine silhouettes and tailoring are hip for womenswear, as well as an understated, sexy Bianca Jagger-ish pants suit.

Eye Cream Treatments and Benefits from sjal

2012-05-29T05:37:00.003-07:00

For years, I've been under the illusion that I don't need to use eye cream. I thought that a moisturizer was enough to, literally, cover all of my facial needs. Alas, as the fine lines creeping around the corners of my eyes can attest, I was mistaken.

Sjal (Swedish for spirit, mind, heart and soul) is a luxury skincare line that melds Western science with an Eastern infusion of precious minerals and gemstones to increase celullar productivity, performance and repair and enhance the skin. Kristin Petrovich, creator of sjal, has a few tips for Everything She Wants' readers on the benefits of eye cream.

sjal skincare

When should women start using eye cream?

Kristin Petrovich: Mid-to-late twenties to help protect, preserve and begin correcting any early signs of aging.

Why is it important to use an eye cream around your eyes instead of a regular moisturizer?

KP: Eye creams are specifically formulated for the eye area. Typically, they are more gentle and have better penetration into the delicate eye area and address specific areas of concern (elasticity, dark circles, hydration, etc).

How often should women apply eye cream and when?

KP: Day and night, around the orbital eye area.

How does sjal's eye cream differ from other brands? What are the benefits?

KP: sjal’s orbe is a multi-tasking all-in-one eye cream containing 50 active ingredients. A small amount goes a very long way. It focuses on toning, lifting, brightening and softening of fine lines and wrinkles.

It easily penetrates and is non-greasy. It contains prolines, a type of amino acid which naturally occurs around the eye area. These prolines help to work on tone and elasticity and over-time break down any fatty deposits and naturally helps to stimulate one’s own prolines around the eye area. Additionally, the eye cream contains a balanced moisture magnet which works according to your skin’s transdermal water loss (TWL). For example, if you are in a desert, it will literally draw moisture in from the air into the eye area.

Memorial Day Flip-Flops from Havaianas

2012-05-24T10:03:00.000-07:00

Flip-flops have come a long way, baby. And at the forefront of the fashionable flip-flop trend is Havaianas. New for summer 2012, the Brazilian footwear brand has several limited-edition styles featuring the Muppets, Mickey Mouse, and feminine mosaic, flower and geometric prints and patterns.

To benefit Baby Buggy, a non-profit dedicated to providing clothing, products and educational services to families with children in need, Havaianas collaborated on designs with celeb Moms including Courteney Cox and Tori Spelling. Ten percent of sales will be donated directly to Baby Buggy, so pick up a pair and make every day Mother's Day.

Havaianas also has a new Sole Collection of espadrilles and sneakers that feature canvas uppers with the original, ultra-comfortable flip-flop sole.

Here's a sneak peek of the 2012 collection, now available online and in select stores.

Photos by Tracy E. Hopkins

Bethenny Frankel's Skinnygirl Solutions Shapewear at Macy's

2012-05-23T06:47:00.001-07:00

Is there anything that self-professed skinny girl Bethenny Frankel can't sell? Apparently not, since the reality TV queen turned millionaire entrepreneur recently debuted her Skinnygirl Solutions Shapewear line at select Macy's stores nationwide. Somewhere on the Upper East Side, Jill Zarin is inconsolably kvetching.

Photo by Albert Michel for Alison Brod PR.

Frankel's inspiration for the brand was to develop shapewear that you actually want people to see.
Everything She Wants attended an exclusive preview of the decidedly sexy, lingerie-inspired undergarments that retail for under $65. Frankel, flaunting her lithe frame in a tight black dress with one of her Skinnygirl Solutions' camis peeking through paired with nude pumps, greeted the press with the irreverent sense of humor that's made her famous.

The natural food chef and yoga enthusiast described her comfortable, versatile shapewear as "user-friendly" pieces you can wear under a blazer or cardigan and then flash for your husband. Skinnygirl Solutions can easily transition from day-to-night, are available in a range of sizes and despite the name are designed to fit a variety of body types. Frankel's first shapewear line, Skinnygirl Smoothers 'n Shapers by Bethenny Frankel is also available online.

