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Sea of Style

In Fashion on January 12, 2011 at 9:53 am

Your Christmas vacation is usually visiting a cold destination with the hope of seeing snow and making a snowman with your family, right? Well, this year my family went on a Christmas vacation that involved a cruise to Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico. I’ve been on many cruises before but have never departed on Christmas Eve. While the north was experiencing a record-breaking snowstorm, my family and I were heading south for a tropical holiday. Well… somewhat… It was still much too cold to work on my tan. This made packing my suitcase more difficult since my usual cruise attire involves a lot of teeny-weeny polka dot bikinis and cover ups – resort style. In addition to eating and partying at sea, dressing well for every occasion is an enjoyable necessity in any weather.

To have great style on the seas, one must always be prepared with many different options. Several trendy looks for fancy dinners and nights dancing away in the middle of the ocean are a must. And don’t forget adorable casual looks that are both fashionable and functional for fun in the sun.

So what do you pack for a winter cruise? Let’s welcome back the nautical look. The sea style look returns as one of the Spring 2011 trends and hello, it’s perfect for sailing away on a luxurious cruise. Suggestion: wear a navy blue and white striped long sleeve and boatneck shirt with skinny jeans. Then transform this sailor day look into night by throwing on a black blazer, red pumps and matching red lipstick.

The adventure gets exciting when taking those first few footsteps off the ship. When exploring land from sea it’s important to wear: 1. Fashionable yet functional clothing 2. Comfortable walking shoes 3. An outfit prepared for any weather, rain or shine. I enjoy exploring and learning about the roots of different cultures so spending the day discovering the Mayan Ruins of Costa Maya was like being a kid with a mouthful of sugar teeth in a candy store – I loved every second of it! Have fun putting together your explorer outfit. Be daring and a trend setter by mixing tribal and vintage inspired prints together.

Wherever your cruise adventures are sailing off to, make your vacation memories more amazing by being styled for land and sea!

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Virtual Fitting Room

In Fashion on December 17, 2010 at 1:38 pm

Should we feel guilty for buying ourselves gifts during the season of giving? With all of the big holiday sales, it’s not easy shopping for hours for our loved ones and not treating ourselves to a little gift. Perhaps online shopping may ease the guilty pleasure. We all know that one of the biggest advantages of shopping online is the ability to shop whenever, and we all know that the disadvantage of online shopping is not being able to physically see the item which is awful when you’re purchasing clothes online. New technology like augmented reality is attempting to fix the problem with the solution of trying on clothes virtually.

My beau is a web designer and marketer so he’s always sharing the newest technological trends with me. He introduced me to augmented reality a few months ago. Recently he launched a website for Augmented Reality News: www.augmentedrealitynews.org. One article about how augmented reality can enter the household with Microsoft’s Kinect really caught my eye. The video (click below) in the article shows how customers can easily see how clothes will look on their bodies before making the purchase. This will give companies the opportunity to make their brand and product offering interactive in a way never thought possible. Augmented reality and other technological advances still yet to come will give businesses numerous opportunities while making the customers buying experience more enjoyable.

Similar to how video game systems have advanced to becoming more interactive, like the Wii and Xbox Kinect, online shopping will advance to make the shopping experience more enjoyable and as easy as possible. Perhaps next Christmas, we will be in the “virtual fitting room” shopping for that little gift to ourselves.

What are your thoughts about using a virtual fitting room?

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Pretty in Black

In Fashion on November 30, 2010 at 9:07 pm

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. Time to be thankful and eat a delicious meal with the ones I love. Watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade is one of my favorite family traditions. It’s that sweet reminder that my favorite time of year has finally begun. The Christmas season brings a lot of joyful things but the holidays also means a busy work schedule at Ann Taylor LOFT. If you work in retail, there is no question that you must work on the busiest shopping day of the year, Black Friday. Black Friday indicates the period when retailers are turning a profit, or “in the black.”

