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Posts Tagged ‘travel’

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What to Wear to Every Occasion

In Fashion, Updates on August 18, 2010 at 4:16 am

No matter how much pre-meditated planning I do on what to wear for an occasion, whether it be a first date or a job interview, I still find myself ransacking my closet for a different choice. I ask myself why? The outfit I chose -post getting dress anxiety- was fabulous. A high-waisted pencil skirt with a collared business shirt and pumps was my original choice. Is it too ‘corporate’ looking? Should I add a pop color? Maybe I should wear pants?…ahhhh! Do you ever find yourself consumed with fear as to what is the perfect outfit to wear? You’re not alone.

Most of the confusion women feel when they are attempting to put together an occasion specific ensemble is caused by fear. Fear of breaking the “fashion rules,” fear of violating tradition or the basic fear of looking bad. Getting dressed for an occasion should not induce anxiety. Your clothes should communicate who you are. So if it calls for breaking the “fashion rules”, rules were made to be broken!

Although at times you may be breaking the rules or not, there are still guidelines to the fashion language that help make our own rules. There is a right time and right place for everything, and the ultimate look book to guide you there: Nina Garcia’s, What to Wear to Every Occasion Look Book. This book leads you through the fashion lingo for some of life’s basic occasions to ensure that your ensemble is always a flawless representation of you.

As I was aboard a 5 hour flight to Las Vegas, I was transfixed by the pages of this book. Each occasion is broken up into categories for easy cross-referencing. The book starts off with work.  There is nothing more stressful than a job interview. The job market is very competitive right now due to the economy. You not only have to consider what you will say but also how you will look. The first impression sets the tone of the interview. You do not want to set a loud tone with extremes of any kind. This is an absolute no-no. The book advises to wear a suit. It says that you are serious and that you take the position seriously as well. As I attached post-it notes to key guidelines, I came across a sometimes unnoticed detail to any look for an occasion, but most importantly to a job interview. Your handbag! My handbag is my security blanket. It literally tells a story about who I am if you dare to look inside. So, you want your future employer to see a neat and well-organized handbag equipped with a pen and notepad ready to go.

Over 300 pages are filled with guidelines and antidotes of the language of fashion. You will be informed about what to wear for an occasion like casual Friday’s, after you’ve been cruelly dumped, or what to wear to jury duty. Holidays, weddings, day, night, and many more make up the categories in which you will find the answers to your fashion fears. This book now stays in my closet and is referenced before I even attempt to think about what to wear. No more dress anxiety for me!

Also by Nina Garcia, The Little Black Book of Style, The One Hundred, and The Style Strategy.

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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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The Golden Age

In Designers, Trends, Updates on August 4, 2010 at 9:17 am

I have always been a fan of a thick frame and pitch-black shaded sunglasses that protects my eyes from everything under the sun. This summer, I am trading my dull black shades in for some shiny bright gold aviators. Thanks to celebrity trendsetters, I was first introduced to the golden era of eyewear while attending Fashion Week Tampa Bay’s Ultimate Ladie’s Night Out for the Sex and the City2 premiere. Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) sported Mykita & Bernhard Willhem’s Franz limited edition gold aviators in one of the opening scenes. It was love at first sight. So, I have been searching for the right pair for me and came across so many pairs that I need your advice!

First pair are Badgley Mischka. These 24-karat gold aviators have been seen on celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Rihanna who wore them in her “So Hard” video. The shape really frames the face nice not giving it too much of a masculine form.

Next, Ray-Ban gold aviators, which are known for their aviator sun-glasses, doesn’t come as a surprise that they would also offer them in gold. The shape of the frame is more squared and can only work well with certain face types such as square and/or round.

I came across an Elizabeth and James limited edition Fairfax sunglasses that had a thick black frame that surrounded the gold lenses. I always seem to fall back into a thick black frame.

Eyewear over the years has become one of the must have accessories along with shoes and belts. Although the trends change from thick sun-glasses to thin, they are now changing colors as well. If you remember last season the silver Ray-Bans were the hottest accessories around. It seems that designers are feeling a bit more luxurious this season with the 18, 22, and 24-karat gold sunglasses, most offered in thick and thin lenses. However, I can’t decide which pair are for me.

Any suggestions fashionistas?

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The Future Fashionista’s of the World

In Designers, Fashion on July 19, 2010 at 1:30 am

You can always count on generation X, Y, and Z to indulge in the world of Gucci, Prada and Fendi. However, fashion power houses are looking out their windows into today and into the future of the next suggested generation, Generation Alpha. Mom’s, now you and your bambino can sport luxury clothing while out on the town.

