fashionweektampabay

Posts Tagged ‘Fashion Week Tampa Bay’

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Queen Midas

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends on August 5, 2010 at 1:33 am

Despite current economic reports of dread, Fall 2010 will bring fashion dripping in gold.  With shimmering possibilities from shirt to shoe, you may find yourself pondering the title of “Queen Midas”.

While this may seem a familiar choice, I would be completely remiss if I did not mention Christian Louboutin’s gold-studded bootie.  The body of the shoe is covered in round studs and spikes, all in amazingly shiny gold.  As if this were not enough, the heel exudes such brilliance that eye protection may become necessary in looking upon this beautiful shoe.

Speaking of shades, if the eyes must be protected, golden accents will flatter like no other.  The average gold-rimmed sunglasses can be found anywhere from bargain outlet to high-end boutique.  However, you will have a much more shining effect in shades like these from Chinese designer, Zhu Fei.  The very definition of unique, these glasses feature delicate nature inspired cut-outs in brilliant gold.  Whether you can actually see much is another story, but the look itself is utterly amazing.

Shoes and accessories aside, a true necessity for any golden queen involves a beautiful frock complete with gold beading.  This off-the-shoulder number from Herve Leger adds gold and black beading to the famous bandage dress, creating dazzle that is fit for royalty.

This fall, do not be afraid to unleash your inner queen on a drab world.  All of that shine may just do some good for humanity, let alone your wardrobe.

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The Golden Age

In Designers, Trends, Updates on August 4, 2010 at 9:17 am

I have always been a fan of a thick frame and pitch-black shaded sunglasses that protects my eyes from everything under the sun. This summer, I am trading my dull black shades in for some shiny bright gold aviators. Thanks to celebrity trendsetters, I was first introduced to the golden era of eyewear while attending Fashion Week Tampa Bay’s Ultimate Ladie’s Night Out for the Sex and the City2 premiere. Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) sported Mykita & Bernhard Willhem’s Franz limited edition gold aviators in one of the opening scenes. It was love at first sight. So, I have been searching for the right pair for me and came across so many pairs that I need your advice!

First pair are Badgley Mischka. These 24-karat gold aviators have been seen on celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Rihanna who wore them in her “So Hard” video. The shape really frames the face nice not giving it too much of a masculine form.

Next, Ray-Ban gold aviators, which are known for their aviator sun-glasses, doesn’t come as a surprise that they would also offer them in gold. The shape of the frame is more squared and can only work well with certain face types such as square and/or round.

I came across an Elizabeth and James limited edition Fairfax sunglasses that had a thick black frame that surrounded the gold lenses. I always seem to fall back into a thick black frame.

Eyewear over the years has become one of the must have accessories along with shoes and belts. Although the trends change from thick sun-glasses to thin, they are now changing colors as well. If you remember last season the silver Ray-Bans were the hottest accessories around. It seems that designers are feeling a bit more luxurious this season with the 18, 22, and 24-karat gold sunglasses, most offered in thick and thin lenses. However, I can’t decide which pair are for me.

Any suggestions fashionistas?

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Luxury From the Road to the Runway

In Events, Fashion, Updates on July 30, 2010 at 9:19 am

We’re just a few months away from the Bay area’s most anticipated fashion event of the year, Fashion Week Tampa Bay! This year will not only be showcasing established and emerging fashion and accessories designers from Tampa Bay and surrounding areas, but they are bringing the speed of luxury from the road to the runway. Audi has been named presenting sponsor for this year’s Tampa Bay Fashion Week, Sept. 22-25, 2010.

When it comes to style, speed and performance, Audi and fashion go hand and hand. Every detail has its purpose. Whether it’s a button on a pair of jeans or a dramatic open panorama sunroof on a 2010 Audi Q7, the design concept and expressive details that go into the ‘art’ has a connection that is logical and natural.

