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Ancient Inspiration

In Designers, Fashion, Trends on October 23, 2010 at 6:39 pm

Watching a recent episode of Project Runway, I found myself paying more attention to Heidi Klum’s ensemble than what was being put onto the runway.  Her judge’s chair seemed to resemble a throne as she sat proudly in a gold shimmering top, neckline adorned with blue and silver jewels.  Where had I seen this look before?  Ancient Egypt, perhaps?  With her glowing skin and perfectly styled bob, Heidi did in fact, resemble an ancient queen.

After thoroughly admiring the star’s look, I began to wonder what other modern twists on ancient beauty graced today’s fashion world.  Badgley Mischka’s most recent collection features a seductively fluid gown in light aqua.  The one shoulder detail is wonderfully reminiscent of a Roman toga, especially with coordinating gold jewelry.

A few collections ago, Alexander McQueen presented a collection taken straight from the Dark Ages.  Several pieces resembled fashion forward armor, complete with feather adorned helmets.  One exquisite gown befitting of a medieval princess revealed delicate chiffon peeking through a beautifully sculpted robe-like garment.

After browsing a plethera of collections, I found more ancient Egypt and a few Grecian inspired pieces.  Beautiful draping and shining embellishment is certainly no modern idea.  In fact, the roots of nearly any spectacular garment can probably be found at the Smithsonian.

Conelly Cocktail: The Perfect Accessory

In Events, Fashion, Trends on September 24, 2010 at 4:22 pm

As we have all learned from over a decade of watching Sex and the City, no fashion event would be complete without the perfect, pretty cocktail.  From Fashion’s Night Out to the VIP Model Behavior Soiree and especially the runway shows, colorful liquids have always gone hand in hand (quite literally) with dazzling fashion.

A sponsor of Fashion Week Tampa Bay, Conelly Cocktails is to drinks as Audi is to cars.  A Conelly Cocktail is comprised of the perfect combination separated in two different cans.  One contains the exact measurement of spirits needed while the other provides a tasty fruit juice mixture.  Together the result is a high-end soiree for the mouth.

In delicious flavors such as Mai Tai, Planters Punch, Ladykiller, Sex on the Beach and Tequila Sunrise, a Conelly Cocktail served in a sparkling martini glass will prove the perfect accessory.  After all, it is called a “cocktail dress” for a reason.

Glitz, Glamour, Fashion II

In Events, Fashion, Updates on September 23, 2010 at 12:42 am

Fashion Week Tampa Bay has finally arrived in full, fabulous force!  On Thursday, September 23rd, Sherí Taber, The Peak Performance Group, Inc. and Joyce Cotton invite you to Glitz, Glamour, Fashion II as Neiman Marcus hosts a night of true decadance.  Presented by Audi and Tampa Bay Fashion Week, Tampa Bay’s “A” list will come out for a night of fashion and fun at Glitz, Glamour, Fashion II.  The best part?  It is all happening for a great cause: PACE Center For Girls!

Guests will sip complementary cocktails as they take in the beautiful fashion ambiance that is Neiman Marcus.  Join us from 6-8:30 p.m. and be a part of the glamour.  Not only will you experience high-end fashion at its finest while helping a cause, but you can also enter to win luxury items!

It would be absolutely tragic to miss a moment of Fashion Week Tampa Bay.  From the dazzling parties to the big runway show, 2010 is going to be amazing.

Visit http://glitzglamfashion2.eventbrite.com/ to purchase tickets for this fabulous event!

PACE Provides Bright Opportunities For Girls

In Events, Updates on September 22, 2010 at 9:42 pm

Seeing the many beautiful and talented women who emerge year after year at Fashion Week Tampa Bay, one cannot help but wonder how they become so amazing.  As it turns out, there is a very special organization called PACE Center for Girls.  Providing girls and young women with the opportunity for a better future, PACE believes that each one deserves to find her voice and achieve her full potential.

With an impressive list of principles such as honoring the female spirit, focusing on strengths, and seeking excellence, PACE is the perfect place for girls between the ages of 12 and 17 to gain the tools necessary to become outstanding women.  This year, PACE celebrates their 25th anniversary, providing evidence of just how wonderful and effective this program really is.

That designer, model, actress or even doctor you admire so much?  She just may be a product of PACE.

Transform Yourself With the Vein & Cosmetic Center of Tampa Bay

In Uncategorized on September 21, 2010 at 5:31 am

In a place where swimsuit season never ends, cosmetic services are of critical importance.  We all cannot have naturally flawless skin and perfectly toned bottoms.  For this, there is the Vein & Cosmetic Center of Tampa Bay.

Specializing in everything from vein treatments to tummy tucks, the Vein & Cosmetic Center of Tampa Bay has a service to fit any beauty need.  Since 1992, Dr. Jeffrey A. Hunt has led a highly specialized team of professionals offering the highest possible standard of care.

Whether you want to look tighter in that designer bikini, or simply want an eyebrow lift, the Vein & Cosmetic Center of Tampa Bay will be there to fit your needs.  With affordable, custom payment options available, why wait another moment to transform yourself into perfection?

Trineice Cagua and JCagua: Perfect Swimwear

In Designers, Events, Fashion on September 17, 2010 at 9:11 am

Though local department stores may decorate with pumpkins and pre-mature Christmas trees, it is always swimsuit season in Tampa Bay.  With bright sophistication and exotic sex appeal, Trineice Cagua brings excitement like no other with her line, JCagua.

