Everything She Wants

Cover the Grey with Generation Klean Gray Disappear

2012-01-28T05:54:00.000-08:00

Image from MyLifetime.com

You could go and see Liam Neeson in The Grey, an alternately exhilarating and perplexing tale about a group of Alaska Pipeline workers who survive a plane crash and then have to fend off a vindictive pack of wolves. Or you could cover up your gray hair with Generation Klean's Gray Disappear ($15.99). Actually, the two aren't mutually exclusive, so you can do both.

Although Hollywood twenty-somethings like Kelly Osbourne and "Project Runway All Stars" designer April Johnston (see photo to the right) think it's cool to dye their hair gray, I'm intent on covering my silver streaks.

Gray Disappear conceals grays in seconds, and is helpful for touching up the pesky dye-resistant gray hair around my temples. Plus, it's rich in antioxidants, vitamin E, Panthenol and natural waxes and free of parabens, sulfates and propylene glycol.

Generation Klean Gray Disappear easily washes out with shampoo and comes in an attractive mascara-like tube in shades of Gold, Blaze, Espresso and Onyx. It's available online and at fine retailers nationwide.

Giveaway: Valentine's Day Jewelry from Shabby Apple

2012-01-24T09:51:00.000-08:00

Why wait for that special someone to shower you with pretty things on Valentine's Day? You can treat yourself to a romantic piece of costume jewelry from Shabby Apple, the vintage-inspired clothing and accessories online retailer.

Better yet, if you're the lucky winner, you will receive a lovely cameo necklace or Alice in Wonderland-inspired bracelet from Shabby Apple. Here's how to enter to win (you must complete all three steps to be considered and combine info in one comment):

1) Retweet this post.

2) Follow me on Twitter @TracyEHopkins or on Google Connect.

3) Leave a comment with your first name & email address, and tell me your favorite romantic comedy.
(This giveaway offer ends Monday, Jan. 30 at 11:59 p.m.)

The Duchess ($52): Vintage style cameo necklace with gold metal setting suspended from 24” long chain.

Cameo 40 X 30mm.

Handmade in the USA.

The Queen's Rose ($52): Beautiful vintage style pink cameo with white rose set in silver metal setting.

Setting is suspended on 15” long sterling silver chain.

Handmade in the USA.

Dark Secrets of Wonderland ($32): Gun metal multi-chain bracelet with gun metal charms and lobster clasp closure.

Charms: clock, scissors, hour glass, cross, and various sized gun metal heart lockets.

Materials: gun metal hardware and charms.

Measurements: 8” inches at furthest link.

Handmade in the USA.

Images courtesy of Shabby Apple

Golden Globes Looks for Less with Dalia MacPhee

2012-01-18T18:03:00.000-08:00

By now, we've all reviewed the hits and misses of the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards. So we know what looks-for-less we'd like to wear to our next formal event (or at least the imaginary gala in our heads).
Everything She Wants adored Sofia Vergara's va-va-va voom midnight blue, fishtail Vera Wang gown and Reese Witherspoon looked sexier than ever in her skin-tight, scarlet Zac Posen mermaid gown (apparently a new hubby does a body good).

Photo credit: Dalia MacPhee

Thanks to the Los Angeles-based evening wear line, Dalia MacPhee, we can get these red carpet looks -- plus several other choice celebrity knock-offs -- for under $400. Known for their intricate beading and rich fabric blends, Dalia MacPhee dresses are available at Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus locations nationwide. See the entire collection online.

Jason Wu for Target Collection Hits Stores Feb. 5!

2012-01-13T08:42:00.000-08:00

Jason Wu's capsule collection for Target will debut in stores on Feb. 5, 2012. It's full of flirty frocks, sophisticated stripes, buttoned-up blouses that can easily transition from day-to-night, and a mix of classic and whimsical accessories. So why didn't I save the Target gift card my parents gave me for Christmas?

Luckily, I can treat myself to a Wu creation since all of the Target items from Michelle Obama's favorite designer are nicely priced from $19.99 to $59.99!

