fashionweektampabay

Posts Tagged ‘Fashion Week Tampa Bay’

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Heal Your Hair

In Events, Trends on September 2, 2010 at 2:22 am

Do you ever find yourself reminiscing about when your hair was a virgin? That is, to hair color. After years of coloring your hair and other chemical services your hair has experienced, the nutrients have washed away, likely leaving your hair feeling dry and dull. That’s why Heal5ium, a sponsor of Fashion Week Tampa Bay, has created an extraordinary professional hair care product that will heal, treat, sooth, repair and nourish your “experienced” hair.

Heal5ium makes professional hair care science both beautiful and beneficial by infusing their products with 25 natural healing and soothing ingredients.  The products are made up of ingredients like soy, sea kelp, grape seed extract, marigold extract and rice bran oil, just to name a few. Natural blends are vital in maintaining a healthier hair and scalp. The line consists of shampoo, conditioner, treatments and styling products that all encompass the same common goal, to heal.  Heal5ium features 5 exclusive complexes of hydration, proteins, oils, amino acids, and vitamins.

Perhaps you find yourself unsure as to why protein or hydrating the hair is so important to healthy, smooth hair. The protein ingredient within the Heal5ium products will help smooth the hair and strengthen as well. Other ingredients like amino acids help improve blood circulation in the scalp.

Although there are 25 natural ingredients in every product, using this product will not create residue or unwanted product build up. Each product is lightweight and water-soluble. The ingredients are also combined with React Technology to replenish hair’s nutritional needs.

Peroxide developers in chemical services, such as, coloring, highlighting, and relaxers cause the most cuticle damage to your hair. Therefore, the React Technology in the Heal5ium shampoo’s are based on which peroxide develop group volume was used in your service. If you are unsure what peroxide was used on your hair, consult your hair stylist.

Conditioners are formulated to cater to your hair’s quality, hydrating and strengthening when nutrients are conditioned into the hair shaft then into the scalp. The products are reasonably priced averaging $25 a bottle. For a professional product this is a great price where other professional hair care products average $38.

So ladies and gents, as you get ready for the Fashion Week Tampa Bay festivities and your treated hair is feeling mistreated, rescue it with Heal5ium professional hair care products to put the nutrients back into those lovely locks.

For more information visit www.healiumhair.com

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Tampa Bay’s Dancing with the Stars

In Events, Updates on August 30, 2010 at 10:22 pm

Better grab your dancing shoes Tampa Bay! On Saturday, September 11, 2010 Julie Weintraub’s Hands Across the Bay will present this year’s Tampa Bay’s Dancing with the Stars. The event will be held at the gorgeous Pepin Hospitality Centre and will include auction items and entertainment by Fred Astaire Dance Studios. Some of the auction items that really caught my eye are from Saks Fifth Avenue, The Don Cesar Beach Resort and the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

It’s an interactive ballroom dance competition for our local celebrities to be paired with a professional dance instructor. One of the Celebrity Star Dancers is Fashion Week Tampa Bay sponsor, Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine’s Founder and Editorial Director, Angela Ardolino who will be dancing the night away for charity! Proceeds from the event will benefit: Kids Charity of Tampa Bay, Moffitt Cancer Center and Pepin Heart Hospital.

There are fifteen dancers who are local community personalities, celebrities and leaders. Similar to the popular ABC television show, Dancing with the Stars, their dance instructors will teach them dance moves that will amaze the crowd. Amazing the judges is also very important in this dance competition. Each dance team (the celebrity and their dance instructor) will perform a ballroom dance which will be judged by national and international ballroom competition adjudicators combined with the audience’s votes. Tampa Bay’s Dancing with the Stars began in 2008 and has achieved more success year after year. The event’s success will help enable Hands Across the Bay with supporting and improving people’s lives in Tampa Bay who need it most.

This black-tie (and gorgeous gowns for the ladies) event is just two weeks away! Click here for more information and tickets. Also show your support and vote for Angela Ardolino by clicking here!

