Project Runway’s Mondo Guerra Designs Piperlime Tees for World AIDS Day

Mondo Guerra should have won season 8 of "Project Runway." That's a fact. His vibrant designs -- typified by colorful separates and eye-catching accessories -- wowed both viewers and judges Heidi Klum, Michael Kors, and Nina Garcia.


Okay, Nina and Michael weren't big fans of his finale polka dot tube dress, but Heidi and guest judge Jessica Simpson loved it.

Mondo tee for Piperlime, $50

Instead, plain Jane hippie "chic" designer Gretchen Jones was awarded the season 8 title.  Although Mondo was totally robbed of the top honor, he emerged as the season's favorite designer and will hopefully become one of the world's biggest new designers.  He's already off to a good start.

Mondo tee for Piperlime, $50

In celebration of Word AIDs Day (Dec. 1) and to help raise awareness, the HIV-positive designer has joined forces with Piperlime and created two limited-edition, bold graphic tees ($50 each), printed on Nation LTD t-shirts.  Twenty dollars of every tee sold will be donated to amfAR, an organization dedicated to ending the global AIDS epidemic through innovative research.

The tees capture Mondo's "Live and Love" passion and will be sold exclusively on piperlime.com beginning Wednesday, Dec. 1

Cyber Monday Vintage Shopping

It's Cyber Monday.  So let your fingers do the clicking. And in the spirit of Small Business Saturday, you can still support small online businesses.

Vintage Shaun '80s ethnic necklace, $30.80.

Vintage Shaun '60s cross body snakesskin clutch, $50.80.

My friend, Shaunya Hartley, has a fab vintage shop on Etsy called Vintage Shaun and through Wednesday she's offering 15 % off!  Just add the coupon code SHAUN at checkout.

Tracy's Pop & Shop Too retro top, $22.

Tracy's Pop & Shop Too knit maxi dress, $40.

While you're on Etsy, check out my vintage shop, Tracy's Pop & Shop Too.  I've added some new pieces that will spice up your retro holiday wardrobe.  Since I'm feeling festive, I'll include a gift with every purchase.

6 Small Business Saturday Deals!

Take a break from the mall and mainstream stores, and show local and small businesses some love.

During the first ever Small Business Saturday, American Express cardholders who signed up will get a $25 credit on their billing statement when they spend $25 or more at a small business today.

Even if you don't have an AMEX card, many local businesses are still offering deals and discounts.  Here are five Small Business Saturday incentives I found:

F.N.U.E. founder Halley Barney.

F.N.U.E. (From Now Until Eternity) by Halley Barney is a romantic, whimsical jewelry line fashioned from sterling silver, 14-karat gold, 18-karat vermeil, and precious gemstones.  Get a piece of her lovely collection, like the Cloud No. 3 bracelet ($195), for $20 off with the code "LOVE."

Andrew Clark's Wishbone earrings, $15.

Katrin Reifeiss Spiderweb scarf, $47.50.

AC AGATES designer Andrew Clark is known for unusual handcrafted jewelry.  I discovered the Brooklyn craftsman's sterling silver and gemstone-adorned Wishbone earrings at a Shecky's Girls Night Out event and they're a steal for only $15 each.

Wendy Mink Circle of Color Chain, $68.

Wendy Mink Jewelry is offering 20 percent off all weekend.  Just add the code "thanks20."

Katrin Reifeiss's gorgeous, hand-dyed Silk Spiderweb Scarves are on sale for $47.50!

Tryst Arwen ring, $25.50.

Tryst Jewelry is inspired by nature.  This dainty, adjustable Arwen olive branch ring wraps around your finger like a vine and comes in silver (tarnish resistant rhodium) or gold (22k gold plated brass).

Be Fashion has great deals on designer dresses and accessories.

Black Friday and Small Business Saturday Bargains!

Every Black Friday, my best friend Cindy rises early with her brood and heads to Best Buy, Sears, and other major chains for door busting deals on electronics and housewares.  I'm always tempted to join her on her 5 a.m. budget shopping jaunt... then I roll over in my PJs.

Photo from Black Friday 411.com

Eventually I make it to Target or the mall around nine or ten in the morning and find that when it comes to clothes and accessories, there are still plenty of sales.  And to be honest, I already did some bargain hunting this week ($57 boots from Banana Republic and $7.99 Tucker for Target blouse).  