Here's a sneek peek at Everything She Wants' fave looks from the Jason Wu for Target collection:

Long-Sleeved Blouse in White with Black Ribbon, $34.99 (available at Target.com only), also available in Blush with White Dots. Pleated Full Circle Skirt in Black, $29.99, also available in Navy Floral.

Front-Flap Bag in Blue Floral, $39.99.

Front-Flap Straw Bag in Cream, $39.99

Cat Scarf, $19.99.

Jersey Dress in Red/Navy Stripes, $34.99. Cat Tote in Cream, $39.99.

Images courtesy of Target.

Winter Wardrobe Essentials from QVC Under $150!

2012-01-12T10:55:00.000-08:00

Baby, it's getting cold outside. So here are a few cute winter gear picks from QVC collections by uber-stylist Rachel Zoe and legendary American designer Isaac Mizrahi that will help us face the freezing temps in style:

ISAACMIZRAHILIVE! Faux Fur Lined Trapper Hat With Pom Poms, $19.56

ISAACMIZRAHILIVE! Water Resistant Suede Lace-up Boots, $72.24

Luxe Rachel Zoe Cape with Faux Fur Collar and Removable Belt, $143.12

Photos courtesy of QVC

New Year, New Skin with Joanna Vargas Skincare

2012-01-11T08:51:00.000-08:00

We all want flawless skin. Aesthetician to the stars Joanna Vargas can help us all achieve that beauty goal. Everything She Wants' regularly visits her understated salon in New York City for anti-aging and acne-fighting facials boosted by microdermabrasion, oxygen and LED light therapy. And my skin always looks brighter, firmer and younger after each visit.

Joanna Vargas Skincare line.

Now everyone can get the Joanna Vargas spa treatment at home. In 2011, Vargas launched her own, antioxidant-infused skincare line. The four natural products in the line -- Vitamin C face wash; Daily and Rejuvenating Serums; and an Exfoliating Mask -- contain what she calls "the building blocks for a radiant complexion."

All the products aim to speed up cell turnover, erase fine lines and tighten the skin. I especially love the mask (it's more like a scrub), which uses fruit derived enzymes and a fusion of volcanic ash and mineral-rich clay to gently draw out impurities. It evens your pigment and skin texture, refines your pores and softens your skin.

All Joanna Vargas Skincare products can be purchased on her website.

Winter Hair Care Tips for Women of Color from Dana's Loft Hair

2012-01-06T07:59:00.000-08:00

Recently, Everything She Wants shared my hair makeover at dana's loft HAIR. During my visit, personable celebrity hair stylist Dana Gibbs also gave me a few winter hair care tips I'd like to share:

Hair stylist Dana Gibbs.

Use a moisturizing shampoo. It's important to cleanse your scalp, but you don't have to get your hair squeaky clean anymore. So you don't strip your hair of its essential oils, use a moisturizing shampoo.

Keep it simple. With so many products on the market, people get confused. We use so much product, it starts to work against you. Try Dana's Kera Plus line or stick with a regimen that works for you.

Condition, condition, and condition. Cowash (washing your hair with conditioner instead of shampoo) in between washes to keep your hair moisturized and sit under the dryer with a deep conditioner. After styling, put in a leave-in conditioner.

A silk scarf is your friend. Sleep in a silk scarf and wear a silk scarf under a wool hat to protect your edges.

New Year, New Me: My Hair Makeover at Dana's Loft Hair

2012-01-01T11:02:00.000-08:00

It's a new year, so it's the perfect time for a hair makeover. I've been wearing my hair in twists for about a decade and during that time I've only had it blown out and trimmed a few times. So I jumped at the opportunity for Dana Gibbs, celebrity stylist and CEO of dana's loft HAIR (96 Orchard Street, 212-677-7701), to give my hair some long overdue TLC.

"More than half my clients have natural hair, and they can wear it straight or curly," says Dana, who specializes in blow-outs, perms, weaves and the Brazilian Keratin treatment. "[Black women] are the only ethnic group with so many [styling] options."

My twisted hair before my makeover.

