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The Iconic Style of the Red, White and Blue!

In Events, Fashion, Trends on July 1, 2010 at 1:56 am

I love the Fourth of July! It’s the epitome of summer – beach barbeque, fireworks, everyone outside eating hamburgers and laughing with friends… does it get any better? It can if you dress well! To make your Fourth of July outfit extra special, embody your iconic American style!

You may be asking, what makes our American style so iconic? Yes, American style varies from state to state like the city chic New Yorker, Floridian beach lover, Texas cowgirl and so on! However, one iconic look Americans share (no matter what part of the country you call home) – JEANS! Bonus points if you wear a white or red tank top (a well-fitted tank top so it’s classy, not trashy) for a simple yet sexy American look. Perfect for your Fourth of July outdoor activities! To make this blue jean look pop, wear a colorful light scarf or big and bold necklace. Friendly fashion reminder: if you live in Florida like me, remember it will be a very haute summer night so wear jean shorts, not pants!

What will I be wearing this Fourth of July? Well, my personal style is nowhere near simple! My patriotic look from head to toe: hair bun, white cat-eye sunglasses, red lipstick, a dark navy and white thin strip shirt, jean shorts and red wedges. It’s my mixture of modern artistic chic with preppy chic, worthy of crashing a Hampton’s beach party. Who knows, you may mistake me as the newest Tommy Hilfiger model (minus the height difference of being only 5 ft and 3 in). Wearing a navy and white thin stripe shirt with red shoes is the definition of patriotic chic for a beach barbeque! Now all I need is this GAP nautical tote bag to complete my Fourth of July outfit!

Embrace your American pride by dressing preppy chic in red, white, blue and denim! Then sit back in your patio chair and sip iced tea long after the last firework has gone off! Happy Fourth of July loves!


Light Up Your Night

In Fashion, Trends on June 30, 2010 at 3:48 am

Imagine walking into a room and immediately all eyes are on you. Not because you are wearing incredible stilettos, but because you light up the room, literally. Thanks to Electro Luminescence Technology your clothes can do just that. You can light up your night for the world to see!

This wearable technology is called Flashwear. You will get the ultimate disco experience with the electro luminescence graphic equaliser built into the chest of a variety of graphic t-shirt styles such as an American flag, big red lips, and even a heart, just to name a few.  However, you may ask yourself, how does this shirt light up? The ultra-light panel and spectrum sensor controller detects the rhythm frequency and beat of the music that is playing in the room you are in. The controller is also cleverly concealed within the chest panel and includes a light-weight power-pack that’s durable.

This sound-activated shirt will dance itself to the beat of your favorite song…hmm…will there be a dance off between you and your t-shirt?

Like most delicate and unique garments, the Flashwear t-shirt must be handwashed. The shirt also runs on 4 AAA batteries placed in a battery pack that can be unplugged and removed for easy washing.

Although this t-shirt may seem a bit on the novelty side, technology has made a huge break-through in the fashion industry. There is technology to repel stains, sneakers that calculate how many calories you are burning, and a t-shirt that ‘hears’ the beat of the music. I wonder what’s next?!

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The Ivanka Ska Online Store

In Designers, Fashion, Trends, Updates on June 28, 2010 at 10:34 am

Honestly, who doesn’t love the convenience of online shopping? Shop while lying on the couch in the most comfortable pair of slippers, with a latte in one hand and cookies in the other…. Ah, sounds like paradise to me! If slippers simply won’t do for you, then I totally give you permission to rock your fiercest four inch heels. It’s not like you’ll be walking much anyway, so pain isn’t an issue! I’m very proud to share that designer, Ivanka Ska ( featured in Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2008 and 2009) is making “the shopping experience” our way! Tampa Bay’s first fashion house -The House of Ska expands to the World Wide Web and it’s just a click away!

