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Archive for the ‘Fashion’ Category

Bambina by Nina Verklas for Fashion Week Tampa Bay

In Designers, Fashion on August 30, 2009 at 2:47 pm

This year’s event will feature fabulous custom designer, Nina Verklas’ label, Bambina by NV. Her edgy, feminine designs are mysteriously versatile, from ready-to-wear and evening wear, to costume design.

Nina Verklas

Nina Verklas has showcased her chic designs in various fashion presentations, including our very own Tampa Bay Fashion Week. Each collection is unique with a myriad of colors, textures, prints and elegant facades.

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Bambina NV will return to Tampa Bay Fashion Week’s runway this year. The label’s theme is “Safari Chic” with designs inspired by wildlife in National Geographic magazine.

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Visit www.bambinabynv.com to see her previous collections, and look for the latest collection at our event!

Fashion Wire Press Partners with Tampa Bay Fashion Week

In Fashion, Updates on August 24, 2009 at 3:38 am

FWPTampa Bay Fashion Week is thrilled to announce its partnership with official House Photographers, Fashion Wire Press for this year’s event!

Fashion Wire Press is the eponymous namesake of premier fashion designer, Edward Kavishe, which photographs the most sought-after international fashion events, and distributes images to top print and online media globally.

“Talented and innovative designers exist in all corners of the world,”  said Kavishe of Tampa Bay Fashion Week. “Although we are busy throughout the year shooting New York, Paris, Milan, etc., we have always kept a keen interest in the regional fashion weeks. Tampa Bay is brewing with brilliant and passionate designers who capture the unique style of the Bay. We are excited to shoot and showcase their collections to our global media network.”

Fashion Wire Press’ involvement with Tampa Bay Fashion Week will give local designers an amazing opportunity to reach a wider network of media and buyers, and show the world true Tampa Bay style!

Join us for an event that you won’t forget–full of social entertainment, exclusive fashion designs and the best runway photography!

Street Style in Tampa

In Fashion, Trends on August 21, 2009 at 3:42 am

Despite her cute half-floral, half-black belted cocktail dress, Courtney, this week’s Stylista find, describes herself as a jeans and t-shirt kind of person. In fact, her favorite item she can’t live without are her jeans. So what inspires this fashionista’s versatile style? Courtney says she looks up to stylish icons and celebrities, like Avril Lavigne, who are trendy and wear what they feel comfortable in, despite what others might say.

“Wear something comfortable that you feel sexy in and don’t pay attention to people who might look down on you. At the end of the day, you have to answer to yourself,” says Courtney. She also has two sure tips for any woman who wants to look and feel beautiful and sexy. First, wear heels. The taller the better because they make your legs look long and lean. Second tip, wear mascara. This, she says will brighten up your look by brightening up your eyes.

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The Fashion Week Tampa Bay Stylistas are out and about so stay stylish and maybe you will be featured in the next Street Style segment!

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What’s Cooking in the Fashion World?

In Fashion on August 14, 2009 at 1:21 pm

Now there’s a cookbook to fill any stylish soul’s hunger! The Council of Fashion Designers of America knows how to make food fashionable, too! The CFDA recently published the American Fashion Cookbook.

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My boyfriend and I are celebrating our one year anniversary soon so I’ve been surfing the web for some dinner ideas. I wanted to find a tasty yet easy to make recipe I could use to prepare a romantic dinner for two. I was so thrilled when I found this cookbook… I can actually eat the same meals as my favorite American designers! I better go shopping to match my stylish dinner!

The American Fashion Cookbook is perfect for any fashionable woman making a romantic dinner for two, a tasteful brunch or healthy food that will help her fit comfortably in her new dress. Honestly, what’s more chic than a hot, stylish chef in the kitchen?

The cookbook contains recipes and illustrations from over 100 American fashion designers including dinner recipes from Isaac Mizrahi with his mushroom truffle spaghetti. Then enjoy Mark Ecko’s “adults only” chocolate chip cookies for dessert.

Published with the Council of Fashion Designers of America and a foreword by Martha Stewart, American Fashion Cookbook provides us fashion lovers with some great recipes. The Council of Fashion Designers of America is a (not-for-profit) trade association that consists of 350 fashion and accessory designers. You can follow them on Twitter or become a fan on facebook.

Your love for fashion can now be shown in the kitchen with the help from your favorite American fashion designers! The American Fashion Cookbook is currently available for purchase online or in bookstores. Let me know how tasty your food turns out!

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Street Style in Tampa

In Fashion, Trends on August 13, 2009 at 12:26 am

This week’s fashionista shows us how to mix flashy pieces with style. Alexis describes her personality and style as loud, creative and classic; and she struts her stuff with confidence. IN this image she has paired a black tank with a flirty floral mini and tan flats with silver and gold leaf embellishments. Alexis says her secret to matching busy patterns is to pair them with a solid color as an accent.

