May 12, 2015

Summer Hot & Trending

It’s always a fun time when I get to visit with Jack and Megan on Your Carolina! On my most recent visit we talked “Hot and Trending”  Beauty & Accessory products great for Memorial Day and the upcoming hot southern summer days.

On set at Your Carolina with Jack & Megan

On set at Your Carolina with Jack & Megan

Click here to watch the segment

From now on, Sundriven Driving Gloves have a permanent place in my car! They’re not only pretty, coming in so many great colors, but also super chic with a real vintage-inspired 50s timeless look. Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, they are great for protecting your hands from sun damage, photo aging, and skin cancer with UPF/SPF 50+ protection.  They are also really comfortable and just plain fun to wear! Check them out at www.sundriven.com

Megan is a big jewelry fan so I knew that she’d love the gorgeous Flower and Crystal necklace that I brought with me from Sterling Forever! On the website there are so many fabulous finds that it’s nearly impossible to just pick one. With a lifetime guarantee, it’s hard not to love this beauty priced at just $52.  www.sterlingforever.com

Pedi Princess pedicure flip flops definitely fall into my “Why didn’t I think of that” category!  The blingy sandals with built-in toe separators are not only comfy and fashionable, they are a great answer for those of us who hate tissues between our toes or those flimsy throwaway things they give you at the nail salon. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, sizes X-Small to X-Large and are just $15 – $20. Find them at www.pediprincess.com

Since my hair is naturally dry, I’ve been  a big believer in sulfate-free hair products for a while now. And now I’m adding Pura d’or Organic Hair Care products to my list of must-haves. Their Premium Organic Argan Oil-Based Tranquility Shampoo and Lavender Vanilla Conditioner smell amazing, leave your hair gorgeous and are perfect for the summer. They’re great for strengthening hair, adding volume, texture and shine. www.purador.com

Loving the Bella il Fiore Leopard/Gold Shimmer Puff!

Loving the Bella il Fiore Leopard/Gold Shimmer Puff!

 

Megan commented that she thinks the Bella il Fiore Shimmer Powder Puffs I shared were her favorite products yet! Later after the show, I attended a red carpet fundraiser and used the opportunity to really try out these ultra-girly finds….Wow, LOVE these!!!  If you’re looking for a fun way to add a little all-over sparkle, this is what you want.  The body dusting puffs are filled with glistening powder that gives you a beautiful subtle glow for a special night out or anytime you want a little extra shine.  They are available for $18 at www.bellailfiore.com in Pink Powder Puff/Pink Shimmer, Silver Puff/Silver Shimmer and Leopard Print Puff/Gold Shimmer …MY PERSONAL FAVORITE!

And of course I always have to bring a little something special for Jack!  This time I got to “sock it to him” with  Major League Baseball Socks from Stance. With lots of team designs to choose from including “Wizard” (in honor of Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith), “Bronx Bombers” (for the NY Yankees) and the Boston Red Sox, guys are sure to find at least one that they’ll love for just $14 – $16.  Available at www.stance.com.

 

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April 22, 2015

More pics “Sais Quoi” goes RAW

With any good fashion show comes practice and preparation! Time to “Sissy that Walk”-(RuPaul)

Photos courtesy of Mason Hartenstein

Photos courtesy of Mason Hartenstein

Photos courtesy of Gina Sais Quoi

Photos courtesy of Gina Sais Quoi

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April 22, 2015

“Sais Quoi” goes RAW

Hair, makeup, fashion and a runway it could only mean one thing… Fashion Show! Last Thursday, Gina Sais Quoi designs graced the runway at the first RAW Artists show of the 2015 season at The Orpheum in Tampa, FL. Having been in front of the camera and working the runway most of her life, Gina Sais Quoi is a veteran when it comes to her shows.

