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Archive for the ‘Designers’ Category

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Her Candle Remains

In Designers, Fashion on August 20, 2010 at 8:31 pm

There would be no fashion evolution without inspiration.  While designers may look to architecture, art and even nature, what will inspire the rest of us?  Fashion icons have existed throughout history, from Marie Antoinette to Lady GaGa.  Amongst them all, my personal favorite and most deserving of the title will always be Marilyn Monroe.  From simple accessories to sequined gowns, it would be hard to find a piece of fashion that does not include a piece of her soul.

The other day I came across a fashion editorial in which the lovely model wore some embellished Cat’s Eye glasses.  Where had I seen them before?  Marilyn wore them ever so perfectly in “How to Marry a Millionaire“.  Appearing innocently sexy in the twinkling glasses, today’s designers clearly took some notes.

Remember that sheer Versace gown that put Jennifer Lopez on the map?  The fabric may have been different, but the low-cut front certainly seems familiar.  Marilyn was a vision in gold, clearly setting the standard for revealing evening wear.

As if subtle inspiration were not enough, Dolce & Gabbana built an entire collection around the star for Fall 2009.  Showcasing the beautiful face across white silk, the collection served as a breathtaking tribute.

With so many endless possibilities, why not breathe a little Marilyn into your wardrobe?  Contrary to pop music, her candle will never burn out.

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Arabian Nights

In Designers, Fashion, Trends on August 9, 2010 at 12:08 pm

As we arrive at the peak of summer, vacations tend to be at a high. The start of summer’s end and the anticipation of fall activities to come, such as, back to school and Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2010, forces us to start wrapping up our summer adventures and turn August into the last resort month. This summer, whether you are lounging at the Rehab Pool Party at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Vegas or staying local and setting sail off the St. Pete Pier on a yacht, join the Arabian Night!

Resort collections for 2010 offer looks that appeal as if they stepped out of the desert. Ankle-grazing dresses in cotton gauze and silk chiffon give a breezy-air feel while strutting on the shore line. This time more is more. Loose fitting dresses that flow in the wind portray a beautiful ambiance that is candy to the eye.

Always remember to accessorize! Bangles and hoop earrings mock an Arabian look.

I came across this Christian Dior harem jumpsuit in black that looked so comfortable. It can be dressed up or dressed down depending on the shoes you choose to wear. Also, an Alice + Olivia jumpsuit that was made of jersey knit with an empire waist. This also can be worn both day or night depending on the shoes.

The color palettes that make up most resort collections this season are soft yet luxurious with gold, black, white and yellow tones. Consider pairing some gold aviators with your resort look.

So, as we start to wrap up the summer, make every night an Arabian one with long flowy harems, hoop earrings and lots of bangles!

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Summer Cleaning

In Designers, Fashion on August 6, 2010 at 9:42 am

I bet one of the reasons why cleaning is so big in the spring time is because of all of the rainy days. Well, some summer days make Florida not so sunny… it’s more like stormy Florida! Lately it has been raining cats and dogs so I spent a day cleaning my closet. I have so many pieces of clothing that I never wear! They’ve had their glory days in high school but now that the years have gone by and the trends have changed, they have faded into the distance. By the looks of my girlfriends’ closets, I’m certainly not the only one who keeps old clothes. So if we never wear these old clothes, why keep them concealed in our closets?

My apartment is always clean especially my sleeping beauty quarters (the bedroom). It’s clutter free, neat and organized – just the way I like it! Even though the only ones who look through my closet are me and my roommates borrowing something, I still prefer an organized closet that doesn’t include unnecessary things. More the reason why there shouldn’t be old clothes kept in my closet. After much thought of why we keep them concealed in our closets, I’ve realized some of my reasons. Some pieces are for memories sake like a cute dress that enjoyed an unforgettable night out on the town. Other pieces were just too expensive that would cause major guilt to not keep them. I hate to admit it but… a few items I have never worn because of not having the right occasion or the classic case of shopaholic.

