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You Got Mail: Just in the “IT” Bikini

In Fashion, Trends, Updates on April 22, 2010 at 2:44 pm

That’s right ladies, run to your mailboxes for the Victoria Secrets 2010 swimwear issue. Push aside all those holiday bills and the junk mail and dive right in to a fun-filled summer under the sun in Victoria Secrets new “IT” bikini. The “IT” bikini offers separates ranging from $14.50-$29.00. Most women are not the same size on top as they are on the bottom so purchasing a bikini that retails separate sizes is what I call a ‘perfect deal’. I have been purchasing Victoria Secret’s swimwear since I started, er…uh…developing (if you know what I mean). I use to have trouble fitting into bikinis that only came in one size such as a small or a medium. The small bottoms were always too small for my J-Lo booty and the medium tops were way too big for my less fortunate top. So, if you’re reading this and nodding your head “yes!” then I’m sure you agree that separates are the way to go! Large bottom? Small top? Doesn’t matter, the choice is yours!

So why is the “IT” bikini the must have suit for the beach? Let me break it down for you:

2 Beach Sexy Style Tops

Push-up Halter Top

Twist Bandeau Top

I recommend the Push-up Halter Top, for all cup sizes, hence, the word ‘push-up’. The Twist Bandeau Top requires a little something to help keep the girls up so I do not recommend this style for A-cuppers!

The traditional double-string bottom will hug your hips just where necessary. This year have more fun with your curves though and consider the adjustable hot shorts. This cut gives you a choice of moderate or full back coverage with adjustable sides sitting straight across the hips. If you’re like me this summer and are feeling daring; go for the Brazilian bottom! Yes, it has minimal back coverage but just think less tan lines!

Along with the excellent choices on tops and bottoms, you have over 20 color and beach prints for your desired “IT” bikini this year. When choosing your color or print always remember to be bright, be bold.

For more styles, colors, and prints go to www.victoriasecrets.com

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Basic Training

In Designers, Fashion, Trends on April 19, 2010 at 1:51 pm

The military inspired look has stormed the fashion scene this Spring making the flak jacket one of the must-have items this season! The Marc Jacob’s Ready-To-Wear collection was among many that had military flak jackets mixed with feminine florals and structured trousers. Balmain also took over the runway with Christophe Decarnin’s feminine, modern-military jacket– complete with his signature bold shoulders.

Celebrities such as Katie Holmes, Rachel Bilson and the ever-fabulous Kate Moss have all been spotted with army gear spreading the military- fashion propaganda like wildfire!


For this look try the studded army jacket at Topshop…it looks A-mazing. For a more “vintage” military look take a peek at this Tempest Spring Military Jacket from French Connection- also to die for.

If the flak jacket is a bit much for your style- you can still march to the beat of your own drum, just be sure to incorporate olive green and khaki shades into your wardrobe this Spring.

Happy shopping!

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Jewelry Project: T-Shirt Necklace

In Fashion, Trends on April 14, 2010 at 7:25 am
Just about every morning, I start my day with coffee, fruit, a croissant and The Martha Stewart television show.  Monday’s episode had Queen Latifah create a t-shirt necklace with Martha and I absolutely love the idea!

I know what you’re thinking… a t-shirt necklace?! However, jewelry is certainly not limited to just gold and silver. Any material that is worthy to be a part of your fabulous outfit can be used – leather, beads, metal, chains, buttons, fabric and recycled items like an old t-shirt!


Elle magazine even shows this recycled inspired chic necklace made by Esprit and how it’s perfect for this summer!  I suggest choosing a color that will complement your unique features like your eyes, skin tone and hair. For instance, my t-shirt necklace is mustard yellow to enhance my green eyes and brown hair.

It’s really easy to turn an old shirt into a piece of wearable art around your neck! Just follow the steps below (courtesy of MarthaStewart.com):

Tools and Materials

  • Soft cotton T-shirt
  • Ruler
  • Scissors or rotary cutter

T-Shirt Necklace How-To:

1. Lay the shirt on a flat surface; cut off the hem and discard. Then cut the body of the shirt horizontally into strips approximately 3/4 of an inch long. (They will actually be loops.)

