Everything She Wants

Wedding Dresses Under $500 on PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com

2012-02-29T07:37:00.000-08:00

Brides, of course, want to look beautiful on their wedding day. But picking the perfect wedding dress can be a daunting task, especially if you're not willing to spend a small fortune. That's why used wedding dresses are a great option for budget brides everywhere, and PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com* is the first place they should look.

Oscar de la Renta gown on PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com.

When she was unable to find an outlet to sell her designer wedding gown, self-proclaimed "sucker for weddings" Josie Daga founded the site in 2004. PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com connects buyers and sellers of new, sample and used designer wedding gowns, many for less than $500.

With over 9,000 wedding dresses in stock by more than 300 different designers including Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier, Marchesa and Oscar de la Renta, the site helps impending brides find their dream dresses. For a one-time, $25 flat fee past brides can also list and resell their dresses.

Brides can browse by categories like Dresses We Love, Most Viewed, Best Deals or New Listings of the Week. It's also easy to pick your perfect dress by searching by designer, size, price, silhouette and location.

Here’s a testimonial from happy bargain bride, Lee-Ann L. (February, 2012):

“I got a brand new with tags Enzoani dress for $400. I am still in awe. The dress is amazing and has never been worn. A bride had ordered it from the bridal shop that sold it to me and had cancelled the order, so they wanted to get rid of it. It’s gorgeous and it fits like a glove. PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com exceeded my expectations!”

*This post was sponsored by PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com.

Oscars 2012 Fashion: Celebrity Red Carpet Looks for Less

2012-02-27T14:23:00.003-08:00

The 84th Academy Awards were a snooze-fest. But the fashions were fab. And Los Angeles-based evening wear line Dalia MacPhee has already created versions of some of the night's most stunning looks-for-less ($300 and up), available at Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus stores nationwide.

If you adore Michelle Williams' coral/burnt orange Louis Vuitton gown (left photo) like I did (she was Everything She Wants' best dressed pick), you'll love this similar, regal dress in red.

The peplum is the signature style of the season, and Tina Fey (left photo) looked better than ever in her custom-made, dark blue gown by Carolina Herrera. You can copy the funny girl's winning style in this violet version.

I love a red head in red, and Emma Stone (left photo) dazzled in her chic Giambattista Valli gown. You too can be a lovely lady in red, minus the Valli frock's beautiful bow.

Cameron Diaz (left photo) is always red-carpet ready, and this year the sun-kissed star was easy, breezy and beautiful in a nude Gucci dress. Get the look-for-less in Dalia MacPhee's romantic, ruffled gown.

Photos courtesy of Dalia MacPhee

Find Online Retail Deals at CouponChief.com!

2012-02-27T05:21:00.005-08:00

No one loves a bargain more than Everything She Wants. And when it comes to discounts for clothing and accessories, I'm all about sharing the good news. Recently, I was introduced to CouponChief.com*, where pennywise shoppers can find over 50,000 coupons from more than 15,000 retailers.

With the largest database of coupons on the web, all of Coupon Chief's coupons and store discounts for apparel, electronics, travel and entertainment are valid and rated by users.

Ice.com's peridot sterling stud earrings, $20 off!/Image from Coupon Chief

Lately, I've been on a mission to find precious stone and gemstone jewelry because of their healing properties. So I checked out Coupon Chief's coupon for Ice.com for $20 off your purchase, plus free shipping. So I'm considering a lovely pair of 3.5 karat peridot sterling studs that were regularly priced $50 and are $30 with the discount.

According to Jewels of Me, the yellowish-green peridot is a stone of lightness that counters the effects of negative emotions, and fosters emotional balance, security and inner peace. This sounds like the stone for me.

With so many deals on Coupon Chief, you'll have to do a lot of searching if you're looking for something specific like jewelry or shoes. But you can also do a general search for your favorite retailers like Target, Gap, Payless, Kohls and Land's End.

And if you're an avid coupon code clipper, through Coupon Chief's Pays-2-Share program you can upload coupons and get paid whenever someone uses your coupon.

*This post was sponsored by CouponChief.com.

Join David's Bridal for an Oscars' Twitter Party!

2012-02-25T06:29:00.006-08:00

Although Everything She Wants would rather be going to the 84th Academy Awards, here's the next best option. Join David's Bridal for an Oscars' Twitter Party on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012 at 7 p.m., and Tweet your way into a new gown from David’s Bridal.