But I'm sure I'll be lured to shop some more on Black Friday (not to mention the first ever Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday incentives).  Here are a few deals I found in my inbox:

I'm dreaming of a Norma Kamali sleeping bag coat for Christmas.

• Today (Wed, Nov. 24) through Black Friday at the Norma Kamali store (11 W. 56th Street, 212-957-9797) in New York City everything is under $200.

• On Friday take an additional 25% off at Harry & David stores before 10 a.m.  After 10 a.m. look for deals starting at $9.95!

Send the Trend's Betty Crystal Cuff

• Send the Trend celebrates Small Biz Saturday with an additional $5 off, making every item only $24.95! The offer ends Dec. 31.  Just enter SMALLBIZ at checkout.

Nine West boots on sale for half price.

• For Thanksgiving select Nine West boots are marked down 50% until Dec. 1!

• Loehmann's opens at 6 a.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. on Saturday.  Plus, the fist 400 shoppers each day get a $20 coupon and everything in the store is buy one get the second item at 50% off!

Holiday Gift Guide: 10 Beauty Bargains Under $50

Oprah showed us hers.  Wanna see mine?  That is, my favorite things for holiday gifts.  Over the past several months I've tirelessly pounded the pavement collecting samples from press previews and holiday gift shows and here are my 10 best beauty and wellness finds:

1. Sanrio Fragrance Collection ($6.00 - $39.50) is the latest addition to the kitschy Demeter Fragrance Library.  The three scents are: he Japanese fruit-flavored gum-inspired "Sanrio 50th Anniversary"; "Badtz Maru," named after the mischievous penguin character with frisky notes of unsweetened pineapple, cranberry, raspberry and honeydew melon; and my favorite, the chocolate-y "Chococat" named after Sanrio's beloved brown boy cat. 

2. Arbonne Ginger Citrus Body Butter ($32) is an all-natural, lush and thick cream that will leave your skin smooth and irresistibly soft.  Contact Jennifer at jennifer.weitzman15@gmail.com to purchase this or any other fab Arbonne products made with premium botanicals.

3. Honeycat Cosmetics' Sex and the Kitty Gift Set ($40) is the purrfect gift for the girl who loves her bath time. The fragrant set comes with "Calypso Kitty" tropical salt scrub, "Frisky Kitty Bath Fizzy" rose and lemongrass, "Rub My Tummy" milk & honey body cream, and "On the Prowl" peach brandy shower gel.

4. Urban Decay Vegan Palette ($34) boasts six best-selling shadows in Gun Metal, Minx, Urb, Smog, Baked, and Half-Baked.  The limited edition set also includes a trial-size 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero and an Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Sin.

5. Payless Zoe & Zac Equinox Nail Polish Trio ($9) has the colors you want, without the chemicals.  The natural polish isn't tested on animals and comes in irresistible shades of Cardinal, Violet Flower, and Pretty Pearl.

6. Victoria's Secret Bombshell Eau de Parfum ($42.95) is a glamorous blend of purple passion fruit, Shangri-la peony, and vanilla orchid.

7. Ouidad Double Detangler comb ($24) is a godsend particularly for women of color with naturally coarse, kinky hair that easily knots and tangles.

8. Sabon Shower Oil ($18) will leave your skin feeling fresh and moisturized. This silky shower gel is infused with essential oils, so you don't even need to apply lotion afterwards.  I was gifted the heavenly Fig Coco.

9. Youngblood Lip Gloss ($21) is a non-sticky gloss that creates a plumping effect for shiny, fuller-looking lips. It includes vitamin E and a natural peptide that helps hydrate, smooth, and add volume and firmness to lips.  The subtle lip gloss is suitable for all skin tones.

10. H. Wood Tea ($32) is an unexpected brand that blends Hollywood nightlife and good health.  By night, the h.wood tea room is the V.I.P. room at the hot Hollywood club, h.wood. By day it's a tea sipper's retreat.  In New York, h.wood hosts exclusive weekly tea parties at its Tea Lab, but you don't need an invite to taste h.wood's quality blends that promote anti-aging, energy, detoxification, and sleep.

Desperately Seeking Lanvin for H&M

Some people like to chase twisters.  I like to chase clothes.  Yesterday I was on a mission to find a piece of Lanvin's limited collection for H&M to call my own.  Although I wasn't serious about purchasing a cocktail dress for $200, I was at least hoping to snag one of the coveted line's t-shirts or accessories.  But no such luck.  Those items were sold out and the only accessory I could find was a Lanvin tote bag for $3.95.