With a delightful mixture of colors and prints in high-fashion cuts, the Zimbabwe collection features plenty of suits fit for any tropical princess.  One in particular features a triangle halter top with thin black stripes transcending into neon green for a bit of flavor.  The halter straps provide a thicker material of matching black stripe, looping through the top of the cup for a unique twist on the classic triangle top.  The coordinating bottom utilizes a band of neon green which melts into solid black.  This suit alone certainly provides a wonderful indication of the immense creative talent within  Trineice Cagua.

From the Brush Stroke collection, a dazzling one-piece is cut with a revealing plunge which ends in a u-shape, rather than the traditional V.  In a vibrant watercolor print, the suit is complete with a thin black belt crossing over the mid-section for a bit of grecian inspiration.

Who is the mind behind these brilliant swimwear looks?  Trineice Cagua studied at the International Academy of Design and Technology where she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design and Marketing.  Toward the end of her degree, Trineice came to the realization that her main passion was indeed swimwear.  Driven by her love of Florida’s summers and poolside parties, Trineice founded JCagua.

Currently, Trineice is anxiously awaiting the arrival of Fashion Week where she will present exciting new styles from her line, JCagua.

Helen Gerro Transforms Art into Fashion

In Designers, Events, Fashion on September 16, 2010 at 8:13 am

Art and fashion have always been interchangeable.  In fact, couture fashion is the very definition of art.  Artist Helen Gerro has transformed her great talent from paintings into fashion.  In the eighties and nineties Gerro’s clothing line could be found in such high end department stores as Nordstrom, and was even highlighted on OprahGerro’s paintings can be found in prestigious homes and offices throughout France and the U.S.

Helen uses her incredible talent as a painter to bring her vision to life on fabric.  One beautiful gown is presented as a creative bride’s dream with colorful designs mirroring those seen in many a coveted Gerro painting.

This month Helen Gerro will leave her Gulf Coast studio to paint the runways of Fashion Week Tampa Bay with her colorful vision.  From your wall to your closet, Helen Gerro will absolutely bring a vivacious spirit into your world.

Andrew Ashton of LaPosh Styles Fashion Week

In Fashion, Trends on September 13, 2010 at 2:31 pm

The main focus of a fashion show is always the garments.  From exaggerated shoulders to sequined military jackets, we are all dying to see what will be next on the runways.  As important as the clothes, however, are the other components that make up a look.

If a model were to step into the spotlight with sloppy, untouched hair, this could easily disrupt the beauty of her dress.  From Paris to New York, all collections must have coordinating hairstyles.  Thankfully, Tampa Bay has Andrew Ashton.

Of LaPosh Salon, Andrew Ashton is the magic behind the beautiful models of Tampa Bay.  Soft curls with that pink lace top, edgy volume for the black leather piece, sophisticated chignon for the chic, tailored dress.  Andrew can achieve any look for any design.

The runway extravaganza for Tampa Bay will soon be upon us.  As you study each garment with delight and awe, do not forget to take notice of the hair, styled with perfection by Andrew Ashton of LaPosh. Also, catch Andrew and his team on Studio 10 this Wednesday, Sept. 15 at 10am. They’ll be taking runway hair and make-up to every day wear!

Get VERTICAL for Fashion Week!

In Fashion, Trends on September 9, 2010 at 9:48 am

There was a time when I believed all high-fashion magazines had to be New York-based. To my surprise, that all changed the first time I scanned the pages of VERTICAL Tampa Bay.  This local high-fashion wonder includes stunning ads for high-end department stores such as Neiman Marcus, breathtaking layouts  for editorials, invigorating articles and photo shoots that are more than worthy of any Conde Nast publication.

The most recent summer issue features a wonderful swimsuit editorial along with beauty tips, refreshing recipes and designer ads so vibrantly colorful, you may think you are dreaming.  This virtual magazine is truly amazing and even offers a complimentary subscription.

The face behind the fabulous?  Leslie Joy Ickowitz, a distinguished member of the Tampa Bay publishing community is the driving force behind Tampa’s first virtual magazine and certainly possesses the talent and ambition to set the fashion standard for Tampa Bay.

With delightful pages of fashion to accompany the much anticipated Fashion Week, I can’t help but wonder: Could Tampa Bay be the new NYC?  Take a look for yourself, and get VERTICAL!

Freeway Fashion: Style Saviors

In Fashion, Trends on September 7, 2010 at 9:26 am

When it comes to style, even the most fashion forward can use a little help from time to time.  Have you ever wondered how that woman seen at every single event always looks like polished perfection?  However convincing she may be, it is quite likely that she does not actually have an infallible sense of style.  In fact, she may very well be a client of Freeway Fashion.

Lead by the incredibly talented Laura Hunt, who has succeeded in everything from modeling to consulting, Freeway Fashion offers expert styling services which include color and wardrobe analysis, personal shopping and complete makeovers. Laura remains at the forefront of the styling industry, traveling to Fashion Weeks across the country and abroad to scout the latest in designer clothing.

What sets Freeway Fashion apart from other image consultants is the fact that they do not just pack up and leave once the lip gloss is applied.  Freeway Fashion comes complete with an expert team of image consultants, journalists, marketing professionals, photographers and videographers to expose your fashion event in the brightest possible light.

Joining this year’s proud list of sponsors for Fashion Week Tampa Bay, Freeway Fashion will be coming to Tampa Bay for what is sure to be an unforgettable event.  Why not contact Laura Hunt for some assistance in creating an unforgettable look for yourself?