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Creative Clay Showcase

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Updates on July 5, 2011 at 3:56 pm

Giving back is always in style! There is really nothing more fabulous than a generous and caring heart. Ivanka Ska, fashion designer and featured designer participant in Fashion Week Tampa Bay (2008 & 2009), has always been active in her community. For the past two years, she has been a guest artist at Creative Clay, a non-profit organization providing local artists with developmental, physical, and/or emotional disabilities an opportunity to pursue their passion for art making.

Creative Clay has a mentoring program called ArtLink, which pairs up local artists, like Ivanka, with Creative Clay member artists for a six month period. The local artist mentors, develops ongoing projects and helps their ArtLink partner create statements, resumes, a budget, the importance of networking, and community involvement. After the completion of the mentoring program, they present the final project they have been working on for six months.

The ArtLink showcase will take place at the St. Petersburg Museum of History this Saturday, July 9th at 7pm. Ivanka’s student, Galynn L. is very excited to showcase what she’s been working on. Galynn loves to draw fashion designs, play with her dogs, and spend time at Creative Clay. Ivanka said that they had so much fun together making art with their “fashion heads.”

“This is my second time working with an Artlink partner. Last year I had a great time working with Artie, who at the end of her program presented an amazing fashion show,” Ivanka says. “I’m so excited for the connections I make during my wonderful time with the Creative Clay students who have mental and physical disabilities. Seeing how art can perform miracles leaves me speechless.”

Witness what the power of making art and helping others can do this Saturday, July 9, 2011 at the Creative Clay ArtLink showcase.

Ivanka and Galynn

Galynn making art!

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Best of Spring Trends

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends, Updates on April 27, 2011 at 9:03 am

Here are the “Must Have” trends for this season that we can embrace – and enjoy – during sizzling Florida spring weather.

Neutrals and nudes are a huge trend right now. Combine them with black for a chic look or spice it up with a color to avoid the dreaded washed out look. You may even opt for a blush color to take a neutral piece, like a blazer, a bit more feminine without distracting frills.

Rebecca Minkoff Spring 2011

Breezy silhouettes will make enduring even the hottest day easier. Long, loose blouses and swingy dresses are a comfortable yet chic change from too tight dresses and tops.

Michael Kors Spring 2011

High-waist shorts in black or navy are the perfect alternate to a skirt and make legs appear longer – who doesn’t like that? The look can be made more casual with high-waist flared jeans, paired with a sleeveless racerback or scoop neck top. Spruce up the look with a few statement accessories to rock it at night.

Derek Lam Spring 2011

One of the most stylish and comfortable ways to step into spring is wearing wedges. They are a happy medium between flats and often painful stilettos. An easy go-to shoe with any outfit, wedges will leave your tootsies feeling great – even at the end of the day.

Michael Kors Spring 2011

Lace – It’s fun, flirty and can be combined with any of the trends above. Lace can be dressed up or made casual.  A light, lace top can be layered over a matching tank and will create the effect of a longer torso. It’s an incredibly versatile piece that can be taken from work to weekends, day to night.

Badgley Mischka Spring 2011


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The Golden Globes: What Was Your Favorite?

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends, Updates on January 18, 2011 at 3:06 am

Everyone knows that our only motivation for taking time out of our busy schedules to watch an award show is the fashion.  At this year’s Golden Globes, those looking forward to flashy gowns popping with color may have been slightly disappointed with the surprising quantity of beige.  There were a few, however who saved the night in rich fabrics fully saturated with exquisite color.

The beautiful Mila Kunis was nothing short of a live, shining emerald in a one-shoulder Vera Wang piece.  The color complemented her flawless skin perfectly, and intricate draping sculpted her adorable shape.  Also from Vera Wang, Sofia Vergara appeared in a fiery pink gown accented with a black belt at the waist.  The gathered bodice and draped train provided a unique flair perfect for this event.

Of course, I am not insinuating in the least that bright colors are the only option for high style.  Eva Longoria was absolutely breathtaking in a black Zac Posen gown.  With a deep cut version of a sweetheart neckline and a matching black sash to cinch the already fitted waist, this dress was simply divine.  In addition, beige is not always bland when worn like Carrie Underwood in sparkling Badgley Mischka Couture.

To each her own: What was your favorite?

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From Punk To Funk

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Updates on October 21, 2010 at 6:30 pm

There’s no question about it. The girl keeps doing her thang! Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2010 was just a month ago and Nina Verklas is showing in another Fashion Week. Nina will be presenting an exclusive showcase, “Rockin’ Retreat,” in Funksion Fashion Week Miami Beach.