David's Bridal party dresses./Tracy E. Hopkins

A panel of three top fashion experts will host the Twitter event. As starlets step onto the red carpet in their glamorous gowns, the experts will give us the inside scoop on how to get the celeb looks-for-less while offering lucky Twitter followers a chance to win these looks via gift cards from David’s Bridal.

To join in the conversation, simply look for the hashtag #DBRedCarpet on Twitter and get the top fashion tips and tricks from David’s Bridal’s fashion experts, including:

· Katrina Mitzeliotis (@KatrinaM) – Celebrity Fashion Expert

· Carmen Ordonez (@VivaFashion) – Hispanic Style Expert

· Cassandra Morris (@SoCassandra) – Teen Fashion Expert

Happy Tweeting! Additional details about the party can be found on the David’s Bridal Blog.

Spring/Summer 2012 Trend Forecast: Go Tangerine Tango

2012-02-24T10:30:00.001-08:00

The must-have pop of color in your spring and summer wardrobe is tangerine. Tangerine-Tango to be exact, which according to Pantone -- the world-renowned authority on color -- is the 2012 Pantone Color of the Year. And as Everything She Wants has seen in stores and at previews and fashion shows, tantalizing tangerine has taken over.

A model stands out in her tangerine dress during Fashion Week in New York City.

Add a touch of vibrant orange to any outfit with these adorable ballet flats from Old Navy ($22.94); this trendy Bamboo Pink Madrid cuff ($49); and this stunning, Loft statement necklace (available in spring 2012).

Loft has plenty of tangerine separates in its summer 2012 collection.

An teeny, polka dot tangerine bikini and orange tote from Juicy Couture's summer 2012 collection.

An eye-catching necklace from lia sophia's red-carpet Zingara collection.

Image credit: Tracy E. Hopkins

5 Must-Have Beauty Items That Survived Fashion Week

2012-02-21T12:56:00.000-08:00

Fashion Week can be hard on a fashionista. Although I didn't run as rampant a pace and some of my peers, I was still exhausted by the time it ended.

On the plus side, however, the week-long fashion-fest gave me an opportunity to test drive a few beauty products that have been patiently waiting in my beauty cabinet -- and they all passed with flying colors:

OMHH Hair & Body Wash

Developed by natural hair guru Debra Hare-Bey, Oh My Heavenly Hair Fabulously Therapeutic Vegan Hair & Body Wash ($13) is made with organic aloe, organic lavender, roman chamomile, vitamin E, pro-vitamin B-5 and essential oils. With its fresh scent, you'll look forward to using it to cleanse your hair and body.

Bare Minerals Blemish Therapy ($18) is a life-saver. It's formulated with natural sulfur to conceal acne and prevent future breakouts. And the100% pure RareMinerals ActiveSoil Complex helps stimulate cell turnover and offers antioxidant protection.

To keep my lashes looking "I wish I were walking the runway" ready, I used Maybelline Falsies Mascara ($6.39). Thanks to the patented spoon brush, the mascara doesn't clump and adds instant volume.

Youngblood Luminous Creme Blush in Rose Quartz and Champagne Life ($27, available March 2012) adds a natural-looking glow to your cheeks. I also used the blush as a base color for eye shadow and lip-gloss.

The last thing I wanted to worry about was a shiny face while juggling events and shows. So Mineral Fusion Mattifying Oil Control Facial Moisturizer ($16), a lightweight moisturizer that helps control extra oil for a shine-free matte finish, laid the perfect foundation for a flawless makeup look.

Lia Sophia Jewelry Dresses Up Fashionistas for Fashion Week

2012-02-18T05:32:00.000-08:00

Celebrities and bloggers alike love lia sophia. During Fashion Week, we got a posh preview of the high-end costume jewelry line's colorful Spring/Summer 2012 collection, as well as the gypsy-inspired Red Carpet Zingara collection.

Photos by Tracy E. Hopkins

Two favorites included the Natayla Necklace ($350; above photo) with clear cut crystals in antique gold and the Agape Cuff Bracelet ($300) with clear cut crystals with tangerine resin in matte gold.

As I left the lia sophia Fashion Suite with my gift of a brilliant pair of long, crystal drop earrings, an always dapper Miss J Alexander was on his way in.

"They [lia sophia pieces] are easy to wear. You can dress them up or dress them down," gushed the "America's Next Top Model" runway coach. "Not only can you wear them with a cocktail dress, you can also wear them with jeans."

