fashionweektampabay

Archive for the ‘Events’ Category

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Oh, What a Night!

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends on September 12, 2010 at 2:30 pm

We certainly had a great night of shopping, cocktails, and fashion. Fashion’s Night Out was everything and more that it set out to be. The Fashion Week Tampa Bay team and I spent our shopping night at Neiman Marcus at the International Plaza. The store was closed off and welcomed the Bay area’s most fashionable attendees.

As we sipped on pink martinis and enjoyed hors d’oeuvres from Capital Grill, our eyes wondered seamlessly through all the events. We started out on the first floor and tapped our stilettos to the band, 10th Concession playing in the middle of the cosmetic section of Neiman Marcus and sampled some of the upcoming fall seasons products from Chanel and Bobby Brown.

Women took playful photographs in the ladies shoe department and tried on boots for the fall.

As we worked our way upstairs, enchanted by the hundreds of white butterflies above us on the escalator to the second floor, the sound of Madonna’s ‘Vogue’ filled the room.

Neiman Marcus treated attendees by presenting a runway show that showcased some of fall’s must-have trends including fur coats, trench coats, lots of leggings and suede boots. This sure inspires one to shop!

Fashion’s Night Out is not only driven to help the fashion industry and economy, but it is shopping for a cause. By purchasing a Fashion’s Night Out t-shirt, the proceeds were donated to the NYC Aids Fund. Where will you be wearing you Fashion’s Night Out t-shirt?

Thank you to everyone who participated in Fashion’s Night Out 2010. Fashion Week Tampa Bay would like you to tell us where you spent your night shopping and about your purchases!

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Fashion’s Night Out

In Events, Fashion, Updates on September 8, 2010 at 10:46 am

This Friday, Sept. 10, 2010, join me and the Fashion Week Tampa Bay team at Neiman Marcus at International Plaza as we participate in the biggest shopping night ever, Fashion’s Night Out! This one spectacular night of celebrations will awaken your fashion senses.

Fashion’s Night Out started in 2009 in NYC to promote shopping in this challenging economy. This year, almost 1,000 retailers will participate in the second edition of Fashion’s Night Out. The night will be filled with celebrity appearances and special events.

Although this event is NYC-based, other cities are adopting their own version of this event. Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus in Tampa will be hosting their own version of Fashion’s Night Out with activities and celebrity appearances. To see a full list of participating retailers visit www.fashionsnightout.com

As you shop the night away be sure to purchase a Fashion’s Night Out official t-shirt, The FNO t-shirt’s proceeds will benefit the NYC Aids Fund. You are making more than a purchase, you’re making a choice to help an industry that touches us all. This is a party with a purpose and everyone’s invited.

To add even more shopping fun to the Fashion’s Night Out festivities, Fashion Week Tampa Bay will be having a ONE DAY ONLY sale this Friday night. A limited number of general admission tickets will be available for only $45! Click here on Friday, Sept. 10.  Happy shopping and see you out at the biggest shopping night ever, Friday, Sept. 10, 2010!

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From the Classroom to the Runway

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Updates on September 3, 2010 at 9:16 am

We’re just weeks away from Tampa Bay’s most anticipated fashion event of the year, Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2010! As our featured designers work long hours to finalize their Spring 2011 collections, the Fashion Week Tampa Bay blog begins the festivities virtually by introducing this year’s designers. This week the spotlight shines on Terri Funaro. A native to New York, Terri started her career as an assistant designer at Vassarette. Soon after she began designing for Vision Apparel to discover that her true love was in bridal. Her designs have been featured in major publications such as, WWD, Seventeen Magazine, Modern Bride (cover), and Brides Magazine.

Although her passion is bridal gowns, her primary goal is to inspire her students. The past 10 years she has been an instructor in the fashion department at the International Academy of Design & Technology in Tampa. She guides her students and encourages them to have their sketches come to life while helping them define their own personal style. She mentors her students to follow the path from an idea to a finished, well-made, beautiful product.

Terri Funaro creates clothes that accent women’s best features. She feels that clothes should make women feel beautiful both inside and out. As she showcases her Spring 2011 collection in FWTB on Friday, Sept. 24 in the Fashion Tent at the Armature , be sure not to miss her evening wear and bridal separates gracefully strut down the runway leaving you feeling beautiful…right from your seats.

For more information on Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2010 and tickets visit www.fashionweektampabay.com

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Heal Your Hair

In Events, Trends on September 2, 2010 at 2:22 am

Do you ever find yourself reminiscing about when your hair was a virgin? That is, to hair color. After years of coloring your hair and other chemical services your hair has experienced, the nutrients have washed away, likely leaving your hair feeling dry and dull. That’s why Heal5ium, a sponsor of Fashion Week Tampa Bay, has created an extraordinary professional hair care product that will heal, treat, sooth, repair and nourish your “experienced” hair.