Sais Quoi goes RAW photos courtesy of Cameron Balmer

Sais Quoi goes RAW
photos courtesy of Cameron Balmer

RAW Natural Born Artists is an organization to help up and coming artists to showcase their talent. With everything from musicians, fashion designers, makeup artists and more, RAW is every talents dream. Gina knew that RAW was for her when she did her first show. “Everything about a RAW event is so organized and well put together, not to mention very stress free” (Quote by Gina Sais Quoi)

Sais Quoi goes RAW Photos courtesy of Cameron Balmer

Sais Quoi goes RAW
Photos courtesy of Cameron Balmer

When picking her models and her team Gina looks not only at the outer appearance but also the inner appearance. To her these girls are going to be looked up to and admired. They are real people. I was invited to be one of her models alongside many beautiful young ladies who are from all walks of life. Students, mothers and career woman, Gina Sais Quoi designs says it all!

The “Sais Quoi” team:
Models: Monique Buscemi, Aimee Nicole, Kaitlyn Smith, Reiko Hardy, Elyse Christine, Megan Damaron, Elizabeth Francis, & Annie Hatcher
Makeup Artists: Mason Hartenstein, Aimee Nicole
Hairstylists: Cameron Balmer, Manna McCloud, Monique Buscemi, Mason Hartenstein

Behind the scenes GSQ Photos courtesy of Gina Sais Quoi

Behind the scenes GSQ
Photos courtesy of Gina Sais Quoi

If you want to see more about Gina and also more about RAW check out www.ginasaisquoi.com as well as www.rawartists.org/ginasaisquoi

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April 14, 2015

Fashion and more

This past Sunday, Sabo Skirt, an Australian online fashion retailer, made their way out to the Coachella Valley for the array of events surrounding the festival, hosting Sabo Springs, a stunning retreat in the Palm Springs foothills at a mid-century modern estate. Yiota & Thessy Kouzoukas, owners and founders of Sabo Skirt, wandered the event with top fashion bloggers in the industry such as Natalie Suarez of Natalie Off Duty, Dylana Suarez, and Amy Pham, to name a few. Sunday pool tunes were provided from the likes of Warpaint, Bixel Boys, and The Misshapes, who features model and “It” girl, Leigh Lezark.

Thessy and Yiota Kouzoukas of Sabo Skirt with Leigh Lezark of the MISSHAPES

Thessy and Yiota Kouzoukas of Sabo Skirt with Leigh Lezark of the MISSHAPES

Guests hung out around the floating flamingo pool and lounged in the grass at the estate. The environment created a mini-festival vibe, with opportunities to sport a flower crown from Flower Gypsies, body décor from Flash Tattoos, and floral photos booths for attendees to capture images for social media provided by Australian model publication, AMFAM: All My Friends Are Models. With an RSVP rate of over 7,000 people, Sabo Springs was one of the most desired parties to attend in the Coachella Valley party circuit.

Elaine Daneshrad of Fashion Lane

Elaine Daneshrad of Fashion Lane

for more info on Sabo Skirt check out http://saboskirt.com/

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April 12, 2015

“Under the sea” comes to Tampabay

For the first time in Florida Gina Sais Quoi Designs will grace the stage at RAW Artists first show of the 2015 season. The show will take place at The Orpheum nightclub in Tampa, FL on April 16. She will not only be showcasing her new line but will also be launching her newest fragrance. With a team of talented stylists, models and more, Gina Sais Quoi designs will take Tampa bay to the next level of fashion! Join Gina and her team this Thursday at the Orpheum and get your tickets here www.rawartist.org/ginasaisquoi

Check out these photos from her photo shoot at TSPA showcasing some her designs from “Under The Sea”. Photographed and edited by Chester Pigeon. Stay up to date with more GSQ events at www.ginasaisquoi.com and check out more photos by Chester at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chester-Pigeon/165725093446357

Photos courtesy of Chester Pigeon

Photos courtesy of Chester Pigeon

Stay tuned for more on the show coming soon!

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April 11, 2015

Callina Introduces Spring/Summer 2015 Ready-to-Wear Collection

Knitwear brand, Callina introduces a timeless spring /summer 2015 collection of ready to wear pieces for the modern woman, while maintaining theirmission to preserve ancient knitting practices and make a positive impact.