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Nina Verklas Brings Exotic Beauty to Fashion Week

In Designers, Events, Fashion on August 26, 2010 at 4:09 am

As Fashion Week approaches, the entire industry seems to morph into a wildly exciting jungle.  After browsing the fabulous collections of Tampa Bay’s own Nina Verklas, creator of Bambina by NV, I can think of no better way to describe it.

A safari theme has been used in fashion for seasons upon seasons.  However, after viewing the Resort 2010 collection from Bambina by NV, I am completely convinced of her fresh, unique vision.

One gown is completely fit for a goddess and features an exotic tribal print in luxurious fabric.  The skirt features an overlay of  shimmering gold, pleated for magnificent texture.

Bambina by NV

Images courtesy of Courtney Rodwell

Another look magically combines comfort and sex appeal in one amazingly fluid jumpsuit.  With an exotic animal print, the loose-fitting piece is cinched at the waist with a beautifully detailed belt and attached at the neck with a fabulous wooden necklace.

Bambina by NV

Images courtesy of Courtney Rodwell

Just when I thought the senses could not be tickled any further by this exotic collection, an adorable hooded dress seems to take Little Red Riding Hood from a wooded forest to a tropical jungle.  The dress reveals delicate pleats at the bust with a peek of green plaid at the sides.  Just under the bust, nude plaid transitions to the wonderfully feminine skirt.  The most exciting feature, and the reason for the fairytale reference?  In place of the usual shoulder straps sits a beautifully draped hood.

Also to be admired is a wonderfully draped pant in shimmering sand worn with a delicate sheer top which features a bit of texture and seductive plunge neckline.

Bambina by NV

Images courtesy of Courtney Rodwell

These wonderful pieces from her Resort 2010 collection offer a mere glimpse of the many creative talents of designer Nina Verklas, who will be among the featured designers at Fashion Week Tampa Bay.  In just a few short weeks, Nina will grace the runways of Tampa Bay with a whole new world of incredible fashion featuring her new 2011 Spring/Summer collection.

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Share Your Wear: Real Runway Moments

In Fashion, Updates on August 25, 2010 at 10:12 pm

When shopping for the perfect dress to wear to an upcoming black tie affair or the best birthday suit ever, we tend to bring our girlfriends with us for their feedback while turning the dressing room into a consultation area. Modern-day shopping is commonly done virtually and usually solo nowadays. That’s why RenttheRunway.com has launched Real Moments and a Product Review Tab on their website so that women can virtually share their feedback on their purchase.

Real Moments is a video testimonials page where users have the ability to upload video feedback. Women can share their personal experiences on  how the size fits and the process of renting the runway.

The Product Review Tab allows users to share their comments about a particular product, including how the dress fit and if they’d recommend the product to others. Shoppers are also given the option to choose their height and body type so women can compare to similar body types. What body type are you? Hourglass? Pear-shaped?  Full bust? Slender? Share it on renttherunway.com!

Real Runway Moments will make the online shopping experience as similar as possible to the in-store shopping experience, allowing shoppers to interact virtually through video and the Product Review Tabs. So ladies, after renting that perfect dress for your next upcoming event (maybe Fashion Week Tampa Bay?)  share your picks with your virtual girlfriends.

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Chuck Taylor Reincarnated

In Designers, Fashion, Trends on August 21, 2010 at 8:33 am

Converse was once just a ordinary canvas sneaker with a rubber sole. They were first produced in 1917 and called  the “All-star”, until being popularized by professional basketball player Chuck Taylor, which soon made the sneaker known as the ‘Chuck Taylor’ or ‘Chucks’. After years of the traditional black canvas, rubber sole with the Converse star logo on the side, the Chucks have been reincarnated with some funk.

While window shopping at my favorite shoe department: Nordie’s, I came across these all black canvas sneaker with an all black toe and a studded tongue. As I examined every detail on this trendy sneaker, I noticed a familiar star logo… OMG…these are Chuck Taylors. It didn’t stop there, Converse’s new collection had color, glitter and much more. So, I did what any shoe lover would do and tried them all on.