Designer Spotlight: Fashion Star Winner Kara Laricks

2012-05-21T07:40:00.000-07:00

Former fourth-grade school teacher Kara Laricks won the NBC fashion competition, Fashion Star. Laricks always told her students to be true to themselves, and she finally took her own advice and pursued a career in fashion. She designs androgynous clothing for men and women, inspired by her love of menswear and an avant-garde Japanese design aesthetic. Best known for her hoodie scarves and collar-and-ties, Laricks puts a spin on what is deemed traditional women's fashion. She considers her partner Melissa to be her biggest supporter because she encouraged her to pursue her passion.

Everything She Wants caught up with the designer after her win via email:

How has Fashion Star changed your perspective of the fashion industry?

Kara Laricks: I have always thought of myself as a "high end" designer -- in other words, one that dreams of creating a mood and experience for my customers through a runway show -- telling a story through my collection with a clear beginning, middle and end each season while always maintaining my signature flavor regardless of trend or decade. I have always admired the designers/artists that hang in Saks Fifth Avenue and am honored to be included in those ranks. However, during my time on Fashion Star, I realized the thrill of reaching my customers through more affordable retailers like Macy's and H&M. Going forward, my challenge is to maintain the integrity of my vision, while making sure my customers get the clothes they want.

What was the most valuable lesson you learned from being on the show?

KL: To be me. Believe in my vision and design from the heart.

What is your favorite garment that you designed during the show?

KL: No question, the tailcoat on episode 4 for Saks Fifth Avenue. I honestly have not taken it off ...well, maybe to try on the black jumpsuit available now at Macy's. Wink. I love that one too.

What was the best advice you received from one of the mentors and/or buyers? Why was that advice helpful?

KL: Do you. In other words, they gave me great advice about what sells in terms of color and fabrication, but if my designs don't read Kara Laricks, then color and fabric won't matter.

How would you describe the woman who buys your clothes?

KL: A Kara Laricks woman is unique. She is willing to take a risk. She acknowledges and embraces all sides of her personality and style. She may want to throw on a light, airy dress from the Kara Laricks collection for H&M on a hot summer day and then switch to the black tailcoat from Saks Fifth Avenue at night. She might even throw on a sexy one-piece romper from Macy's in between. She has her own style and is not afraid to incorporate a menswear inspired detail here and there. She also knows that it pays to save her pennies for a very special piece and splurge on less expensive trend driven pieces to complete her look each season.

Do you have plans to show a collection during Fashion Week in September?

KL: Showing a full collection during Fashion Week has always been a dream of mine, however, when I do it I want it to be just right. I'm also a businesswoman and I have many decisions to make in the upcoming months to determine the proper course for the Kara Laricks brand. Stay tuned...

Boho Summer Jewelry Trends from Bee Charming

2012-05-16T07:08:00.000-07:00

This summer, you can't have enough friendship bracelets, bangles fashioned from precious stones, crystals, beads and wood, and bracelets adorned with Buddhas, evil eyes and skulls. Pile 'em on -- the more the merrier. And e-commerce site, Bee Charming, has plenty of these trendy bracelets to chose from and other funky costume jewelry styles.

Photos by Tracy Hopkins

Founded in 2001 in New York City, Bee Charming's slogan -- "Catch the Buzz -- Get 'em, Wear 'em, Share 'em" -- is fitting since the jewelry is designed to be interchangeable and mixed and matched with fine jewelry. The eye-catching collection is functional and features zipper necklaces that actually zip, handcuff bracelets that open and close, and leather, and chain wraps that can be worn as either a bracelet or a necklace.

The charming costume jewelry line also has a new Vintage Collection that includes fun nautical charm bracelets, edgy Vintage Buffalo Horn necklaces and new wave-reminiscent triangular Plexiglass earrings with Howlite skulls.

Bee Charming jewelry is available online and reasonably priced from $10-$125.

Acne Remedies and Treatments from Reviva!

2012-05-15T12:23:00.000-07:00

When it comes to skincare, who needs fancy packaging or an expensive price tag? The most important thing is that the product works. And the more natural the ingredients the better.

That's why Everything She Wants is such a fan of Reviva Labs. Reviva products can be found in most health food stores, and they've really helped me control my adult acne flair-ups. Here's the successful regimen I've followed for the past three months:

Step 1: Cleanse with Camphor Cleansing Milk ($8) for oily or blemished skin. This simple formulation is blended with imported camphor added for its astringent and anti-bacterial properties. Unlike other acne washes, it gently cleanses and doesn't leave my skin feeling dry. And since I started using it, I haven't had as many breakouts. I should mention, however, that I also regularly get LED light treatments for acne and anti-aging.

