Posts by Tom Castaneda | Panache Vue' Magazine - North Pinellas/Pasco

Speakeasy Style

April 16, 2012 By Tom Castaneda

Embrace This Season’s Haute Flapper Trend

If you’re looking to jazz up your wardrobe this spring, you may need to take a trip back in time to the 1920s. Much like the release of a 3D-enhanced version of Titanic in theaters this April, many of this season’s hottest looks could be considered a blast from the past with a modern twist.

Haute Flapper

Call it a “Roaring Twenties revival,” a resurgence quite possibly inspired by Hollywood’s fascination with the enchanting era that gave birth to a new type of woman—the fashionable flapper. In recent years, there’s been an increase in TV shows and films set in the 1920s, including HBO’s Boardwalk Empire and the highly anticipated Great Gatsby remake.

Along with entertaining audiences with their high drama, the projects—featuring award-winning costume designs—have made a major impression on the fashion world. This spring, designers like Carolina Herrera, Marc Jacobs and Alberta Ferretti have welcomed the trend by dusting their collections with flapper-like pieces, including dazzling dresses that feature 1920s-inspired beading, fringing and drop-waists.

Haute Flapper

And starlets like The Artist’s Bérénice Bejo, who wore several smart looks from the era in her Oscar-winning film, have been spotted striking a pose on the red carpet in Roaring Twenties reinterpretations from Gucci, Oscar de la Renta and Marchesa.

So if you’re ready to make a bold fashions statement this season, here are some ways to incorporate some trendy Gatsby-inspired pieces into your wardrobe and unleash your flapper spirit:

Drop It Like Its Hot
If you’re not completely sure you can pull off fringe or feathers, don’t despair. It’s still quite possible to roar into 1920s fashion. Simply look for a flowy frock with a deeply lowered waistline. Regardless of your body type, a drop-waist dress will flatter your figure while helping you stay right on trend.

Art Deco
The eclectic Art Deco style, which began in Paris in the 1920s and spread throughout the world throughout the 1930s, had a great influence on flapper fashion. Designers began incorporating the awe-inspiring Art Deco style—which represented elegance, glamour and modernity—into their glam garments by creating similar patterns with sequins, jewels and beads. Fortunately, it seems that history is repeating itself with this season’s collections! Designers like Matthew Williamson have created similarly stunning Art Deco-inspired looks that, like those of days gone by, will surely turn heads with every stylish step you take.

Pretty in Pastels

Donning a flapper-inspired dress in a bold, look-at-me hue like tangerine or coral not your thing? No worries! This spring, designers have incorporated another haute craze into their voguetastic 1920s-inspired looks: pastels. So if you’re hoping to give off a low-key, ladylike vibe, look for a flapper-like dress in a sweet sorbet shade. Not only will you flaunt your understated style, but you’ll show the world just how fashionable you are by rocking two trends at once.

Sleepeasy Style
Pajama dressing may have originated during the Jazz Age, but the lounge-in-style trend is making a colossal comeback. This spring, designers have captured the comfort of those silky separates that were popular in the 1920s and given them a street-friendly look. The end result: a sleepeasy style that will make an impression well beyond the bedroom.

No matter how you choose to integrate this spring’s haute flapper trend into your wardrobe, rest assured that you’ll be roaring with sophisticated style.

Tom Castañeda

Tom Castañeda is a creative writer, blogger, and award-winning broadcast journalist who has worked at Architectural Digest, In Touch Weekly, and Latina – a fashion, beauty, and lifestyle magazine for today’s bi-cultural Latina woman. Throughout his career in publishing, Tom has planned and executed numerous celebrity, fashion, and beauty programs throughout the country, including fashion shows, and shopping events for brands like Bloomingdale’s, Chanel, Mikimoto, David Yurman, Givenchy, Armani Fragrances, Macy’s, Southpole Collection, and more. Additionally, Tom has drawn on his strong journalism background to create various print, online, and video reports on various subjects, including fashion and beauty.

Filed Under: 2012, 2012, A La Moda, April 2012 - South Tampa, April 2012 – Tampa Bay, South Tampa, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Designer, Fashion, Features, Flapper, Haute Flapper, South Tampa, Tampa, Tampa Bay, Tom Castañeda

Introducing Chef Extraordinaire Ingrid Hoffmann

April 16, 2012 By Tom Castaneda

Ingrid Hoffmann may be an internationally acclaimed culinary expert with a loyal base of followers in English and Spanish, but “chef” isn’t the official title you’ll read on her impressive resume. The host of Delicioso— an hour-long lifestyle cooking show on Univision—primarily considers herself a “professional eater.”

“My love of food really starts with a love of eating and sharing the table,” professes the 47-year-old cookin g star who was born and raised in Colombia and lived in the Netherlands with her family before moving to Miami as an adult. “It was very important to my mother that we always share a meal at the table as a family.”

Ingrid Hoffmann

But Hoffmann’s mother—a Cordon Bleu-trained chef who ran a catering business from her home kitchen and later opened her own restaurant—did more than incite a passion for food in her daughter. Through hands on lessons, Yolanda Ibarnegaray taught Ingrid the art of cooking as a child.

