fashionweektampabay

Archive for the ‘Fashion’ Category

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VIP Model Behavior Soiree

In Designers, Events, Fashion on September 22, 2010 at 5:45 am

It’s hard to believe that this week is Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2010!!! All of our hard work of planning the event has finally paid off! This is my second year coordinating with  the Fashion Week Tampa Bay team and I can honestly say it gets better every year! Besides the runway shows, the cocktail party was my favorite event during last year’s fashion week. Talk about mingling and getting to know all of the talented fashion designers! I ate yummy hors d’oeuvres, chatted with everyone and took a ton of pictures with designers. In the great words of Rachel Zoe, “I die!” Every fashionista had a fantastic night, including myself. “The party was beyond!”

The VIP Model Behavior Soiree is Wednesday, September 22nd from 6 to 9pm. The chic and sleek automobile brand, Audi is our presenting sponsor for this year’s fashion week so the cocktail party will be held at Crown Audi in Clearwater. We will kick off Tampa Bay Fashion Week 2010 with a bang! You have been granted permission to behave like a model – meaning dress up, photo opportunities with designers and mingle with everyone in sight while drinking delicious Conelly cocktails. In addition to (oh yeah, there’s more) watching Audi car demos and eating hors d’oeuvres from Grill Smith, Mitchell’s Fish Market and Stone Chef!

The VIP Model Behavior Soiree is the first of many events! Following the cocktail soiree on Wednesday is the Glitz, Glamour, Fashion II party at Neiman Marcus on Thursday. Then Friday, September 24th is the big day – the boutique and runway shows! Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2010 will end on Saturday with a private invite only fashion social. Oh, I’d say it’s going to be a very busy and stylish week!

Be sure to watch the video below. Freeway Fashion, Tampa Bay Fashion Week sponsor interviewed designers, sponsors and guests during last year’s cocktail soiree. Like always Laura Hunt, stylist/image consultant/journalist/the founder of Freeway Fashion (what can’t she do?) really captured how much fun everyone had beginning fashion week with a cocktail soiree.

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We Mean Business

In Events, Fashion on September 21, 2010 at 8:01 am

Looking for a career in a field that is never dull, always changing, and requires you to constantly re-invent yourself? Consider a career in fashion! The Art Institute of Tampa offers a Fashion & Retail Management program that focuses on the business side of fashion. There is more to fashion then just cutting and sewing a garment. Ever wonder how a Dolce & Gabbana dress goes from the runway to a clothing rack at Neiman Marcus? That’s were Fashion & Retail Management comes into play.

At the Art Institute of Tampa, students will be revealed to the fast-paced industry that requires talented and creative professionals who have a great sense of style and a solid knowledge of the business world.  The Bachelor’s degree program prepares students with the knowledge needed to be successful in the business side of fashion.

Kate Campbell Academic Director of the Fashion & Retail Management Program

The coursework explores the history of fashion through the years, designers in the industry, textiles and how they are produced, why retailers mark-up/down merchandise, and the process of owning or running a boutique including sales and promotions, store management, event planning and product and sales development. Students gain hands-on experience through various opportunities throughout their degree participating in local fashion shows, visual window displays, and even producing their very own fashion show.

The Art Institute of Tampa is a proud sponsor of Fashion Week Tampa Bay. Students have the opportunity to participate in this annual event by assisting designers backstage, dressing the models and/or assist with the production side of a fashion show.

So as you attend Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2010 on September 24th, stop by the Art Institute of Tampa in the Boutique area for more information on how you can have a career that never goes out of style!

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

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Va Va Voom Your Look with VA Cosmetics

In Events, Fashion, Trends on September 20, 2010 at 12:51 pm

No chemicals… no dyes… and no preservatives. It’s taking over the beauty industry faster than the speed of light (exaggeration much.. but you get it). It’s called “mineral makeup” – cosmetic products made of all natural, finely ground minerals from the earth. Unlike traditional makeup, it’s all natural baby! If you haven’t updated your makeup to mineral makeup yet, then it’s time to va va voom your look, ladies -Va Yourself!

Skin care educator and creator of VA Cosmetics, Sneha Dixit has been committed to sharing her professional makeup expertise with women for years. Sneha has taught many women an efficient approach to applying makeup and having a natural flawless makeup look. In addition to providing useful beauty information about keeping your makeup bag tidy and clutter free. We women will clean our bags thoroughly every week or two but wouldn’t it be more practical to simply keep our bags (including our makeup bags) sparkling clean all the time? The key to having your bag sparkling clean is quality not quantity! It’s better to have the essentials instead of the unnecessary.