Step 2: After I wash my face with the Cleansing Milk, I use Camphor Toner ($8). I used to think that toners had to smell as strong as Sea Breeze and make your skin tingle to prove they're working. But Reviva's Camphor Toner is gentle and refreshing. It helps to restore the skin's normal pH balance, stimulates circulation and fights the excess oil that causes acne. It's become my favorite toner, next to Shobha's Rose Water Toner.

Step 3: The Problem Skin Mask ($13) works wonders for blemished skin. Whenever I get a breakout, I apply a thin coat. Sometimes I apply the Problem Skin Mask and let it dry before I shower, and sometimes I dabble it on before I go to bed (I know you aren't supposed to sleep with face masks on, but I can't help it). The lightweight, cooling mask absorbs oil and helps clear blemishes with zinc oxide, camphor and sulfur.

Mother's Day Scent: Perry Ellis Aqua

2012-05-06T05:07:00.000-07:00

What do you give the woman who seemingly has everything? How about a new fragrance?

Image courtesy of Perry Ellis.

Perry Ellis Aqua ($60) is a smooth, refined scent with warm amber and infused with musk. Top notes include sheer bergamot and kaffir lime. And the heart of this crisp fragrance is accented with a hint of lavender, a dash of cilantro and a touch of aqueous marine.

Everything She Wants received a bottle to try, but I decided to give it to my Mom. She's a fresh scent kind of gal, like me, so I'm sure she'll love it. To pick up your bottle of Perry Ellis Aqua, go to a Macy's, or Dillard's near you, or order online.

Budget Mother's Day Style at H&M!

2012-05-05T18:28:00.004-07:00

From statement accessories under $20 to pretty tops, dresses and skirts under $50, H&M has something to suit the style of every young and young-at-heart Mom. Here are a few choice picks from H&M's summer collection -- in stores now -- that would make great last minute Mother's Day gifts.

Pretty party dress, $17.95

Cat-eye sunglasses, $24.95

Feather necklace, $12.95

Pencil skirt with bird print, $49.95

Natural Dandruff Treatments and Remedies

2012-05-01T12:23:00.001-07:00

Dandruff keeps falling from my head (not as poetic as raindrops keep fallin'...huh?). So I was pleased to find a few tips from skincare expert Cecilia Wong in my inbox. The New York City aesthetician says, "You may not realize it, but you are constantly shedding dead skin cells from all over your body. It's the skin's natural way to rejuvenate itself."

She adds that scientists have discovered that dandruff occurs when a yeast-like fungus called malassezia goes wild on your scalp. The microscopic malassezia fungus, a normal inhabitant on a healthy human head, feeds on the fatty oils secreted by hair follicles in the scalp. Another cause for dandruff is dehydration. With the weather changing constantly, Wong says, it's unavoidable.

Everything She Wants has been using tea tree oil, tried-and-true Neutrogena T-Gel shampoo, and an olive oil spray and those treatments seem to be helping. But here are a few more natural dandruff tips from Wong that you can try at home:

Use olive oil and massage it into your scalp, leave on for 5 mintues and rinse thoroughly. Not only is this nourishing for your skin, but it's moisturizing.
Use flaxseed oil, primrose oil or salmon oil; they help relieve itching and inflammation.
Take selenium -- it's an antioxidant to aid in controlling dry scalp.
Vitamin B complex, B6 and B12 for healthy skin and hair.
Use thyme to rinse your hair.

Cheap Spring Makeup from e.l.f.

2012-04-26T15:00:00.002-07:00

Now that spring is here, Everything She Wants is looking for new beauty products and lighter, fresher mineral makeup. So it’s only natural that I turned to e.l.f.* (eyes lips face), perhaps the bestselling makeup brand for bargain beauty-nistas.

Previously, I’ve written about e.l.f.’s magical Essential Zit Zapper (it’s only a buck). And since my pesky breakouts persist I’m ready to try out the limited edition Spring Collection Mineral Blemish Set ($5), which promises to heal and disguise blemishes with all-natural ingredients. The two-piece set comes with a concealer brush and translucent powder with active acne fighting ingredients like sulfur, tea tree and willow bark to treat acne and prevent future breakouts.

