fashionweektampabay

Archive for the ‘Events’ Category

Street Style Tampa Bay

In Events, Fashion, Trends on July 30, 2016 at 4:32 pm

As you know, we like fashion. We like clothes. And we like checking out what people are wearing!

Have you ever walked around and noticed how great someone’s outfit is? How nicely they are dressed? Or how they have a unique and confident sense of style? Sure you have, and you are not alone!

Right here on Tampa Bay’s streets, we see everyday people who inspire us daily.

Meet Avery, one. She is an aspiring fashion designer with hopes of get into the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. Of course we encouraged her to attend our upcoming week of events in September and find like-minded people (like you!) to connect with. Side note: If any of you readers know anyone like Avery, who is into fashion but may be unaware of organizations like Fashion Week Tampa Bay, don’t be afraid to share that info!

Now back to Avery, here’s where she said she got her outfit from:

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Jeans and glasses from Kohl’s, bralette from Aerie, shoe’s thrifted, cardigan was a hand-me-down from her aunt, and her Kanken backpack was bought from Amazon. Really eclectic mix. We hope to see her at this year’s fashion show!

Over at International Plaza, we saw many working professionals who stopped there for a quick lunch and a little shopping. We met a lovely woman named Piper, a CHANEL brand ambassador. Her chill, bohemian look was perfect for the humidity that day. Complete with her adorable yorkie, we had to snap a photo for you all.

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Visiting from Atlanta, she stopped and chopped it up with us a bit. She couldn’t recall where her pieces she was wearing hailed from, but they were bought at local Atlanta boutiques.

Planning Fashion Week Tampa Bay has been keeping us busy, but we’re always excited to sneak in a couple moments every now and then to go into the city and interact with all of you.

If you see us out and about, equipped with our trusty Nikon D3200, please say hello!

Oh and check out our website for updates on our upcoming show!

Until next time, ciao!

~Jessica

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Lovely Swimsuits for Every Occasion

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends on July 22, 2016 at 2:06 pm

Hello, fashion lovers!

The summer heat is upon us and we hope that you’re getting to spend some time at the pool, beach, or lake parties, or any event or activity involving water that will help keep you cool!

Which brings us to swimsuits! And we want to help you pick the best swimsuit for any and every occasion.

One of the most important things to look for when choosing a bathing suit is selecting one that compliments our shape. Since we all come in different shapes and sizes, that makes finding swimwear a little difficult sometimes.

We’ve selected two suits that will look good on ALL of us.

High waist bikinis look good on most bodies, no matter the size or shape. For those of us who are sporting a pooch or want to hide our tummies, this suit is perfect.

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Image by Rafia T

It also brings attention to women’s natural curves and has an added air of femininity not found in other styles.

Since high waist bikinis are two pieces, you can mix and match separates as much as you like, which gives way to personal expression.

Adina Vocui?

Image by AdinaVoicu

Then there’s the favorite one piece option. There are so many different types of one pieces, you can pick one based on your style and taste. Want to be a little sexy and show skin? Wear a monokini. Want to make sure your stomach is covered but look a little coy? Wear a suit that has one shoulder or that is ribbed.

Whether you are a modest individual or a person who likes daring, flirtatious styles, there is something that was made with you in mind.

Both high-waisted bikinis and one-piece swimsuits are designed to be equally modest and alluring so they can be comfortable worn at family events, water parks or huge summer bashes. The possibilities are truly endless and we hope you enjoy and explore them to the fullest before this summer is over.

Until next time ~ ciao!

~Jessica

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Street Style in Tampa Bay

In Events, Fashion, Trends on July 15, 2016 at 2:51 am

In this week’s blog post we are taking it back to the streets! We saw and met some beautiful women this week effortlessly slaying in this Florida heat and we have just got to introduce them to you!

Jessica, a member of University of South Florida faculty, caught up with Fashion Week Tampa Bay just outside of the USF libraryJessica 1

Her skirt came courtesy of, online retailer, Venus.com and her lovely nude colored flats are from DSW. She was are unsure where her top came from due to how long she has had it, but she thinks it may be courtesy of Kohl’s.

 

Looking lovely and regal in what she described as an “old outfit”, she proves those ‘old’ pieces of clothing in your closet can become your classic, go-to pieces.

Next meet USF student Liza. When we saw her camouflage jacket and gladiator sandals, we had to stop and chat it up! There is something so alluring when a look is so complete… so we asked her where she got it.

