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Archive for the ‘Fashion’ Category

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Kimberly Hendrix Prepares to Dazzle the Runways of Tampa Bay

In Designers, Events, Fashion on September 10, 2012 at 9:36 am

Vintage inspiration, recyled material and plenty of sparkle.  This perfect combination of ideas results in the stunning garments created by designer Kimberly Hendrix, which will grace our Tampa Bay runway later this month.  K. Hendrix beautifully detailed creations are handmade and feature intricate beading, embroidery and raw details, not to mention the fact that each piece is made with 100% reclaimed or recycled vintage materials of the highest quality.

After working as an interior designer for many years, Kimberly moved her great passion for art and immense creativity into the beautiful world of fashion.  Aside from her own stunning collections, Kimberly also co-designed a full runway collection for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, Fall 2008.  Kimberly’s stunning pieces have appeared on celebrities such as Zooey Deschanel, Courtney Love and Juliet Lewis.

The Fall 2012 collection features bold color, brilliant sparkle and delicate fabrics for a style experience that is truly miraculous.

If a picture says a thousand stylish words, I cannot imagine how perfectly stunning such pieces will appear on the runway later this month.  If I were you, I would make September 21st a top priority.

Read the rest of this entry »

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Cultural Inspiration

In Fashion, Trends on August 22, 2012 at 1:00 pm

In the same way that a great musician should study many different cultures of music, such is the case for anyone interested or working in fashion.  This beautiful world we live in is full of amazing inspiration.  Imagine if designers could draw only from their own back yards?  I dare say we would all be facing an epic lack of options.

I recently returned from vacationing in the Smoky Mountains.  In the town of Cherokee, North Carolina I found a wide array of stunning tribal prints.  Featuring bold color and intricate detail, vivacious prints such as these will spice up a wardrobe beyond your wildest dreams.

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How do you accessorize this look?  Gold, turquoise and coral pieces look absolutely fantastic with tribal prints.  Perhaps you would rather rock a solid color.  In this case, let your hands be creative with an exciting nail design.  There are endless ways to experiment with this cultural trend.

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Now that I have showered you with delightful examples, dare to find your own inspiration from a culture that fascinates you.  Fashion is in the trees, the sea, and ancient architecture of centuries past.  You just have to look!

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Summer of Lace

In Fashion, Trends on July 23, 2012 at 3:26 pm

Feminine, beautiful and classic.  Lace has been a fashion staple since the 16th century.  Now, in the 21st century it has become as abundant in a variety of unique colors and flattering silhouettes.

The peplum top is a wonderfully popular variation this summer, bringing a bit of extra flair to a basic top.  I have recently purchased one in deep violet with a sweetheart neckline and wide straps.  I could describe it as nothing less than divine!

Lace Peplum Top in Aqua from Forever 21

Alexander McQueen Lace Peplum Top

Stella McCartney Lace Peplum Top

Delicate Pink Peplum Top from Oasap

In the hot summer months, we rarely feel like adding a jacket to our daily ensemble.  Various life factors, however may sometimes make it necessary.  Perhaps your professional life requires it on a daily basis.  Aside from dress codes, I can tell you that I freeze every time I step foot inside a restaurant, even if the thermometer outside does read 90 degrees.  For any of these instances, a stunning lace jacket will always be stylish, practical and fun.

Lace Military Jacket in Nude

Black Lace Bolero Jacket

Zip Lace Jacket from Papaya

Perhaps a full lace dress is a bit too Victorian for you, but you prefer just a peek.  There is a wide variety of wonderful accessories to bring just a touch of lace to your life.

Bright Pump with Lace Detail

Wide Lace Headband

Prada Black Lace Satchel

With so many amazing choices, there is no excuse for hiding your feminine side this summer.  Time to get shopping, Tampa.  I want to see some lace!

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Mother Of All That Is Fashion: Paris

In Fashion, Trends on June 22, 2012 at 9:42 am

One week ago, I solidified a plan to go to Paris, France for my birthday the year 2015.  With nearly three years to prepare, I have already become a bit obsessed.  What do the stylish ones wear on the streets of Paris?  What do the hotels look like?  This is one Stylista who plans to be fully prepared for her epic trip to the City of Light.

Chanel.  This is the very first word that comes to mind when I think of Paris.  For the recent Resort collection, Karl Lagerfeld drew inspiration from Marie Antoinette and the Palace of Versailles.  Chanel and the Palace of Versailles in one sentence?  Simply amazing!

Photo: Yannis Vlamos / GoRunway.com for Style.com

Photo: Yannis Vlamos / GoRunway.com for Style.com

Photo: Yannis Vlamos / GoRunway.com for Style.com

Obviously, some pieces may be more practical than others, but when in Paris is there really such a thing as too much extravagance, too bold a style?  My thought would be no.

Speaking of Marie Antoinette, I have discovered a hotel suite that has more than taken my breath away.  Hotel Seven has a different and more beautiful theme in each of its rooms.  The Marie Antoinette suite grabbed my attention from the name, but the aesthetic stole my heart.  Large white couches and pink pillows, twinkle lights above a canopy bed….it is too beautiful to describe appropriately with words!

