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Posts Tagged ‘Fashion’

Girl ‘Turbo’ Power

In Events, Fashion, Updates on March 27, 2010 at 8:16 am

Bringing the spice to the race track, Milka Duno, the first Latin American female driver ever to be classified as an “expert” adds chic style to the raceways.  As I spent some time with Milka at the IZOD Indy Car Series, she sported a white tank, denim jeans, a jeweled belt and Gucci boots. Can we say va-va-va-vrrooom stylista! On the track Milka feels that every part of her fire suit accessories are important, and off the track her number one must-have accessories are belts!

In addition to being one of the most successful female sports car racers in history, Milka is also a qualified Naval Engineer with four Master’s degrees in: Organizational Development, Naval Architecture, Fishing and Aquaculture and Maritime Business. Talk about Girl Power!

She filmed her first major motion picture playing the role of race car driver, Kellie “Gearbox,” in the highly anticipated Speed Racer movie that is based on the 1960’s classic animated series.  The talent doesn’t stop there…she recently published her first bilingual kids book, “Go, Milka, Go!” . The book depicts her as a cartoon character teaching the importance of education to children of all ages.

Although Milka Duno wears many hats, on Sunday, Mar 28, 2010, during the IZOD Indy Car Series 2010 at the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, the only head wear Milka will be sporting is her sassy helmet. “Go, Milka, Go!”

Milka Duno and me

Gear Up for the Raceway!

In Events, Fashion, Updates on March 27, 2010 at 8:00 am

Spending the day on the Pit Lane with an up close and personal experience of the burning tires and extremely loud engines is not something a fashionista gets to encounter on a daily basis. As Indy race car drivers like Ryan Hunter-Reay accelerated at speeds of 200+ mph around the street tracks of the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, I developed a clear connection between Indy car racing and fashion!

Thanks to Josh from IZOD, Indy Car Series’ official sponsor, he explained how “fashion and style of the race along with the speed and energy of it should be an input in the energy of fashion.” Although IZOD is primarily a men’s casual clothing line along with Indy car racing being male-dominated as well, the brand does not leave out the females. Through various marketing channels, IZOD has not only reached out to male sports fans but also women shopping for male sports fans.

I got the pleasure of striking a pose with the IZOD Indy Car model and I have to say she brought a new meaning of sexy to IZOD. Macy’s, partner of IZOD, houses their  limited edition series of IZOD Indy Car clothing. Apparel such as t-shirts and leather jackets for both men and women are inspired by heritage aspects of motorsporting from the last 100 years of racing. As we all know, vintage is always in style!

My experience didn’t stop there…it went full speed ahead cheering on IZOD’s sponsored driver, Ryan Hunter-Reay while he participated in the qualifying race for the first U.S.A. Indy Car Race for the 2010 series tomorrow (Sunday, 3/28/10). He finished 2nd a few weeks back at San Paolo, Brazil in the first race of the 2010 series. While exercising my cheerleading skills I got to chat with Ryan’s fashionable fiance, Becky on her fashion point of few for an Indy Car event. “Pit Laners” (the girls hanging at the pit stops)- are quite fashionable with limited restrictions on attire, except for the footwear…which must be closed-toe. No open-toe stilettos ladies! Becky sported IZOD clothing from head to toe. Could she be the next IZOD girl?

So as I gear up for tomorrow’s main event, I will be sure to wear closed toe shoes, lots of sunblock and my IZOD hat…vvrrooooooommm!!!

Becky and me (Gabrielle)

Ryan Hunter-Reay and me

IZOD Model

White Blazer

In Fashion, Trends, Updates on March 10, 2010 at 4:23 pm

The Boyfriend Blazer has been a fashion staple for quite some time now, so it’s no surprise that along with the fashion seasons our boyfriend blazers must also be revamped. Instantly update your wardrobe  this Spring by swapping your black blazer for a white one.

With your new white blazer, the possibilities are endless! Dress it down with a basic tee and a pair of shorts for a day-time look while running errands, shopping or meeting the girls for lunch.