However, most of my old clothes aren’t just collecting dust – they’re waiting for a much-needed sewing reinvention. Like this navy blue shirt with the one shoulder above. A friend bought it for me in high school – I loved it but it was too big. Thanks to my sewing machine, I made the shirt smaller in five minutes and now it feels like a completely new shirt that’s perfect for summer! As we know, it’s “All About the Shoulder” right now and I love showing mine off! It was so perfect for my weekend getaway to Cocoa Beach! All I needed was this white bathing suit by J. Cagua for a day of rays and waves.

So why do you keep old clothes, bags, or whatever concealed in your closet? Are you holding on to the past or waiting for its time in the future?

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Rent the Runway

In Designers, Fashion, Trends on August 6, 2010 at 3:15 am

As a professional shopaholic, I make it my weekly duty to coast the local malls to engage in the latest fashions offered at retailers such as Neiman Marcus, Saks, and Nordie’s. However, just because I make it a point to slip myself into a Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress, in these hard economic times I can’t always break the bank for my addictions, so I have found a solution where recycling is brought to the next level, rent the runway!

Renttherunway.com is a website that offers current season’s fashions from over 95 designers for rent. They have dresses that can be worn to any black tie gala, wedding, holiday or a night on the town. Rental prices are 90% off the retail price. Now that’s a bargain!

The site is very easy and accommodating. You first enter in the date of your next event, your size and your zip code where you want the dress to be shipped. Then it seems like a never-ending list of over 18,000 dresses. Now, when it comes to ordering a dress via the web, finding the perfect fit can be tricky. Rent the Runway provides you with a second size – at no additional cost –  to ensure the perfect fit. Can’t make up your mind on what to wear? Rent a second look for only $25.00 and have another option for your event.

I came across so many dresses at very affordable prices. A Herve Leger papaya bandage dress retailing at $1,450.00 for rent at $150.00. A Diane Von Furstenberg foil print strapless dress retailing at $398.00 for rent at $50.00. They even had a Matthew Williamson embellished pocket dress retailing at $2,500.00 for rental at $250.00.

It doesn’t stop there, they even offer accessories to style up your dress. Badgley Mischka chandelier bow earrings retailing at $250.00 but for rent at $25.00

If you are clumsy like me and find yourself staying away from colors like white and tan because you fear spilling your glass of red wine on it, have no fear, a $5.00 insurance charge purchased will cover you if you do happen to spill your wine, stick a zipper, or lose a stone on an accessory. Don’t worry about dry cleaning the dress before returning either, they use an eco-friendly, luxury dry cleaner that ensures 100% fresh seal approval.

This business was built so fashionistas can try new brands, new trends, and feel beautiful every night. They bring a new meaning to recycling and renting. You can now rent an apartment, dvds and a dress. When it comes to fashion, the sky is the limit.

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Queen Midas

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends on August 5, 2010 at 1:33 am

Despite current economic reports of dread, Fall 2010 will bring fashion dripping in gold.  With shimmering possibilities from shirt to shoe, you may find yourself pondering the title of “Queen Midas”.

While this may seem a familiar choice, I would be completely remiss if I did not mention Christian Louboutin’s gold-studded bootie.  The body of the shoe is covered in round studs and spikes, all in amazingly shiny gold.  As if this were not enough, the heel exudes such brilliance that eye protection may become necessary in looking upon this beautiful shoe.

Speaking of shades, if the eyes must be protected, golden accents will flatter like no other.  The average gold-rimmed sunglasses can be found anywhere from bargain outlet to high-end boutique.  However, you will have a much more shining effect in shades like these from Chinese designer, Zhu Fei.  The very definition of unique, these glasses feature delicate nature inspired cut-outs in brilliant gold.  Whether you can actually see much is another story, but the look itself is utterly amazing.