“I used to pull up a little stool to the stove, so I could reach the range and cook steaks and shrimp,” recalls Hoffmann, who now cooks the food of 22 Latin countries, including Spain. “I’d make this shrimp dish—my father’s brandied shrimp recipe that today is a staple and still one of my favorite meals.”

It should come as no surprise that traditional children’s fare like chicken nuggets and fish sticks were never served in Hoffmann’s home.

“Kids who’d come to my house would comment on the strange food; and I never really understood why it was weird,” admits Hoffmann, who remembers eating Indonesian food for about a year after her mom spent time in the Southeast Asian country learning how to cook their cuisine.

“She had this rule that wherever we went in the world, she had to go to the market and a cooking class with a local chef. She always said that you learned so much about a culture through ingredients. Looking back now, it really was like the United Nations of food at our house!”

It’s no wonder Hoffmann—who isn’t a classically trained chef—began developing her own flavorsome recipes with a similar eclectic spirit.

“Ignorance has been bliss,” declares Hoffmann. “My mixes of food really are unorthodox, which may not have been the case had I been classically trained. Instead, I can just have fun creating foods with a great balance of textures, colors and flavors.”

It’s that mindset that led Hoffmann to open her own restaurant called Rocca, which was the first Miami eatery to feature tabletop cooking on heated lava rocks.

“It was an incredible experience; it helped me be taken seriously as a chef,” proclaims Hoffmann, who has no plans to open another restaurant anytime soon. “I wasn’t able to be creative and develop recipes. It was about running a business and dealing with the bank and employees. And, it just took all the fun out of cooking!”

But the restaurant experience did help Hoffmann break into television at a local Miami station, where she shared her recipes with the public. That would lead to regular cooking segments on Univision’s morning show and a series of multi-page culinary stories in Buen Hogar, the Spanish version of Good Housekeeping.

“When I first started, no one was really focused on Latin food,” states Hoffmann, who launched her bilingual Delicioso brand with Simply Delicioso on the Food Network and the Cooking Channel, as well as Un Minuto Delicioso on Galavision. “My philosophy is everyday food with a Latin twist, something people can easily prepare that’s healthy and fresh. I believe in trying to eat as natural as possible, but with great flavor!”

That commitment to healthy cooking with comfort and ease led to Hoffmann partnering with T-Fal to develop her own Latin-influenced cookware and appliance line, Simply Delicioso by Ingrid Hoffmann, which includes a paella pan, calderos of different sizes and a pressure cooker.

“My cookware line comes from the same place as my recipes; I’m all about practical living,” asserts Hoffmann. “I’m always thinking about how to make life easier… how to help people save time and money and still eat healthy.”

It’s a never-ending mission for the hard-working Hoffmann, who is currently writing a book that she calls “very personal” while developing appetizing recipes and culinary content for her multi-platform Delicioso brand. But she wouldn’t have it any other way.

“It’s not glamorous work; it’s a lot of sacrifice,” states Hoffmann. “But I do it for so many hours a day because I love what I do!”

It’s that commitment to sharing her passion for cooking and entertaining with the world that has made Hoffmann simply the best bilingual expert in Latin cuisine.

Tom Castañeda

Filed Under: 2012, 2012, April 2012 - South Tampa, April 2012 – Tampa Bay, Celebrity, Feature - South Tampa, South Tampa, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Author, Book, Celebrity, Cooking Channel, Cookware, Food, Food Network, Ingrid Hoffmann, Latin, Latina, Latino, Recipee, Restaurant, Television, The High/Low Project, Tom Castañeda, Un Minuto Delicioso

Beauty and the Beat – Tamara Sky

March 19, 2012 By Tom Castaneda

Introducing Model-Turned-Mixtape-Master Tamara Sky

During her childhood, Tamara Sky was completely captivated by music, including salsa, 80s, rock ‘n’ roll and disco. The Puerto Rican beauty listened to everything, including her father’s collection of old records.

“When I was about 4 years old, I raged to one of my dad’s ‘60s records, Surfin’ Bird by The Trashmen,” recalls the 27-year-old model and professional disc jockey with a giggle. “In my teen years, I listened to metal, drum & bass and reggae. To this day, I really enjoy music with Latin and disco influences.”

Tamara Sky - Photo: Charis Kirchheimer

With such an eclectic ear, it should come as no surprise that Sky moved to Miami—a city bursting at the seams with mind-blowing music—at the age of 19. But she didn’t actually relocate to the Capital of the Americas to work in music.

Tamara Sky - Photo: Joel Alvarez, Venge Media *

“I moved to Miami to pursue a modeling career,” states Sky, who has worked with brands like LOVE+MADE, Luxirie by LRG and Stüssy. “Miami reminded me of Puerto Rico’s beach vibe; and I liked how free-spirited and open-minded people were. Making the move was definitely a pivotal moment in my life. I was in Puerto Rico studying accounting, which I’d probably be doing today if I’d stayed there.”