Liza

The shorts were a random buy but if anyone wants to buy a pair like them, there are tons of summer sales going on online, it just takes some searching. Liza’s shirt is from Forever 21 and the jacket was thrifted from the Anarchist Closet. Her sandals are from TJ Maxx and so is her adorable floral backpack.

It is always so much fun going out and interacting with the ladies of Tampa Bay. Be on the lookout because the next person who may end up on here may be you! 🙂

Much love and kisses from the Tampa Bay Fashion Week team, ciao!

Working Out In Style

In Events, Fashion, Trends, Updates on July 6, 2016 at 8:24 am

If you are health conscious like some of us, you (sometimes) love to work out!

Looking good makes you feel good. When you feel good while working out, you are more likely to be motivated to push yourself and accomplish fitness goals.

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Image by Amanda Mills, USCDCP

Exercise is also known to boost your confidence and overall self-esteem. So why not give yourself an extra boost, by working out in style? Nothing beats wearing an outfit that looks better every time you sweat in it. If you aren’t sure how to do that, don’t worry, we have some tips for you below.

The first article of clothing you’ll need is a pair of leggings!

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Image by The Onezie Crew

They are very comfortable and can be worn for almost every physical activity. The very first pair of leggings you buy should be black. Sweat stains will be nonexistent and black is everyone’s color.

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DON’T wear makeup when working out. I know it seems like a given but some makeup products are marketed as sweat-proof, giving women a false sense of protection. Sweat mixed with makeup of any kind leads to clogged pores and acne.

So be the best you, the fresh-face you, when you are ready to go out and sweat!

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Image by Yoga Education

Tops with built-in sports bras are perfect for creating the ultimate support. Make sure the shirt fits snug to your body to avoid any extra fabric slowing you down.

If you are a runner, cyclist, do yoga or like to lift weights the old fashioned way, yoga shorts are for you.

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Image by skeeze

Built-in sports bras are fitted to your body and allow for maximum body movement. For cool nights or gyms that blast the air conditioning, get a windbreaker. Look for “wick away” pieces because they pull moisture away from the body so it can evaporate easier.

For our bold readers, may we recommend a throwback to the 80s: leotards and unitards!

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Image by Gromovataya

We absolutely love them! You can mix and match them with yoga shorts, leggings, baggy sweats or just wear them as they are. With these, the possibilities are truly endless.

Putting your hair up in a high knot, messy bun, a pony tail, or a couple of corn rows will have you looking super girly and cute as you get your glow on.

Image by Maegan Tintari
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Images by Maegan Tintari, Evula , ShekinahShazaam, Ranveig

All aforementioned styles are super easy to achieve and give you a casual look that can be worn in and out the gym. For those of us who like to get up and go, visors are your best friend.

Once you have the basics, the world is your oyster. Buy some of the aforementioned pieces in different colors, mix and match and make sure to have fun (and share your pics with us on Facebook and Instagram)!

Until next time, ciao!

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Tampa Bay Fashion Week 2015

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends, Updates on September 20, 2015 at 4:38 pm

FullSizeRender (10)Tampa Bay Fashion Week just wrapped up our 8th annual event (Sept. 16-19, 2015)! This year came with a new designer-centric format – instead of a runway show, we held trunk shows as well as fashion presentations. Our designer trunk shows were held at what we called PURE Haus (PURE = Pop Up Retail Experience).

PURE Haus was held at International Plaza and Bay Street and allowed people to meet with the designers and shop their collections. Our pop-up shop was open the duration of the mall hours (10am-9pm), and at designated times during our week, fashion lovers and the public enjoyed a presentation of the designers collections on display.

On Wednesday, Sept. 16 and Thursday, Sept. 17, the following fashion designers showed:

Accessuri by Rachana Suri: A focus on eco-organic fashion with a purpose of giving women a choice to purchase earth-sustaining products. Rachana also uses her clothing line to bring awareness to the issue of human trafficking and how to stop the epidemic. Rachana shares her mission on ABC Action News here.

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Accessuri by Rachana Suri

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Allison Elizabeth Design by Allison Bailey: This is Allison Bailey’s first time showing in Tampa Bay Fashion Week, and she showed her latest swimwear collection at this year’s event, highlighting high-waisted styles, lace and more and boldly highlighting women’s confidence!

