fashionweektampabay

Posts Tagged ‘Fashion Week Tampa Bay’

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

Trineice Cagua and JCagua: Perfect Swimwear

In Designers, Events, Fashion on September 17, 2010 at 9:11 am

Though local department stores may decorate with pumpkins and pre-mature Christmas trees, it is always swimsuit season in Tampa Bay.  With bright sophistication and exotic sex appeal, Trineice Cagua brings excitement like no other with her line, JCagua.

With a delightful mixture of colors and prints in high-fashion cuts, the Zimbabwe collection features plenty of suits fit for any tropical princess.  One in particular features a triangle halter top with thin black stripes transcending into neon green for a bit of flavor.  The halter straps provide a thicker material of matching black stripe, looping through the top of the cup for a unique twist on the classic triangle top.  The coordinating bottom utilizes a band of neon green which melts into solid black.  This suit alone certainly provides a wonderful indication of the immense creative talent within  Trineice Cagua.

From the Brush Stroke collection, a dazzling one-piece is cut with a revealing plunge which ends in a u-shape, rather than the traditional V.  In a vibrant watercolor print, the suit is complete with a thin black belt crossing over the mid-section for a bit of grecian inspiration.

Who is the mind behind these brilliant swimwear looks?  Trineice Cagua studied at the International Academy of Design and Technology where she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design and Marketing.  Toward the end of her degree, Trineice came to the realization that her main passion was indeed swimwear.  Driven by her love of Florida’s summers and poolside parties, Trineice founded JCagua.

Currently, Trineice is anxiously awaiting the arrival of Fashion Week where she will present exciting new styles from her line, JCagua.

Helen Gerro Transforms Art into Fashion

In Designers, Events, Fashion on September 16, 2010 at 8:13 am

Art and fashion have always been interchangeable.  In fact, couture fashion is the very definition of art.  Artist Helen Gerro has transformed her great talent from paintings into fashion.  In the eighties and nineties Gerro’s clothing line could be found in such high end department stores as Nordstrom, and was even highlighted on OprahGerro’s paintings can be found in prestigious homes and offices throughout France and the U.S.

Helen uses her incredible talent as a painter to bring her vision to life on fabric.  One beautiful gown is presented as a creative bride’s dream with colorful designs mirroring those seen in many a coveted Gerro painting.

This month Helen Gerro will leave her Gulf Coast studio to paint the runways of Fashion Week Tampa Bay with her colorful vision.  From your wall to your closet, Helen Gerro will absolutely bring a vivacious spirit into your world.

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!

Oh, What a Night!

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends on September 12, 2010 at 2:30 pm

We certainly had a great night of shopping, cocktails, and fashion. Fashion’s Night Out was everything and more that it set out to be. The Fashion Week Tampa Bay team and I spent our shopping night at Neiman Marcus at the International Plaza. The store was closed off and welcomed the Bay area’s most fashionable attendees.

As we sipped on pink martinis and enjoyed hors d’oeuvres from Capital Grill, our eyes wondered seamlessly through all the events. We started out on the first floor and tapped our stilettos to the band, 10th Concession playing in the middle of the cosmetic section of Neiman Marcus and sampled some of the upcoming fall seasons products from Chanel and Bobby Brown.

Women took playful photographs in the ladies shoe department and tried on boots for the fall.

As we worked our way upstairs, enchanted by the hundreds of white butterflies above us on the escalator to the second floor, the sound of Madonna’s ‘Vogue’ filled the room.

Neiman Marcus treated attendees by presenting a runway show that showcased some of fall’s must-have trends including fur coats, trench coats, lots of leggings and suede boots. This sure inspires one to shop!

Fashion’s Night Out is not only driven to help the fashion industry and economy, but it is shopping for a cause. By purchasing a Fashion’s Night Out t-shirt, the proceeds were donated to the NYC Aids Fund. Where will you be wearing you Fashion’s Night Out t-shirt?

Thank you to everyone who participated in Fashion’s Night Out 2010. Fashion Week Tampa Bay would like you to tell us where you spent your night shopping and about your purchases!

Get VERTICAL for Fashion Week!

In Fashion, Trends on September 9, 2010 at 9:48 am

There was a time when I believed all high-fashion magazines had to be New York-based. To my surprise, that all changed the first time I scanned the pages of VERTICAL Tampa Bay.  This local high-fashion wonder includes stunning ads for high-end department stores such as Neiman Marcus, breathtaking layouts  for editorials, invigorating articles and photo shoots that are more than worthy of any Conde Nast publication.

The most recent summer issue features a wonderful swimsuit editorial along with beauty tips, refreshing recipes and designer ads so vibrantly colorful, you may think you are dreaming.  This virtual magazine is truly amazing and even offers a complimentary subscription.

The face behind the fabulous?  Leslie Joy Ickowitz, a distinguished member of the Tampa Bay publishing community is the driving force behind Tampa’s first virtual magazine and certainly possesses the talent and ambition to set the fashion standard for Tampa Bay.

With delightful pages of fashion to accompany the much anticipated Fashion Week, I can’t help but wonder: Could Tampa Bay be the new NYC?  Take a look for yourself, and get VERTICAL!

Fashion’s Night Out

In Events, Fashion, Updates on September 8, 2010 at 10:46 am

This Friday, Sept. 10, 2010, join me and the Fashion Week Tampa Bay team at Neiman Marcus at International Plaza as we participate in the biggest shopping night ever, Fashion’s Night Out! This one spectacular night of celebrations will awaken your fashion senses.