VA Yourself Cosmetics offers high pigment, long-lasting colors based on a beautiful palette. To keep harmony with nature, they create healthy mineral makeup and paraben-free lip shines. Their products make creating a gorgeous look so easy while enhancing your natural inner and outer beauty. They carry a great variety of different lipstick colors. Perfect, since I always carry three or four different ones at once. My outfits and mood usually determine my lip color though, lately it’s either a refreshing, fashionable nude lip color or fierce wildfire red lips. The VA nude shimmer lip shine will be added to my makeup bag in no time. I love how their nude shimmer will create the illusion of fuller lips. You can purchase Sneha’s products on the VA Cosmetics website or during any of her personal makeup and skin care lessons that are held throughout the year.

Be refreshed… be beautiful… and be ready to va va voom your look with VA Cosmetics! The perfect way to look fabulous for Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2010!

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Please, Direct Me to Beauty Heaven!

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Updates on September 18, 2010 at 8:16 am

Ever been on the search (via the internet) for a new nail salon that’s closer to home? Maybe you’ve googled, binged, and even pulled out the old yellow pages? I was without a beauty heaven, until I came across one of Fashion Week Tampa Bay’s sponsors, Prettycity.com (our sponsor for the past three years – thank you!) The door opened and I saw the light. A beauty Mecca that was right at my fingertips.

At Prettycity.com, I am able to search the top local spas and salons in my city: Tampa Bay. Prettycity.com supports 30 cities in the U.S. including, New York, Los Angeles, and Miami. Along with searching to find my new beauty get-a-way, I’m able to read real reviews from customers about their experiences, plus likes and dislikes on particular companies. Also, the site provides printable coupons for contributing spas and salons and promotional updates in your city.

By becoming a VIPretty, you can receive special updates and attend Prettycity.com events. From now until December, PrettyCity is in partnership with Shape to help celebrate The Beauty Sample Sale. This sale touches numerous cities in the United States. Guests will sample complimentary beauty services courtesy of the world’s prettiest brands, from hair care to skin care from cosmetics to cosmeceuticals.

On my most recent search, not only did I find a new nail salon, I came across new products, celebrity tips and tricks, and consulted with Prettycity.com’s beauty experts about recommended skin care products for my skin type to prepare me for all the Fashion Week Tampa Bay events coming. I got to have my skin along with my dress looking flawless.

As you prepare yourself for Tampa’s most anticipated fashion event of the year, Fashion week Tampa Bay 2010, visit www.Prettycity.com to let them assist you with your beauty needs. See you at the show!

For more information and tickets to Fashion Week Tampa Bay, visit www.fashionweektampabay.com

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Trineice Cagua and JCagua: Perfect Swimwear

In Designers, Events, Fashion on September 17, 2010 at 9:11 am

Though local department stores may decorate with pumpkins and pre-mature Christmas trees, it is always swimsuit season in Tampa Bay.  With bright sophistication and exotic sex appeal, Trineice Cagua brings excitement like no other with her line, JCagua.

With a delightful mixture of colors and prints in high-fashion cuts, the Zimbabwe collection features plenty of suits fit for any tropical princess.  One in particular features a triangle halter top with thin black stripes transcending into neon green for a bit of flavor.  The halter straps provide a thicker material of matching black stripe, looping through the top of the cup for a unique twist on the classic triangle top.  The coordinating bottom utilizes a band of neon green which melts into solid black.  This suit alone certainly provides a wonderful indication of the immense creative talent within  Trineice Cagua.

From the Brush Stroke collection, a dazzling one-piece is cut with a revealing plunge which ends in a u-shape, rather than the traditional V.  In a vibrant watercolor print, the suit is complete with a thin black belt crossing over the mid-section for a bit of grecian inspiration.

Who is the mind behind these brilliant swimwear looks?  Trineice Cagua studied at the International Academy of Design and Technology where she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design and Marketing.  Toward the end of her degree, Trineice came to the realization that her main passion was indeed swimwear.  Driven by her love of Florida’s summers and poolside parties, Trineice founded JCagua.

Currently, Trineice is anxiously awaiting the arrival of Fashion Week where she will present exciting new styles from her line, JCagua.

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Helen Gerro Transforms Art into Fashion

In Designers, Events, Fashion on September 16, 2010 at 8:13 am

Art and fashion have always been interchangeable.  In fact, couture fashion is the very definition of art.  Artist Helen Gerro has transformed her great talent from paintings into fashion.  In the eighties and nineties Gerro’s clothing line could be found in such high end department stores as Nordstrom, and was even highlighted on Oprah.  Gerro’s paintings can be found in prestigious homes and offices throughout France and the U.S.

