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New Dates! Rescheduling #TBFW2017

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends, Updates on September 16, 2017 at 8:58 pm

Hi Fashion Lovers!

Hurricane Irma whizzed through Tampa Bay breaking trees, power lines and our planned week of fashion.

We can never be out done though.

So take out your pen and cross out your Tampa Bay Fashion Week plans for September 20-23, 2017. Then look at your calendar and cross out anything you have previously scheduled for October 4-7 because, ladies and gentlemen, that’s show time!

Our new dates for Tampa Bay Fashion Week 2017 are Oct. 4-7, 2017.

This isn’t what we expected for our 10th anniversary, but we’re rolling with the punches! This gives us all time to pitch in and do the important work of cleaning up the mess that Hurricane Irma has left, and we hope to serve as a welcome break when we all come together Oct. 4-7!

See ya there!

Until next time ~ Ciao!
~Jessica

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Their Mark on Fashion Lives Forever

In Fashion, Trends on August 30, 2017 at 4:43 pm

Most people want to make a difference in the world around them but very few can do it through fashion. Unless a remarkable statement is made, just defying societal norms is not going to cut it.

These individuals below not only caused chatter around the world, they changed the way we view society.

When Michelle Obama released her first photo as First Lady, her bare arms caused an uproar.

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Photo Cred: ABC news

Showing off her amazingly toned arms in a sleeveless, black dress, people criticized her for wearing what many deemed inappropriate for the wife of the president. Their criticisms stemmed from an unwritten, arbitrary rule that sleeveless dresses, tennis shoes and open-toes shoes are banned in the House of Representatives.

Nonetheless, it didn’t stop Mrs. Obama from donning many sleeveless numbers during her husband’s tenure as President and many have spoken out about the unwritten (and possibly outdated) dress code as it pertains to women, asking for change.

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The late, great Kurt Cobain is the poster boy for grunge fashion.

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Photo Cred: Jesse Frohman 

A strong advocate for LGBTQ rights and racial equality, his anti-establishment standpoint was as present in the clothes he wore, as it was in his music. Cobain layered oversized tees, ripped clothing and flannels in an effort to be unlike greater society as much as possible. He ended up being one of the greatest influencers of street fashion today.

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Androgyny has always been prevalent in fashion. As society explores gender norms and fluidity, the characteristic line that differentiates men and women become blurred. However, as evidenced by the late David Bowie, pushing those boundaries allows us to explore who we are.

Through his characters Ziggy Stardust and Alladin Sane, Bowie donned colorful, stylistic makeup, tight leotards and exuded sexuality. When he wasn’t wearing stylistic makeup and tight leotards, Bowie wore pastel suits with flared legs. Knowing how seductive Bowie’s style was to both men and women, it’s no wonder Romphims (male rompers), dresses and other traditional women’s clothing are entering men’s wardrobes.

Lastly we have the iconic Kennedys. A vision of New England elegance, the confident and cool couple’s fashion sense has withstood the test of time.

Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy

Jackie Kennedy is in the yellow skirt with Jack Kennedy to her left. Photo Cred: Getty

Ms. Jackie O. transformed stuffy, conservative garbs into soft, feminine ensembles. Her oversized sunglasses, long pea coats and scarves are highly prized staple pieces in our closets. Mr. Kennedy’s bomber jackets, fitted suits and casual style is emulated in men’s fashion all over the world. Thanks to them, it’s safe to say New England wear will live on forever as a part of American fashion.

We couldn’t mention everyone who has changed the world (while in fashion) so we want to know from you, who else is deserving to be on this list?

 

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Designers Announced for Tampa Bay Fashion Week 2017

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Updates on August 17, 2017 at 2:04 pm

Ahem! We have a little somethin’ to share…the 2017 Tampa Bay Fashion Week 2017 designers and brands!

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Elizabeth Carson Racker is returning to Tampa Bay Fashion Week for her fourth year. Constantly creating fresh and new silhouettes, this Tampa Bay-based designer knows what the modern day woman wants and always delivers.

The Dolce Couture Collection by Melissa Dolce will be making its debut at Tampa Bay Fashion Week 2017. In a class all by itself, Dolce pairs baseball tees with grass mini skirts and water pail hats with flowers sprouting out of it. Theatrical, bold and awe-inspiring, Dolce will put on a show we are sure to never forget.

Sopho by Alexandra Bougadis will be showing the Christi Collection, which combines leather craftsmanship with island flare. The line is inspired by the Mediterranean lifestyle and culture. Already an international hotspot, Tampa Bay is ready for everything Sopho is going to bring.