Need a fresh look for a night out on the town?  Pick your favorite cocktail dress and instead of reaching for that black blazer, go with your white one. Don’t be afraid to pair it with a cute floral dress or even bright colors! The white blazer has a lot more potential for the Spring/Summer color palettes and looks amazing with vivid colors and bold patterns. For a more casual look pair your white blazer with your most flattering pair of skinny’s, a simple top and a fierce pair of pumps! ( a la Gwyneth Paltrow)

Not only does the white blazer  update your existing wardrobe for this year’s Spring and Summer looks, but it’s the perfect addition to those chilly nights we’re still having! (Burrr…)

Steal the deal!

In Fashion, Trends on February 15, 2010 at 2:33 pm

For most girls shopping is their guilty pleasure. It’s a real buzz kill when you find the perfect outfit but can’t afford it or decide to buy it anyway and wait until the end of the month where you’re faced with the credit card bill. Ouch! Luckily I have some great online shopping tips for you!

If you search “shopping deals”, Google will offer 89,800,000 sites in .34 seconds. Incredible! However, that’s a lot of web surfing! Let’s simplify your search and actually find what you’re looking for!

HOW TO SPOT THE DEALS:

1. Email: Subscribe to your favorite designer or stores email news letter to receive updates on sales, new items, special discounts and etc.

2. Social Network: Become friends with your favorite designer, store or fashion news provider on Facebook or Twitter.You’ll receive information on sales and news items. Be sure to follow Fashion Week Tampa Bay on Facebook and Twitter, where we keep you in the know as well!

3. iGoogle: I absolutely love iGoogle! It’s my online blog newspaper with exactly what I want to read about. It’s very simple to create! First, click iGoogle in the upper right corner on Google’s homepage, then subscribe to the RSS feed of the blog you want to follow…like this one!

4. Become a member: Most stores have a members club where you’ll get special discounts and updates on new items. There’s the Macy’s card, Victoria’s Secret Angels card and American Eagle members card… just to name a few that I have.

There are so many clothing, jewelry and accessory companies to explore online! A few that always seem to have great deals are stores like Victoria’s Secret with $10 off any $100 buy and sales up to 65% off. Express now has jeans, tops and blouses buy one, get one 50% off.

New York & Company always e-mails special discounts and now has pants buy one, get one free. Macy’s is a classic shopping department store and always has great deals. They currently have sales up to 75% off on their website, plus you can get an extra discount for having a Macy’s card.

Lucky Magazine is great with providing readers a deal every day in their “sales in a flash” section. Elle magazine always informs readers on shopping deals and tips. You can subscribe to their blog, visit their website and/or grab their latest issue for shopping deals. Of course, you can also read our blog and Facebook fan page for deals we personally spot for you! (Another shameless, plug – I know!)

Now you don’t ever have to feel guilty about something as pleasurable as finding that perfect outfit!

PrettyCity.com Caters to Our Health and Beauty Needs

In Events, Fashion, Trends, Updates on September 10, 2009 at 5:24 pm

pretyCityLogo

Need a makeover, for your mind, body and soul? PrettyCity.com’s got it. The one-stop shop for all things beauty ~ and pretty! Pretty City provides its customers with the best beauty products for their budget–and they won’t recommend anything they haven’t tried themselves.

Its core values are: honesty, trust, glamour, abundance, women’s power, natural ability, passion for fun and commitment to charity.

PrettyCity.com provides the best salon and spa facilities in your area, exclusive beauty events nationally, industry treatment trends for you to try, timely beauty news, and a chance to ask the experts about your beauty challenges.

Visit http://www.prettycity.com/ to get the most of your beauty experience, with just one click!

Thanks to PrettyCity.com for their participation in Fashion Week Tampa Bay!

