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Archive for the ‘Designers’ Category

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Male’s Only Club…Female’s Always Welcomed

In Designers, Fashion on May 20, 2010 at 2:41 pm

When it comes to Wall Street, men in suits is the first thing that often comes to mind. When it comes to fashion, ugh… not so much. Yes, very stereotypical of us to treat men as second-class citizens just because they’re ‘simple’ shoppers. That’s why I am excited to inform you that Coach will be catering to men. The first Coach men’s store has opened at 370 Bleecker Street in Manhattan, also known  as the village.

The new mens’ platform incorporates many Coach signature elements tweaked in a masculine way. They offer merchandise like the business messenger bag, what I like to call the man-bag, premium leather belts along with the trendy avant-grade boat shoes. The ambiance of this store is also very masculine. Its decor consists of dark mahogany, dark brown shelves and industrial ceilings. I’m calling it Abercrombie meets Marc Jacobs. The casual feel of Abercrombie with the quality and price point like something you would find from a Marc Jacobs’ collection.

In the world of fashion, looking for a new niche-market is always on every marketing-gurus agenda. Finding a way to bring attention to a less acknowledged shopper, like men, is something this economy needs. Coach plans to expand within the U.S. and eventually globally. I sure wouldn’t mind seeing more men’s specialty stores. Prada Men’s??? We’ll have to wait and see.

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Calling in an S.O.S

In Designers, Fashion, Trends on May 13, 2010 at 3:57 pm
Calling all fashionistas…This is a fashion emergency…the ladies from Sex and the City are heading to Morocco and need a ‘virtual’ stylist.
Fashion Week Tampa Bay is deporting some of our very own designers to rescue the girls. But…who wears what? Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker), Samantha (Kim Catrall), Charlotte (Kristin Davis), and Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) have a strong chemistry between each other on and off the set. However, their style is very different. This week the girls need a swimsuit and I know just the right match ‘virtually’ for them!
Carrie Bradshaw, not only lives for fashion but has even gone as far as buying Vogue instead of dinner. Although she cannot afford her “shopping addiction”, she is known for mixing vintage finds with high-end labels. Maybe to her, this justifies the high-end purchases by pairing it with a bargain deal…ugh..hmm…

By Adjanys Marrero

I have come across a swimsuit from designer Adjanys Marrero that would be a perfect match for the shoe-loving socialite. This vibrant black hand-crocheted swimsuit will allow Carrie to show off her fabulous abs in this two-piece suit.

Miranda Hobbes, the career-minded lawyer, has not only changed her cynical views on relationships and men-after getting married and having a baby in later episodes-but her masculine image has softened up as well and she will not be wearing a business suit to the beach this year.

By Trineice Cagua

I found a swimsuit that is the lucky winner for the power-dresser herself. A brown and white two-piece with a halter-top and criss-cross front and back straps that have a full-coverage bottom by designer Trineice Cagua of J Cagua. Miranda is definitely all about covering up!

The Park-Avenue Princess Charlotte is the most conservative and traditional one in the group. She will not be flaunting her ‘goodies’ that bring the boys to the yard. Instead she will be sporting a one piece swimsuit with minimal cut-outs on the side. Designed by the beautiful and talented Essence Flowers.

Remarquable designs by Essence

The most promiscuous one out of the group, Samantha will not have any problem ‘flaunting’ her goods. I found a swimsuit that screams sex-appeal. Designed by Adjanys Marrero, this coral one-piece will bring the Caribbean heat anywhere. However, the amount of cut-outs on this swimsuit clearly doesn’t classify it to be an actual one piece does it? Well, you will have to decide that for yourself!

By Adjanys Marrero

So this week’s fashion emergency is taken care of. However, we will be on call for the next fashion emergency!

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Tampa Bay Wine & Food Festival…With Style

In Designers, Events on May 13, 2010 at 3:52 pm

Ce sera une belle nuit! Oh yes, I feel like speaking French because it’s going to be a beautiful and elegant night this Friday! The fourth annual Tampa Bay Wine and Food festival is this weekend, May 14-15, 2010. Where else would an elegant night be held then Tampa Bay’s very own pink palace, the Don CeSar Beach Resort and Spa in St. Pete Beach.