Since my tresses are completely relaxer-free, in its natural state my hair shrinks up a lot after it's been washed. And I haven't seen its actual length in at least a year. I also had a resistant gray patch in the front that I desperately needed covered.

Dana blowing my hair out.

So the first step in my makeover was for Dana to put a dark brown color in my hair, which she let sit for about 20 minutes. Afterwards, she rinsed and washed my hair with the Kera Plus Shampoo from her formaldehyde-and-sulfate-free Kera Plus Collection. Then she applied a deep conditioner and sat me under the dryer for another 20 minutes.

"Keratin is a protein that helps to strengthen the hair," explains the stylist who has worked with Rihanna, Raven Symone and Corrine Bailey Rae. But she cautions, "there's no secret formula to help hair grow faster. It can break as fast as it can grow, depending on your own [growth] cycle."

Once the conditioner was rinsed out, Dana combed through my hair using my trusty Ouidad Double Detangler comb. She then sectioned my hair into twists and sat me under the dryer again to get out the remaining moisture.

Finally, she blew my hair dry using a brush and trimmed my ends. I couldn't believe how long my hair was once it was blown out, and my edges -- although thinner than the rest of my hair -- were in better shape than I thought. Dana then dabbled on some Tex Me Pomade (my fave new hair product) from her ME Collection and flat-ironed my hair.

The last step was styling my hair. Dana said she wanted to give me loose, playful curls like Tracee Ellis Ross. And she did. I couldn't believe my hair could achieve such bouncin' and behavin' heights. Although the style only lasted a day and I wore my hair pulled into a pony for the next few days, I'll definitely return to dana's loft HAIR the next time I'm an un-twisted sister.

Make a New Year's Resolution to Win Harley-Davidson Boots!

2011-12-28T04:05:00.000-08:00

To navigate this winter wonderland in style, we need the perfect pair of boots. And Harley-Davidson Footwear has plenty of fashionable new styles that even non-biker chicks will love.

One lucky Everything She Wants' reader will win a pair of genuine leather boots (an up to $200 value) from Harley's fall or spring collection (see below).

The Jasmine boot is a little bit country and a 'lil bit rock-n-roll.

Your Momma will wear these Dessay combat boots, also available in black.

The urban-chic Marta bootie is wearable day and night.

The sexy Ayda boot comes in brown and black.

Here's how to win (all steps must be completed to be eligible):
1) Retweet this post.
2) Subscribe to Everything She Wants via Google Connect or follow me on Twitter @TracyEHopkins.
3) Tell me which of the Harley-Davidson boots pictured above you like best and why?

The giveaway ends Monday, January 2, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. Good luck!

Last Minute Holiday Gifts Under $100 for Him

2011-12-21T10:11:00.000-08:00

What do you get the man who has everything? Something from Everything She Wants' quickie holiday gift roundup, of course.

Here are a few last minute picks for the special guy on your gift list:

Amazon.com has some great last minute deals in the Amazon Clothing Store, including this BGSD Men's Wool Blend Pea Coat in Black or Charcoal ($79.99). The handsome coat is the first step in giving your man a Ryan Gosling wardrobe makeover. The scorpion jacket the actor rocked in Drive is next.

I recently sang the praises of Shea Moisture. So give your man skin care products he's sure to love -- the Shea Moisture Shave Travel Kit ($14.99) -- available exclusively on Target.com. The set includes a brush and soothing shave butter, facial wash and moisturizer made with vitamin-rich natural ingredients.

Revenge Is graphic t-shirts promote environmental and human rights' causes. The tees are made with organic cotton and recyclable materials, and a percentage of proceeds go towards select charities. Get your veggie-lovin' man this "Veggies are Better" ($38) shirt. Until Dec. 25th, get 25 percent off your entire purchase, plus free shipping on orders over $60.

Fashionista Christmas Gifts Under $100 from ModaListas!

2011-12-20T06:08:00.000-08:00

If you're scrambling for a last minute Christmas gift or getting a jump on finding a glam outfit for New Year's Eve, check out ModaListas at the Limelight Shops (656 6th Avenue at 20th Street), a three-story collection of independent shops and eateries.