Helen uses her incredible talent as a painter to bring her vision to life on fabric.  One beautiful gown is presented as a creative bride’s dream with colorful designs mirroring those seen in many a coveted Gerro painting.

This month Helen Gerro will leave her Gulf Coast studio to paint the runways of Fashion Week Tampa Bay with her colorful vision.  From your wall to your closet, Helen Gerro will absolutely bring a vivacious spirit into your world.

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The Academy

In Fashion, Updates on September 15, 2010 at 2:34 pm

When it comes to being a fashion designer, creative passion, knowledge of the industry and design skills are necessary.  Having a wild imagination will also bring you far in this industry filled with “magic makers.” Everyone from the fashion show coordinators to the designers work magic in providing what the final eye sees. So how do you learn these design skills? Let me tell you… trying to teach yourself how to sew isn’t easy! Are designers born with fashion design skill? Doubtful unless you are the great Coco Chanel! What do talented fashion designers like Essence Flowers and Nina Verklas have in common? They are both successful graduates from International Academy of Design and Technology!

International Academy of Design and Technology has several campus locations throughout the U.S. including Tampa (of course), Chicago, Las Vegas, Sacramento and more. You can even attend “The Academy” while being home in your pajamas – online! The design college locations like Tampa focus on helping students acquire innovative design and technology skills while they pursue their dream career. One of the Tampa’s instructors, Terri Funaro is one of our Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2010 designers. International Academy of Design and Technology help students transform their passions and creative ideas into an interesting, in-demand career. Fashion design is only one of the many appealing degree programs. The Academy offers degrees in interior design, graphic design, animation, audio production, fashion merchandising, professional photography, advertising design, game production, digital media production, building information modeling and post production.

A school that focuses on transforming students’ creative passions into careers is nothing less than perfect for sponsoring our fashionable event. We are proud to have International Academy of Design and Technology as a Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2010 sponsor!

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Great Parenting is Always in Style!

In Fashion on September 14, 2010 at 5:20 am

One of my favorite television shows always includes this look in their makeover projects… and I will definitely have the cutest, fashionable, and functional… mom-on-the-go look ever! Attention all busy parents in the Tampa Bay area; you can totally count on Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine for upbeat and solid information about parenting.

We are glad to have Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine as one of our Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2010 sponsors! The magazine provides busy, yet stylish parents with information on events in the Bay area, parenting advice, activities, after school programs, summer camps and more. The articles cover important topics like health, nutrition, education, swim guide, restaurant guide, party planning, and traveling. Sounds like the perfect magazine – I mean, hello! It’s both fun and very functional to read Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine! I can see it now… mama Dee in the kitchen reading Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine while drinking a cup of Joe.  In addition to being a stylish mommy with my super cute kid, of course! Like one of my favorite television reality stars – Teresa from the Real Housewives of New Jersey, my kids will always look like a mini model. Speaking of kid models… Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine is currently having a “Cover Kid Search.” Interested? Enter the cover competition whether your child is America’s Next Top Model or has a smile that melts everyone’s heart. Just upload their picture onto the website where people can view and vote for their favorite.

Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine offers so much, the articles and valuable information are endless! I really like how they remind parents in their mission that most parenting is about the “little stuff.” Yes, you’ll have plenty of major issues to deal with throughout the years but also try focusing on the little stuff. For instance, playing games together, long conservations over hot cocoa, and of course, shopping and attending Fashion Week Tampa Bay together!

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Andrew Ashton of LaPosh Styles Fashion Week

In Fashion, Trends on September 13, 2010 at 2:31 pm

The main focus of a fashion show is always the garments.  From exaggerated shoulders to sequined military jackets, we are all dying to see what will be next on the runways.  As important as the clothes, however, are the other components that make up a look.

If a model were to step into the spotlight with sloppy, untouched hair, this could easily disrupt the beauty of her dress.  From Paris to New York, all collections must have coordinating hairstyles.  Thankfully, Tampa Bay has Andrew Ashton.

Of LaPosh Salon, Andrew Ashton is the magic behind the beautiful models of Tampa Bay.  Soft curls with that pink lace top, edgy volume for the black leather piece, sophisticated chignon for the chic, tailored dress.  Andrew can achieve any look for any design.

The runway extravaganza for Tampa Bay will soon be upon us.  As you study each garment with delight and awe, do not forget to take notice of the hair, styled with perfection by Andrew Ashton of LaPosh. Also, catch Andrew and his team on Studio 10 this Wednesday, Sept. 15 at 10am. They’ll be taking runway hair and make-up to every day wear!

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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!