The festive weekend has many events to keep you busy: Grand Tasting and LUSH by Loews Hotels on Friday, May 14th, plus Beam’s Beach Bash and BBQ (Brighthouse Grand Tasting and Publix Apron’s Seminar) on Saturday, May 15th.

LUSH by Loews Hotels will begin at 8pm. It will be a high-class glamorous and classy evening with wine, food, an auction, art and fashion by one of my favorite Tampa Bay designers, Ivanka Ska.

Ivanka owns the House of Ska; she is the first to bring a fashion house to the streets of downtown St. Petersburg. She has also been featured in Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2008 and 2009.

Indulge on some lovely champagne and gourmet cuisine while watching Ivanka Ska’s “De Lere” collection hit the runway. Be among beautiful fashion and people at the lovely Don CeSar Beach Resort and Spa!

The ticket proceeds benefit Heartbeat International, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to save lives globally by providing cardiovascular implantable devices and treatment to the needy people of the world. The proceeds will also benefit The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association’s ProStart Program which provides industry training, scholarships and grant funding for interested culinary students.

Feel like royalty this weekend by indulging in gorgeous fashion, champagne, wines from around the world and gourmet cuisine. Bon appétit! Click here for tickets and more information!

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Oh My Gauze!

In Designers, Fashion, Trends on May 12, 2010 at 2:22 am

When we think of gauze we typically refer to using this textile for medical purposes, right?  Well, not anymore! The newest trend gliding its way into the mainstream is Gauze Clothing! This sheer, loosely woven textile is so breathable you will feel as if you’re wearing air. In this blazing-hot state (Florida) this is a wish come true!

Gauze, originally made from silk, is now traditionally made from 100% cotton. This allows the fabric to be completely washable, will not shrink and best of all – no ironing is necessary! Due to the delicate nature of this fabric though, it should be handled with care. So, make sure you read the care labels!

Gauze clothing has been a great addition to the ‘go-green’ epidemic. Not only is the fabric all natural, it’s free-flowing movement is casual yet sexy,  allowing your silhouette to shape the garment.

I have come across a wider selection than I thought would be available for this niche market. Retail stores such as Old Navy and designers like Marc Jacobs offer bright and trendy pieces made from 100% cotton gauze. Gauze clothing can be worn both day and night to the beach or out to dinner. Right now, gauze fabric is used to produce summer garments due to its sheer qualities. In the world of fashion, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see this trend trickle into the winter.

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Espadrille 101

In Designers, Fashion, Trends on May 7, 2010 at 7:13 pm

When you throw on that adorable new sundress you purchased for the summer season, think twice before you go to put on the flip-flops. Add some style and height with a pair of Espadrilles! They are sexy, trendy and will make any women feel instantly girly. Who wouldn’t want to feel like that? However, there seems to be some confusion as to what classifies as an espadrille, so I am here to provide you with a little Espadrille 101!

These casual flat or high-heel sandals have been around for centuries. Originated in the Pyrenees, espadrilles were once worn as peasant footwear.

Love these Prada Espadrilles

Now, top designers like Prada and Gucci produce espadrilles. Unfortunately, not at a peasant-budget price though. Even so, this trend is everywhere and you shouldn’t find a problem locating a cute pair  within your budget at retail stores such as DSW or even Payless.

These shoes usually have a canvas or cotton fabric body and a flexible sole made of rope or rubber material molded to look like rope. The Jute rope is the key ingredient to what makes an espadrille an…espadrille! This natural fiber is very eco-friendly and gives a casual look to any style.

Espadrilles have become a staple piece, such as an LBD (Little Black Dress) or a pair of Levi’s. I personally own about six pairs of these shoes in black, white, brown and some crazy vibrant colors that are very daring to wear, I like to live fashionably on the edge! I wear them with sundresses, capris or even my bathing suit at times. They can be worn both day and night to most events. I wouldn’t consider them an option for wedding attendance though, unless it was on the beach.