Designer Silvia Venturini Fendi, of Fendi has transformed the runway into a scene out of Huckleberry Finn, with a forest decor, wooden hut, blue sky and the sound of tweeting birds- no, not the tweeters in the front row either. As the children strut down the runway debuting Fendi’s new spring children’s wear collection, they were accessorized with fishing poles and rabbit tails.

For the Fendi girls’ collection natural fabrics in a palette of soft colors like pearl gray, powder pink and chalk-white were used to match the summer hues of yellow, pink and green. Small checkered bloomers, floral print dresses and soft pale color tops make up the girls’ line.

As for the boys, army green, sand beige, pearl grey and powder blue checked shirts and Harrington-style bombers give a casual and playful inspiration to the boys’ collection. However, I wouldn’t suggest letting your little one actually roll around outside for it’s still Fendi, therefore, it’s not cheap.

So moms, consider starting your little ‘tot’ early in life by introducing them to friends like Christian Dior and Fendi.

Currently, the Fendi children’s wear is only sold overseas and exclusively through Jamari International of New York. To view the spring collection visit www.jamariltd.com

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Get a Workout While You Walk

In Fashion, Trends on July 5, 2010 at 7:00 am

Finding the time to workout can be even more challenging than actually working out. That doesn’t mean you have to give up and let your busy schedule get the best of you. I have come across a solution to this problem that’s not only smart, but fashionably friendly as well. The Fitflop sandal!  This sandal is bio-mechanically engineered to help tone and tighten your leg muscles while you walk. With a busy schedule, being able to multi-task at all times is imperative, so toning while sprinting to your next meeting is a fabulous idea!

Rebel style for Women

Along with toning and tightening leg muscles, the Fitflop can also improve posture and help reduce plantar’s foot pain, which can be caused by being on your feet all day for long periods of time. The Fitflop has a Microwobbleboard Technology that increases the time that your muscles are engaged every single time you take a step.  The heel of the sandal is a high density section that absorbs up to 22% more shock to help relieve joint stress. The mid-section creates instability which increases leg muscles activation up to 16%.

The Fitflop can be purchased on-line at Zappos.com or VictoriaSecrets.com or at your nearest Nordstrom or Macy’s. They range in price from $40.00-$100.00 with $59.99 being the most common price for the flip-flop style. A little pricy for a flip-flop but just think of how much money you could save on a gym membership. The Fitflop is not just for women, they offer styles for men and children. I have to say, the styles are very trendy. My favorite is the Rockstar Walkstar which has a dozen crystallized Swarovski elements. Unfortunately, this style is currently sold out, ugh!

Freeway style for Men

Whether you are hiking, working or shopping with your friends, you can do it in a Fitflop shoe and get a workout while you walk!

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Smart Fabric

In Designers, Trends on June 1, 2010 at 2:47 pm

5, 4, 3, 2, 1……Blast Off! No, we are not going to space but we can certainly dress like we are taking a trip beyond. Jockey International is launching a new line this spring 2011 called Smart Fabric. It is probably the smartest fabric one could ever wear, even a rocket-scientist would agree! The Smart Fabric technology was originally made for NASA astronauts to help them stay comfortable as temperatures fluctuate in space. The application creates sweat reduction and stores your body heat. So your undershirt can help keep you warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

The line includes a reversible T-shirt, tanks, a bikini and a hipster brief for the women. All available in colors like black, ivory, coral, pale blue and much more. The men’s line offers the jockey traditional crewneck T-shirt, along with a v-neck shirt with a boxer brief and midway. All available in gray, marine blue, black and white.

Anytime there’s technology involved in something it could get a little up there in price, however, the price point of this line is very reasonable compared to the quality. Men’s underwear come 3 in a package for $27 and women’s tops come 2 for $21. Now that’s a bargain! I have to say, I see a calling for the Jockey Smart Fabric incorporated into a U.S. Military uniform. Whoever said that G.I. Joe couldn’t wear designer labels?

When it comes to fashion, it really is everywhere. A wise woman once said that, “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.” Coco Chanel

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Oh My Gauze!

In Designers, Fashion, Trends on May 12, 2010 at 2:22 am

When we think of gauze we typically refer to using this textile for medical purposes, right?  Well, not anymore! The newest trend gliding its way into the mainstream is Gauze Clothing! This sheer, loosely woven textile is so breathable you will feel as if you’re wearing air. In this blazing-hot state (Florida) this is a wish come true!

Gauze, originally made from silk, is now traditionally made from 100% cotton. This allows the fabric to be completely washable, will not shrink and best of all – no ironing is necessary! Due to the delicate nature of this fabric though, it should be handled with care. So, make sure you read the care labels!

