Workout in Style and Save 40% on SPANX Active Power Pants!

Hit the gym in style in SPANX Active, the top shapewear brand's new workout wear collection ($10 - $118).  SPANX nips and tucks women of all shapes and sizes and the Active line features figure-flattering tops and bottoms.  

As usual, the team behind SPANX has come up with clever names for the exercise wear including the Slim-X Bagel-Buster Power Pants that flatten the tummy and come in full-length and knee-length styles.  

Other Slim-X styles include the Shaping Compression Knee Pant, Shaping Compression Short, and the Wrap & Go pant with a cute wrap skirt attached.  The comfy collection is rounded out by slimming tank tops and sporty socks.

To save 40% on your SPANX Active Power Pants purchase, go to Spanx.com and enter the discount code SpanxActive571 (the code expires 12/31/11) at checkout.

Win a $50 Gift Card for Fall Fashion Trends on Amazon.com!

Tweens and teens aren't the only ones who need new clothes for fall.  We also need new tops, frocks, and trousers for work and play.  Fortunately, Amazon.com has launched the new Amazon Contemporary Shop to suit our grown-up fashion needs.

Me (r) and a model (l) wearing a MINKPINK maxi skirt from Amazon.com.

The online boutique is stocked with trendy clothing, shoes and accessories for women and men by designer brands like Halston Heritage, Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent, Rock & Republic, BCBGeneration and more. I even picked up a great pair of Heidi Klum for New Balance (HKNB) sneakers for under $55!

So, are you ready to shop? Everything She Wants will help one lucky reader jazz up her fall wardrobe with a $50 gift card to use online in the Amazon Contemporary Shop.

Here's how to win:

1. Retweet this post (if you don't have a Twitter account it's easy to sign up on Twitter.com)
2. Subscribe to Everything She Wants via Google Connect, email or RSS Feed.
3. Leave a comment on this post with your first name and age, and let me know your fave fashion trend for fall.

You must do all three things to be considered.  The gift card giveaway offer ends Monday, Oct. 3 at 11:59 p.m.

4 Fashionable Pink Ribbon Items for Breast Cancer Awareness

Who needs a reason to shop? Especially when it's for a good cause.  So here are four fashionable ways to help raise awareness and benefit breast cancer research.

Fergie Hope shoe, $45

1. HauteLook and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation are hosting a Pink Weekend Sale Sept. 30 to Oct. 2.  Items on sale range from lip gloss and a flat iron to designer jewelry and handbags.

2. Step out in style wearing the Hope shoe from the Fergie Footwear Fall 2010 collection. Fergie's Hope shoe ($45; half its original retail price) will be available during the QVC presents "FFANY Shoes on Sale" event on Oct. 15th.  All the net proceeds of the Hope shoe -- and the 100,000-plus pairs of shoes donated by footwear companies to QVC -- go to breast cancer research.  To date "FFANY Shoes on Sale" has sold more than one million pairs of shoes and donated more than $32.5 million in net proceeds to breast cancer research.

3. Show  your support for breast cancer with a Chic Glamour bracelet by Swarovski Crystallized ($58). Adorned with Swarovski Elements, this pretty pink bracelet is available during the month of October.

Swarovski Crystallized Chic Glamour bracelet, $58

RevitaLash, prices vary

Onna EhrlichRachael leather bag in HauteLook sale, $199

4. Lash out against breast cancer with RevitaLash (check website for pricing).  The product was created by an ophthalmologist after his wife's eyelashes were devastated by chemotherapy treatments for breast cancer.  RevitaLash's parent company, Athena Cosmetics, has donated $10,000 to support forward-looking breast cancer research projects.

5 Lifestyle Tips to Help Prevent Breast Cancer

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Everything She Wants is urging women to take control of their health.  By changing our dietary and lifestyle habits, we can reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Photo: Breastcancer.org

According to Breastcancer.org -- the world's top-rated online breast health and breast cancer resource -- the overall incidence of breast cancer is projected to double globally by the year 2040 and occur more frequently in younger women.