Callina‘s spring/summer collection is inspired by nature and artfully mixes elegant yet flirtatious patterns, making items unique yet easy to wear. Like impressionist paintings, the palette is a playful mix of soft and bright hues in fresh pastels mixed with bright pops of melons and vivid blues. New offerings include skirts, tops and sweaters in fine knits to create open lace designs and exquisite textures combining past and present knitting techniques. These modern patterns add to Callina’s sophisticated collection of silky tank tops, lightweight cardigans, and flirty skirts.

Creating exemplary wardrobe staples, Callina uses the finest and rarest hand-combed pima cotton and alpaca fibers combined with skill passed down by generations of expert artisans in Peru. The brand is a mindfully driven, remaining conscious of its carbon footprint, using certified environmentally friendly dyes that are free of hazardous chemicals.

Callina design

Callina design

A portion of every purchase is directly donated to fund The Mirasol Project, a boarding school founded in 2006 in the remote region of Puno, Peru, for the children of alpaca shepherds.

All Callina pieces are irreplaceable in their elegance, and their artisanal craftsmanship gives each unique piece a distinct quality. Highlights of the collection include a modern take on floral patterning through lightweight open lace stitch techniques, sophisticated sporty cardigans with soft geometric patterning, and combinations of unique geometric lace stripes and sheer gauze stitch techniques lending a distinctive soft textural effect.

About Callina

Callina is an artisanal knitwear brand that is handmade in the Peruvian highlands. It provides timeless, contemporary collections made with luxury and sustainably sourced yarns. Callina is grounded in an ethos both social and environmental, donating a portion of proceeds to The Mirasol Project.

For more info check out http://callinastyle.com/

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March 27, 2015

Changing the “face” of time

Ella Bing Introduces the Razor Revolution

**Changing the Industry One Face at a Time**

(Tampa, FL) Ella Bing is proud to announce their entrance into the high end men’s grooming and shaving industry with their newest product line. They have teamed with William & Henry Co., a local artisan and designer to produce new, exquisite men’s razors with beautiful wooden handles that turns shaving from a bothersome task to an enjoyable experience.

Snakewood Razor from Ella Bing

Snakewood Razor from Ella Bing

The art of shaving is a duty that all men may or may not enjoy. What better way to make it more enjoyable than to have a razor you feel comfortable with and confident that will get the job done.

Each razor is hand turned, sanded and polished with superior exotic woods. The razors hardware is chrome-plated for corrosion resistance, ease of cleaning and surface durability. As an added bonus the heads of these razors can fit either a safety razor or a Gillette Fusion.

Amboyna Razor from Ella Bing

Amboyna Razor from Ella Bing

Ella Bing is releasing a full line consisting of the Snakewood Style resembling the skin patterns of a vicious viper to the Amboyna Burl that resembles the tranquility of an Indonesian Island.

These products will make great additions to our already stellar lineup and continue to outclass the competition.

In the world of mass production, it is very rare to find a company that puts as much pride into their product like Ella Bing. No item is mass produced and all items are handcrafted with care, taking in every finest detail. That’s the Ella Bing way.

About Ella Bing:

Ella Bing is a family owned business specializing in both cloth and wood bow ties as well as other male fashion and lifestyle accessories. The company was founded after the loss of a brother and son, Matthew Kraus. The Kraus family honors Matthew’s spirit, infectious personality and love of fashion with handmade custom bow ties, much like Matthew himself would have worn. Matthew lives on in timeless style via Ella Bing and his family. The work is centered on quality, presentation, attention to detail and customer service. What’s more, 10% of every sale goes to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. This is the handcrafted gift that keeps on giving.