So ladies, whether you’re under the sun or chowing down at a BBQ this summer, don’t forget your espadrilles but… do forget those flip-flops!

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Fashion & History Under the Same Roof!

In Designers, Events, Fashion on May 5, 2010 at 2:03 am

As Tampa continues on its journey to increase the fashion scene in the Bay area, on May 1st it got one step closer. Garment District 813 was to me a feeling of familiarity. Historic downtown Tampa turned into the 1970s meatpacking and garment district of New York City. Minus the ‘meat’, local Bay area fashion designers Ben Chmura and Raven Reda set the stage with their latest collections. Their inspiration for the show was the late 1970s meatpacking and garment district. So what better place to have it then Tampa’s well-known district of memories, the Tampa Armature Building (trolley barn). Between the brick foundation and the restored trolley at the head of the runway, you couldn’t help but to look around. This is when arriving early to a fashion event was a must. The two elements, the building and the clothing, were both equally beautiful yet so different. The wide open entrance (picture an entrance the size of two trolleys plus) lead your eyes straight down the runway. The exposed brick, original iron support and some broken windows reminded me of the Gansevoort Market in NYC.

Fashion Week Tampa Bay’s very own Ben Chmura showcased his first collection since being on Project Runway Season 7 and recent showing at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in February 2010. Although his collection was inspired by the old Greek Myth about Lamia and Zeus, accents of his collection also paid tribute to 1970s NYC . Textured, cropped pants with a coral diamond-cut jacket were paired with metallic, copper shoes. Copper shoes, can we say disco inferno!

Gabrielle(me) & Raven Reda

Along with Ben Chmura’s futuristic resort collection, Raven Reda revealed her latest collection Coup D’etat. Huh? That means what? Well, in an interview with Raven I got the scoop. She stated that, “Coup D’etat, which basically symbolizes a takeover of the fashion industry here.”  Her rocker-heroine chic clothing consisted of dye-jobbing, netting tops and jeggings (jean leggings) that accent anyone’s be-hind!

Until recently, New York City’s meat packing district was known for its industrial purpose. Now, high-fashion stores and art galleries fill the streets between Gansevoort and West 14th Street. Designers like Ben Chmura and Raven Reda are always actively involved in growing the fashion scene in Tampa Bay and bringing that high-fashion that is desired. However, this was Ben Chmura’s farewell show for he is leaving for New York to further his brand in the original garment district. Good luck Ben!

Deanna (FWTB Blogger) & Gabrielle (me)

All you shop-a-holics can still purchase both Chmura and Reda’s clothing at LACE Boutique, located @ 100 Main St., Suite 106, Safety Harbor, FL. For more information about Ben Chmura visit him at www.facebook.com/benchmura Coming soon: www.ben-chmura.com! For more information about Raven Reda visit her at www.dementa.etsy.com!

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Lip Service

In Designers, Fashion, Updates on May 3, 2010 at 9:55 pm

Tom Ford— former Gucci designer, perfumer, and auspicious director- with his first film debut “A Single Man” in 2009–has launched his new Private Blend Lip Color Collection. Is there anything Tom can’t do?

The Private Blend Lip Collection will be his interpretation of 12 classic colors re-imagined in a “modern and authoritative way.” The shades range from a bare nude to a bright cherry red. This luxurious lipstick is formulated with exotic ingredients like soja seed extract and Brazilian murumuru butter (sounds exotic enough to me!), these are some of the key ingredients that give it a creamy texture and smooth application.

Something tells me history is going to repeat itself, the launch of the Tom Ford Estee Lauder Collection in 2005 drew record-breaking crowds to the Saks flagship in NYC and needless to say the limited edition make-up quickly sold out as well. The chic exterior of The Private Collection Lip Collection is enough to draw any girl into a Tom Ford cosmetics counter- it comes in an ivory case with gold details and it’s like a shiny toy that I have to get my hands on.

