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Becca Smith – Perspectives – REAL Style

Summer Style Trends Part 1 – Style With A Cause

By Becca Smith

Photography by Jolanta Bremer of Jola Portraits

Style With A Cause is about empowering and inspiring women through fashion and beauty. This is my passion. Which is why I will be dedicating my upcoming REAL Style columns to “Style With A Cause” – Summer Style Trends. I will cover a bevy of fun style & beauty trends for fashionistas at all levels, and will be honoring amazing women who help raise funds to give back.

When I think of amazing, successful, strong beautiful women who make a difference the Women’s Council of Realtors of Sarasota (WCR) comes to mind. Their Mission Statement: a network of successful REALTORS, advancing women as professionals and leaders in business, the industry and the communities they serve. This is an organization that exemplifies “Style With A Cause.” Through their annual Fashion Show & Luncheon, the Women’s Council of Realtors, come together and celebrate one common denominator that every woman has in common; that they are unique and beautiful at every turn of their journey. It is also a day to raise funds for a local Charity. I am proud to be Co-Chairing this year’s Fashion Show with Rebecca Dalton, Realtor Liaison LWR Communities. The Fashion show scheduled for September 16th at Polo Grill’s Fete Ballroom will feature both Men & Women fashions from Jackie Z Style Co, and benefits Family Promise, a local non-profit Organization that enables the community to work together to address the needs of homeless families in Sarasota.

Maryellen Paterson

Women’s Council’s 2015 Chapter President, Kristin Triolo, your Florida GREEN Realtor advocating green locally and globally chose “Balance, Harmony & Growth” and “Living Green” for this year’s Fashion Show & Luncheon theme. Did you know the color green is the color of balance, harmony and growth? It is the great balancer of the heart and the emotions, creating equilibrium between the head and the heart. This falls in line with Kristin’s love for giving back and living a GREEN Lifestyle. “If given the choice, why wouldn’t you choose to be a Green Consumer and enjoy the benefits of a green lifestyle? Being Green is not hard or labor intensive. It’s a worthwhile adventure that will save you energy costs and lessen your carbon footprint. And, it is the right thing to do if you have the opportunity and the choice. We should all do what we can to save energy and the environment, she states.”

Ladies, let’s talk Summer Style! Yes, it’s time to start thinking of updating our wardrobes with all the latest summer fashion trends. I know summer throws up plenty of obstacles to keep us from looking our best: heat humidity, blazing sun and … plenty of chlorine and saltwater. Not to worry –Jackie Z Style Co. has all the latest fashions to keep us looking COOL this summer. When it comes to dressing for the hot season, Jackie Z Style Co like’s to keep it bright and sunny! From halter maxi dresses to bright and sunny colours and prints, Jackie Z can’t wait to add the season’s top styles into our closets. What are you waiting for? Check out the summer fashions I’m most excited about at Jackie Z Style Co; like this bright multi-colored SKY print halter maxi, these Minnie Rose Sunglasses and this Trina Turk bright orange clutch modeled here by Maryellen Paterson, Managing Broker for Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, Lakewood Ranch. This September Maryellen will be “styling with a cause” at the WCR Fashion Show in more fabulous fashions from Jackie Z. Style Co; owner & stylist, Jackie Zumba, another amazing, strong beautiful woman who knows the importance of giving back to the community in which she lives and works.

Art Paterson

And, let’s not forget that Jackie Z Style Co also has styles for the Men to look and feel COOL this summer. Take note, summer is all regarding relaxing suits, cool textiles and vivid colours. Still, it might be rough for some males to figure out what works and what needs to be left behind. Keeping that in mind, Jackie Z. Style Co has all the summer looks to make it easy: tees to pair with shorts and loafers for an off-duty, summer-ready look, slim denim trousers in a multitude of colors, blazers in floral prints, tailored shirts and much more; like shown here by Art Paterson, Broker/Owner Paterson Properties. Art shows off a COOL summer look from Jackie Z Style Co in a floral print blazer by Moods of Norway, a Trempt tailored shirt, and Howe pants.

I just love it when Philanthropists and Fashionistas get together to benefit non-profit organizations who serve our community. I am proud to support non- profit organizations that advocate to people in need. ”STYLE WITH A CAUSE is the perfect harmony between Fashion and Goodwill. It promotes female empowerment and rewards women for their talents, achievements, and dedication to giving back to their communities. I guess you could say I’m very blessed to have such strong, beautiful and successful women in my life: women who choose to empower and inspire others; women who make a difference in the lives of others; like the amazing Jolanta Bremer, photographer and owner of JOLA Portraits. Creating comfortable environments behind the camera so you can shine in front of the camera; like she has done here with Maryellen & Art Paterson.

I look forward to bringing Part II of “Style with a Cause” to all of you Philanthropists and Fashionistas. Until then keep Styling with a Cause!

Rebecca Z. Smith, a fashion stylist/image consultant, is founder of We’ve Got Style. She offers wardrobe planning, closet consultations and is available for styling/personal shopping services. Rebecca knows fashion: the looks, the trends, the runway buzz, and how to put an outfit as well as a sustainable wardrobe together. More importantly she takes pride in knowing each client personally. This combination of professional expertise and highly personalized service ensures every client has the wardrobe that expresses their best self. For your entire wardrobe needs contact Rebecca at (941) 223-6643, beccarealstyle@gmail.com – www.wevegotstyle.biz.