Monica Phromsavanh, Creative Director of ModaListas.

Recently, the shopping emporium was remodeled and looks like a hip department store reminiscent of Barney's. And ModaListas (in Spanish it means fashion list), a shop that started with less than 100 square feet has expanded to take over most of the first floor.

"We were the strongest tenant," co-owner Monica Phromsavanh says of ModaListas.

"With this economy, the recipe for success is to follow what the audience and public wants. Obviously we want to [cater] to high-fashion and higher end lines. But people are looking for fashion at lower prices, and we have a lot of options for under $100."

What the women who shop at ModaListas want is a mix of contemporary ready-to-wear and unique designer fashions at affordable price points.

"Not everyone can afford the $300 dress," says Monica, who is Asian but grew up in Argentina. "But you can still get something fabulous for the holidays."

Plus, the store sells its own fashion-forward, limited edition line from $85 - $295 (styles change almost every other week); and items from emerging designers like Shirin Askari from the sixth season of Project Runway for $300 - $600.

Exclusively for Everything She Wants' readers, ModaListas is offering a 20 percent discount on select clothing and accessories for under $100.

Here are a few options:

1) A trendy clutch bag for $95.

2) A scarf, belt and gloves combo for under $99.

3) A sweater, scarf and pair of colored skinny jeans for $99.

If you're in New York City, stop by ModaListas at the Limelight Shops and tell them Everything She Wants sent you. And if you're not in NYC, visit the website for outfit options.

Keds Debuts First Clothing Line at Opening Ceremony

2011-12-19T14:04:00.000-08:00

Keds is known for its classic American footwear. Thanks to a collaboration with Opening Ceremony, the 95-year-old brand will also be known for classic American sportswear for men and women. The preppy line debuted on Black Friday and features 85 styles (dresses, skirts, t-shirts, pants and jackets) priced from $48 - $400.

Everything She Wants previewed the limited-edition Resort 2012 collection, available exclusively at Opening Ceremony stores in New York and Los Angeles and on the international brand's website. I also got to see highlights from Keds' spring 2012 collection, available in stores starting in January.

Take a sneak peek:

Sporty items from the Keds at Opening Ceremony Resort 2012 collection.

Raffia sneakers from Keds' spring 2012 collection.

Abstract sneakers from Keds' spring 2012 collection.

Colorful sneaks for spring 2012 by Keds.

Nifty nautical boat shoes from Keds' spring 2012 collection.

Photos by Tracy E. Hopkins

Trendy Holiday Gift Ideas for Under $50!

2011-12-15T06:56:00.000-08:00

This holiday season we're all looking for a bargain without sacrificing quality. And from cute animal hats and gloves to trendy print scarves and fashion fedoras, David and Young Accessories (D&Y) has something for the tween, teen and Mom on your gift list for under $50.

D&Y Critter Kingdome hat and gloves.

Everything She Wants loves the Critter Kingdome animal gloves ($24), perfect for any cheeky young and young-at-heart gal. Varieties include Paco the Panda, Pedro the Penguin, Leonardo the Lion and Manny the Monkey. I also adore D&Y's funky Japanese print Kimono scarf ($19.99), available in teal and brown.

D&Y accessories are available online and at select retailers. I luckily picked up a couple Critter Kingdome hats and pairs of gloves at the Filene's Basement liquidation sale.

D&Y Critter Kingdome gloves ($24).

D&Y Kimono scarf ($19.99).

Raise Your Glass: Holiday Wine Gift Guide

2011-12-14T07:15:00.000-08:00

Everything She Wants loves to promote products that inspire women to look and feel good. Although wine isn't something I'd normally blog about, the spirit can definitely lift our spirits. And antioxidant-rich red wine, in particular, has proven heart health benefits.

Besides, it's holiday time and we're allowed to indulge in a glass (or two) of vino. In case you're looking for a good bottle to pop at your next holiday party, here are a few brands to consider:

Les Compagnons Wines contributes a portion of its sales revenue of each bottle sold to fund several New York City animal charities including Stray from the Heart and and the Toby Project. Try the Pinot Noir.

