Kate Middleton Look-a-Like Launches Princess Worthy Lingerie

What would you do if you looked like Kate Middleton?  Native California girl Melissa Pelz can answer that question.

Designer Melissa Pelz

The Princess doppelganger moved to London a few years ago to entrench herself in Brit culture, and more than a few folks noticed the future royal resemblance.  So in addition to making press appearances, the enterprising Kate look-a-like recently launched the limited edition Ligne de Soie Royal Bridal Collection.  

Her regal lingerie line includes the Royal Sapphire Silk Nightdress ($150) and the Royal Robe ($279).  The pure white silk robe with matching royal blue sapphire sash and buttons reflects the classic, feminine style that Kate embraces.

"It's interesting that because I resemble Kate, people frequently ask me what I think of her style, or what her wedding dress will look like, or [even] what I wear while I'm getting ready to 'become her,'" says Melissa.  

"I think that overall she's got a simple, sleek, refined style. [But] because of what I do in my daily life as a lounge wear designer, I'm mostly interested in what she wears out of the public eye, while lounging around in the privacy of her home.  I always think it must be something really luxurious -- something to make her not just look like, but truly feel like a princess."  

Melissa hopes the launch of her Royal Bridal Collection will ensure that women across the pond and in the U.S. have the chance to play princess too.

Calypso St. Barth Debuts at Target May 1

Luxury lifestyle brand Calypso St. Barth was founded 16 years ago on the celebrity-friendly island of St. Barthelemy in the French West Indies.  For a limited time, the retailer is bringing its good vibrations to Target stores and Target.com with an affordable collection available May 1 through June 11, 2011.

Everything She Wants got a sneak peek in January.  Calypso St. Barth for Target features casual chic resort wear, swimsuits, and accessories for women and girls as well as colorful home goods including ceramic, elephant-shaped teapots, decorative pillows, gold footstools, and fragrant candles.  Prices range from $1.99 to $79.99.

Photos by Tracy E. Hopkins

Athleta Fall 2011 Fitness Fashion Sneak Peek

Spring is here and summer is on the way.  So let's get physical. If you need new workout gear to jumps start your motivation -- from yoga pants to sporty swim wear -- Atheta has you covered.

Drisana Carey/Photo from Athleta

Check out Everything She Wants' vlog featuring Athleta spokesperson and yoga instructor Drisana Carey and a sneak peek at Athleta's fitness fashion for Fall 2011.

Fall 2011 Fashion Preview: Camel Color Fall Trend Report

This autumn, you won't be embarrassed to have camel toe.  In fact, you need a pair of camel pumps to stay on trend.  Camel is also the "it" color for everything from coats to accessories.

Everything She Wants has combed several Fall 2011 previews to find you the latest trends, and top designers and brands have all gone crazy for camel.

Top model Waris Dirie models a camel overcoat at St John's Fall 2011 preview.

LOFT's Fall 2011 collection capitalizes on the camel trend.

Don't be afraid of a 'lil camel toe: Rachel Roy's suede pumps at Macy's Fall 2011 preview.

Ann Taylor's Fall 2011 collection boasts plenty of classic camel separates.

Gap's booties and fedora are a cool way to add a touch of camel to your Fall 2011 wardrobe.

Photo credit: Tracy E. Hopkins

Earth Day Fashion: Eco-Friendly Jewelry and Accessories

Earth Day is the perfect time to support designers with a "green" thumb. Everything She Wants recently discovered two talented female artisans with a commitment to using natural, sustainable, and recycled materials for their edgy and bohemian jewelry designs.

Mina Caragay

With a glance at her chunky, natural stone encrusted jewels you'd never know that Mina Caragay is a newbie to jewelry design.  Six months ago, Mina left her job as a visual merchandiser for Nordstrom to pursue her passion to craft wearable art.

Dear Mina designs

Her line of rocker-chic statement necklaces is called Dear Mina.  For her "Castaway Collection 2011" the San Francisco resident used raw, organic materials like pyrite nuggets and quartz crystal to mimic metallic spikes and studs.

