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Web site gives fashion-forward kids design experience

Image from FashionPlaytes.com

Kids can pick out the style, color — even embellishments such as ruffles, ribbons or bling — and with the click of a mouse, they've put together an outfit.

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By CLOE CABRERA | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 15, 2009

My friend Ilda has two daughters who just love "Project Runway." The girls are ages 8 and 11, and they never miss an episode. They both love clothes and say they want to be designers when they grow up.

They've been getting in some practice since their mom discovered a Web site called Fashion Playtes (www.fashionplaytes.com) that allows girls to design their own clothes.

I thought I'd let readers with fashion-forward daughters, nieces or granddaughters in on the fun.

Basically girls can design their own skirts, blouses, even handbags (which if you have any experience with a Barbie doll, you know is tons of fun). They pick out the style, color — even embellishments such as ruffles, ribbons or bling — and with the click of a mouse, they've put together an outfit. A girl can even put her own name on the label.

Kids can share their creations virtually with friends. And the company will make the dress as designed for purchase.

The site also gives girls a place to gossip about fashion.

I keep saying the site is for girls but, of course, boys who are interested in fashion design would love it, too. The men on "Project Runway" often steal the show with their styles.

'Project Runway' dress heading to Macy's

Speaking of "Project Runway": You may have seen designer Irina Shabayeva (shown here posing with model Katie Sticksell) win the chance to design a holiday dress for Macy's. Well, here's her new LBD design for Macy's INC International Concepts. Made of rayon matte jersey, the butterfly-embellished dress will be available in sizes small through extra-large and will retail for $139. The dress will be sold in early December exclusively at select Macy's stores and at www.macys.com.

Georgette's Festival of Fashion helps HARC

I knew I was in for a treat when I walked into the Hyatt Regency on Oct. 7 for the Festival of Fashions.

The celebrity model fashion and luncheon was presented by Georgette's Boutique & Shoe Salon. (And if you know anything about style, you know Georgette's gets it.)

The show featured an array of looks, ranging from sexy pantsuits and plunging chiffon cocktail dresses to jeweled, body-hugging evening gowns with bare backs and cascading ruffles. A troupe of dancers from Event Show Productions that kept the audience enthralled with colorful dance routines and acrobatics.

It was all for a good cause. Proceeds went to Hillsborough Achievement and Resource Center (HARC), an organization dedicated to helping adults with disabilities in Hillsborough County.

Jessica Simpson heads back to QVC

Singer, actress and fashion designer Jessica Simpson is heading back to QVC on Monday to hawk her line of handbags, jewelry, accessories and shoes priced from $25 to $139. Simpson appeared on QVC last week for its FFANY Shoes on Sale, a charity shoe sale that supports breast cancer research. So far, FFANY SOS has raised more than $30 million dollars for to fight breast cancer.

Leto High School holds hair-raising competition

Students from bay area schools battled it out for best bouffant honors at Leto High School's Fantasy Hair Competition on Oct. 6. If you missed it, check out my photos at TBO.com, Keyword: Hair. The very fun show raised money for Leto's cosmetology program.

Have a fashion or beauty idea worth Hot Pursuit? Call Cloe Cabrera at (813) 259-7656, e-mail ccabrera@tampatrib.com, or send your letters to: Hot Pursuits c/o The Tampa Tribune, 200 S. Parker St., Tampa, FL 33606.

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