In fact, some shoppers were so serious that they camped out before the New York City stores carrying the merchandise opened.

My compulsion curiosity led me to four H&M stores and each only had a couple racks of dresses left (the flagship store on Fifth Avenue also had plenty of men's items).  If I'd been thinking more like an eBay reseller, I would have purchased at least one to flip later.

En route to my final H&M of the day in Soho, I spotted a young woman on the F train touting four fully loaded Lanvin for H&M bags.

Her name is Cassandra and she works in fashion.  She said she scored 12 dresses from the store on 34th Street across from Penn Station -- some she'll keep and the rest she picked up for her boss and friends.  I admire her resourcefulness.

Maybe I'll be better prepared for H&M's next big designer collaboration.  Either way, I had a fun afternoon chasing "discounted" designer rags.

Browhaus, New York City's New Brow Shaping Salon

The holiday season means a busy social calendar. So you have to look good from head to toe, including your eyebrows. Browhaus (56 Spring Street, 212-431-1124), a new brow salon in New York City's trendy Nolita nabe, will hook you up.

I visited the modern, industrial-looking salon for a Browgraphy ($38 -$42), which includes shaping and a color tweak.  Browhaus' styling chairs recline all the way back, so your neck and feet are comfortably supported.  If you've ever had your eyebrows threaded (you have to hold your head back and lift part of your brow so the stylist can reach all angles), you know this makes a big difference.

Then your brows are expertly shaped by threading, tweezing, or a combination of the two.  Once the shaping is done, the stylist blends in matching color to fill in your brows.  Goodbye daily eye pencil; the color tweak lasts for about a month.  My eyebrows haven't looked this good in months.

My beautiful Browhaus brows.

Browhaus also provides basic brow shaping, brow extensions, and brow lengthening.  Current specials include 50% off first-timers for a Thread/ Tweeze ($10, regularly priced $20) and 40% off a Brow Resurrection, a revolutionary treatment that restores brows from root to tip, with a free tune-up ($900, regularly priced $1550).

Both Browhaus and its sister business, Strip: Ministry of Waxing, were founded by Cynthia Chua in Singapore.  Chua has multiple salons throughout Asia, but this is her first in New York City. Strip is downstairs from Browhaus and offers 50% off first-timers for a Brazilian wax ($27.50, regularly priced $55).  Strip has re-interpreted the Brazilian treatment with techniques that enhance comfort and reduce pain.

Lanvin for H&M in Stores Today: Do You Believe the Hype?

I wasn't one of the lucky bloggers invited to preview Lanvin's limited edition collection for H&M (but I was invited to a first look at the Last Call Studio by Neiman Marcus store in Paramus, NJ and the new Forever 21 at 21 Fifth Avenue, so there).

Image courtesy of H&M.

Nevertheless, my interest has been piqued.  I wanna see what all the fuss is about.  Anyone who knows me or has read Everything She Wants knows that I live for a bargain.  Yes, H&M is one of my fave stores, but no matter how pretty or sexy, cocktail dresses that range from $199 to $249 aren't my idea of a deal.

The reporter in me, however, wants to be part of the action and I plan to pop in Manhattan's flagship store on Fifth Avenue.

Perhaps I will fare better with one of the accessories, more reasonably priced from $19.95 to $49.95.  And according to CNNMoney.com, the most affordable Lanvin for H&M collector's item is a tube of iconic red lipstick for $9.95.

Or then again I may go back to the new Forever 21 to spend the rest of my generous gift card.

Eco-Friendly Fashion Made Easy with World of Green

Here on Everything She Wants, I like to champion products that will make readers look and feel good.  So World of Green, a one-stop web shop featuring eco-friendly and fair trade beauty and fashion items, is a natural fit.  


To help with your holiday shopping, through December 16th you can enter win during World of Green's "30 Days of Free Eco-Friendly Holiday Gifts." I chatted with World of Green founder Roberta Modena about her company and her passion for sustainable style.

Roberta Modena

Everything She Wants: What inspired you to start World of Green? 

Roberta: I was inspired by all the eco-friendly, unique products I was finding.  But it was also frustrating to try and remember all the different sites.  I really wanted to simplify the process because my friends and family would ask me about certain products that I owned, and I always had to get back to them with the company names or URLs. I decided I wanted to create a memorable destination that even the most novice person could find and remember and knew World of Green would be perfect.