Dear Mina's initial collection, "Galactic Nomad," is fashioned from hand cut leather tassels on brass and bronze chains, and precious stones like agate, jade, and pink opal.  Currently sold online, Dear Mina pieces are made with love and retail for $60 and up.

Amy Pfaffman

"I see potential in everything," says Amy Pfaffman.  "When these common materials are worn as jewelry, they're reconsidered and valued in a new way."

The trained industrial designer sees beauty in functional objects and materials such as colored sewing thread and vintage thimbles, and has used recycled and repurposed materials to craft jewelry before it was en vogue.  Based in Marin County, California, Amy often combs flea markets for inspiration.

Amy Pfaffman New York City skyline, laser cut felt scarf.

"I see potential in everything," she says.  "When these common materials are worn as jewelry, they're reconsidered and valued in a new way."

Amy's designs retail from $25 - $150 ($234 for the laser cut felt scarves) and are sold online, in select boutiques, and museum stores.


Photo credit: Tracy E. Hopkins

FItFlop & Net-A-Porter Launch Exclusive Sandal for Charity

FitFlop sandals and boots are shoes with a dual purpose. They're stylish and help you burn calories and tone with every step.  FitFlop is also committed to giving back.

Manyano thong sandal

The company's Manyano thong sandal ($130) launches April 20.  The natural leather sandal was hand-beaded by the women of the Wola Nani cooperative in Cape Town, South Africa, and has FitFlop's patented Microwobbleboard™ midsole built in. Manyano is available exclusively on FitFlop's website and premier online retailer Net-A-Porter.  

“At FitFlop, we believe fashion has the ability to unite women across the world,” says FitFlop Footwear founder Marcia Kilgore.

“We are extremely proud to support Wola Nani and help HIV sufferers to take control of their lives with confidence, dignity and hope.”

Kilgore is inspired by “the amazing craftsmanship of the Wola Nani community and the incredible support, education and skills training the charity provides,” and is proud to contribute to the Wola Nani by commissioning this limited edition sandal.

FitFlop will donate 100% of its net profit from sales back to the Wola Nani organization and Ne-A-Porter will donate 20% of its net profit.  Everything She Wants wants a pair. How about you?

Win Mark Mentor Program Spring Must-Have Beauty Giveaway!

Everything She Wants loves to encourage women to have an entrepreneurial spirit. So I was pleased to hear about mark Cosmetics' new mentoring program, which helps young women across the country to pay for college by becoming a mark representative and selling affordable mark beauty products to their friends, family, and classmates. 

mark mentee Beth Heitker

I chatted with mark rep and summer 2011 finance intern, Beth Heitker, via email and she gave ESW the scoop on the program.  The student at Xavier University in Cincinnati has worked with mark since 2007 and is giving one lucky reader the chance to win her fave mark product, mark Gloss Gorgeous Stay On Lip Stain (a $10 value).  

Here's how to win: Read my interview with Beth and comment on this blog post what was most inspiring to you about her story; along with your first name and email address.  A winner will be selected at random and you have until April 20 at 11:59 p.m. to enter.

ESW: What inspired you to become a mark rep?

Beth: The first time I heard about mark was in 2007, through a District Manager from Avon.  She approached me while I was in high school, working at the mall, and briefly described the brand.  Later I checked out the brand on my own time, and I was really impressed with everything mark had to offer.  I was intrigued by the fact that I could start selling and earn money by hosting a party full of makeup with a group of friends. Not only was it a company that sold beauty and fashion products, but it also gave women the chance to make a difference—either for themselves or for others.  

During that time, Lauren Conrad was mark’s brand ambassador, and I was inspired by her work with mark’s m.powerment campaign -- their philanthropic movement aimed to break the cycle of dating abuse and partner violence. I loved Lauren’s confidence and passion for the cause and knew if I signed up to be a rep, I could be a part of the movement helping to break the cycle as well as make a difference in smaller ways in my community.  Overall, the brand and its mission is what really inspired me to become a rep.  I wanted to make a “mark” on the world. 

