fashionweektampabay

Posts Tagged ‘Fashion Week Tampa Bay’

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How I Celebrate A Birthday

In Events on September 6, 2011 at 10:59 am

About a week ago, I said farewell to one of my most favorite years to date and hello to another birthday. My birthday involved three celebrations (unsure how that happened – but no complaints): 1. Attended a Tampa Bay Rays game with my family, 2. Ate an Italian dinner and tiramisu cake with my boyfriend, and 3. Went out to Ciro’s Speakeasy and Supper Club with friends. Ciro’s is a 1930s prohibition-era restaurant/bar located in South Tampa. It was perfect for a classy birthday celebration! After we gave the password at the door, they brought us inside to our booth. The booths are curtained-off lounge areas with nesting cocktail tables, L-shaped benches and a lot of pillows. Quite cozy! To top it off, all of their food and drinks go with their 1930s speakeasy theme. Cheese fondue, duck fries and the Tryst cocktails were my top three faves! Overall… I love their efforts on being a hidden bar during the prohibition era! Totally recommend going there for a date night or girls night out! Just be sure to make a reservation.


Sometimes all you really need are those fun nights with friends. You know… the ones you’ll chat about over and over again. That’s one of the reasons why I’m on the Tampa Bay Fashion Week team – to help create memorable moments for not only myself, but for everyone to enjoy!


Sizzling Summer Accessories

In Fashion, Trends on August 24, 2011 at 4:15 pm

From work to weekends, weddings to wine tastings, accessories add the finishing touch to any ensemble. The right accessories make a simple outfit pop and (hopefully) compliment a loud look. With so many options for the summer, how do you decide which to choose?

Hats

#1 – DKNY Raffia Crochet Brim Floppy Hat

#2 – Forever 21 Diamond Weave Fedora

#3 – J. Crew Panama Hat

Totes

#4 – Kate Spade Hinkley Karen in Ochre

#5 – Tory Burch Foundation Sisal Tote

#6 – Kate Spade Flicker Bon Shopper

Eyewear  (All 100% UV Protection)

#7 – Michael Kors Ludlow Sunglasses

#8 – Diane von Furstenberg Beet Sunglasses

#9 – Michael Kors Paros Sunglasses

 

Belts

#10 – H&M Triple Belt Set

#11 – Forever 21 Leatherette Skinny Belt

Beaded Jewelry

#12 – Mixit Gem Necklace

#13 – Forever 21 Oval Filigree Bracelet

#14 – Forever 21 Ganesha Hinge Bracelet

#15 – MNG by Mango Beaded Magnetic Bracelet

Which accessories can you absolutely not live without this summer?

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PURE Haus: Backer Benefits

In Designers on August 17, 2011 at 4:18 pm

Does the Tampa Bay fashion scene have your back? We’re asking for your help with creating the first ever fashion pop-up retail store in Tampa Bay. Becoming a founder of the PURE (Pop-up Retail Experience) Haus project is super easy and fabulous! All you have to do is choose to “Back This Project” and make a donation. Remember… every dollar counts and we appreciate your involvement. With your help, Tampa Bay’s first Fashion Designer Pop-Up Shop, will showcase garments in front of enthusiastic shoppers at a storefront location in September 2011. The shop will feature the region’s most talented fashion and accessories designers, and everything from couture dresses to swimsuits will be available for purchase.

Time is running out – we only have until Friday, August 19th to make it happen! Help bring the first pop-up shop to Tampa Bay today! Click here to make a donation.

Want to learn more on why you should get involved? Watch this message from two Tampa Bay designer favorites, Ivanka Ska and Essence Flowers!

Overall… back up the PURE Haus project for three reasons:

1. Become a part of the fashion scene in Tampa Bay

2. Help your fashion community, and

3. Make fashion history!

Plus, you get free stuff with every donation and there is no loss to you. Your pledge is only accepted if we make our goal. If we don’t, your credit card is never charged. If we do make our goal, you get a cool item for your pledge and get to shop some of Tampa Bay’s best designers! Read the information below to see what you’ll receive when you donate.

Click here to back up PURE Haus.

The PURE Haus Backer Benefits

If you have any questions, write it in the comments box below. Thank you for being a part of Tampa Bay fashion history! Before you know it, we’ll all be shopping PURE Haus and enjoying our backer benefits!

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Make Fashion History with PURE Haus!