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Allison Elizabeth Designs by Allison Bailey

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CAITE by Karyn Seo: After 30 years in the industry Karyn believed that by launching her own company she would be able to be the best mother when her daughter was born while maintaining a strong and healthy career in the fashion industry. Karyn showcased a contemporary clothing collection with unique embroidery designed for all women.

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Caite by Karyn Seo

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Jessica Martinez: A recent graduate from Sanford Brown IADT School of Design, Jessica brought her one-of-a-kind designs, all made by hand. She is excited about her future in the fashion industry and we’re excited to see where the future takes her!

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Jessica Martinez

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Rhonda Shear Couture: Always a showstopper, Rhonda featured her couture dress collection this year, as well as her lounge wear and intimate apparel. The goal for her designs are to embrace the female body and all of it’s curves while remaining comfortable!

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Rhonda Shear Couture

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On Friday, Sept. 18 and Saturday, Sept. 19, we had:

Magenta by Wendy Ohlendorf: From Portland, OR, Wendy brought her modern and romantic one-of-a-kind dresses to our stage. Wendy’s love of creativity and travel are very apparent in her designs, as each piece represented a work of art.

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Magenta by Wendy Ohlendorf

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Magenta by Wendy Ohlendorf

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Cerulean Blu by Desiree Noisette: Desiree brought us her colorful resort wear collection based out of St. Petersburg, FL, with soft fabrics and artistic designs. The variety of lengths, styles and colors, make Cerulean Blu’s collection easy transitional pieces to wear any time of the day.

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Cerulean Blu by Desiree Noisette

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Cerulean Blu by Desiree Noisette

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Cerulean Blu by Desiree Noisette

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Be-Bops Custom Swimwear by Priscilla Kidder: Priscilla is committed to providing custom swimwear that helps women feel more confident in what they wear. Her goal is to help all women feel beautiful and comfortable while wearing swimwear that flatters in her vintage style, quality collection.

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Be-Bops Custom Swimwear by Priscilla Kidder

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Oscar de la Portilla Escandon: Traveling all the way from Cuba, Oscar brought garments that are all hand-painted and vibrant in color. He mixed art, stones and metals into his unique and inspiring Spring 2016 collection.

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Oscar de la Portilla Escandon

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Elizabeth Racker Designs: Ready-to-wear apparel that is fashion-forward, Elizabeth brings high-quality garments that are perfect for any occasion. Always staying up on the latest fashion trends, Elizabeth makes sure that what you will be wearing is eye catching and unique!

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Elizabeth Carson Racker Designs

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Elizabeth Carson Racker Designs

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Elizabeth Carson Racker Designs

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In addition to all of the spectacular designers we had showing this year, we also enjoyed a special Student Designer Showcase from Sanford Brown IADT School of Design. The students designers included: Francesca Buot, Jessenia Ocasio and Lakesha Johnson.

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Sanford Brown IADT School of Design: Francesca Buot, Jessenia Ocasio and Lakesha Johnson

This year’s beneficiary Dress For Success, and we held a purse drive the duration of the PURE Haus event. Thank you to those who donated purses! Dress For Success helps women thrive in their work and life. The mission of Dress for Success Tampa Bay is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support, and the career development tools to help women to thrive in work and in life.

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We appreciate all of you who came out to support Tampa Bay Fashion Week! If you have pictures you would like to share, we invite you to use #TBFW #FWTB #TBFASHIONWEEK!

Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Learn how you can get involved by visiting our website and subscribe to our emails!

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~FWTB Stylista Rechael

Bey Day Event 2015

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends on September 4, 2015 at 2:33 pm

IMG_2029On Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015 Tampa Bay threw Beyonce a birthday bash with party planning from our friends at The Ritz Ybor! This was the first annual Bey Day event, and the Tampa Bay crowd celebrated Beyonce by showing off their fierce style, and enjoying tribute entertainment and dancing the night away to the best music from the Queen B(ey)! There was also something extra special about this event, as a portion of the proceeds went to Chime for Change which Beyonce. This campaign will help promote education and health to girls and women all over the world.

Tampa Bay Fashion Week was a featured sponsor and we were excited to be a part of this celebratory night! The FWTB team and 2015 featured designers, including: Elizabeth Carson Racker and Marie Crane of Rhonda Shear Enterprises were there to judge the “Freakum Dress” contest. Contestants arrived showing their best Sasha Fierce style! The winner of this contest won a bottle of Jay-Z’s Ace of Spades and also a $100 cash prize. Our winner was not only fabulous but she brought her best Sasha Fierce style – congratulations to Danielle!