Here are a few helpful lifestyle tips from "Think Pink, Live Green," a booklet published by Lankenau Medical Center in Wynnewood, PA in conjunction with Breastcancer.org that will reduce the risk of developing breast cancer:

1. Avoid taking extra hormones: It's best to avoid exposing your body to extra hormones, such as estrogen and progestin, which are contained in birth control pills and menopausal hormone replacement therapy. Instead, consider non-hormonal solutions such as an intrauterine device (IUD) for contraception, lubrication for vaginal dryness and meditation and acupuncture for hot flashes. Talk to your doctor if you feel you need hormonal medication to improve or maintain your quality of life.
2. Maintain a healthy weight: Keeping to a healthy weight is mandatory for breast cancer risk reduction. Ask your doctor what is considered a healthy weight range for your height and body type.  A recalculation is needed during and after pregnancy.  If you're within the range, proper diet and exercise can help you maintain it.  If you need to lose weight, ask your doctor for safe ways to modify your diet and increase your physical activity level.  Cutting calories makes the biggest difference.
3. Exercise regularly: Try to get at least 3-4 hours of exercise a week, but 5-7 hours is better.  Consider working with a certified trainer.  Mix it up in order to keep it fun.  Something as simple as walking with a friend is a great way to socialize and get the benefits of exercise.
4. Limit alcohol use: The risk of breast cancer increases with the amount of alcohol consumed.  It's best to reduce consumption to 5 or fewer drinks per week. Less is better.  All types of alcohol count: wine, beer and hard liquor.  Drinking less will also help you maintain your weight.
5. Quit smoking: If you smoke, stop!  If you're a non-smoker, limit exposure to second-and-third-hand smoke.  Avoid smokers and stay away from areas and clothing that smell of smoke.

Statement Jewelry for Fall: lia sophia's Red Carpet Collection

During Fashion Week in New York City, lia sophia -- the world's leading direct sales fashion jewelry company -- debuted its latest Red Carpet Collection.  Named boudika, the line takes its inspiration from military and art deco styles and makes a bold-yet-feminine statement.

lia sophia's boudika Red Carpet Collection.

Like celebrity patrons Solange Knowles, Vanessa Williams and Nicki Minaj, Everything She Wants is a fan of lia sophia's funky costume jewelry.  So I had a hard time deciding which piece of the collection to take home as a parting gift.

The Pearl Long Pendant and Short Bib Necklace with oversized white resin pearls in matte silver were especially eye-catching, as were the Horn Cuff, Ring and Necklace in rich shades of red, blue and orange.  Ultimately, I chose the unique Pearl Short Bib Necklace (see last photo).

"The boudika Red Carpet Collection is all about strength and gentleness," says Elena Kiam, creative director for lia sophia.  "The collection adds a strong finish to any ensemble, making it wearable anywhere from an elegant event to the office or a weekend out with friends."

All lia sophia jewelry is sold exclusively through lia sophia sales advisors.  Find an advisor near you on the company's website.  Prices range from $50 - $600.

5 Must-Have Beauty Items for Recovery from Fashion Week

Running from runway shows to fashion and beauty lounges during Fashion Week takes its toll (I know, poor me).  So here are a few beautifying items that have helped Everything She Wants to recover:

Kusmi Detox Tea: This antioxidant rich tea from France is a tasty blend of mate, green tea and lemongrass that promises to purify and slim the body.

Band-Aid Brand by Cynthia Rowley: These dress-up Band-Aids by designer Cynthia Rowley will conceal any ouch or boo-boo in style.

Alterna Bamboo Smooth Kendi Oil Dry Oil Mist: This lightweight, nutrient-rich and paraben-free oil mist enhances shine and boost's the hair's health.

Kiss My Face Peace Soap: Wash everything from your body to your clothing with this organic castille soap infused with essential oils.

Incoco Instant Nail Polish Remover: Taking off your old polish has never been easier.  Just insert your fingers into one of the three sponge openings, twist and remove.  As a bonus, the liquid moisturizes and conditions your cuticles and nails.

Beyonce's Pregnant, But Is Her Fashion Week Look Hot or Not?

The biggest stars Everything She Wants spotted at Fashion Week was The Hills/The City alum Whitney Port and sometime actress Joy Bryant sitting in the front row of Rebecca Taylor's spring 2012 runway show at Lincoln Center.

Oh yeah, I also saw stylist-cum-designer Rachel Zoe at a Starbuck's near West 57th Street.  I'm a big fan of Zoe's Bravo show, and was so star struck that I delayed my exit so I wouldn't walk past her while she ordered an undoubtedly tall cup of designer Joe.  Yes, she's tiny in person but doesn't look as disproportionately thin as she appears on TV. And she looked major in her chic black jumpsuit and dark sunglasses.

Beyonce at Fashion Week./Getty Images

In photos, however, I saw that real celebs actually attended Fashion Week.  Beyonce among them.  The pregnant superstar wore what Joan Rivers described on Fashion Police as a pinata and voted the worst look of the week.  Well, at least she looks happy!

What do you think of B's short, leather shirt and tool bubble skirt?  Is it everything you want?

