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Archive for the ‘Fashion’ Category

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What to Wear to Every Occasion

In Fashion, Updates on August 18, 2010 at 4:16 am

No matter how much pre-meditated planning I do on what to wear for an occasion, whether it be a first date or a job interview, I still find myself ransacking my closet for a different choice. I ask myself why? The outfit I chose -post getting dress anxiety- was fabulous. A high-waisted pencil skirt with a collared business shirt and pumps was my original choice. Is it too ‘corporate’ looking? Should I add a pop color? Maybe I should wear pants?…ahhhh! Do you ever find yourself consumed with fear as to what is the perfect outfit to wear? You’re not alone.

Most of the confusion women feel when they are attempting to put together an occasion specific ensemble is caused by fear. Fear of breaking the “fashion rules,” fear of violating tradition or the basic fear of looking bad. Getting dressed for an occasion should not induce anxiety. Your clothes should communicate who you are. So if it calls for breaking the “fashion rules”, rules were made to be broken!

Although at times you may be breaking the rules or not, there are still guidelines to the fashion language that help make our own rules. There is a right time and right place for everything, and the ultimate look book to guide you there: Nina Garcia’s, What to Wear to Every Occasion Look Book. This book leads you through the fashion lingo for some of life’s basic occasions to ensure that your ensemble is always a flawless representation of you.

As I was aboard a 5 hour flight to Las Vegas, I was transfixed by the pages of this book. Each occasion is broken up into categories for easy cross-referencing. The book starts off with work.  There is nothing more stressful than a job interview. The job market is very competitive right now due to the economy. You not only have to consider what you will say but also how you will look. The first impression sets the tone of the interview. You do not want to set a loud tone with extremes of any kind. This is an absolute no-no. The book advises to wear a suit. It says that you are serious and that you take the position seriously as well. As I attached post-it notes to key guidelines, I came across a sometimes unnoticed detail to any look for an occasion, but most importantly to a job interview. Your handbag! My handbag is my security blanket. It literally tells a story about who I am if you dare to look inside. So, you want your future employer to see a neat and well-organized handbag equipped with a pen and notepad ready to go.

Over 300 pages are filled with guidelines and antidotes of the language of fashion. You will be informed about what to wear for an occasion like casual Friday’s, after you’ve been cruelly dumped, or what to wear to jury duty. Holidays, weddings, day, night, and many more make up the categories in which you will find the answers to your fashion fears. This book now stays in my closet and is referenced before I even attempt to think about what to wear. No more dress anxiety for me!

Also by Nina Garcia, The Little Black Book of Style, The One Hundred, and The Style Strategy.

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My Birthday Suit

In Fashion on August 13, 2010 at 1:13 pm

Ah… I have finally reached the biggest milestone in my early 20s (well, besides graduating with my marketing degree), I’m finally 21 years old!!! During these past 21 years, I have grown dramatically BY becoming wiser, more knowledgeable and mature. Even my style has matured! Obviously my elementary school outfits are much different from today’s fashionable outfits that I put together without mommy’s approval. However, when comparing my style from high school to now … Oh! What a difference! How has my style matured since high school? I dress like a young lady with a more professional, classy and better body fitting look. The skirts are longer, the t-shirts transformed into blouses and the heels became taller (and more painful). My sophisticated young lady look still incorporates my fun and artistic flair. I’ll always love wearing a lot of interesting and big jewelry that can make the outfit!

My birthday suit was perfect for such a special night, and my age! Thanks to Express, I wore the sexiest white and hunter green floral blouse with gold chain straps. Then matched it with a high wasted black pencil skirt, turquoise ring and a black leather clutch with studs. I could die over my birthday heels – the prettiest glitter Guess heels in the world! Pretty and glitter are usually the last thing I look for in heels. It’s more like hard, fierce rocker shoes that somehow have a feminine touch. Most of the time, glitter looks cheap but these heels have an expensive look and price. Is there anything better than glitter for a birthday girl?

What makes a fabulous birthday suit? Here’s some advice on putting together yours! Wear something that makes you feel super confident and subtly sexy. Show off your favorite area of your body like your legs. Stay true to your personal style and wear a piece that pops. For instance, well-made glitter heels! More importantly – be in love with your birthday suit and have a great one!


Blissful Memories

In Fashion, Updates on August 11, 2010 at 9:07 am

Think about the last time you came across a reminder of your childhood.  Certain aspects of pop culture from a joyful time in your life will always bring a smile to your face, whether it be a particular song, film character or even board game.  For many fashion forward young women, the most memorable times occurred in the eighties and nineties.

While we all love a trendy, high-end dress, even the most glamorous still enjoy a comfy tee shirt from time to time.  Recently, I have noticed an abundance of graphic tees paying homage to the much adored pop culture of our childhood.  From cartoon characters to teen heartthrobs and even childhood toys, it seems nothing could bring more joy than a cotton tee with the phrase,  “I Heart Zach Morris“.

With so many fun and unique possibilities, don’t be afraid to share your favorite eighties icon with the world.  If nothing else, it will make for riveting conversation and possibly even a new friend.  Who knew that your seemingly “stuck-up” co-worker loved Popples so much?

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Arabian Nights

In Designers, Fashion, Trends on August 9, 2010 at 12:08 pm

As we arrive at the peak of summer, vacations tend to be at a high. The start of summer’s end and the anticipation of fall activities to come, such as, back to school and Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2010, forces us to start wrapping up our summer adventures and turn August into the last resort month. This summer, whether you are lounging at the Rehab Pool Party at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Vegas or staying local and setting sail off the St. Pete Pier on a yacht, join the Arabian Night!

Resort collections for 2010 offer looks that appeal as if they stepped out of the desert. Ankle-grazing dresses in cotton gauze and silk chiffon give a breezy-air feel while strutting on the shore line. This time more is more. Loose fitting dresses that flow in the wind portray a beautiful ambiance that is candy to the eye.

Always remember to accessorize! Bangles and hoop earrings mock an Arabian look.

I came across this Christian Dior harem jumpsuit in black that looked so comfortable. It can be dressed up or dressed down depending on the shoes you choose to wear. Also, an Alice + Olivia jumpsuit that was made of jersey knit with an empire waist. This also can be worn both day or night depending on the shoes.

The color palettes that make up most resort collections this season are soft yet luxurious with gold, black, white and yellow tones. Consider pairing some gold aviators with your resort look.

So, as we start to wrap up the summer, make every night an Arabian one with long flowy harems, hoop earrings and lots of bangles!

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Summer Cleaning

In Designers, Fashion on August 6, 2010 at 9:42 am

I bet one of the reasons why cleaning is so big in the spring time is because of all of the rainy days. Well, some summer days make Florida not so sunny… it’s more like stormy Florida! Lately it has been raining cats and dogs so I spent a day cleaning my closet. I have so many pieces of clothing that I never wear! They’ve had their glory days in high school but now that the years have gone by and the trends have changed, they have faded into the distance. By the looks of my girlfriends’ closets, I’m certainly not the only one who keeps old clothes. So if we never wear these old clothes, why keep them concealed in our closets?

My apartment is always clean especially my sleeping beauty quarters (the bedroom). It’s clutter free, neat and organized – just the way I like it! Even though the only ones who look through my closet are me and my roommates borrowing something, I still prefer an organized closet that doesn’t include unnecessary things. More the reason why there shouldn’t be old clothes kept in my closet. After much thought of why we keep them concealed in our closets, I’ve realized some of my reasons. Some pieces are for memories sake like a cute dress that enjoyed an unforgettable night out on the town. Other pieces were just too expensive that would cause major guilt to not keep them. I hate to admit it but… a few items I have never worn because of not having the right occasion or the classic case of shopaholic.

However, most of my old clothes aren’t just collecting dust – they’re waiting for a much-needed sewing reinvention. Like this navy blue shirt with the one shoulder above. A friend bought it for me in high school – I loved it but it was too big. Thanks to my sewing machine, I made the shirt smaller in five minutes and now it feels like a completely new shirt that’s perfect for summer! As we know, it’s “All About the Shoulder” right now and I love showing mine off! It was so perfect for my weekend getaway to Cocoa Beach! All I needed was this white bathing suit by J. Cagua for a day of rays and waves.

