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Archive for the ‘Events’ Category

Monstruosité by Dolly Donshey: The Seven Devils Showcase

In Designers, Events, Fashion on March 26, 2013 at 2:31 pm

In February we were fortunate enough to attend Dolly Donshey of Monstruosité’s showcase at Martini Republic in the heart of Downtown Tampa. Titled “Seven Devils,” the Fall/Winter 2013-14 collection was a representation of the seven deadly sins through fashion, video, music and drama.

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The Seven Devils showcase was as unique as Dolly Donshey’s designs. The audience was mesmerized by the theatrics of the show as the models impersonated each of their deadly sins to Ms. Donshey’s poetic narration.photo 2

Monstruosité’s Fall/Winter 2013-14 collection stayed very true to its theme. The designs, the story behind the collection, the luminous makeup and hair pieces down to the glitter-infused faux blood covering the models’ limbs – the showcase did not miss a beat. Although, this does not come as a surprise for work produced by TBFW Designer 2011 & 2012, Dolly Donshey.

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We look forward to the bright future of Dolly Donshey and the beyond ingenious and artistic work yet to come from Monstruosité.

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~Jenna

Golden Globe Awards: Who Wore What?

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends on January 15, 2013 at 6:23 pm

Only a few short days after the People’s Choice Awards (see our review here), Hollywood was at it again as last night marked the 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards.” This year’s show was hosted by the hilarious estrogen duo of Tina Fey (30 Rock) and Amy Poehler (Parks & Recreation). The Golden Globes celebrates the accomplishments of both TV and movies as it takes place at the legendary Beverly Hilton Hotel. Everyone knows this is the “Miss Cleo” of award shows, as a lot of recipients from last night, have an even better chance to take home the coveted Oscar at this year’s Academy Awards (Feb. 24th). While some of you may be movie buffs and have your DVR full to the max of your favorite networks shows…my fellow fashionistas and I look forward to the incredible style, fashion, and abundance of sequins and faux fur that grace this iconic Hollywood evening. So c’mon stars and starlets…show us what ya got!

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Tina Fey is strutting a custom L’Wren Scott dress that is paying a tribute to the 50’s era due to its cut and length. She pulls it off well as it shows her glamorous side while still remaining quirky. Amy Poehler shocked the crowd as she sports a custom Stella McCartney tux, revealing a sexy deep V. Both of these comedic leading ladies couldn’t have looked better as for tonight, all eyes on Hollywood are on them. (Image: celebrity-gossip.net)

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Anne Hathaway looks absolutely radiant in this white beaded Chanel gown. The Les Miserables star looks flawless with her pixie hair cut, and this proves that simplicity can be all you need. (Image: Huffington Post)

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Adele made her Golden Globes debut this year, as her hit song Skyfall was nominated and won at this years show. She is wearing a Burberry gown that is pure Adele-style. It’s very modest and the detailing at the decolletage is a nice touch. The talented songstress is looking gorgeous as she recently gave birth to her first child. (Image: RedCarpetFashionAwards.com)

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Sofia Vergara glistened on the red carpet as she pulled off a Michael Cinco gown exceptionally well. Her hair is simple, her makeup is clean, and she has done the fashion gods justice once again. Bravo! (Image: FabSugar.com)

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Jennifer Lopez was the definition of sexy and classy as she wore a Zuhair Murad sheer gown, complete with lace. Notoriously known for making statements on the red carpet, Jennifer Lopez is a contender for this years “Best Dressed” at the Globes. (Image: RedCarpetFashionAwards.com)

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Kate Hudson rocks the red carpet with this amazing piece by Alexander McQueen. While it’s hard to not kill it when wearing McQueen, Hudson definitely turns up the volume and does the late designer justice in every way. Another contender for my “Best Dressed” list! (Image: RedCarpetFashionAwards.com)

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Michelle Dockery made heads turn as she showed up in an Alexandre Vauthier Fall 2012 Couture gown. Gorgeous lace with impeccable detail from the bust to the cap sleeve, and a seamless white crepe bottom made this star another possibility for this year’s “Best Dressed.” (Image: RedCarpetFashionAwards.com)

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Olivia Munn is seen here absolutely killing it in a Giorgio Armani Spring 2013 dress. The black and turquoise zig zag top is interesting and appealing to the eye, as the bottom black portion is sleek and sexy. Job well done, Olivia! (Image credit: RedCarpetFashionAwards.com)

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Nicole Kidman has done it! She wins this years “Best Dressed” …according to me, at this year’s Golden Globes. Alexander McQueen does it again as this dress is everything the Golden Globes truly stands for. It’s elegant, sexy and a little off the edge, and Kidman commands the red carpet like a true Hollywood icon should. Congrats Nicole! (Image credit: Glamour.com)