"Extra" co-host Maria Menounos in lia sophia.*

While the Red Carpet pieces start at $125, a lia sophia spokesperson says the average lia sophia customer spends about $40. Although I wish lia sophia was available online and in stores, the jewelry is only available for purchase through an advisor. It's worth the extra effort to purchase lia sophia, however, since becoming an advisor offers women who love the brand a fun entrepreneurial opportunity.

To find an advisor in your area or for info on how to become one, go to lia sophia's website.

*Photo courtesy of lia sophia.

Adorn by Wendy Williams Fashion Jewelry Debuts on QVC

2012-02-17T09:14:00.000-08:00

How you doin? Wendy Williams -- the woman who coined that pop culture catch phrase (okay, maybe Joey from "Friends" was first, but Wendy gave it a different spin) -- is having an absolutely fabulous week. The former radio shock jock already hosts a hit daytime TV talk show, and she just launched her costume jewelry collection -- Adorn by Wendy Williams -- on QVC.

Move over Joan Rivers. Wendy's glam, big and bold styles include bangles, earrings, necklaces and rings all under $65.

Wendy posing with necklaces from her Adorn by Wendy Williams collection./@Wendy Williams photo credit

Wendy Williams Pear Shaped Draped Chain Earrings, $29.50./photo from QVC

Wendy Williams Quilted Color Stretch Bangle Bracelet, $34.50 each./photo from QVC

Spring 2012 Shoe Trends Preview from Jellypop

2012-02-17T07:58:00.002-08:00

Everything She Wants recently previewed Jellypop's girly Spring 2012 collection during the Fashion Footwear Association of New York (FFANY) showcase. Most shoes in the budget-savvy brand are under $50 and are available at retailers nationwide including Famous Footwear and DSW Shoe Warehouse.

Jellypop founder Jennet Chow./Image from Jellypop

Afterwards, I chatted with Jellypop founder Jennet Chow via email. The 31-year-old is an avid photographer and learned how to sketch and design shoes by watching her father. Here's what Chow had to say about about what inspires her her trendy designs, what's in store for spring, and more.

Everything She Wants: What was your inspiration for starting Jellypop (owned by Evolution Design Lab, Inc.)?

Girlie platform sandals in playful patterns are hot for spring.

Jennet Chow: The creative team I work with inspire me. We always wanted to create our own brand one day. I also saw how there was a lack of strong, affordable junior brands in the marketplace. We have a strong history of helping to build strong junior brands for licenses with our product and design.

ESW: How would you describe Jellypop's target customer?

JC: [She is] 13+, young, spunky and free-spirited, with a great sense of humor. Girls who love fashion, but don’t want to break the bank.

An adorable pair of Mary-Janes can be worn year-round.

I love these color-blocked, suede pumps with a metallic heel and hint of leopard print.

These Southwest-inspired cowboy boots are certainly on trend for fall.

ESW: What are the brand's hottest trends for spring 2012 and fall 2012?

JC: For Spring 12, [we have] vibrant colors, platforms, 70’s inspired and boho chic [looks], and colors including blues, nudes, yellow, white eyelet and floral prints.

For Fall 12, [we have] plaid, wedges, sweater detailing, engineer boots, grunge, suedes and mirrored metallic [styles]. The colors include tan, taupe, rose gold, distressed brown, cognac, berry and teal, preppy (penny loafers). And for dressy [looks]. we offer more feminine sillouettes.

ESW: Jellypop shoes are very affordable, but what's your biggest fashion splurge?

JC: I do splurge on shoes every once in awhile. I love shoes…for instance a pair of nude patent heels from Prada, classic Chanel flats and a classic blocky vintage heel, and a few pairs of Manolo Blahniks.

JELLYPOP SPRING 2012 LOOK BOOK from Jellypop Shoes on Vimeo.

Goodness Pop-Up Restaurant Returned to Fashion Week

2012-02-15T12:31:00.002-08:00

Model Elettra Weidemann saw a void in healthy lunch options for hurried and hungry Fashion Week attendees. So last season she launched the Goodness pop-up restaurant at Ed's Chowder House at the Empire Hotel.

Elettra Wiedemann

"I've been through so many Fashion Weeks' where I didn't have access to good food," says Elettra, the daughter of Italian actress and model Isabella Rosselllini and granddaughter of screen legend Ingrid Bergman.

"Everyone looks their best for the first two days, but we crash after living on [nothing but] wine and champagne."

