Everything She Wants

You know when  Inside the Actors Studio host James Lipton asks actors what profession other than their own would they like to attempt?  Well, if I hadn't pursued writing as a career, I would have studied dance.  Dance pro Karina Smirnoff I think dance is the purest form of artistic expression. And it's great that TV shows like So You Think You Can Dance  and Dancing with the Stars  have put a spotlight on dance and made it so popular. At a recent JCPenney New Year, New You fitness event I had the chance of a lifetime to take an exclusive dance class led by DWTS-pro Karina Smirnoff.   During the energetic dance-cardio class, Karina and participants were dressed in the newest styles from  JCPenney's  Xersion  and  City Streets  Activewear lines. We were also gifted JCPenney's  Bella High Power Juice Extractor  and  Magic Bullet Blender . "I'm excited to partner with JCPenney to showcase ways to f...

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 s...

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: Comb through every page again and you'll discover the keen trend reporting and glorious fashion spreads you seek. Use the week's supply worth of perfume and beauty samples.  Use the three pound magazine as a free-weight or to assist you with your ab twists. Use it as a doorstop.  Sorry Ms. Wintou...

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 ...

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 fa...

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 ...

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

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 $...