Summer Yoga Workout Wear from Athleta

Everything She Wants celebrated the longest day of the year with thousands of other yoga enthusiasts at Solstice in Times Square: Athleta Mind Over Madness.  Yes, we did yoga smack dab in the middle of Times Square.  It was an exhilarating and unforgettable experience. For several hours, busy New Yorkers quieted their collective monkey mind and were one nation united under the sound of ohm.

Photos courtesy of Athleta

Before the class, Athleta sent me a couple pieces of its cool, comfortable and breathable yoga workout wear -- the flexible and lightweight Magnolia Pant made with organic cotton and spandex and the trendy Zip-Line Tank (available in vibrant summer colors including Tart Apple Heather, Hibiscus Heather and Neptune Green Heather).

Athleta Zip-Line Tank.

Athleta Magnolia Pant

Summer and Fall Jean Trends from Beija-Flor

Everything She Wants is a fan of Beija-Flor's (pronounced beige-a-floor) figure-flattering jeans made with premium Brazilian denim. They're slimming through the hips and contoured in the back for full coverage.  Founded by the mother-daughter team, Kathy Moca and Emilie Whitaker, Beija-Flor are the perfect fit for real women with curves and are available online and in more than 300 boutiques nationwide. For fall, I'm a fan of the Nicole Skinny jean and the Audrey Skinny Ankle jean (Beija-Flor sent me a pair to try out and I love the fit and ankle length) inspired by icon Audrey Hepburn.

Beija-Flor Nicole (top photo) and Audrey (bottom photo) jeans.

Photos courtesy of Beija-Flor

Fall 2012 Fashion Trends from LOFT

Dresses, skirts, tops and tunics in bright colors, classic solids and playful geometric patterns were on display at the LOFT Fall 2012 Press Preview.  Everything She Wants was invited for a sneak peek, and several stylish looks left a lasting impression.  So let's mark our calendars since most of these fall fashions will be available in LOFT stores beginning in August.

Shifts in bright shades and patterns can easily transition from the office to a dinner date.

This bold patterned dress is at the top of my wish list for fall.

Step into LOFT's Fall 2012 colorful closet.

Stripes in all shades, like this knit sweater's clever mix of olive green with orange and purple, are in for fall.

Stripes are a staple in my perennial wardrobe and I love the pairing of the black-and-white striped top with a yellow buttoned-down skirt.

Mix-and-match patterns and colors for fall like an animal print top with a tangerine skirt and striped coat. 

Enliven your autumn wardrobe with spring-like shades of pink.

Photos by Tracy E. Hopkins

Summer Solstice Sunscreen Tips and Sun Protection

This year, the first day of summer -- known as the Summer Solstice -- is June 20, 2012.  Everything She Wants plans to celebrate the longest day of the year in New York City with a free evening yoga class in Times Square sponsored by Athleta. But with a weather forecast for temps close to 100 degrees, I plan to apply plenty of my favorite sunscreens; the paraben-and-fragrance-free Kiss My Face Sun Spray Lotion, SPF 30 (available at Whole Foods Market) on my body and LaRoche-Posay Anthelios 45 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid Broad Spectrum SPF 45 as a facial moisturizer.

Use a broad spectrum sun screen.

Both products have "broad spectrum" coverage, which means they protect against UVB (short solar rays that cause burning and skin cancer) and UVA (long solar rays that cause skin cancer and wrinkles).  If a sunscreen doesn't say broad spectrum or UVB/UVA protection, then ease on down the aisle to find one that does. And when it comes to SPF ratings (sun protection factor; the degree to which a sunscreen can protect the skin from sunburn), SPF 30 can reportedly block 97 percent of UVB rays. An SPF above 30, however, only increases in effectiveness about 1 to 2 percent. 

Here are a few tips on applying sunscreen from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration:

• Apply the recommended amount evenly to all uncovered skin, especially your lips, nose, ears, neck, hands and feet.
• Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going out in the sun.
• If you don't have much hair, apply sunscreen to the top of your head or wear a hat.
• Re-apply at least every two hours.
• Give babies and children extra care in the sun. Ask a health care professional before applying sunscreen to children under 6 months old.
• Apply sunscreen to children older than 6 months every time they go out.

Remember that regardless of your race or ethnic background, during the summer months everyone should apply a broad spectrum sunscreen and limit sun exposure.  Those with pale skin, fair hair and a family history of skin cancer should be especially proactive about sun protection. 


In addition to applying sunscreen, other ways to protect yourself from harmful sun rays is to wear a wide-brimmed hat (Dorfman Pacific has some cute options), wear sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays, carry an umbrella and stay in the shade as much as possible. It's especially important to limit sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the sun's rays are strongest.  Even on an overcast day, 80 percent of the sun's UV rays  can break through the clouds.

Sleep With the Kardashians' Bedding Collection at Sears

Wanna know what Kim, Kourtney and Khloe sleep in?  Well, of course their own bedding designs from the Kardashian Kollection Home, available at Sears.  Each piece in the fashionable home line -- which also includes towels, shower curtains, and other bathroom accessories -- embraces Kim's glamour, Kourtney's bohemian chic vibe, and Khloe's rocker style.