This season, from Feb. 11- Feb. 14 Goodness returned as a pop-up restaurant at Robert, atop the Museum of Arts and Design. Each day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., guests noshed on regionally sourced seasonal cuisine by a rotating line-up of hand-picked celebrity chefs including Iron Chef Mario Batali of Babbo and Julian Medina of Toloache. A la carte and prix fixe ($35) menus were available.

"Goodness is a place to experience good food, great chefs and to get charged to take Fashion Week by the horns," she says of the pop-up restaurant, which earned the CFDA's Health Initiative Stamp of Approval.

For the first year, Goodness also presented the Goodness Lounge by Renaissance Hotels for bloggers, editors and industry insiders. Elettra is the face of Lancome, and in the lounge press covering Fashion Week experienced masterful manicures and make-up touch-ups by the Parisian beauty brand.

Goodness Lounge by Renaissance Hotels.

To keep things fresh, Goodness will change venues every season. "It's an industry that gets bored easily," admits Elettra, who keeps things interesting by traveling and training for her first triathlon.

Chef Medina comments that the pairing of fashion and food is a natural partnership. "We chefs create beautiful food," he says. "And fashion creates beauty with models and couture."

Although Valentine's Day is over, it's never too late to plan a romantic meal. What would Chef Medina put on the menu? "Anything you can eat with your hands."

Goodness will make future appearances in Paris, London, Miami and Doha, Qatar. For more information, go to goodnesspopup.com.

Watch Whitney Port's Fashion Week Show Live on YouTube!

2012-02-13T13:41:00.000-08:00

Fans of MTV's The Hills and the short-lived New York City spinoff The City are already fond of California girl Whitney Port. We watched the 26-year-old's charmed career ascend from an internship at Teen Vogue alongside Lauren Conrad to assisting fashion PR guru Kelly Cutrone to launching her own clothing line.

Whitney Port in Whitney Eve.

In 2009, Port debuted her Whitney Eve collection. Her line embodies an ease and effortless chic inspired by the laidback aesthetic of her native Los Angeles, with a hint of New York City street style she dubbed as ‘"feminine, chic street wear."

Global online retailer Very.com will sponsor the showcase of the Whitney Eve Fall 2012 collection during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center on February 15th. While Whitney has previously shown during Miami Fashion Week, this will be her first solo show in New York.

Although you have to be a fashion industry VIP or invited guest to witness the show in person, Very.com* will stream the event live and exclusively from its Very.com YouTube channel on February 15th at 9 a.m. EST.

British online retailer Very launched globally in November 2011 with an event held at New York City's members-only Soho House. A spokesperson for the brand said, "We are delighted to be working with Whitney Port and sponsoring her Whitney Eve collection."

* This post was sponsored by Very.com.

Whitney Houston, We Will Always Love You

2012-02-12T06:23:00.001-08:00

We will miss you, Whitney. Your voice was a gift from God. Your beauty was an inspiration.

Whitney Houston on the cover of Seventeen magazine, 1981.

Fashion Week Fall 2012 Spotlight: Monika Chiang

2012-02-10T06:41:00.000-08:00

A world traveler and fixture in the New York City nightlife scene, Monika Chiang brings a chic and cultured sensibility to her well-heeled line of clothing and accessories. Chiang's luxe Fall 2012 collection was inspired by "the notion of beauty found in unexpected places" and included a variety of striking, ready-to-wear pieces and on-trend accessories.

Highlights included a fitted leather jacket with oversized shearling sleeves and a sexy, leather zip-up skirt. Monika's looks were complemented by her edgy footwear (high-top sneakers and studded flats and pumps) and standout leather handbags and embellished clutches.

Designer Monika Chiang.

Photos courtesy of Paul Wilmot Communications

Fashion Week Fall 2012 Obakki Presentation

2012-02-08T07:36:00.000-08:00

Fashion Week in New York City officially kicks off Thursday, February 9th. But Obakki, a luxury fashion brand built on modern style, got a head start with their presentation on Tuesday. The international design house founded by creative director Treana Peake in Vancouver, B.C., speaks to the urban sophisticate with an effortless sense of style.

Scenes from Obakki's Fall 2012 presentation in New York City.
Photos by Tracy E. Hopkins

Women who wear Obakki -- including Tyra Banks, Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Hudson -- appreciate the brand for its elegant yet easy-to-wear range of dresses, coats and separates.

The flattering and completely wearable Fall 2012 collection was awash in earth tones and inspired by the fields and village life in the South Sudan.

Field Inspiration F/W12 from Obakki on Vimeo.