2. One at a time, pull the loops open and stretch until the fabric starts to curl. Stack the loops on top of one another so that all the T-shirt side seams are in the same spot.

3. Once you have the thickness you desire, wrap the seams with a scrap piece of fabric (about 6 inches long) from the same shirt. Tuck the end of the scrap under itself.

Brag about your awesome t-shirt necklace below or any questions about making it – leave comments!

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Masterpiece or a Disaster-piece?

In Fashion, Trends on April 7, 2010 at 4:59 pm

This week’s spotlight shines on an accessory that was introduced last summer but hasn’t trickled into the mainstream until now… feathered headbands! This 20s glam has been re-awakened to spice up any attire you dare to wear. Want to add that ‘pop’ to your style? Think with your head, literally. Something simple like denim jeans and a cute top paired with a peacock headband will really portray that bold statement every girl needs. I recommend purchasing staple colors such as black, brown, and even red; yes, red is a staple color in my closet! Having these colors will not limit the outfits that can be jazzed up with this glam accessory.

Although social roles since the 1920s for women have changed and resulted in a revolution in morals and values, this hasn’t stopped in 2010. Women are still showing their worth and even express it through our clothes. The question is…would you wear this ‘flapper’ accessory? Is this a master-piece or a disaster-piece?

Vote on this trend and let us know in your comments below!

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Fashion For All

In Designers, Fashion, Trends on April 5, 2010 at 4:12 pm

Zac Posen is the latest designer to collaborate with Target Go International and spread high-end fashion to the masses! His latest collection for Target debuts April 25th nationwide. If you’re like me, and simply cannot wait that long, you can sneak a peek at the lookbook –come late April you’ll be ready to shop!

The Zac Posen Collection for Target is reasonably priced starting at $16.99 with the most expensive piece being a red leather jacket for $199.00 (But totally worth it). The overall collection is very ’90s chic intertwined with Posen’s signature floral flocks.

With summer just around the corner it’s only right the collection have a few swimsuits (that are to die for). Check out the glamorous one-piece suits— they remind me of ’60s pin-up bombshells with a modern twist.

It’s so refreshing to see the collaborations between Target Go International and the various esteemed, high-end designers such as Jean Paul Gaultier and now Zac Posen, among many others.  With the economy having an impact on all aspects of the world, it’s refreshing to see the fashion industry catering to the times by bringing high fashion to all “frugalistas” nationwide.

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Who Wore What on Race Day…

In Events, Fashion, Updates on March 30, 2010 at 1:08 am

Gabrielle and me (Deanna) on Pit Lane

Whether you’re going to a fashion show or a race, dressing stylish for that specific event is always a must! There is a certain look that spectators wear on race day but making it more fashionable can be fun and as easy as 1, 2, 3… GO!

When I attended the IZOD IndyCar Series 2010 – Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg yesterday, I saw a lot of spectators wearing driver merchandise like shirts and accessories of Danica Patrick. Wearing a driver’s merchandise or IZOD is perfect for a racing event!

Showing off your personal style in your race day outfit is really taking it to the next level. I love embracing my artsy rocker side so I just had to mix that rocker style with my race day outfit. I mean hellooooo… what’s more rebellious than driving speeds as fast as 200mph?!

I wore a purple plaid shirt, light denim shorts, tan boots, a teal beaded bracelet (with a silver snake in the middle) and my Fashion Week Tampa Bay t-shirt to represent! Gabrielle also looked super stylish with her ripped jeans, sunglasses and bright purple flats.

The bracelet I wore on race day!!!

IndyCar driver, Arie Luyendyk, Jr. knows a thing or two about racing and fashion thanks to his own clothing line:  Anti-Celeb. He shared some great fashion advice on what to wear on race day like sunglasses, a hat and closed-toe shoes are a must! Sadly, I didn’t get his advice until it was too late on Saturday (3/27) and I was banned from the pit lane for wearing sandals…that were super cute, by the way. I mean, come on! Everyone wears sandals in Florida! Safety first though, so when it came to my outfit for the Grand Prix – boots were on the top of my list!

