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Gear Up for the Raceway!

In Events, Fashion, Updates on March 27, 2010 at 8:00 am

Spending the day on the Pit Lane with an up close and personal experience of the burning tires and extremely loud engines is not something a fashionista gets to encounter on a daily basis. As Indy race car drivers like Ryan Hunter-Reay accelerated at speeds of 200+ mph around the street tracks of the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, I developed a clear connection between Indy car racing and fashion!

Thanks to Josh from IZOD, Indy Car Series’ official sponsor, he explained how “fashion and style of the race along with the speed and energy of it should be an input in the energy of fashion.” Although IZOD is primarily a men’s casual clothing line along with Indy car racing being male-dominated as well, the brand does not leave out the females. Through various marketing channels, IZOD has not only reached out to male sports fans but also women shopping for male sports fans.

I got the pleasure of striking a pose with the IZOD Indy Car model and I have to say she brought a new meaning of sexy to IZOD. Macy’s, partner of IZOD, houses their  limited edition series of IZOD Indy Car clothing. Apparel such as t-shirts and leather jackets for both men and women are inspired by heritage aspects of motorsporting from the last 100 years of racing. As we all know, vintage is always in style!

My experience didn’t stop there…it went full speed ahead cheering on IZOD’s sponsored driver, Ryan Hunter-Reay while he participated in the qualifying race for the first U.S.A. Indy Car Race for the 2010 series tomorrow (Sunday, 3/28/10). He finished 2nd a few weeks back at San Paolo, Brazil in the first race of the 2010 series. While exercising my cheerleading skills I got to chat with Ryan’s fashionable fiance, Becky on her fashion point of few for an Indy Car event. “Pit Laners” (the girls hanging at the pit stops)- are quite fashionable with limited restrictions on attire, except for the footwear…which must be closed-toe. No open-toe stilettos ladies! Becky sported IZOD clothing from head to toe. Could she be the next IZOD girl?

So as I gear up for tomorrow’s main event, I will be sure to wear closed toe shoes, lots of sunblock and my IZOD hat…vvrrooooooommm!!!

Becky and me (Gabrielle)

Ryan Hunter-Reay and me

IZOD Model

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Stylish speed…we’ll take two!

In Designers, Events, Fashion on March 26, 2010 at 6:33 pm

After meeting some of the IndyCar drivers yesterday morning during the Driver & Media luncheon at the Vinoy Renaissance St.Petersburg Resort, Gabrielle and I decided to trade places with the drivers!

Gabrielle and I took on the IZOD IndyCar race track and went from heels to wheels! Here’s our take:

Mine (Deanna) – After calling “Shotgun!” and jumping into the front seat of the Indy race car, I prayed that I wouldn’t regret that… However, I couldn’t stop laughing and screaming – I was having so much fun! Plus, having a front row seat made the race car ride even better! He was driving so fast that I couldn’t stay still!

OK, OK – I have to admit, there was a tad bit of fear which is why there was a slight escape of some un-ladylike words. Nonetheless, bad words and all, the experience was worth it because my red hot shoes and I were loving every second! We were so close to the wall that I could almost smell the paint. Next time…I’m getting behind the wheel!

Gabrielle – Whoever thought that cutting turns at 90mph could be such a thrill?! What an adrenaline rush! I was just as excited as I get when Nordstrom is having one of their shoe sales…as I am for a show for a Fashion Week Tampa Bay designer (like Ivanka Ska’s SEE Dali Sensory Overload)…or sniffing a cute guy who is wearing the IZOD fragrance. You get it, right? That’s pretty excited, wouldn’t you say?

For the record, I don’t recommend wearing stilettos in a race car…only a slight  disappointment from a style stance, but I didn’t feel out-of-place. I felt proud that I was representing an entity (fashion) that really does go with everything. Perhaps fashion is not nearly recognized enough at let’s say – a race care sporting event – however, by the end of this week we plan to have all the Indy car drivers and fans open-minded to a stylish point of view!