Disney Makes Your Holiday Shopping Dreams Come True

A dream is a wish your heart makes. And Everything She Wants found plenty of items to put on our holiday wish list at a Disney Store preview.  From designer wedding gowns to beauty products and designer dolls, there's something for girls of all ages:

Alfred Angelo Cinderella Platinum gown.

Disney Fairy Tale Weddings by Alfred Angelo, Cinderella Platinum Gown ($1,599): Become a real princess bride in this stunning wedding gown inspired by the enchanted fairy tale's glass slipper.  This Cinderella gown -- featuring yards of tulle and a classic ball gown and bodice covered in crystal beading and rhinestones -- is the first of seven Disney-inspired gowns by Alfred Angelo.

Pixie Dust Fragrance ($10.50 - $24.50): This shimmering scent of citrus sorbet, candied fruits and summer rain was inspired by Tinker Bell. You can imagine her flitting through the air sprinkling the earth with her sweet Pixie Dust. The collection is available exclusively at Disney Store locations nationwide and includes an eau de toilette, body mist, hand soap and body lotion.

Imagination Winter ($10.50 - $24.50): Fill your home with the scents of the holiday season. Inspired by Disney Store's original Imagination fragrance collection, the Imagination Winter collection is infused with frosty snow pine, zesty orange peel and fresh cinnamon bark.

Disney Animators' Collection.

Disney Animators' Collection ($24.50 each): Imagine your favorite Disney Princess character a doe-eyed toddler. These young renditions of your favorite Disney Princess were imagined by and created under the guidance of Walt Disney Animation Studio's most renowned animators, Glen Keane and Mark Henn, exclusively for Disney Store. I love the coy Snow White.

Disney Princess Designer Doll Collection ($59.50 each):  Since late August, these high-fashion interpretations of Disney Princesses have arrived in stores and online each week for 10 weeks in random order.

Kidada for Disney Collection.

Kidada for Disney Store Collection ($9.50 - $49.50): Southern California girl Kidada Jones, daughter of Quincy Jones, grew up with a fondness for Disneyland. This collection was inspired by Kidada's childhood memories of Disney combined with influences from music and her travels around the world.  A highlight of Kidada's collection is the Wish-a-Little Collection ($39.50 each); adorable figurines of Alice, Jasmine, Ariel and Tinker Bell holding a secret charm that reminds us to love a little, dream a little, laugh a little and wish a little.

Disney Princess Designer Doll Collection Accessories ($14.50 - $24.50): Get glam with lip gloss and nail polish inspired by Pocahontas and other lovely Disney characters. Store your beauty booty in a pretty makeup bag. Then ask your compact mirror whose the prettiest of them all?

5 Fun Things to Do with Vogue's September Issue

Thanks to Fashion Week, from Allure and Arise to Elle and Essence, Everything She Wants has collected the newest issues of nearly every major fashion and beauty magazine without spending a dime.

Most recently, I received a copy of Vogue's coveted September issue with an airbrushed Kate Moss gracing the cover.

After I vigorously flipped through the 758-page magazine, I found a lot of ads and not many features. That's great for Anna and her team, but not so great for fashion fans who lug the hefty magazine around desperately seeking expert editorial content.

So I came up with five fun things to do with Vogue's September issue when you're done with it:

1. Comb through every page again and you'll discover the keen trend reporting and glorious fashion spreads you seek.
2. Use the week's supply worth of perfume and beauty samples. 
3. Use the three pound magazine as a free-weight or to assist you with your ab twists.
4. Use it as a doorstop.  Sorry Ms. Wintour, this was my hubby's suggestion.
5. Share it with a friend or leave it on the subway for a fellow stylish straphanger.

Alexandre Birman Fall Shoe Collection at Saks Fifth Avenue

Everything She Wants adores stylist Rachel Zoe's former assistant Brad Goreski. He's super cute and uber stylish. So when I received an email that Brad was hosting an event at Saks Fifth Avenue for shoe designer Alexandre Birman, I thought as Zoe would say, "This is major!" Bananas, even.

Not that I needed more incentive to attend the event than the chance to meet Brad, but the invite revealed that the first ten bloggers to arrive would automatically win an Alexandre Birman phython bracelet (valued at $200) and be entered into a drawing to win an exclusive pair of the Brazilian designer's shoes (valued at $800).

Me with designer Alexandre Birman.

Needless to say, this event became a priority on my Saturday fashion calendar.  When I arrived on the 8th floor at Saks' bustling shoe department, I thought there was no way I was one of the first to arrive.  Then I spotted two other girls who looked just as confused as I was. Turns out they were bloggers too, and together we headed for the first official looking girl with stilettos and a clip board.  We introduced ourselves and sure enough, we were the first writers to arrive and were promptly gifted our funky leather bracelets.