If you like your wine white and sweet, you'll savor Mirassou Winery's California Moscato. With a flavor profile ripe with peach, tangerine, melon and honeysuckle, the wine is as close as you can get to capturing California summer in a bottle.

Each bottle of Moreno BHLV Sparkling Wine is adorned with Swarovski Crystals, making it the perfect wedding, birthday or bachelorette party gift. The California sparkling wine comes in two yummy varieties -- Rose Prive and Brut -- made from Mendocino County French Colombard, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes.

Sip in style with a bottle from the Villa Blanca Wine Collection by "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Lisa Vanderpump. Created by Summerland Winery, Vanderpump's wines will soon be available across the country and a portion of proceeds will be donated to her charity.

Natural Beauty Christmas Gifts from Shea Moisture

2011-12-12T07:13:00.000-08:00

Everything She Wants receives a bounty of beauty products to sample. So it's a testament to how much I like a brand if I'm actually willing to pay for it. SheaMoisture is one of those brands.

SheaMoisture products.

Shea butter is naturally rich in vitamins A, E and F, evens skin tone, and returns luster to the skin and hair. I discovered SheaMoisture's natural hair, bath and body line at Target last year and have been hooked ever since. The company's recipe is based on the homemade hair and skin preparations made by the founder's grandmother Sofi Tucker in Sierra Leone in 1912.

Of the body products, my favorite is the SheaMoisture Organic Raw Shea Butter Wash, which leaves my skin feeling clean, refreshed and moisturized. There's also an accompanying SheaMoisture Organic Raw Shea Butter Lotion.

The hair products are designed for women (like me) who want to show-off the natural beauty of their hair and escape using chemically laden products. So I'm eager to try the products I was recently gifted at SheaMoisture's Holiday Shop at Bryant Park.

SheaMoisture's Holiday Shop at Bryant Park.

To help me combat my bout of winter dandruff, I received the African Black Soap Collection with active ingredients like plantain enzyme, tea tree and willow bark extract to alleviate scalp conditions including eczema and psoriasis. The Deep Cleansing Shampoo helps regulate sebum production and removes unwanted build-up. The Balancing Conditioner conditions and moisturizes hair, while helping to restore PH balance. And the Dandruff & Dry Scalp Elixir can be used in between shampoos to alleviate flaking and itching.

SheaMoisture's other hair lines include the Coconut & Hibiscus Collection for thick, curly hair; the Raw Shea & Argan Oil Collection for Dry, Damaged Hair; and the Yucca & Baobab Collection for Thin, Fine Hair.

For the special man on your gift list, SheaMoisture also has a line of shaving products. All of these products and more are available at select retailers and at SheaMoisture's Holiday Shop at Bryant Park (at the 41st Street and 6th Avenue entrance) through January 8, 2012.

Holiday Shopping at Shecky's Holiday Night Out in New York City

2011-12-07T05:51:00.001-08:00

If you're in New York City this week, you're invited to spend a fun evening out with your girlfriends at Shecky's Holiday Night Out. The event runs through Dec. 10 at the Altman Building (135 W. 18th Street) and with the price of admission shoppers get a goodie bag stocked with beauty products, photos with Santa, free nail polish changes, quick hair styling with Miss Jessie's products and complimentary drinks. You can also drop off new and unwrapped gifts for the Marine Corp's Toys for Tots Foundation drive.

Everything She Wants scoped out the event and found great deals at the Body Shop's table with gift sets as low as 2 for $12 and fragrances for $10. I also found opportunities to shop with chic vendors, including VibeJewels and Traci Lynn Fashion Jewelry. Although there aren't as many vendors as you'll find at a Shecky's Girls Night Out event, Shecky's Holiday Night Out is still a good time to shop, drink and be merry.

The Body Shop has lots of deals at Shecky's Holiday Night Out.

Shawna of VibeJewels.

Miss Jessie's products.

Photos by Tracy E. Hopkins

H&M Dragon Tattoo Collection in Stores Now!

