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Archive for 2011|Yearly archive page

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Darling Dresses for Summer Weddings

In Fashion on June 30, 2011 at 2:35 pm

Wedding season is in full swing, and if the weekends on your calendar look anything like mine do, I have to imagine you’re in need of a dress or two. I’ve only attended a couple of weddings my entire life, and I actually have two this month back to back. What are the odds of that happening? Saturday, June 18th was my boyfriend’s older brother’s wedding and the following Friday, June 24th is a friend’s wedding, which unfortunately I wasn’t present but sent my blessings all the way from Ireland.

When shopping for that perfect wedding dress, Ann Taylor LOFT was top on my list. No surprise there since I’ve shared my love for LOFT with you before. I’ve found so many fabulous pieces at a great value in their summer collection. They have an awesome summer collection filled with wedding-appropriate dresses. Just take a look at these darling dresses from LOFT, all under $100.

Wedding outfit idea: Wear a colorful dress that’s flirty and flattening to your body then match your dress with some classy feminine accessories. You’ll outshine everyone at the wedding (besides the bride, of course)! Below is what I wore to the first summer wedding of the season. Red is the color of love, no?

Wedding Wear: LOFT red wrap dress • BCBG shoes • Charlotte Russe bag • LOFT gold chain necklace

Below are some other darling dresses from LOFT that are perfect for summer weddings!

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Treat Your Tootsies

In Designers, Fashion, Trends on June 28, 2011 at 2:31 pm
 After several days of nonstop roaming New York City, what was the one item a lady couldn’t live without? Flats! The vast majority of women I spotted in the streets were donning various styles: peep toe, round toe, Oxfords, studded, strappy and more.  In addition to a plethora on every block, I browsed flats on display at department stores and boutiques. Diverse styles in suede, metallic, leather and linen make them versatile for both work and play. Flats are a terrific option when you’re a woman on the go – and who isn’t these days? The perfect pair will also get you through those last rough days before your next pedicure. Flats are absolutely fitting for weekends or your commute to work in any city. They are super stylish and comfortable, which makes them wearable for the entire day. Your feet will thank you and you won’t have to carry a giant purse to tote heels. For those of us obsessed with heels, alternating to flats can be hard. Try choosing a sandal with an ever so slight wedge, one inch or less, that can still take you from day to night. Here are some of my favorite brands and styles of this summer staple:

J. Crew Quorra Sandal

Michael Kors Erin Patent Ballet Flat

J. Crew Keaton Cutout Oxfords

Tory Burch Reva Ballet Flat

J. Crew Melange Ballet Flat

Zara Woven Ballerina Flat

Zara Pointed Ballerinas with Bow

Zara Tricolour Vamp

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IADT IMAGINE Fashion Show

In Events on June 14, 2011 at 2:02 pm

International Academy of Design & Technology, a school that can help creative ones transform their talent, skills and passion into career possibilities. At the Academy, you’ll find a like-minded community of creatively driven students and instructors committed to helping students develop their abilities and prepare for the exciting professional arenas of design, fashion, and media arts and technology. We’re proud to have the Academy as a Fashion Week Tampa Bay sponsor three years in a row!

IADT Tampa throws a lot of events and activities throughout the year, so you certainly don’t want to miss out on one of their biggest ones of the year! The IMAGINE Fashion Show and Expo is Saturday, June 18th, at the new Mainsail Conference Center, which is located on 5108 Eisenhower Boulevard Tampa, Florida 33634.

For more than 25 years, the IMAGINE Fashion Show and Expo has showcased the work of Academy students and alumni pursuing their goals in fashion and a host of other creatively driven industries. The night begins with a VIP pre-party at 6pm, followed by the runway show that begins at 8pm. Miss Tampa 2011, Jessie Pelletier will return to IADT as emcee.

Tickets are available through the IADT-Tampa bookstore or by calling 813-889-4300. There are a few different options: Select seating inside the Promenade is $25 and VIP seating at $50 (the price includes a pre-show reception as well as seating in the front rows). Outside, the Salon will have $10 general admission seats for an intimate runway experience with a twist.

Don’t miss out on IADT-Tampa’s biggest event of the year! You’ll be able to see firsthand what emerging student designers and IADT alumni designers are showing on the runway this Saturday, June 18th.

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Trendy Trousers

In Fashion, Trends on June 7, 2011 at 12:37 pm
Summer is here, and although the days are quite warm, the nights still have a slight chill to them. When dressing for drinks or dinner out on the town, trendy trousers are perfect during this transitional time between seasons. And since mixing and matching bright colors is huge this summer season, I have been eyeing these colorful trousers from one of my all-time favorite stores, ZARA. I’ve also added some printed trousers to my ZARA trouser shopping bag – summer time always means more stripes and prints in my wardrobe, plus these are always just the thing for a fun summer look! Now every girl could use a second opinion while shopping… so I’m calling all of my fellow fashionistas – Which trendy trousers do you like the most? Cast your vote by writing a comment. Thanks shopping buddies!

