From a nanny to a celeb, Bethenny Frankel was a special guest at Florida's newest outlet. Shoppers and fans were in for a treat during Tampa Premium Outlets grand opening.
The meeting place was at the newest outlet's VIP lounge where registered guests enjoyed a fashion session with Bethenny Frankel just before she signed autographs for fans who waited in line since the outlet opened at 10 a.m. And even took a few minutes to answer questions.
Not only were Frankel fans able to enjoy her presence but were also able to take advantage of the perks Tampa Premium Outlets VIP lounge offered. The lounge included drinks and snacks from Bethenny Frankel's Skinnygirl food line - sparkling water, chips and nutrition bars, sweets and water. In addition course there was pampering which included free makeovers, hair styles, massages and a photo booth.
Bethenny Frankel starred on "Real Housewives of New York City" and was Paris and Nicky Hilton's nanny. She's an entrepreneur, chef, author and a talk show host.
Check out the videos: Q & A with Bethenny Frankel and Bethenny Frankel fashion must haves
More photos by Doris Irizarry:
I am not much for shopping at outlets but made an exception to join in on grand opening at Tampa Premium Outlets in Lutz, Fla. which was only a hop and skip away. Well clearly about a 30 minute drive compared to drives to outlets in Ellenton and Orlando.
So we braved it by taking the drive Thursday morning about 8:30 a.m. I knew better not to listen to my GPS that wanted me to jump on the highway. I instead took the back way (North Dale Mabry to 54) and were there without heavy traffic. With only one entrance to the outlet, we had no other alternative then to follow everyone else entering. But once in I made a quick right and found a parking spot immediately.
We entered through the Pearl Court entrance once in the outlet premises. Of course press and swarms of people were already there. Some lined up at their favorite stores or at stores participating in grand opening giveaways. Others took a spot to watch the ribbon cutting ceremony.
Once the Tampa Premium Outlets was officially opened the excitement and shopping started. There are 90 stores of which a few were not ready to open, a huge market place (guest services and a small food court are located) but only five places to chose to eat. There are plenty of restrooms and family restrooms as well scattered throughout. A VIP lounge, a stage, a little play area, oh but the best part for me was the beautiful landscaping which in one area included lounge chairs.
Grand opening celebration continues all weekend long. Have fun shopping, walking, enjoying the atmosphere but remember it is grand opening so be patient or just wait to swing on by after the chaos dies down.
Need the address:
Tampa Premium Outlets
2300 Grand Cypress Drive
Lutz, FL 33559
More photos by Doris Irizarry:
Here it is Tampa Bay our very own outlet a hop and skip away. Tampa Premium Outlets is opening in Lutz, Fla. in a few hours - Thursday, Oct. 29 at 10 a.m., ribbon cutting ceremony is at 9:40 a.m.
Lots of giveaways, entertainment and surprises.
So come on out during grand opening starting Thursday and running throughout the weekend:
Tampa Premium Outlets
2300 Grand Cypress Drive
Lutz, FL 33559
Check out the schedule:
And the giveaways:
