Simon Fashion Now rocks Boca Raton's Town Center Mall

Fashion fans flocked to the Town Center mall to check out ready-to-wear fashions that they could see on the runway and buy right off the rack a few minutes later. 

Photos and story by Rachel Galvin

Boca Raton's Town Center mall was transformed with fashion Sept. 28 and 29. The events began on Friday evening with a runway fashion show of top designers. But Saturday has all-day activities. From noon to 4 p.m., there were all types of giveaways. Nordstrom had a Runway Trend Show followed later by more runway shows with must-have looks for fall. The South Florida Firefighters even got into the act modeling! They also sold calendars for charities. Besides clothes, models also showed off shoes, accessories and sunglasses. Ready, Set, Style invited guests from the audience to participate to see which team was the best pair of stylists. There were also product demonstrations throughout the mall.

At noon, fashion designers from Arts Institute competed for gift certificates.Each student had to design a dress themed around one of the mall's restaurants. The winner was Yanitza Bueso, who is from Honduras. Her theme was from the restaurant Tossed. Her sister, Sandra, was her model. The designers who didn't win on the runway, still had a chance to win a prize through popular vote. The models stood on pedestals displaying their outfits with signs saying Vote for me. Onlookers could vote via text.

Bueso said, "I started in 2010. This was my first big fashion show."

She classifies her style as "simple but with an edgy feel to it."

AI Winner Yanitza Bueso and model Sandra Bueso

Designer: Holly Rogers, Theme: Earl of Sandwich

Designer: Amanda Berryhill, Theme: Auntie Ann's

Designer: Sarah Samere, Theme: Chick Fil-A

Women in the Arts Miami Fashion Show

Photos and story by Rachel Galvin

On Sept. 24, the Who's Who in the South Florida artistic community emerged to be awarded for their achievements. In addition the the awards ceremony, there also was an intimate floor fashion show which engaged the entire audience. Designers Francisco Azucar, Julian Chang, Linda Zamora and Viviana Gabieras showed off their styles. The Pret a Porte Fashion Designer of the Year was Viviana Gabeiras. The Fashion Designer winner for swimwear was Zamora Swimwear (Linda Zamora). More info. soon!

Viviana Gabeiras with her models

Linda Zamora, models and WITA organizer Diana Laura

Designed by Francisco Azucar

Julian Chang and his models

Wonder what size you are? Try this chart!

Ladies, you may wonder what size you are, especially if you have recently lost weight. I ran across this chart that may be helpful. It certainly clarified a few things for me!

Spring 2013: Men's trends

By Rachel Galvin

Ahhh.... Spring Menswear ... light and refreshing, shiny splendor, how can we describe the eye-popping color as playful as a tray full of macrons and as attention-getting as a stop sign? 

(Can you believe it is already time to look at Spring fashion? I don't know about you... but I am just getting my styles ready for fall. I will be talking about women later, but, right now, I want to focus on the men). 

Okay, guys, hope you are ready to shine this season because you are in the spotlight. Look for metallics to be a mainstay, whether it is a tie paired with a traditional suit, a metallic shirt or pants. Also look for bright eye-popping colors. The color trend has really come your way. Even bring colored suits will be in vogue. But, if that idea scares you, again, play it down with a bright tie, shirt or even an accessory like a watch or a bag.

In spring and summer, the heat is on so it is nice that, this season, materials are lighter. Choose linen, cotton or nylon shirts to stay cool and grab some shorts. Make sure your legs are looking prime. For that matter, do some bicep curls because the arms become the focus with sleeveless shirts. Prints are popular this season. Jumpsuits make a comeback and even tunics and lace made an appearance in the runways. Don't forget your sandals, which will be coming out in cool new styles.

Okay, boys, this really is your season to strut your stuff so make the most of it. It isn't every day when colors are so fun for menswear.