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Spring & Summer Nail Shades

In Fashion, Trends on June 2, 2011 at 10:57 am

With trends like color blocking and bright palettes having made their way from the runway to our closets, this season’s nail colors are no different. The key is to think of your nail polish as an accessory. This includes tying it in with other accessories whenever possible.  Ultimately, you want to make a statement without going too far over the top. You may be thinking, “How can I pull that off?” Wonder no more! The nail colors pictured are from my personal collection and here are some ways to style the hottest brights:

Yellow: Match it with earth tones (brown, khaki, olive green), giving a burst of color to the safari look.

Green: Paired with shades of brown, camel, tan this is another color that compliments the safari look. If you prefer going in a lighter direction, pastel green is a bit more feminine and looks fab with gray.

Orange: Another warm color we’re seeing lots of this season and often deemed the hardest one to wear. It looks great with jeans and a simple top (think white, tan, gray, navy, even pink). If you’re not quite comfortable wearing a color that packs such a punch, try a coral instead.

Lilac: Not only can you wear this to soften black attire – blazers, suits and of course the LBD (little black dress), but it works with navy as well.

Hot Pink or Fuchsia: If you’re set on a more traditional pink shade opt for either of these with your dark ensembles. Both will also make your neutrals pop!

Pearl: This is the safe shade and the perfect match to an outfit full of floral or print as the subtle color and shine won’t take away from your look. Think of it just as the right pair of pearl – or diamond – stud earrings completing an outfit. Along with lilac, pearl is my favorite pick for the office, where bolder colors may not always be allowed.

Bright Blue or Turquoise: Neither can be beat when paired with neutrals or yellow! Not only is the bright blue festive, it brings a pop to the ever so popular nautical look. Turquoise combined with animal print is one of my personal favorites.

Bear in mind that all of these hues look lovely with classic white attire in the spring and summer. Sally Hansen, OPI, Chanel and Ulta brands are my top recommendations for long lasting color in a variety of shades.

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Introducing: What to Wear, Where

In Fashion, Trends on May 25, 2011 at 9:31 pm

Outfit dilemmas beware… your days are outnumbered! Thanks to our very first “What to Wear, Where” blog post, you’ll know what is suitable, stylish and season trendy to wear from casual fun days in the sun to fancier social gatherings that call for more jazz.

Being that Mother’s Day was two weeks ago, and my lovely boyfriend’s mom’s birthday was just last week, we spent the weekend at his mama’s house. As I tried to squeeze in time to pack a weekend getaway bag, I couldn’t help but to notice the reasoning behind the choices of my weekend outfits. Let me note, my boyfriend and I have been together for almost three years so I’ve met his family many times before. And thankfully, not trying to brag, they have loved me since the day they met me with my happy smile, warm heart and homemade cookies (always good to bring something sweet when meeting the parents). So packing my weekend bag wasn’t stressful at all, but there are certainly some style guidelines that I was following. The first “What to Wear, Where” is what to wear when meeting the parents and/or spending time with his folks, like in my case.

There are a few things to know before you even start looking through your closet. First, find out what their style is. My boyfriend’s parents live in a welcoming small town north of Tampa. I’m sure it’s them, not the town, but I always feel like I’m at home when we visit. Their style is very casual and down to earth – My attire is quite the opposite… I would say it’s more downtown than down to earth casual. You want them to meet the real you… so yeah, dress like “you” in your style but try incorporating a parent-approved look that’s impressive, fitting to what you’ll be doing with his folks and somewhat similar to their personal style.

So what to wear… hmm… the look that I suggest for meeting and/or spending time with his folks is a breezy-chic, feminine outfit – cute attire that is put together, yet effortless and casual. Try to incorporate at least one feminine element in your outfit, whether that’s a girly floral print or a blouse with a delicate necklace. Below I have two outfits from Ann Taylor LOFT that are a great example of an effortless-chic, feminine look that’s perfect for spring and spending time with his parents!

Hope this helps when choosing what to wear with your love’s parents. Good luck with his folks!

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Best of Spring Trends

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends, Updates on April 27, 2011 at 9:03 am

Here are the “Must Have” trends for this season that we can embrace – and enjoy – during sizzling Florida spring weather.

Neutrals and nudes are a huge trend right now. Combine them with black for a chic look or spice it up with a color to avoid the dreaded washed out look. You may even opt for a blush color to take a neutral piece, like a blazer, a bit more feminine without distracting frills.

Rebecca Minkoff Spring 2011

Breezy silhouettes will make enduring even the hottest day easier. Long, loose blouses and swingy dresses are a comfortable yet chic change from too tight dresses and tops.

Michael Kors Spring 2011

High-waist shorts in black or navy are the perfect alternate to a skirt and make legs appear longer – who doesn’t like that? The look can be made more casual with high-waist flared jeans, paired with a sleeveless racerback or scoop neck top. Spruce up the look with a few statement accessories to rock it at night.

