Sweets, Swag Bags and a Sassy Fashion Show for Charity

Emceed by Studio 10 Host Holley Sinn, the Trunk Stylists posh presentation of St. Petersburg-based designers brought in a slew of donations and good times last week.

A mix of other local celebrities joined models on the runway at Push Ultra Lounge.

Marianne Shaffer, co-owner of The Trunk Stylists, said "We love doing fashion shows." Aside from the love for fashion, it is an opportunity for Shaffer and Aneesa Shakur (co-owner at The Trunk Stylists) to give back to the community.

 A $10 donation was suggested for guests, which went to the chosen charity, The Bayside Optimists. The ultimate goal of the organization is "to bring out the best in kids." Funds are raised through a variety of events, like the fashion show, in order to offer children a healthier, happier life. Raffle tickets were also sold throughout the night, which in turn led to an even larger sum for The Bayside Optimists, which received 100 percent of the money raised.

Men's and women's fashions were all the buzz as the likes of Angela Jacobs (sports' anchor) and Virginia Johnson (entertainment reporter) strutted their stuff. Along with The Trunk Stylists, Aleka Phoenix and 1 of 1 Customs were on board to offer some of their styles as well.

"I put a lot of time into it" said Rasta Geary Taylor, artist and designer for 1 of 1 Customs. "Things are getting busy down here on the 600 Block and I'm just trying to do my part."

From 6:30 to 7:45, patrons were able to indulge in complimentary baked goods, which were given by local business including: The Royal Brownie Co, Let Them Eat Cake, Cafe Bohemia, Baked and others.

Guests were encouraged to arrive early, as the first 50 entrants were given a swag bag of items from retailers, like Bentley's Boutique and All Sewn Up.

Push Ultra Lounge housed a large number of enthusiasts. A sassy runway show was boosted by cheers from the audience. The raffle winners were drawn throughout the night, giving a few lucky guests packages worth up to $750.

 Fresh for summer styles were showcased while a ripple effect of camera flashes went off as each model worked the runway.

Jesse Kiebzak, owner and artist for 1 of 1 Customs, was excited for the event. "It's truly been a blessing to be on such a great street in such a great city with other motivated, creative people."

The Trunk Stylists show was an overall success and in turn, the networking opportunities for the businesses involved were unmatched. "We like to utilize these types of events as means of getting local names out there" explained Marianne Shaffer. "Even if people just want to stop in and chat or say hello."

The 600 Block's retailers agree that downtown St. Petersburg's rep as an incubator for the creative economy can only grow from here. "The 600 Block is just now gaining momentum, so watch out world," said Jesse Kiebzak.