Thanks James!

Our race car on the IndyCar track!

Dario Franchitti and us

Mayor of St. Petersburg - Bill Foster!

Dario Franchitti at the luncheon, and cute pooch.

Some of the IndyCar 2010 drivers!

Deanna modeling in front of Danica Patrick's truck.

Gabrielle posing in front of Danica Patrick's truck.

Stay tuned for more posts about our experience at the IZOD IndyCar Series 2010 – Honda Grand Prix at St. Petersburg !

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Fashion and Fun Down to a Science!

In Designers, Events, Fashion on March 11, 2010 at 4:42 am

Who ever thought that fashion and science could go hand in hand?  Well, Friday, March 12, 2010 from 11:30a.m. to 2:00p.m. at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort and Golf Club in St. Petersburg, we’ll get to see the two worlds combined. The Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS) Foundation will be celebrating its newly formed Florida chapter with an inaugural luncheon and fashion show fundraiser to benefit graduate students at the University of South Florida studying science, medicine and engineering.

Fashion and Fun Down to a Science will showcase featured designers from Tampa Bay by holding a trunk show along with a model presentation. Rhonda Shear, featured designer at Fashion Week Tampa Bay for the past two years (2008 and 2009), will be showcasing her sexy and sensual lingerie, shapewear and intimate line from her local boutique Maison Rouge. There is no doubt that she will  bring the spice to the science lab!

Along with this fashionable showcase, ARCS, an all-women volunteer nonprofit organization, hopes to raise enough funds through this event to support two $15,000 scholarships for USF Colleges of Marine Science and Cancer Biology. This event is open to the public.  To purchase tickets ($75/person), contact Elaine Smalling at Elaine@StPetePartnership.org or (727) 821-5166.

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Fashion Events This Weekend

In Designers, Events, Fashion on March 3, 2010 at 12:26 am

American dolls, expectant mothers, superheroes, villains and sexy take the runway! Don’t worry, they won’t ALL be mixed in the same fashion event! Hmmm…actually, that would be a lot of fierceness on one runway so it might make for a very entertaining and crazy good show! On a serious note, March 6, 2010 will be a very busy day in Tampa Bay and surrounding areas! Check it out…

The American Girl Fashion Show:

This will be the 2nd annual American Girl Fashion Show presented by the Junior League of Manatee County. This Saturday, March 6, 2010 at the historic Bradenton Municipal Auditorium. There will be three show times throughout the day – 10:00am, 2:00pm and 6:00pm. This event is both fun and educational by showing how girl’s individual styles have changed throughout history. Plus 100% of the proceeds from this fundraiser are guaranteed back into our community benefiting local children in need. Click here for more information and tickets!

Life in Fashion Show:

Model4Jesus presents the Life in Fashion Show – A Vision of Compassion! This fashion event will be held this Saturday, March 6, 2010 at the Wesley Memorial UMC (Family Life Center). The doors will open at 6pm and the fashion show starts at 7pm. The fashion show will be both fashionably entertaining and beneficial to the Pregnancy Care Center. Click here for more information and tickets!

Out of this World Fashion Show:

Talented fashion design students from the International Academy of Design and Technology- Orlando will show their stylish take on comic books and fantasy- superheroes and villains. This Saturday, March 6, 2010 at the Orange County Regional History Center the fashion event doors will open at 6pm for everyone to mingle, then the fashion show will begin at 7pm. The special guest judge is no stranger to Fashion Week Tampa Bay, as Ben Chmura was a featured designer in our event in 2009. Ben is also a featured designer in this season’s Project Runway (Season 7), the runway-reality hit on Lifetime TV. Call (407) 836-7010 for more information and reservations. Seating is limited.

And finally, the Remarquably Sexy Fashion Show:

A very sexy and seductive fashion show from Essence Flowers, featured fashion designer in Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2008 and 2009. The event will debut her latest collection at the Tampa International Jet Center on, again…March 6th! The doores open at 6pm and the unleashing of her collection begins at 7pm. Click here for more information or tickets.

