Everything She Wants

What would you do if you looked like Kate Middleton ?  Native California girl Melissa Pelz can answer that question. Designer Melissa Pelz The Princess doppelganger moved to London a few years ago to entrench herself in Brit culture, and more than a few folks noticed the future royal resemblance.  So in addition to making press appearances, the enterprising Kate look-a-like recently launched the limited edition Ligne de Soie Royal Bridal Collection .   Her regal lingerie line includes the Royal Sapphire Silk Nightdress ($150)  and the Royal Robe ($279) .  The pure white silk robe with matching royal blue sapphire sash and buttons reflects the classic, feminine style that Kate embraces. "It's interesting that because I resemble Kate, people frequently ask me what I think of her style, or what her wedding dress will look like, or [even] what I wear while I'm getting ready to 'become her,'" says Melissa.   "I think that overall she's got a s...

Luxury lifestyle brand Calypso St. Barth was founded 16 years ago on the celebrity-friendly island of St. Barthelemy in the French West Indies.  For a limited time, the retailer is bringing its good vibrations to Target stores and Target.com with an affordable collection available May 1 through June 11, 2011. Everything She Wants  got a sneak peek in January.  Calypso St. Barth for Target features casual chic resort wear, swimsuits, and accessories for women and girls as well as colorful home goods including ceramic, elephant-shaped teapots, decorative pillows, gold footstools, and fragrant candles.  Prices range from $1.99 to $79.99. Photos by Tracy E. Hopkins

Spring is here and summer is on the way.  So let's get physical. If you need new workout gear to jumps start your motivation -- from yoga pants to sporty swim wear -- Atheta has you covered. Drisana Carey/Photo from Athleta Check out Everything She Wants ' vlog featuring Athleta spokesperson and yoga instructor Drisana Carey and a sneak peek at Athleta's fitness fashion for Fall 2011.

This autumn, you won't be embarrassed to have camel toe.  In fact, you need a pair of camel pumps to stay on trend.  Camel is also the "it" color for everything from coats to accessories. Everything She Wants has combed several Fall 2011 previews to find you the latest trends, and top designers and brands have all gone crazy for camel. Top model Waris Dirie models a camel overcoat at St John 's Fall 2011 preview. LOFT 's Fall 2011 collection capitalizes on the camel trend. Don't be afraid of a 'lil camel toe:  Rachel Roy 's suede pumps at Macy's Fall 2011 preview. Ann Taylor 's Fall 2011 collection boasts plenty of classic camel separates. Gap 's booties and fedora are a cool way to add a touch of camel to your Fall 2011 wardrobe. Photo credit: Tracy E. Hopkins

Earth Day is the perfect time to support designers with a "green" thumb. Everything She Wants recently discovered two talented female artisans with a commitment to using natural, sustainable, and recycled materials for their edgy and bohemian jewelry designs. Mina Caragay With a glance at her chunky, natural stone encrusted jewels you'd never know that Mina Caragay is a newbie to jewelry design.  Six months ago, Mina left her job as a visual merchandiser for Nordstrom to pursue her passion to craft wearable art. Dear Mina designs Her line of rocker-chic statement necklaces is called  Dear Mina .  For her "Castaway Collection 2011" the San Francisco resident used raw, organic materials like pyrite nuggets and quartz crystal to mimic metallic spikes and studs. Dear Mina's initial collection, "Galactic Nomad," is fashioned from hand cut leather tassels on brass and bronze chains, and precious stones like agate, jade, and pink opal.  Current...

FitFlop sandals and boots are shoes with a dual purpose. They're stylish and help you burn calories and tone with every step.  FitFlop is also committed to giving back. Manyano thong sandal The company's  Manyano thong sandal  ($130) launches April 20.  The natural leather sandal was hand-beaded by the women of the Wola Nani cooperative in Cape Town, South Africa, and has FitFlop's patented Microwobbleboard™ midsole built in. Manyano is available exclusively on FitFlop's website and premier online retailer Net-A-Porter .   “At FitFlop, we believe fashion has the ability to unite women across the world,” says FitFlop Footwear founder Marcia Kilgore. “We are extremely proud to support Wola Nani and help HIV sufferers to take control of their lives with confidence, dignity and hope.” Kilgore is inspired by “the amazing craftsmanship of the Wola Nani community and the incredible support, education and skills training the cha...

Everything She Wants loves to encourage women to have an entrepreneurial spirit. So I was pleased to hear about mark Cosmetics' new mentoring program, which helps young women across the country to pay for college by becoming a mark representative and selling affordable mark beauty products to their friends, family, and classmates.  mark mentee Beth Heitker I chatted with mark rep and summer 2011 finance intern, Beth Heitker, via email and she gave ESW the scoop on the program.  The student at Xavier University in Cincinnati has worked with mark since 2007 and is giving one lucky reader the chance to win her fave mark product, mark Gloss Gorgeous Stay On Lip Stain (a $10 value) .   Here's how to win: Read my interview with Beth and comment on this blog post what was most inspiring to you about her story; along with your first name and email address.  A winner will be selected at random and you have until April 20 at 11:59 p.m. to enter. ESW: What inspired...