Ivanka Ska’s online store provides fashionistas shopping convenience and most importantly, stylish trendy clothes, accessories and art. Ivanka Ska is a well-known Tampa Bay fashion designer whose collections have showcased on many runways including Fashion Week Tampa Bay. In addition to being known for her fashion house in St. Petersburg, FL – The House of Ska, Ivanka creates jaw-dropping fashion and unforgettable fashion and art shows. There’s no need to school you on what fashion is (especially what fashion means for us fashionistas or stylistas – like me) but like Coco Chanel brilliantly said “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.” Ivanka Ska lives and breathes fashion, art and all creativity. She provides the Tampa Bay area with eye-catching “wearable art” because fashion is art!

I love the Ivanka Ska online store especially her breath-taking dresses! The only problem is the inconvenience of having to choose what to purchase… Some of my favorite dresses are below. Which dress takes your breath away? Oh and lastly, the Ivanka Ska virtual shopping experience is just a click away: http://www.ivankaska.info/ Enjoy and feel free to write your own review below.


Tory Burch Falls into Denim

In Designers, Fashion, Trends on June 25, 2010 at 6:59 pm

As in the past, the Tory Bruch brand offered feminine tunic dresses and bold flats with the best weekend bags any socialite would fancy.  Come this fall, Burch has revamped and expanded her collection into denim.The line will still carry everything that has made her brand what it is today, like the Reva flat and printed tunics, but they’re adding a staple piece that every ‘Burch’ customer wants…denim. Tory Burch has transmitted her prints right onto denim. Printed jeans? Hmm…interesting. The line offers boot-cut, skinny, slim and the newest trend, jeggings –  jeans leggings. The jeans range from $165-$250.

All the jeans will have her infamous leather T logo on every denim product. Be on the look out for Tory Burch denim at some of her retail providers like Neiman Marcus…they are already starting to get fur coats in!

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Do You Have World Cup Fever?

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends on June 22, 2010 at 4:29 pm

Since our economy took a wrong turn somewhere and is currently trying to find its way back, fashion is still staying alive. However, the industry is looking for all possible routes. Fashion has been taking the road of sports by collaborating with well-known athletic icons such as Derek Jeter and Nike and Armani having the oh so good-looking David Beckham model in underwear…(sigh). Recently, fashion world has caught World Cup fever on the way. Fashion designers and sports have united to kick off products for the FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

The tournament is considered to be the world’s largest sporting event. So, it comes as no surprise that some of the world’s largest fashion designers would be apart of something like this. Louis Vuitton created a special case for the 24-karat gold trophy with malachite detailing that will be given to the winning team. If I was on the winning team I don’t know if I would be more excited about winning or that the case was a Vuitton…hmm. Giorgio Armani has not only dressed the Italian national team in the past, but created a World Cup collection of men’s accessories for Emporio Armani. The collection includes a weekend bag, belts, sneakers, t-shirts, and boxer briefs with a detachable flag logo. Dolce & Gabbana, also supporting the Italian national team, offers a more sophisticated collection. A navy blue two-buttoned suit with spear-headed lapels over a white shirt, a Jacquard tie, a four-button waistcoat and sunglasses all with the Italian flag somewhere within.

Many more designers have caught a case of the World Cup fever such as, Puma, Nike, and Adidas. The companies hope to generate more to the industry. I believe they are going down the right route. Although sports merchandise like football jerseys and team logo coozies have been produced for years, designers have brought something new and innovated to the table. This is a market that has so many opportunities and I look forward to see what the future holds for fashion and sports!

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The Vest is Back!

In Fashion, Trends on June 18, 2010 at 12:59 pm

Back during the time of victorious men, such as, Napoleon Bonaparte and King George III, it was mandatory for men to follow strict guidelines when it came to dress. Over the years, the rules have been broken, stepped on and revamped into a not so complex standard. Yes, if you work in the corporate world then chances are you will be required to wear a business suit. However, compared to a suit worn during the Empire time versus now, there has been quite a bit of change.

In the 1800s, men got up for work everyday and put on their pantaloons, cravats, an overcoat and a waistcoat, known as a vest. Through time, pants have become more tailored. Cravats have turned into neck ties. Overcoats are not as heavy and the vest has been omitted.