Heal5ium makes professional hair care science both beautiful and beneficial by infusing their products with 25 natural healing and soothing ingredients.  The products are made up of ingredients like soy, sea kelp, grape seed extract, marigold extract and rice bran oil, just to name a few. Natural blends are vital in maintaining a healthier hair and scalp. The line consists of shampoo, conditioner, treatments and styling products that all encompass the same common goal, to heal.  Heal5ium features 5 exclusive complexes of hydration, proteins, oils, amino acids, and vitamins.

Perhaps you find yourself unsure as to why protein or hydrating the hair is so important to healthy, smooth hair. The protein ingredient within the Heal5ium products will help smooth the hair and strengthen as well. Other ingredients like amino acids help improve blood circulation in the scalp.

Although there are 25 natural ingredients in every product, using this product will not create residue or unwanted product build up. Each product is lightweight and water-soluble. The ingredients are also combined with React Technology to replenish hair’s nutritional needs.

Peroxide developers in chemical services, such as, coloring, highlighting, and relaxers cause the most cuticle damage to your hair. Therefore, the React Technology in the Heal5ium shampoo’s are based on which peroxide develop group volume was used in your service. If you are unsure what peroxide was used on your hair, consult your hair stylist.

Conditioners are formulated to cater to your hair’s quality, hydrating and strengthening when nutrients are conditioned into the hair shaft then into the scalp. The products are reasonably priced averaging $25 a bottle. For a professional product this is a great price where other professional hair care products average $38.

So ladies and gents, as you get ready for the Fashion Week Tampa Bay festivities and your treated hair is feeling mistreated, rescue it with Heal5ium professional hair care products to put the nutrients back into those lovely locks.

For more information visit www.healiumhair.com

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Tampa Bay’s Dancing with the Stars

In Events, Updates on August 30, 2010 at 10:22 pm

Better grab your dancing shoes Tampa Bay! On Saturday, September 11, 2010 Julie Weintraub’s Hands Across the Bay will present this year’s Tampa Bay’s Dancing with the Stars. The event will be held at the gorgeous Pepin Hospitality Centre and will include auction items and entertainment by Fred Astaire Dance Studios. Some of the auction items that really caught my eye are from Saks Fifth Avenue, The Don Cesar Beach Resort and the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

It’s an interactive ballroom dance competition for our local celebrities to be paired with a professional dance instructor. One of the Celebrity Star Dancers is Fashion Week Tampa Bay sponsor, Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine’s Founder and Editorial Director, Angela Ardolino who will be dancing the night away for charity! Proceeds from the event will benefit: Kids Charity of Tampa Bay, Moffitt Cancer Center and Pepin Heart Hospital.

There are fifteen dancers who are local community personalities, celebrities and leaders. Similar to the popular ABC television show, Dancing with the Stars, their dance instructors will teach them dance moves that will amaze the crowd. Amazing the judges is also very important in this dance competition. Each dance team (the celebrity and their dance instructor) will perform a ballroom dance which will be judged by national and international ballroom competition adjudicators combined with the audience’s votes. Tampa Bay’s Dancing with the Stars began in 2008 and has achieved more success year after year. The event’s success will help enable Hands Across the Bay with supporting and improving people’s lives in Tampa Bay who need it most.

This black-tie (and gorgeous gowns for the ladies) event is just two weeks away! Click here for more information and tickets. Also show your support and vote for Angela Ardolino by clicking here!

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Nina Verklas Brings Exotic Beauty to Fashion Week

In Designers, Events, Fashion on August 26, 2010 at 4:09 am

As Fashion Week approaches, the entire industry seems to morph into a wildly exciting jungle.  After browsing the fabulous collections of Tampa Bay’s own Nina Verklas, creator of Bambina by NV, I can think of no better way to describe it.

A safari theme has been used in fashion for seasons upon seasons.  However, after viewing the Resort 2010 collection from Bambina by NV, I am completely convinced of her fresh, unique vision.

One gown is completely fit for a goddess and features an exotic tribal print in luxurious fabric.  The skirt features an overlay of  shimmering gold, pleated for magnificent texture.

Bambina by NV

Images courtesy of Courtney Rodwell

Another look magically combines comfort and sex appeal in one amazingly fluid jumpsuit.  With an exotic animal print, the loose-fitting piece is cinched at the waist with a beautifully detailed belt and attached at the neck with a fabulous wooden necklace.

Bambina by NV

Images courtesy of Courtney Rodwell

Just when I thought the senses could not be tickled any further by this exotic collection, an adorable hooded dress seems to take Little Red Riding Hood from a wooded forest to a tropical jungle.  The dress reveals delicate pleats at the bust with a peek of green plaid at the sides.  Just under the bust, nude plaid transitions to the wonderfully feminine skirt.  The most exciting feature, and the reason for the fairytale reference?  In place of the usual shoulder straps sits a beautifully draped hood.

Also to be admired is a wonderfully draped pant in shimmering sand worn with a delicate sheer top which features a bit of texture and seductive plunge neckline.

Bambina by NV

Images courtesy of Courtney Rodwell

These wonderful pieces from her Resort 2010 collection offer a mere glimpse of the many creative talents of designer Nina Verklas, who will be among the featured designers at Fashion Week Tampa Bay.  In just a few short weeks, Nina will grace the runways of Tampa Bay with a whole new world of incredible fashion featuring her new 2011 Spring/Summer collection.