ESW: What were you doing before you started World of Green?

Roberta: I actually started Eco Shoppe out of my garage a few years ago and created a website where people could buy a core set of green products, which I personally shipped out every day, sometimes twice a day. We sold biodegradable trash bags, stainless drinking bottles, non-toxic cleaning and some fair trade gifts. We eventually sold that business to Vitamin Shoppe.  I stayed on as a consultant with Vitamin Shoppe for two more years and helped them open and merchandise two beautiful Eco Shoppe retail stores in Austin, TX and Walnut Creek, CA.  If you’re ever in those areas, you have to visit the store. It’s breath-taking and has all organic and natural products and fixtures.

ESW: How do you select the brands and items you sell?

Roberta: Because I owned Eco Shoppe, I know many of the brands and owners personally.  I’ve been attending all of the major Green Expos and Green Festivals for some time now and I know the green product industry very well. I’m always meeting new green enthusiasts and I study their products and websites to ensure they are either non-toxic, organic, naturally made, fair trade, etc. Being green can even mean being a minimalist and many of the merchants using regenerated cotton to offset chemical dying and carbon emissions.

Naturally Knotty wrap

ESW: In your opinion, why is it important to support eco-friendly beauty and fashion brands?

Roberta: The world is changing and unfortunately many of our natural resources are suffering due to our over-consumption. We have to give back and reverse the decline.  The best way to do that is to think about your purchase decisions and the impact it has on our environment.

Looking good isn’t as important as “feeling good.”  When you buy something recycled, organic, and especially fair trade, it makes you feel good knowing you’re not exasperating our environmental challenges.  Plus, eco-fashions have come a long way and if you consider yourself a “fashionista”, you’ll want to invest in these sustainable eco-chic designs.

ESW: What's the bestselling item on the site this month?

Roberta: Because buying trends change with the season, it’s always something different.  With the cooler weather, the Bamboo Pashmina Wrap from Naturally Knotty ($39) is a very popular item.  It’s unbelievably soft, affordably priced, and it comes in a reusable bamboo tube with a raffia ribbon so it actually doesn’t need to be wrapped if given as a gift.  Also, Moms have been emailing us about our Green Toys made from recycled milk jugs.  They’re impressed that they're so safe since the toys don't contain BPA, phthalates, or lead.  So non-toxic toys are on parents minds this holiday season.

Photos courtesy of World of Green

3 Cool Jewelry Finds for Holiday Gifts under $50!

Everything She Wants' holiday gift guide is coming soon.  In the meantime, here are three cool websites with irresistible jewelry and accessories for the eclectic girl on your holiday gift list (even better if that girl is you):

Send the Trend, Dahlia Pearl Necklace

Send the Trend: Christian Siriano is the chief stylist and curator for this new ecommerce site where all of the fashionable accessories...get this...are only $29.95 each including free shipping. Fierce! To help every girl find her look, accessories including funky costume jewelry, scarves, and sunglasses are divided into five categories: trendy, bohemian, edgy, glam and classic. My pick: Dahlia Pearl Necklace ($29.95)

Sacred Accessories, Leather bracelet by Linea Pelle

Sacred Accessories: One of the best kept secrets on the web, this online boutique features unique designer fashion accessories.  Most of the items are made of fine fabrics and precious and semi-precious metals and gemstones. My pick: Leather Bracelet with Domed Brass Studs by Linea Pelle ($26.95)

Morning Glory Jewelry Creations, Thunderstorm earrings

Morning Glory Jewelry Creations: When Melanie Howitt was laid off earlier this year, she turned her crafting hobby into a new career.  The California native makes creative, handmade jewelry from recycled metals, sterling silver, precious stones, and antique and vintage artifacts like broken chandelier parts.  Howitt's jewelry was featured during LA Fashion Weekend.  My pick: Thunderstorm Earrings ($50)

Dannijo Jewelry Spring 2011 Collection Preview

I have a jewelry crush on Dannijo.  Recently I met dynamic design duo Danielle and Jodie Snyder during a preview of their spring 2011 collection.  At their light-filled Meatpacking District showroom, the girls told me how they got their start making jewelry from their father's medical supplies.

Dannijo sisters Jodie and Danielle.