For spring makeup, e.l.f. has several limited-edition Spring Collection products perfect for Mother’s Day, prom, graduation and birthday gifts including: the 2-Piece Mineral Foundation SPF 15 set ($5) infused with vitamin E to condition and smooth the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines; the e.l.f. Studio 32-piece Eyeshadow Palette ($5) available in warm and cool palette shades; and the e.l.f. Essential 4-Piece Nail Polish Set ($5) with bright polish colors in Coral Dream, Flirty Fuchsia, Party Peach and Smokin’ Hot. For only $10, diehard makeup mavens can pick up the 100-Piece Eyeshadow Palette (reduced from $20), which includes everything to go from daytime fresh and bright, to a party-ready smoky eye, to more avant garde, creative looks.

Since all e.l.f. mineral makeup is 100% free of parabens, preservatives and chemical dyes, it will help you to look your best and you can feel good about using the products, too. Plus, free shipping if you place your order today (April 26, 2012)!

*This post was sponsored by e.l.f.

Summer Makeup Tips for Women of Color

2012-04-22T11:27:00.000-07:00

Picking the right makeup can often be a challenge for African-American women and other women of color. So Everything She Wants enlisted the help of Baltimore makeup artist Tamika "Meekeyo" Pinckney for her expert advice:

Model shot by Tracy E. Hopkins

Lighten the load: Use a lightweight moisturizer to keep your pores clean and blemish free. Stick with water-based or oil free products. Try Aloe Vera gel.
Rock the 'block: Sunblock and sunscreen are very important even for women of color. Skin with a substantial amount of melanin (African-American, Hispanic, Asian, Native American) can burn too! According to dermatologist Dr. Susan Taylor, "Our skin is prone to dark marks and discolorations. Sun makes dark marks darker and keeps them from fading."
No more shine: To get rid of that excessive shine use, blot papers. Instead of using a sponge and patting for coverage, try using a large brush to lightly apply powder foundation all over the face. Also, remember most women are darker in the summer, so pick a warmer shade. Look for products that are oil-absorbing or matte finish in liquids.
Decrease the crease: Keep eye shadows out of the crease by using a primer as a base. Apply shadow over primer and see how it also helps to give the color a little more pop. For intense color pat the shadow on instead of sweeping using a small-medium shadow brush. Also, load up on liquid liners and waterproof mascaras as they have great staying power.
Primer time: In addition to keeping the eyes fabulous, primers can also be used all over to provide an even base for foundation and help makeup to stay on longer and stronger. It's lightweight and doesn't clog your pores. Tamika's pick: Smashbox Photofinish Primer
A touch of tint: Tinted moisturizers with SPF are a summer favorite as they provide very light coverage and keep skin glowy. These work best with dry to normal to skin conditions.
Lip service: Avoid heavy lipsticks and glosses. Try lip balms and tinted lip balms. Can't bear to switch from your favorite? Use a lip balm first, then apply your gloss or lipstick only to one lip. Press together for a soft touch of color and shine. Everything She Wants' pick: Youngblood's petroleum-fragrance-mineral oil-and cruelty-free Mighty Shine Lip Gel (available June 1, 2012)

Face off: Waterproof/sweat proof makeup will do it's job of staying all day, and as a result may be a little harder to remove. So to remove just use a makeup remover wipe and then wash with your cleanser.

Earth Day Style from TOMS Summer 2012 Collection

2012-04-18T08:40:00.000-07:00

Not only does wearing TOMS shoes support a great cause -- with every pair purchased, TOMS gives a pair to a chid in need -- rocking a pair has never looked so looked. This summer, new styles with funky prints and patterns, ballet flats, wedges, and high-top Botas join the staple Freetown Classic and vegan styles. TOMS also has a trendy line of eyewear, which benefits the One for One program.

Everything She Wants got a sneak preview of the super cute Summer 2012 collection, available online and in stores. Any pair of these shoes will make a great gift for the eco-friendly Mom on the go.

Photos by Tracy E. Hopkins

Yoga and Workout Clothes for Women Under $60 from Macy's

2012-04-11T07:02:00.003-07:00

It's easier to work out if you feel cute and comfy in your gym gear. In fall 2012, we'll have another option for stylish yoga and workout wear thanks to Macy's new Ideology line. To give us something to aspire to, sexy and svelte "Dancing With the Stars" champ, Cheryl Burke, is the face of the collection.