Cali Style Invades New York at Fall 2011 Red Light Press Preview

I covered the Red Light press preview last week for my friend Liliam's cool website, Mondette (small world). We met way back in the day as giggly interns for Rolling Stone magazine and now as Mondette's editorial director she and her team are the go-to source for all that's fab in L.A.

Browsing all the stylin' clothes from West coast designers and brands made me feel like an L.A. woman....at least for an afternoon.

Check out my write-up on new, Cali-based lines like WkShp and Loud Love Jewelry for Mondette here.

These Ami Club Wear pumps are ready to party!

This Ami Club Wear faux-leather satchel is perfect for fall.

I was also tres impressed by the budget chic offerings from online retailer Ami Club Wear (see above photos). Um, the company's motto is "the positive place for girls" but please try to ignore the Playboy-esque model shots when you go to Ami Club Wear's website.  I promise you'll find great bargains like trendy, colorful pumps (under $30) and a sporty faux-leather satchel (under $50).

Photos by Tracy Hopkins

Style Your Natural Hair with Kinky-Curly Organic Curl Care

Remember when having kinky, curly, or wavy hair was a problem? Well, it isn't anymore thanks to products like Kinky-Curly, specifically made to help women and girls embrace the beauty of their natural curls.  I like to call it freedom hair.

Image credit: Kinky-Curly

What distinguishes Kinky-Curly from similar hair products you'll find at your beauty supply store is it's made with natural ingredients based on a recipe from creator Shelley Davis' homeland in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Kinky-Curly ($12 - $17) uses the highest grade of concentrated organic ingredients to ensure that curly girls will achieve the styles they want without sacrificing the health of their hair.  The products are formulated to add moisture, give hold without drying hair out, and protect it from harsh environmental elements.

I've used Spiral Spritz, billed as an alternative to silicone serums that can be used on dry or wet hair.  The lightweight holding gel is made with  lavender, water, aloe vera, and grapefruit seed extract.  It didn't leave my hair dry or flaky, and helped keep my curls shiny and defined.

Other popular Kinky-Curly products include: Come Clean Shampoo made with a blend of Mandarin orange extract and sea kelp; Knot Today Leave-in Conditioner/Detangler made with mango fruit extract; creamy Gloss Pomade made with jojoba, Meadowfoam, and pomegranate oils; and the popular Curling Custard made with a nourishing, curl-enhancing blend of chamomile, marshmallow, organic aloe vera juice, Vitamin E, and agave nectar extract.

Target Has Your Preppy Spring 2011 Fashion Basics

Target is where Everything She Wants usually finds, well, everything she wants.  For spring, you need the season's classic, preppy trends including a cool trench, khakis, nautical loafers, and separates in stripes and polka dots.

With plenty of on-trend offerings from Merona (styles pictured are currently available unless otherwise noted), Target has you covered.

Heritage Button-Down Shirt in Chambray $19.99
Pencil Skirt in Pink/Gold Floral $26.99
Genuine Suede Loafers in Pink $24.99 

Heritage Button-Down Shirt in Purple Stripes $19.99
Boatneck Sweater in Navy $24.99
Madras Shorts in Blue Plaid $17.99
Boat Shoes in Tan/Blue $29.99 

Belted Polka-Dot Dress in Black/White $24.99

Cardigan no longer available

Heritage Button-Down Shirt in Red Check $19.99 

Crew-Neck Sweatshirt in Gray $19.99 

Cropped Pants in Olive $21.99 

(Photos courtesy of Target)

Ouidad's Double Detangler Comb, A Natural Hair Girl's BFF

As an African-American woman with natural hair, finding effective hair products and tools is a part-time job.  So when I discover something that works, I have to share it with my curly/kinky hair sisters.

Ouidad's Double Detangler Comb

I've been wearing my hair perm/relaxer-free for at least ten years, but usually get a little help from "Afro-kinky" hair extensions.  Lately I've been wearing my own hair out in twist styles.  But combing through the tangles to get my hair to a softened, twistable state is an arduous task.

