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Archive for the ‘Events’ Category

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Fedoras, Glasses and Fur, Oh My!

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends on March 8, 2011 at 5:11 am

With all of the hustle and bustle, glitz and glam surrounding New York Fashion Week, it would be impossible not to notice a collection or two.  While fall often brings about one too many black sweaters and wool peacoats, Malandrino defies the meaning of dull with the breathtaking Fall 2011 collection.  Though Tampa will soon begin to sizzle, pushing us into light cotton dresses and embellished tanks, it is never too early to begin thinking about next fall’s wardrobe.

The Fall 2011 Malandrino collection offers a unique mix of hollywood-esque furs mixed with over-sized eyeglasses.  Some looks portrayed the notion of Jean Harlow meets nerd.  Others utilized fedora-like hats to complete the look.  One beautifully draped purple print gown is featured on a lovely model with long flowing hair and over-sized rims.  Another delightful piece, also in purple is fully accessorized with both glasses and hat.  With several exquisite looks utilizing rich furs, seductive jewel tones and unique accessories, the Fall 2011 collection from Malandrino leaves little to be desired.

The moral?  Whether it be summer or fall, don’t be afraid to kick it up a notch with an unexpected accessory or two.

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Get Vertical: So Not Sari

In Events, Fashion on February 14, 2011 at 9:56 am

Thanks to VERTICAL Tampa Bay Magazine, on Friday, February 11th, PUSH Ultra Lounge turned into a fashionably, So Not Sari night! VERTICAL Tampa Bay is an amazing virtual magazine celebrating fashion, flavor, travel, culture and beauty in the Tampa Bay area, and my Friday night amazingly consisted of all of these elements. The night included  fashion inspired by India, generous guests supporting a good cause and flavorful vegetarian food.

My evening began with bubbling champagne and delicious food on the rooftop… “delicious” doesn’t even bring it justice. It was the most creative vegetarian food I’ve ever had! The servers did an excellent job making sure my stomach was full and happy. Besides dessert (must save the best for last), my favorite mouth-watering dish was the mini portobello mushroom burger, which seemed to always be in my hand – no complaints here.

After mingling with some of Tampa Bay’s most elite, the fashion show began with the Creative Director of VERTICAL, Leslie Joy Ickowitz and guests of honor, happily enlightening the crowd on how the act of generosity turned into the So Not Sari event.

And then…the fashion show began! Kimberly Hendrix worked her creativity by combining Indian saris with the handmade k hendrix signature touch. The 12-look collection consisted of beautiful beading, vibrant colors and the creative craftsmanship that Kimberly is known for.

Kimberly’s pieces were auctioned off after the show with 50% of the proceeds benefiting the organization StreetSAFE, which provides for homeless children in the Bay area. Overall the live auction went very well with guests outbidding each other for their favorite garments and more importantly, a generous donation will be made to StreetSAFE.

And then there was…dessert! While waiting in line, I got a glimpse of what we were having for dessert but couldn’t quite figure out exactly what it was… I’ve never seen anything like it before. Soon I learned that it was the balloon au chocolat dessert a la by Puff ‘n Stuff Catering. The server pours hot rosewater onto the white chocolate balloon which would melt unto the dark chocolate cake beneath it. Honestly, it was the best dessert I have ever seen and tasted! To top if off, the rooftop view of downtown St. Petersburg was breathtaking.

Everything that VERTICAL Tampa Bay Magazine stands for came to life that night. Fashion, flavor, and culture… it was So Not Sari!

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Fabulous Helping Hands

In Designers, Events, Fashion on February 7, 2011 at 12:37 pm

The power of generosity easily opens our eyes to the importance of life. It warms our hearts in seconds yet manages to last a lifetime. In the moment…we offer a helping hand. Our helping hands, powered by generosity, are what truly makes us so fabulous!

So why discuss fabulous helping hands? Well, here’s the story: VERTICAL Tampa Bay reader, Upendra Reddy, reached out with an offer to donate a collection of Indian Saris to Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2010 fashion designer, Kimberly Hendrix. She’s a local Tampa Bay designer who reuses, recycles and renews materials to create her gorgeous vintage-inspired and handmade garments and was featured in the fall issue of VERTICAL.

Upendra’s generosity touched Kimberly, and Kimberly decided to donate 50% of the proceeds from the collection she creates with the Indian saris to a good cause of Upendra’s choice. Upendra has a heart for children who are homeless, and the organization StreetSAFE happens to provide for homeless children in the Bay area. This Friday all of these helping hands will be united!

Kimberly Hendrix for k.hendrix is creating a 12-look collection exclusively for VERTICAL Tampa Bay. The collection will be showcased at So Not Sari which is an exotic fashion presentation on Friday, February 11, 2011 at PUSH Ultra Lounge in downtown St. Petersburg.”So Not Sari is a celebration of hope, love and fashion,” says Leslie Joy Ickowitz, publisher and creative director of VERTICAL Tampa Bay. After the presentation, the garments will be featured in a live auction benefiting StreetSAFE – a division of the Family Resources Foundation devoted to the homeless children population in the Bay area.

This event is invitation only. You can check back here though for post coverage updates and join us as we Get VERTICAL this Friday!

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Transforming Red Carpet Trends

In Events, Fashion, Trends on January 21, 2011 at 7:11 am
Celebrities like Rihanna and Mary-Kate Olsen make great fashion icons! From the streets to the camera lights of the red carpet, they’re always rocking their personal style. Bejeweled shoes to backless dresses, Hollywood’s elite made quite a fashion statement at the Golden Globes. No question about it, their incredible style inspires fashionistas all over. Below are some ways of transforming their red carpet looks into our own wardrobe.

Olivia Wilde

Bejeweled Shoes

Showstopping sparkling shoes are perfect for transforming a girls’ night out look. Every girl should own a pair of glitter heels!

Naya Rivera

Rosettes

Every girl loves flowers!  Wear an accessory with a flower bud (like a headband) to show your classy girlie side.

Sofia Vergara

Belted Waist

Upgrade a simple day look by adding a cute cardigan and high-wasted belt to your everyday tee.

Eva Longoria

Backless

A simple backless or off the shoulder top is purr-fect for a subtle sexy look.

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The Golden Globes: What Was Your Favorite?

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends, Updates on January 18, 2011 at 3:06 am

Everyone knows that our only motivation for taking time out of our busy schedules to watch an award show is the fashion.  At this year’s Golden Globes, those looking forward to flashy gowns popping with color may have been slightly disappointed with the surprising quantity of beige.  There were a few, however who saved the night in rich fabrics fully saturated with exquisite color.

The beautiful Mila Kunis was nothing short of a live, shining emerald in a one-shoulder Vera Wang piece.  The color complemented her flawless skin perfectly, and intricate draping sculpted her adorable shape.  Also from Vera Wang, Sofia Vergara appeared in a fiery pink gown accented with a black belt at the waist.  The gathered bodice and draped train provided a unique flair perfect for this event.

Of course, I am not insinuating in the least that bright colors are the only option for high style.  Eva Longoria was absolutely breathtaking in a black Zac Posen gown.  With a deep cut version of a sweetheart neckline and a matching black sash to cinch the already fitted waist, this dress was simply divine.  In addition, beige is not always bland when worn like Carrie Underwood in sparkling Badgley Mischka Couture.

To each her own: What was your favorite?

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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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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.

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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.