Everything She Wants

Rae Francis designers Ariel Lilly and Christina Coniglio describe their made in New York City line as "uptown chic meets downtown cool." "[We mix] feminine pieces with hardness," says Ariel, who explains the brand's name is a combination of Ariel's middle name and Christina's father's name. Rae Francis designers Christina (left) and Ariel (right). Photo by Tracy E. Hopkins For fall, the duo who met while studying fashion design at the Savannah College of Art and Design, were inspired by New York City and the collection includes feminine fabrics such as silk and chiffon fused with leathers and plaids.  Ariel, 25, is originally from Boston, Massachusetts and brings her precision and keen eye for detail to the line, while Palm Beach, Florida native Christina, 26, adds deconstructed elements such as raw finishes and cutouts. Looks from the Rae Francis Fall 2012 collection. "We don't like tight clothes," says Christi

Get ready for the 2012 summer Olympics with a sporty pair of red, white and blue kicks from Keds.  The Stars & Stripes Collection is available exclusively online and each pair of cute sneakers is only $45!  Show the Brits who's the boss.  Pick up your patriotic pair today and cheer on Team U.S.A. Image courtesy of Keds

Bracelets adorned with beads and gemstones, leather, faux gold and animal motifs are some of the hottest jewelry trends for summer into fall.  Here are a few of Everything She Wants ' favorite styles. Beaded bracelets with gemstones and spiritual figurine charms are perfect for any season.  Pile on a few like these energy bead bracelets by Debbie Merle Designs for a dramatic effect. A leather wrap bracelet like this one from Mimi's the look for less makes a Boho chic statement. These bold animal motif bangles from LOFT for Fall 2012 are on my holiday wish list. This brushed gold, oval chain-link bracelet from Mimi's the look for less is a classic piece. Photos by Mimi's the look for less and Tracy E. Hopkins

Fashion is subjective.  So many of you may love the trends I'm about to bash.  Admittedly, some of these trends have been embraced by women far younger than me, so that may be the disconnect....or maybe these looks just err on the side of tacky?  In an homage to my former blog, Hot Mama Daily , I want to know what my Everything She Wants ' readers think.  Are these summer 2012 trends hot or not? On the right woman, the cutout shirt trend can look sexy chic and not trashy.  But toned arms and un-sweaty pitts are a must. Who wears short shorts?  Not me.  And if you do, I beg you to stop. Please don't wear a crop top unless your belly is as flat as the model in this photo.  Or better yet, if you're over the age of eight, skip the crop tops and midriffs altogether.  Wedge sneakers are a hipster trend for summer into the fall/holiday season, but I can't decide whether I love 'em or hate 'em. Top three photos from Forever 21.com. Last photo by

Everything She Wants  has a thing for jewelry and accessories, especially when they benefit a worthy cause.  So allow me to introduce Harkiss Designs , created by Harriet Zaffoni.  The 38-year-old native of Uganda started her company as a way to assist Rwandan women, many of whom have HIV/AIDS or are victims of gender-based violence and single-handedly provide for their families . Everything She Wants : How did you become an accessories designer? Harriet Zaffoni of Harkiss Designs. Harriet Zaffoni:   I fell in love with East African accessories and started by improving on the original ones to make sure they met the North American market standards.  And boom , I started designing my own.  ESW: Why did you start your company, Harkiss Designs?  HZ:  Because of my love of fashion, African colors and fabric, I saw that there was potential for me to empower East African women through fashion.  That's how Harkiss Designs was created.   ESW: Where does the jewel

It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Powder Brush ($48) is the softest makeup brush ever. I received the brush at a QVC preview and fell in love.  It's like buttah . Here's more info on the makeup brush every woman wants from QVC.com , where its sold exclusively: What is it: An ultra-luxurious, ultra-plush allover powder brush for flawless application. Who is it for: Anyone who wants a flawless powder application for a smooth, even, airbrushed look. Also for anyone who just wants to experience an amazingly soft feeling of luxury on their skin. Why is it different: This high-quality synthetic brush is ultra-luxurious in feel. Its soft-touch rubberized jumbo handle makes application easy and enjoyable. The ultra-high brush hair count makes for the most effective distribution of powder. How do I use it: Swirl the brush into your favorite powder and softly apply in sweeping, circular motions. Or, for a bit of dream-like pampering, just glide the brush on your skin with or without

Sasha Rhett 's interchangeable watches are on Everything She Wants ' wish list.  Fashioned from genuine leather and exotic skins, the stylish watches ($199-$299) are available in two classic faces -- round and rectangle -- and come in stainless steel, 18-karat gold plated and rose gold. Straps come in single and double wrap and are interchangeable between the round and rectangle face.  The watches use Swiss movements and scratch-proof crystal.  For summer, Sasha Rhett creator Alexandra Daum designed an eye-catching neon collection. Exclusively for my blog readers, use the discount code " EverythingSheWants " at checkout and save 10 percent on your purchase until August 6th.

Since I'm kind of a know-it-all when it comes to cool places to shop in Brooklyn (and really New York City in general), I've been tapped to do reporting for Brooklyn Independent Television, a community media program of BRIC Arts Media Bklyn .  Check out my latest segment on three unique, female-owned shops in BoCoCa (Boerum Hill/Cobble Hill/Carrol Gardens): By Brooklyn , where you can find products made in Brooklyn and by local artisans. Oh My Heavenly Hair , a natural, vegan and organic hair, bath and body shop and natural hair salon. Written by Forest , a lovely little shop that sells handcrafted jewelry made by Brooklyn designers.

Remember back in the '90s when wearing box braids was all the rage? I sported a box-braided bob from 1993 until at least 1998, and probably wouldn't have stopped if my hair hadn't started thinning in the crown and around the edges.  Now all of a sudden, box braids are back, especially the long and thick style popularized by Janet Jackson in the 1993 flick, Poetic Justice .  The film was dreadful, but we all remember Janet's jinglin' baby braids. Janet Jackson's iconic braids in 1993's Poetic Justice . Solange Knowles wearing the retro braid style in 2012. Everything She Wants recently spotted a striking young woman and asked her about her Poetic Justice -reminiscent hairdo.  Her name is Adrienne Green (see last two photos) and she's been wearing long box braids for about four months.  Before adopting box braids as her signature summer look, the 22-year-old wore her own hair in double-strand twists. Photo by Tracy E. Hopkins Adrienn