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Wedding Dress Contest, Singer's Handbag Line Inspire

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By CLOE CABRERA | The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 17, 2009

Think you can design "America's Most Beautiful Wedding Gown"? Well, start sketching. Your creation could win you $10,000 and land on the cover of Brides magazine, the most widely read wedding magazine in the world.

Brides magazine's Operation: Dream Dress is open to fashionistas who think they can create a spectacular wedding gown.

The only rule: The dress must embody the theme of "visionary romance." Semifinalists will be featured on www.brides.com and visitors will be asked to vote for their favorite. The finalists will be flown to New York, where their gowns will be judged by a panel that includes editors from Brides. The winner gets the cash and the cover of Brides.

The deadline for the contest is April 6.

GARRETT'S GOT A BRAND NEW BAG

You probably thought Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter Siedah Garrett dropped off the face of the Earth after her "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" duet with Michael Jackson, circa 1987.

But Garrett's been plenty busy writing award-winning songs for other artists, including Jennifer Hudson, Chaka Kahn and Aretha Franklin, as well as performing in the neo-funk band Brand New Heavies. She also has launched a new handbag business.

Garrett started the line when she found herself in need of a bag to wear with a colorful outfit. Instead of searching for one, or borrowing one, she sat down with a crochet hook and some yarn and made her own. When people started complimenting the bag, she began giving them away as gifts and selling them. Siedah Garrett Designs was born. The handbag line includes hand-crocheted and exotic leather designs. But the line isn't cheap. The bags start at about $600.

DESIGNS FIT FOR A (FIRST) LADY

Remember that flower-burst brooch Michelle Obama wore on her turquoise Maria Pinto dress at the Democratic National Convention?

The designers, Karen Erickson and Vicki Beamon, whose namesake creations sell for $400-plus, have created a more wallet-friendly line for Target. The Erickson Beamon for Target limited-edition jewelry line debuts this weekend. It includes bold pendants, jewel-encrusted cuffs, oversized cocktail rings and earrings priced from $15.99 to $59.99. The line will be available at stores and online through June 26. This multicolored jewel flower ring sells for $29.99. The multicolor jewel medallion cuff in copper is $59.99.

PROUDLY PREPPY

Over at Dillard's, designs by J.McLaughlin have found a permanent home. McLaughlin is known for bold color and signature prints in themes ranging from country club prep to nautical chic in lightweight, breathable fabrics. His looks are now available at Dillard's International Plaza.

Reporter Cloe Cabrera can be reached at (813) 259-7656. Try on the blog at Keyword: Hot Pursuits.

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