The company’s commitment to their owners, employees, and environment hold the same core beliefs of Fashion Week Tampa Bay…giving back to the community. Each year Fashion Week Tampa Bay benefits organizations that are committed to the well-being of and service to our world, our children, our health, our future and our dreams. This year Audi will be in full-speed ahead as the week of style leverages the Bay area’s talented individuals and gives back to the community.

This reminds me of my favorite quote by a legendary designer Coco Chanel. “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”. The Audi brand and Tampa Bay Fashion Week partnership expresses the true meaning of this quote.

So as we mark our calendars for a week-long event of parties, runway shows, boutique vendor exhibits and fashion-focused activities throughout Tampa Bay, Audi will be bringing its luxury car presence to the festivities!

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A Girl’s “New” Best Friend!

In Fashion, Trends, Updates on July 27, 2010 at 1:50 am

It has been agreed upon that diamonds are a girl’s best friend. The luxurious effect a diamond has once brushed across your collar-bone, or coasted down your finger -preferably by a handsome prince-  it sparkles in your eyes to enhance the reason why it is wonderful to be a women, despite pregnancy, cramping, and menstrual mood-swings. However, over time women have befriended more than just a diamond. Shoes, the little black dress and the handbag. I refer to my handbag as my first aid kit. Not because I have everything from a nail file to pens to a phone charger in it, but because without my handbag I feel as if I forgot to put on a vital piece of clothing before leaving the house. A handbag is #3 on my list of things mandatory to wear, after a bra and panties. That’s how much I rely on my handbag and I’ve met alot of women that feel the same way as I do.

This is why when I came across the ultimate diamond house and found out that they added a new friend to the group, I had to share it with all the Fashion Week Tampa Bay friends. Tiffany & Co. has handbags!

I know…same reaction I had- grin from ear to ear and loud shouts like I won the lottery.

The handbag collection is designed by Elsa Peretti, an Italian jewelry designer. She is known for the infamous ‘tear drop’ necklace at Tiffany & Co. She has incorporated timeless Tiffany pieces that are reincarnated as chain handles on evening bags, a crystal-bow brooch is brought back to life as a motif on a clutch and a six-prong engagement ring setting is the basis for a twist-lock clasp…I do!

The enticement of the handbags trimmings doesn’t stop there. The soft color palette, which portrays rich jewel tones like garnet and violet,  also offers neutral tones like black pearl and camel stones that will pair well with many eveningwear pieces.

I don’t recommend sporting this handbag while shopping at the mall with your girlfriends. This handbag is definitely an exclusive item in your closet and should only be taken out on special occasions. However, they offer a few casual handbags such as a backpack and a shopper tote.

Thank you Tiffany’s for catering to every woman’s needs!

To see the full collection, visit www.tiffany.com

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Windows to the Soul: Couture Style!

In Trends on July 22, 2010 at 12:06 pm

If those fabulous baby blues (or browns) truly are the windows to the soul, why would you ever neglect them when making fashion choices?  I was recently reminded of the importance of eye fashion when I noticed a beautiful co-worker sporting bold and unique colors each and every day.  From deep amethyst to seafoam green, this young woman knows exactly how to transform her “windows” into a couture boutique entrance.

Many women tend to think a bit too conservatively with regard to eye make-up, fearing that bright colors may give the essence of a clown.  Au contrair!  Nothing is sexier than a bright plum or shocking aqua to draw attention to those peepers.

While some runway looks may be a bit over-the-top, they can be used for inspiration. You may not wish to look as cartoon-like as this Dior model, but that does not mean you should shy away from bright pink shadow.  Why not try some false lashes to enhance things a little?  The key is determining the difference between bold and ridiculous and dancing right on the edge.

For this peacock inspired look, the timid may use a more subtle false lash.  If you dare, go ahead and rock the spotted one!  Just keep the colorful shadow to the eye area only, and you will have a look of perfection appropriate for everyday use.

This look is absolutely perfect.  Resembling an exotic princess, the model wears metallic jewel tones on her eyes.  The look is vibrant and stunning, yet realistic.  With glowing skin and sparkling pink lips, a beauty choice such as this will surely bring out the princess within.