2011-12-06T05:40:00.001-08:00

It's holiday movie season and one of the biggest box office draws will surely be David Fincher's American update of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. I saw the Swedish version on Netflix, and wasn't that impressed. So I'd like to see how Fincher and the film's sexy star, David Craig, tackle the dark tale.

H&M is cashing in on the film's appeal with the launch of its "Dragon Tattoo Collection," inspired by the tough, goth girl look of the eyebrow-less main character Lisbeth Salander (played in the American version by newcomer Rooney Mara).

Minus the piercings and odd, asymmetrical bob haircut, everyday gals can appreciate elements of Lisbeth's urban, Euro style, particularly her leather jacket.

The collection hit select H&M stores on Dec. 14, and will likely sell out before the movie's release on Dec. 21. Take a look at this behind-the-scenes video of the collection by costume designer Trish Summerville.

Holiday Gift Pick: A Is for Aldo Fragrance Collection

2011-12-05T04:17:00.001-08:00

ALDO is the store where fashionistas flock for trendy shoes. Now the retailer also offers a new fragrance collection, A is for ALDO ($15 - $45), with three scents for women and two scents for men.

The color-coded collection was created in conjunction with two of the industry's leading fragrance houses, Givaudan and Robertet, and is suited to fit the personality traits of the woman (or man) who wears it.

The choices for women are Red, Yellow and Blue, and Red and Yellow for men.

"Colors are like personalities," says ALDO Creative Director, Douglas Bensadoun. "Scents can be complex, but everyone knows their favorite color. We've translated the A is for ALDO fragrance collection...defined by color. It's never been easier to find yourself."

Red for her has inner floral notes, accompanied by base notes of warm vanilla, sandalwood and musk, and delectable top notes of mandarin and peach. Red is designed for the sensual, passionate woman who knows how to leave an impression.

Yellow for her is inspired by the lush summertime flowers found in the gardens of the Italian Riviera. The scent is a whimsical mix of grapefruit zest and mandarin, neroli blossoms, orange blossom, honeysuckle and jasmine commingle. Yellow is for the playful, enchanting girl who will be a girl forever.

Blue for her is Everything She Wants' personal pick, although the description for Yellow more closely matches my personality. The scent begins with a citrus cocktail, shaken with freesia and bergamot, and is also accented by heliotrope, jasmine, magnolia, sandalwood, cocoa, tonka bean and vanilla. Blue is for the sexy, glamorous and seductive woman.

Celebrity Christmas Balls for Charity from HSN

2011-12-03T04:54:00.001-08:00

Trimming my family's Christmas tree is a tradition I look forward to each year. Since eclectic ornaments are my favorite, the Heart HSN 2011 Designer Ornament Collection caught my eye during HSN's holiday preview in New York City.

These exclusive ornaments were designed by superstars and top-selling HSN personalities in fashion, accessories, beauty and home including Mariah Carey, Twiggy and Martha Stewart in support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The ornaments range in price from $9.95 to $24.95, but many of the balls are already sold out.

Several Christmas-tree-trimming-worthy balls, however, are still available, like the fashion-forward, leopard-print ornament by maternity designer Liz Lange (see above photo) and the elegant, white and gold clear glass ball by wedding planner Colin Cowie.

With 100 percent of the profits being donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, an ornament from the Heart HSN 2011 Designer Ornament Collection ornament is a great gift that gives back. You can also make a $5 donation to St. Jude.

Photos by Tracy E. Hopkins

Everything She Wants' Holiday Gift Guide Roundup

2011-12-01T06:06:00.000-08:00

Everything She Wants comes across a lot of creative, charitable and indulgent beauty and style items year-round. And these are a few of my favorite things and picks for perfect holiday gifts.

Australian Scent Cleansers Delight Gift Set

Australian Scent: Founded by husband and wife team Eddie and Megan (he's an American boy and she's from Australia), Australian Scent is an organically crafted, paraben-free skin care line that sources raw, anti-oxidant ingredients like acai berry, almond oil, beeswax and carrot seed oil. The products even come in recycled, biodegradable packaging.