Funksion Fashion Week Miami Beach is Wednesday, October 20 through Sunday, October 24th. Nina will be competing with other fashion designers in the Emerging Designers Competition. The competition will be at the Bass Museum Fashion Venue on Thursday, October 21st. Doors will open at 5pm and the fashion show starts at 6pm. Don’t be too fashionably late ladies and gents!

Nina Verklas has been selected as a featured designer for Fashion Week Tampa Bay for three years in a row. Her Bambina by NV Resort 2011 Collection was shown this year. I love this rockstar inspired collection! The collection was very punk rock, gothic/dark expanse and trendy with leather, chains and studs. She brought the punk and here comes the funk. We wish you the best! Knock ’em dead girl!

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Runway Review

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Updates on October 2, 2010 at 4:16 pm

Essence Flowers

Flowers are usually associated with romance and what’s more romantic than a wedding? Well, Essence Flowers’ collection was a mix and match made in heaven. A edgy elegance made up of gorgeous feminine pieces paired with rebellious music from Marilyn Manson –“Sweet Dreams.” They have always said that opposites attract! The Tampa Bay Buccaneer Cheerleaders worked the runway and posed in puppet like positions at the end. In addition to wearing white bridal hats, goddess gowns and girly form-fitting pieces with a soft color palate of pink, white, camel and gray.

Kimberly Hendrix

Her Spring/Summer 2011 Collection contained the most glamorous shipwreck outfits ever. All of the metallic, glitter, silver and gold made it feel like we were stranded on Treasure Island. However, the triangular shapes and unique angles in her pieces reminded me of Tinker Bell so maybe our ship wrecked on Never Ever Land. Overall Kimberly Hendrix created a collection that would satisfy sexy furious women and fantasy fever women. The models worked the runway in black heels and matching black angle socks. In addition, the models were wearing embroidery pieces that were emphasized at the top or bottom of the outfit. All pieces are vintage inspired and handmade by Kimberly herself.

Terri Funaro

“Uptown girl living in an uptown world.” Terri’s Spring/Summer 2011 collection will soon be in every classy fashionistas closet living in the Upper East Side (and living in Tampa Bay). Each piece would be flitting for every girl attending a formal event or a cocktail soiree. The collection was very well made with each piece containing a “wow” detail like a lace neckline on a gorgeous gown. The wedding gowns were breathtaking! Everyone fell in love with her wedding gowns. I heard cheering, applauding and positive chit-chat all across the tent.

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Fashionably Amazing Night

In Events, Fashion, Updates on September 27, 2010 at 9:39 pm

Would you like to know the recipe for creating a fashionably amazing night? 1. Choose a glamorous location like Neiman Marcus. 2. Bring the socialites of Tampa Bay together. 3. Provide the party fare like drinks and food. And to really top it off… have the event benefit a great cause. This fashionably amazing night was the Glitz, Glamour, Fashion II event on Thursday, September 23, 2010.


This was day two of Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2010. The event benefitted the Pace Center for Girls of Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties. To help this great cause, you would purchase an auction ticket or simply donate money. I bought a ticket and tried to win the iPod touch. Unfortunately I had no luck winning it but I’m glad that my money went to the Pace Center for Girls! The auction prizes were out of this world amazing! There were weekend getaways, a Tampa Bay Buccaneers helmet signed by the team, beautiful jewelry and so much more!

The Glitz, Glamour and Fashion II party was at Neiman Marcus. Any event at Neiman Marcus is going to be glamorous without even trying. The food was delicious! I couldn’t get enough of the crab cakes and strawberry pound cake! We even asked a server to sit with us so she wouldn’t leave with the food. It didn’t work… but was worth a shot! Conelly Cocktails provided us with the most delicious and pretty cocktails ever!

Two words to describe the Glitz, Glamour, Fashion II party… fashionably amazing!

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Glitz, Glamour, Fashion II

In Events, Fashion, Updates on September 23, 2010 at 12:42 am

Fashion Week Tampa Bay has finally arrived in full, fabulous force!  On Thursday, September 23rd, Sherí Taber, The Peak Performance Group, Inc. and Joyce Cotton invite you to Glitz, Glamour, Fashion II as Neiman Marcus hosts a night of true decadance.  Presented by Audi and Tampa Bay Fashion Week, Tampa Bay’s “A” list will come out for a night of fashion and fun at Glitz, Glamour, Fashion II.  The best part?  It is all happening for a great cause: PACE Center For Girls!

