Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Get White Teeth Like Actress Amanda Peet with Crest 3D White



Get ready for your close-up with Crest 3D White 2-Hour Express Whitestrips and Crest 3D White Advanced Vivid Enamel Renewal Toothpaste.  


The whitestrips promise to brighten your smile in just two hours and the results last for up to three months; and the toothpaste lifts and polishes away up to 90% of surface stains in just 14 days while also rebuilding tooth enamel below the surface.


Actress Amanda Peet knows the importance of a camera-ready smile and recommends using both products. Everything She Wants chatted with the Hollywood starlet known for her roles in 2012 and Something's Gotta Give via email about her pearly whites and her partnership with Crest and Operation Smile.


Amanda Peet
Everything She Wants: You have such a great smile. What is your daily tooth care regimen?

Amanda Peet: I brush with Crest 3D White Advanced Vivid Enamel Renewal Toothpaste twice daily to help achieve a whiter smile and help strengthen my tooth enamel.


ESW: How would you compare the results you achieve with Crest 3D White Products with professional teeth whitening?

AP: Fifteen years ago, I went to the dentist and did the trays and goop. It was excruciating! I had to take three Advil afterwards.

ESW: How and why did you become involved in Operation Smile?

AP: I'd heard a lot about Operation Smile over the years and when Crest approached me, it seemed like a good way to get involved. To celebrate the launch of the newest Crest 3D White products, Crest is donating up to 50 smile surgeries to Operation Smile, an international children’s medical charity that offers free, safe surgical care for children worldwide who suffer from facial deformities such as cleft lips and cleft palates.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Eyebrow Threading Tips from Hibba NYC


Whether you've tried eyebrow threading before or you've been waiting to try it, you have to check out Hibba NYC.  Run by Hibba Kapil, the cozy Soho salon is filled with the sounds of traditional Indian music and adorned with wooden furniture, colorful cushions, and statues of the half-man/half-elephant Hindi god Ganesh (remover of obstacles).

Growing up in India, Hibba learned the art of threading at 13. She would thread for her family and friends and soon became the go-to-girl in her small town. Hibba moved to the U.S. at 17 and soon after put herself through college at New York City's Baruch College. With a degree in finance, she realized her dream to open her own salon in 2010.

Hibba's goal is to offer the best and the most natural services in hair removal. Reducing our carbon footprint is a high priority for Hibba. She also understands the value of great customer service and community.

During my appointment with the eyebrow wiz, she quickly shaped my eyebrows and somehow made them look fuller.  Because my hair type is "curly," she applied a dab of wax to keep them in place. For pricing and appointments go to Hibba NYC's website

“I've always had a passion for eyebrows. This passion has remained with me throughout my life and led me to become a hair-removal and brow sculpting expert," Hibba says.  

"I always strive to make each day of service better and to make each brow as perfect as the face it belongs to.”

Here are Hibba's eyebrow threading shaping tips:


1) The hottest trend right now is the full, bushy look. But it has to suit your facial features and bone structure, and fit your personality. 

2) It's recommended you get your brows cleaned up every two-and-a-half weeks. For shaping, allow about four weeks between appointments.

3) Threading is dermatologist recommended for sensitive skin, which applies to almost everyone in the eyelid zone. It gently removes the unwanted hair without effecting the skin. Threading is also known for precision when it comes to shaping. From a browologist's point of view, it gives her room to create fine arches by picking one hair out if need be or a whole line depending on our goal.

Photo credit: Hibba NYC

Sunday, March 27, 2011

5 Essential Spring Health and Beauty Tips

Spring is a time for renewal.  It's also time to shape up for summer. Here are a few healthful things I've tried that can help us get beach bod ready.

Make your own smoothies: With Jamba All Natural Smoothies, you make your fave Jamba smoothies at home. The smoothies are found in your grocer's frozen food section and come in Jamba's three most popular flavors: Razzmatazz, Mango-a-go-go, and Strawberries Wild.  Each pack is 120 calories or less and contains two, eight-ounce smoothies -- each with one full serving of fruit and 100% daily value of Vitamin C. Simply blend with apple juice and enjoy.