For more Fashion Week coverage through Feb. 16, check out my National Fashion Week Examiner column.

Sneak Peek at Aerosoles Spring 2012 Collection

2012-02-07T08:04:00.000-08:00

Everything She Wants is a sucker for a stylish comfort shoe, and my go-to brand is usually Aerosoles. Recently, I stumbled upon the brand's spring 2012 preview during the Fashion Footwear Association of New York (FFANY) convention.

Aerosoles styles for Spring 2012./Photos by Tracy E. Hopkins

For spring, Aerosoles runs the gamut from office-to-brunch-ready tailored and modern styles to shoes in bright colors and animal prints. A few fashion-forward boots were also on display including cute peep-toe, wedge booties and fringed booties. The selection was impressive, however, I'm still in search of a replacement pair of my all-time fave Aerosoles' boots -- the Flamcoyant in black suede.

These knee-high boots zip up the back and are accented with tasteful brass studs around the top and up the sides. I purchased the durable shoes about four years ago and literally wore them out. And if it weren't for the holes in the soles, I would never have donated them to the Sally Army.

The Flamcoyant by Aerosoles./Photo from Amazon.com

The bad news is that Flamcoyant is no longer being made. So here's my plea to the powers that be at Aerosoles to bring them back for Fall 2012. If they do, I promise to buy at least two pair so I'll have a spare.

Hilary Park's Divination Spring 2012 Jewelry Collection

2012-02-06T07:22:00.000-08:00

Hilary Park is a Brooklyn-based designer who specializes in limited-edition and exclusive pieces hand-crafted in silver and gold and often accented with semi-precious and precious gems.

Jewelry designer, Hilary Park.

Everything She Wants went to the opening of Park’s new boutique in Williamsburg for a preview of her Spring 2012 Divination collection, and I later chatted with the former Wall Street trader via email.

Everything She Wants: Please explain the connection between your jewelry and astrology.

Hilary Park: Jewelry and astrology are both instruments of empowerment and transformation. By choosing to don golden feather earrings or a warrior-inspired silver collar, you are revealing different sides of yourself to the world. Once, I stayed up all night making a pair of earrings with Masai warrior silhouettes because I wanted to feel powerful the next day (and combat boots were simply not appropriate for the scenario I was facing)!

Astrology helps to identify our challenges, helps illuminate why those challenges are good for us and tells us how we can ultimately turn them into opportunities. It helps us know when an obstacle needs to be overcome or if you are on the wrong road.

Photos by Tracy Hopkins

I believe that true magic comes into play when we combine jewelry and astrology, and when designing a unique piece of jewelry that enhances your life both stylistically and metaphysically. This way we have a beautiful reminder every day that we are proactively improving our world, a magical reminder with the otherworldly power to affect our lives.

ESW: What inspires your designs? And what materials do you typically work with?

HP: I work almost exclusively with sterling silver, fine silver, and argentium. Argentium doesn’t tarnish and has higher silver purity than sterling. Because I believe in making pieces that will last for generations, this is one of my favorite materials.

When I first started making jewelry, a large part of my inspiration derived from travel to Africa, Mexico and India – everything from the foliage to the animals to the tapestries and other indigenous arts. I would make my own souvenirs when I got home.

These days, my personal spirituality inspires a significant proportion of my work. I may draw upon astrological symbols or occult texts, or I may design a piece entirely around a particular stone whose properties I want to invoke.

Hand-crafted silver and gold and precious stones.

One of my favorite pieces – the winding path cuff -- was inspired by an afternoon of doodling and philosophizing. We can head down a path only to hit a dead end, but the bends and twists of any particular portion of our life – the so-called missteps -- often [influence] what makes us who we are. Our mistakes can be beautiful and can come to define us. [The cuff] still brings me joy every time I see it.

ESW: How would you describe your design style and the woman who wears your jewelry?

HP: I love the gritty elegance of New York, and I’ve been told that comes through in a lot of my work. I’ve also been having an intense love affair with the beach ever since I discovered sandboxes at the age of two, so timeless natural pieces that reflect a more earthy aesthetic find their way into my creative process again and again.

The woman who wears my jewelry wants something personal that no one else will have. She values both the look and the character of hand-crafted pieces and she – if only secretly – enjoys the idea of inviting a little bit of magic into her life.

Hilary Park silver and Argentium designs.

ESW: If you had to pick one precious stone, which one should every woman wear in some form whether in a ring, bracelet or necklace? And why?