Essence Flowers, Fashion Week Tampa Bay Designer

In Designers on August 24, 2009 at 3:51 am

Fashion extraordinaire, designer Essence Flowers, is making a name for herself in the state she calls home. At an early age, Essence was exposed to the art of designing and sewing by her grandmother in Haines City, Florida. Realizing fashion was her passion and calling, Essence further honed her craft at the International Academy of Design and Technology in Tampa. Today, Essence is a recognized designer, consultant, buyer and business professional.

Her label, Remarquable Designs by Essence, is becoming a hot commodity in Atlanta and the Bay area. Essence has had the opportunity to be a pre-fashion week participant in New York and will showcase her newest collection for the second year in a row at Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2009.

Remarquable Designs by Essence mixes couture and ready-to-wear with high-fashion, elegance and sex appeal. Each piece in her swim wear, formal, wedding and accessories collection is like a vivid work of art and makes a statement. Her designs truly are remarkable and, as her website says, “Anything else is just ordinary.” I’m looking forward to seeing Essence at Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2009 in September!

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Remarquable Designs By Essence 3

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Street Style in Tampa Bay

In Fashion, Trends on August 6, 2009 at 11:36 pm

Meet Shima, a multitasking mom who values comfort and versatility as much as style. Shima was out wearing dark washed skinny jeans and a black and white floral sweater over a black tank accessorized by a red scarf, beaded headband and a white Michael Kors watch. Fabulous! The outfit is definitely versatile as it can work for running errands, meeting a friend for lunch or picking up her son from school. “I try to dress comfortably and functional but classy. I like pieces that stand the test of time so I tend to dress in neutrals with a tiny pop of color or add an accessory that stands out and modernizes it,” said Shima describing her style.

This classic stylista also admits that accessories, such as big rings and funky necklaces, always catch her eye as she walks into a store. “They’re great because no matter what mood you’re in, they always work.” As for must-have beauty tip, Shima said the protective power of sunscreen is a must!

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The Fashion Week Tampa Bay Stylistas are out and about so stay stylish and maybe you will be featured in the next Street Style segment!

The Finale of The Fashion Show on Bravo TV

In Designers on July 30, 2009 at 12:48 pm

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I’m a huge fan of any TV show about fashion or interior design like Project Runway so nothing excited me more than another fashion show on Bravo TV- The Fashion Show!

The name of the show is pretty self-explanatory! In every episode the fashion designers compete against each other for the “winning look.” The winning look is determined by the fashionable audience and the judges: Isaac Mizrahi, Kelly Rowland, Fern Mallis and a weekly guest judge.  Viewers can also purchase an outfit inspired by the winning look on http://www.bravotv.com/the-fashion-show.

If there’s a winner then, of course, there’s also a loser… the outfits that receive the least votes and most negative comments are up for elimination. Then the judges decide between the two remaining designers on who will be eliminated and sent home.

The season finale of the Fashion Show was last Thursday with three designers left: Anna, Daniella and James-Paul. Each fashion designer brought something different to the runway.

The_Fashion_Show_DaniellaDaniella brought a young, hip, rock-and-roll style with a great color pallet of black leather, crème, tan and silver.

anna-mccraney-african-print-dress-240tp072309Anna had a very fun and colorful collection, and the way she mixed her colors was beautiful.

nup_134220_1383The collection from James Paul showed his artistic and unique style with clothing inspired by industrious people.

America voted for their favorite designer and the winner of the first season of the Fashion Show is… Anna!

The judges also choose their favorite collection which is… Daniella!

I absolutely love the way she mixed colors like light purple with tan and orange. Her collection is perfect for making a fun statement with the patterns, colors and movement.

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Anna’s signature look from her collection was this blue and green dress. It fits beautifully on the model while the bottom moves similar to the waves in the ocean.

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If you’re interested in purchasing any of Anna’s pieces or any of the winning looks throughout the season then check out: http://www.bravotv.com/the-fashion-show.

