Everything She Wants

Red was a hot color on the red carpet for the 83rd Annual Academy Awards.   Jennifer Hudson wore a stunning, strapless reddish orange gown by Versace that flaunted her new, svelte shape.   Sandra Bullock looked regal in a strapless, bold red Vera Wang gown with a dramatic train.  Penelope Cruz sparkled in a red sequined dress by L'Wren Scott that showed off her post-pregnancy bod.   Meanwhile, Best Actress winner and Mom-to-be Natalie Portman glowed in a wine/burgundy dress by Rodarte and Tiffany jewels.   And Scarlett Johansson looked elegantly subdued in a hip-hugging maroon lace dress compliments of Dolce & Gabbana (take that Ryan Reynolds). What do you think?  Which lady in red was red hot?  And who was not so hot?  Photo credit: Getty Images, Fab Sugar, USA Today

Before Fashion Week, I'd never heard of lia sophia jewelry. After attending a preview of the new "industrielle" collection and being gifted a stellar black and green lacquer statement cuff bracelet, I can honestly say I'm a fan and a potential peddler. So what is lia sophia?   lia sophia jewelry Much like Tupperware's business model, lia sophia is an international company that sells original jewelry designs at home parties called "shows" to independent advisors who bring the jewelry to hostesses and guests. The company keeps up with the hottest jewelry styles and trends and each piece has a lifetime replacement guarantee.  Lia sophia also works with Dress for Success, a nonprofit organization that provides professional clothing and career development tools to disadvantaged women, with proceeds from its Improv necklace (found in the Spring/Summer 2011 catalogue ). To purchase lia sophia, find an independent advisor near you .

Celebrity stylist Phillip Bloch is rarely at a loss for words.  I chatted with the A-list wardrobe guru (he's dressed Sandra Bullock, Halle Berry, and Jada Pinkett-Smith just to name-drop a few) during Fashion Week at a gifting lounge he hosted in the Empire Hotel.  Here are the highlights of " The Shopping Diet " author's juicy interview with Everything She Wants . Celebrity stylist Phillip Bloch./Photo by Tracy Hopkins On Social Media I just started blogging and tweeting in the last six months to a year.  And when I tweet about something very personal, people go crazy.  Once I blogged about a bad date and people [responded], "Oh my God, I had a bad date too!" It’s a way for people to feel more [connected].  We live vicariously through celebrities, so [social media] is an entrée into that world. On J. Lo I’ve always wondered why J. Lo hasn’t had a makeup contract [until now with L'Oreal]. That face is stunning.  Whether you like her or not.  Peo

Britney Spears debuted her new video " Hold It Against Me " this week.  But the former blonde bombshell isn't breaking any new ground with her look or her sound; her long extension-styling and vocals are straight outta "Stronger" from 2000. Besides the Brit vs. Brit fight scene, the video's only other highlight is the "Ismene" necklace ($745) by Dannijo  she wears in the expanding corset ball gown scene. Dannijo Ismene necklace Dannijo is one of my favorite jewelry brands.  The jaw-dropping, handmade necklace is made with an oxidized silver plated array of Swarovski crystals and chains and is available in the clear crystal version Britney wore and an edgier turquoise and black crystal color combo that would look fab on Lady Gaga or Gwen Stefani.

I took my first trip backstage during Fashion Week to see hair maven Rodney Cutler and his team style the models for Tadashi Shoji 's flowing-and-feminine Fall 2011 show. A Tadashi model flaunts her flat ironed locks courtesy of  Cutler./Getty  Check out my interview with the Australian-born hairstylist who has his own product line and runs three successful salons -- two in New York City and one in Miami.

During Fashion Week, I've noticed a lot of African-American women wearing red lipstick.  Beauty blogger extraordinaire Felicia Walker Benson of This That Beauty , for example, knows how to rock a fierce red lip. Stylist Shaunya Hartley. Beauty blogger Felicia Walker Benson. But I never thought red was a shade that would work for my cocoa complexion.  I usually prefer neutral and nude shades of gloss.  Chatting with Felicia at a fab  Shiseido  press luncheon and stylist Shaunya Hartley of Vintage Shaun  in the Tents, however, has inspired me to become a lady in red. But I need your help. Which brand's shade of red do you like best?   Red-lipped models outside Lincoln Center. A fashionista flaunts her red lipstick.

Janelle Monae 's retro style is inspired and inspiring. Individuality is sexy.  The pompadour coiffed Atlanta belle is a petite, androgynous cross between a young Lena Horne and Little Richard (with shades of Dorothy Dandridge and Prince).  During her pumped-up Grammy performance, I took a good gander at Janelle's sock-hop-ready-footwear. Miz Mooz "Hoola" shoe. Seems she has a thing for saddle shoes, which makes me eager to wear the pair I recently picked up from a  Miz Mooz  press preview.  The handmade leather "Hoola" shoe in a spring-ready beige/whiskey color combination is the New York brand's version of a bowling shoe, so Miz Mooz cleverly hosted  its preview  at the new Bowlmor bowling alley in Times Square. Thanks to my new kicks, I'm ready to rock like Janelle and  throw a strike. Unknown photo credit.