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Updates on August 5, 2011 at 10:38 am

Want to be a part of Tampa Bay fashion history? Then help us make this cool new project a reality – PURE Haus, the first ever Pop Up Retail Experience for Tampa Bay shoppers!

Designers will come together to create the pop-up store for Tampa Bay fashion consumers. With your help, we’ll be able to make it a reality!

Here are the details that we’ve put together to better explain PURE Haus:

WHAT: PURE (Pop-Up Retail Experience) Haus

WHO: Local Bay Area Designers including: Ivanka Ska, Essence Flowers, Kimberly Hendrix, Dali Hernandez, Dolly Donshey and more! Click here to watch a video on why YOU should get involved.

WHEN: Pledge deadline is August 19th. Pop-up slated to open in September or December for 30 days only.

WHERE: Our dream location is International Plaza

WHY: Because Tampa Bay has style that needs to be seen! Plus, you get free stuff with every donation and there is NO LOSS to you. Your pledge is only accepted if we make our goal. If we don’t, your credit card is never charged. If we do make our goal, you get a cool item for your pledge and get to shop some of Tampa Bay’s best designers!

Every pledge of $10 or more will receive their name on the pledge wall and be a part of Tampa Bay fashion history!

HOW: Click here to make your pledge donation.

We must meet the fundraising goal of $18,000 in order to cover the costs of the pop-up store project. If 700 people contribute $25, we’ve reached our goal!

Join us in this collaborative project and help to give local designers a retail outlet to grow their brand and customer base in the community, bringing them together in one place. Every little bit helps so get involved… and make fashion history!

~This blog was contributed in part by Holly (fellow FWTB Organizer).

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How A Stylish Mom Matches Her Baby

In Fashion on August 1, 2011 at 10:45 am

Last Saturday, the Fashion Week Tampa Bay organizers met up at Kaleisia Tea Lounge. While discussing juicy details about this year’s event, the newest and most adorable member of the TBFW team joined us! Her name is Adele.

Arcadia, Tampa Bay Fashion Week Committee Member recently had a precious baby girl named, Adele. Arcadia may be one of the busiest new moms in Tampa Bay, but she isn’t too preoccupied to put together stylish outfits. Among them – a stylish mommy and daughter set. I loved how they weren’t wearing identical outfits, but were matching by wearing the same color scheme, fabric material and clothing detail. It inspired me to write a post all about mommy and baby fashion. The following are stylish mom and baby matching looks from Old navy, all of which are affordable and adorable.

Baby Girl Outfits

Stylish mom look matching her baby girl

Baby Boy Outfits

Stylish mom look matching the baby boy

This stylish mom look matches well with both the baby girl and boy outfits.

How would or do you – if you’re a new mom – dress stylishly with your baby? What are your guidelines when putting together a stylish baby mama look?

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Summer Party Picks

In Fashion, Trends on July 20, 2011 at 9:40 am

‘Tis the season for picnics, barbecues and an array of outdoor festivities. Of course we all want to be comfortable amid the heatwaves of summer, without sacrificing style. The goal is to put together a low key look that doesn’t echo “trying too hard.” Choose casual, effortless pieces and bring them to live with fun accessories or a hint of print. With food, mother nature and fruity drinks nearby I try to steer clear of white. Other neutrals and light shades, plus a good sunscreen will keep the scorching to a minimum. Here are my staples:

  •  Top: A loose, flirty tank or tee in either a solid or print. Sound easy? It is! Find a style that works for you and don’t be afraid to mix patterns.
  • Shorts: The possibilities are endless with denim, cotton, linen and chino fabrics. This is the perfect occasion to play with prints or try cargos for a stylish alternate to denim. Just be sure your pair works for sitting on grass, benches and so on.
  • Dress: You can’t go wrong with a solid, but prints are huge this season. My favorite prints are floral and Ikat. Before stepping out, confirm your dress passes the infamous “sit test.”
  • Shoes: Flat sandals are a safe, comfortable choice. Kick it up a notch with espadrilles or other wedges, but avoid shoes that will sink into the ground or get slippery soles when the inevitable summer downpour starts, i.e., stilettos.
  • Purse: A lightweight tote or crossbody with a large strap that you can slip over your shoulder when grabbing food and other goodies.
  • Lightweight Cover Up: Pieces that are linen or light cotton like an open cardigan, blazer or bolero that you can toss in your tote.
Flirty Brights Mixed & Matched

Indira Ikat & Rumi Dresses

Neutrals & Patterns

Mix, match and accessorize and you’re ready to go! What are some of your essential party pieces for the summer?

