Everything She Wants

I leana Maria Rojas-Bennett In this gloomy weather, Everything She Wants could use a pick-me-up. And Maleku , a vibrant line of handcrafted jewelry inspired by the colors of the Costa Rican Rain Forest, will do the trick. Designed by Costa Rica native Ileana Maria Rojas-Bennett, Maleku was named after a tribe in the northern part of Costa Rica and means "Indian in love." A relative newcomer to jewelry design, Rojas-Bennett won the "Beyond the Runway" prize at Nolcha Fashion Week in 2010 for her fine designs, which are fashioned from 14, 22 and 24-karat gold, sterling and fine silver, freshwater pearls, and semi-precious stones such as blue Persian turquoise, black onyx and smoky quartz. Maleku retails from $50 - $1500 and a percentage of all sales will be donated to help preserve the endangered Maleku tribes. For more info contact ileana@malekujewelry.com Photo credit: Tracy E. Hopkins

The hurricane wreaking havoc along the East coast and reportedly heading for New York City.  This weekend the NYC subway system has been shut down; according to the New York Times all 468 subway stations and 840 miles of tracks. C'mon Irene! Since it seems we'll be spending a lot of time indoors, it's the perfect time to finish that novel, catch up on work you've been avoiding, watch a Lifetime movie marathon, or better yet, try out some new beauty products. Here's what's on Everything She Wants ' hurricane weekend beauty agenda: 1) Condition my hair with  Philip Kingsley Elasticizer .  This award-winning, pre-shampoo treatment was originally created for Audrey Hepburn and promises to deliver elasticity, bounce and shine to hair. 2) Wash my hair using Shea Butter Curl Activating Shampoo by Beautiful Curls.  This organic, fair trade shampoo is best for curly to tightly coiled hair types. The sulfate-free blend of shea butter soap and plant extrac

Here on Everything She Wants , I strive to promote positivity or at least harmless fun.  So I'm a little ashamed to admit it, but "Basketball Wives" is one of my reality TV guilty pleasures. "Basketball Wives"-inspired hoops for sale on Etsy. Cat fights and glass slinging aside, the ladies (and I use the term loosely) of Miami often make bold fashion statements -- most notably with their huge hoop earrings.  Recently, I've been more on a stud and small hoop kick and haven't rocked big earrings regularly since I was struck by Jody Watley's signature hoops in high school. What's all the hoop-la?   Me with my new hoops.  But Evelyn, Jennifer and the rest of the gals have inspired me to give statement hoops another chance.  So I picked up a pair of huge silver hoops by Nine West at Filene's Basement (my Mom would be proud).  And if you want a pair of bling-accented hoops like the ones worn on "Basketball Wives," just l

The color-blocking look from the spring-summer season is also trendy for fall.   Everything She Wants recently spotted more subdued two-tone combos at H&M, but not all color-blocking apparel is created equally. What do you think of Tyra Banks' pink-green-blue, one-shoulder baring jumpsuit?   Is it Hot or Not?  If you like it, AmiClubwear.com has a similar look for only $12.99. But if you agree with me and think Tyra's look is unflattering, then opt for a more sophisticated color-blocking fashion statement.  The AmiClubwear version is actually cuter and would look better if the model wore a strapless bra and dressed it up with a menswear-inspired jacket.

Just in time for the last beach days of summer, Everything She Wants is giving away a cute orange and green tote by Be Eco Chic . The bag has a retail value of $30 and one lucky winner will take it home (even if you don't win, everything is 30% off during the month of August). Here's how to win: 1) Retweet this post. 2) Subscribe to Everything She Wants via email or Google Connect. 3) Respond to this post with your first name and share the highlight of your summer so far. This giveaway offer ends Aug. 24 at 11:59 p.m.  So don't delay, enter today!

Target's infectious "Music Teacher" commercial gives a good indication of what the superstore has stocked for the back-to-school rush.   Everything  She Wants previewed Target's fall fashion collection and although I didn't spot any hair gel, there was a stylish plaid backpack, glittery Converse One Star sneakers and plenty of tunics and denim. Plus, Target's core brands Merona, Xhilaration, Liz Lange Maternity and Mossimo offer all the on-trend styles fashionistas, Moms and working women must-have for fall.  Let's take a look: Target's fall fashion statements capture several styles: from the nautical vibe with a striped tunic and classic trench to the preppy, collegiate look with skinny jeans, blazer and oxford shoes, to a bohemian chic style with a faux leather jacket paired with a tie-dye print, jeggings and motorcycle ankle boots. We've gotta have this Chanel-inspired bag. Converse One Star sneakers in classic and trendy styles

A few weeks ago I blogged about wearing white jeans by  Not Your Daughter's Jeans . Thanks to NYDJ's Tummy Tuck technology, the jeans are slimming and figure-flattering for women who have outgrown shopping in the junior's department. Everything She Wants got a sneak peek of the fall/holiday 2011 collection, and NYDJ has all of the hottest trends including skinny jeans, leggings, bright colors like royal blue and cardinal red, and 70s' inspired flared and wide-legged styles.  I picked out a funky flared pair. NYDJ is available at select department stores and can now be purchased online . Photos by Kristen Somody Whalen/Courtesy of NYDJ

Everything She Wants wishes the David's Bridal store in Manhattan was open when I exchanged "I do's."  The budget-friendly brand offers a bevy of beautiful wedding dresses that start at $299 (with many on sale for under $100), and are available from size 0 to 16 and 16W to 26W for plus-size brides.  Designer gowns by Vera Wang (White by Vera Wang), Oleg Cassini and Galina are priced higher. Stylist  Nicole Brewer  works with David's Bridal and walked me through an exclusive blogger preview at the spacious, light-filled Chelsea store. New for fall 2011, David's Bridal introduced the modern DB Studio Collection inspired by the hottest looks from the red carpet and the biggest royal wedding in decades. So get your Kate and Pippa replicas online and at select DB stores. Me in dress pick #1 with stylist Nicole Brewer. The biggest surprise, however, is the brand's stylish selection of special occasion and party dresses that start at just $79.9