Although they initially pursued other careers, their fascination with making wearable art stayed with the sisters, who launched their first boutique in their hometown of Jacksonville, FL while they were still in high school.  

Jodie, 28, graduated from the University of Florida in 2004 and moved to New York City to pursue a career in fashion, and Danielle, 25, joined her big sis in the Big Apple after she graduated from Vanderbilt University in 2007.  They started designing jewelry together again in 2007 with a capsule collection benefiting a non-profit organization where Jodie worked. Dannijo officially launched in 2008.

The eye-catching Bellatrix line debuted during London Fashion Week and is named after one of the brightest stars in the Orion galaxy, home to "the female warrior." 

This battle-worthy collection has an Native American influence and includes silver and golden brass accessories adorned tastefully with rich gem tones, crystalized Swarovski elements, and bold geometric shapes. Prices range from $112 to $795.   The line also includes funky print iPhone and IPad case holders, reasonably priced from $95 to $150.

Photos by Tracy E. Hopkins

Dannijo makes jewelry for today's independent, modern woman, and is a favorite with celebs including Beyonce, Kelly Rowland, and socialite Olivia Palermo.  The designers often make custom pieces, including one-of-a-kind jewelry they've fashioned for actress Natalie Portman from her flea markets finds.

This post originally appeared on Fashion Week Examiner.

FitFlop Boots for Fashion and Fitness

I've never owned a pair of Uggs. I always thought they looked like Yeti feet, but at the same time I'm intrigued by their fugliness.  So when FitFlop came along with a similar style of the sheepskin boots that also have a fitness benefit, I had to get a pair.  And thanks to the kind folks at FitFlop I received a pair to try out.

Classic Mukluk

Like the sandals, FitFlop boots have the patent-pending Microwobbleboard technology, which helps to tone and tighten your leg muscles with each step.

According to the website, "it's footwear with a gym built in." FitFlops also absorb more shock than a normal shoe, help realign ground force reaction closer to your joints, and reduce foot pressure and ache in your hips and knees.

Even though winter hasn't officially started, I've been wearing my classic Mukluk boots in black for about a month. The ergonomically-shaped boots come in a breathable shearling upper and I was surprised by how comfortable they are.  The cozy Mukluks don't overheat my feet and in my opinion they look more fashionable than Uggs.

The boots would make a great Christmas/holiday gift and come in a variety of ankle and knee length styles.  I want another pair -- the tall Superboot in Smoke Grey.  Prices range from $139 - $254 and are available at Zappos.com.

C'mon, you know you want a pair. I got mine.  Now you gotta get yours.

Win Holiday Accessories with Bling from LOFT!

Bling in the New Year with the LOFT Collection, a unique capsule collection of statement jewelry that features a downtown-chic combination of luxe stones and tough chains. 

Pieces range in retail from $49.50 to $74.50 making this everyday glamour truly attainable. These rich pieces are available in LOFT stores nationwide and make the perfect gift to give, get, and keep!

You even have a chance to win a bold statement necklace that would make Lady Gaga go gaga from LOFT's capsule collection (above photo, $74.50 value) if you do all of the following: 


1) Retweet this post.
2) Subscribe to Everything She Wants.
3) Follow me on Twitter @TracyEHopkins
4) Leave a comment and tell me where you plan to wear the necklace?


Enter today! The contest ends on Friday, Nov. 12 at 11:59 p.m.

Cheap Makeup With Rich Results!

I recently discovered Kiss New York, a new brand of makeup for women of color.  Although Cover Girl has been my go-to brand for a while now,  I'm impressed by Kiss New York's flawless coverage.

Before I went to a press preview I applied the Ultra Cover & Stick Foundation in "Chocolate," a maximum coverage-yet-lightweight foundation that matched my skin tone perfectly. The "True Tone" formula mimics the warm yellow and red undertones for women of color.

Without realizing that both of the samples I received were foundation, I also applied a thin layer of the Acne Cover & Cream Foundation, which gives you natural-looking coverage and helps banish your blemishes.

But even with two foundations on, I didn't look like a contestant on RuPaul's "Drag Race." The active ingredients in the cover cream (soothing salicylic acid, green tea, macadamia seed oil, shea butter oil, and vitamin E) are great for oily and acne prone skin.  The foundation does double duty; it covers existing acne and promises to control future breakouts without drying out your skin or clogging your pores.

Kiss New York makeup is sold online and at an urban beauty supply store near you.  Most items are under $8.