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City Blocks & Boutiques

In Fashion on July 15, 2011 at 9:44 am

The variety of stores in the Tampa Bay area makes fulfilling my love for shopping easier. One minute I could be having a shopping spree at International Mall and the next, I’m exploring the lovely boutiques owned by local fashionistas and designers. And let’s not forget the hours spent shopping online… there’s nothing like finishing the day with some fab finds before I go to sleep or at work “during my lunch break.” Hey… I know I’m not the only one…

Last week my friends and I went over the bridge to St. Petersburg (which is where I grew up) for lunch and boutique shopping downtown. Ever since I attended the 600 Block Party event a couple of months ago, I’ve wanted to have a girl’s getaway, shopping day there.

Misred Outfitters was top on my list! Their vintage clothes have a way of being extra trendy – love their stuff! I bought a postcard romper, white embroidered blouse and a yellow long sleeve blouse.

Ever since I first saw this postcard romper on Misred’s Facebook page, I knew it had to be mine! Next on our list was All Sewn Up boutique. I heard that they re-did their store so I had to see what all the buzz was about. The boutique has a artsy feel with sounds of the sewing machine coming from the back and an awesome arrangement of merchandise.

Shopping the 600 block boutiques is making me so ready for this year’s Tampa Bay Fashion Week, which is all about celebrating the area’s fashionable artistry. The Bay area certainly has a great variety of stores for fashionistas to indulge in. Whether original pieces or vintage finds are on your shopping list, I suggest you and your girls head over to the 600 block boutiques in downtown St. Petersburg.

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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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Darling Dresses for Summer Weddings

In Fashion on June 30, 2011 at 2:35 pm

Wedding season is in full swing, and if the weekends on your calendar look anything like mine do, I have to imagine you’re in need of a dress or two. I’ve only attended a couple of weddings my entire life, and I actually have two this month back to back. What are the odds of that happening? Saturday, June 18th was my boyfriend’s older brother’s wedding and the following Friday, June 24th is a friend’s wedding, which unfortunately I wasn’t present but sent my blessings all the way from Ireland.

When shopping for that perfect wedding dress, Ann Taylor LOFT was top on my list. No surprise there since I’ve shared my love for LOFT with you before. I’ve found so many fabulous pieces at a great value in their summer collection. They have an awesome summer collection filled with wedding-appropriate dresses. Just take a look at these darling dresses from LOFT, all under $100.

Wedding outfit idea: Wear a colorful dress that’s flirty and flattening to your body then match your dress with some classy feminine accessories. You’ll outshine everyone at the wedding (besides the bride, of course)! Below is what I wore to the first summer wedding of the season. Red is the color of love, no?

Wedding Wear: LOFT red wrap dress • BCBG shoes • Charlotte Russe bag • LOFT gold chain necklace

Below are some other darling dresses from LOFT that are perfect for summer weddings!

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Treat Your Tootsies

In Designers, Fashion, Trends on June 28, 2011 at 2:31 pm
 After several days of nonstop roaming New York City, what was the one item a lady couldn’t live without? Flats! The vast majority of women I spotted in the streets were donning various styles: peep toe, round toe, Oxfords, studded, strappy and more.  In addition to a plethora on every block, I browsed flats on display at department stores and boutiques. Diverse styles in suede, metallic, leather and linen make them versatile for both work and play. Flats are a terrific option when you’re a woman on the go – and who isn’t these days? The perfect pair will also get you through those last rough days before your next pedicure. Flats are absolutely fitting for weekends or your commute to work in any city. They are super stylish and comfortable, which makes them wearable for the entire day. Your feet will thank you and you won’t have to carry a giant purse to tote heels. For those of us obsessed with heels, alternating to flats can be hard. Try choosing a sandal with an ever so slight wedge, one inch or less, that can still take you from day to night. Here are some of my favorite brands and styles of this summer staple:

J. Crew Quorra Sandal

Michael Kors Erin Patent Ballet Flat

J. Crew Keaton Cutout Oxfords

Tory Burch Reva Ballet Flat

J. Crew Melange Ballet Flat

Zara Woven Ballerina Flat

Zara Pointed Ballerinas with Bow

Zara Tricolour Vamp