Desert Dreams Bedding Collection, from $139.99-$160.99

New York Dreamer Bedding Collection, from $139.99-$160.99

Spanish Harlem Bedding Collection, from $139.99-$160.99

Photos courtesy of Sears

Get a Free Sample of Christina Aguilera's Perfume

Christina Aguilera's 'tude towards her fellow "The Voice" judge Adam Levine (and I think secret crush) may stink, but her new perfume -- Christina Aguilera Royal Desire -- doesn't.  Everything She Wants gave Royal Desire a spritz and was pleasantly surprised by the light, flowery fragrance.

According to its press release, the international recording artist's fragrance exudes both elegance and sensuality, giving women a luxurious experience.  With an Oriental fruity blend with rich florals, as well as warm sensual notes, it creates a luxurious appeal for women who love to feel desirable and exquisite.

The Christina Aguilera Royal Desire range is available in Eau de Parfum (15ml, 30ml, 50ml, 100ml), shower gel and body lotion (200ml) and deodorant spray (150ml), and each perfume bottle is adorned with a vintage-inspired charm. Get a free sample on the fragrance's website.

Summer Jewelry Giveaway from Soraya by Rozi!

This summer, it's easy to jazz up your wardrobe staples with earthy jewelry with colorful stones.  And Everything She Wants is offering one lucky lady the chance to win either a pair of beautiful, gold plated Teardrop Earrings in turquoise (retail value $50) or a Large Teardrop Necklace with a red stone on a gold chain (retail value $40) from Soraya by Rozi.

Here's how you can enter to win one of these trendy jewelry pieces. Please combine all of the following info in one comment/response -- duplicate comments will be ineligible:

1) Retweet this post.
2) Follow me on Twitter @TracyEHopkins.
3) Tell me where you'd wear this lovely summer jewelry?

This giveaway offer ends on Wednesday, June 13, 2012.  Good luck!

Laser Hair Removal at Home from Tria Beauty

When it comes to hair removal, I've always been a razor and shaving cream kinda gal.  I'm also no stranger to Nair, which used to smell like burning hair but has thankfully become more fragrant over the years.  Some ladies, however, take hair removal more seriously and look for a permanent soultion.  If that's something you've considered, her are some tips from Tria Beauty*, one of the UK's leading providers of professional, light-based skincare solutions for use at home.

Image from Tria Beauty.

How laser hair removal works

Laser hair removal has been around a long time.  But it's been perfected over the last twenty years and the technology has proved effective at removing hair permanently.  The biggest downside is that it's a costly process.  Salon laser treatments are available for any number of problem areas, but a series of treatments are required.  And for many women, the expense is the main drawback to laser treatment.  Facial hair, in particular, can be distressing for women and laser treatment is the most effective solution.  This kind of treatment is relatively quick and it's one of the cheaper options.  For those looking for larger areas of hair removal, the costs are higher and it will take more time to remove hair permanently.

Why is it so expensive?

Hair grows in three stages and individual hairs pass through these stages at different times.  The simple fact is that one treatment will only remove some of the hairs, leaving the general area still showing hair growth.  Periods between sessions will vary depending on the part of the body being treated. Although laser hair removal is safe, it’s important to have rest periods between treatments.  Additionally, hair with a coarser texture will require longer periods of treatment. Unfortunately, laser hair removal is not suitable for all skin or hair colors.  People of color with dark skin cannot get laster hair removal treatment, since this type of skin contains melanin, the same pigment found in dark hair. Melanin is what the laser targets, so suitable hair should be dark, but skin should be light or medium in tone. 

D.I.Y. hair removal

But don't fret if you can't afford salon laser treatments.  Finally, an effective home laser treatment is available on the market.  Tria laser reviews demonstrate that this product, which looks as harmless as your average hair dryer, is easy to use, cost effective and offers permanent solutions.  Models like the Tria Hair Removal Laser include safety features which ensure that they only operate if your skin and hair are of appropriate hues.  

In terms of cost, the home laser systems are highly competitive compared to the average salon treatment.  Like salon treatments, you will need a course of treatments.  The initial cost of a home system is around the same as a course of bikini line treatments.  The difference is that this is a one-time cost, and the home laser can be used to address any or all areas that you need to treat for as long as you need to treat them, at no additional cost. 

*This post was sponsored by Tria Beauty.

A Girlfriend Getaway With Your BFF in Turks and Caicos

My best friend Cindy and I have known each other since junior high school. But it wasn’t until our junior year in high school that we truly bonded, fanatically over ‘80s Brit-pop duo Wham! (the name of this blog actually derives from the Wham! hit, "Everything She Wants"). 

Me and my friend Cindy in Turks and Caicos.

Over the years, we’ve maintained our friendship, even as life has taken us in different directions.  My career in publishing transplanted me in New York City, while she stayed in Baltimore and became the principal of our former high school and a multi-tasking mother of three. 

So I jumped at the chance to spend some husband-and-kid-free time with Cindy on the Beaches Friends Forever Girls Getaway at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa.

During our tranquil trip (minus a choppy catamaran cruise), Cindy had her first facial and massage and did yoga and meditation for the first time.  I’m glad I was there to share those experiences with her.  Read more about the BFF getaway on SheKnows.com.