So why do you keep old clothes, bags, or whatever concealed in your closet? Are you holding on to the past or waiting for its time in the future?

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Rent the Runway

In Designers, Fashion, Trends on August 6, 2010 at 3:15 am

As a professional shopaholic, I make it my weekly duty to coast the local malls to engage in the latest fashions offered at retailers such as Neiman Marcus, Saks, and Nordie’s. However, just because I make it a point to slip myself into a Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress, in these hard economic times I can’t always break the bank for my addictions, so I have found a solution where recycling is brought to the next level, rent the runway!

Renttherunway.com is a website that offers current season’s fashions from over 95 designers for rent. They have dresses that can be worn to any black tie gala, wedding, holiday or a night on the town. Rental prices are 90% off the retail price. Now that’s a bargain!

The site is very easy and accommodating. You first enter in the date of your next event, your size and your zip code where you want the dress to be shipped. Then it seems like a never-ending list of over 18,000 dresses. Now, when it comes to ordering a dress via the web, finding the perfect fit can be tricky. Rent the Runway provides you with a second size – at no additional cost –  to ensure the perfect fit. Can’t make up your mind on what to wear? Rent a second look for only $25.00 and have another option for your event.

I came across so many dresses at very affordable prices. A Herve Leger papaya bandage dress retailing at $1,450.00 for rent at $150.00. A Diane Von Furstenberg foil print strapless dress retailing at $398.00 for rent at $50.00. They even had a Matthew Williamson embellished pocket dress retailing at $2,500.00 for rental at $250.00.

It doesn’t stop there, they even offer accessories to style up your dress. Badgley Mischka chandelier bow earrings retailing at $250.00 but for rent at $25.00

If you are clumsy like me and find yourself staying away from colors like white and tan because you fear spilling your glass of red wine on it, have no fear, a $5.00 insurance charge purchased will cover you if you do happen to spill your wine, stick a zipper, or lose a stone on an accessory. Don’t worry about dry cleaning the dress before returning either, they use an eco-friendly, luxury dry cleaner that ensures 100% fresh seal approval.

This business was built so fashionistas can try new brands, new trends, and feel beautiful every night. They bring a new meaning to recycling and renting. You can now rent an apartment, dvds and a dress. When it comes to fashion, the sky is the limit.

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Queen Midas

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends on August 5, 2010 at 1:33 am

Despite current economic reports of dread, Fall 2010 will bring fashion dripping in gold.  With shimmering possibilities from shirt to shoe, you may find yourself pondering the title of “Queen Midas”.

While this may seem a familiar choice, I would be completely remiss if I did not mention Christian Louboutin’s gold-studded bootie.  The body of the shoe is covered in round studs and spikes, all in amazingly shiny gold.  As if this were not enough, the heel exudes such brilliance that eye protection may become necessary in looking upon this beautiful shoe.

Speaking of shades, if the eyes must be protected, golden accents will flatter like no other.  The average gold-rimmed sunglasses can be found anywhere from bargain outlet to high-end boutique.  However, you will have a much more shining effect in shades like these from Chinese designer, Zhu Fei.  The very definition of unique, these glasses feature delicate nature inspired cut-outs in brilliant gold.  Whether you can actually see much is another story, but the look itself is utterly amazing.

Shoes and accessories aside, a true necessity for any golden queen involves a beautiful frock complete with gold beading.  This off-the-shoulder number from Herve Leger adds gold and black beading to the famous bandage dress, creating dazzle that is fit for royalty.

This fall, do not be afraid to unleash your inner queen on a drab world.  All of that shine may just do some good for humanity, let alone your wardrobe.

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Luxury From the Road to the Runway

In Events, Fashion, Updates on July 30, 2010 at 9:19 am

We’re just a few months away from the Bay area’s most anticipated fashion event of the year, Fashion Week Tampa Bay! This year will not only be showcasing established and emerging fashion and accessories designers from Tampa Bay and surrounding areas, but they are bringing the speed of luxury from the road to the runway. Audi has been named presenting sponsor for this year’s Tampa Bay Fashion Week, Sept. 22-25, 2010.

