Fashion Update

School has started up again and winter has definitely set in for Tallahassee. This is a great time to bring out those scarves and boots you couldn't wait to wear back when it was blistering hot just a few months ago. For those of you, who can't wait for the beach weather to return, don't worry. Spring is right around the corner. Along with the arrival of spring, so is the Florida State annual spring Fashion Show. This is the longest standing fashion show at Florida State University and is a great way to see what the designers of tomorrow are creating today. The designers for the show are FSU Apparel Design students. This is a great event to watch for some possible future trends. The event will be held at the club called The Moon. The theme is Fashion Reality. Media affects fashion greatly through shows like Project Runway, America's Next Top Model, and even all the media hype on the designers dressing the new First Lady. More information will be coming out as the FSU Fashion Show develops.

I know at the end of last semester I was not as up to date as I would have liked to have been on writing for the blog. Fall Fashion Week, though, went off without a hitch. The main event, Project Reconstruction, was a great success for all those Fashion students involved. A mantra that has been quoted frequently of late is "green is the new black". This is also true with your fashion. FSU apparel students created clothing with sustainable and recycled items. There were also other items on show that were all reconstructed. Check out the photos. Maybe they will inspire you to fix up a few items in your house and wardrobe instead of throwing them out. Get creative!

How the Fashion Industry is dealing with the Recession

This season for fashion has never been like any other in recent decades, because of such hard economic times upon us. As the models walked down the runways showing this fall season collections all waited with baited breaths on how it would be received. Reported by The Fashion Spot, a website that reports on the fashion industry and how it affects us, buyers were not applauding this season. The general consensus was that the designs were”Safe but a general lack of zing”. They were looking for a “perfect balance between normal and special”. What is even more nerve racking in the design world is the limiting of new labels buyers are picking up due to recession, which is not good news for all up and coming designers. Designers and retailers alike are dealing with the change in pocket money for women of the working world. It seems that those retailers that target the young women or teenagers are not feeling the pinch. Some, like the retailer Topshot, which also target teens and young adults, are actually reporting a gain in profit. Children are always the last to feel the tightening of belts. Even the stock market is down for all major retailers such as J.C. Penny’s, Kohl’s, Macy’s and the Limited. Total sales are down 1.2% between August and September. This is down 1% from a year ago. These kinds of retailers are bracing for the lowest recorded sales to be reported for the holiday season since the early 1980’s. On the other hand discount retailers such as Wal-Mart, Target, and Costco are experiencing an increase in stock value. You are most likely going to be finding some good sales this winter season. So kill two birds with one stone by taking advantage of opportunities for some great gifts and helping out the fashion industry in these hard economic times.

Fashion that gets your Heart Racing!

Sorry I haven't been around lately, apparently this year midterms last from labor day till Thanksgiving. Have some really fun fashion news. This coming week Nov. 2-8 is Florida State's annual Fall Fashion Week. The first event is this Sunday, November 2, and is a 5k run (or walk). Sign up is at one pm at the Sandels Building on campus. The fee is $15 and goes to the Tallahassee Refuge House. The race officially begins at 1:30 and ends back at Sandels. There is even Free food and Prizes! This event is supported by a organization I belong to called Fashion Inc. and also Collegiate Merchandising Association. So put on your running shoes and run, jog, or walk your heart out for a good cause and fashion!!! If you need any directions feel free to leave a comment or e-mail me.

Anyone Else Disturbed by Florida Turtles Shipped to China for Food?

Last week I read in the St. Petersburg Times this article, "China Gobbling Up Florida Turtles" and it made me sick. Basically, people are illegally harvesting Florida's freshwater turtles then shipping them overseas to be eaten. China appears to be a big market, but looking at this bulletin: Florida Fish & Wildlife March 2008 Intelligence Bulletin on the Commercialization of Florida's Freshwater Turtles, Japan is a big consumer of Florida's freshwater turtles.
If you find this disturbing, contact Florida Governor Crist to put a stop to this and save Florida's turtles! You can drop him a line at:

Governor Charlie Crist
State of Florida
PL-05 The Capitol
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001

What's on Your Playlist?

I know this isn’t fashion related but I thought I would report on it since it was something that happened in Tallahassee. There are some definite benefits to being a college student. One of the best ones at FSU is seeing movies for free at the on campus movie theater. Just so you know, it is really cheap ($5) for non students to see a movie there. That is a huge price decrease compared to a normal theater, other than the dollar theater in town. The snacks are cheaper too. They show various film festivals, such as currently coming up is a Middle Eastern film fest, your favorite classics, as well as recently released. One of the biggest perks of the movie theater is the pre-showings of movies.