Try a detox diet: Blueprint Cleanse and Organic Avenue are a few popular juice cleanses.  I'm not a fan of liquid-only diets (I nearly went psychotic after trying the spicy lemonade Master Cleanse for a day), so it's a good thing these cleanses also offer a combo plan that includes healthy foods and juices.

Take a multivitamin: Nature Made's daily Skin Beauty and Wellness pack includes Lycopene, Biotin, and Green Tea and Alpha Lipoic Acid to prevent premature aging and keep your hair, skin, and nails healthy and strong.  The pack also includes the recommended dosage of 400 micrograms of folic acid for women of reproductive age 18-45.

Veggie Patch Ultimate Meatless burger
Go meatless: There are plenty of tasty meatless food options on the market that even non-vegetarians will enjoy.  For a balanced diet that includes whole grains and vegetables, incorporate yummy Veggie Patch veggie burgers, meatless meatballs, spinach nuggets, and falafel balls.  They're cholesterol free and high in protein.

Get physical: Change up your fitness routine or start a new one with fun, multi-purpose classes like SoulCycle, Zumba, and Nia dance.

Friday, March 25, 2011

Spring 2011 Fashion Trends from the World's Best Boutiques

Spring may be playing hard to get, but soon enough we’ll be able to put our winter coats and galoshes away for good.  And when spring has finally sprung we’ll need new clothes to work and play in. 


See by Chloe Bow Front Dress


So let's take a look at some of the season’s hottest looks I found on the cool boutique clothing website Farfetch.  The luxury clothing site culls fashions from top and up-and-coming designers sold at the world's best boutiques (with free returns worldwide). And if you’re willing to splurge a little for quality, this site has all the designer spring trends you need. 


Laurence Decade sandals


Jungle fever: Animal print has become an evergreen staple in every stylish girl’s wardrobe.  But no matter what any “Real Housewives of New Jersey” cast member would say, you never want to overdo it and dress in leopard print from head-to-toe.  


A great way to spice up an outfit is with a bold pair of shoes like these funky leather, leopard print platform sandals by Laurence Dacade. Details include leopard print crossover straps at the toe, yellow trim, buckle fastening, and a sling-back. Hurry, these are on sale!




Aniye By tunic
Katerina Psoma necklace




Flower power: Nothing says spring fashion like floral prints. Perk up with this patterned cotton tunic from Aniye By featuring a deep v-neckline (I'd wear a cami under it), sporty drawstring ties fastening at the waist, and three quarter length sleeves with tie-details on the cuffs.

Be a flower girl every day with this whimsical, gold-plated rose pendant with a pink resin rose and green jade leaf by Katerina Psoma -- the perfect accessory for the season.


Sonia by Sonia Rykiel dress


Anchors away: Capture the nautical look in this playful pink and purple striped cotton sailor dress from Sonia by Sonia Rykiel with a sailor’s collar with black edging and a chest pocket with an anchor detail.


The darling bow front dress (see first photo) from See By Chloe also gives a subtle nod to the sailor girl theme.




Boogie fever:  The '70s are back.  Revisit the disco era with these blue leather platform sandals from Chie Mihara.  The high-heeled "Eunice"sandal has a cork sole and double ankle straps.




Photo credit: Farfetch.com

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Remembering Elizabeth Taylor and Her White Diamonds

"She was the prettiest ever," my Mom told me over the phone as she spoke about the death of her childhood icon, Elizabeth Taylor.

Those violet eyes.  That raven hair.  Yes, Liz was a real beauty.  Inside and out.  The Hollywood heroine was an actress full of moxie; a humanitarian full of heart; a style icon who dared to flaunt her sexuality; and a woman full of passion. 


Liz embodied the tortured, temptress role of Maggie the Cat in the screen adaptation of Tennessee Williams's "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof."  Although the Academy Award-winning actress wasn't exactly a historically accurate representation of queen Cleopatra, she sure knew how to walk like an Egyptian and rock the regal braids and embellished eye makeup. 



And let's not forget her decidedly decadent floral scent.  In the '80s, my Mom always kept a bottle of White Diamonds (a girl's best friend) handy.