Tamara Sky It’s hard to picture Sky crunching numbers, especially knowing the stunning beauty—who was featured in Ocean Drive magazine, became a Playboy Playmate of the month and appeared on E!’s reality TV show The Girls Next Door—was born to strike a pose. And, Sky has capitalized on her success as a model to take her deejaying career to new heights.

“I’ve always been passionate about music, but I didn’t wake up one day saying, ‘I want to be a deejay.’ Honestly, it never crossed my mind,” admits Sky, who dated a turntablist who would inspire her to become a disc jockey. “After watching him nerd out, it just came about organically. And, once I started, I couldn’t stop. I was practicing five hours a day, even after starting to deejay at clubs. I was focused on being good at it!”

It’s that commitment to her craft that has made Sky a highly sought-after deejay. In recent years, she’s landed high profile gigs, including playing at Donald Trump’s birthday party and sharing the stage with industry superstars like Tiësto, Paul van Dyk and The Crystal Method.

“I get to travel and experience new cultures, which is something I have always wanted to do. The countries I visit and the events I work at are very diverse, everything from underground parties to high-profile events, which fits my personality,” proclaims Sky. “But my biggest reward is establishing myself as an artist through the eyes of my peers. I love getting the opportunity to perform alongside other artists that I respect, that inspire me.”

Tamara Sky Sky’s now inspiring others with her own mind-blowing mixtapes, like Jet Lag and Lil Death, which have been commissioned by brands like Casio G-Shock and We Are Handsome.

“I like to tell a story with each of them and make sure there are levels of meaning and intention. They all come with a vibe, theme, title and cover art that I personally design to convey their respective message,” asserts Sky. “I like using movie samples and some of my rare music finds to make them even more unique. And I focus on making cinematic intros and unforgettable endings.”

Even though Sky has experienced tremendous success as a model, deejay and mixtape master, she’s not planning to settle for the status quo.

“I’m never content with what I do,” admits Sky, who is currently working on her own music as a singing artist. “If I achieve something I’ll be searching for the next thing. I believe that the key for success.”

With that dogged determination, coupled with her ceaseless creativity, there’s no doubt the sky is the limit for this dazzling deejay.

For more about Tamara Sky, visit www.DJTamaraSky.com

Hair: Rock Paper Scissors Salon – Make Up: Art of Beauty by Sunha – Wardrobe: Fused Fashion, Saks Fifth Avenue Tampa – Production: Parisa Soleimani/P.S. Promotions – Photographer: Joel Alvarez, Venge Media – Location: The Playboy Club, Miami Beach – Cover Picture Photographer: Charis Kirchheimer

Tom Castañeda

Filed Under: 2012, 2012, Feature - South Tampa, March 2012 - South Tampa, March 2012 – Tampa Bay, South Tampa, Tampa Bay Tagged With: DJ, Fashion, Fashion Model, Fashion Show, Fashion Week, Hispanic, Latina, Miami Fashion Week, Mixtape, Mixtape-Master, Model, Playboy, Playmate, Tamara Sky, Tom Castañeda

Meet HGTV’s Event Planner Extraodinaire Dina Manzo

March 19, 2012 By Tom Castaneda

Life of the Party

She may have chosen to leave The Real Housewives of New Jersey during the hit Bravo series’ second season, but Dina Manzo never really left the public eye. Instead the noted interior designer, event planner and philanthropist maximized on her status as a beloved reality TV star to expand her business empire and become one of HGTV’s most popular personalities.

Dina Manzo

“It’s so amazing; I truly feel like part of the family,” declares the 40-year-old charismatic superwoman about her experience as the cable network’s newest star. “I have a voice and people are listening; I love what I do!”

Manzo—who didn’t plan on returning to television after Housewives—is now starring in her own HGTV series. Launched last September, Dina’s Party spotlights her impressive interior design and event planning skills. In each episode, Manzo and her team transform a client’s space into something singular and stunning to celebrate an important moment or occasion.

“I love the challenge that comes right after that first inspiration, that first idea,” admits Manzo. “It’s such a rewarding feeling to bring that vision to life and celebrate the finished product. It’s so fast-paced and every week brings something new and different. I feel more creative than ever!”

Manzo’s ceaseless creativity isn’t some newfound talent though; it’s actually a gift she inherited from her mother.

“She was all about making our home a lovely place to be,” recalls Manzo, the youngest of 11 children. “I grew up watching her paint walls and make curtains; and I remember being very young and redoing my own bedroom with my stuffed animals and moving everything around once a week. It was not normal!”

Dina Manzo

Despite that natural talent, Manzo didn’t pursue a career in interior design and event planning right away. Instead she worked as a makeup artist, something she might still be doing had her doctor not ordered her to go on bed rest during her pregnancy.

“I was bored out of my mind and realized I needed to do something, so I started taking basic interior design classes,” remembers Manzo, who later continued her studies while working for a furniture company called Expressions. “But I quickly learned that in this industry, you either have a natural talent or you don’t.”

Realizing her true calling, a self-assured Manzo launched her design career with complete conviction. She even side-stepped small jobs to work on “mega mansions.”

