By Lady Sadie
FASHION FUNDRAISERS
In March, support the 3/4 Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts Showcase, 3/8 8th Annual Spring Soiree with Hospice Women of Philanthropy, 3/10 Women of Distinction Woman of Promise luncheon benefits the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida, 3/10 The Chiseler’s Market Minaret shopping preview party benefits The Chiselers, 3/10-11 Forrest Grape Tampa Theatre Winefest and fundraiser, 3/30 The Longest Table benefits WUSF Public Media in downtown St. Pete. Check Facebook for details.
BOUTIQUES
Spring into style and get a jump on your Easter/Passover finery. Shop Treasure Island’s Isle of Style (located inside of Benjamin’s Studio), St. Pete Beach’s Elizabeth’s Boutique, Fish Hippie and Natural Comfort (Naot or Onex sandals), Gulfport’s Sail Market, downtown St. Pete’s Pippa Pelure or MisRed and for gently used fashions, check out Posh Tot, The Attic, The Closet, So Chic, ReTreat, Anona Thrift, and others.
BIKINIS
Jessica Oxner is a talented St. Petersburg artist and entrepreneur who designs straps as accessories to bikinis. Her swimwear is for the woman who wants to make her own statement, turning heads at a pool party or just sunbathing at the resort. Oxner has always been swimwear obsessed, but sometimes found it hard to find a unique high-quality suit, wanting something individualized with embellishments, rhinestones, and removable accessories. Out of this thinking came Oxner’s line Divergent Swimwear that the buyer can customize with changeable straps and reversible pieces. Even better, her swimwear is made with high performance recycled nylon and is modifiable to cut down on waste from fast fashion, so you can look sexy and still be eco-friendly. www.divergentswimwear.com
LIVES WELL LIVED We bid a fond farewell to fashion icons Raquel Welch (her stylish wigs helped many women through cancer) and Paco Rabanne, who died in February. This fashion world innovator designed Jane Fonda’s Barbarella space-age skimpy outfit and helped define sixties style.