fashionweektampabay

Posts Tagged ‘tampa bay fashion week’

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Proper Training…Always in Fashion: Art Institute of Tampa

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends, Updates on September 19, 2011 at 1:10 pm

Fashion Week Tampa Bay and The Art Institute of Tampa – a perfect pairing in my mind, that’s for sure and we’re thrilled to have Art Institute as a Tampa Bay Fashion Club sponsor for the fourth year in a row.

The Art Institute of Tampa is an incredible school offering varying degrees from a top-notch faculty.  Maybe you are interested in the Culinary Arts – they have the training, maybe something in Web Design & Development, beginning and advanced – they have the training, or maybe your “Fashionista” desires lean towards Fashion Retailing and Management – once again, they offer the training.

As a former boutique owner, I speak from experience when I say that the Fashion Retailing and Management training you can get at The Art Institute will definitely give you a head start in the Fashion industry.

You owe it to yourself to check it out.  Looking forward to your feedback and to seeing you at Fashion Week Tampa Bay.

~Paula, Stylista Friend

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Join Us for a Blogger Brilliant Time!

In Events, Fashion on September 16, 2011 at 6:13 pm

Fashion’s Night Out was just last week… but who wouldn’t want some more fashion fun before Tampa Bay Fashion Week? — I sure do! Join us this Saturday, Sept. 17 at the Blogger Brilliance event!

Blogger Brilliance will bring together fashion, food, travel and lifestyle bloggers from across the country. The conference gives bloggers the opportunity to learn from experts and seasoned bloggers about marketing their blog with the use of social media tools and branding. Bloggers are also able to network with other bloggers who share the same passions, like food and fashion. Oh yeah – this is my kind of conference!

The blogger conference will include a full, fun day of activities from 9 to 6pm on Saturday, Sept. 17. We’ll start at the International Academy of Design & Technology for panel discussions from experienced bloggers and media. Then we’ll move the fun to International Plaza & Bay Street where everyone will split into their fashion or foodie track. Fashion-fun attendees will attend a fashion show presented by Tim Gunn – Yes! The Tim Gunn! Famous fashion expert and Project Runway host!! Foodie-fun attendees will attend an exclusive foodie experience at Pelagia Trattoria. Then we’ll all meet up again for a special mixer to wrap up the day!

Panelists speaking at Blogger Brilliance:
Carrie Wildes of Carrie Wildes Photography
Holley Sinn, host of Studio 10 & author of Hollisphere
Holly Hamann of BlogFrog
Jodi Furman of Live FabuLESS
Kristina Medhus of Pretty Shiny Sparkly
Marjorie Harper from HSN
Sasha Ezquerra from Everything Fabulous
Vahni Georgoulakos from Grit and Glamour

Join us this Saturday at Blogger Brilliance! When purchasing tickets, be sure to select if you’re participating in the Fashion OR Foodie track. Get your tickets here!

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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!

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Savage Beauty

In Designers, Events, Fashion on July 27, 2011 at 9:41 am

My summer visit to New York City could not have been complete without stopping by the second floor of The Metropolitan Museum of Art – aka “The Met” – to tour Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty. All organized by Curator Andrew Bolton and Harold Koda, both of The Costume Institute, along with assistance from his former fashion show production designers. Close to 200 ensembles and accessories from the Alexander McQueen Archive in London, Givenchy Archive in Paris as well as private collections, were grouped according to McQueen’s Romantic fixations.

Lines for the exhibit can reach up to an hour – more than worth the wait, although I was lucky enough to only stand by about half of that. Once inside, the packed crowd moved along surprisingly smoothly from room to room. The tour began by setting the tone with two mannequins who, like the theme of many of his collections, were polar opposites. On the left, a dress of red and black ostrich feathers adorned with red painted glass medical slides. On the right, a striped and varnished razor-clam shell dress, both from the VOSS, spring/summer 2001 collection.

Onto “The Romantic Mind,” showing McQueen’s signature “bumster” design – pants so low that they revealed, yes, the mannequin’s bum! Accessories such as shoes in the shape of a mutated spine, butterflies and headpieces all inspired by Edgar Allan Poe were displayed next in the “Cabinet of Curiosities.” The video in this room was such a unique element capturing Alexander McQueen’s ability to turn a runway into an artful performance. One of the most intriguing was a white dress worn by Shalom Harlow in the spring 1999 show, along with a video of the dress being spray painted black and yellow on the runway.