Whether your style is ultra feminine or a bit more edgy, make sure you don’t allow those big sparkling eyes to leave the house undressed.

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Showing the Inside Out: The Graphic Cuff

In Designers, Fashion, Trends on July 20, 2010 at 3:47 pm

Over the years, jeans have become a bit more complex. We used to have very few options when it came to jean styles-boot cut or loose fit. However, through inspiration from music and celebrities, the turn of the millenium has brought us more jean styles we could possibly even ask for. I actually find it challenging to shop for jeans now-a-days. Especially when shopping at Gap. Their options are endless…stretch, jeggings, bootcut, skinny, curvy, long and lean.

The newest edition to the jean library at Gap has you taking what’s on the inside and showing it out; the graphic cuff jeans. You would cuff the bottom of your jeans to reveal a whimsical bird graphic. This means, you will be drawing  attention to your ankles so I recommend not only pairing your new graphic cuff jeans with fabulous shoes but always remembering to accessorize so consider some trendy ankle bracelets. The graphic cuff jeans can be dressed up or dressed down.

So, on your next shopping adventure, be sure to visit a Gap near you and explore the galore of jean styles, especially the graphic cuff jeans!

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Shoulder Jewelry

In Fashion, Trends on July 12, 2010 at 2:16 am

There is nothing worse than when it comes to wearing a cami to show off your flirtatious shoulders but instead they are camouflaged by a bra strap. Especially if the bra strap isn’t the same color as the cami…yuck! You could just wear a strapless bra but I find a sense of security when my shoulders hold up my boulders, small boulders that is – tsk tsk.

Thanks to Cole Spencer, one of our very own Fashion Week Tampa Bay fans, I have been introduced to a new way to show off your shoulders without the shameful exposure of a plain, dull bra strap. Decorative bra straps! Strappys.com provides bra straps that are more like shoulder jewelry. Hand beaded straps that are durable along with jewelry straps such as a strap with pink roses and crystals can be paired with a pink cami to transform your outfit and look as if it’s a part of your shirt.

Not only are the straps trendy but they are functional as well. Now you can stop the slip-sliding straps from falling down by replacing them with a beaded, fabric or rhinestone strap. The decorative straps can be attached to any strapless or convertible bra.

Getting married soon or just know someone who is? Strappys.com even has bridal bra straps. Thanks, Cole for the fashion scoop!

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Galliano Churns Out Pure Magic

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends on July 9, 2010 at 3:17 pm

There are almost no words to describe the sheer joy that comes from hearing the phrase, “couture collection.”  That being said, John Galliano has yet again exceeded expectations with his couture collection for Fall 2010.

In Paris this past week, Galliano’s collection for the House of Christian Dior blossomed quite literally onto the runway.  With a vivid floral theme, models emerged in tulip-shaped silhouettes and breathtaking colors.

One look in particular featured a beautifully soft textured blazer in robin’s egg blue which displayed an exaggerated shawl collar.  The waist was tied with a very unique gold belt and led down to a full black skirt with bubble hem.  As if this ensemble were not enough to tempt the eye, the skirt also features a side embellishment of wonderfully realistic flowers in lilac and yellow.  Another dress appeared in shiny black with a vintage, off-the-shoulder design and sheer overlay at the skirt which seemed to transcend into one large, pink petal.  Worn with shocking pink gloves, this look was simply divine.

While many fall collections tend to feature warm, yet sometimes dull earth tones, this was certainly not the case in the House of Dior.  A gown more vibrant than any exotic flower arrangement presented with a full length skirt shaped in tiny tiers of exquisite teal silk.  The strapless bodice revealed a purple floral print and transitioned quite nicely with a large, artistic bow in neon yellow.

John Galliano is a true innovator with a mind that continually churns out pure magic.  If not one piece in this collection of literal silhouettes and mind-blowing color tickles your senses, I would suggest an immediate medical consultation.

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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?!