“I’d help build a 20,000 square-foot home from the ground up with the builder and the architect,” states Manzo. “It was really interesting to start from the foundation and carry the feeling through the entire house, and I’m glad I had that experience. It has helped me in all aspects of design, knowing what really goes into the structure of a home, the layout and paying attention to the details.”

It’s that meticulousness that led Manzo to transition from interior design to event planning. Along with executing events with her then-boyfriend Tommy—a co-owner of Housewives haunt The Brownstone—Manzo planned her own wedding, which was featured on the VH1’s My Big Fat Fabulous Wedding.

“When I accomplished it and actually made the place look gorgeous, I realized I was pretty damn good at event planning,” proclaims Manzo. “I went from planning a wedding ceremony for 50 to one for 750 people, all in a matter of four weeks with VH1 cameras following my every move. And, I realized I had a natural gift.”

So in 2005, Manzo wrapped up her projects, phased out her design business and launched her event planning company, Designer Affair, where even her 16-year-old daughter Lexi lends a hand.

“She helps set up parties,” says the proud mother. “She loves my team; they’re like her big brothers and sisters. She’s a part of it all and it’s working out great!” But there’s more to Manzo’s life than party planning. She’s also the founder of Project Ladybug, a non-profit organization that enriches the lives of children receiving treatment for serious and life-threatening illnesses.

Dina Manzo - Party Planning

“I toured the hospital where my husband and daughter were born, and I saw a need for these children who were coming for treatment with no winter coats and no shoes on their feet,” remembers Manzo. “It just broke my heart and I thought this is who I want to help. So I said, ‘I’m an event planner and I throw a damn good party, so why not throw one for a great cause.’ And, the charity has grown by leaps and bound, we’re now even national!”

So what’s next for this empowered businesswoman with a heart of gold?

“I’m coming out with my own line of pillows, throws and candles; and I’m writing a lifestyle and design book,” announces Manzo. “I dream big; and I think Martha Stewart needs a younger, hipper replacement.”

It’s that passion, determination and superwoman spirit that could see Manzo unseating Martha Stewart sooner than later!

For more about Dina Manzo, visit www.DinaManzo.com.

Tom Castañeda

Filed Under: 2012, 2012, Celebrity, Feature - North Pinellas/Pasco, Feature - South Tampa, March 2012 - South Tampa, March/April 2012 - North Pinellas/Pasco, North Pinellas / Pasco, South Tampa Tagged With: Author, Book, Celebrity, Dina Manzo, Get It Sold, HGTV, Home, Home & Garden Television, Home & Garden TV, Home Accessories, Home Decor, Home Design, Home Furnishings, Television, The High/Low Project, Tom Castañeda

In Full Bloom

March 19, 2012 By Tom Castaneda

Cultivate Your Style in Spring’s Fadtastic Floral Patterns

In Full Bloom Spring is in the air; and it appears that everything’s coming up roses (and azaleas, and tulips).

After several seasons of fashion offerings in a tomboy style— male wardrobe staples like military jackets, boyfriend jeans and combat boots—this spring marks the triumphant return of femininity. No longer borrowing from the boys, designers like Marc Jacobs, Tory Burch and Ralph Lauren are bringing back the pretty—everything from ladylike short suits in softer sorbet shades to flapper-like dresses inspired by the Roaring Twenties.

But this season’s ka-blooming floral print trend is undoubtedly the girliest of the bunch! After all, is there anything more feminine than a beautiful floral pattern?

This season, designers like Giambattista Valli, Anna Sui and Matthew Williamson have taken a fresh approach to florals, seeding their spring/summer collections with oversized blooms, asymmetrical motifs and wallpaper-worthy botanicals in a variety of chic colors, everything from pale pastels to oh-so-noticeable neons. The end result: marvelously modernized flower-patterned dresses, shirts and pants that will make you feel flirty and fabulous.

Even on-trend celebrities like Anne Hathaway, Zoë Saldaña and Taylor Swift are seeing life through rose-colored glasses. The stylish starlets have been spotted expertly rocking the floral trend in their everyday lives and on the red carpet.

Minimalist-Chic

Not really the “Mary, Mary quite contrary” type? Don’t worry; you really don’t have to be covered in flora from head to toe to stand out in the style crowd. Designers like Roland Mouret have fashioned some attention-grabbing garments with minimal blooms that offer a tip of the hat to the floral pattern trend.

Pumped Up!
If you aren’t afraid to introduce some considerable color into your wardrobe, you’re in luck! This spring, designers like Proenza Schouler and Thakoon have infused their flower-heavy collections with bright island colors like aquamarine, yellow and tangerine. For a very of-the-moment look, pairing two vivid shades in the same hue has never looked fresher.

Supersize It!
Maybe a wetter than normal winter is to blame; but some of this season’s most eye-catching botanical prints come in oversized blooms. Designers like Diane von Furstenberg, Adam Lippes and Paul Smith have produced some fashionable pieces that feature massive motifs. For the bold at heart, they are definitely stand-alone standouts. For the less daring, they can be paired with a solid-colored blazer or cardigan to downplay the drama. Either way, you’ll definitely be big on style. Just remember that oversized blooms are typically most flattering in lighter tones.