After making its mark in the Pacific Northwest, Ohlendorf, atelier by Wendy Ohlendorf has returned to Tampa Bay and we’re thrilled! Drawing on her educational background in fine art and design, Ohlendorf’s tangible pieces express her ideas, romanticism and love for life.

 

Banana Republic is for men and women who make the most of every moment and opportunity. Their ability to make the simplest items seem so elegant is almost magical. Their contemporary classics and thoughtful design is iconic and we are glad they are returning to our runway.

 

 

Known for their on-trend designs, Fabletics inspires people to stay active in a variety of ways for all kinds of occasions. We’re excited to see their passion and energy on the runway!

Free People is for the eclectic, worldly woman with a restless soul. Rooted in femininity, courage and spirit, Free People expresses an important message through their clothing and Tampa Bay Fashion Week can’t wait to hear it!

Lily Pulitzer’s bright, colorful pieces are easily recognized in today’s sea of neutrals and nudes. No matter the weather, using bright prints and pinks they always bring the sun and fun on the runway.

Pandora’s jewelry always draws a breath of awe from us. Their handcrafted pieces serve as timeless love links to family and friends. Made with genuine materials and stones, Pandora is sure to put a twinkle in your eye.

We are counting down the days until we see this fantastic designers and brands on the runway! Learn more about the designers and brands here: http://www.fashionweektampabay.com/designers2017

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Must-Have (Practical) Accessories for the 4th of July

In Events, Fashion, Trends, Updates on July 1, 2017 at 3:37 am

When a holiday like Independence Day comes around, you have got to prepare for the celebration! For foodies, it is the barbeques. For explosive enthusiasts, it is the fireworks. For fashion lovers, it is everything else. Bags to carry fireworks and a lipstick that a napkin cannot dab away.

In typical Florida fashion, there is a 50% chance of rain and partly cloudy at night this Independence Day but whether it’s rain boots or sunglasses, Tampa Bay Fashion Week has the must haves accessories that are going to help you bring in this 4th of July in style…rain or shine!

Keeping in mind that fashion is a lifestyle ~ one must first decide what they are going to do before they dress for the outing. If you plan on eating to (or over) your fill and then blasting fireworks into the night, here is what you are going to need:

Knapsacks recently emerged into the mainstream again as attractive, go-to bags to carry what we need. Their multiple pockets organize our stuff and prevent messy situations like lipsticks mixing lotions. It is also perfect for carrying the fiery goodies and to-go plates.

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Photo Credit: Free-Photos/9129

Lippies to keep in mind are Smashbox, Colour Pop Ultra Matte and Sephora Cream Lip Stain in Always Red. Unless you rub your lips in virgin coconut oil and water, these lippies will not come off leaving you to eat, joke and laugh without a care.

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Photo Credit: gornostai_nastya

Also, a cute cap works no matter the weather. It blocks the sun rays from your eyes and is your first line of defense from a scattered storm.

We don’t know what to expect weather wise this upcoming holiday but we do know with these accessory tips you will bring it in, in style.

Until next time folks,

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Photo Credit: Free-Photos/9129

Happy 4th of July!

Signature Looks & Tees

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends on June 29, 2017 at 5:11 am

What keeps us feeling cool and light on hot, Tampa Bay summer days? Can be dressed up or down? And can be worn by everyone from newborn babies to senior citizens?

Signature or graphic tees!

Signature or graphic tees can give us the simple luxury of throwing an outfit together without having the ‘thrown together’ look. They allow us to be lazy and look fabulous while doing so!

Simple and expressive, signature tees’ versatility are what makes them so great.

Paired with sandals and linen pants, signature tees make a casual-cute, summer look.

Paired with an A-line skirt, tights and slingback flats, signature tees are dressy and can be worn at any cocktail hour.

We had the pleasure of attending the Flora 2017 fashion show, and we saw some hot statement tees from the House of Gam.

signature tee

Power

The shout out to world-renowned designers or powerful (no pun intended) stand-alone messages are simplistic yet eye-catching.

Signature tees’ uncanny ability to communicate messages to the world around us is why it’s so fashion forward and a staple in our closet.

It allows us to be (read: imagine) where we want to be:

And impart life lessons like this one:

Easy come, easy go signature tee neiman marcus

Easy Come, Easy Go Cotton Tee (Neiman Marcus)

And become new fans of world famous bands:

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Junkfood KISS Concert Tee, Nordstrom

(By the way, all three aforementioned tees can be found at International Plaza and Bay Street, Tampa Bay Fashion Week’s trend-setting sponsor!)