Ouidad (the curl expert salon and product line), however, has come to the rescue with the Double Detangler Comb, a revolutionary tool that detangles and minimizes breakage.   It's best used when your hair is still wet with conditioner and the comb's two double-spaced rows of rounded teeth painlessly slip through knots and tangles without ripping and tugging.  The ergonomic handle makes it easy to navigate through even the densest, most tightly coiled hair.  

Everything She Wants picked up Ouidad's Double Detangler Comb ($24) at Sephora, and it's worth every penny. 

Exclusive LOFT Friends and Family Discount Today Only!

LOFT has a lot of classic styles and cool trends for spring.  And thanks to LOFT’s Friends & Family sale -- Tuesday, April 5- Sunday, April 10 -- you can scoop them up for 30% off.

For the first time ever, however, the retailer is giving its Facebook fans the chance to pre-shop the offer one day ahead of other thrifty fashionistas. 

So don't delay.  Go to LOFT's Facebook page (click on the "Fans Only" tab) and become a fan to download your exclusive in-store coupon or to retrieve your online code today!

Get Spring Break Ready in a Spanx One-Piece Swimsuit

Everything She Wants is ready for spring break.  You too?  So that's a reason to shop for a new bathing suit.  And Spanx has plenty of new, stylish swim wear options made with soft, premium jersey fabric and maximum compression to keep your tush and tummy tucked.

If you're not a one-piece fan, Spanx also has you covered with a selection of slimming separates and beach cover-ups. Some styles are available up to size 18.

Check out a few of my favorites here:

Basix One-Shoulder One-Piece, $152

Sheer Pleated Bandeau One-Piece, $198

High-Style Bandeau One-Piece, $198

Sheer One Shoulder One-Piece, $178

Photos courtesy of Spanx

My Massage at Providence Day Spa Before Owner Was Busted

As a birthday gift, I asked my husband for a gift certificate to one of my favorite Brooklyn day spas. I'd been experiencing discomfort on my lower left side and hoped a detoxifying massage would alleviate the nagging pain.

So on a mild winter afternoon, I walked a few blocks from my apartment to Providence Day Spa and checked in for my appointment.  It had been a few years since I'd been to the new age-y spa and I soaked in the homey decor -- warm colors, comfy pillows, and candles.

After waiting for a few minutes, I was greeted by my masseuse, a hippie-ish middle-aged women with her hair pulled into a ponytail and wearing flowing garb.  I told her about the pain, which I self-diagnosed was due to my fibroids and endometriosis.

Photo credit: NY Daily News

She seemed empathetic and revealed that she'd had her own problems with fibroids and other female issues. During the course of my enjoyable hour-long treatment, this healing arts practitioner rubbed and kneaded my taut muscles into submission.  On an odd note -- perhaps in an effort to encourage me to do the same -- she loudly inhaled and exhaled with every stroke.

When the session was done, I was a satisfied customer.  I asked the receptionist for the name of my masseuse and she said, "Providence." Since that's the name of the spa, I was confused and repeated the question.  The receptionist replied, "Providence," adding the woman who did my massage was the owner of the spa.  I didn't know the spa was named after its owner and was honored that I'd been pampered by the boss.

Fast forward to March. While scanning a Brooklyn newspaper, I came across a story about a woman named Providence Hogan, who was accused of embezzling $100,000 from the PTA board of an elementary school in my Cobble Hill neighborhood. As I read on, the article revealed this was the same Providence who did my massage.  As the PTA's former treasurer, Providence allegedly took the money for fertility treatments, to pay rent for her apartment and day spa, and as she told police to "keep her family living in the lifestyle they were accustomed to." She turned herself in earlier this week, and if convicted the 43-year-old faces up to 15 years in prison. Talk about a lifestyle change.

Meanwhile, I recently passed by Providence Day Spa on my way home.  It's still open for business as usual. But as much as I like the spa's treatments and empathize with her infertility issues, I can't support the shady way she funded her business, and Providence has lost this repeat customer.