Bethenny Frankel visits Tampa Premium Outlets

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:

Tampa Premium Outlets is officially open

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:

Tampa Premium Outlets grand opening events

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:

Additional information click ==> Tampa Premium Outlets

Save big at Jumping Jeans Consignment 2015 event sale

Updated July 13, 2015

Get ready consignment shoppers in Tampa Bay and surrounding areas, Jumping Jeans Consignment 2015 sale event is back. As a fellow consigner for numerous consignment events, this is my favorite lately. Why? I can sell even my own clothes.

Don't know what a consignment event is? It is a building space converted into a discount retail store for a few days where merchandise: clothes, toys, furniture... are sold at reasonable to unbelievable prices. Consignors (sellers) prepare their merchandise, tag (price) them to earn 65% of their merchandise sold which beats the 40% to 50% they might earn at a consignment store and if they volunteer, yes volunteers are needed as well, they can earn an extra 5% for every three hours volunteered. Of course, I earn the 70%!

Drop off started as of Sunday which continues until Monday. Sutton Hall is getting filled up - one area is maternity wear, infant clothes/accessories and women/ladies clothes/asseccories. The other area has toddler to junior size clothes as well as toys, games, shoes, books... I also saw a bed and a baby changing table. I have included more photos, a few of items being sold starting Wednesday with the public sale until Saturday. There is a private sale Tuesday but only for consignors, volunteers, first time parents and for military.

Jumping Jeans Consignment besides selling children clothes including preemies and baby sizes and toys, they also have added junior's, ladies/women's and maternity fashions. Shoppers will find merchandise for all seasons - used, gently used and even new merchandise to purchase. You might even find school uniforms for your little ones too. The first days are regular price sales but if you can wait or return the last two days and hope the items you liked weren't sold yet than you can save from 25% to 50% off.

The consignment event is held at Florida College Sutton Hall in Temple Terrace starting Wednesday, July 15 through Saturday the 18th. Doors open at 10 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. except for Saturday. Shoppers can save 25% off all merchandise labeled 'Discount: Yes' on Friday and 50% off all merchandise labeled 'Discount: Yes' on Saturday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.

For additional information about Jumping Jeans visit their website at www.jumpingjeans.com or contact Amanda Olson by phone at 813-422-0800 or by email at jumpingjeansconsignment@gmail.com. They are also on Facebook Jumping Jeans Consignment.

Jumping Jeans Consignment Event Sale

Florida College - Sutton Hall

119 N Glen Arven Ave.

Temple Terrace, FL

Here are a few photos of what I will be selling at Jumping Jeans Consignment event sale which includes junior clothes, jumpsuits, suits, jackets, shorts, short and long dresses, tops, skirts, pants, shoes, handbags in good/excellent condition to new with or without tags...

(like anything or have questions, let me know)