Signature tees are a great way to express yourself, so invest in a few that represent you. Not only will it expand your outfit choices, it will tell the world a little about you.

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TBFW 2016 Event Highlights & Recap

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends, Updates on September 29, 2016 at 2:47 pm

First things first, we want to thank everyone who joined us during Tampa Bay Fashion Week! We drank wine, ate sweets, saw some beautiful clothes and truly partied into the sunset.

If you couldn’t make it, do not feel left out because we’re going to fill you in on all the deets. For those of you who did, let’s bask in that week again together.

Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2016 officially launched Wednesday, Sept. 21, with the Sip & Shop Soiree.

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There were some fantastic accessories brands and a few designers from this year’s show selling exclusives at The Hideaway ~Downtown Tampa. We shopped and sipped the night away and woke up just in time to attend Fashion Photos & Prosecco the following day, Thurs, Sept. 22.

Located at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, fashion photos illuminated the room as we enjoyed lovely red velvet Sprinkles cupcakes with Prosecco and listened to a presentation with Leslie Joy Ickowitz, VERTICAL Tampa Bay’s founder and editor-in-chief.

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We also saw the Jerry Uelsmann: Undiscovered Self photo exhibition, whose use of negatives captured the eye. The exhibit is still there so if you get a chance, check it out!

We spent the night at NOVA 535 for the Swanky Soirée. It was a beautiful night, filled with food and drinks to benefit Brookwood Florida.

Our first fashion show was Friday, Sept. 23 and showed in this order:

· Pandora opened the show and reminded us of the infinite ways we can wear jewelry. They literally lit up the runway.

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· Lilly Pulitzer was colorful and flirty. Their new line was full of pinks, blues, and cream colors and everything was Florida-sun ready. Definitely a brand to explore!

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· Free People is for the free-spirited and unique. They made beautiful use of earth tones and gave many of us ideas of what to wear (and who to wear) this season.

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· Floridita is for the mermaid in you. These intricately designed swimsuits caught everyone’s attention, along with the custom-made accessories. Beautifully-made designs, they definitely made a statement!

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· Sanford Brown –IADT School of Design Student Showcase featured students Smyrne Charles, Joshua Duck, Lakesha Johnson and Rachel Ternival who all proved the talent brewing in Tampa Bay can not go unnoticed. Each student had their own niche, making it an eye-catching showcase.

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· Elizabeth Carson Racker closed Friday night’s show with a fashionable, socio-political statement. Every article of clothing represented a facet of America’s population and assigned labels. With Beyonce and Kendrick Lamar playing in the background, there was no way you could miss this stylish call for unity.

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The following day, Saturday, Sept. 24, we showed:

· Ally B. Swim whose hand-made, vintage swimwear are made for you to be one with the water, in style. The lace, mesh and pattern combinations are bold and appropriate for every shape and size.

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· Athleta provides stylish active wear for the high-performance woman. Their ensembles can be worn in and out of the gym, perfect for the active, on-the-go woman. Truly athletic wear for she!

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· Madame Adassa by Marsha Vacirca was very sensual and feminine. Each garment was intricately designed and made to stand out. Created to exude the confidence every woman possesses, these dresses brought Madame Adassa’s passion to life.

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· Banana Republic reminded us of the beauty of contemporary classics. Very versatile, these pieces let us endlessly mix and match. Each look captures the modern day woman and man, and reminds us why we love Banana so much.

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· Tracy Negoshian patterned dresses embraces women’s natural curves. The garments fell beautifully on each diverse model on stage. Comfortable enough to be worn anywhere and sophisticated enough to be noticed everywhere, these dresses were made for everyone.

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· Neiman Marcus closed our second and final show of 2016 and they were scorching hot! Every article of clothing was a stand alone piece, yet Neiman’s found a way to put them all together flawlessly. Absolutely stunning and definitely gave us a reason to stop by the store.

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The whole week was absolutely fantastic. And we couldn’t do it without the participation of all you! We thank everyone who came out to support us and everyone who took a part in the 2016 #TBFW event!

Shout out to the designers, brands, models, and hair/make-up who brought beauty to the runway, and all of the volunteers who helped to bring it all together. The sponsors who supported us throughout the whole event, we appreciate all of you and can’t wait to do this whole thing again next year!

Until next time,

~Jessica

Party & Fashion, Party in Fashion!