Busy doesn’t even begin to describe Black Friday. Shoppers filled the store as early as 7am. I was on my feet from 8am to 6pm putting clothes away, styling clients in the fitting rooms, and helping wherever needed. Don’t get me wrong though… I expected a busy day, but having a cold made the day more interesting. At the end of the day, our numbers were high and wallets were low. Good day for business. I only wish I had the energy to shop around after work but… my bed was calling my name and I couldn’t resist.

I did, however, purchase a highly detailed and “bold in black” Ann Taylor LOFT bracelet. The moment I laid eyes on this bracelet, I knew it had to be the newest addition to my jewelry box.

Window and online shopping was a must this weekend for me (and really my only option). I added a few items to my Christmas list. For instance, this Express black leather jacket must be my present to myself (there’s no way I can wait until Christmas morning). The cold weather has started in Tampa so a new jacket is a must! Plus I’ve been dying for a new leather jacket that’s easy on my wallet and fits great. Luckily, I found one! Now I just need to patiently wait for the next holiday sale. Sigh…



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Surreal: Colorful Statement Shoes

In Designers, Fashion, Trends on November 16, 2010 at 9:05 am

Making a fashion statement is like taking a short cut through a terrifying forest. It’s far from being safe… living on the dangerous side is more like it! It’s risky business – your fashion statement could be saying the wrong thing. Don’t get me wrong, there’s good reasoning to make the statement and worth the risk. Particularly if you’re a fashionista who loves unique pieces that make a statement all on their own. Sounds like me! This is why I choose some surreal shoes that will make a loud fashion statement of being unique, colorful and fashionably bold.

The first statement shoe is the Angel Bootie by Alexander McQueen. These shoes were a part of McQueen’s last collection before his early and unexpected death. Royalty would be honored to wear such a beautiful craftsmanship pair of gold heels.

These gorgeous blue ankle booties are made by Pollini for Manish Arora. Feel like a goddess from Hercules’ time! The royal blue color makes them POP while the three-dimensional gold detail steals some of the attention from the vibrant blue color.

Make a fashion statement by having a cool do on your…feet? These Palais Mohawk pumps in purple suede made by Yves Saint Laurent will surely make your feet stand out. The cool girl with a rebellious attitude will love making a fashion statement with these bad boys.

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From Punk To Funk

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Updates on October 21, 2010 at 6:30 pm

There’s no question about it. The girl keeps doing her thang! Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2010 was just a month ago and Nina Verklas is showing in another Fashion Week. Nina will be presenting an exclusive showcase, “Rockin’ Retreat,” in Funksion Fashion Week Miami Beach.

Funksion Fashion Week Miami Beach is Wednesday, October 20 through Sunday, October 24th. Nina will be competing with other fashion designers in the Emerging Designers Competition. The competition will be at the Bass Museum Fashion Venue on Thursday, October 21st. Doors will open at 5pm and the fashion show starts at 6pm. Don’t be too fashionably late ladies and gents!

Nina Verklas has been selected as a featured designer for Fashion Week Tampa Bay for three years in a row. Her Bambina by NV Resort 2011 Collection was shown this year. I love this rockstar inspired collection! The collection was very punk rock, gothic/dark expanse and trendy with leather, chains and studs. She brought the punk and here comes the funk. We wish you the best! Knock ’em dead girl!

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Runway Review

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Updates on October 2, 2010 at 4:16 pm

Essence Flowers

Flowers are usually associated with romance and what’s more romantic than a wedding? Well, Essence Flowers’ collection was a mix and match made in heaven. A edgy elegance made up of gorgeous feminine pieces paired with rebellious music from Marilyn Manson –“Sweet Dreams.” They have always said that opposites attract! The Tampa Bay Buccaneer Cheerleaders worked the runway and posed in puppet like positions at the end. In addition to wearing white bridal hats, goddess gowns and girly form-fitting pieces with a soft color palate of pink, white, camel and gray.