Shoes and accessories aside, a true necessity for any golden queen involves a beautiful frock complete with gold beading.  This off-the-shoulder number from Herve Leger adds gold and black beading to the famous bandage dress, creating dazzle that is fit for royalty.

This fall, do not be afraid to unleash your inner queen on a drab world.  All of that shine may just do some good for humanity, let alone your wardrobe.

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The Golden Age

In Designers, Trends, Updates on August 4, 2010 at 9:17 am

I have always been a fan of a thick frame and pitch-black shaded sunglasses that protects my eyes from everything under the sun. This summer, I am trading my dull black shades in for some shiny bright gold aviators. Thanks to celebrity trendsetters, I was first introduced to the golden era of eyewear while attending Fashion Week Tampa Bay’s Ultimate Ladie’s Night Out for the Sex and the City2 premiere. Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) sported Mykita & Bernhard Willhem’s Franz limited edition gold aviators in one of the opening scenes. It was love at first sight. So, I have been searching for the right pair for me and came across so many pairs that I need your advice!

First pair are Badgley Mischka. These 24-karat gold aviators have been seen on celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Rihanna who wore them in her “So Hard” video. The shape really frames the face nice not giving it too much of a masculine form.

Next, Ray-Ban gold aviators, which are known for their aviator sun-glasses, doesn’t come as a surprise that they would also offer them in gold. The shape of the frame is more squared and can only work well with certain face types such as square and/or round.

I came across an Elizabeth and James limited edition Fairfax sunglasses that had a thick black frame that surrounded the gold lenses. I always seem to fall back into a thick black frame.

Eyewear over the years has become one of the must have accessories along with shoes and belts. Although the trends change from thick sun-glasses to thin, they are now changing colors as well. If you remember last season the silver Ray-Bans were the hottest accessories around. It seems that designers are feeling a bit more luxurious this season with the 18, 22, and 24-karat gold sunglasses, most offered in thick and thin lenses. However, I can’t decide which pair are for me.

Any suggestions fashionistas?

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Handmade Hendrix

In Designers on July 28, 2010 at 8:59 am

We welcome fashion designer, Kimberly Hendrix to our Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2010 runway!

Over the past few years, Kimberly has used her skills from being an interior designer, vintage collector and seamstress into becoming a talented fashion designer. She has participated in many fashion events like GenArt and Nolcha and has also co-designed a full runway collection for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2008. Kimberly has even appeared as herself on the TLC reality show: bikini or bust, where she helped her friend and designer, Ashley Paige create a 28 look collection for Mercedes-Benz in just two weeks! Recently she tried returning to the television screen by applying for Project Runway season 8. However, after becoming a finalist then being denied on the fashion design reality show – she decided to put together her own project! Starting July 29th she’ll go head-to-head with Project Runway season 8 by taking on each challenge, record her design process then post her results in her video blog for fans to compare and vote on the show’s challenge winner or Kimberly.

She will be showing her Spring 2011 collection this September in Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2010. According to Kimberly, it will be her most complete and stunning collection to date. I’m getting super anxious and can’t wait to see what she will bring to our 2010 runway! If it’s anything like her previous collections, everyone will be drooling! Whether it’s a ready-to-wear or couture collection, each of her creations are handmade and one-of-a-kind, as it should be. Each creation features intricate beading, embroidery, incredible detailing, raw edges and more fabulous features that will make any fashionista weak to her knees! On her blog “Keeping up with K. Hendrix”, she shares some of the inspirations behind her spring 2011 collection: vintage Paris, ballet, and a touch of circus.

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All Hail McQueen!

In Designers, Fashion on July 24, 2010 at 11:59 am

Leave it to Haute Couture for always taking my breath away. After writing my last blog post, I fell in love with fashion all over again! I felt a major “fashion craving” and what was on the menu, you may ask? Three fashion magazines to read: Elle, Vogue and Marie Claire. Soon after reading and admiring everything these magazines offer to eager fashion lovers like me (oh, how I felt like a fat kid with cake), I couldn’t help to think about the talented designers who create magic in magazines and on the runway. One fashion designer in particular who will always be missed: Alexander McQueen.

