fashionweektampabay

Posts Tagged ‘Fashion Week Tampa Bay’

IADT IMAGINE Fashion Show

In Events on June 14, 2011 at 2:02 pm

International Academy of Design & Technology, a school that can help creative ones transform their talent, skills and passion into career possibilities. At the Academy, you’ll find a like-minded community of creatively driven students and instructors committed to helping students develop their abilities and prepare for the exciting professional arenas of design, fashion, and media arts and technology. We’re proud to have the Academy as a Fashion Week Tampa Bay sponsor three years in a row!

IADT Tampa throws a lot of events and activities throughout the year, so you certainly don’t want to miss out on one of their biggest ones of the year! The IMAGINE Fashion Show and Expo is Saturday, June 18th, at the new Mainsail Conference Center, which is located on 5108 Eisenhower Boulevard Tampa, Florida 33634.

For more than 25 years, the IMAGINE Fashion Show and Expo has showcased the work of Academy students and alumni pursuing their goals in fashion and a host of other creatively driven industries. The night begins with a VIP pre-party at 6pm, followed by the runway show that begins at 8pm. Miss Tampa 2011, Jessie Pelletier will return to IADT as emcee.

Tickets are available through the IADT-Tampa bookstore or by calling 813-889-4300. There are a few different options: Select seating inside the Promenade is $25 and VIP seating at $50 (the price includes a pre-show reception as well as seating in the front rows). Outside, the Salon will have $10 general admission seats for an intimate runway experience with a twist.

Don’t miss out on IADT-Tampa’s biggest event of the year! You’ll be able to see firsthand what emerging student designers and IADT alumni designers are showing on the runway this Saturday, June 18th.

Trendy Trousers

In Fashion, Trends on June 7, 2011 at 12:37 pm
Summer is here, and although the days are quite warm, the nights still have a slight chill to them. When dressing for drinks or dinner out on the town, trendy trousers are perfect during this transitional time between seasons. And since mixing and matching bright colors is huge this summer season, I have been eyeing these colorful trousers from one of my all-time favorite stores, ZARA. I’ve also added some printed trousers to my ZARA trouser shopping bag – summer time always means more stripes and prints in my wardrobe, plus these are always just the thing for a fun summer look! Now every girl could use a second opinion while shopping… so I’m calling all of my fellow fashionistas – Which trendy trousers do you like the most? Cast your vote by writing a comment. Thanks shopping buddies!

Spring & Summer Nail Shades

In Fashion, Trends on June 2, 2011 at 10:57 am

With trends like color blocking and bright palettes having made their way from the runway to our closets, this season’s nail colors are no different. The key is to think of your nail polish as an accessory. This includes tying it in with other accessories whenever possible.  Ultimately, you want to make a statement without going too far over the top. You may be thinking, “How can I pull that off?” Wonder no more! The nail colors pictured are from my personal collection and here are some ways to style the hottest brights:

Yellow: Match it with earth tones (brown, khaki, olive green), giving a burst of color to the safari look.

Green: Paired with shades of brown, camel, tan this is another color that compliments the safari look. If you prefer going in a lighter direction, pastel green is a bit more feminine and looks fab with gray.

Orange: Another warm color we’re seeing lots of this season and often deemed the hardest one to wear. It looks great with jeans and a simple top (think white, tan, gray, navy, even pink). If you’re not quite comfortable wearing a color that packs such a punch, try a coral instead.

Lilac: Not only can you wear this to soften black attire – blazers, suits and of course the LBD (little black dress), but it works with navy as well.

Hot Pink or Fuchsia: If you’re set on a more traditional pink shade opt for either of these with your dark ensembles. Both will also make your neutrals pop!

Pearl: This is the safe shade and the perfect match to an outfit full of floral or print as the subtle color and shine won’t take away from your look. Think of it just as the right pair of pearl – or diamond – stud earrings completing an outfit. Along with lilac, pearl is my favorite pick for the office, where bolder colors may not always be allowed.

Bright Blue or Turquoise: Neither can be beat when paired with neutrals or yellow! Not only is the bright blue festive, it brings a pop to the ever so popular nautical look. Turquoise combined with animal print is one of my personal favorites.

Bear in mind that all of these hues look lovely with classic white attire in the spring and summer. Sally Hansen, OPI, Chanel and Ulta brands are my top recommendations for long lasting color in a variety of shades.

Introducing: What to Wear, Where

In Fashion, Trends on May 25, 2011 at 9:31 pm

Outfit dilemmas beware… your days are outnumbered! Thanks to our very first “What to Wear, Where” blog post, you’ll know what is suitable, stylish and season trendy to wear from casual fun days in the sun to fancier social gatherings that call for more jazz.