Kimberly Hendrix

Her Spring/Summer 2011 Collection contained the most glamorous shipwreck outfits ever. All of the metallic, glitter, silver and gold made it feel like we were stranded on Treasure Island. However, the triangular shapes and unique angles in her pieces reminded me of Tinker Bell so maybe our ship wrecked on Never Ever Land. Overall Kimberly Hendrix created a collection that would satisfy sexy furious women and fantasy fever women. The models worked the runway in black heels and matching black angle socks. In addition, the models were wearing embroidery pieces that were emphasized at the top or bottom of the outfit. All pieces are vintage inspired and handmade by Kimberly herself.

Terri Funaro

“Uptown girl living in an uptown world.” Terri’s Spring/Summer 2011 collection will soon be in every classy fashionistas closet living in the Upper East Side (and living in Tampa Bay). Each piece would be flitting for every girl attending a formal event or a cocktail soiree. The collection was very well made with each piece containing a “wow” detail like a lace neckline on a gorgeous gown. The wedding gowns were breathtaking! Everyone fell in love with her wedding gowns. I heard cheering, applauding and positive chit-chat all across the tent.

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Fashionably Amazing Night

In Events, Fashion, Updates on September 27, 2010 at 9:39 pm

Would you like to know the recipe for creating a fashionably amazing night? 1. Choose a glamorous location like Neiman Marcus. 2. Bring the socialites of Tampa Bay together. 3. Provide the party fare like drinks and food. And to really top it off… have the event benefit a great cause. This fashionably amazing night was the Glitz, Glamour, Fashion II event on Thursday, September 23, 2010.


This was day two of Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2010. The event benefitted the Pace Center for Girls of Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties. To help this great cause, you would purchase an auction ticket or simply donate money. I bought a ticket and tried to win the iPod touch. Unfortunately I had no luck winning it but I’m glad that my money went to the Pace Center for Girls! The auction prizes were out of this world amazing! There were weekend getaways, a Tampa Bay Buccaneers helmet signed by the team, beautiful jewelry and so much more!

The Glitz, Glamour and Fashion II party was at Neiman Marcus. Any event at Neiman Marcus is going to be glamorous without even trying. The food was delicious! I couldn’t get enough of the crab cakes and strawberry pound cake! We even asked a server to sit with us so she wouldn’t leave with the food. It didn’t work… but was worth a shot! Conelly Cocktails provided us with the most delicious and pretty cocktails ever!

Two words to describe the Glitz, Glamour, Fashion II party… fashionably amazing!

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Hair Identity

In Events on September 24, 2010 at 1:25 pm

Do you face an identity crisis? That is, with your hair? Some of us feel like our hair doesn’t fit our identity… that is, our true self. It’s not easy when new hair trends change almost as often as fashion trends. Some of us are luckier than others and have a head of gorgeous hair that’s hard not to love. Either way you need to get your “hair did” every so often. Fashion Week Tampa Bay sponsor, New Identities Hair Studio creates fabulous hair so of course they will be providing our models gorgeous runway hair!

Tampa Palms Location: 15307 Amberly Drive Tampa Florida 33647 Phone: 813-979-0760

New Identities Hair Studio knows hair! They will give you beautiful and healthy hair that’s worthy for any occasion like working it down the runway or attending the parties and runway shows for Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2010. Of course you don’t need a reason to have great hair. Shoot! If I could wake up with amazing hair every morning, I’d be in heaven! They make it possible to always have healthy and stylish hair. In addition to getting healthy great looking hair, New Identities understands the importance of having your own hair style and your choices are endless with them. You can have hair straight from the runway, high fashion edgy hair, or your own signature look. Their hair stylists can do anything you could ever imagine. The biggest hair trend currently is having long brunette hair with a side bang (which I love) but it may not look good on everyone. New Identities Hair Studio will guide you on what type of hair style would work best for you. Never worry about a horrible hair cut again! They know hair and totally have your back!

So whether you face a hair identity crisis or need to maintain those gorgeous locks, New Identities Hair Studio is the place for all hair needs! Remember “fashion fades and style is eternal” so make sure your hair fits with your identity and personal style.