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How to Save on Back to School Shopping

In Events, Fashion, Trends on August 20, 2010 at 7:39 pm

It’s that time of the year again for pencils, books and fresh new gear for the new school year. However, back to school shopping can really take a toll on your budget. So I have came up with some smart savings strategies that have worked for me.

Start by taking inventory of what you already own. As I went through my closet, I couldn’t believe what I discovered. I found clothes I have only worn once, clothes that needed to be thrown out years ago -because they were from high school- and clothes that still had the tags on them. I thought to myself all those times I said I had to go shopping because I have nothing to wear and I had clothes still with the tags on them, ugh! After sorting through your closet and bagging up those tired old clothes from many seasons ago, take a trip to your local consignment shops.

Plato’s Closet, a local consignment shop takes gently worn clothing for exchange of cash. Not only will you receive some extra money for your back to school shopping fund, but they have great low prices on well known brands such as Ed Hardy and Bubblegum, that have been worn either a few times or known at all.

Along with consignment shopping, consider swapping clothes with your friends. Ever find yourself falling in love with your best friend’s leather jacket and repeatedly asking to borrow it? Do a clothes swap, I’m sure she fell in love with something you own as well.

Although if alternative shopping options such as Plato’s closet or fashion exchange with your girlfriends just isn’t for you or not enough to complete your first semester fall collection, then hit the mall. Department stores like Macy’s and JCPenney’s are holding great sales for consumers who missed the no-tax weekend. Although you still have to pay the tax, Macy’s is offering $10 off when you spend $50 and up to $50 off when you spend $200. You are actually saving more with a sale like this then a ‘no-tax’ promotion. Also, Payless BOGO sale (Buy One, Get One ) is 50% off everything in stock.

So the sales are out there fashionistas but they won’t last forever. Most sales end this weekend so don’t miss out on the back to school shopping savings for your new back to school gear!

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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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Luxury From the Road to the Runway

In Events, Fashion, Updates on July 30, 2010 at 9:19 am

We’re just a few months away from the Bay area’s most anticipated fashion event of the year, Fashion Week Tampa Bay! This year will not only be showcasing established and emerging fashion and accessories designers from Tampa Bay and surrounding areas, but they are bringing the speed of luxury from the road to the runway. Audi has been named presenting sponsor for this year’s Tampa Bay Fashion Week, Sept. 22-25, 2010.

When it comes to style, speed and performance, Audi and fashion go hand and hand. Every detail has its purpose. Whether it’s a button on a pair of jeans or a dramatic open panorama sunroof on a 2010 Audi Q7, the design concept and expressive details that go into the ‘art’ has a connection that is logical and natural.

The company’s commitment to their owners, employees, and environment hold the same core beliefs of Fashion Week Tampa Bay…giving back to the community. Each year Fashion Week Tampa Bay benefits organizations that are committed to the well-being of and service to our world, our children, our health, our future and our dreams. This year Audi will be in full-speed ahead as the week of style leverages the Bay area’s talented individuals and gives back to the community.

This reminds me of my favorite quote by a legendary designer Coco Chanel. “Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening”. The Audi brand and Tampa Bay Fashion Week partnership expresses the true meaning of this quote.

So as we mark our calendars for a week-long event of parties, runway shows, boutique vendor exhibits and fashion-focused activities throughout Tampa Bay, Audi will be bringing its luxury car presence to the festivities!

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Galliano Churns Out Pure Magic

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends on July 9, 2010 at 3:17 pm

There are almost no words to describe the sheer joy that comes from hearing the phrase, “couture collection.”  That being said, John Galliano has yet again exceeded expectations with his couture collection for Fall 2010.

In Paris this past week, Galliano’s collection for the House of Christian Dior blossomed quite literally onto the runway.  With a vivid floral theme, models emerged in tulip-shaped silhouettes and breathtaking colors.

One look in particular featured a beautifully soft textured blazer in robin’s egg blue which displayed an exaggerated shawl collar.  The waist was tied with a very unique gold belt and led down to a full black skirt with bubble hem.  As if this ensemble were not enough to tempt the eye, the skirt also features a side embellishment of wonderfully realistic flowers in lilac and yellow.  Another dress appeared in shiny black with a vintage, off-the-shoulder design and sheer overlay at the skirt which seemed to transcend into one large, pink petal.  Worn with shocking pink gloves, this look was simply divine.

While many fall collections tend to feature warm, yet sometimes dull earth tones, this was certainly not the case in the House of Dior.  A gown more vibrant than any exotic flower arrangement presented with a full length skirt shaped in tiny tiers of exquisite teal silk.  The strapless bodice revealed a purple floral print and transitioned quite nicely with a large, artistic bow in neon yellow.

John Galliano is a true innovator with a mind that continually churns out pure magic.  If not one piece in this collection of literal silhouettes and mind-blowing color tickles your senses, I would suggest an immediate medical consultation.