Here are some fierce and fabulous photos from the Bey Day event!

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{The winner of the “Freakum Dress” contest!}

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{L-R: Fashion lovers, designer Elizabeth Carson Racker and Marie Crane of Rhonda Shear ~ Tampa Bay Fashion Week 2015 featured designers who were also Bey Day judges for the night!}

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It was a fun night celebrating the birthday of Beyonce!

Designer Chat 2015: Cerulean Blu by Desiree Noisette

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends on August 26, 2015 at 3:07 pm

Desiree-Noisette-small-200x300Desiree Noisette is the founder of Cerulean Blu and her hopes are to bring the tropical vibes to everyday life. This year Desiree will bring paradise through her resort wear line to Fashion Week Tampa Bay!

Here are some interesting facts about Desiree!

Favorite piece of clothing or accessory right now?
My favorite, go-to piece of clothing right now is my mint scalloped-edge tank top.  It’s a sample from my new collection, but I cannot stop wearing it.  It goes with everything, layers like a champ and will be a perfect transition piece into fall/winter.  It’s my new classic tank.

Why did you pursue a career in fashion? If you weren’t a designer, what else would you be doing?
Fashion is actually my second career.  I used to be a construction law attorney at a firm in Tampa.  I got involved in fashion because I believe fashion has the power to help women feel confident and beautiful.  If I were not involved with fashion, I would probably start a new project – I have an entrepreneurial spirit.

What is the inspiration for your upcoming collection?
My upcoming collection is inspired by the woman in search of paradise.  I feel like we have it in St. Pete – in our community, the landscape, the beautiful ocean – and I believe my collection reflects our lifestyle.

Three words to describe your new collection?
Beauty & tropical sophistication.

Favorite place to get coffee or tea?
Banyan Coffee & Tea in St. Pete – they have THE BEST eggs, bacon and mochas.

Favorite place to travel/vacation?
Right now, Puerto Rico is my favorite place to vacation.  It is where my husband proposed and I found out I was pregnant with my little boy, AJ.  We have beautiful memories on that island.

Do you have a secret talent?
I can moonwalk.

The company’s flagship retail boutique is located at 400 Beach Drive, Suite 161 in Downtown St. Petersburg, Florida

~FWTB Stylista Rechael

Designer Chat 2015: Magenta by Wendy Ohlendorf

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends, Updates on August 18, 2015 at 12:13 am

Wendy OhlendorfIt is evident that Wendy Ohlendorf finds her inspiration through travel and art in her one of a kind pieces. Her love for design and history also appear in the workmanship of her apparel designs. Wendy will bring unique, one-of-a-kind, crafted designs to Fashion Week Tampa Bay this year!

Here are some interesting facts from Wendy!

–Favorite piece of clothing or accessory right now? I am loving my leather wrap around ankle strap pointed booties.  This summer’s delicate florals and romantic dresses paired with these urban yet feminine booties give just the right edge and show off my personal style.

–What is the inspiration for your upcoming collection? The collection began with roots in a marriage of matadors and concubines.  This idea began to manifest itself into the story of the Silk Road and the colors of the spice trade.  An intersection of southern Europe and Asia.

–Three words to describe your new collection? Cultural, Vivid, East Meets West

–Guilty pleasure TV show? I don’t have cable TV, I rely on Apple TV which offers the new HBO Now.  All seasons of Sex and the City are available to watch on demand…I started at the beginning!!! I love these icons of Fashion, Life and Friendship.

–What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received and from who? It was advice from my higher self.  In 2012 I went to Paris.  During my trip I went by the House of Balmain where I saw a dress that I had admired in a magazine on the plane.  The  couture gown that I had seen was right there in the window.  It was at that moment, clear as a bell, that I heard in my own voice that I needed to pursue my passion and fulfill my dreams.  I came home and I have done just that.  Never looking back.  And incredibly grateful for that moment of magical advice from my soul.

–Favorite place to get coffee or tea? I live in Portland Oregon, we have coffee shops everywhere!!!! Just down the street from my showroom is a place called Lauretta Jean’s.  They are famous for their homemade pies and biscuits, but also serve Water Avenue Roasters Coffee, my favorite!