A spectator’s outfit should embody two things: style and function! You never know what the weather will bring in Florida! There wasn’t a single cloud on Saturday and it was pouring rain Sunday… so random! Spectators like Melissa were fully prepared for rain or sun! She wore black rain boots, sunglasses and carried the cutest pink Juicy Couture umbrella! Smart and stylish!

Dressing for function and style are simply the two most important things when putting together your race day outfit! Rain or shine… look stylish while cheering on your favorite driver in the IZOD IndyCar 2010 Series!

Melissa (race day fan)

Arie Luyendyk, Jr and me

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Girl ‘Turbo’ Power

In Events, Fashion, Updates on March 27, 2010 at 8:16 am

Bringing the spice to the race track, Milka Duno, the first Latin American female driver ever to be classified as an “expert” adds chic style to the raceways.  As I spent some time with Milka at the IZOD Indy Car Series, she sported a white tank, denim jeans, a jeweled belt and Gucci boots. Can we say va-va-va-vrrooom stylista! On the track Milka feels that every part of her fire suit accessories are important, and off the track her number one must-have accessories are belts!

In addition to being one of the most successful female sports car racers in history, Milka is also a qualified Naval Engineer with four Master’s degrees in: Organizational Development, Naval Architecture, Fishing and Aquaculture and Maritime Business. Talk about Girl Power!

She filmed her first major motion picture playing the role of race car driver, Kellie “Gearbox,” in the highly anticipated Speed Racer movie that is based on the 1960’s classic animated series.  The talent doesn’t stop there…she recently published her first bilingual kids book, “Go, Milka, Go!” . The book depicts her as a cartoon character teaching the importance of education to children of all ages.

Although Milka Duno wears many hats, on Sunday, Mar 28, 2010, during the IZOD Indy Car Series 2010 at the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, the only head wear Milka will be sporting is her sassy helmet. “Go, Milka, Go!”

Milka Duno and me

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Gear Up for the Raceway!

In Events, Fashion, Updates on March 27, 2010 at 8:00 am

Spending the day on the Pit Lane with an up close and personal experience of the burning tires and extremely loud engines is not something a fashionista gets to encounter on a daily basis. As Indy race car drivers like Ryan Hunter-Reay accelerated at speeds of 200+ mph around the street tracks of the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, I developed a clear connection between Indy car racing and fashion!

Thanks to Josh from IZOD, Indy Car Series’ official sponsor, he explained how “fashion and style of the race along with the speed and energy of it should be an input in the energy of fashion.” Although IZOD is primarily a men’s casual clothing line along with Indy car racing being male-dominated as well, the brand does not leave out the females. Through various marketing channels, IZOD has not only reached out to male sports fans but also women shopping for male sports fans.

I got the pleasure of striking a pose with the IZOD Indy Car model and I have to say she brought a new meaning of sexy to IZOD. Macy’s, partner of IZOD, houses their  limited edition series of IZOD Indy Car clothing. Apparel such as t-shirts and leather jackets for both men and women are inspired by heritage aspects of motorsporting from the last 100 years of racing. As we all know, vintage is always in style!

My experience didn’t stop there…it went full speed ahead cheering on IZOD’s sponsored driver, Ryan Hunter-Reay while he participated in the qualifying race for the first U.S.A. Indy Car Race for the 2010 series tomorrow (Sunday, 3/28/10). He finished 2nd a few weeks back at San Paolo, Brazil in the first race of the 2010 series. While exercising my cheerleading skills I got to chat with Ryan’s fashionable fiance, Becky on her fashion point of few for an Indy Car event. “Pit Laners” (the girls hanging at the pit stops)- are quite fashionable with limited restrictions on attire, except for the footwear…which must be closed-toe. No open-toe stilettos ladies! Becky sported IZOD clothing from head to toe. Could she be the next IZOD girl?