Mix ‘n Match
If you’re the type who takes fashion risks, why not mix and match two different prints together. Mismatched floral patterns can add a little rebellious flair to your look; while combining a botanical print with stripes or plaids can create a punk-meets-pretty effect. Neat tailored lines will help keep you looking sophisticated!

Garden Formal
Flowery patterns aren’t just for casual clothing! Even formal attire like evening wear, suits and gowns are getting the floral treatment. During this year’s runway shows in Milan, Paris and New York, several designers introduced red carpet worthy dresses featuring flowery flourishes. Not only are they elegant and romantic showstoppers, but they’re lavishly ladylike!

So whether you decide to take a subtle or extreme approach, there’s no doubt you’ll make your wardrobe blossom with feminine flair by embracing this season’s petal-perfect trend! Happy harvesting!

Tom Castañeda

Filed Under: 2012, 2012, A La Moda, March 2012 - South Tampa, March 2012 – Tampa Bay, South Tampa, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Fashion, Fashion Show, Features, Floral, Pattern, South Tampa, Tampa, Tampa Bay, Tom Castañeda

Makeover Maven – HGTV Star Sabrina Soto

February 22, 2012 By Tom Castaneda

Meet Interior Design Expert & HGTV Star Sabrina Soto

Sabrina Soto

During her nearly six-year career at HGTV, renowned interior design and staging expert Sabrina Soto has become one of the network’s brightest stars. And the popular host of shows like Get It Sold and The High/Low Project continues to expand her fan base with her effervescent personality, enterprising approach to design and ability to click with her clients.

“Every morning, I wake up and wonder if I’m dreaming,” exclaims Soto, a Miami-born first generation Cuban-American who credits her success to hard work, passion and a never-give-up attitude. “It’s the best job in the world!”

It should come as no shock that the 35-year-old star has landed a gig that allows her to create stunning spaces that inspire millions around the world. Soto inherited her considerable passion for design from her mother, Maria Soto, who ran a decorating, home staging and party planning business.

“Every weekend we would make crafts,” recalls Soto. “And I would just sit around and watch her put a room together or we would go shopping for clients. I just looked up to her and loved the whole design process. I was never bored in her presence.”

Soto credits her mother with teaching her an invaluable lesson that would lead to her developing an uncanny knack for designing breathtaking spaces, even on a limited budget.

“My mom always told me that no matter how much money you have, you can still create a beautiful space and be proud of where you live” divulges Soto, who has been featured in Time, USA Today, In Style and The New York Post. “And she would show me ways to have a beautiful home and atmosphere without breaking the bank.”

Sabrina Soto

Surprisingly, Soto didn’t immediately pursue a career in the industry, despite taking design classes at the University of California, Los Angeles.

“I just never thought I could really make a business out of decorating,” admits Soto. “So I kind of did it on the side while I was working in real estate and marketing.”

Soto would eventually land television hosting roles for the likes of MTV and The Learning Channel, before finding her dream job on Craigslist.

“I saw this posting where they were looking for someone with television and real estate experience,” remembers Soto. “While meeting with the owner of the production company, I told him that I was also a designer and did staging work. He flipped because he was looking for a host for Get It Sold. One thing led to another and they cast me!”

In no time, Soto saw her popularity rise at HGTV. But after six seasons on the show, she knew it was time to let people see her true colors.

“If I painted one more room beige, I was going to die,” proclaims Soto, Target’s style expert for home—a role that gives her the opportunity to curate the company’s lines, put rooms together and make recommendations. “I love using bold colors on the walls in a room or through the accessories. I really love using different colors in unexpected ways!”

Along with allowing her to demonstrate her creativity through a variety of design styles, Soto’s latest show—The High Low Project—lets her work with unlimited and limited budgets in the same episode.

“I love being able to do a very high-end design and then recreate it for the budget the homeowners have,” says Soto, who believes the initial client consultation is the key to creating a perfect space, especially since they tend to contradict themselves with what they want and don’t want. “Sometimes I take a $30,000 room and turn it into a $3,000 room. To show people it’s completely doable with such a small budget—even if they get inspired by one project or one piece of the room—is wonderful!”

So what’s next for Soto? The release of her first book, Sabrina Soto Home Design: A Layer-by-Layer Approach to Turning Your Ideas into the Home of Your Dreams, in May.

“It basically takes the guesswork out of the process,” explains Soto, who had a LEED-accredited designation from the U.S. Green Building Council—one of only about 6,900 accredited interior designers worldwide. “Each chapter is a different layer and you just go through the process of how to put together a beautiful space.”

It’s just the latest chapter in the inspiring life of a design superstar living the dream while helping people around the world create their own dream homes.

Soto’s Renovation Recommendation

If you’re looking to redecorate or redesign a living space, Soto says it’s important to avoid rushing the process:

“Even though design shows are 22 minutes long, it takes a lot more planning than that,” declares Soto. “Sometimes when you rush to get it done, you make mistakes. And you spend more money than you have to. With patience comes good design and great deals!”

For more about Sabrina Soto, visit www.SabrinaSoto.com.