Gauze clothing has been a great addition to the ‘go-green’ epidemic. Not only is the fabric all natural, it’s free-flowing movement is casual yet sexy,  allowing your silhouette to shape the garment.

I have come across a wider selection than I thought would be available for this niche market. Retail stores such as Old Navy and designers like Marc Jacobs offer bright and trendy pieces made from 100% cotton gauze. Gauze clothing can be worn both day and night to the beach or out to dinner. Right now, gauze fabric is used to produce summer garments due to its sheer qualities. In the world of fashion, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see this trend trickle into the winter.

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Bikini Body Countdown

In Trends, Updates on May 1, 2010 at 6:18 am
With the summer being just around the corner, the countdown begins for that swimsuit-worthy body. However, if you’re anything like me and have a busy schedule where you even find yourself penciling in time to sleep, then finding a time slot available for a trip to the gym probably won’t be open. So, I have found a great exercise that you can do right in your own home. This Pilates-based workout will sculpt your abs, arms, butt and thighs in just 20 minutes. I know it seems too good to be true but I have actually been doing this workout for 2 weeks now and I am already seeing significant results. This workout consist of 20 minutes, 3-4 days a week of a series of exercises followed by 15 minutes of high-intensity cardio. If you stick to the routine, in just 4 weeks your body will be beach-bound ready.
Here are the steps to success:
  1. Front Lift
  • Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, arms at your sides.
  • Optional Challenge: Hold 2-pound dumbbells.
  • Lift arms overhead, palms facing in, lifting right leg from the hip until it’s parallel to the ground.
  • Hold for 2 counts, then drop right foot into a front lunge.
  • Fitness Focus: Thighs, Glutes, Calves, Abs, Shoulders

2. Front Lunge

  • As you lower into the lunge, bring both arms out to your sides at shoulder height.
  • Hold for 2 counts, then rise and return to standing, bringing legs and arms back to starting position.
  • Alternate 20 reps (10 per leg) with control.
  • Fitness Focus: Thighs, Glutes, Calves, Abs, Shoulders

3. Leg Pull/Push-Up

  • Come to full push-up position with hands under shoulders and draw abdominal in toward spine.
  • Lift left leg to hip height (point toes) or slightly higher. Lift and lower left leg 5 times.
  • Repeat leg lifts on right side.
  • Extend left leg, bend elbows, and slowly lower chest 4 inches toward the ground; straighten arms.
  • Do 5 push-ups with left leg lifted, then lower.
  • Do 5 more push-ups with right leg lifted.
  • Fitness Focus: Chest, Back, Arms, Abs, Glutes

4. Kneeling One-Arm Side Kick

  • Come to hands and knees with palms directly under shoulders and extend left leg behind you to hip height.
  • Grasp a 2-pound dumbbell in right hand (optional) and lift right arm out to the side to shoulder level.
  • Keeping hips, head and arms stable, kick left leg out to side as far as you can without rocking or using momentum.
  • Hold for 2 counts.
  • Return leg to starting position (keep arm lifted) and repeat 10 times; switch sides.
  • Fitness Focus: Chest, Shoulders, Glutes, Obliques

5. Front Plank/Back Support

  • Sit with legs extended and toes pointed, pressing palms to the ground 6 inches behind your butt, fingers pointing to your back.
  • Engage your abs and arch upper back slightly.
  • Press body weight into your hands and lift hips up, forming one line from ankles to shoulders.
  • As you lift hips, try to touch the balls of both feet to the ground.
  • Hold for 2 counts, then return to starting position; repeat 10 times.
  • Fitness Focus: Arms, Chest, Back, Legs, Glutes, Abs

6. Arm-Swing Curtsy Squat

  • Stand tall with arms overhead; bend left knee and lift left foot so that it hovers next to right knee, toes pointed down.
  • Keeping right foot planted, take a giant step out to left side with left foot. Swooping down, curtsy over left leg, curling left arm in front of body and extending right arm to sky.
  • Hold for 2 counts.
  • Return left foot to starting position.
  • Repeat 10 times; switch sides.
  • Fitness Focus: Thighs, Glutes, Obliques

7. Half-Seated Hip Circle

  • Lean back on elbows, abs tight, fingers cupping sides of hips to keep your pelvis still.
  • Extend legs 60 degrees, keeping lower back pressed to the ground.
  • Point toes, press inner thighs together, and trace 10 large clockwise circles in the air with both feet, then trace 10 counterclockwise circles.
  • Fitness Focus: Abs, Thighs, Obliques