Hotel Seven: The Marie Antoinette Suite

Hotel Seven: The Marie Antoinette Suite

Hotel Seven: The Marie Antoinette Suite

Hotel Seven: The Marie Antoinette Suite

These two fabulous aspects are but a droplet in the sparkling sea that is Paris.  There are hundreds more amazing designers to shop at, quaint cafes, beautiful architecture, and of course, The Louvre.  Art has always been a part of fashion, and there is no better place to experience it.

Dior Paris

Christian Louboutin Paris

Palace of Versailles

Le Petit Linc

The Louvre

Where is your dream destination to experience fashion?  You better believe, Tampa Bay that I will be bringing a few pieces of Paris home with me…if I can bring myself to get back on the flight home, that is.

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Top 7 Strappy Shoes for Summer

In Fashion, Trends on May 28, 2012 at 3:46 pm

Soon we can finally celebrate summer in all it’s hot glory! When it comes to summer style, there is nothing I like more than bright colors, cute sandals and striped patterns.

Lately I’ve been searching for my newest summer obsession — strappy shoes. More so… shoes that have a strap over your ankle. You’ll see them almost everywhere, but here are seven of my favorite strappy shoes for summer. All of which are super affordable!

Let’s start with my favorite one, which actually inspired me to write this post in the first place. I love these yellow heels from Ann Taylor! They are so perfect for summer work wear and summer outings.

Ann Taylor Riley Patent Strappy Sandals $158

LOFT Frances Color Pop Wedges $79.50

LOFT Lara Platform Espadrilles $79.50

Aldo Wedges $80

Aldo Blyze $120

Aldo Hartzeld $80

H&M Wedge Heels $34.95

Which “strappy shoe” is your fave? Tell us by writing a comment below!

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Re-Invent the “Earth Tone”

In Fashion, Trends on May 18, 2012 at 7:50 am

The fact that the fashion industry defines the “Earth Tone” color scheme as flat, muted versions of brown, tan, orange and green is not something that I particularly agree with.  The Earth is a magnificent, beautiful place filled with bright, vibrant colors to be described as anything but flat.

Think of the breathtaking aqua waters of Tahiti or Mexico.  A bright, floaty dress in this color would be nothing less than summer perfection.  Aqua is such an amazing color that seems to brighten the skin of just about any tone.   I dare say it is timeless.

Tahiti

Penny Ruffle Dress from reddressboutique.com

What about a bright pink which can be found blooming on the flowers of any tropical oasis?  A stunning pump in this color would be the perfect accent to breath life into a nude colored dress, or simply mix it in with an already bright ensemble for a more eye-catching effect.

Tropical Flowers

Pink Crystal Pumps

There are so many other choices:  Lime, coral, fiery red.  All of these colors that we so adore are derived from nature.  This summer, why not re-invent the “Earth Tone” pallet and strut yourself to a bright, playful season.

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IMAGINE…

In Events, Fashion, Updates on May 10, 2012 at 9:36 am

Every great fashion designer in the world has been trained by great professionals.

As a former student of the International Academy of Design & Technology–Tampa, I know that this institution offers just that: Great Professionals. As students perfect their skills in various aspects of fashion design, they are given the incredible opportunity of showcasing their own brilliant ideas in the annual IMAGINE fashion show. A spot in most big runway events would normally cost a design house a minimum of $50,000. For the IMAGINE fashion show, creativity is the only requirement for a designer to experience the pride and glamour of participation in a big runway show.

This year’s show will be held on Saturday, May 19th at the Mainsail Conference Center in Tampa. A VIP pre-party will begin at 6 p.m., followed by the extravagant runway show. Miss St. Petersburg USA 2013, Collins Medlin, will serve as the event emcee. Following a theme surrounding the uncertainty of the Mayan calendar and 2012, 44 students will present approximately 200 incredible designs ranging from beachwear to bridal.

With a plethora of exciting fashion, beautiful models and intriguing themes, the 27th annual IMAGINE fashion show presented by IADT is one event that must not be missed!

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Join us for some after dark fun at the 600 Block of St. Pete!

In Events, Fashion on October 12, 2011 at 4:45 am

I’ve been around the block… once… twice… a dozen times! And I’m all for taking another stroll down the coolest and most stylish block in St. Pete! I’m obviously talking about the 600 block in downtown St. Petersburg!

My girls and I always enjoy an afternoon in downtown St. Petersburg, where we shop the 600 block boutiques, check out the art museums and grab a bite in one of the  restaurants. I’ve found some super cute vintage and custom made pieces from the 600 block, like this vintage postcard romper from Misred Outfitters that I’m in love with!

About five months ago they had their first ever block party, and I’m happy to share that there will be a block party happening again this year! The 600 After Dark Block Party is Friday, October 21st from 6-11pm on the 600 Block of Central Avenue in downtown St. Petersburg (in between 6th and 7th street off of Central Avenue). It will be a night filled with live music, boutique shopping, art gallery events, food and wine tastings and a collective fashion show of the boutiques on the block will be at 9pm in the Crislip Arcade!