Romantic Gothic & The Cabinet of Curiosities

The atmosphere of each room kept perfectly in tune with the all of the pieces and music. In a proud, regal tribute to his Scottish roots, were McQueen’s first tartan designs.

Romantic Nationalism

The exhibit went on to show “Romantic Primitivism,” the focus of McQueen’s first post-grad runway collection, complete with horsehair and antelope horns. While beautiful: definitely not for the faint of heart. Difficult to choose, but my favorite gallery may have been the “Romantic Exoticism” – think Asian-inspired silhouettes, silk and previously fresh flowers.

Romantic Exoticism

The journey ended with “Romantic Naturalism,” by far the most wearable pieces for us everyday fashionistas and Alexander McQueen’s last fully materialized collection before his February 2010 death. Included were dresses and leggings in vibrant, earthy colors accompanied by outrageously high heels – the same heels worn and made famous by Lady Gaga.

Romantic Naturalism

Overall, The Met was a great way to start my weekend in the city with the most unique designer collection I have ever had the pleasure of seeing. Words really cannot do the exhibition justice, it is a must see for anyone visiting the city before August 7th!  If you can’t make it to New York, the Met store’s website has plenty of fashionable souvenirs.

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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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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

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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.

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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


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Galliano Churns Out Pure Magic

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends on July 9, 2010 at 3:17 pm

There are almost no words to describe the sheer joy that comes from hearing the phrase, “couture collection.”  That being said, John Galliano has yet again exceeded expectations with his couture collection for Fall 2010.

In Paris this past week, Galliano’s collection for the House of Christian Dior blossomed quite literally onto the runway.  With a vivid floral theme, models emerged in tulip-shaped silhouettes and breathtaking colors.

One look in particular featured a beautifully soft textured blazer in robin’s egg blue which displayed an exaggerated shawl collar.  The waist was tied with a very unique gold belt and led down to a full black skirt with bubble hem.  As if this ensemble were not enough to tempt the eye, the skirt also features a side embellishment of wonderfully realistic flowers in lilac and yellow.  Another dress appeared in shiny black with a vintage, off-the-shoulder design and sheer overlay at the skirt which seemed to transcend into one large, pink petal.  Worn with shocking pink gloves, this look was simply divine.

While many fall collections tend to feature warm, yet sometimes dull earth tones, this was certainly not the case in the House of Dior.  A gown more vibrant than any exotic flower arrangement presented with a full length skirt shaped in tiny tiers of exquisite teal silk.  The strapless bodice revealed a purple floral print and transitioned quite nicely with a large, artistic bow in neon yellow.

John Galliano is a true innovator with a mind that continually churns out pure magic.  If not one piece in this collection of literal silhouettes and mind-blowing color tickles your senses, I would suggest an immediate medical consultation.

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The Ivanka Ska Online Store

In Designers, Fashion, Trends, Updates on June 28, 2010 at 10:34 am

Honestly, who doesn’t love the convenience of online shopping? Shop while lying on the couch in the most comfortable pair of slippers, with a latte in one hand and cookies in the other…. Ah, sounds like paradise to me! If slippers simply won’t do for you, then I totally give you permission to rock your fiercest four inch heels. It’s not like you’ll be walking much anyway, so pain isn’t an issue! I’m very proud to share that designer, Ivanka Ska ( featured in Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2008 and 2009) is making “the shopping experience” our way! Tampa Bay’s first fashion house -The House of Ska expands to the World Wide Web and it’s just a click away!

Ivanka Ska’s online store provides fashionistas shopping convenience and most importantly, stylish trendy clothes, accessories and art. Ivanka Ska is a well-known Tampa Bay fashion designer whose collections have showcased on many runways including Fashion Week Tampa Bay. In addition to being known for her fashion house in St. Petersburg, FL – The House of Ska, Ivanka creates jaw-dropping fashion and unforgettable fashion and art shows. There’s no need to school you on what fashion is (especially what fashion means for us fashionistas or stylistas – like me) but like Coco Chanel brilliantly said “Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street; fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” Ivanka Ska lives and breathes fashion, art and all creativity. She provides the Tampa Bay area with eye-catching “wearable art” because fashion is art!

I love the Ivanka Ska online store especially her breath-taking dresses! The only problem is the inconvenience of having to choose what to purchase… Some of my favorite dresses are below. Which dress takes your breath away? Oh and lastly, the Ivanka Ska virtual shopping experience is just a click away: http://www.ivankaska.info/ Enjoy and feel free to write your own review below.