Until now…the vest is back! The hottest new trend for any male dandy is a single-breasted vest. It shows swag and confidence that is needed in any business office. Not only is the vest being worn to complete a 3pc suit, but it is also being worn casually, too. Men are wearing a vest over a casual t-shirt with a pair of jeans. I have seen men wearing vest in all kinds of places like nightclubs and restaurants. See the rules have been completely broken now.

So gentlemen, turn your two piece into a three and give yourself that empire flair. You can wear a vest either day or night, business meeting or out on the town. I wouldn’t be surprised if we start seeing pocket watches come back…not a bad idea, huh?

The Perfect Father’s Day Gift for Dad!

In Designers, Fashion, Trends, Updates on June 15, 2010 at 4:46 pm

Although men are considered ‘simple-shoppers’, it can become challenging when trying to find the perfect gift for them. So buying for dad this Father’s Day may be a bit difficult. Have no fear! I have the answer to the riddle: What to buy dad?

If your dad is anything like mine, when he wants something he goes out and gets it himself leaving very few options of gift choices for him when the holidays come around. Very frustrating! I’ve tried giving dad gift cards to typical “macho” stores  like Home Depot and Auto Zone. He ends up giving them away to one of my brothers or sisters or buys something for one of us with it. So I am giving up on gift cards for dad and moving towards something I know best…clothes!

After years of working in the retail world I have noticed that men will purchase tools and electronics before they would buy a t-shirt. So, lets help dad out this Father’s Day and get him in some new gear! Clothing can become tricky at times when buying for someone else so keep in mind a few things when shopping for your daddy.

First, jeans are difficult to buy for someone without having them actually try them on. The sizing fluctuates from different brands and different cuts. I wouldn’t put jeans at the top of your list. You can’t go wrong with a casual t-shirt from Ralph Lauren or Old Navy. If you want to get pops a more dressier look, the Burberry Golf Collection has fabulous collared shirts. Keep in mind they run small in size. Also, hard-working dads may want to relax on the weekends and watch some sports. So getting dad his favorite sports jersey will make him feel a part of the team.

When shopping for dad this holiday, consider getting him some new clothes. A nice t-shirt or a team jersey would be a perfect gift. Let’s face it, dad doesn’t want another coffee mug with your mug on it. Happy Shopping!

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Prada, excuse me, but I can see your…

In Fashion, Trends on June 10, 2010 at 4:25 am

Whole life! My bag holds my life! What an understatement though… This precious part of my life is usually a hot mess inside until I’m switching bags to better match my outfit… then I’ll clean out items like empty lipstick tubes and old crumpled receipts of past purchases. Similar to our lives, inside our bag contains multiple factors whether their mysterious, fabulous or simply functional. So the question is: Would you show off what’s inside your bag or keep it a mystery?

This Prada clear vinyl bag from their 2010 Spring Collection caught my attention. First off – come on Prada, I love you but who would honestly want a clear bag for everyday life? The whole world will see right through your bag. Receipts, tampons and other feminine products! Oh my! Therefore, having a clear bag will cause more stress on appearance. You’ll have to keep the inside of your bag tidy at all times which isn’t easy with a busy schedule. You’ll probably worry about only having fabulous items in your bag that are worth showing off. However, daily life won’t allow you to avoid having not so worthy items like tampons and messy crumpled receipts so what do you do? You’ll have to find a way to hide those items like having a small clutch inside your clear bag. Talk about unnecessary stress! Isn’t our bag supposed to make life easier by holding our things? Bottom line – a clear bag doesn’t work for my everyday life.

Gorgeous Kate Spade classic box shape bags – love! Show stopping bags that make a unique and bold statement like Diane Von Furstenberg or Betsy Johnson’s bags – yes, please! Clear vinyl bags that reveal all – I’ll pass! Just like the classy and glamorous ladies of the old black and white films, mysterious women are sexy. “Mystery creates wonder and wonder is the basis of man’s desire to understand.” – Neil Armstrong.

Unlike my personable items in my bag, I’ve shared my thoughts on the Prada clear vinyl bag. It’s apparent that this bag caught my attention…clearly. It made me wonder why someone may use a clear bag for everyday use, and who would use the bag…would you? If so, why and which fabulous items would you proudly show off to the world?