The green gal or guy on your gift list will love the Cleansers Delight Gift Set ($130). Everything She Wants' readers get 20 percent off any purchase from Friday, Dec. 2 until Thursday, Dec. 8 by entering the discount code ESW20 at checkout. In order to get the discount, simply create an account on Australian Scent's website.

Saachi by In-Things Marquis bracelets.

Saachi by In-Things: In-Things is a New York-based company that specializes in handcrafted jewelry, luxurious wraps and scarves, and embroidered shoes and jackets imported from India. Many of the stoles and scarves are replicas of those worn by Indian royalty. I especially love Saachi's beautifully crafted, colorful crystal Marquis bracelets ($39 each). Pick up one or two for yourself and the bling-lovin' girlfriend on your gift list.

Kumani Essentials: This beauty care line of hair, face and body products was founded by licensed esthetician Stacy Fader. Kumani Essentials uses the natural anti-aging emollient, Shea butter, sourced from a fair trade cooperative in Burkina Faso. While Shea butter has been used in Africa for centuries, its use is relatively new in America. The line uses only 100 percent natural Shea butter -- untreated and unprocessed with chemicals -- so customers benefit from more of the ingredient's moisturizing, healing and anti-aging effects. Try the Kumani Shea-cation Travel Kit ($28).

Eau de Nous: Created by sisters Daya and Vally, Eau de Nous is an affordable new fragrance line "inspired by nature"and "defined by passion." The everyday colognes -- Citrus Charm (a Self Magazine Fragrance Award winner), Bebe Breeze, Gardenian Gift and Jasmine Joy -- draw from the subtly sweet scents of nature. To sample them all, pick up the Eau de Nous Fragrance Set ($48).

5 Holiday Health and Wellness Tips from EmpowHER

2011-11-30T04:14:00.001-08:00

With all the shopping and socializing, the holiday season can take its toll on us emotionally and physically. Here are five helpful tips from EmpowHer, a leading health and wellness website for women, to help us de-stress and get in the holiday spirit:

Prioritize: Your company is throwing a really cool holiday party in mid-December, and so are two of your closest friends, three sets of neighbors and four relatives. While you may or may not wish to to attend them all, nothing can wear you out faster than too many social engagements. Give yourself permission to attend a certain number of holiday functions, and graciously bow out of the others.

Try something new this holiday season./Photo by Tracy E. Hopkins

Let go of tradition: We all enjoy receiving holiday cards, but we also completely understand not having the time or inclination to send them. Just like holiday parties, pick and choose a few traditions that you truly enjoy doing, and leave the rest behind, at least for this year.

Find time for yourself: It's okay to go to bed early, even if you have a pile of gifts to wrap. It's okay to soak in a hot bubble bath, even as the bare Christmas tree awaits its decorations and tinsel. And it's okay to go to lunch or enjoy a pedicure with a close girlfriend whose friendship invigorates you, even as your home waits to be cleaned for the company that will arrive tomorrow. These gifts of time and relaxation that we give ourselves this holiday season will pay off nicely.

Try something new: Sure, there are things that you and your family or friends enjoy doing, eating or seeing every year -- like the annual Christmas light drive with the family or eating the same holiday turkey with your Aunt's famous cornbread stuffing. But how about giving a new food, event or even store a try?

Keep your perspective: Try thinking of it this way. You can have the most stressful holiday season ever, and in a few short weeks it will be 2012. Or you can make every effort to relax and have a good time, and in a few short weeks it will also be 2012.

Holiday Giving, Find a Charity Near You to Spread Holiday Joy

2011-11-29T06:10:00.001-08:00

It's the most wonderful time of the year, so why not share the love and give to those who are less fortunate? Everything She Wants will drop off a swag bag of toiletries and beauty products to Eve Salon (55 West 8th Street) in Manhattan's West Village nabe.

Eve Salon (@evesalon), along with Haven Spa (150 Mercer Street, @HavenSpaSoho) in Soho, has partnered with New York City's Women in Need to provide women and their families with new, everyday necessities in order to live a healthy and hygienic life.