For more information on Ella Bing and this line visit: www.ellabing.com

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March 25, 2015

Meet the Marendo Group

Many companies within the fashion industry, whether new or existing, find their brand going on a downward spiral in various ways. They often outsource for help to revive themselves and get on the right track. Meet the fashion industry’s best-kept secret doing just that – The Marendo Group

The Marendo Group

The Marendo Group

At just 25 years old, Marendo Group founder, Alex Cotraviwat, launched the highly successful street wear brand, Kallusive, which ended up in popular urban stores such as Metropark, Up Against the Wall, Fred Segal, and DTLR. Kallusive became one of the most recognizable brands in the entertainment industry and was seen on the likes of 50 Cent, Britney Spears, Janet Jackson, Big Bang, Jersey Shore cast members, and America’s Best Dance Crew participants, including the infamous, JabbaWockeeZ. After much success, he sold the line and launched The Marendo Group. It’s made up of a diverse group specializing in launching and reviving companies through creative marketing and branding tactics to develop the blueprint for the brand’s success. The team has grown to more than 50 employees over the last year and since has worked with a plethora of companies in the automotive, golf, food, tattoos, and of course the fashion industry. For more information, please visit: www.marendogroup.com

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March 9, 2015

Florida Fashion Weekend: Recap

Fashion, food, and friends, a few of my favorite things were all tied together last Saturday night at Fashion E.D.G.E., Florida Fashion Week. The Vanity Nightclub in Orlando, FL was all hustle & bustle with excited designers, models, and judes. I was so excited to attend. I met many new people, saw some beautiful, unique fashions and discovered a little more about the “nightlife”. Florida Fashion Week showcased fashions from designers like, MdizCollections, Xanimichi Roy’el, ZHE YANG, SewInVogue, The Lion Of Art, and Kala Express. Also, featured a panal of judges, Ms. Latina International Angela Posillico, host Jimmy Star from Miami’s “The Jimmy Star Show” and host Jorge Alvarado of Tampa’s “The Jorge Show”.

Some Florida Fashion Week Designs

Some Florida Fashion Week Designs

Photos courtesy of: Hashim Haskins

Florida Fashion Week is put on twice a year, for spring lines & fall lines, by Fierce Entertainment Management (this is its second year). Fashion E.D.G.E.(Emerging Designer Gauntlet Exhibit) is a competition with some prizes that these designers surely fought for. A plaque, interview in Orlando Fashion Magazine, interview on “The Jorge Show” and guaranteed in Orlando International Fashion Week designer lineup. That makes me want to start my own line just so I can have the chance to compete lol. As the models graced the runway, I became even more excited. Each line had it’s own unique twist. I have always loved and had an eye for fashion so to get to be here I think some of them belong on the red carpet or even in Vogue.

More FL Fashion Week fashions

More FL Fashion Week fashions

Photos courtesy of: Hashim Haskins

So I bet you are wondering who was the lucky winner that will walk away with all these prizes? Give it up for Mdiz Collection! Meleissa Dunkley-Hampton, owner/designer wowed the audience with her collection. But Jorge had one more little surprise for her…he is going to feature the winner along w/ the stars of Project Runway! If I were Meleissa I would so be on cloud 9. Congratulations Meleissa.

So even though this Florida Fashion Weekend’s second year, it has definitely made its mark. Getting to meet and make new friends was the highlight of my evening. I met Jorge Alvarado of “The Jorge Show”, an up & coming fashion Designer who will have her show in Orlando, Fl on March 29, and so many more. I think we will see more Florida Fashion Weekend throughout the years and all I can say is YES!!!!!

Stay tuned for more blogs about designers, judges and more from the event

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March 7, 2015

Florida Fashion Weekend in Orlando

I am so excited for tonight. At the Vanity Nightclub in Orlando, Florida, Florida Fashion Weekend will be well underway. I cannot wait to meet new people, models, photographers etc. There is going to be live entertainment, fashion shows and so much more! Stay tuned for a recap on the show coming up on Monday. Everyone have a great weekend & don’t do anything I wouldn’t do (which is a lot ha). Have I mentioned how much I love my career? lol

Florida Fashion Weekend

Florida Fashion Weekend

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