Tom Castañeda

Filed Under: 2012, 2012, Celebrity, Feature - South Tampa, February 2012 - South Tampa, February 2012 – Tampa, South Tampa, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Author, Book, Celebrity, Get It Sold, HGTV, Home, Home & Garden Television, Home & Garden TV, Home Accessories, Home Decor, Home Design, Home Furnishings, Sabrina Soto, Television, The High/Low Project, Tom Castañeda

Safari Style

February 22, 2012 By Tom Castaneda

Embrace the Next Season’s Haute Tribal Trend Now

New York Fashion Week - Donna Karan (Spring 2012)

The first day of spring may not be until March 20, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start converting your wardrobe now. And while you’re making the transition between seasons, why not unleash your wild side?

One of this season’s most popular fashion fads appears to be inspired by Meryl Streep’s classic film Out of Africa. Don’t worry though, embracing the tribal trend doesn’t mean having to sport saggy safari suits or lackluster khakis.

This season, designers like Donna Karan, Michael Kors and Zuhair Murad have created African-inspired styles with a modern twist. Their spring/summer collections feature pieces that combine the traditional earth colors that reflect the tones of the continent’s untamed landscape with magnetic color and high-octane prints. The end result: Afri-luxe looks that will breathe some fresh Sahara air into any plain Jane ensemble.

But don’t take my word for it! Pick up the latest issue of Us Weekly or People and you’ll undoubtedly see images of celebrities like Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian wearing exotic, tribal-print pieces that include intricate beading and crochet details.

Here are some ways to add a tribal-inspired twist to your wardrobe and go absolutely wild this spring:

Effortless Expedition
Designers like Oscar de la Renta and Derek Lam have all embraced the tribal trend and made it their own through a wide variety of vibrant patterns. If you’re not sure what silhouettes or colors will work best for your body type, remember to pick a simple shape since not all prints are the same. Try selecting two or three colors from the ethnic-inspired palette—like tan, gold and bronze—and work within those colors to keep your look classic and uncomplicated.

Tribal Trimmings
If you’re not sure how far you’re willing to go to introduce the tribal trend into your wardrobe or you’re just afraid of looking like Katherine Hepburn in The African Queen, consider warming up to the look with awe-inspiring accessories. Beaded bangles, wood rings and woven belts are a great way to start. But if you really want to stand out in the crowd, consider a bold statement necklace. Pair one with a cocktail dress for a night out or look equally chic wearing the same piece with a T-shirt and jeans.

To Dye For!
Traditionally, safari clothing is light-colored to help reflect the sun’s rays and blend in with the natural environment. But fashion brands like Bottega Veneta have strayed from the customary to infuse their tribal-inspired attire with spirited shades like red and tangerine—this season’s hottest hue. So if you’re ready to go bold, add some punch to your wardrobe by picking ethnic prints and patterns with a splash of color.

Milan Fashion Week - Bottega Veneta (Spring 2012) | Paris Fashion Week - Zuhair Murad Haute Couture (Spring-Summer 2012)

Touchy-Feely
While on the hunt for the perfect exotic print, why not invest in pieces with some texture—like shell beading, fringe and crochet? By sampling some of this season’s handmade and craft-like fabrics and styles, you’ll add a little depth and flair to your overall look.

Mix & Match
Now if you’re a fearless fashionista, consider mixing your newly acquired ethnic-patterned attire with animal print pieces to create a brasher look. Talk about experiencing the best of both worlds!

So whether you decide you’re more comfortable in feel-good earth tones or choose to pump up your style with rich tribal patterns and shapes in bold colors this spring, you’ll go on a first-class fashion expedition and you’ll be the queen of the urban jungle.

Tom Castañeda

Filed Under: 2012, 2012, A La Moda, February 2012 - South Tampa, February 2012 – Tampa, South Tampa, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Fashion, Fashion Show, Fashion Week, Features, South Tampa, Tampa, Tampa Bay, Tom Castañeda

Citizen Model – More Than Just a Pretty Face: Yesabel Cordero

February 22, 2012 By Tom Castaneda

Yesabel Cordero - 2012 - 02 - Panache Vue Magazine - South Tampa

Yesabel Cordero - Photo: Sean Murdock

For the last six years, Yesabel Cordero has been making her childhood dream a reality. From strutting down the runway at Miami Fashion Week to striking a pose for cameras around the world, the Puerto Rican beauty is still playing dress-up, much like she did as a little girl.

“I remember getting dolled up in my mother’s shoes, my grandmother’s makeup and piling on their jewelry,” recalls Cordero. “I was so creative that I even started using my own bed sheets to make long, flowing gowns. I was barely able to walk around the house with heels on, but I thought I was a model and glamorous.”

Cordero—who was raised in New York and Florida—even remembers the time she stole the spotlight from her cousin during her photo shoot for the Miss Puerto Rico pageant.

“I was right there next to her, posing in a little striped dress, and remember thinking that I would be famous one day” acknowledges Cordero, who has worked with a number of noted photographers during her career. “I still have that picture on my refrigerator, so I never forget how it all started!”
Despite knowing her calling at such an early age, Cordero—who aspires to be like her idols Veruschka von Lehndorff, Iman and Linda Evangelista—didn’t immediately pursue modeling. Instead, she decided to focus her attention on her other passion: dancing, which led to her being scouted by a talent scout in South Florida.