This week I saw the pre-screening for the movie “Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist.” I would give it two thumbs up!! One of my biggest pet peeves about movie trailers is that they show all the funny points in the movie and when you actually see it you are disappointed that they spoiled it. With this film they just continue to deliver. I have never heard an audience react so much to a film such as this. We laughed, we cried; ok so no one cried, it wasn't a tear jerker, but it was probably the first film I have gone to that people openly yell at the screen. Things such as "OMG, please don't do that" or a resounding "EUUU" was heard a couple times. There were a lot of comments about a word rhyming with witch towards a certain character in the film. People even applauded during the movie and were cheering when characters stood up for themselves. I have never seen an audience more drawn into and feel completely apart of a movie before. It was entertaining enough to watch the people around my seat.

Another bonus about the movie, it didn’t drag on. It was approximately an hour and half. It brought you through the story and you still felt it was complete at the end. So here is to “Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist”, simply a good movie.

Not Just for Bunny Huggers: National Public Lands Day, Saturday, Sept. 27

This Saturday is National Public Lands Day, a day devoted to cleaning up and sprucing up sometimes under appreciated parks, preserves and forests. There are some events happing around the Tallahassee area so check out the Public Lands site for a project near you and here's my editorial on the subject.

I'm curious, anyone know who Iron Eyes Cody is?

The "I Do's" and Don'ts

I was recently invited to a wedding in which my boyfriend was in the wedding party, but I had only met the bride and groom once. It was really nice to be included in an event that celebrates two lives joining together. Luckily for me I already had a staple dress to wear. However I know that weddings can only send shivers down others spines when the dreaded question comes to mind, what will I wear?!?

There a few faux pas to avoid. For traditional weddings no one would dare to wear black (except maybe the groomsmen and groom himself) under any circumstances. Why you ask? Well because in a lot of cultures such as ours, black is seen as a mourning color. It doesn’t look too well when one of the mothers shows up all in black. Some people think it sends out a signal of ill wishes on the couple. More recently however, the color choice of black is becoming more acceptable. One trend (that I personally don’t understand) you will see is even sometimes bridesmaids are wearing black. The reason it is becoming less of a faux pas probably stems from the fact that black is also used as a way to express formality. Think of how many times society stresses that “little black dress”. Personally, I would still suggest staying away from black, why look all gloomy when you can add life with color.

Fashion at weddings doesn’t have to be restricting but there are a few lines you should never cross. Men, please tuck in your shirts. There is almost nothing worse than a sloppy wrinkled shirt tail hanging out (cringe). Show some respect for the couple and tuck it in. It won’t hurt you for one day to wear a belt. Also gentlemen, please no Hawaiian print shirts. Huge flowers or surf boards (and I don’t care if you got it from Tommy Bahama) do not really say I care to be here, the message you send is I’d rather be on a beach in Mexico. Along the lines of beach attire, please no flip flops. This goes for ladies as well. I’m sure you have a pair of more polished sandals you could wear. Though sometimes a casual wedding like a wedding on the beach might be flexible on a few of these rules, they are still good rules to follow.

Now are you ladies searching in that closet for a nice dress to wear? Best rule of thumb, dress conservative. Remember this isn’t your day, so don’t choose a dress that looks like you belong on the red carpet (you wouldn’t believe how many mothers of the bride and groom I see try to pull that one) or the one that shows so much skin. Good rule of thumb, nothing above the knee. Remember nice slacks are completely appropriate too.

The “I Do's” for weddings: Dress like you care about the event and the couple. Think conservative. Remember this is the bride’s and groom’s day to stand out. Best advice if you really aren’t sure about what to wear ask the bride, groom, or their families on what they believe is acceptable.

Always

Kristin

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$5.50 Per Gallon? Are You Kidding Me?

You poor people up in Florida's Capital City. I heard the news today that fuel is $5.50 per gallon in Tallahassee. I didn't think it was true until I spoke to someone up there this morning. The worst I've seen it here in Port Charlotte is around $4.39 or so.

How is this impacting everyone? Have the prices dropped? I want to know what you think of all this.

I read over at TallyCast's blog about two new sushi places in Tallahassee. Can't wait to try them when I'm back in the area. Yum!

Pedicure Fit for a Mermaid: Find it in Sarasota

Planning a trip to Sarasota, Florida, soon? You'll have to check out this quirky experience, a spa offering "live fish pedicures." Yes, that's what I said. Pictured below is my right foot acting as lunch for some toothless fish. Read about the experience over at Suite101.

Fall is Here and So Am I!

Hey everyone! I just want to thank you for the great introduction and let you know how excited I am to be contributing to this Tallahassee blog. I am sorry I haven't come on sooner, but moving back to school for the new year and getting my classes figured out took some time, but now I am here and raring to go!