With such a creative flair I had to ask Alexis about her favorite fashion item. Every stylista needs a little black dress and this, according to Alexis, is one of her most prized closet possessions. Her must-have beauty and fashion tip mirrors our previous Street Style fashionistas: be comfortable. If you find yourself saying, “I love these heels and they’re really cute but they hurt,” go with the comfy choice. Beauty is pain does not apply to Alexis. “At the end of the night you’ll wish you wore the more comfortable pair. It’ll show too,” says Alexis.

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The Fashion Week Tampa Bay Stylistas are out and about so stay stylish and maybe you will be featured in the next Street Style segment!

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Street Style in Tampa Bay

In Fashion, Trends on August 6, 2009 at 11:36 pm

Meet Shima, a multitasking mom who values comfort and versatility as much as style. Shima was out wearing dark washed skinny jeans and a black and white floral sweater over a black tank accessorized by a red scarf, beaded headband and a white Michael Kors watch. Fabulous! The outfit is definitely versatile as it can work for running errands, meeting a friend for lunch or picking up her son from school. “I try to dress comfortably and functional but classy. I like pieces that stand the test of time so I tend to dress in neutrals with a tiny pop of color or add an accessory that stands out and modernizes it,” said Shima describing her style.

This classic stylista also admits that accessories, such as big rings and funky necklaces, always catch her eye as she walks into a store. “They’re great because no matter what mood you’re in, they always work.” As for must-have beauty tip, Shima said the protective power of sunscreen is a must!

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The Fashion Week Tampa Bay Stylistas are out and about so stay stylish and maybe you will be featured in the next Street Style segment!

Street Style in Tampa Bay

In Fashion, Trends on July 31, 2009 at 12:44 pm

An abundance of lavish colors indicate summer is in full swing. Meet Naomi, a Tampa resident fashionista who loves the brightness of the summer months. I spotted Naomi leisurely shopping with her husband and loved the bright texture of her sandals and the chunky green necklace she paired with a floral print tank and jean capris. “I’m a very bold person and usually choose bright colors to wear. Right now yellows and greens are my favorite but I change with the seasons,” Naomi said.

Claiming she has over 200 pairs of shoes and several coach bags, Naomi said her fashion obsessions are accessories. “I always wear high heels. This is the only style flat I wear but I’m definitely an accessory person.” Naomi said she doesn’t have a particular style icon but loves the designs of Michael Kors, Ann Taylor and Coach.

Naomi describes her style and personality as eccentric and cheery, and says good simple makeup, comfortable jeans and shoes are the tips she would give to future fashionistas.

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The Fashion Week Tampa Bay stylistas are out and about so stay stylish and maybe you will be featured in the next Street Style segment!

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Fly High in Style

In Fashion, Trends on July 29, 2009 at 11:39 am

Recently, I went to visit family in Tennessee. I absolutely love flying, but as a self-proclaimed fashionista, choosing the right outfit to wear on the plane is a daunting task. After spending about the same amount of time picking out a suitable plane outfit as I did packing, my bedroom looks like a tornado disaster story straight out of a National Geographic! If you’re a seasoned traveler, you know suitable plane apparel has to be comfortable, wrinkle resistant, warm and cool (at the same time), security friendly and practical all in one coordinated, stylish outfit. I’ve put together some stylish options to keep in mind next time you’re planning a little get-away.

Seat Smart

Sitting for an extended period of time can be quite uncomfortable without comfy pants. Throw on your favorite pair of jeans or one of these alternatives.

Victoria's Secret bootcut pant in seasonless stretch

Victoria's Secret bootcut pant in seasonless stretch

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Clifford Zip-Pocket Bi-Stretch Pants

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Clifford Zip-Pocket Bi-Stretch Pants

Warm Fuzzies

If you’re like me and get cold easily, these are great cover-up options that won’t force you to sacrifice warmth for frumpiness.

Forever 21 Metallic knit cardigan

Forever 21 Metallic knit cardigan

Alternative Apparel Wrap

Alternative Apparel Wrap

Ann Taylor Loft Pintuck drape front cardigan

Ann Taylor Loft Pintuck drape front cardigan

Well-Heeled

I love high heels, but sometimes they aren’t practical when there are mountains of suitcases to haul. Even the most skilled heel walkers can be prone to accidents worthy of America’s Funniest Home Videos. These slip-ons are comfortable and unproblematic at the security checkpoint.

Ann Taylor Perfect haircalf flat

Ann Taylor Perfect haircalf flat

Newport News Pleated satin flats

Newport News Pleated satin flats

Blowfish Sherbert flats

Blowfish Sherbert flats

Security Proof Accessories

While having a great outfit does wonders, it’s the accessories and bling that can spice up any outfit. Choosing the right accessories are crucial. As any traveler can tell you, your accessories might be the difference between waiting 5 minutes or 15 minutes to pass through security. Here are some great ideas to avoid beeping and having to practically strip down at security.