Everything She Wants got a sneak peek of Ideology's flattering, fashion-forward looks in bright colors and trendy prints. The collection is divided into three categories: Sweat, Stretch and Relax.

Photos by Tracy E. Hopkins

The Sweat collection is made with performance details like flat seams and moisture wicking. Stretch is designed with details like stay-black cotton/spandex built with 4-way stretch and hidden pockets. And the versatile and lightweight Relax collection includes soft shapes that drape in all the right places.

Ideology will be available this summer online and at Macy's stores everywhere. Prices range from $19.98 - $58.

Summer 2012 Fashion Trends from LOFT

2012-04-09T07:21:00.001-07:00

Bright colors. Safari and floral prints. Crisp white separates. And plenty of stripes. These trends -- perfect for your next picnic in the park, beach getaway or casual Friday -- dominate LOFT's collection for summer 2012. Everything She Wants got a sneak peek and here are some of my favorite looks (prices range from $39.50). To find these looks and more, shop a LOFT store near you or online.

Stripes are a staple in my wardrobe, so I'm glad they're still en vogue for summer 2012.

Stand out in the crowd in these funky safari print pants.

Make a statement in white from head to toe this summer.

How pretty is this yellow, floral print maxi dress?

This elegant A-line dress can easily transition from day-to-night.

Color-blocking is hot for spring and summer. Mix and match bold colors with confidence.
Images courtesy of LOFT.

Spring/Summer Sandal Trend: Wedges Are In!

2012-04-04T06:25:00.000-07:00

Everything She Wants loves a wedge. As a woman who was born without the high-heel gene, I appreciate the support of this type of sandal. Wedges are a good in-between heel and flat style, which is good news, since according to the Miami Mamacitas on Basketball Wives I have to ditch my kitten heel sandals!

If you like this trend too, QVC has a few cute wedge options for under $100 from the IsaacMizrahiLive! line:

Peep Toe Espardrilles with Bow Detail, $86

Pansy Print Wedge, $73

Solid Wedge, $73

NFL Pop-Up Shop in New York for 2012 NFL Draft

2012-04-03T07:38:00.001-07:00

Attention, football fans. Here's your chance to purchase traditional and trendy merchandise from 50+ NFL licensees, some of which are limited-time-only exclusive products. Fittingly, merchandise from New York teams -- the Jets and the Giants -- is particularly well-represented. Everything She Wants got a sneak peek of the NFL Shop set up in a 10,000-square foot space in New York City at the corner of 41st Street and Sixth Avenue. It's open 11 a.m. - 8 p.m every day through April 30.

From team tees to fitted shorts, watches and handbags, there's plenty of fashionable items for women. Moms won't be able to resist picking up a cute team dress, piggy bank or mini helmet for the kids. Plus, find great gifts for Father's Day. You'll also find fun team necklaces, earrings and bracelets from Go Nuts (see third photo), made with authentic kukui nuts from the South Pacific. The nuts symbolize good luck and protection. Merchandise also available at NFLShop.com.

New Buffalo Exchange Opens in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn!

2012-03-31T06:29:00.000-07:00

Shop for spring trends at bargain prices at Buffalo Exchange, the place to go for new and recycled fashion. For many years, Everything She Wants has been buying, selling and trading at BE stores in Manhattan, the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, and Philadelphia.

New Buffalo Exchange in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn.

So the fashion gods have blessed me with my very own Buffalo Exchange. Well, sort of. A new branch opens today at 109 Boerum Place near Smith Street and Atlantic Avenue (718-403-0490), a half block from my humble abode in the Cobble Hill section of Brooklyn.

The prime, 2,500-square-feet location previously belonged to the plus-size consignment shop, ReDress. I miss Deb and the darling gals at ReDress, but I'm thrilled to have a Buffalo nearby. This means no more lugging my bag of goodies into the city, and I'll get a jump on the long lines to sell and trade. I'll also get first dibs on the $1 bin at the annual Earth Day sale on Saturday, April 21st.

Unlike traditional consignment shops, Buffalo Exchange offers sellers cash on the spot. About 80% of the clothing and accessories sold at Buffalo Exchange comes directly from local customers. In addition to the four stores in New York City, there are Buffalo Exchange locations in progressive urban neighborhoods nationwide including Chicago, Minneapolis, Charlotte and Las Vegas.