Special events happening at the 600 Block After Dark event:

PRP Wine Tastings out on the sidewalks

The Peaceful Warrior Massage Stations throughout the block.
(from 900 Central Ave)

Olio Gallery:
“Commemoration, Retrieval, Girls, Electric, Memory, Blood”
New small scale work by YanuarY, GregorY, and SookY.
Opening reception begins at 7pm

The Trunk:
Hair Feathering
Candy, Beauty Products, and Makeup Application by Sweet Cheeks
Cupcakes by Baked

The Local 662:
CARNEVIL: The Gravest Show On Earth!
Live Performances by Everymen & DJ Curse Mackey
8pm – 1am

The State Theatre:
Reverend Horton Heat, Supersuckers & Dan Sartain
7pm / $22 Advance

All Sewn Up Boutique:
Catering from Three Birds Tavern’s legendary chef Domenica Macchia
7-10pm
Live models in Window Displays

Join us as we have another fun night in the Bay area!  We hope to see you there!

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TBFW 2011 Runway Recap

In Designers, Events, Fashion on October 5, 2011 at 1:52 pm

This year’s Fashion Week Tampa Bay was fantastic, especially the main event at the Innisbrook Resort and Spa. Of course, I’m talking about the runway shows! Eight designers, sixty models and lots of show production assistance… all helped to create a priceless night! These talented fashion designers brought the glamour, dazzle and drama to our 2011 runway! From sexy swimwear to gorgeous gowns, the runway had it all!

Let’s recap on what we saw at this year’s Fashion Week Tampa Bay runway shows!

Triniece Cagua

Triniece Cagua started the night with some swimwear. I love how they turn a one piece into a fab swimsuit. All of their swimsuits are super stylish, but I really love the print they used in this year’s collection! Gold chains on a red and purple background – I call it… nautical chic!

Audrey “Pat” McGhee

Audrey “Pat” McGhee’s collection had a lot of cool prints, bright colors and tailored pieces. Perfect for a powerful, fashionable woman who likes to have some fun with her clothes!

Two Coconuts

Glamour, vibrant and sparkly… are three words to describe Two Coconuts Spring/Summer 2012 collection! Their stylish swimsuits were mostly metallic, colorful fabrics like pinks, yellows and blues. All of which are perfect for a summer pool party!

Dolly Donshey

From a beautiful ballerina to guards controlling the entry to the runway, Dolly Donshey’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection had it all. Dolly featured her custom couture headpieces with a black-on-black collection, excluding a white lace dress which was escorted off the runway by the guards. I love how unique and artsy her hats are – perfect for any special occasion!

Terri Funaro

Who knew you could create so many gorgeous dresses? Oh, and did I mention… all of which are white? Terri Funaro’s collection featured tailored dresses, stylish day attire and gorgeous wedding gowns. I really love how she creates beautiful necklines on her tailored dresses! Very classy!

Rhonda Shear

The word “sexy” can mean different things to different people… to different cultures… in different times… yeah! That kind of sums it up! Rhonda Shear’s Spring and Summer 2012 collection embodied the different types of sexy women. Her lingerie collection featured sexy icons like an Egyptian goddess, Playboy bunny and Japanese woman.

Kimberly Hendrix

 Kimberly Hendrix flawlessly mixes rocker coolness, earth friendliness and shine-and-sparkle glamour in her Spring/Summer 2012 collection. Love her handmade clothes, especially her shredded tops and beaded dresses!

Dali Hernandez

Dali Hernandez’s Spring and Summer 2012 collection featured fabulous looks that work for all women! I loved her final piece, which was a gold gown with a beautiful jeweled top and neckline.

Essence Flowers

Egyptian royalty came back to life for Essence Flower’s Spring and Summer 2012 collection! Essence, once again, brought the gorgeous couture gowns back to our runway!

All photos are courtesy of Anne Phillips Photography 

Can’t believe Fashion Week Tampa Bay is over! We can’t wait to start planning for next year’s fashion week! Until then, we’ll be blogging about the latest and greatest fashion trends, style tips, industry news and fashionable things around town and beyond!

What were some of your favorite looks from Fashion Week Tampa Bay?

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Runway Day Fun

In Designers, Events, Fashion on October 4, 2011 at 3:35 pm

Fashion week is filled with fun fashion events like cocktail receptions, red carpet premieres and soirees… but what makes fashion week so fab is runway day! It’s the heart of the event! The runway show is a celebration of Tampa Bay and surrounding area’s fashion, art and creativity. We started the night by shopping our boutique vendors, mingling with friends and posing for pictures in the boutique area. Then it’s off to the showroom! Before we discuss the runway dazzle and drama, let’s look back at the pre-show festivities.

But first… a big thank you to our boutique vendors for the pre-show fun!

Art Institute of Tampa

Audi

Hats R Back

Lord’s Jester

Making Strides

International Academy of Design and Technology

Ivanka Ska Shoes

Shoes for the Cure

Stella & Dot

Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine

tbt*

VERTICAL Tampa Bay

Yelp

All photos are courtesy of Anne Phillips Photography.

Check out all the pictures here!