Looking fabulous is the easy part! Choosing which fashion event to attend… the hard part! Do it Seven Dresses style and see if you can make it to them all!

Have fun this weekend and share your reviews below!

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The 2010 Remarquably Sexy Event

In Designers, Events, Fashion on March 1, 2010 at 9:02 am

One word to describe this upcoming fashion show- SEXY! Swimsuits, corsets and gorgeous dresses from Essence Flowers – one of the featured designers in Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2009. Victoria’s Secret better watch out because this event will unleash everyone’s sexy secrets!

The 2010 Remarquably Sexy – UNFORGIVABLE event will debut the latest collection from Essence Flowers. The event will be held at the Tampa International Jet Center on March 6th, which is located at 4751 Jim Walter Blvd Tampa, FL 33607.

The doors will open at 6pm but no worries if you’re fashionably late because the unleashing begins at 7pm. All seats for the show will be general admission.

Tickets are only $25 each (plus tax) and the ticket price can be applied towards the purchase of a garment or donation made on behalf of Essence Flower’s Foundation. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets.

Come out and experience the unleashing of your own inhibitions on March 6, 2010! Hope to see you there to witness how Essence Flowers brings sexy to Tampa Bay!

CLICK HERE for more information about this event.

Spring 2010 Trends

In Events, Fashion, Trends on February 19, 2010 at 9:51 am

This years’ Spring 2010 Runway collections were absolutely divine! Designers unveiled fresh and innovative looks ranging across the fashion spectrum. While it’s common to associate floral prints to many Spring trends, it was refreshing to see that the 2010 collections had far more to offer. On the contrary- they were edgy and consisted of neutral color palettes such as grays and even nude. Some may even say “beige is the new black!”

Among these looks you had your fearless trends like the  hot pants– something you are more likely to see on Lady Gaga than on your typical night out. The hot pants  (also known as boy shorts) are a bold fashion statement and yes, they are meant to be worn outside… in public. Think vintage pin-up girl with a modern twist. Since the hot pants exude an adequate amount of sex appeal on their own, tone it down by pairing  them with a long-sleeved blouse- as seen on the Marc Jacobs runway- or even a blazer, and be sure to keep the shoes looking a bit demure.

For a more “wearable” every-day trend, knee- high socks are a fabulous addition to any outfit. Alexander Wang incorporated knee socks for his “school-girl” runway look and it was genius. However, I do have one little concern about this look…you have to be certain that you are pulling off the “modern” knee-high trend and not the Cher from “Clueless” knee-high trend. There is a fine line between the two and please be careful not to cross it. In order to avoid any confusion never ever pair your knee socks with plaid or you will instantly morph yourself back to the 90’s.

I realize some may find these trends to be a bit audacious for every-day wear at the office, but keep in mind that you have the ability to take these looks and make them your own. Alter these Spring 2010 trends to fit your style and take them from runway to real-life!

Fashion Week Roundup: Day 2

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends, Updates on October 9, 2009 at 4:21 pm

Day 2 of Tampa Bay Fashion Week was a mixture of sexy and ultra-feminine. There was something for everyone, from red hot lingerie (literally) to elegant evening gowns. Each collection was filled with illuminating color.

Rhonda Shear tapped into our inner pin-up girl with lingerie in body conscious silhouettes and glitzy accents…

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Michael Della Penna wasn’t afraid to pair colors with lavender as the staple color for the collection. Ruffles gave each look a feminine appeal in an array of colors…

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Sandra Hagen was sweet and girly with soft, thigh-grazing textures and innovative accents…

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Audrey “Pat” McGhee gave an untamed, diverse collection from wild prints to cotton candy colors in dramtic silhouettes…

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Adjanis Marrero created her signature crochet swimwear pieces in a staple blue color palette…

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Helen Gerro got artsy this season, with hand-painted designs printed on elegant pieces…

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Essence Flowers catered to the edgy bride, with lots of white in contrasting lengths and silhouettes…

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Fashion Week Roundup: Day 1

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends, Updates on October 9, 2009 at 4:15 pm

The premier designers in the Tampa Bay area showcased their latest collections on the TBFW runway. Each collection’s unique designs inspired us to make fearless wardrobe choices for spring 2010.