The Private Blend Lip Collection will be available stateside on June 1st at Neiman Marcus, Saks and Bergdorf Goodman. What’s the price to pay for luxurious lips? $45 a tube–to some a splurge but well worth it if it’s within your fashion budget.

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Garment District 813

In Designers, Events, Fashion on April 29, 2010 at 2:09 pm

This Saturday, May 1, 2010, the historic Tampa Heights neighborhood will be fashionably transformed into Garment District 813!

Inspired by New York’s Garment and Meatpacking District, Garment District 813 will be a haute tribute to the historic Armature Building . The two featured designers, Ben Chmura and Raven Reda are creating everything 100% cut and sew! The perfect way to embody the true artistic roots of the runway fashion industry.

Garment District 813 will feature Ben Chmura’s first Resort Collection: Lamia’s Wrath. This will be his first show since being on Project Runway Season 7 and recent showing at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in February 2010. Designer Raven Reda will also be showing her newest collection: Coup D’etat. She has shown runway fashion for the past 6 years in cities like NYC, Miami and Tampa.

I simply can’t wait for this fashion runway show! The way these two designers embody their rocker artistic side and true runway craftsmanship into their garments… is my cup of tea! Garment District 813 will be held this Saturday, May 1, 2010 at the historic Tampa Armature building from 7pm-12am. General admission is only $10 and runway seating with gift bag (limited availability) is $20. Click here for more information!

Witness Tampa’s garment haute-ness this Saturday as Garment District 813 brings fashion back to its roots!

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The Hippie-Chick Handbag

In Designers, Fashion, Trends on April 27, 2010 at 2:27 am

After the spring showers will come the May flowers. But before the flowers arrive let’s refresh our handbag collection with some sunshine! The Tie-Dye handbag. Yes, tie dye! Along with other trends from the 60’s, such as patterned pantyhose and flat boots, tie-dye is the handbag color of the season.

Rebecca Minkoff

The multiple colors within a traditional tie-dye print allows you to have more options when choosing a handbag that matches your outfit. Who doesn’t love more options? As long as one color in the handbag matches the way you’re dressed then you’re golden.  The tie-dye handbag is offered in many color palettes, fabrics, and trimmings. Derek Lam uses natural hues in its Nadia Hobo bag. This bag will go great for lunch with the girls after a day of shopping at the mall.

Derek-Lam-Nadia-Hobo

Nordstrom, what I like to call Nordie’s, has a great selection of tie-dye handbags this season. Designers like Be & D, Kooba and Rebecca Minkoff feature soft color palettes that will give any look a more feminine feel.  But it doesn’t stop there…these handbags come in cotton and here’s the spin, they also come in leather! Yes, you heard me correctly, leather for spring! What’s next fur in bathing suits? Ugh…hope not, but in the world of fashion, the sky is the limit.

So as you do some spring cleaning to your wardrobe, add some ‘flower power’ to your handbag collection with this season’s must have color palette: Tie-Dye!

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Basic Training

In Designers, Fashion, Trends on April 19, 2010 at 1:51 pm

The military inspired look has stormed the fashion scene this Spring making the flak jacket one of the must-have items this season! The Marc Jacob’s Ready-To-Wear collection was among many that had military flak jackets mixed with feminine florals and structured trousers. Balmain also took over the runway with Christophe Decarnin’s feminine, modern-military jacket– complete with his signature bold shoulders.

Celebrities such as Katie Holmes, Rachel Bilson and the ever-fabulous Kate Moss have all been spotted with army gear spreading the military- fashion propaganda like wildfire!


For this look try the studded army jacket at Topshop…it looks A-mazing. For a more “vintage” military look take a peek at this Tempest Spring Military Jacket from French Connection- also to die for.

If the flak jacket is a bit much for your style- you can still march to the beat of your own drum, just be sure to incorporate olive green and khaki shades into your wardrobe this Spring.

Happy shopping!