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Archive for the ‘Fashion’ Category

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Surreal: Colorful Statement Shoes

In Designers, Fashion, Trends on November 16, 2010 at 9:05 am

Making a fashion statement is like taking a short cut through a terrifying forest. It’s far from being safe… living on the dangerous side is more like it! It’s risky business – your fashion statement could be saying the wrong thing. Don’t get me wrong, there’s good reasoning to make the statement and worth the risk. Particularly if you’re a fashionista who loves unique pieces that make a statement all on their own. Sounds like me! This is why I choose some surreal shoes that will make a loud fashion statement of being unique, colorful and fashionably bold.

The first statement shoe is the Angel Bootie by Alexander McQueen. These shoes were a part of McQueen’s last collection before his early and unexpected death. Royalty would be honored to wear such a beautiful craftsmanship pair of gold heels.

These gorgeous blue ankle booties are made by Pollini for Manish Arora. Feel like a goddess from Hercules’ time! The royal blue color makes them POP while the three-dimensional gold detail steals some of the attention from the vibrant blue color.

Make a fashion statement by having a cool do on your…feet? These Palais Mohawk pumps in purple suede made by Yves Saint Laurent will surely make your feet stand out. The cool girl with a rebellious attitude will love making a fashion statement with these bad boys.

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Unintentionally Chic

In Designers, Fashion, Trends on November 11, 2010 at 5:03 am

I work in an office that likes to offer themed dress days as the holidays near.  Today happened to be ’80s day.  As I passed one of my co-workers in the hall, I could not help but turn to admire her ensemble.  While I am quite certain that her intention was to look as ridiculous as possible, she accomplished quite the opposite.  She was in fact, unintentionally chic.

Leopard print often bores me in traditional tan and black.  Green, however is a completely different story.  Over these fabulous leggings, she wore a denim mini and neon yellow top.  Her long brown hair was tied to the side, perfectly completing the theme.  All throughout the day, I could not help but think of her fabulous accident.  In fact, she looked as if she had stepped out of a Betsey Johnson ad.

My experience today has brought me to the conclusion that fashion is such a powerful and never-ending force, we may not always need to try as hard as we think.  This is certainly not to say that we should just close our eyes and put together whatever happens to fall out of our closet.  However, if we just loosen up a little, we may find new and exciting fashion possibilities beyond our wildest dreams.

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Ancient Inspiration

In Designers, Fashion, Trends on October 23, 2010 at 6:39 pm

Watching a recent episode of Project Runway, I found myself paying more attention to Heidi Klum’s ensemble than what was being put onto the runway.  Her judge’s chair seemed to resemble a throne as she sat proudly in a gold shimmering top, neckline adorned with blue and silver jewels.  Where had I seen this look before?  Ancient Egypt, perhaps?  With her glowing skin and perfectly styled bob, Heidi did in fact, resemble an ancient queen.

After thoroughly admiring the star’s look, I began to wonder what other modern twists on ancient beauty graced today’s fashion world.  Badgley Mischka’s most recent collection features a seductively fluid gown in light aqua.  The one shoulder detail is wonderfully reminiscent of a Roman toga, especially with coordinating gold jewelry.

A few collections ago, Alexander McQueen presented a collection taken straight from the Dark Ages.  Several pieces resembled fashion forward armor, complete with feather adorned helmets.  One exquisite gown befitting of a medieval princess revealed delicate chiffon peeking through a beautifully sculpted robe-like garment.

After browsing a plethera of collections, I found more ancient Egypt and a few Grecian inspired pieces.  Beautiful draping and shining embellishment is certainly no modern idea.  In fact, the roots of nearly any spectacular garment can probably be found at the Smithsonian.

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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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Exotic Couture

In Designers, Events, Fashion on September 24, 2010 at 1:23 pm

Three times a charm, for this innovative designer as she participates in her 3rd year in Fashion Week Tampa Bay. Each year, Audrey “Pat” McGhee brings exotic, innovative and elegant designs to the runway. Through her 20 years of fashion industry experience, Pat has done everything from retail to wardrobe styling.

APM Images is an urban couture label for mature woman who epitomizes pure confidence. Her collection offers clothing for women of all shapes and sizes.

Last Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2009 season, Pat rocked the runway with her untamed wild prints and theatrical showcase. I’m sure Pat will wow the audience once again at Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2010!

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Well Model Behaved

In Designers, Events, Fashion on September 24, 2010 at 1:23 pm

On Wednesday, September 22, Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2010 kicked off the annual event with a VIP Model Behavior cocktail party at Clearwater Audi, Fashion Week Tampa Bay’s 2010 presenting sponsor.

The night was filled with fashion, fun, and fast cars. As attendees sipped on Conelly cocktails and enjoyed hors d’oeuvres from Grillsmith, Stone Chefs and Mitchell’s Fish Market, they got to test out some of Audi’s luxury cars.

VIP guests got the chance to behave or mis-behave like a model, dressed to the ‘nines’ and were photographed in front of Fashion Week Tampa Bay’s red carpet.

I spent the night chatting with Fashion Week Tampa Bay designers and models about what to expect Friday, September 24 on the runway. Although I received tons of good details, unfortunately I will be keeping lips sealed on this one. Come check out the Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2010 runway show at the Armature building for a night you won’t forget.

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Glitz, Glamour, Fashion II

In Events, Fashion, Updates on September 23, 2010 at 12:42 am

Fashion Week Tampa Bay has finally arrived in full, fabulous force!  On Thursday, September 23rd, Sherí Taber, The Peak Performance Group, Inc. and Joyce Cotton invite you to Glitz, Glamour, Fashion II as Neiman Marcus hosts a night of true decadance.  Presented by Audi and Tampa Bay Fashion Week, Tampa Bay’s “A” list will come out for a night of fashion and fun at Glitz, Glamour, Fashion II.  The best part?  It is all happening for a great cause: PACE Center For Girls!

Guests will sip complementary cocktails as they take in the beautiful fashion ambiance that is Neiman Marcus.  Join us from 6-8:30 p.m. and be a part of the glamour.  Not only will you experience high-end fashion at its finest while helping a cause, but you can also enter to win luxury items!

It would be absolutely tragic to miss a moment of Fashion Week Tampa Bay.  From the dazzling parties to the big runway show, 2010 is going to be amazing.

Visit http://glitzglamfashion2.eventbrite.com/ to purchase tickets for this fabulous event!