Windsor Multi strand bracelet

Windsor Multi strand bracelet

Serpent bangle

Serpent bangle

Top Shop Graduated bead rope necklace

Top Shop Graduated bead rope necklace

Simply Vera Vera Wang logo pendant

Simply Vera Vera Wang logo pendant

Top Shop Leather Buckle stretch belt

Top Shop Leather Buckle stretch belt

Top Shop Leather Interlocking Belt

Top Shop Leather Interlocking Belt

Top Shop Leather Interlocking Belt

Top Shop Leather Interlocking Belt

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Au Revoir Christian Lacroix

In Designers, Fashion on July 21, 2009 at 5:50 pm

Au revoir! Almost everyone is impacted by the awful economy and money crisis. It’s even taking its toll in the fashion industry, and most recently for French designer, Christian Lacroix who is known for his haute couture collections.

His fashion show last week was like no other… tears and hugs were exchanged after Christian Lacroix showed his last collection.

During the last 20 years, Lacroix always made headlines with his abnormal and fantasy creations, including the short puffball skirt (“le pouf”), rose prints, and low décolleté necklines.

This legendary designer always put on a show with exceptional haute couture pieces. Christian Lacroix also started making clothes and accessories that were “ready to wear” for the average working woman.

Lacroix’s Fall-Winter 2009-2010 Collection mostly involved shades of navy blue and black that gave a funeral feel to the collection. Even though it was appropriate… it added to the sad mood of saying goodbye to Lacroix.

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Aside from the tears of witnessing Lacroix’s last collection, the crowd loved every fashionable piece. The collection was made beautifully and really made an artistic statement with the darker colors, exquisite craftsmanship and models with covered heads.

Ending the show was this glorious cathedral-inspired bride to lighten up the gloomy and dark mood.  It truly was an elegant goodbye to the death of something wonderful!

FRANCE FASHION

His 24 looks in this collection ended with a rare roar of applause from the elegant and dreary fashionable audience. Supportive fans held a banner reading “Christian Lacroix forever” as he made his final walk on the runway.

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“I can’t think this is the end,” Lacroix told Associated Press Television. “It’s the beginning of something, I hope.”

I personally fell in love with this dress below! I love the craftsmanship with the lace and elegance I feel from this dress.

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I hope Christian Lacroix can get out of this financial mess then reopen his haute couture and fashionable ready to wear collection. He estimated it would take 50 million Euros to re launch the label, and he said Tuesday’s show at Les Arts Decoratifs museum, would serve as a showcase to seduce possible financiers.

I feel that Christian Lacroix will win this financial battle he is facing. He will once again make exquisite pieces of fashionable art for the world to wear.

I won’t say “Au revoir” to Christian Lacroix just yet… instead I’m saying “Au plaisir de vous revoir” meaning- See you later!

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/fashion/2009/07/08/2009-07-08_french_designers_last_haute_couture_catwalk.html#ixzz0LNDoifhC


Perfect accessory? Great summer skin!

In Fashion on July 11, 2009 at 5:37 pm

You want to feel fabulous in what you’re wearing? Well, having great skin is key! Having healthy skin that shines will brighten any outfit!

Below I have listed some easy ways to maintain healthy looking skin during the hot summer months.

olay touch of sunScreen against the sun

I get freckles so easily from the sun, so sunscreen is a must in my routine! Sun exposure can negatively impact your skin by causing wrinkles and adding sun damage. Using sunscreen daily is totally worth it to me to avoid unnecessary wrinkles. I’ve found an easier and cost effective option is to have a moisturizer with SPF 15 or 30.

My favorite is Olay Touch of Sun Daily UV Moisturizer, which can be purchased at any drugstore or www.olay.com

Wear stylish sunglasses

Sunglasses, cute to wear and a skin saver, too! Who would have guessed that wearing sunglasses can actually save your face from wrinkles! Without my sunglasses I always have to squint to see anything while being in the sun. Squinting caused by repetitive direct sunlight will make wrinkles appear and make you look much older. Who really wants wrinkles?

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Dior Overshine Sunglasses

www.dior.com

So fresh and so clean

This is an area I can improve in because the last thing I want to do is wash my face after a long night. Waking up to a messy face and make-up on the pillow isn’t neutthe prettiest thing either. It’s really important to wash your face every night before bed so your skin can repair itself throughout the night. Plus, you don’t want breakouts from oil produced during the night or your makeup clogging up your pores. Gross!

I use this Neutrogena product and love it! This acne wash keeps my skin fresh and smelling like grapefruit!

These summer skin care tips are simple to follow and the perfect accessory to any stylish outfit. Remember don’t let the clothes wear you… You wear the clothes and stay fabulous!