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Lucy Liu took an extremely bold chance as she chose this printed Caroline Herrera dress. It’s shocking at first, but I have to admit I find it to be absolutely BEAUTIFUL! One of the very few prints we have seen on the red carpet this season and only a star like Liu could pull it off! (Image: Glamour.com)

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Kerry Washington plays up the sex factor and succeeds tremondously with this Miu Miu jewel encrusted gown. While not floor length, her rocker chic hair and closed-toe shoes makes this look a must-see for this evening. (Image: Glamour.com)

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Katharine McPhee looks beyond amazing in this black Theyskens’ Theory gown. The Smash star is looking mature, sexy and confident as she is this year’s runner up for “Best Dressed.” (Image: Glamour.com)

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Nicole Richie screams old time Hollywood as the jewel encrusted, long sleeve Naeem Khan gown is definitely working in her favor. Everything from the loose curls in her hair to the House of Harlow clutch, Richie nailed it! (Image: Glamour.com)

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Zachary Levi looks beyond adorable and extremely handsome in this midnight blue tux. A man who has the confidence and the ability to pull off anything but a black tux gets major points from me 🙂 “Best Dressed” male for me this year by far. (Image: Fresherthanchris.com)

There you have it! Only a small look at what is known to be the biggest (and possibly sloppiest) party/award show of the year. The Academy Awards (Feb. 24) are sneaking up on us and I’ll be back to give all of you the latest scoop on the hottest looks.

People’s Choice Awards 2013: The Good & The Bad

In Events, Fashion, Trends, Updates on January 11, 2013 at 10:21 am

After the bustle of the holidays, everyone is winding down except for our friends on the West Coast. January marks not only the beginning of a New Year but also the start of AWARD SEASON! That’s right, it’s that time again where we see our beloved celebrity idols and crushes either make it or break it on the red carpet. Nothing is better than having your closest friends over, while cracking a few bottles of wine and dishing on this season’s hottest looks as they grace our televisions. The award show to always kick off award season is the “People’s Choice Awards” which aired last night. This is one of the more low key award shows, however, it is one of the most fun red carpets to watch! The reason for this is that the setting isn’t extremely formal like the Academy Awards and/or terribly casual like the “Teen Choice Awards.” It’s a happy medium, which makes the fashion insanely interesting. This is when celebrities get a chance to truly express themselves in what they wear, and their looks can either range from casual chic to elegant glamour. Another reason why I’m drawn to the “People’s Choice Awards” show is that it draws talent from all areas; movies, TV and music. It’s rare that you get all three categories in one show. Let’s take a look at this year’s hit and misses of the 2013 “Peoples Choice Awards.”

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Kaley Cuoco was once again this year’s host for the 2nd time in a row and is seen here wearing a fair pink Christian Siriano Dress, Giuseppe Zanotti shoes, and Dana Reecca Designs Jewelry. I’m not crazy about this look, and I think it’s too “cute-sy.” What do you think?

Taylor Swift shocked all of us this year and looks absolutely stunning in this stark white Ralph Lauren gown, complete with dangling turquoise earrings. The 23 year old newly single songstress sure can rock the camera! She is definitely my pick for ‘Best Dressed’ at this year's “People’s Choice Awards.”

Taylor Swift shocked all of us this year and looks absolutely stunning in this stark white Ralph Lauren gown, complete with dangling turquoise earrings. The 23 year old newly single songstress sure can rock the camera! She is definitely my pick for ‘Best Dressed’ at this year’s “People’s Choice Awards.”

Lea Michele is seen here in a shockingly bright pink, fun, and flirty mini dress, completely embellished by Ellie Saab. I applaud Michele for making such a drastic choice as this creation also has sheer cutouts from front to back. On glee this season we are noticing how major of a body Michele has, and golf claps to her for showing it off! This isn’t my favorite look of the night, but this just shows you how diverse the “Peoples Choice Awards” can get.

Lea Michele is seen here in a shockingly bright pink, fun, and flirty mini dress, completely embellished by Ellie Saab. I applaud Michele for making such a drastic choice as this creation also has sheer cutouts from front to back. On glee this season we are noticing how major of a body Michele has, and golf claps to her for showing it off! This isn’t my favorite look of the night, but this just shows you how diverse the “Peoples Choice Awards” can get.