It is said great writers write about what they know. So as a girl with a passion for fashion, I hope to bring you the styles and trends seen in Tallahassee. Also if there are anything else that comes my way from around Tallahassee, I will be sure to let you you know. So lets' jump right in :) !

Fall is here now with Labor Day weekend, even though it doesn't feel like it here in the sunshine state. Now is the time to do some updating to your closet, this doesn't mean an overhaul but it never hurts to get a few signature pieces. So here are some of the trends you are going to see around town and in the stores.

Think Purple! Yes those royal deep purple hues will be taking over the runways and the street corners. They are a beautiful deep tones for anyone to wear, yes even for you men. You are going to see lots of deep purples in shirts, argyle vests and sweaters, and even socks for you guys. Trust me women love a man who has confidence enough to sport some purple. I am going to bring more of men fashion in an upcoming post, so be looking for that soon.

Other great trends you are going to see are a bright bold floral and some geometric prints. This is not the season to blend into the back ground, it is all about standing out. Another print you are going to see a lot is plaid. A lot of this is going to be skirts and coats, even leggings.

Remember trends and styles aren't meant for you to overhaul your closet to get the latest items. There are easy ways to incorporate new trends and colors into your own sense of style. If you have any questions about fashion, or fashion related topics, feel free to leave a comment and I will get back to you :).

Always,
Kristin

Free Chick-n-Strips at Chick-fil-A this Labor Day

I've previously blogged about how much I love Chick-fil-A and here I go again. This Monday - Labor Day - receive a free three-count new Chick-n-Strips when you wear your favorite football team's logo or attire. This includes professional, collegiate, high school, middle school or recreational. I think all I have is a pair of Gator earrings from the University of Florida (sorry folks, I no longer live in Tallahassee).

So if Chick-fil-A is near you, be sure to visit on Labor Day between 10:30 a.m. to close for the Chick-n-Strips Giveaway. (And be sure to wear your Noles' logo.)

New Florida Travel Guidebook Highlights Monuments, Memorials and Statues

Hey Tallahassee! Wonder what those obelisks are in the lawn of the Old Capital? Or the story behind the Edward Ball Monument at Wakulla Springs State Park? Wonder no more, a new book called A Brief Guide to Florida's Monuments and Memorials by Roberta Sandler will be hitting bookshelves soon. Want a sneak peek? Read my review of the new Florida guidebook.

Tallahassee, How Do I Miss Thee?

It's been about four months since I left Tallahassee and I admit to missing Florida's Capital City. What exactly do I miss? Check out my latest article, "My 10 Favorite Things to Do in Tallahassee" to find out my 10 favorite things to do in Tallahassee and what I miss.

Space Aliens to Take Over Tallahassee: Aug. 30 - Jan. 8, 2009

Okay, not real space aliens, but I ask, do you believe in UFOs? Green men? Extra terrestrials? Life beyond Earth? Then the upcoming exhibit at The Brogan Museum is for you. (If you're a skeptic, this is for you, too.) Launching August 30 is The Roswell Exhibit, dedicated to UFOs and the like, highlighting the alleged 1947 UFO crash and subsequent government cover up in Roswell, New Mexico.

This exhibit is exactly the quirky stuff I'm into and really wish I was living in Tallahassee to see this. If someone attends, can you tell me if it's out of this world?

Oh! Be sure to check out the blog and share your thoughts/experiences about UFOs.

Here are the details:

What: The Roswell Exhibit
Where: The Brogan Museum, Tallahassee
When: Aug. 30 - Jan. 8, 2009
Check the Museum Web site for times and admission.

Knock 'Em Sock 'Em Action with the Tallahassee Rollergirls: 2008 Last Home Bout This Saturday

As I'm settling into my new digs in Florida's oldest county (age-wise), I'm realize I'm missing Tallahassee's youthfulness, especially that of the Tallahassee RollerGirls.

But you, my dear Tallahassee residents, can experience the rush and thrill of knock 'em sock 'em rollergirl action this Saturday, Aug. 16 when Capital Punishment (the Tally girls) takes on The Texas Hustlers at the North Florida Fairgrounds in what's called, "Scar Wars Episode I."

Forget southern pleasantries, methinks the Tally gals will be knockin' these Texas roses off their @$$e$.

Here's the scoop:
What: Rollergirl Action: Scar Wars Episode I - Capital Punishment vs. The Texas Hustlers
When: Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008; Doors Open @ 6 p.m., Bout Begins @ 7 p.m. (arrive early)
How: Get Your Tickets NOW, I'm told they're moving quickly.
Find them at: www.tallyrg.com for $12
Play it Again Sports (3183 Capital Circle NE) for $11
Comics and Games of Tallahassee (1857 West Tennessee Street) for $11

Bring a chair and some cash to pick up a sweet t-shirt, etc. For more info, check out the Tallahassee RollerGirls site and after the bout, tell me how it was.