8. Bent-Knee Roll-Down

  • Sit with knees bent and arms parallel to ground in front of chest, holding dumbbells (optional) with palms facing each other.
  • Lean back to engage abs; bend both knees 90 degrees and lift legs until shins are parallel with the ground.
  • Balancing on your tailbone, hold for 5 seconds.
  • Keeping arms and shins parallel to the ground, slowly roll lower back down 4 inches and hold for 5 seconds.
  • Using core strength, roll up to starting position. Repeat 10 times without touching feet to the ground or rolling all the way down.
  • Fitness Focus: Abs, Back, Shoulders

9. Double-Leg Kick

  • Lie facedown and either clasp hands or hold a light dumbbell behind back.
  • Bend knees and bring shins perpendicular to ground, toes pointed.
  • Bring heels to glutes twice in short kicks.
  • On the third lick, lift chest off ground and extend arms straight back to hover an inch above your glutes. Straighten legs, contract thighs and glutes

10. 15-Minute Cardio Blast

  • 0:00-2:00 (mins); Jumping Jacks- Maintain a fast, rhythmic pace.
  • 2:00-4:00: Run in Place- Bend elbows and pump arms front to back while reaching your knees up to your abs, accentuating leg movements as you run.
  • 4:00-5:00: Squat Jumps- From a standing position, lower knees 90 degrees into a squat, keeping arms parallel to chest. From the bottom of the squat, jump up 4 to 6 inches. Land softly with knees bent; repeat.
  • 5:00-7:00: Jumping Jacks
  • 7:00-9:00: Run in Place
  • 9:00-10:00: Squat Jumps
  • 10:00-12:00: Jumping Jacks
  • 12:00-15:00: Run in Place- Gradually slow to cool down.

So ladies, stay focused, stay motivated and in just 4 weeks you’ll be sitting poolside with pride!

For more tips courtesy of Fitness Magazine click here!

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You Got Mail: Just in the “IT” Bikini

In Fashion, Trends, Updates on April 22, 2010 at 2:44 pm

That’s right ladies, run to your mailboxes for the Victoria Secrets 2010 swimwear issue. Push aside all those holiday bills and the junk mail and dive right in to a fun-filled summer under the sun in Victoria Secrets new “IT” bikini. The “IT” bikini offers separates ranging from $14.50-$29.00. Most women are not the same size on top as they are on the bottom so purchasing a bikini that retails separate sizes is what I call a ‘perfect deal’. I have been purchasing Victoria Secret’s swimwear since I started, er…uh…developing (if you know what I mean). I use to have trouble fitting into bikinis that only came in one size such as a small or a medium. The small bottoms were always too small for my J-Lo booty and the medium tops were way too big for my less fortunate top. So, if you’re reading this and nodding your head “yes!” then I’m sure you agree that separates are the way to go! Large bottom? Small top? Doesn’t matter, the choice is yours!

So why is the “IT” bikini the must have suit for the beach? Let me break it down for you:

2 Beach Sexy Style Tops

Push-up Halter Top

Twist Bandeau Top

I recommend the Push-up Halter Top, for all cup sizes, hence, the word ‘push-up’. The Twist Bandeau Top requires a little something to help keep the girls up so I do not recommend this style for A-cuppers!

The traditional double-string bottom will hug your hips just where necessary. This year have more fun with your curves though and consider the adjustable hot shorts. This cut gives you a choice of moderate or full back coverage with adjustable sides sitting straight across the hips. If you’re like me this summer and are feeling daring; go for the Brazilian bottom! Yes, it has minimal back coverage but just think less tan lines!

Along with the excellent choices on tops and bottoms, you have over 20 color and beach prints for your desired “IT” bikini this year. When choosing your color or print always remember to be bright, be bold.

For more styles, colors, and prints go to www.victoriasecrets.com

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What’s Happening in Tampa Bay?

In Events, Fashion, Trends, Updates on September 7, 2009 at 2:37 pm

Wondering what fabulous events are happening in Tampa Bay this month? Fashion Week Tampa Bay for one! Also, check out Tampa Bay and Company, a non-profit organization that represents more than 700 local businesses. Their website has tons of info about all the fun things to do around the Bay area. While tourists frequently use the Tampa Bay and Company website, Bay area locals can also score on deals from concert and sporting tickets to Busch Gardens, restaurants and hotel specials. Tampa Bay and Company’s mission is to help create a dynamic growth for Tampa by promoting, developing and expanding the Bay area’s visitor industry.

Fashion Week Tampa Bay welcomes the support of Tampa Bay and Company as a Beauty Spotter sponsor. Promoting local talent and businesses and creating a positive change in our fabulous city is a goal that is near and dear to all our hearts at Fashion Week Tampa Bay.

If you’re in need of a weekend get away or are looking for the perfect vacation destination, check out Tampa Bay and Company, then come on over to tampabayfashionweek.com to buy your tickets to the most stylish event around!

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