–One item you will never leave home without? My passport

–Favorite place to travel/vacation? Paris France…see the story above and you will know why!!!

–Do you have a secret talent? I am a fine artist for many years….I suppose my secret talent lies in my paintings.  I paint large murals that are often backdrops for window displays in my showroom.

Learn more about Magenta by Wendy Ohlendorf at: www.magentapdx.com, and visit her Flagship Boutique on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

~FWTB Stylista Rechael

couchPortland Monthly April 2015

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Designer Chat 2015: Priscilla Kidder

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends, Updates on August 18, 2015 at 12:08 am

priscillakidderPriscilla Kidder hopes to make women feel more comfortable in swimwear. She is bringing her custom swimwear to this year’s Fashion Week Tampa Bay.

Here are some interesting facts from Priscilla!

–Why did you pursue a career in fashion? I never pursued a career in high fashion, yet, as a lifelong seamstress, this is where I have found myself!  I have never been satisfied with off the rack garments. In pursuit of quality fabrics, combined with designs that flatter my own body, I began designing swimwear. I resist purchasing any clothing made in a factory if possible, and am usually wearing clothing that I have made, including undergarments! I did as a child, draw and design pictures of clothes for my paper dolls, and I always made clothes for my Barbies, but I suspect most little girls do this.

-What is the inspiration for your upcoming collection? My upcoming collection will be classic, body flattering basics combined with a few retro prints. Think Beach Party Bingo!

–What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received and from who? The best piece of advice was from Joey Goodrich, a designer and mentor for me. She told me once, “You know more than you think you know.” which gave me the courage to free cut designs when inspired to do so.

– One item you will never leave home without? An item I almost always have is my small round tip Famore scissors which are clipped to my waistband. I constantly use them while sewing and they are the perfect size.

–Favorite place to travel/vacation? My favorite place to travel is to a small island in Maine. I have been visiting there since I married my husband 29 years ago!  My second favorite place is diving in the Florida Keys!

–Do you have a secret talent? My secret talent is the ability to do strict pull ups, lots of them!

To learn more about Be-Bops Custom Swimwear, visit: http://be-bops.com/ or visit Be-Bops on Facebook and Instagram.

~FWTB Stylista Rechael

Designer Chat 2015: Jessica Martinez

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends, Updates on August 12, 2015 at 11:56 pm

Jessica Martinez Designer HeadshotJessica Martinez is a recent graduate from Sanford Brown and is very excited to see what the future holds for her. This is the first time showing her designs at Tampa Bay Fashion Week!

Here are some interesting facts from Jessica!

–Favorite piece of clothing or accessory right now clothing? High-waisted jeans!  They accentuate and flatter all body types.  What a great concept! Accessories – IN LOVE with the leather and chained harnesses I have been recently seeing. They are definitely statement pieces that add edge to any look.

–Why did you pursue a career in fashion? If you weren’t a designer, what else would you be doing?

1.) I pursued a career in fashion because I realized it was the only thing I was interested in.  A hint for me was… I can’t memorize most things to save my life but I can tell you where any apparel brand is sold and its price points.

2.) I couldn’t image pursuing any other career.  I think I would be very unhappy if I had to but if I had to choose, another profession, I would be a writer.

–Three words to describe your new collection? Trendy, Edgy and Unique

–Guilty pleasure TV show? Project Runway OF COURSE!  I NEVER miss an episode.

–What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received and from who?  “Do What You Love and Love What You Do” I have heard this quote so many times and I am not certain who said it first but I remember how it made me feel the first time I heard it.  I knew that was going to be me and my driving force. I see so many people who work at a job their whole lives and they are miserable and I just felt there has to be a better way.  I remember someone telling me that ‘fashion wasn’t a job most people pursue. It isn’t a safe or secure field to invest’ but I told myself I was going to make it work.

– One item you will never leave home without? My Flatiron!

–Favorite place to travel/vacation? I’ve never really been able to travel up to this point in my life but when I go on vacations, it’s usually to go visit family.

–Do you have a secret talent?  I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to write.  I write my own version of poetry.  At any time, my mind can begin to recite my feelings about anything, a certain event or time and I have to write it down right away so I don’t lose the thought. I started carrying around a notebook in my purse just in case this occurs.  However, the time I write the best is at like 2am when the rest of the world is sleeping.

Learn more about Jessica by clicking here.

~FWTB Stylista Rechael