Call your local store or check the bulletin board to find out what items are in demand.

Mother's Day Gift Ideas: Bamboo Pink Jewelry

2012-03-29T10:01:00.000-07:00

Chic, trendy jewelry + affordable prices = the perfect Mother's Day gift from bamboopink. Founded by Frances Gadbois, Debbie Millar and Jude Steele, bamboopink is a direct sales line that offers entrepreneurial women the opportunity to sell the jewelry to their friends, families and fellow fashionistas.

bamboopink founder Debbie Millar.

bamboopink Madrid cuffs, $49.

Photos by Tracy E. Hopkins

The trendsetting jewelry features only the finest crystals and seasonal colored stones including garnet, amethyst, turquoise and coral, and most pieces are priced under $100. Everything She Wants was introduced to bamboopink during Fashion Week and the line's interchangeable hoops and charms, statement necklaces, cocktail rings and colorful bracelets caught my eye. My favorite piece is the Madrid cuff ($49), which comes in orange, turquoise, brown and black leather with a gold or silver finish.

So make your Mom's day (or yours) and order bamboopink online or through a consultant.

Win a $50 L.L. Bean Signature Gift Card to Shop Spring Styles!

2012-03-23T10:52:00.000-07:00

Spruce up your spring wardrobe with a $50 gift card courtesy of L.L. Bean's fashion-forward Signature line. Available online and at select L.L. Bean stores, the Signature collection infuses the brand's preppy and outdoorsy aesthetic with a touch of city sophisticate, Boho chic.

From funky Madras and nautical prints to chunky platform sandals and colorful ballet flats, L.L. Bean Signature has something to flatter the taste of every all American girl. With my gift card, I picked out a navy boatneck tunic and a cute, rose-colored cotton linen skirt.

Spring 2012 looks from L.L. Bean Signature.

Here's how to win the $50 gift card, which can be used for L.L. Bean Signature and L.L Bean merchandise online and in stores. Enjoy free shipping online and look out for the site's Secret Sale! Please let me know me that you've done all of the following in one, concise response:

1) Retweet this post.
2) Follow me on Twitter @TracyEHopkins.
3) Respond to this post with your first name and age and tell me your favorite spring trend.

This giveaway offer ends Wednesday, March 28, 2012. Good luck!

Spring Fashion Tip: Wear Boots With Spring Dresses and Skirts

2012-03-20T05:01:00.001-07:00

After the winter that wasn't, spring is officially here. In New York City, it’s already been unseasonably warm. So I spent the weekend shopping for cute and colorful spring tops and dresses and packing away my heavy coats and sweaters. But if you aren’t ready to bare your legs just yet, don’t retire your boots. A great transitional option for spring is to pair chunky boots with flirty skirts and bright skinny jeans.

Ugg Baily Button Boots, available on Very.com.

According to the trendsetting Brit e-commerce website, Very.com*, tried-and-true boots by brands like Ugg and Frye are the perfect way to add just the right amount of coverage and stay on trend. Mixing hard and soft looks is huge, both on and off the runway. It’s this season’s answer to pairing a feminine dress with a punk-y biker jacket.

But if the name Ugg conjures images of Paris Hilton and denim minis à la 2001, then think again. These sheepskin boots actually originated back in the 1970s, and became a wardrobe staple for surfers from Australia to California. And the brand’s new looks are even more flattering. Try a pair like these. Although stars like Kate Hudson and Sienna Miller are known for their enduring love of classic Uggs, the new Bailey Button Boots are popping up on the feet of It girls from London to L.A. -- most notably sported by always-fashionable “Gossip Girl” Blake Lively.

Another vintage classic you’ll find in every fashionista’s closet are tall, leather Frye boots. Don a pair from Frye’s Harness or Campus collection. These statement boots fit wide on the calf, making any girl’s gams look long and lean.

Whichever style you choose to step out in, Very.com suggests you want a bit of weight. A heavy, rough-and-ready boot, paired with a fun, featherweight frock will put you at the front of the fashpack.

*This post was sponsored by Very.com.

Spring Fashion Trend: Green Jeans and Bright Colors from NYDJ

2012-03-17T07:18:00.000-07:00

Everything She Wants adores NYDJ (Not Your Daughter's Jeans). Thanks to the smoothing Lift Tuck technology, they flatter the post-Forever 21 figure in all the right places. And my ego enjoys that I tend to wear a size smaller in NYDJ styles.