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends, Updates on September 16, 2016 at 1:38 am

Say it with us, “Party and Fashion, Party in Fashion!” Tampa Bay Fashion Week is right around the corner and if you couldn’t tell by now, we are very excited! It’s the first time we will be showing designers alongside retail brands, and it will all be going down at International Plaza and Bay Street. We have fantastic events planned, so pull up your calendar and get ready to plug in some dates (if you haven’t done so already!)

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Fashion Week Tampa Bay officially kicks off 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 21, at the Sip & Shop Soiree. Located and hosted by one of our lovely sponsors, The Hideaway-Downtown Tampa, this is an event to network with fashion industry professionals, enjoy drink specials, raffle prizes, and shop with local designers and accessories brands. A free, 2-hour event, this exhibitor boutique features local businesses that support a fashion-forward Tampa Bay. Peep the vendors here.

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Photo by Susan Jeffers

From 11 a.m.–1 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 22, we will have our Fashion Photos and Prosecco event. Located at the home of another lovely sponsor, Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, we invite you to Step into The Cube in downtown Tampa to experience fashion photography with prosecco and cupcakes on the side. The third floor will be reserved for an exclusive members-only experience with Leslie Joy Ickowitz, VERTICAL Tampa Bay’s founder and editor-in-chief, delivering a presentation on the fashion photography featured in the magazine, along with behind the scenes stories about select photo shoots. For FMOPA museum members, the event is free, and for non-members its $10, but you can join as a member in advance at fmopa.org.

Nova535 Event Space

Nova535 Event Space

Join us later in the evening from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at NOVA 535 for the 7th annual Swanky Soirée event. It’s an evening of fabulous food, flavorful wines, flaming coffees, decadent desserts and more, all benefiting Brookwood Florida. Brookwood Florida provides a unique, life-changing program for non-pregnant, non-addicted, at-risk girls between the ages of 13 and 20. Price tag is $150, and you can purchase tickets here.

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Our first runway show will be held Sept. 23, Friday night. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. Located at International Plaza & Bay Street, the designer line up is:

We will be right back at it Saturday late morning, at International Plaza & Bay Street. Doors open at 11 a.m. and the second runway show starts at 12 p.m.

The designer line up is:

Seats for both dates are sold out, but standing room is available at no cost to you! Just grab your tickets here.

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Also on Saturday, Sept. 24 at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., we will host Kid Couture Workshops at Glazer Children’s Museum. The kids run this event so you must have a child to attend. It’s the Glazer Children’s museum 6th birthday and they’re celebrating with free admission. There will be fun workshops, stylish crafts and more so grab your cute kids and enjoy some family-friendly fun.

Can you see why we’re so excited? With this jam-packed itinerary of events, we will be partying into the sunset!

See you soon!

-Stylista Jessica

 

Bubbly for Fashion Photos

In Events, Fashion, Trends, Updates on September 15, 2016 at 4:26 pm

With museum fashion exhibitions attracting record-breaking attendance and stylish lines

twisting around city blocks, the answer to the question of whether fashion is art should be crystal clear by now. Do any of us need further evidence of the art of fashion than the Met Gala? Swoon. And then there are the fashion magazines. At 800 pages, this year’s September issue of Vogue weighs four pounds, and with great anticipation, we clear our schedules, pour our favorite drink, curl up with our copies and fantasize as we flip the pages.

Fashion photography has been seducing society since as far back as the early 1900s. What began simply as a means to advertise clothing has transformed into something far more fantastic. Modern fashion photography transports us—to the beaches of the South Pacific, to the city of Paris, to snow covered mountaintops—with visions of wearing something fabulous.

Every fashion shoot is a collaborative effort —photographers, models, stylists, hair and makeup artists are visual storytellers. Whether created for the sake of advertisement or editorial, fashion images are statement making. Designed for the clothing to play the starring role, all of the elements combine to reveal the big picture and cause a reaction. Frame by frame, we are invited to dream as photography brings the fashion to life.

You’re invited to celebrate fashion photography at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts (FMoPA) in downtown Tampa (400 N. Ashley Drive) on Thursday, Sept. 22 from 11a.m. – 1p.m. Step inside the Cube at lunchtime for Fashion Photos & Prosecco with cupcakes on the side. At noon, Leslie Joy Ickowitz, VERTICAL Tampa Bay magazine Founder and Editor-in-Chief, will deliver a fashion photography presentation.

Photo by Leslie Joy Ickowitz for VERTICAL Tampa Bay

Photo by Leslie Joy Ickowitz for VERTICAL Tampa Bay

This event is free for members of the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts and $10 per person for non-members.