Being that Mother’s Day was two weeks ago, and my lovely boyfriend’s mom’s birthday was just last week, we spent the weekend at his mama’s house. As I tried to squeeze in time to pack a weekend getaway bag, I couldn’t help but to notice the reasoning behind the choices of my weekend outfits. Let me note, my boyfriend and I have been together for almost three years so I’ve met his family many times before. And thankfully, not trying to brag, they have loved me since the day they met me with my happy smile, warm heart and homemade cookies (always good to bring something sweet when meeting the parents). So packing my weekend bag wasn’t stressful at all, but there are certainly some style guidelines that I was following. The first “What to Wear, Where” is what to wear when meeting the parents and/or spending time with his folks, like in my case.

There are a few things to know before you even start looking through your closet. First, find out what their style is. My boyfriend’s parents live in a welcoming small town north of Tampa. I’m sure it’s them, not the town, but I always feel like I’m at home when we visit. Their style is very casual and down to earth – My attire is quite the opposite… I would say it’s more downtown than down to earth casual. You want them to meet the real you… so yeah, dress like “you” in your style but try incorporating a parent-approved look that’s impressive, fitting to what you’ll be doing with his folks and somewhat similar to their personal style.

So what to wear… hmm… the look that I suggest for meeting and/or spending time with his folks is a breezy-chic, feminine outfit – cute attire that is put together, yet effortless and casual. Try to incorporate at least one feminine element in your outfit, whether that’s a girly floral print or a blouse with a delicate necklace. Below I have two outfits from Ann Taylor LOFT that are a great example of an effortless-chic, feminine look that’s perfect for spring and spending time with his parents!

Hope this helps when choosing what to wear with your love’s parents. Good luck with his folks!

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


Exotic Couture

In Designers, Events, Fashion on September 24, 2010 at 1:23 pm

Three times a charm, for this innovative designer as she participates in her 3rd year in Fashion Week Tampa Bay. Each year, Audrey “Pat” McGhee brings exotic, innovative and elegant designs to the runway. Through her 20 years of fashion industry experience, Pat has done everything from retail to wardrobe styling.

APM Images is an urban couture label for mature woman who epitomizes pure confidence. Her collection offers clothing for women of all shapes and sizes.

Last Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2009 season, Pat rocked the runway with her untamed wild prints and theatrical showcase. I’m sure Pat will wow the audience once again at Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2010!

Well Model Behaved

In Designers, Events, Fashion on September 24, 2010 at 1:23 pm

On Wednesday, September 22, Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2010 kicked off the annual event with a VIP Model Behavior cocktail party at Clearwater Audi, Fashion Week Tampa Bay’s 2010 presenting sponsor.

The night was filled with fashion, fun, and fast cars. As attendees sipped on Conelly cocktails and enjoyed hors d’oeuvres from Grillsmith, Stone Chefs and Mitchell’s Fish Market, they got to test out some of Audi’s luxury cars.

VIP guests got the chance to behave or mis-behave like a model, dressed to the ‘nines’ and were photographed in front of Fashion Week Tampa Bay’s red carpet.

I spent the night chatting with Fashion Week Tampa Bay designers and models about what to expect Friday, September 24 on the runway. Although I received tons of good details, unfortunately I will be keeping lips sealed on this one. Come check out the Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2010 runway show at the Armature building for a night you won’t forget.

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!

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.

We Mean Business

In Events, Fashion on September 21, 2010 at 8:01 am

Looking for a career in a field that is never dull, always changing, and requires you to constantly re-invent yourself? Consider a career in fashion! The Art Institute of Tampa offers a Fashion & Retail Management program that focuses on the business side of fashion. There is more to fashion then just cutting and sewing a garment. Ever wonder how a Dolce & Gabbana dress goes from the runway to a clothing rack at Neiman Marcus? That’s were Fashion & Retail Management comes into play.

At the Art Institute of Tampa, students will be revealed to the fast-paced industry that requires talented and creative professionals who have a great sense of style and a solid knowledge of the business world.  The Bachelor’s degree program prepares students with the knowledge needed to be successful in the business side of fashion.

Kate Campbell Academic Director of the Fashion & Retail Management Program

The coursework explores the history of fashion through the years, designers in the industry, textiles and how they are produced, why retailers mark-up/down merchandise, and the process of owning or running a boutique including sales and promotions, store management, event planning and product and sales development. Students gain hands-on experience through various opportunities throughout their degree participating in local fashion shows, visual window displays, and even producing their very own fashion show.

The Art Institute of Tampa is a proud sponsor of Fashion Week Tampa Bay. Students have the opportunity to participate in this annual event by assisting designers backstage, dressing the models and/or assist with the production side of a fashion show.

So as you attend Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2010 on September 24th, stop by the Art Institute of Tampa in the Boutique area for more information on how you can have a career that never goes out of style!

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