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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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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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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!

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Night Out in The Big Apple

In Events on March 21, 2011 at 6:40 am

What professional stylista doesn’t love transforming her look from a professional work look to a night out outfit? Well, it’s time to celebrate and transform your office attire into your Big Apple party dress! Aguiar Plastic Surgery and Med Spa invites you to celebrate their 5th Anniversary on Tuesday, March 22nd. There will be mouth-watering delicious food, an assortment of raffle prizes that will please anyone, and specials for all of your spa needs and wants – just to name a few things that you’ll enjoy at The Big Apple event.

Aguiar Plastic Surgery celebrates its 5th Anniversary to benefit Dress for Success Tampa Bay. Dress for Success Worldwide is an international non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of women in the United States and around the world. The professional clothing, employment retention programs and ongoing support that they provide their clients symbolize their faith in every woman’s ability to be self-sufficient and successful in her career.

Event co-hosts, VERTICAL Tampa Bay, Bay City Interactive, The Art Institute of Tampa and CAbi Clothing, are helping to make this an amazing night in The Big Apple. CAbi clothing will be donating two brand new suits to Dress for Success. The Fashion Program of The Art Institute will be providing fashion displays from CAbi representing business appropriate clothes for Dress for Success. Aguiar Plastic Surgery & Sesha Skin Therapy will be donating two skin care treatments and home regimen.

The Big Apple event will be held Tuesday, March 22nd 5:30pm at
Aguiar Plastic Surgery
8557 W Linebaugh Avenue, Tampa, FL 33625
(813) 749-2093

For more information, check out their website! Hope you come out to The Big Apple – no airfare required, just a smart stylish look from work to evening – one of my favorite ways to transform!

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Get Vertical: So Not Sari

In Events, Fashion on February 14, 2011 at 9:56 am

Thanks to VERTICAL Tampa Bay Magazine, on Friday, February 11th, PUSH Ultra Lounge turned into a fashionably, So Not Sari night! VERTICAL Tampa Bay is an amazing virtual magazine celebrating fashion, flavor, travel, culture and beauty in the Tampa Bay area, and my Friday night amazingly consisted of all of these elements. The night included  fashion inspired by India, generous guests supporting a good cause and flavorful vegetarian food.

My evening began with bubbling champagne and delicious food on the rooftop… “delicious” doesn’t even bring it justice. It was the most creative vegetarian food I’ve ever had! The servers did an excellent job making sure my stomach was full and happy. Besides dessert (must save the best for last), my favorite mouth-watering dish was the mini portobello mushroom burger, which seemed to always be in my hand – no complaints here.

After mingling with some of Tampa Bay’s most elite, the fashion show began with the Creative Director of VERTICAL, Leslie Joy Ickowitz and guests of honor, happily enlightening the crowd on how the act of generosity turned into the So Not Sari event.

And then…the fashion show began! Kimberly Hendrix worked her creativity by combining Indian saris with the handmade k hendrix signature touch. The 12-look collection consisted of beautiful beading, vibrant colors and the creative craftsmanship that Kimberly is known for.

Kimberly’s pieces were auctioned off after the show with 50% of the proceeds benefiting the organization StreetSAFE, which provides for homeless children in the Bay area. Overall the live auction went very well with guests outbidding each other for their favorite garments and more importantly, a generous donation will be made to StreetSAFE.

And then there was…dessert! While waiting in line, I got a glimpse of what we were having for dessert but couldn’t quite figure out exactly what it was… I’ve never seen anything like it before. Soon I learned that it was the balloon au chocolat dessert a la by Puff ‘n Stuff Catering. The server pours hot rosewater onto the white chocolate balloon which would melt unto the dark chocolate cake beneath it. Honestly, it was the best dessert I have ever seen and tasted! To top if off, the rooftop view of downtown St. Petersburg was breathtaking.

Everything that VERTICAL Tampa Bay Magazine stands for came to life that night. Fashion, flavor, and culture… it was So Not Sari!

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Fabulous Helping Hands

In Designers, Events, Fashion on February 7, 2011 at 12:37 pm

The power of generosity easily opens our eyes to the importance of life. It warms our hearts in seconds yet manages to last a lifetime. In the moment…we offer a helping hand. Our helping hands, powered by generosity, are what truly makes us so fabulous!

So why discuss fabulous helping hands? Well, here’s the story: VERTICAL Tampa Bay reader, Upendra Reddy, reached out with an offer to donate a collection of Indian Saris to Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2010 fashion designer, Kimberly Hendrix. She’s a local Tampa Bay designer who reuses, recycles and renews materials to create her gorgeous vintage-inspired and handmade garments and was featured in the fall issue of VERTICAL.

Upendra’s generosity touched Kimberly, and Kimberly decided to donate 50% of the proceeds from the collection she creates with the Indian saris to a good cause of Upendra’s choice. Upendra has a heart for children who are homeless, and the organization StreetSAFE happens to provide for homeless children in the Bay area. This Friday all of these helping hands will be united!

Kimberly Hendrix for k.hendrix is creating a 12-look collection exclusively for VERTICAL Tampa Bay. The collection will be showcased at So Not Sari which is an exotic fashion presentation on Friday, February 11, 2011 at PUSH Ultra Lounge in downtown St. Petersburg.”So Not Sari is a celebration of hope, love and fashion,” says Leslie Joy Ickowitz, publisher and creative director of VERTICAL Tampa Bay. After the presentation, the garments will be featured in a live auction benefiting StreetSAFE – a division of the Family Resources Foundation devoted to the homeless children population in the Bay area.

This event is invitation only. You can check back here though for post coverage updates and join us as we Get VERTICAL this Friday!

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Transforming Red Carpet Trends

In Events, Fashion, Trends on January 21, 2011 at 7:11 am
Celebrities like Rihanna and Mary-Kate Olsen make great fashion icons! From the streets to the camera lights of the red carpet, they’re always rocking their personal style. Bejeweled shoes to backless dresses, Hollywood’s elite made quite a fashion statement at the Golden Globes. No question about it, their incredible style inspires fashionistas all over. Below are some ways of transforming their red carpet looks into our own wardrobe.

Olivia Wilde

Bejeweled Shoes

Showstopping sparkling shoes are perfect for transforming a girls’ night out look. Every girl should own a pair of glitter heels!

Naya Rivera

Rosettes

Every girl loves flowers!  Wear an accessory with a flower bud (like a headband) to show your classy girlie side.

Sofia Vergara

Belted Waist

Upgrade a simple day look by adding a cute cardigan and high-wasted belt to your everyday tee.

Eva Longoria

Backless

A simple backless or off the shoulder top is purr-fect for a subtle sexy look.