In celebration of Alexandre Birman's exclusive collection for Saks, the scene in the shoe department was festive.  The designer began his career at age 12 at his father's shoemaking factory in Brazil.  Birman's luxury footwear is favored by Hollywood starlets Zoe Saldana, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Alba and Blake Lively. Birman arrived and greeted the assembled press and customers snapping up his strappy, snakeskin-accented gladiator heels, peep-toe pumps, edgy boots and ladylike flats.

Now all we needed was Brad. After an hour of anticipation, however, the sassy stylist was still a no-show. Unfortunately, I had to leave to make it to a fashion show at Blanc de Chine a few blocks away.  So I didn't get a chance to ask Brad about his upcoming series for Bravo, It's a Brad, Brad World; his relationship status with Ms. Zoe; his highlights of Fashion Week so far; or his top styling tips for fall.

But perhaps our paths will cross at another time, in another shoe department.

Photo credit: Tracy E. Hopkins

Beija-Flor Jeans Fit Your Curves for Fall

Everything She Wants is thrilled there are more denim brands catering to the "real women" market.  You know, those of us whose figures more closely resemble Kim Kardashian's than Zoe Saladana's.

Beija-Flor "Amy" wide-leg jeans.

One such denim line is Beija-Flor (pronounced beige-a-floor), a Brazilian brand known as "the butt-lifting jeans."  And anytime I can fit perfectly into a size 6, there must be some magic in their construction.  The name means "hummingbird" in Portuguese, and the jeans were created by mother and daughter team, Kathy Moca and Emilie Whitaker.

When she was living in Brazil, Moca noticed how Brazilian jeans works with a woman's curves, instead of against them.  So when she returned to the States, she wanted to share that Brazilian style sensibility through the design of her own line of jeans made with premium Brazilian denim.  Beija-Flor is available in more than 300 boutiques nationwide and online at ilovethesejeans.com.

The secret sauce in Beija-Flor is in the cut: a higher-back/mid-rise front; no-gap contour waist; built-in butt lift; and memory stretch, luxury Brazilian denim.

For fall, the fair trade brand is on trend with a mix of skinny jeans, jeggings, and wide-leg/flares.  Flared jeans are my staple for this fall and I can't wait to rock my wide-leg "Amy" trouser jeans from Beija-Flor with a pair of wedges or flats.

Rain or shine, are you ready for Fashion's Night Out?

Variety may be the spice of life, but too many options for Fashion's Night Out can be overwhelming.  But here's a short list of events and deals Everything She Wants recommends on Thursday, September 8th:

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Shobha, NYC’s hair removal destination, brings its designer brow treatments to Wall Street for Fashion Week.  With its product collection newly added to the Look Boutique at Duane Reade’s flagship location at 40 Wall Street, Shobha will offer complimentary brow threading treatments ($20 value) onsite to visitors who purchase $20 or more in Shobha® Products at Duane Reade.  Brow sessions will be available on Fashion's Night Out and Friday, September 9th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

5 p.m. to 10 p.m.: This Independent Fashion Pop-Up Shop (Opia Restaurant & Lounge, 130 E. 57th Street at Lexington Avenue) co-hosted by the New York Post features fashion by sustainable brands Jonano and SA VA. Plus, guests can freshen up their look at the Beauty Bar by Kroma Makeup and Kiss Nails and indulge in Don Q Rum cocktails. Proceeds from the event will benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the first 100 shoppers receive gift bags. To attend, RSVP to Guestcode.com and enter code 755.

6 p.m. to 12 a.m.: Stop by QVC's SoHo party (428 Broadway at Howard Street) to experience the newest names in fashion, including Wildlife by Heidi Klum and the Kris Jenner Fashion Kollection.  Learn the latest tips and tricks in beauty and fashion; get styled by industry experts like Cristina Ehrlich, Dennis Basso, and Marc Bouwer; meet QVC show hosts Courtney Cason, Albany Irvin, Jayne Brown, and Lisa Robertson; and shop must haves like the exclusive QVC/FNO merchandise designed by Vogue. And if you can't make it to Soho on FNO, tune into QVC for a live, three-hour broadcast of the party from 9:00 p.m. to midnight EST.  Become fans of the FNO Facebook page and Twitter feed @fnonyc (#FNO).