When it comes to style, speed and performance, Audi and fashion go hand and hand. Every detail has its purpose. Whether it’s a button on a pair of jeans or a dramatic open panorama sunroof on a 2010 Audi Q7, the design concept and expressive details that go into the ‘art’ has a connection that is logical and natural.

The company’s commitment to their owners, employees, and environment hold the same core beliefs of Fashion Week Tampa Bay…giving back to the community. Each year Fashion Week Tampa Bay benefits organizations that are committed to the well-being of and service to our world, our children, our health, our future and our dreams. This year Audi will be in full-speed ahead as the week of style leverages the Bay area’s talented individuals and gives back to the community.

This reminds me of my favorite quote by a legendary designer Coco Chanel. “Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening”. The Audi brand and Tampa Bay Fashion Week partnership expresses the true meaning of this quote.

So as we mark our calendars for a week-long event of parties, runway shows, boutique vendor exhibits and fashion-focused activities throughout Tampa Bay, Audi will be bringing its luxury car presence to the festivities!

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All About the Shoulder

In Fashion, Trends on July 29, 2010 at 7:46 pm

Summer fashion is all about showing a little skin.  However, we do not all have to flaunt “daisy dukes with bikinis on top” to accomplish this.  With still plenty of time to try some fabulous summer threads, there is a slightly modest, yet still sexy way of showing off your most glowing asset.

The one-shoulder look is certainly not a new idea.  In fact, one could even argue that inspiration was born as early as Marilyn Monroe as she often posed in a seductive manner with her top pulled down on one shoulder.  For Summer 2010, the look has taken on a whole new approach to glamour.

The always fun and youthful brand, Arden B is all over this trend with a romantic top with smocked hem and tiered side ruffle.  The neckline curves beautifully away from one shoulder, providing a perfect amount of sex appeal for this flirty summer top.

Meanwhile, for a more upscale look, the land of Marchesa is always blooming with endless possibilities. This brilliant blue mini dress offers intrigue and beauty with intricately designed texture over tightly wrapped silk.  The sculpted bust reveals a perfect, sexy shape for one exceptional night.

Whether headed to a club or fabulous charity event, there is absolutely a dazzling one shoulder piece that must be worn.  Make the most of your summer and let that shoulder go!

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A Girl’s “New” Best Friend!

In Fashion, Trends, Updates on July 27, 2010 at 1:50 am

It has been agreed upon that diamonds are a girl’s best friend. The luxurious effect a diamond has once brushed across your collar-bone, or coasted down your finger -preferably by a handsome prince-  it sparkles in your eyes to enhance the reason why it is wonderful to be a women, despite pregnancy, cramping, and menstrual mood-swings. However, over time women have befriended more than just a diamond. Shoes, the little black dress and the handbag. I refer to my handbag as my first aid kit. Not because I have everything from a nail file to pens to a phone charger in it, but because without my handbag I feel as if I forgot to put on a vital piece of clothing before leaving the house. A handbag is #3 on my list of things mandatory to wear, after a bra and panties. That’s how much I rely on my handbag and I’ve met alot of women that feel the same way as I do.

This is why when I came across the ultimate diamond house and found out that they added a new friend to the group, I had to share it with all the Fashion Week Tampa Bay friends. Tiffany & Co. has handbags!

I know…same reaction I had- grin from ear to ear and loud shouts like I won the lottery.

The handbag collection is designed by Elsa Peretti, an Italian jewelry designer. She is known for the infamous ‘tear drop’ necklace at Tiffany & Co. She has incorporated timeless Tiffany pieces that are reincarnated as chain handles on evening bags, a crystal-bow brooch is brought back to life as a motif on a clutch and a six-prong engagement ring setting is the basis for a twist-lock clasp…I do!

The enticement of the handbags trimmings doesn’t stop there. The soft color palette, which portrays rich jewel tones like garnet and violet,  also offers neutral tones like black pearl and camel stones that will pair well with many eveningwear pieces.

I don’t recommend sporting this handbag while shopping at the mall with your girlfriends. This handbag is definitely an exclusive item in your closet and should only be taken out on special occasions. However, they offer a few casual handbags such as a backpack and a shopper tote.

Thank you Tiffany’s for catering to every woman’s needs!

To see the full collection, visit www.tiffany.com