Oh! And did you see how the ladies were in USA Today? Pretty sweet.

Tallahassee Date Night at Carrabba's Italian Grill

Hey Tallahassee! Have you checked out Carrabba's lately? I've come to realize it'd make a great date night restaurant or place for girls' night out. You have to save room for dessert, they are the cutest, tastiest delights I've ever seen! I recently visited the Carrabba's in my new neighborhood (in Port Charlotte, Fla.) and you can read the review here.
Go check out the Tallahassee Carrabba's, I'm sure you'll have a great experience like I did.

Carrabba's Italian Grill
2752 Capital Circle NE
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Tel: (850) 297-1100

Open Sundays: 3 to 10 p.m.
Mondays through Thursdays: 4 to 10 p.m.
Fridays: 4 to 11 p.m.
Saturdays: 3 to 11 p.m.

Say "Hello" to Kristin! New Contributor to QKG's Tallahassee Blog

Moving away from Tallahassee was bittersweet. It meant I would no longer be in the hub of Capital City action and activity. Sure, there's email and that's how I've been making some posts but something VERY good has happen.

Meet Kristin. Hailing from Orlando, she's entering her third year at Florida State studying Fashion Merchandising (I should take her shopping so she can show me what I should wear, I am fashionably challenged...), a fab blogger and vlogger (that's video and blogging). I'm sure we'll be reading Kristin's work in one of the major fashion publications someday.

Kristin's very familiar with Tallahassee and she's going to be bringing a youthful, vibrant perspective to what's happening in and around the Capital City. With an interest in fashion, I'm sure she's going to be introducing you to steals, deals and life beyond the college strip.

So stay tuned and read what Kristin has to say!

Don't Miss Railroad Square's 7th Annual Bizarre Bazaar

Unfortunately I'll be missing what promises to be a funky and quirky community-wide garage sale at Railroad Square this Saturday (July 25, 2008). Mother Nature rained out the originally scheduled sale in April but I'm sure lots of folks will be doing anti-rain dances Friday night to keep the rain away.

From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., shoppers can browse the bizarre bargains for must-have nic nacs, treasures, furniture, art and who knows what else. But I'm sure there's SOMETHING you can't live without waiting for you. While at Railroad Square, be sure to browse the galleries and shops.

Need more info? Check out the Railroad Square Web site or call (850) 224-6666.

Now at the Brogan: Where There are No Words, Healing Through Art Therapy

Have to admit, the email I received from the Brogan about the following event freaked me out a bit. It wasn't the first paragraph telling me about the 17-piece exhibit featuring art from Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Behavioral Health Center's Art Therapy program. I actually think that's very cool and think it's brave of the artists, even though the art exhibited anonymously. The exhibit runs now through August 17, 2008.

The second paragraph freaked me out. Right there was MY NAME inviting me to the "Art of Healing from Depression" community meeting about depression and the benefits of art therapy. Dr. Larry Kubiak is leading the discussion.

While I realize personalizing the email is a marketing ploy (I hope I'm the only one who received the email with MY NAME in it), it makes me a bit paranoid. Do they think I'm still depressed?

I'll ponder that thought, in the meantime, here are the specifics about the "Art of Healing from Depression" meeting:

When: July 24 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Bottom level of The Brogan Museum in Room 111
How: RSVP to Jessica Zeigler at (850) 431-5675 by July 22

Did I mention the event is FREE?

Mockingbird Cafe Happenings: July 11 - 13, 2008

Sounds as though the Mockingbird Cafe will be having a "Special Musical Friday" event (July 11) this week. Enjoy a dinner and a show, seatings at 6 and 8 p.m.

Saturday, July 12, is open seating.

Highlights for the weekend menu include: Start with Miniature Beef Wellington with Mushroom Duxelles and Premium Greens, $10; Main Course: Grilled Mahi-mahi with Orange-Ginger Beurre Blanc, Steamed Couscous and Balsamic Reduction, $22

Friday entertainment: Lis & Lon Williamson with Dick Kraft & Bill McGuire
(Acoustic Folk)

Saturday entertainment: Doug & Lisa Jernigan (Acoustic Folk)

Sunday, July 13: Champagne Sunday Brunch, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

SUnday Entertainment: All musicians welcome to join in the Second Sunday Acoustic Jam Session - rock on!

Mockingbird Cafe, 211 NW 1st Street, Havana, Fla., closed Monday and Tuesday.