I tried a grey and baby pink ruffle slip on Chuck. The canvas was grey, they had no laces and pink ruffles trimming the shoe lace loops. They were very pretty and feminine. After trying on other sneakers in hot pink, glitter, studded, low and high-top, I came across the ultimate Chuck Taylor. An ‘XX Hi’ knee-high sneaker. This knee high shaft updates a classic lace-up style designed with a back zip entry for easy on-and-off wear. Talk about taking sneakers to the next level.

After driving my shoe guy Victor crazy, I decided to go with the all black canvas, black toe and studded tongue Converse. However, I still have my eye on those ‘XX Hi’ knee high sneakers. That will be on next week’s shopping list!

For more Converse styles visit www.converse.com or www.nordstrom.com

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How to Save on Back to School Shopping

In Events, Fashion, Trends on August 20, 2010 at 7:39 pm

It’s that time of the year again for pencils, books and fresh new gear for the new school year. However, back to school shopping can really take a toll on your budget. So I have came up with some smart savings strategies that have worked for me.

Start by taking inventory of what you already own. As I went through my closet, I couldn’t believe what I discovered. I found clothes I have only worn once, clothes that needed to be thrown out years ago -because they were from high school- and clothes that still had the tags on them. I thought to myself all those times I said I had to go shopping because I have nothing to wear and I had clothes still with the tags on them, ugh! After sorting through your closet and bagging up those tired old clothes from many seasons ago, take a trip to your local consignment shops.

Plato’s Closet, a local consignment shop takes gently worn clothing for exchange of cash. Not only will you receive some extra money for your back to school shopping fund, but they have great low prices on well known brands such as Ed Hardy and Bubblegum, that have been worn either a few times or known at all.

Along with consignment shopping, consider swapping clothes with your friends. Ever find yourself falling in love with your best friend’s leather jacket and repeatedly asking to borrow it? Do a clothes swap, I’m sure she fell in love with something you own as well.

Although if alternative shopping options such as Plato’s closet or fashion exchange with your girlfriends just isn’t for you or not enough to complete your first semester fall collection, then hit the mall. Department stores like Macy’s and JCPenney’s are holding great sales for consumers who missed the no-tax weekend. Although you still have to pay the tax, Macy’s is offering $10 off when you spend $50 and up to $50 off when you spend $200. You are actually saving more with a sale like this then a ‘no-tax’ promotion. Also, Payless BOGO sale (Buy One, Get One ) is 50% off everything in stock.

So the sales are out there fashionistas but they won’t last forever. Most sales end this weekend so don’t miss out on the back to school shopping savings for your new back to school gear!

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My Birthday Suit

In Fashion on August 13, 2010 at 1:13 pm

Ah… I have finally reached the biggest milestone in my early 20s (well, besides graduating with my marketing degree), I’m finally 21 years old!!! During these past 21 years, I have grown dramatically BY becoming wiser, more knowledgeable and mature. Even my style has matured! Obviously my elementary school outfits are much different from today’s fashionable outfits that I put together without mommy’s approval. However, when comparing my style from high school to now … Oh! What a difference! How has my style matured since high school? I dress like a young lady with a more professional, classy and better body fitting look. The skirts are longer, the t-shirts transformed into blouses and the heels became taller (and more painful). My sophisticated young lady look still incorporates my fun and artistic flair. I’ll always love wearing a lot of interesting and big jewelry that can make the outfit!

My birthday suit was perfect for such a special night, and my age! Thanks to Express, I wore the sexiest white and hunter green floral blouse with gold chain straps. Then matched it with a high wasted black pencil skirt, turquoise ring and a black leather clutch with studs. I could die over my birthday heels – the prettiest glitter Guess heels in the world! Pretty and glitter are usually the last thing I look for in heels. It’s more like hard, fierce rocker shoes that somehow have a feminine touch. Most of the time, glitter looks cheap but these heels have an expensive look and price. Is there anything better than glitter for a birthday girl?

What makes a fabulous birthday suit? Here’s some advice on putting together yours! Wear something that makes you feel super confident and subtly sexy. Show off your favorite area of your body like your legs. Stay true to your personal style and wear a piece that pops. For instance, well-made glitter heels! More importantly – be in love with your birthday suit and have a great one!