 

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VIP Model Behavior Soiree

In Designers, Events, Fashion on September 22, 2010 at 5:45 am

It’s hard to believe that this week is Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2010!!! All of our hard work of planning the event has finally paid off! This is my second year coordinating with  the Fashion Week Tampa Bay team and I can honestly say it gets better every year! Besides the runway shows, the cocktail party was my favorite event during last year’s fashion week. Talk about mingling and getting to know all of the talented fashion designers! I ate yummy hors d’oeuvres, chatted with everyone and took a ton of pictures with designers. In the great words of Rachel Zoe, “I die!” Every fashionista had a fantastic night, including myself. “The party was beyond!”

The VIP Model Behavior Soiree is Wednesday, September 22nd from 6 to 9pm. The chic and sleek automobile brand, Audi is our presenting sponsor for this year’s fashion week so the cocktail party will be held at Crown Audi in Clearwater. We will kick off Tampa Bay Fashion Week 2010 with a bang! You have been granted permission to behave like a model – meaning dress up, photo opportunities with designers and mingle with everyone in sight while drinking delicious Conelly cocktails. In addition to (oh yeah, there’s more) watching Audi car demos and eating hors d’oeuvres from Grill Smith, Mitchell’s Fish Market and Stone Chef!

The VIP Model Behavior Soiree is the first of many events! Following the cocktail soiree on Wednesday is the Glitz, Glamour, Fashion II party at Neiman Marcus on Thursday. Then Friday, September 24th is the big day – the boutique and runway shows! Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2010 will end on Saturday with a private invite only fashion social. Oh, I’d say it’s going to be a very busy and stylish week!

Be sure to watch the video below. Freeway Fashion, Tampa Bay Fashion Week sponsor interviewed designers, sponsors and guests during last year’s cocktail soiree. Like always Laura Hunt, stylist/image consultant/journalist/the founder of Freeway Fashion (what can’t she do?) really captured how much fun everyone had beginning fashion week with a cocktail soiree.

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Va Va Voom Your Look with VA Cosmetics

In Events, Fashion, Trends on September 20, 2010 at 12:51 pm

No chemicals… no dyes… and no preservatives. It’s taking over the beauty industry faster than the speed of light (exaggeration much.. but you get it). It’s called “mineral makeup” – cosmetic products made of all natural, finely ground minerals from the earth. Unlike traditional makeup, it’s all natural baby! If you haven’t updated your makeup to mineral makeup yet, then it’s time to va va voom your look, ladies -Va Yourself!

Skin care educator and creator of VA Cosmetics, Sneha Dixit has been committed to sharing her professional makeup expertise with women for years. Sneha has taught many women an efficient approach to applying makeup and having a natural flawless makeup look. In addition to providing useful beauty information about keeping your makeup bag tidy and clutter free. We women will clean our bags thoroughly every week or two but wouldn’t it be more practical to simply keep our bags (including our makeup bags) sparkling clean all the time? The key to having your bag sparkling clean is quality not quantity! It’s better to have the essentials instead of the unnecessary.

VA Yourself Cosmetics offers high pigment, long-lasting colors based on a beautiful palette. To keep harmony with nature, they create healthy mineral makeup and paraben-free lip shines. Their products make creating a gorgeous look so easy while enhancing your natural inner and outer beauty. They carry a great variety of different lipstick colors. Perfect, since I always carry three or four different ones at once. My outfits and mood usually determine my lip color though, lately it’s either a refreshing, fashionable nude lip color or fierce wildfire red lips. The VA nude shimmer lip shine will be added to my makeup bag in no time. I love how their nude shimmer will create the illusion of fuller lips. You can purchase Sneha’s products on the VA Cosmetics website or during any of her personal makeup and skin care lessons that are held throughout the year.

Be refreshed… be beautiful… and be ready to va va voom your look with VA Cosmetics! The perfect way to look fabulous for Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2010!