Guests will sip complementary cocktails as they take in the beautiful fashion ambiance that is Neiman Marcus.  Join us from 6-8:30 p.m. and be a part of the glamour.  Not only will you experience high-end fashion at its finest while helping a cause, but you can also enter to win luxury items!

It would be absolutely tragic to miss a moment of Fashion Week Tampa Bay.  From the dazzling parties to the big runway show, 2010 is going to be amazing.

Visit http://glitzglamfashion2.eventbrite.com/ to purchase tickets for this fabulous event!

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PACE Provides Bright Opportunities For Girls

In Events, Updates on September 22, 2010 at 9:42 pm

Seeing the many beautiful and talented women who emerge year after year at Fashion Week Tampa Bay, one cannot help but wonder how they become so amazing.  As it turns out, there is a very special organization called PACE Center for Girls.  Providing girls and young women with the opportunity for a better future, PACE believes that each one deserves to find her voice and achieve her full potential.

With an impressive list of principles such as honoring the female spirit, focusing on strengths, and seeking excellence, PACE is the perfect place for girls between the ages of 12 and 17 to gain the tools necessary to become outstanding women.  This year, PACE celebrates their 25th anniversary, providing evidence of just how wonderful and effective this program really is.

That designer, model, actress or even doctor you admire so much?  She just may be a product of PACE.

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Please, Direct Me to Beauty Heaven!

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Updates on September 18, 2010 at 8:16 am

Ever been on the search (via the internet) for a new nail salon that’s closer to home? Maybe you’ve googled, binged, and even pulled out the old yellow pages? I was without a beauty heaven, until I came across one of Fashion Week Tampa Bay’s sponsors, Prettycity.com (our sponsor for the past three years – thank you!) The door opened and I saw the light. A beauty Mecca that was right at my fingertips.

At Prettycity.com, I am able to search the top local spas and salons in my city: Tampa Bay. Prettycity.com supports 30 cities in the U.S. including, New York, Los Angeles, and Miami. Along with searching to find my new beauty get-a-way, I’m able to read real reviews from customers about their experiences, plus likes and dislikes on particular companies. Also, the site provides printable coupons for contributing spas and salons and promotional updates in your city.

By becoming a VIPretty, you can receive special updates and attend Prettycity.com events. From now until December, PrettyCity is in partnership with Shape to help celebrate The Beauty Sample Sale. This sale touches numerous cities in the United States. Guests will sample complimentary beauty services courtesy of the world’s prettiest brands, from hair care to skin care from cosmetics to cosmeceuticals.

On my most recent search, not only did I find a new nail salon, I came across new products, celebrity tips and tricks, and consulted with Prettycity.com’s beauty experts about recommended skin care products for my skin type to prepare me for all the Fashion Week Tampa Bay events coming. I got to have my skin along with my dress looking flawless.

As you prepare yourself for Tampa’s most anticipated fashion event of the year, Fashion week Tampa Bay 2010, visit www.Prettycity.com to let them assist you with your beauty needs. See you at the show!

For more information and tickets to Fashion Week Tampa Bay, visit www.fashionweektampabay.com

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The Academy

In Fashion, Updates on September 15, 2010 at 2:34 pm

When it comes to being a fashion designer, creative passion, knowledge of the industry and design skills are necessary.  Having a wild imagination will also bring you far in this industry filled with “magic makers.” Everyone from the fashion show coordinators to the designers work magic in providing what the final eye sees. So how do you learn these design skills? Let me tell you… trying to teach yourself how to sew isn’t easy! Are designers born with fashion design skill? Doubtful unless you are the great Coco Chanel! What do talented fashion designers like Essence Flowers and Nina Verklas have in common? They are both successful graduates from International Academy of Design and Technology!

International Academy of Design and Technology has several campus locations throughout the U.S. including Tampa (of course), Chicago, Las Vegas, Sacramento and more. You can even attend “The Academy” while being home in your pajamas – online! The design college locations like Tampa focus on helping students acquire innovative design and technology skills while they pursue their dream career. One of the Tampa’s instructors, Terri Funaro is one of our Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2010 designers. International Academy of Design and Technology help students transform their passions and creative ideas into an interesting, in-demand career. Fashion design is only one of the many appealing degree programs. The Academy offers degrees in interior design, graphic design, animation, audio production, fashion merchandising, professional photography, advertising design, game production, digital media production, building information modeling and post production.

A school that focuses on transforming students’ creative passions into careers is nothing less than perfect for sponsoring our fashionable event. We are proud to have International Academy of Design and Technology as a Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2010 sponsor!