Yesabel Cordero - Photo: Sean Murdock

“I was discovered while dancing in a Samba show for a non-profit organization,” states the four-time gold medal professional ballroom dancer. “She saw me in my costume, decked out in gorgeous bright-colored feathers and saw my potential.”

Since then, Cordero has gone on to appear in publications like Ocean Drive and Miami magazine. But she can’t help but get butterflies in her stomach when she thinks about her very first national spread in Latina magazine.

“I had just entered a competition with more than 200 other girls,” explains Cordero. “To be selected to take a trip to shoot the spread and not knowing my surroundings was the most nerve-racking event of my life! I was a fresh face, intimidated by the whole production and shocked that they were seriously interested in someone like me.”

Cordero’s grandmother knew otherwise; and she made sure to celebrate that important feat with her granddaughter, as well as pick up a few extra copies of the magazine.

“I remember calling my grandmother and hearing her say, ‘You made it!’” says Cordero, who credits her family with helping her stay grounded and serving as an amazing support system. “It was just priceless.”

Most recently, Cordero took part in an extra special campaign for Tiffany & Co. It’s an experience she will always treasure.

Yesabel Cordero - Photo: Kristen Weaver

“Can we say jewels? They were endless and heavy to wear,” declares Cordero about the gig, which featured the work of influential Miami designers like Luis Valenzuela and Viviana Gabeiras and jewelry and diamonds from Tiffany’s new collection. “I am truly blessed to have had the privilege to be a part of something so amazing. Diamonds are a girl’s best friend!”

When Cordero isn’t modeling her oh-so-sparkly best friends or shaking her bon-bon on the dance floor, she dedicates her spare time to supporting non-profit organizations like the ASPCA and SaveJapanDolphins.org.

“I have a passion for animals,” professes Cordero. “I do believe they need a voice and an advocate on their side. That’s why I volunteer and participate in various charity events throughout the Miami-Dade area.”

But this model citizen may soon find she has less time to dedicate to her philanthropic efforts. Along with lining up several photo shoots, she’ll soon head to Greece to appear in a music video for a famous classical singer. It’s all part of her quest to become an international supermodel.

“The sky is the limit,” asserts Cordero. “Dreams really do come true. And, no one can stop you but yourself!”

With that can-do attitude, those striking good looks and her family’s encouragement and support, don’t be surprised if you spot Cordero’s face on the cover of Vogue, Marie Claire and Harper’s Bazaar in the near future.

Tom Castañeda

Filed Under: 2012, 2012, Feature - South Tampa, February 2012 - South Tampa, February 2012 – Tampa, South Tampa, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Fashion, Fashion Model, Fashion Show, Fashion Week, Hispanic, Latina, Miami Fashion Week, Model, Tom Castañeda, Yesabel Cordero

Hello Dali – Presenting Tampa’s Rising Fashion Star, Dali Hernandez

January 22, 2012 By Tom Castaneda

Dali Hernandez

Dali Hernandez has only been designing professionally for about three years, but she’s fast becoming one of Tampa Bay’s golden girls of fashion. She’s not only making headlines for her chic creations, the 34-year-old designer is even starting to reap rewards for her undeniable talent for making good-looking garments.

“I have been very blessed and have an amazing God-given talent,” recognizes Hernandez, who was recently named as one of Creative Loafing’s 2011 Best of the Bay runners-up in the Best Local Fashion Designer category. “This year, doing what I have been called to do has been the greatest reward.”

There’s no denying Hernandez was born to concoct and create attractive attire. And, it didn’t take the Puerto Rico-born designer long to recognize her life’s mission.

“I loved fashion as a child; I was very eccentric,” recalls Hernandez, who grew up in New York City and Massachusetts. “I used to get made fun of at school because I just came up with my own style. I never followed the trends; I really just did my own thing. And, I didn’t really care what people thought. I just kind of wanted to make a statement.”

Photo: Dan Austin Photography

So how did Hernandez develop such a fierce fascination for fashion in the first place? She apparently inherited it from the talented, stylish and inspirational women in her life. Dali’s mother, who learned how to sew at an early age and would make her daughter’s clothes; and her abuelita in Puerto Rico, who had an incredible fashion sense.

“I would sit at my grandmother’s vanity and play with her vintage jewelry, clutches and her gowns,” remembers Hernandez vividly of spending her summers on The Island of Enchantment. “She would buy and rework the gowns to her liking.”

Despite her passion for fashion, Hernandez didn’t pursue her design dreams right away. Instead she moved to the Bay Area to study business at the University of Tampa and later the International Academy of Design & Technology. She would go on to spend 10 years working as a financial broker until the nation’s economic downturn in 2007 forced her to reevaluate her life.

Photo: Dan Austin Photography

“I went to California and came back very inspired,” states Hernandez, who also experienced a few personal problems during that time that would help forever alter the course of her life. “After a major surgery and some life issues, I decided to focus on my mind, body and soul. And, I decided to do what I was born to do… design.”