At the halfway mark, there are a few noticeable, dominant trends for Fall 2011.  From Fashion Week, here’s what Everything She Wants has observed so far: Prabal Gurung red dress/Getty Christian Siriano sheer skirt/Getty Vivienne Tam coat/Getty Tadashi black dress/Getty Tailored and structured jackets: Rebecca Minkoff showcased new jacket shapes and a modern interpretation of a Chanel jacket with her tweed and black leather asymmetrical Moto jacket.  Meanwhile, Vivienne Tam’s Chinese-opera-inspired jackets were a hit.  As Style.com described Tam’s innovative outerwear, her “structured collars swooped off the shoulders into sculpted wings.” Sheer inspiration:   Christian Siriano  flaunted a long sheer black skirt paired with a tailored black jacket.  Rebecca Taylor’s fresh runway looks included a similar sheer black skirt, but her sheer, bohemian print harem pants and dresses were standouts. Cape crusader: St. John presented luxe cashmere capes and Rebecca Minkof

To quote stylist-turned-reality TV star Rachel Zoe, the  St. John  presentation pre-Fashion Week was "major."   Top models including Alek Wek ( top   photo ) and Yasmin Warsame were poised on podiums in the dimly lit, stark white showroom space above the retail store on Madison Avenue like living Grecian statues.   The Fall 2011 collection was marked by subtly sexy cashmere sweaters, coats, and capes in rich camel and granite; milano knit dresses in light gray, granite, and caviar; and white and burgundy satin dresses and tees. A standout look ( fifth photo ) was a caviar, multi-sequin long sleeve top with fox fur cuff detail paired with a granite melange wool, wide-leg pant.  Wide-legged pants are always a must for fall and at the top of my shopping list.  Another head-turner was the multi- cheetah print silk belted coat with an exaggerated collar, worn over a knit, long sleeve dress in caviar. St. John's autumn collection showcased the brand's elega

Once again, I'm off to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.  For the second season, the fashion industry elite (and me) will converge at Lincoln Center. While I'm not in love with the location and miss the convenience of Bryant Park, there are a lot of great restaurants and shops in the historic Upper West side nabe.  Plus, I've developed a better strategy this time around; one that will hopefully keep me sane and relatively stress free.  I plan to split my time between the tents and off-site shows, and find time to unwind and blog at a few media lounges. The collections showcased this season are for Fall/Winter 2011.  Check in daily for coverage here and on Fashion Week Examiner . Some of the shows I'm looking forward to are: Christian Siriano Perry Ellis Tracy Reese Vivienne Tam bebe Carlos Miele Rebecca Minkoff Jill Stuart Pamella Roland Paola Hernandez

Fashion Week starts this week (Feb. 10 -17) and my fashion calendar is full.  So I need to literally put my best face forward while covering shows, presentations, and events.   My excellent Temptu airbrush makeup makeover. Last season, I visited one of several media lounges that offered makeup touch-ups. I got a great makeover during a previous Fashion Week (see photo of my Temptu Airbrush experience), so I had high hopes for this transformation. Although the makeup artist was friendly enough, let’s just say that bright blue eye shadow and pink lips don't match my cocoa complexion and I emerged looking more circus clown than glamazon.  This season, I’ve become more confident in my makeup application skills.  So I've decided to forgo any makeovers and take a D.I.Y. approach. Here’s what’s in my Fashion Week beauty survival bag : Bare Minerals. Bare Minerals Original SPF Foundation in Warm Deep ($25) : I love the flawless, natural-looking coverage.  The soft texture

The winter weather can be harsh on your feet.  So what's a girl to do about those unsightly and not-so-sexy dry cracked heels?  Don't fret.   Everything She Wants has gone to tireless foot pampering efforts to find the answer. Get pretty feet for Fashion Week./Tracy Hopkins First, I got an amazing exfoliating foot scrub and hot towel treatment as part of a divine full body massage at Rescue Rittenhouse Spa in Philadelphia.  Then I visited Bliss in New York City for the spa's signature 60-minute Hot Milk and Almond pedicure. And at home, these products have helped my happy feet: Bliss Foot Patrol AHA Exfoliating Softening Cream ($18): This peppermint, aloe, and salicylic acid cream makes my feet feel tingly and silky smooth. The smell isn't the best, but it works. Jamu Spa Jasmine Frangipani Body, Hand, and Foot Scrub ($35): Daily use will remove dead skin cells and improve energy, organically. The key ingredient of tumeric is an antioxidant and flower pe

Filili"Love" necklace Around Christmas time I discovered jewelry designer Luiny Rivera while reporting a segment for Brooklyn Independent Television at the Artists & Fleas marketplace in Brooklyn. Rivera's funky Filili designs caught my eye, and I particularly heart her brass "Love" necklaces.  The Puerto Rico native's handcrafted jewelry is a steal for only $20 and up. Paloma Picasso  designed a similar hand scribed "Love pendant" in sterling silver for Tiffany & Co.  I purchased the Filili token of affection for $20 and Picasso's Graffiti collection necklace sells for $175.  I know which price is right for me, but you decide which piece of wearable art you like best. Paloma Picasso Tiffany "Love pendant" Rosena Sammi Sanskrit "Love" necklace For an exotic expression of amour, Rosena Sammi makes a necklace with "Love" written in Sanskrit. The necklace comes in sterling silver and gold

Whether we like to admit it or not, every woman loves to receive flowers, chocolates, and gifts on Valentine's Day. And yes, we do have a soft spot for cheesy heart pendants.  Take the Jane Seymour "Open Hearts" necklace from Kay Jewelers for instance.  While the design is questionable and my husband and I laughed out loud at funny man Will Arnett's spoof on the necklace, I can't say I'd be unhappy to unwrap a similar heart shaped trinket.  Of course, I'd be more thrilled with a token of affection encased in  a little blue box . For years I watched my father shower my mother with overpriced fine jewelry she didn't need on Valentine's Day, and at the time I thought it was wasteful spending.  Now that I'm a grown-up, however, I kind of like the tradition of receiving a new trinket each year. Tiffany Notes letter pendant. I still don't believe in overspending on V-Day gifts ( or on anything for that matter ).  So when it comes to roma