Trineice Cagua launched her swimwear collection with a neutral color palette of black and white, with edgy accents here and there…

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Troy Anthony channeled our inner tigress with animal print dresses in an array of colors…

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IADT gave us a sneak peek at a touch of fall with warm colors with a foliage-like appeal….

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Ben Chmura gaves rocker chic with impeccable attention to detail, with strong shoulders and statement accessories…

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Bebe Ziegler offered a contrast with her signature dazzling jewels on a simple t-shirt, for a casual yet glamorous look…

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Sana Hassan showed us diversity packed with glitz and busy textures…

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Nina Verklas took a walk on the wild side with exotic prints and feminine silhouettes…

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Ivanka Ska displayed royalty with a touch of edge, with a wide range of designs and various textures…

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Get ready for a wild & sexy night on the runway!

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Updates on September 18, 2009 at 7:30 pm

Rhonda Shear brings out the wild and sexy side of fashion to the runway at Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2009.

This lifetime TV personality is no stranger to the spotlight! Rhonda has had a very successful and exciting career as an actress. She is probably best known as the star and host of USA Network’s most popular Friday night movie series, “USA: Up All Night.” Ronda has guest starred on many television series including Full House and Cheers. She has also been the feature star on such shows as Larry King Live and Entertainment Tonight. Plus, she has graced the cover of numerous magazines and has been profiled in magazines like PEOPLE and PLAYBOY.

Now Rhonda Shear designs a line of lingerie and shape wear for all women in the Tampa Bay area and world. Her line has been featured on the Home Shopping Network to provide women undergarments that will make them look slimmer in seconds. Rhonda also owns a boutique in St. Petersburg, Fla., Maison Rouge which allows women of all shapes and sizes to enjoy their fun and sexy side in her pieces.

This year Rhonda is collaborating with Warden Neil, Emmy-nominated Hollywood designer and friend to bring in some wonderful additions to her collection. Rhonda’s showcase this year at Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2009 will be even more fun, sexy and wild than last years! Get ready for a wild night on the runway!

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How to Set the Beat of the Runway

In Events on September 15, 2009 at 10:51 pm

My girlfriends and I always have fun no matter where we are or what we’re doing. Some of my favorite times with them are just simply dancing and singing in the car. Music totally sets the mood especially when it’s you and your friends enjoying a night out.

Music is also a huge part of setting the mood for runway, and it gives the designer a way to further express his/her clothing. Imagine a model trying to work a leopard cocktail dress on the runway to country music… it doesn’t match,  nor is it the best way to fully show off the designer’s work.

For the second year in a row, DJ Tony Rodriguez will be setting the beat for Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2009 and providing all of us with fantastic music.

“It gives me great pleasure to welcome the public to the sophomore event of Fashion week Tampa Bay.  Returning to this event as the DJ/Producer for the second year is an honor.  For the benefit of the YWCA of Tampa Bay and Best Buddies Tampa, this event is something that the Tampa Bay area can’t do without,” said DJ Tony Rodriguez.

DJ Tony started in New York/New Jersey area as a local deejay named J.D.L, where he became a recognized and talented artist. Since then he has truly mastered his craft by expanding his musical knowledge of different genres and creating his own music.

After moving to Tampa, DJ Tony has evolved his craft to include writing songs, spinning music and engineering audio. Most recently, he has worked as an Assistant Director for music videos and is responsible for artists/groups like Unorthodox Movement and Adramalek & Hyfa.

Our DJ/Music Producer, DJ Tony, will be setting the beat of the runway so everyone – including you and your friends – can fully enjoy Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2009, September 23-26, 2009.

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