Ashley Rickards looks sophisticated and mature in this stunning Aidan Mattox gown. The color is a neutral and really makes her gorgeous chocolate brown hair pop. The detail in that triangular beading is sick...which is a good thing :)

Ashley Rickards looks sophisticated and mature in this stunning Aidan Mattox gown. The color is a neutral and really makes her gorgeous chocolate brown hair pop. The detail in that triangular beading is sick…which is a good thing 🙂

Julianne Hough made sure everyone noticed her tonight as she frocked down the red carpet in this amazing Tony Ward Couture cocktail dress. The adorable closed toe shoes are none other than Guiseppe Zanotti and the short hair is definitely working in her favor. It’s nice to see Hough in a more covered up dress, as it’s a change up from her normal flesh flashing costumes on “Dancing with the Stars”.

Julianne Hough made sure everyone noticed her as she frocked down the red carpet in this amazing Tony Ward Couture cocktail dress. The adorable closed-toe shoes are none other than Guiseppe Zanotti and the short hair is definitely working in her favor. It’s nice to see Hough in a more covered up dress, as it’s a change up from her normal flesh flashing costumes on “Dancing with the Stars.”

Naomi Watts amped up the game tonight as she appeared bold and flawless. An Alexander McQueen Resort ’13 gown is a unique number, however it works for her. With that sexy open back, it’s no wonder that this star has lots of things to smile about.

Naomi Watts amped up the game as she appeared bold and flawless. An Alexander McQueen Resort ’13 gown is a unique number, however, it works for her. With that sexy open back, it’s no wonder that this star has lots of things to smile about.

While some starlets have made incredible feats in the fashion category last night…others didn’t exactly. Take a look at some of the stars who should’ve also let the people choose what they were going to wear.

Jennifer Aniston has finally done it. After always looking beyond incredible in her perfect glowing skin and killer body...the hollywood veteran has finally made a fashion DISASTER. Everything is wrong with this look from Christian Dior. It appears she is ready to play the rom-com version of “Gladiator”. Sorry Jen, maybe next year.

Jennifer Aniston has finally done it. After always looking beyond incredible in her perfect glowing skin and killer body…it appears she is ready to play the rom-com version of “Gladiator.”Sorry Jen, maybe next year.

Heidi Klum is generally associated as a fashion icon with her impeccable looks and vast experience as a model. However, even though she has a rockin’ body, she has missed the mark for me on last night’s dress. This Julien McDonald gown has me thinking Princess Leia slave couture...anyone else get that vibe?

Heidi Klum is generally associated as a fashion icon with her impeccable looks and vast experience as a model. However, even though she has a rockin’ body, she has missed the mark for me on last night’s dress. This Julien McDonald gown has me thinking Princess Leia slave couture…anyone else get that vibe?

Paris Hilton is known for lots of things, and now the most recent will be her winning my “Worst Dressed” title for this years “People’s Choice Awards”. This scantily clad dress is all sorts of wrong, while the shoes don’t help. Sorry Paris, but...nice try.

Paris Hilton is known for lots of things, and now the most recent will be her winning my “Worst Dressed” title for this years “People’s Choice Awards.” This scantily clad dress is all sorts of wrong, while the shoes don’t help. Sorry Paris, but…nice try.

Eddie Redmayne is pulling off a rugged yet polished look in this tartan print suit, completed with all the right accessories, including the black vest. Congratulations Redmayne, you’re this years “Best Dressed Male”!

Eddie Redmayne is pulling off a rugged yet polished look in this tartan print suit, completed with all the right accessories, including the black vest. Congratulations Redmayne, you’re this year’s “Best Dressed Male”!

Well, we have taken only a glimpse into the good and the bad when it came to fashion at this year’s “People’s Choice Awards.” It’s a new year and award season 2013 is well underway. Next up is the “Golden Globe Awards” which takes place on January 13th. A whole new breed of glamour and glitz awaits and I can’t wait to share with you all that Hollywood has to offer once again!

From the Beach to the Boudoir

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends on October 18, 2012 at 2:29 am

From lingerie to swimwear, we all want to show a little skin.  Fashion does not end at the beach, or even the bedroom.  At Tampa Bay Fashion Week, the fabulously sexy Rhonda Shear brought plenty of excitement to the Boudoir with satin, sequins and lace.

In the area of swimwear, Essence Flowers has broken the mold in a most fabulous manner.  Featuring unique short sleeved pieces, plus size options and I must say that since the night of the show, I have been considering wearing a glittering masquerade mask to the beach.

Sometimes, the most amazing fashion comes from the least amount of fabric.

A Night Filled with Vibrance

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends on October 8, 2012 at 4:27 am

If the runways of Tampa Bay were anything, they were vibrant and exciting!  The much anticipated Rogerio Martins collection began with a very couture living snow flower, to give it one description.  Next came an abundance of colorful vibrance in flattering silhouettes.  A bit of Brazilian flavor brought to Tampa….what could be more perfect?