Cheers!

~Guest post from FMOPA

Give In Love & Fashion

In Events, Fashion, Trends, Updates on September 15, 2016 at 4:37 am

We believe that fashion can be exciting, awe-inspiring, and can positively influence someone’s life (and wardrobe). When people attend runway shows, they often leave feeling motivated to do the exact same thing ~ be exciting, awe-inspiring, and positively impact the life of another. Since 2008, we’ve encouraged attendees at our runway show to do just that!

The 2016 beneficiaries of Tampa Bay Fashion Week are PACE Pinellas and Dress for Success. Both nonprofit organizations have unique goals and  positively contribute to and impact our community. In their honor, we will be hosting two separate drives and we invite you to participate. Learn more about these wonderful organizations!

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PACE Pinellas focuses their attention on girls ages 11-17 who have histories of abuse, unhealthy relationships, and are exposed to a wide range of serious risks. Through research-based recommendations, which called for gender responsive programming, PACE gives these young girls the skills necessary to lead productive lives as leaders, mentors, role models, successful business professionals and positive forces for change. An alternative to the institutionalization or incarceration of girls, we support their mission and goals and have made a way for you all to as well!

We will be hosting a Supplies & Toiletries Drive at our Fri, Sept. 23 runway show from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m for PACE Pinellas. If you bring new supplies and toiletries, you will receive a Tampa Bay Fashion Week stamped and approved swag bag of goodies from our sponsors, designers, & more! All items given will be used to help PACE Pinellas.

On our second runway show day, Sat, Sept. 24, we will be hosting a Purse Drive for Dress for Success from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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Dress for Success believes every woman has the right to realize her full potential and achieve financial independence. So they work empower women by providing a network of support, professional attire and development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. We all know when we feel good, it makes a world of difference! So if you would like to support Dress for Success, please bring new or gently used purses to the Purse Drive. In return, you’ll also receive the stamped and approved by Fashion Week Tampa Bay swag bag that’s filled with our sponsors and designers goodies.

We also ask that you tell all of your friends so we can have the best possible turnout for these organizations and be a positive influence for our communities.

Hope to see you all there!

~Stylista Jessica

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Retail Brands on the Runway: Ready to Go!

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends on September 8, 2016 at 9:13 am

The Tampa Bay Fashion Week runway has always had a variety of designer brands showcase over the years ~ from emerging local and regional designers to established designers that launch their latest collections.

For the first time this year, we’re excited to have the retail brands at International Plaza and Bay Street on the #TBFW2016 runway!

Check out the brands that will be showing at Tampa Bay Fashion Week 2016.

Athleta

Athleta has been outfitting women athletes and health and fitness enthusiasts with the ultimate performance apparel and gear since 1998. Everything they create has been performance and quality-tested. Created to inspire an active lifestyle, motivate others, Athleta will show us how to workout in style.

banana republic

Banana Republic offers versatile, contemporary classics that can take you from the office to date night. A lifestyle brand for the modern man and woman, we are excited to see their designs that will endure through time.

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Free People is for the carefree woman who immerses herself in the creative environment that allows her to be who she truly is. A woman’s lifestyle apparel and accessories boutique, Free People is for free expression and we can’t wait to hear what their new collection has to say.

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Lilly Pulitzer’s first shift dress was created to hide the juice stains incurred from running a juice stand in Palm Beach, Florida. The same customers, who loved her juice, fell in love with her bright, printed dresses, which led to the Lilly Pulitzer resort apparel and accessories. Homegrown and home taught, Lilly Pulitzer is sure to make a splash and color the runway.

neiman-marcus.pngNeiman Marcus has solidified themselves in American pop culture and will be showing at Tampa Bay Fashion Week. Offering an assortment of apparel, accessories, jewelry, beauty and decorative home products, Neiman Marcus is for the affluent customer. Hosting a plethora of brands, including: St. John, Salvatore Ferragamo, Manolo Blahnik, Kate Spade, Dolce & Gabana, Zegna, David Yurman, Jean Paul Gaultier, Escada, Bobbi Brown, Armani and Baccarat.pandora.png

Pandora is a handcrafted, affordable, luxury jewelry brand. Known for its unique threaded bead system, Pandora’s bracelets allow for wearers to add different charms making each unique. Offering bracelets, earrings, necklaces and rings, Pandora will light up the runway.

If these brands got you excited as they do us, then you know don’t want to miss out on this! Check out the Tampa Bay Fashion Week schedule here, so to peep the dates and RSVP your spot.

See you there!

Jessica