New and unused toiletries of all kinds will be accepted including soaps, shampoos, sanitary napkins, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, razors, hair care products and children's bath products. Additionally, Eve and Haven will donate one toothbrush for every three products donated. The holiday toiletries drive begins Tuesday, Nov. 29 and runs through Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2012.

If you're looking for other holiday giving opportunities, check out New York Cares, a non-profit organization that hosts an annual coat drive and a Winter Wishes program that assists thousands of New York families and children in need. And no matter where you live, you can participate in the JC Penny/Salvation Army Angel Giving Tree program online through Jan. 14, 2012.

So don't delay, make a donation (big or small) to the holiday charity or cause of your choice.

Cyber Monday 2011 Fashion Deals!

2011-11-28T04:00:00.001-08:00

If you missed the Black Friday deals at your local mall or just can't get enough retail therapy, today you can catch all the Cyber Monday sales on the world wide web (Note to self: save all your gift cards next year and use them online for greater savings).

Image from GeekSugar.com

Here are a few standout sales that landed in Everything She Wants' inbox:

Save 40% on everything site-wide at Esprit.com.

Save 30% on your purchase at Athleta, Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy. And save 20% at Piperlime. Enter HUGECYBER at checkout.

Save 30% on regularly priced merchandise on SA VA's website. Plus, all sale items are still $25 at my favorite indie Philly retailer. Enter CYBER30 at checkout.

Save up to 75% off the original price on classic Norma Kamali styles, only on the designer's website. Plus, free ground shipping. Quantities are limited.

Save 20% on any item on fashion jewelry destination, Jewelista.com, from 11 a.m. EST until 3 p.m., plus free shipping.

5 Holiday Stocking Stuffers Under $20!

2011-11-26T16:48:00.001-08:00

'Tis the season to watch your holiday spending, and Everything She Wants' believes in quality over quantity. So here are five great stocking stuffers for under $20:

Artistry Light-Up Lip Gloss

Artistry Light-Up Lip Gloss ($15.30): Turn heads with this shimmery gloss with an LED light on the applicator and a built-in mirror. The lip gloss comes in shades to complement any skin tone. To purchase, find an Artistry salesperson in your area.

Pan Oceanic Eyewear (from $6.99): Get these celeb style shades sold at bargain fashionista prices at Target, Urban Outfitters and Forever 21. Since I wear my sunglasses year-round (not at night though), I'm putting chic cat eye sunglasses on my holiday wish list. Eat your heart out Rachel Zoe.

Pan Oceanic cat-eye sunglasses

Demeter Fragrance Library (from $6): Let the sweet and sentimental scents of the season linger on your skin with Demeter's new holiday fragrances. The scents -- made with 95% natural ingredients including alcohol naturally fermented from corn and no artificial colors -- include Gingerbread, Cranberry, Egg Nog, Snow, Christmas Tree, Fireplace and Mulled Cider. Available online in splashes, sprays and roll-ons.

Swipes Lovin' Wipes Towelettes ($4.99): These discreet, all-natural wipes are made with pure water, aloe and Vitamin E. The unscented, flushable wipes are perfect for using after a gym work-out or anytime you need a quick freshen up. Available on drugstore.com.

LypSyl LypMoisturizer ($2.99): My fave lip moisturizer is made with pure Swedish beeswax and other natural ingredients and comes in Original and Honeyberry.

Pick up a tube in a handy push-up applicator for yourself and your BFFs at a major drugstore near you.

Spring 2012 Fashion Trends from Forever 21

2011-11-23T05:13:00.001-08:00

If Forever 21's Spring 2012 preview is any indication, the season will be marked by several strong trends carried over from previous seasons. For spring, Forever 21 fans can expect to find fun, flirty and feminine frocks; bold colors and pastel prints; Boho and mod dresses and accessories; romantic lace and girly jewelry; vintage-inspired looks and a bevy of cross-body bags.

Here are a few of Everything She Wants' favorite looks:

Forever 21 flirty frocks, feminine jewelry and cross-body bags.

Forever 21 romantic blouses and lace tops.

Forever 21 spring trend: Bold colors and soft silhouettes.

Forever 21's vintage-inspired looks.

Photos by Tracy E. Hopkins