Liz was a great lady and legend. She will be missed.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Dannijo Jewelry Fall 2011 Collection Preview

When I'm in a rut (like now), I like to indulge in a little retail therapy. Problem is, I have so much stuff that I don't really need to buy anything.  But that doesn't mean I can't do some virtual window shopping.

Care to join me?

During Fashion Week, I popped in the Fall 2011 "Aboriginal" presentation for Dannijo.  I've written about sisters Danielle and Jodie Snyder here on Everything She Wants before, and I adore their eclectic ethnic-and-industrial statement jewelry.

The duo's fall 2011 collection was a bohemian rhapsody that mixed a Buffalo gals Western theme with an exotic gypsy aesthetic. These bold pieces -- modeled brilliantly by haunting beauties -- are a nice distraction from the doldrums.








Photo credit: Tracy E. Hopkins

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Skin Care Tips and Products from Philips Crystalize

We spend a lot of cash on skin care products.  And with so many options, it's hard to find the right brands and types of products that address your specific, individual skin care needs.




Well, a new interactive website from Philips wants to help us map out a customized skin care strategy.  Simply go to the Crystalize website and join the community.  Then you can set up a Crystalize consultation at one of the site's retail partners.  Savvy New Yorkers may have noticed that some Duane Reade drugstores have been upgraded with a Sephora-worthy beauty section.  That's where you get your free consultation with a specialist who will recommend products based on your online Crystalize profile.

I went for my consultation at the Duane Reade in Union Square.  And as a BeautyStat participant in the Crystalize "Skin Secrets" video contest, I was given $75 worth of quality products to try out.  My major concerns are dehydration on my forehead and cheeks and blemishes.  After using the products -- Vichy cleanser, toner, acne-prone moisturizer, and La Roche-Posay sunscreen -- for about five weeks, I could see a noticeable difference in my skin's texture and appearance.

To my surprise, my video won the "Skin Secrets" contest and I was awarded an additional $200 gift card for more products.  This time I've added Lierac Paris' Micro-Abrasion Exfoliating Smoothing Cream an Toning Radiance Serum to my daily routine, and my skin looks brighter already.

So what are you waiting for?  Join the Crystalize community get your free consultation at a participating store near you.

Friday, March 18, 2011

Pretty by Nature: Brazilian Jewelry Designer Daniela Zagnolli


Daniela Zagnolli is inspired by the beauty of nature, its living creatures, and their unique shapes. I chatted with the Brazilian jewelry designer who launched her line earlier this year via email.  Her designs are the perfect accent for your spring/summer wardrobe, and Daniela is offering Everything She Wants readers a 20 percent discount on her fab fashion accessories.  Go to her website and enter the discount code spring2011.

Daniela Zagnoli

ESW: Do you think being a Brazilian designer makes your jewelry stand out?

People associate Brazilian jewelry with quality and precious stones, leather, and other organic materials. The rich mixture of Brazilian culture, the beautiful Brazilian landscape, and the happiness of the Brazilian people come to life in Brazilian jewelry, which helps set it apart from other jewelry in the marketplace.

ESW: How do accessories and fashion styles differ in Brazil?

Currently there are more similarities than there are differences between American and Brazilian fashion trends. They are both experimenting with a mixture of innovative styles using new exotic materials, and at the same time there is a retro movement with a nostalgia for styles from the past.


Genuine black butterfly leather cuff, $125
ESW: What materials do you use?

Although we use a variety of organic materials and semi precious stones, our current line is mostly made up of natural cowhide adorned with Swarovski crystals and gold plated brass.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Shop For a Cause and Support Japan Relief Efforts

If you're looking for a unique way to help Japan recover from the devastating earthquake and tsunami, you can put your money where your heart is.  Here are a few charitable purchases you can make where a portion or all the proceeds will go towards Japanese relief efforts:



Women's Natori City Relief Tee by PalmerCash ($19.97): Natori City was near the epicenter and among the hardest hit by the earthquake and tsunami that followed.  All profits from the sale of this shirt will go to relief efforts for Japan.



The Light of Tokyo ($50): This beautiful book features the stunning black and white photography of Jean-Michel Berts and celebrates Tokyo's history and grand urban architecture.  Fifty percent of the net profits from this book from Assouline Publishing will benefit Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Relief Efforts through the American Red Cross.