Derek Lam Spring 2011

One of the most stylish and comfortable ways to step into spring is wearing wedges. They are a happy medium between flats and often painful stilettos. An easy go-to shoe with any outfit, wedges will leave your tootsies feeling great – even at the end of the day.

Michael Kors Spring 2011

Lace – It’s fun, flirty and can be combined with any of the trends above. Lace can be dressed up or made casual.  A light, lace top can be layered over a matching tank and will create the effect of a longer torso. It’s an incredibly versatile piece that can be taken from work to weekends, day to night.

Badgley Mischka Spring 2011


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The 600 Block Party

In Designers, Events, Fashion on April 19, 2011 at 3:15 pm

Once upon a time in a hip downtown land, lived companies that embodied the cool lifestyle. These tenants got together with the new tenants of Central and 6th street in downtown St. Petersburg to form the “600 block.” A common theme in the arts and strong sense of community brought the hip downtown area together. The 600 Block has established themselves as downtown St. Petersburg’s newest and hottest spot for art, fashion, music and more. With fashion boutiques, art galleries and concert venues, that easily pleases any downtown hipster fashionista for a shopping spree afternoon or artsy night out, no wonder it’s the hottest spot in downtown St. Petersburg.

On April 9, 2011, the 600 block threw a block party to celebrate St. Petersburg’s artistic scene and ten new businesses opening on the block. It was a very mystical night with artistic expression and collaboration of many artists connected to the block. The night was filled with art from Pale Horse, Eve-N-Odd gallery, Blue Lucy and more. Then to top it off, the night came to an end with a fashion show featuring the ten boutiques on the 600 block – MISRED Outfitters, The Trunk, All Sewn Up, Bentley’s Boutique, Sweatshop Wares, Ramblin’ Rose Upcycle, Rex A Million, Aleka Phoenix, 1 of 1 Customs, and Cozette’s Boutique.

Pictures of The 600 Block After Dark event are below, courtesy of yours truly.

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Fashion Face-Off

In Events, Fashion, Trends on April 15, 2011 at 12:57 am

Putting together a flawless look can sometimes be a challenge. I dread those moments where you just can’t seem to find anything in your closet… even though you have a-zillion great options… and of course, to top it off, you have five minutes to get dressed (been there, done that and ladies, I hope it never happens again). Thankfully style expert, Laura Hunt, shares some “style strategies” to master the art of putting together a chic look in any situation, whether it’s for everyday casual or for a special occasion.

On April 9, 2011, Laura Hunt, image consultant and fashion/style expert, hosted Macy’s “Putting It All Together” fashion event. Laura is the founder and CEO of Freeway Fashion, an image consulting firm and fashion media resource (not to mention, Freeway Fashion is a sponsor of Fashion Week Tampa Bay). Macys’ shoppers participated in a fashion face-off to create the most fashionable and put-together look with the latest spring trends. Based on challenge scenarios like what to wear when you are sitting front row at Fashion Week Tampa Bay, contestants styled models with various pieces that completed and enhanced the model’s outfit.

Laura shared styling tips, outfit suggestions and spring 2011 trends with the audience. After a mini-runway show, the audience chose the winner of the fashion battle. She received a $100 Macy’s gift card and some other great prizes. Everyone left Macy’s as winners! Pictures of the Macy’s Putting It All Together event hosted by Laura Hunt are below, courtesy of Anne’ Phillips Photography.

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Putting It All Together

In Events, Fashion, Trends on April 5, 2011 at 5:40 pm

Are you dressed or styled? Being a part-time sales associate at Ann Taylor LOFT, I always see this question posted on the wall in the back of the store. It’s a great reminder that putting together a look with multiple pieces upgrades you from just being dressed to being styled. Mastering the art of mixing and matching pieces to complete a styled look is one way a fashionista fulfills her passion for fashion.

Calling all fashionistas! Macy’s is Putting It All Together with the ultimate fashion face-off, hosted by expert stylist and image consultant, Laura Hunt! She is the founder and CEO of Freeway Fashion, an image consulting firm and fashion media resource (not to mention, Freeway Fashion is a sponsor of Fashion Week Tampa Bay). Contestants will be stylists for the afternoon and show off their styling skills by creating a HOT look – fierceness from head-to-toe, as Tyra Banks would say. Plus the winner of the style challenge will receive a $100 Macy’s gift card!

During the event Laura will share her fashion do’s and don’ts plus top styling tips for spring. After the fashion challenge, mingle with Laura, relax with Ritual Salon, enjoy Fitcio’s Café sweets and view breathtaking floral arrangements from Hayes Florist. Also, be sure to enter for the chance to win tickets for Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2011!  To top it off, make a women’s purchase of $50 or more to receive a special gift.

Macy’s in Countryside Mall in Clearwater, FL and Laura Hunt will be Putting It All Together, Saturday, April 9th. RSVP today by calling 305-577-1818 or visit the Macy’s website for more information.

You don’t want to miss this event! It goes beyond clothes and shoes, Laura’s styling advice and the magic of Macy’s will help transform you from being dressed to being styled for any occasion!