6 p.m. to 11 p.m.: Via Spiga (487 Broadway between Broome and Grand Streets) will celebrate Fashion’s Night Out 2011 in their Soho boutique with the following offerings:

• Gelato Bar: Provided by Pop Bar, a special Via Spiga Gelato Bar will offer a unique selection of flavors to customers shopping in-store.
• Free gift with purchase: Customers who make a Via Spiga purchase during the event will receive a branded set of three custom Essie nail polishes in the Via Spiga Fall color palette (gray, raspberry and mulberry).
• Tweet-Up Giveaway: Customers in-store and online will be asked to tweet why they love Via Spiga on Fashion’s Night Out for their chance to win a free pair of shoes or boots. There will be a total of five winners, with one winner announced each hour of the night.

Beauty News: What it Takes to Make Your Favorite Fragrance

Do you know what goes into making your favorite fragrance? Without getting too scientific, the answer is, a lot. Everything She Wants recently participated in the first Fragrance Academy with Aramis and Designer Fragrances and Givaudan Fragrances with a select group of writers and bloggers.

Givaudan perfumer, Irina Burlakova

From tuberose to heliotrope, we sniffed our share of savory and floral elements.  Experts in the field refer to the process of making fragrance as "the juice." For their juice, Aramis and Designer Fragrances sources only the finest raw materials and has "a commitment to quality and creativity," says Veronique Gabai-Pinsky, the company's global brand president.

Because they spend less on marketing than their competitors, they emphasize storytelling.

For instance, the story behind the brand's Be Delicious by DKNY was "take a bite out of life," and the scent is infused with the first natural extraction of apple.

"Fragrance is a beautiful craft," adds Gabai-Pinksy.  "[We're] trying to bring back that magic and bring back education to the consumer."

When it comes to developing fragrances, the brand relies on Trudi Loren, senior vice president of corporate fragrance development worldwide for the Estee Lauder Companies.  Loren is known as "the nose" and has worked closely with Sean "Diddy" Combs and Donna Karan to develop their designer fragrances.

Helpful tips:

• Keeping perfume in the refrigerator will help it last 2 to 3 years
• When fragrance is exposed to heat and light it gets oxidized, so darker bottles protect perfumes.

Cultural preferences:

• African-American women tend to like bold floral and Oriental scents.
• Latina women tend to like fruit and bolder floral notes.
• Asian women tend to like lighter, more subtle notes.
• Germans gravitate towards vanilla notes.
• Italian and Spanish women like citrus notes.

Missoni for Target: Designer Fall Fashion for Less

Are you ready for Fashion's Night Out on September 8th? Here in New York City, one of the evening's highlights promises to be the Missoni for Target pop-up store (1095 Sixth Avenue near Bryant Park), which opens at 6 p.m.  But fashionistas are expected to line up early to purchase pieces from the sure-to-sell-out collection before it hits stores on Sept. 13. The 5,000-plus square-foot pop-up store space also housed the Liberty for Target pop-up shop in 2010.

During FNO, designers Angela Missoni and Margherita Maccapini Missoni will attend and pose for family portrait-style photos with the first 20 guests who spend more than $100.  All portrait images will be updated to the Target Style page on Facebook.

Cardigan, $49.99; sweater dress, $54.99; pumps, $39.99

Ballet flats, $29.99

This spring, Everything She Wants attended a press preview and the Missoni for Target collection is honestly one of the brand's best designer capsule collection thus far.  With 400 items including clothing and accessories for women, men and girls, luggage and home furnishings, the collection is also the largest in the retailer's history of designer partnerships.

Vase, $29.99 and votive, $9.99

Luggage, $49.99 and $169.99

Throw, $39.99

Items range in price from $2.99 to $599.  I've got my eye on those adorable ballet flats!

Photo credit: Target

Fall/Holiday 2011 Trends from Eddie Bauer

Summer is coming to a close, but Everything She Wants is looking forward to fall.  Fashionably speaking, classic wardrobe staples are invaluable to every girl's autumn wardrobe.  One place you can find that and more is Eddie Bauer, the enduring sportswear brand that launched in Seattle in 1920.

Spice up your holiday outwear with a colorful ski vest.

From the look books: The "original outdoor outfitter's" fall 2011 collection celebrates the spirit of Eddie Bauer and his wife, Christine, with modern interpretations of archival designs -- American sportswear and highly functional performance gear Eddie and Christine created over 90 years ago.

For holiday 2011, the collection highlights reinterpretations of EB's heritage down outerwear and hand-knit sweaters inspired by the palettes and prints of the Pacific Northwest.

Here are a few looks from at a preview Everything She Wants attended inside Eddie Bauer's Airstream that made me yearn for the great outdoors (or at least a cute ski resort).

Models outside the Airstream in sporty Eddie Bauer classics.

Me modeling an Eddie Bauer leather jacket and floppy wool hat.

Me with Eddie Bauer models wearing refashioned 1936 "Skyliner" jackets in tweed.

Photo credit: LaForce & St