Wendy Mink Black Onyx Earrings & Pendant ($50, $68): New York City jewelry designer Wendy Mink will donate 100% of the proceeds from the sale of her gorgeous Black Onyx Earrings ($50) and Black Onyx Pendant ($68) to the Red Cross fund for the Japanese earthquake.  Buy one or both for only $98!  Quantities are limited, so email retail@wendyminkjewelry.com to secure your purchase.

St. Patrick's Day Celebrity Fashion Inspiration

Happy St. Patty's Day everybody!  So what shade of green are you wearing today?  Green is one of my favorite colors -- especially olive -- and I'll subtly give a nod to the holiday by wearing my Army green utility jacket.

If I were going to wave my Kermit freak flag higher, however, I would draw inspiration from these celebrity red carpet moments that left me green with envy.



Angelina Jolie brought back old Hollywood glamour in this emerald gown by Atelier Versace at the 2011 Golden Globe Awards.



Nicole Kidman in a stunning, embroidered chartreuse gown by John Galliano for Christian Dior at the 1997 Academy Awards.


Mila Kunis proves she's one to watch on the red carpet in this regal green gown by Vera Wang at the 2011 Golden Globe Awards

Monday, March 14, 2011

Spa Week Hurts So Good: $50 Korean Body Scrub at Tribeca Spa of Tranquility

I’m a spa lady. So I jumped at the chance to preview one of Spa Week’s $50 treatmentsa 60-minute Authentic Korean Body Scrub with Cucumber Facial Treatment at Tribeca Spa of Tranquility (462 Greenwich Street, 212-226-4141) that normally costs $119.

Photo credit: Tribeca Spa of Tranquility
The New York City spa is tucked away on a side street close to the Holland Tunnel. Once inside the quaint space with a blue sky and clouds mural on the waiting area wall, I met my aesthetician, a tiny Korean woman named Helen.

She ushered me into a cozy dressing room, where I changed into a gown and a pair of disposable panties.  Instead of flip-flops, this spa opts for Crocs. “Shower cap?” asked Helen, who didn’t speak much English.

First I melted in a small but mighty steam room for about 20 minutes.  Then it was time for the scrub.  Clad in a black t-shirt-and-shorts, Helen led me to a wet room with a vinyl table in the middle of the floor surrounded by shower nozzles and big buckets of water.  "This is about to get interesting," I thought to myself.  I lay on the table face up with my shower cap on and a cold compress over my eyes.  Then the scrubbing started.  And boy did Helen know how to scrub. 


During my intense hour-long treatment, this heavy-handed little lady loofahed nearly every part of my body.  Imagine a full-body microdermabrasion session.  I wondered if it was supposed to hurt a little or if Helen was having a bad day and taking it out on me.  Either way, I kind of liked it. 



The authentic Korean technique removes layers of dead skin and increases blood circulation. After several rounds of scrubbing and rinsing with warm water, Helen applied a soothing and detoxifying seaweed treatment to my tingling skin and a cooling facial masque made with layers of fresh cucumber.  This was the most tranquil part of my Tribeca Spa of Tranquility visit.  And when it was over, I didn’t know whether to hug Helen or call the cops.

For Spa Week enthusiasts seeking a painless spa experience, Tribeca Spa of Tranquility’s Authentic Korean Body Scrub with Cucumber Facial Treatment may not be your cup of tea.  But if you like your therapeutic spa treatments a little rough and you’re in New York City April 11 - 17, then you have to try it. My skin immediately felt smoother and tighter and looked brighter.  The scrub even diminished the cellulite dimples in my thighs.  Call me a glutton for punishment, but I’ll be back.

You can book this and other $50 Spa Week treatments across North America starting today.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Scenes From Target Go International Designer Collective Party

Despite the torrential downpour in New York City, Target's fifth anniversary celebration of its Go International Designer Collective at the chic Ace Hotel was a smash -- albeit a bit chaotic -- hit.

Here are scenes from the launch party, where press and invited guests received a sneak peek and advance chance to shop the 34 dresses from 17 top designers available at Target and Target.com March 13 - April 10.



Top Chef Marcus Samuelsson shops the Target collection for his lady.

The Target party attracted kings and queens!




Photo credit: John Carluccio