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Fashion Review: Sex and the City 2

In Events, Fashion, Updates on May 28, 2010 at 10:10 am

After Fashion Week Tampa Bay’s pre-party and drooling over all the fabulous clothes at Saks Fifth Avenue, I eagerly walked to the movie theater in my little black dress and pumps to watch Sex and the City 2. I was so ready!! The Sex and the City girls always have superior style thanks to New York Stylist, Patricia Field. She made sure that the clothes in Sex and the City 2 played almost as big a role as Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha and Miranda. She has succeeded once again! There is so much fashion to cover from this movie so I’m going to focus on the trends that stood out to me most.

The movie cleverly starts with an 80’s throw back of each girl. It brought smiles and laughter out of everyone in the theater. The outrageous 80’s outfits were hilariously over the top and the Sex and the City memories behind each one made them even better. The girls showed off their glamorous side with a ton of gold and silver accessories! Who can forget Samantha’s silver studded shoulder pads during their singing performance in Abu Dhabi.

The clothes worn in Abu Dhabi were very different from New York City. The main reason you may ask… 1) It’s the desert and 2) Avoid bursting into flames! They mostly wore light fabrics that flow like chiffon and silk. Shoulders were totally uncovered in Abu Dhabi with one sleeve, no sleeves and strap less tops. The beautiful dresses made the girls look like goddesses and what’s a goddess without her gems? Oh yes! Breathtaking bold necklaces matched with their simple colorful dresses!

I was saving the best for last! I absolutely love Carrie’s dress she wore to dinner with her ex fiancé, Aidan Shaw. Every girl knows you must look fantastic when seeing an ex! If you’re going to play with fire… look HOT!

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Fashion, Fun, and Friendship

In Events, Fashion, Updates on May 28, 2010 at 6:58 am

Fashion Week Tampa Bay rolled out the pink carpet last night (5/27/10) at Saks Fifth Avenue for the Ultimate Ladies Night Out: SATC2 Pre-Party & Movie Night. Women of all ages joined the Fashion Week Tampa Bay team for a night of fashion, fun and friendship.

Upon entering the party doors, guests received an ultimate swag bag. Inside were fabulous surprises like Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Cream and a 1.5ml size perfume bottle of Jessica Simpson’s new Fancy Love. Now that’s what I call swag!

Meridith from 933.3FLZ

As Meredith from 933.3FLZ played the voice of the party, she also brought the music. That’s right, ladies were shopping to Lady Gaga. While shopping, guests received an extra 15% off towards their purchases for both Thursday (5/27) & Friday (5/28) , plus Saks generously donated 5% of the in-store sales from last night and today to Fashion Week Tampa Bay’s beneficiary for the event, Best Buddies Tampa Bay.

Ocean Prime Tuna Tartar

Now all that shopping would definitely work up an appetite, wouldn’t you agree? Well, no worries there because the very avant-garde modern American supper club, Ocean Prime provided their signature tuna tartar, PF Changs brought their Asian fusion cuisine and Mangroves supplied their delicious American dishes. So all food cravings were satisfied. Of course every Sex and the City party has to have cocktails and ZYR vodka was shaken up for SATC-inspired cocktails…I’ll take one up with a twist please!

Alexa Workman

The women were dressed to the nines and definitely brought their shoe game. I chatted with Alexa Workman, a Fashion & Retail Management student from The Art Institute of Tampa about what inspired her look for the evening. The Ai colors, black and red, inspired her outfit but she did what any ‘Carrie’ would do and merchandised it up with a black belt and accessories. However, women traveling from work to play portrayed a ‘Miranda-style’ by simply changing the shoes from pumps to strappy sandals.

Before heading out to the movie, ladies grabbed their personal bag of truffle butter popcorn also provided by Ocean Prime. The most anticipated ‘chick flick’ of the year was sold out. I’ve never seen that many women under one roof at a time, it was exciting! Although I will not give you any details of the movie, I will tell you this, if you haven’t seen it yet grab your girlfriends and have an ultimate ladies night out soon!