Since then, Hernandez has quickly become a highly sought-after designer who’s sexy, edgy and sophisticated creations have been featured in numerous local newspapers, magazines and television programs. She even showed a collection for the first time ever at this year’s Tampa Bay Fashion Week runway show.

Photo: Dan Austin Photography

“It’s been a truly amazing year,” pronounces the self-proclaimed New York City designer with a penchant for leather, faux fur and heavy fabrics. “I’m most proud of how I’ve remained focused on my work. In life there will always be distractions, you’ve just got to keep pressing forward.”

It’s that affirmative attitude, combined with an uncanny knack for crafting chic clothing that compliments even the curviest of women, that will undoubtedly take Hernandez from Tampa Bay’s golden girl to international design star.

Dali’s Spring/Summer
2012 Collection

Hernandez’s latest collection, first showcased at Tampa Bay Fashion Week, was created with the “golden girl” in mind. A departure from her edgier fall collection, this season’s pieces are softer and more romantic, and they feature lace, ruffles, sheer fabrics, organza and sequins. For Dali, it represents “going through the fire…and coming out golden.”

For more on
Hernandez and her
latest collection, visit
www.HouseofDali.com

Photography: Dan Austin Photography • Models: Angee Killian Huntley & Jennifer Smurr • Fashions: Dali Hernandez • Hair & Makeup: Yara, El Shaddai Makeup & Hair Designs • Location: Sunken Gardens, 1825 4th St. N, St. Petersburg, FL 33704

Tom Castañeda

Filed Under: 2012, 2012, A La Moda, Feature - South Tampa, January 2012 - South Tampa, January 2012 – Tampa, South Tampa, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Angee Killian Huntley, Dali Hernandez, Dan Austin Photography, Fashion, Fashion Show, Fashion Week, Fashion Week Tampa Bay, Jennifer Smurr, South Tampa, Tampa, Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay Fashion Week, Tom Castañeda

On Thin Ice

January 22, 2012 By Tom Castaneda

Figure Skating for Improved Health & Fitness

Tom Casteneda - Photo: Dan Austin Photography

I’m not ashamed to admit I absolutely love figure skating. Now, I’m not obsessed with the sport. I can’t rattle off the names of skaters who’ve landed a quadruple jump or anything like that. But, if there’s a competition on television while channel surfing, I stop and watch…like a hawk!

There’s just something so breathtakingly beautiful and terrifyingly thrilling about the sport, especially knowing how challenging it is to look so perfectly poised while gliding on an extremely thin blade of metal across a super-slick surface.

While attending college, I even enrolled in a figure skating class to fulfill my physical education credit, even though I had never stepped foot on the ice before. My instructor, a one-time Olympic-level coach, even told me I had a natural talent for skating, said I “could’ve been a contender.” I was obviously flattered!

Except for the very rare trip to an ice skating rink, that would be my last experience on skates in years…until now. Tired of running, biking and doing the elliptical to get into better shape; I’ve decided to tackle the ice again by taking a challenging 10-week training session at the Tampa Bay Skating Academy in Oldsmar.

It may not be a traditional way of working out, but you can burn some serious calories. For every hour of continuous skating, a 150-pound person burns about 600 calories, according to the American College of Sports Medicine—that’s about the same amount as running five miles in an hour. And, orthopedic surgeons say ice skating has less impact on joints than activities like running. But that’s not all, it even helps build muscle tone, increase endurance and improve balance.

During my first icecapade—a pre-class session with TBSA coach Alex Vlassov to help me get reacquainted with the art of skating—I quickly learned that I haven’t completely lost my abilities. I was actually able to get my footing pretty quickly; and I was still able to do a couple of the tricks I learned in my college class.

Photo: Dan Austin Photography

I did learn that I’ve got a long way to go to be even half as skilled as William and JoJo Hubbart, the 12 and 13-year-old sister-brother figure skating pairs team from Palm Harbor. During my time on the ice with the dynamic duo—who recently placed third at a national skating competition, even though they’ve only been skating as a team for about a year—I couldn’t help but marvel at their remarkable skills while feeling a little self-conscious about my own proficiency on the ice, despite their encouraging looks and considerate counsel.

Nervousness and insecurity aside, along with a fear of falling in front of a rink full of onlookers, I must admit it felt energizing to be back on the ice. And, I had an absolute blast. So, even though I know I’ll never be an Olympic gold medalist like Scott Hamilton or Brian Boitano, I’m excited about challenging myself to refine my skills, maybe even learn how to do a single Salchow while getting an invigorating, non-traditional winter workout.

To follow Tom’s progress on the ice, visit www.PanacheVue.com. For more information on adult and children’s classes at the Tampa Bay Skating Academy, visit www.TBSA.com.

Tom Castañeda

Filed Under: 2012, Health, January/February 2012 - North Pinellas/Pasco, North Pinellas / Pasco Tagged With: Clearwater, Exercise, Fitness, Health, Ice Skating, Oldsmar, Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay Skating Academy, Tom Castañeda