Florida Designers at Life’s a Label Fashion Show

Happy Holidays from IFF! Has it been as crazy a holiday for you as it has been for me? Well, I’m just glad to get back to what’s important…blogging! I have a couple of posts I’ve been excited to share so let’s get this party started…

Part of the fun of getting to know Orlando and growing this blog is being able to meet and see the work of local fashion designers. It’s impossible to not be inspired by people who have a deep love and passion for fashion as an art form. I recently experienced this excitement for fashion at Life’s a Label Fashion Show produced by Welcome Home Entertainment, which features local up and coming Florida designers. It was great to see how the designers embodied Florida style but added their own twist and flavor. But as the saying goes, “A picture is worth a thousand words” so I will leave you with some of my favorite looks from the event. There was a lot of great local talent at the show and I will be featuring them on future posts.

(Above: LoloDaisy by Lorena, 17-year old fashion designer and model, she's the 4th model from left to right)

Celebrating a Year of Fashion

It’s true, your eyes aren’t deceiving you-- IFF is officially one year old! You might recall that for my 6-month anniversary I thanked some important individuals that helped IFF grow (see here). This time around I’m excited to thank even more people. Now I truly understand the saying, “it takes a village to raise a child” because this was really the case for IFF! My baby blog couldn’t have made it without all of this great support. The Orlando community has accepted the blog with open arms and along the way I’ve met some amazing people. A big thanks to:

Harriett’s Park Ave Fashion Show

Lights, camera, action! It was finally time for the main event: Harriett’s Park Avenue Fashion Show (read about my backstage experience here). As soon as I heard the music start I quickly headed to the media pit to take my place. ‘Alright, Iris—Take a deep breath and dive in.’

There I was with my tiny DSLR, holding it tightly like a newborn baby while I squeezed my way into the media mosh pit. So what if I was tripping over somebody’s tripod and occasionally getting elbowed when a professional photographer hit the shutter button. I didn’t mind it at all. Another photographer was kind enough to point out a small but cozy corner on the platform for me to sit. Clearly, I must have looked lost and confused. She looked up at me, smiled, and motioned for me to sit. Finally, I got my spot and I got my camera, that’s all I need. Now to document the show! Check out below for some of my favorite looks.

Unapologetic, big, bold, statement jewelry from Bahalia:

Harriet’s Park Avenue Fashion Show: Behind the Scenes

I am still in disbelief that little IFF was invited to cover one of the biggest fashion events in Orlando! I could barely contain my excitement as I walked up to the media check-in counter. I eagerly placed the media pass around my neck and quickly headed towards the entrance where two guards greeted me with big smiles and opened the double doors as if royalty had arrived. There was a flash of darkness and a blast of cold air that made my skin tingle. As my eyes (and body) became accustomed to the sudden change I began to see flashes of purple lights and haze. There I was, inside of the big white tent- sparkling in all its glory. I made it!

Winner: Carlos Santana "On the Fringe Tour" Handbag

Thank you all for entering the giveaway and being a reader of IFF! The winner of the first IFF giveaway is (drumroll):

Amber (Amber's Mouthwash)

Congrats and please post a photo of you wearing the bag so we can see how fabulous you look!

Check back tomorrow on IFF to see my backstage experience at Harriet's Park Avenue Fashion Show.

Giveaway: Carlos by Carlos Santana “On the Fringe Tour” Bag

I am beyond excited to offer the first giveaway on IFF!! I can’t think of a better way to thank you all for following. For those of you who follow IFF on Facebook (which you should!), then you know that Macy’s is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in partnership with Vanidades Magazine by saluting Carlos Santana as the 2012 Icon of Style. Some of you attended the fabulous events in Macy’s all over the U.S. and others entered the contest to win a trip for two to Las Vegas with two VIP tickets to “An Intimate Evening with Santana.” But if you missed these opportunities, don’t fret. Macy’s has been wonderful enough to offer IFF readers this ultra-fabulous Carlos by Carlos Santana “On the Fringe Tour” Bag valued at $108!

This is your last chance to join in on the celebration and what better way to do it then to feel like a rock star yourself? Fringe, leather, studs, and sexy red lining – pass me the air guitar because I am a full on rock star. I grab that air guitar and I begin to feel the hot spotlights shining on me while I look out into a dark room with floating lights. Slowly, I hear the deafening roar of the crowd get closer and closer. Is it just the bag or is it time for my solo?

Enter the giveaway to find out for yourself.

Here’s how to enter:

My Inspiration Captured: The New York Version

Remember my last "inspiration captured" post (see here)? Here is the New York version from my recent trip. How could I not be inspired by New York?

What city never stops inspiring you?