Another incredible designer, Lapratto brought surprising splashes of color in the form of ruffles and a stunning over-sized flower.

With so many amazing pieces, you may need to take a moment to let all of the fashion sink in.  I know I did!

There was Fencing, Feathers and More!

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends, Updates on October 4, 2012 at 9:25 am

The big show for Tampa Bay Fashion Week 2012 turned out to be a fashion extravaganza, the likes of which I have never seen!  From a fencing-inspired collection to corsets and feathers, creativity was certainly at its finest.

Who doesn’t love a girl who knows how to hold a sword?  Inspired by the age old sport of fencing, House of Donshey presented a fabulous collection filled with sexy corsets and dazzling accessories.

In the spirit of corsets, feathers and everything fabulous, Wicked Betty also presented a delightfully sinful collection.

Between House of Donshey and Wicked Betty,  there was a plethora of fantasy, sparkle and  sex appeal.  Who doesn’t love that?

Ashton Anderson: A Dream Come True

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends on September 25, 2012 at 6:21 am

Since the day that John Galliano created a shameful scandal resulting in his immediate dismissal from the House of Dior, I have been waiting for the next great designer to sweep me off my feet.  After Friday night’s runway show presented by Tampa Bay Fashion Week, I am quite certain that Ashton Anderson is my night in shining armor.

Romance, intrigue and magic are just a few words that come to mind.  As the designer’s choice of music took me into some mystical world, I watched in amazement as fantastic pieces of beauty floated by.

Ashton Anderson:  Remember that name.  With such amazing pieces, how could you forget?

Brilliant Runways Soon To Come

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends on September 21, 2012 at 7:01 am

Looking for some excitement?  Never fear, for Brazilian designer Rogerio Martins is on the horizon.  Known for his unique wearable art, Rogerio brings the feminine mystique and culture of Brazil to fashion.

Martins has been showcased in several prestigious venues and was recently chosen as an Outstanding Emerging Designer of the year finalist at the Miami Beach International Fashion Week.  After a peek at some of his work, I would say this honor is well deserved.

Another brilliant talent to hit the stage will be Essence Flowers.  A native of Florida, Essence has made a name for herself with a breathtaking design aesthetic.  From professional cheerleading uniforms to magnificent art pieces which serve as inspiration for entire communities, Essence Flowers is here to bring great things to the runways of Tampa, and throughout the world.

With so many  wonderful garments to be seen, one cannot forget intimates.  Rhonda Shear, former host of USA: Up All Night, creates beautiful sleep and shapewear using only the finest materials.  Challenging  women to embrace their curves, Rhonda Shear Intimates are the perfect accessory to any style.

Are you ready for all that shimmers and shines at Tampa Bay Fashion Week?

Fashion for Every Form

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends on September 20, 2012 at 11:59 pm

You may have heard that Tampa Bay Fashion Week will cater  to a variety of style personalities, but did you know that you will also find something for every beautiful body type, as well?  Audrey Pat is the CEO of a high end urban clothing line for women 25 and older, paying specific attention to those in the size range of 12-24.

Pat views her design skills as a gift from God, allowing her to help women in all stages of life.  From the new bride about to embark on a beautiful journey to the woman recovering from an illness, Audrey Pat has every woman covered.

Another fabulous designer with the female form in mind is Lapratto.  Born from the desire to provide contemporary garments to a new generation of women, Lapratto brings the perfect marriage of classic and modern to the woman who knows what she wants and makes no apologies.

No matter your size or style preference, you are sure to be delighted by a garment or two at Tampa Bay Fashion Week.

Fashion is Art

In Designers, Events, Fashion on September 17, 2012 at 9:35 am

Fashion is about art, diversity and complete freedom of expression.  Tampa Bay Fashion Week will be bringing all of this and more with a plethora of talented designers, catering to each and every fashion desire.

Speaking of desires, Wicked Betty Designs is destined to bring some excitement to the stage.  The artistic collaboration of Nicole Mabalot, owner/designer of Punk Rock Betty clothing and Michelle Cobble, owner of Wicked Threads Wardrobe Styling, Wicked Betty Designs brings a fresh sense of high fashion to edgy and exotic pieces.

If ever there was a perfect example of art in fashion, it would be from Spathose.  “Wearable Sculpture” is the fantastic creation of Scott Durfee and George Medeiros.  Using sustainable, organic materials to create edgy, artistic pieces, the Spathose collection will likely transform the runways of Tampa Bay into a wonderful live museum.

Are your senses tingling yet?  These incredible design teams offer a mere glimpse of the extravagant display of fashion to be seen at next week’s shows.