Blissful Memories

In Fashion, Updates on August 11, 2010 at 9:07 am

Think about the last time you came across a reminder of your childhood.  Certain aspects of pop culture from a joyful time in your life will always bring a smile to your face, whether it be a particular song, film character or even board game.  For many fashion forward young women, the most memorable times occurred in the eighties and nineties.

While we all love a trendy, high-end dress, even the most glamorous still enjoy a comfy tee shirt from time to time.  Recently, I have noticed an abundance of graphic tees paying homage to the much adored pop culture of our childhood.  From cartoon characters to teen heartthrobs and even childhood toys, it seems nothing could bring more joy than a cotton tee with the phrase,  “I Heart Zach Morris“.

With so many fun and unique possibilities, don’t be afraid to share your favorite eighties icon with the world.  If nothing else, it will make for riveting conversation and possibly even a new friend.  Who knew that your seemingly “stuck-up” co-worker loved Popples so much?

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Arabian Nights

In Designers, Fashion, Trends on August 9, 2010 at 12:08 pm

As we arrive at the peak of summer, vacations tend to be at a high. The start of summer’s end and the anticipation of fall activities to come, such as, back to school and Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2010, forces us to start wrapping up our summer adventures and turn August into the last resort month. This summer, whether you are lounging at the Rehab Pool Party at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Vegas or staying local and setting sail off the St. Pete Pier on a yacht, join the Arabian Night!

Resort collections for 2010 offer looks that appeal as if they stepped out of the desert. Ankle-grazing dresses in cotton gauze and silk chiffon give a breezy-air feel while strutting on the shore line. This time more is more. Loose fitting dresses that flow in the wind portray a beautiful ambiance that is candy to the eye.

Always remember to accessorize! Bangles and hoop earrings mock an Arabian look.

I came across this Christian Dior harem jumpsuit in black that looked so comfortable. It can be dressed up or dressed down depending on the shoes you choose to wear. Also, an Alice + Olivia jumpsuit that was made of jersey knit with an empire waist. This also can be worn both day or night depending on the shoes.

The color palettes that make up most resort collections this season are soft yet luxurious with gold, black, white and yellow tones. Consider pairing some gold aviators with your resort look.

So, as we start to wrap up the summer, make every night an Arabian one with long flowy harems, hoop earrings and lots of bangles!

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Summer Cleaning

In Designers, Fashion on August 6, 2010 at 9:42 am

I bet one of the reasons why cleaning is so big in the spring time is because of all of the rainy days. Well, some summer days make Florida not so sunny… it’s more like stormy Florida! Lately it has been raining cats and dogs so I spent a day cleaning my closet. I have so many pieces of clothing that I never wear! They’ve had their glory days in high school but now that the years have gone by and the trends have changed, they have faded into the distance. By the looks of my girlfriends’ closets, I’m certainly not the only one who keeps old clothes. So if we never wear these old clothes, why keep them concealed in our closets?

My apartment is always clean especially my sleeping beauty quarters (the bedroom). It’s clutter free, neat and organized – just the way I like it! Even though the only ones who look through my closet are me and my roommates borrowing something, I still prefer an organized closet that doesn’t include unnecessary things. More the reason why there shouldn’t be old clothes kept in my closet. After much thought of why we keep them concealed in our closets, I’ve realized some of my reasons. Some pieces are for memories sake like a cute dress that enjoyed an unforgettable night out on the town. Other pieces were just too expensive that would cause major guilt to not keep them. I hate to admit it but… a few items I have never worn because of not having the right occasion or the classic case of shopaholic.

However, most of my old clothes aren’t just collecting dust – they’re waiting for a much-needed sewing reinvention. Like this navy blue shirt with the one shoulder above. A friend bought it for me in high school – I loved it but it was too big. Thanks to my sewing machine, I made the shirt smaller in five minutes and now it feels like a completely new shirt that’s perfect for summer! As we know, it’s “All About the Shoulder” right now and I love showing mine off! It was so perfect for my weekend getaway to Cocoa Beach! All I needed was this white bathing suit by J. Cagua for a day of rays and waves.

So why do you keep old clothes, bags, or whatever concealed in your closet? Are you holding on to the past or waiting for its time in the future?