Fashion’s Night Out started in 2009 in NYC to promote shopping in this challenging economy. This year, almost 1,000 retailers will participate in the second edition of Fashion’s Night Out. The night will be filled with celebrity appearances and special events.

Although this event is NYC-based, other cities are adopting their own version of this event. Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus in Tampa will be hosting their own version of Fashion’s Night Out with activities and celebrity appearances. To see a full list of participating retailers visit www.fashionsnightout.com

As you shop the night away be sure to purchase a Fashion’s Night Out official t-shirt, The FNO t-shirt’s proceeds will benefit the NYC Aids Fund. You are making more than a purchase, you’re making a choice to help an industry that touches us all. This is a party with a purpose and everyone’s invited.

To add even more shopping fun to the Fashion’s Night Out festivities, Fashion Week Tampa Bay will be having a ONE DAY ONLY sale this Friday night. A limited number of general admission tickets will be available for only $45! Click here on Friday, Sept. 10.  Happy shopping and see you out at the biggest shopping night ever, Friday, Sept. 10, 2010!

Freeway Fashion: Style Saviors

In Fashion, Trends on September 7, 2010 at 9:26 am

When it comes to style, even the most fashion forward can use a little help from time to time.  Have you ever wondered how that woman seen at every single event always looks like polished perfection?  However convincing she may be, it is quite likely that she does not actually have an infallible sense of style.  In fact, she may very well be a client of Freeway Fashion.

Lead by the incredibly talented Laura Hunt, who has succeeded in everything from modeling to consulting, Freeway Fashion offers expert styling services which include color and wardrobe analysis, personal shopping and complete makeovers. Laura remains at the forefront of the styling industry, traveling to Fashion Weeks across the country and abroad to scout the latest in designer clothing.

What sets Freeway Fashion apart from other image consultants is the fact that they do not just pack up and leave once the lip gloss is applied.  Freeway Fashion comes complete with an expert team of image consultants, journalists, marketing professionals, photographers and videographers to expose your fashion event in the brightest possible light.

Joining this year’s proud list of sponsors for Fashion Week Tampa Bay, Freeway Fashion will be coming to Tampa Bay for what is sure to be an unforgettable event.  Why not contact Laura Hunt for some assistance in creating an unforgettable look for yourself?

From the Classroom to the Runway

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Updates on September 3, 2010 at 9:16 am

We’re just weeks away from Tampa Bay’s most anticipated fashion event of the year, Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2010! As our featured designers work long hours to finalize their Spring 2011 collections, the Fashion Week Tampa Bay blog begins the festivities virtually by introducing this year’s designers. This week the spotlight shines on Terri Funaro. A native to New York, Terri started her career as an assistant designer at Vassarette. Soon after she began designing for Vision Apparel to discover that her true love was in bridal. Her designs have been featured in major publications such as, WWD, Seventeen Magazine, Modern Bride (cover), and Brides Magazine.

Although her passion is bridal gowns, her primary goal is to inspire her students. The past 10 years she has been an instructor in the fashion department at the International Academy of Design & Technology in Tampa. She guides her students and encourages them to have their sketches come to life while helping them define their own personal style. She mentors her students to follow the path from an idea to a finished, well-made, beautiful product.

Terri Funaro creates clothes that accent women’s best features. She feels that clothes should make women feel beautiful both inside and out. As she showcases her Spring 2011 collection in FWTB on Friday, Sept. 24 in the Fashion Tent at the Armature , be sure not to miss her evening wear and bridal separates gracefully strut down the runway leaving you feeling beautiful…right from your seats.

For more information on Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2010 and tickets visit www.fashionweektampabay.com

Uncover Your Style Personality!

In Fashion on September 2, 2010 at 3:31 am

I have great news to share… I got a new part-time job at Ann Taylor LOFT! Thanks to the LOFT stylists, their clothes can easily create a well-rounded fabulous and very stylish wardrobe – so my job will be advising clients on style! The Associate Style Journal is my “insider” guide to the season to reinforce the trends, understand the latest LOFT collection, and a chance for me to express my personal style. Below are my answers to the journal’s style questionnaire which helps you uncover your style personality. Use this as an opportunity to share your own answers and any styling insights for fellow fashionistas!

STYLE QUESTIONNAIRE

1. Describe your style in two words – Downtown Hipster

2. Who is your style inspiration? Currently… Taylor Momsen who plays Jenny on Gossip Girl! Totally love her fashionable punk rock style on the show! Honestly everyone on Gossip Girl has an iconic fashion sense; love them all and certainly something worthy of gossip! Only three more weeks until the new season! Can’t wait!!!

3. What would you never leave the house without putting on? An enormous crazy ring and my YSL Peach Passion lipstick.

4. Who is your favorite singer, group or band? Oh man, it’s difficult for me to decide on just one… Plastiscines, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Santigold are a few of my favorite bands/singers.

5. What is your favorite beauty/grooming product? A yucky facial mask that does wonders!

6. What do you like to do in your free time? Let’s see… My free time is usually spent on sewing, painting, making jewelry, writing and spending time with friends.

7. Who are your favorite fashion designers? Marc Jacobs, Chanel (of course, what would fashion be without Chanel?), YSL, Rag & Bone and Anna Sui… just to name a few!

8. What is your go-to layering piece? A black blazer! It’s an easy way to transform a plain t-shirt and pair of dark jeans into a fashionable confident look.

9. What fall item do you want to splurge on? BOOTS! I want, no.. need a new pair of “don’t mess with me” leather boots like these Christian Louboutin studded boots!

10. I live LOFT everyday by… living, loving and being fashion! I’m a modern girl who has very high goals and won’t stop striving until they’re achieved. I live LOFT everyday by being fashionable, caring and strong.