NYDJ spring styles.

For spring/summer 2012, the brand has embraced the hot color trend with jeans in Sage Brush, Coral Reef, Sunflower, Purple Lily, Pomegranate, Persimmon, Sunkiss, Blue Bell, Aquamarine, Fuchsia and Optic Black. My favorite, however, is the Clover Green pair of jeans I was gifted at NYDJ's spring preview. They're perfect for St. Patrick's Day or any day, and all my friends will be green with envy when I wear them.

Me in my new Clover Green jeans.

Me holding a pair of NYDJ's groovy wide-legged sailor trousers.
Photos by Kristen Somody Whalen

Many of the brand's new silhouettes are available in the aforementioned color palettes, including the Alisha Skinny, Carmen Cuffed Crop, Fiona Cuffed Crop and Emma Skirt. Some of NYDJ's most popular styles have also been updated in a variety of funky denim prints including Lace, Lizard (Grey Multi and Blue Multi) and Primrose (Bone and Oxford Blue).

For more information on available styles and to place an order online, visit NYDJ.com.

Colorful Spring/Summer Style from Porsche Design

2012-03-15T07:48:00.000-07:00

Did you know that Porsche, the maker of fine automobiles, also makes fine designer clothing? On trend for spring/summer 2012, the Porsche Design luxury brand's Women's Fashion Collection is full of color -- dominated by raspberry. The product line has expanded beyond leather jackets and premium jeans, to include silk blouses and scarves.

Porsche's innovative RawTec line, however, which was introduced during Fashion Week in Autumn/Winter 2011 is still a top seller. Thanks to the use of full-grain lambskin leather, with nappa finish on the inside, these leather jackets don't need a lining at all and stay cool enough to wear comfortably during summer months.

It's so fly that the RawTec Blazer was recently awarded the international red dot product design award for 2012. Don't you want one? The Porsche Design luxury brand is available in Porsche stores and select posh retailers.

Spring Jewelry Trend: Sisco Berluti Power Bead Bracelets

2012-03-14T08:04:00.000-07:00

Whether you call them worry beads, energy beads or power beads, stretch bracelets made with precious stones and crystals are en vogue for spring. Everything She Wants has a jewelry crush on Sisco Berluti's high-end beaded bracelets.

The eclectic pieces are designed by sisters Lisa Sisco and Carolyn Berluti, who began stringing bracelets as a hobby and are drawn to both new and vintage beads from around the world. Initially, they gave sets of 7 bracelets as gifts to their friends and family. But through word of mouth, Sisco Berluti became a hot brand coveted by celebs like Halle Berry, Jessica Alba and Miley Cyrus.

Single bracelets start at $88 and are sold online and in fine boutiques across the country. The sisters also contribute proceeds to charities that help causes significant to their family including Half the Sky Foundation, which works to care for orphans in China, and Ovations for the Cure of Ovarian Cancer.

Sunglasses Trend: TC Charton Asian Fit Eyewear

2012-03-13T07:01:00.000-07:00

It's hard for every woman to find shades and eyeglasses that perfectly frame your face. But Asian women often have an even more difficult time finding eyewear that suits them.

Photo courtesy of TC Charton

"I grew up believing something was wrong with my face because nothing fit," recalls Alexandra Peng, founder of TC Charton Asian Fit Eyewear. "But just like you would never send a petite person to shop at the big and tall store, I realized the glasses were just never made to fit my features."

After years of designing shades that she couldn't wear herself, Peng considered the unique concerns Asians have when shopping for eyewear. Specifically, she says, glasses don't fit because of smaller nose bridges, wider facial structures and higher cheekbones. When she crafted her designs, Peng considered these factors as well as styles and colors that compliment Asian skin tones.

"I want to be able to reach out to as many Asian-Americans as possible," says Peng. "I want them to know there's an eyewear collection designed from the ground up, with them in mind."

The shades, however, are universal for woman with petite or flatter features. I'm not Asian-American, but I was blessed with high cheekbones and love the pair of chic, oversized shades I was gifted during Fashion Week.

TC Charton come in styles for women, men and children and sell for $210 - $330. The eyewear can be purchased online and at 60 stores nationwide.