Fly High in Style

In Fashion, Trends on July 29, 2009 at 11:39 am

Recently, I went to visit family in Tennessee. I absolutely love flying, but as a self-proclaimed fashionista, choosing the right outfit to wear on the plane is a daunting task. After spending about the same amount of time picking out a suitable plane outfit as I did packing, my bedroom looks like a tornado disaster story straight out of a National Geographic! If you’re a seasoned traveler, you know suitable plane apparel has to be comfortable, wrinkle resistant, warm and cool (at the same time), security friendly and practical all in one coordinated, stylish outfit. I’ve put together some stylish options to keep in mind next time you’re planning a little get-away.

Seat Smart

Sitting for an extended period of time can be quite uncomfortable without comfy pants. Throw on your favorite pair of jeans or one of these alternatives.

Victoria's Secret bootcut pant in seasonless stretch

Victoria's Secret bootcut pant in seasonless stretch

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Clifford Zip-Pocket Bi-Stretch Pants

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Clifford Zip-Pocket Bi-Stretch Pants

Warm Fuzzies

If you’re like me and get cold easily, these are great cover-up options that won’t force you to sacrifice warmth for frumpiness.

Forever 21 Metallic knit cardigan

Forever 21 Metallic knit cardigan

Alternative Apparel Wrap

Alternative Apparel Wrap

Ann Taylor Loft Pintuck drape front cardigan

Ann Taylor Loft Pintuck drape front cardigan

Well-Heeled

I love high heels, but sometimes they aren’t practical when there are mountains of suitcases to haul. Even the most skilled heel walkers can be prone to accidents worthy of America’s Funniest Home Videos. These slip-ons are comfortable and unproblematic at the security checkpoint.

Ann Taylor Perfect haircalf flat

Ann Taylor Perfect haircalf flat

Newport News Pleated satin flats

Newport News Pleated satin flats

Blowfish Sherbert flats

Blowfish Sherbert flats

Security Proof Accessories

While having a great outfit does wonders, it’s the accessories and bling that can spice up any outfit. Choosing the right accessories are crucial. As any traveler can tell you, your accessories might be the difference between waiting 5 minutes or 15 minutes to pass through security. Here are some great ideas to avoid beeping and having to practically strip down at security.

Windsor Multi strand bracelet

Windsor Multi strand bracelet

Serpent bangle

Serpent bangle

Top Shop Graduated bead rope necklace

Top Shop Graduated bead rope necklace

Simply Vera Vera Wang logo pendant

Simply Vera Vera Wang logo pendant

Top Shop Leather Buckle stretch belt

Top Shop Leather Buckle stretch belt

Top Shop Leather Interlocking Belt

Top Shop Leather Interlocking Belt

Top Shop Leather Interlocking Belt

Top Shop Leather Interlocking Belt

Stylish Baby Calls for a Stylish Binkie

In Fashion on July 9, 2009 at 6:34 pm

Droolicious! What is juicier to a baby then their pacifier? Juicy Couture totally gets it! I don’t have kids yet but I love these adorable binkies! Would you pay a little extra for your baby’s pacifier to be juicy and not dry?

Seriously, the absence of a baby’s pacifier can cause a rainy storm of tears and screaming. Any mother (and person within earshot) should agree that cranky baby is the last thing we want and any fashionable mother will agree that an important baby accessory should be stylish.

Available at Neiman Marcus, Juicy Couture pacifiers come in styles for sweet baby girls and handsome baby boys. The binkies in the girl set are so cute and have cute sayings like, “Hello Juicy World” and “Love Love Juicy,” and they’re pink, of course. The set of three Juicy pacifiers come in an adorable pink heart box and retail for around $48.

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juicy pac girl

The baby boys can also enjoy fashionable Juicy pacifiers that say “Love Metal” and “Bad Boy,” and these are conveniently supplied in blue and orange. This set is also around $48 and comes in a black Juicy Couture box.

juicy pac boy 2

juicy pac boy

So you think these Juicy pacifiers will keep a baby smiling…and stylin’? Are they worth it?

To purchase these lovable Juicy Couture pacifiers, go to www.neimanmarcus.com or www.juicycouture.com