I covered the Red Light press preview last week for my friend Liliam's cool website, Mondette (small world). We met way back in the day as giggly interns for Rolling Stone magazine and now as Mondette's editorial director she and her team are the go-to source for all that's fab in L.A. Browsing all the stylin' clothes from West coast designers and brands made me feel like an L.A. woman.... at least for an afternoon . Check out my write-up on new, Cali-based lines like WkShp and Loud Love Jewelry for Mondette here . These Ami Club Wear pumps are ready to party! This Ami Club Wear faux-leather satchel is perfect for fall. I was also tres impressed by the budget chic offerings from online retailer  Ami Club Wear  (see above photos).  Um , the company's motto is "the positive place for girls" but please try to ignore the Playboy-esque model shots when you go to Ami Club Wear's website.   I promise you'll find great bargains like trendy...

Remember when having kinky, curly, or wavy hair was a problem? Well, it isn't anymore thanks to products like Kinky-Curly , specifically made to help women and girls embrace the beauty of their natural curls.  I like to call it freedom hair. Image credit: Kinky-Curly What distinguishes Kinky-Curly from similar hair products you'll find at your beauty supply store is it's made with natural ingredients based on a recipe from creator Shelley Davis' homeland in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Kinky-Curly   ($12 - $17) uses the highest grade of concentrated organic ingredients to ensure that curly girls will achieve the styles they want without sacrificing the health of their hair.  The products are formulated to add moisture, give hold without drying hair out, and protect it from harsh environmental elements. I've used Spiral Spritz , billed as an alternative to silicone serums that can be used on dry or wet hair.  The lightweight holding gel is made with  ...

Target is where Everything She Wants usually finds, well, everything she wants.  For spring, you need the season's classic, preppy trends including a cool trench, khakis, nautical loafers, and separates in stripes and polka dots. With plenty of on-trend offerings from Merona (styles pictured are currently available unless otherwise noted), Target has you covered. Heritage Button-Down Shirt in Chambray $19.99 Pencil Skirt in Pink/Gold Floral $26.99 Genuine Suede Loafers in Pink $24.99  Heritage Button-Down Shirt in Purple Stripes $19.99 Boatneck Sweater in Navy $24.99 Madras Shorts in Blue Plaid $17.99 Boat Shoes in Tan/Blue $29.99  Belted Polka-Dot Dress in Black/White $24.99 Cardigan no longer available Heritage Button-Down Shirt in Red Check $19.99  Crew-Neck Sweatshirt in Gray $19.99  Cropped Pants in Olive $21.99  (Photos courtesy of Target)

As an African-American woman with natural hair, finding effective hair products and tools is a part-time job.  So when I discover something that works, I have to share it with my curly/kinky hair sisters. Ouidad's Double Detangler Comb I've been wearing my hair perm/relaxer-free for at least ten years, but usually get a little help from "Afro-kinky" hair extensions.  Lately I've been wearing my own hair out in twist styles.  But combing through the tangles to get my hair to a softened, twistable state is an arduous task. Ouidad (the curl expert salon and product line), however, has come to the rescue with the Double Detangler Comb , a revolutionary tool that detangles and minimizes breakage.   It's best used when your hair is still wet with conditioner and the comb's two double-spaced rows of rounded teeth painlessly slip through knots and tangles without ripping and tugging.  The ergonomic handle makes it easy to navigate through even the densest, ...

LOFT has a lot of classic styles and cool trends for spring.  And thanks to LOFT’s Friends & Family sale -- Tuesday, April 5- Sunday, April 10 -- you can scoop them up for 30% off. For the first time ever, however, the retailer is giving its Facebook fans the chance to pre-shop the offer one day ahead of other thrifty fashionistas.  So don't delay.  Go to LOFT's Facebook page (click on the "Fans Only" tab) and become a fan to download your exclusive in-store coupon or to retrieve your online code today!

Everything She Wants is ready for spring break.  You too?  So that's a reason to shop for a new bathing suit.  And Spanx has plenty of new, stylish swim wear options made with soft, premium jersey fabric and maximum compression to keep your tush and tummy tucked. If you're not a one-piece fan, Spanx also has you covered with a selection of slimming separates  and beach cover-ups . Some styles are available up to size 18. Check out a few of my favorites here: Basix One-Shoulder One-Piece, $152 Sheer Pleated Bandeau One-Piece, $198 High-Style Bandeau One-Piece, $198 Sheer One Shoulder One-Piece, $178 Photos courtesy of Spanx

As a birthday gift, I asked my husband for a gift certificate to one of my favorite Brooklyn day spas. I'd been experiencing discomfort on my lower left side and hoped a detoxifying massage would alleviate the nagging pain. So on a mild winter afternoon, I walked a few blocks from my apartment to Providence Day Spa and checked in for my appointment.  It had been a few years since I'd been to the new age-y spa and I soaked in the homey decor -- warm colors, comfy pillows, and candles. After waiting for a few minutes, I was greeted by my masseuse, a hippie-ish middle-aged women with her hair pulled into a ponytail and wearing flowing garb.  I told her about the pain, which I self-diagnosed was due to my fibroids and endometriosis. Photo credit: NY Daily News She seemed empathetic and revealed that she'd had her own problems with fibroids and other female issues. During the course of my enjoyable hour-long treatment, this healing arts practitioner rubbed and kneaded ...