So as I gear up for tomorrow’s main event, I will be sure to wear closed toe shoes, lots of sunblock and my IZOD hat…vvrrooooooommm!!!

Becky and me (Gabrielle)

Ryan Hunter-Reay and me

IZOD Model

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Stylish speed…we’ll take two!

In Designers, Events, Fashion on March 26, 2010 at 6:33 pm

After meeting some of the IndyCar drivers yesterday morning during the Driver & Media luncheon at the Vinoy Renaissance St.Petersburg Resort, Gabrielle and I decided to trade places with the drivers!

Gabrielle and I took on the IZOD IndyCar race track and went from heels to wheels! Here’s our take:

Mine (Deanna) – After calling “Shotgun!” and jumping into the front seat of the Indy race car, I prayed that I wouldn’t regret that… However, I couldn’t stop laughing and screaming – I was having so much fun! Plus, having a front row seat made the race car ride even better! He was driving so fast that I couldn’t stay still!

OK, OK – I have to admit, there was a tad bit of fear which is why there was a slight escape of some un-ladylike words. Nonetheless, bad words and all, the experience was worth it because my red hot shoes and I were loving every second! We were so close to the wall that I could almost smell the paint. Next time…I’m getting behind the wheel!

Gabrielle – Whoever thought that cutting turns at 90mph could be such a thrill?! What an adrenaline rush! I was just as excited as I get when Nordstrom is having one of their shoe sales…as I am for a show for a Fashion Week Tampa Bay designer (like Ivanka Ska’s SEE Dali Sensory Overload)…or sniffing a cute guy who is wearing the IZOD fragrance. You get it, right? That’s pretty excited, wouldn’t you say?

For the record, I don’t recommend wearing stilettos in a race car…only a slight  disappointment from a style stance, but I didn’t feel out-of-place. I felt proud that I was representing an entity (fashion) that really does go with everything. Perhaps fashion is not nearly recognized enough at let’s say – a race care sporting event – however, by the end of this week we plan to have all the Indy car drivers and fans open-minded to a stylish point of view!

Thanks James!

Our race car on the IndyCar track!

Dario Franchitti and us

Mayor of St. Petersburg - Bill Foster!

Dario Franchitti at the luncheon, and cute pooch.

Some of the IndyCar 2010 drivers!

Deanna modeling in front of Danica Patrick's truck.

Gabrielle posing in front of Danica Patrick's truck.

Stay tuned for more posts about our experience at the IZOD IndyCar Series 2010 – Honda Grand Prix at St. Petersburg !

Creating A Perfect First Date Outfit!

In Fashion, Trends on March 25, 2010 at 5:23 am

As a little girl we were told that one day Prince Charming would come. Unfortunately, we cannot sit around and wait for him to rescue us out of our castles, so we must go out and find him. Single ladies…embrace the dating game! The most nerve-wracking thing about a first date, besides sparking a conversation, is the preparation: what to and what not to wear. You want to create a look that says the right thing. First impressions are important and must send the right signal. Let’s begin……

Whether you are going on a trip to a museum or catching a flick, create a look that’s low-key and playful but not skanky! Fashion’s security blanket denim jeans are always a safe route to take. You should pick a nice cut and color that will flatter your body, but stay away from baggy jeans…there is nothing flattering about a shaggy bottom!

When you’re walking into that date confident with your head held high , a classic pump should be gliding your way. You can never go wrong with a pump, they’re sexy yet serious. Also, flat, knee-high boots over a skinny jean shows that you’re fun and outgoing, yet the height is still casual and trendy. As for the rest of the outfit, look for a shirt that shows off your curves but does not have a plunging neckline…the girls should not make an appearance right away, so cover them up!

Always accessorize. A girl can never have too many bangles, but stay away from hats. Let them see your beautiful face with minimal make-up. Top your look off with some breathe-taking perfume that will hypnotize him. When in doubt, throw on a boyfriend blazer over your look (I recommend white for spring) and be your fabulous self!