Alexander McQueen shows were known for their emotional power and energy on the runway. His collections always stood out beautifully and romantically but still had a contemporary nature about them. I was blown away admiring McQueen’s last collection! Like always, it was stunning! He successfully combined elements of tradition with modernity and strength with fragility. The collection is inspired by the Old Masters of painting… Oh yes, I’m in heaven! If I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again, I love the deep inspirations and meanings behind a designer’s work especially if it’s related to art. The pieces were rich and filled with color and texture. Each piece is unique, as was McQueen. All of the patterns were cut by McQueen before he died on February 11, 2010 then the fashion house had to complete what was left behind for Paris Fashion Week.

I’ve added something to my birthday wish list, these heels in the video below! I’ve fallen head over heels in love with… well, all of them! I didn’t say my birthday wish list was small.. by the way, it’s August 8th! The heels with the embroidered multi-color crystals over a gold bottom (in the video, these are matched with the gold dress that’s above) – my favorite! The feather heels – also on the top of my list! Love, love, love all of them! I’m so head over heels in love with these stunning McQueen shoes!

This video is all around breathtaking – beautiful music, stunning pieces, shoes to die for and overall capturing the true beauty of Alexander McQueen’s work. All hail McQueen!

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Showing the Inside Out: The Graphic Cuff

In Designers, Fashion, Trends on July 20, 2010 at 3:47 pm

Over the years, jeans have become a bit more complex. We used to have very few options when it came to jean styles-boot cut or loose fit. However, through inspiration from music and celebrities, the turn of the millenium has brought us more jean styles we could possibly even ask for. I actually find it challenging to shop for jeans now-a-days. Especially when shopping at Gap. Their options are endless…stretch, jeggings, bootcut, skinny, curvy, long and lean.

The newest edition to the jean library at Gap has you taking what’s on the inside and showing it out; the graphic cuff jeans. You would cuff the bottom of your jeans to reveal a whimsical bird graphic. This means, you will be drawing  attention to your ankles so I recommend not only pairing your new graphic cuff jeans with fabulous shoes but always remembering to accessorize so consider some trendy ankle bracelets. The graphic cuff jeans can be dressed up or dressed down.

So, on your next shopping adventure, be sure to visit a Gap near you and explore the galore of jean styles, especially the graphic cuff jeans!

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The Future Fashionista’s of the World

In Designers, Fashion on July 19, 2010 at 1:30 am

You can always count on generation X, Y, and Z to indulge in the world of Gucci, Prada and Fendi. However, fashion power houses are looking out their windows into today and into the future of the next suggested generation, Generation Alpha. Mom’s, now you and your bambino can sport luxury clothing while out on the town.

Designer Silvia Venturini Fendi, of Fendi has transformed the runway into a scene out of Huckleberry Finn, with a forest decor, wooden hut, blue sky and the sound of tweeting birds- no, not the tweeters in the front row either. As the children strut down the runway debuting Fendi’s new spring children’s wear collection, they were accessorized with fishing poles and rabbit tails.

For the Fendi girls’ collection natural fabrics in a palette of soft colors like pearl gray, powder pink and chalk-white were used to match the summer hues of yellow, pink and green. Small checkered bloomers, floral print dresses and soft pale color tops make up the girls’ line.

As for the boys, army green, sand beige, pearl grey and powder blue checked shirts and Harrington-style bombers give a casual and playful inspiration to the boys’ collection. However, I wouldn’t suggest letting your little one actually roll around outside for it’s still Fendi, therefore, it’s not cheap.

So moms, consider starting your little ‘tot’ early in life by introducing them to friends like Christian Dior and Fendi.

Currently, the Fendi children’s wear is only sold overseas and exclusively through Jamari International of New York. To view the spring collection visit www.jamariltd.com