HP: I think women should trust in what naturally attracts them, but I do harbor a great fascination with rubies. Rubies promote courage and generosity while at the same time generating love and prosperity. They ground energy, heighten passion, combat exhaustion, and instill vitality. They are even said to protect against negative thought patterns and the so-called evil eye.

If you can break away from the “three Cs” of clarity, cut and carat (well, maybe not carat because I love big stones) and just allow yourself to fall in love with a stone for the stone’s sake, you’ll find the one that's right for you. I always have to laugh when I discover a new stone that I “need” to have. Inevitably, when I return home and investigate its properties, they perfectly address whatever current imbalance I may be suffering from.

ESW: What is the price range your jewelry?

HP: Small silver hoops start at $65, whereas my hand-alloyed 22k gold chandelier earrings are $3900. Thus far, my custom stone pendants have ranged from $525 to $2600 depending on the stone, the size, and the metal. I aim to have as wide a price range as possible without sacrificing the hand-crafted nature of the work.

Shopping Jason Wu for Target on Super Bowl Sunday

2012-02-05T11:50:00.000-08:00

While many of you were sleeping in or getting ready for a Super Bowl Sunday celebration, Everything She Wants was headed to Target by in search of the Jason Wu capsule collection. Doors opened at 8 a.m. and I knew that diehard shoppers had lined up early, so I was anxious to see what was left.

Jason Wu for Target shoppers./Tracy Hopkins

When I arrived at the store in downtown Brooklyn around 8:35 a.m., at least 40 women bundled in winter coats, hats and boots milled around the tiny section where the collection was set up. All I really had my heart set on was the Milu the Cat Signature T-shirt ($19.99), which was already sold out online.

I asked one woman about the shirts and she said, "those were the first to go." Luckily, a Target salesman put a Medium Milu tee back on the rack, which I promptly picked up. The Jersey Dress in Red/Navy Stripes ($34.99) also caught my eye and found its way into my basket.

"Mischief is in the Details" is the tagline for Wu's cheerful collection, characterized by clean lines and classic patterns and silhouettes. But many of the women who arrived early were rewarded for their cleverness and scored all of the Wu line's accessories. A cashier later told me that they'd only stocked five of each handbag and scarf, and they were gone by 8:01 a.m.

Jason Wu for Target Milu t-shirt./Target

Amidst the calculated chaos, I ran into Kristin Booker of FashionStyleBeauty.com and we waited with other fervent shoppers on the opposite end of the dressing room to see what our fellow fashioinistas rejected. When I saw the Michelle Obama-worthy Flared Dress in Black with Nude Patent Belt ($59.99) being handed to a sales clerk I asked him (politely, I hope) to hand it over.

In total, I scooped up three items from the Jason Wu collection. And when I left, there were still plenty of women trying items on and racks full of the less popular pieces. My biggest bargain, however, was a Missoni for Target short-sleeved sweater dress I spotted on the clearance rack. It was originally priced at $54.99, and I purchased it for only $11.50. Now that's what I call super Sunday shopping.

Valentine's Day Gift Guide for Her Under $75

2012-02-04T17:31:00.000-08:00

Since our fellas usually need a few helpful hints when it comes to Valentine's Day gifts (I more than hinted to my hubby that I'd like a little bling), here are Everything She Wants' pretty picks:

She'll always have change -- but not a change of heart -- when she carries this funky, retro-looking "Love" coin purse ($20) by Lisa Perry.

Express your love with an Amour signet ring ($36) by lia sophia in silver or gold.

Set a romantic mood with this Diptyque limited edition Rosa Mundi (Rose of the World) candle ($65).

Bring sexy back with this lovely Josie by Natori Sleepwear Women's Lolita Flower Chemise ($68).

Go Red for Women at Macy's and Get 20% Off!

2012-02-02T19:12:00.000-08:00

According to the American Heart Association, more women die of cardiovascular disease than all forms of cancer. But 80 percent of strokes and heart attacks in women could be prevented if women made healthy choices involving diet, exercise and abstinence from smoking.

NY Collection Draped Blazer, $39.99

Show your support for heart health awareness by shopping at Macy's. As the sponsor of the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women Movement, the department store is offering a 20 percent discount storewide through Sunday, Feb. 5 to shoppers who wear red to any Macy's location. You can also shop online using the promo code, RED.

Another way to show your support is to purchase a Red Dress Pin for $2 and Macy's will donate all sales to AHA's Go Red for Women Movement.

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.