Holiday Shopping Guide 2019

Christmas is right around the corner and we want to help your gift giving and buying a little easier. Check out these stylish Pittsburgh based gems.

Renee Piatt Collection

Renee Piatt Collection Shop wearable art, boho chic and rocker chic jewelry for women and men, agate, amethyst stalactite slices, crystals, gold, silver, rose gold, and more. The inspiration for Renee Piatt Collection, is pulled from the designer’s love of stones and beads, adornments that look like or literally came from the earth, ocean or sky; elements that reflect nature but feel rich and elegant.

Felt Happiness

Felt Happiness Milliner Juliane Gorman creates wearable art hats that are useful, comfortable and flattering. Once upon a time, hats were worn because of custom. Now, you make your own traditions. You don’t need a wedding or a derby as an excuse to wear a hat. All of her handcrafted, felted hats are made in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania. Wear a vibrant, sculptural hat and tap into your inner beauty.

Style Exchange Boutique If you hate paying full price and love a designer deal on a dollar, you must check out Style Exchange Boutique. From J Crew to Jimmy Choo, special occasion gowns to Louis Vuitton and MCM handbags, experience the thrill of the find at a fraction of retail prices every day! This Louis Vuitton Galleria is $1400 and retails at $1800. Shop online or visit the store at 4211 Saw Mill Run Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15227.

Daily Bread

Daily Bread is a lifestyle brand founded by Bill Niels of Mac Miller’s Most Dope crew in 2009. Homegrown and deeply rooted in the realms of skateboarding, graffiti, and hip-hop, they represent a new generation of hustlers and creatives from all walks of life. Shop online or in store at 5450 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206.

Holographic Coin/Beauty Bag

Clarissa Clirsa Boutique’s mission is to inspire women to love and be comfortable in their own skin via fashion while discovering their own stylimony, no matter how eclectic it may be.

2^nd Ave Boutique Located in Elizabeth, PA, 2nd Avenue Boutique offers a variety of ready to wear womenswear garments and accessories. Owner and fashion designer, Leesa Kassler also designs custom clothing and offers alteration/repair services. 2nd Ave Boutique is located at 206 S 2nd Ave, Elizabeth, Pennsylvania 15037.

Refresh PGH is Pittsburgh’s 1st Sneaker Consignment/Buy & Sell Boutique offering a wide selection of rare sneakers, sneaker products, clothing and apparel. Shop online or in store at 5450 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206.

Afar Clothing Company offers an exclusive line of limited edition streetwear apparel for the fashion conscious. Their motto is: “Life Is A Journey, Travel The Distance.” They are currently running a sale for 50% of all online merchandise while supplies last.

Third Day Soaps is a holistic skin and body care company founded by Cynthia Hill. You can purchase therapeutic herbal bath and body products, soaps, lotions, creams, body scrubs, facial products for men and women, herbal teas, and more.

Style Week’s Intern Takes on Teen Vogue

Recently, Style Week Pittsburgh’s intern, Elana Pappas was invited to the Teen Vogue magazine headquarters in New York City. Read about her experience…

“My Teen Vogue Experience”

            On January 13, 2017 I was given the amazing opportunity to attend the Teen Vogue magazine headquarters in New York City. Being that I am an online fashion student for the Parsons and Teen Vogue program, the students had the privilege to be eligible for this event to learn and network with some of the industry’s best. As soon as I received my invitation to the event I knew this was the perfect opportunity to represent Style Week Pittsburgh in the best light, and I was beyond elated to do so.

Photo © Teen Vogue

            Soon after a panel of editors entered the room and gave us all the most gracious greeting. I couldn’t believe I was in the same room with Teen Vogue’s editor and chief, Elaine Welteroth. We had the opportunity to have an open Q&A with the panel of editors. It was so insightful to hear their take on building your brand, how to showcase your aesthetic, enhancing your visual style, the best tips on using social media for your brand, and how to stay inspired. It was so enlightening and I definitely took notes to take back home. I also loved hearing about the editors talk about their favorite trends this past season, from 70s vibes to 90s grunge. It was amazing to think that all of the trends I had been following by reading through those glossy pages of a magazine were created by the people right in front of me in the very same room. Sharing Style Week with Teen Vogue’s editors was amazing, and it was even more amazing how many questions they had about it and wanted to learn more and stay connected with us. So I think it is safe to say Style Week Pittsburgh has been Teen Vogue approved! That’s right; Style Week Pittsburgh is ready to take over the globe!

Photo © Teen Vogue

            The rest of the day was filled with exclusive activities. We had a conference with College Fashionista’s founder, Amy Levin on insightful tips for entrepreneurs. We also had an exclusive tour of Teen Vogue’s fashion closet where many celebrities and talents have been styled. My favorite part, though? Receiving styling tips from Teen Vogue accessories editor, Kirby Marzec for our very own Teen Vogue photoshoot! She gave us the best styling tips to keep in mind for a shoot, and we got to experiment with it firsthand by having a professional Teen Vogue photoshoot of our very own. Considering that I am an aspiring stylist, that was the most crucial part for me and I definitely got the ultimate photoshoot experience. Kirby’s advice was simple yet profound. She simply said to us, “Stay true to your aesthetic.” Then it was great to hear that she and I both shared the same love for moto jackets and anything in black. We were basically twining outfits, it was too cool.

Teen Vogue did an outstanding job providing us with great networking and hands-on experience. I truly couldn’t be more thankful for my experience at Teen Vogue and all of the connections that were made while representing Style Week Pittsburgh. Leaving Teen Vogue that day left me with great inspiration and the confidence I needed to keep pursuing my passion as fiercely as possible. In words of Teen Vogue’s editor Elaine Welteroth, “All you need to find is your inner girl power and you’re destined to slay.”

Shine on,

Elana Pappas

 

 

“10 to Watch in 2017”

Last month, Style Week Pittsburgh held a Holiday Fashion Mixer at V Lounge to celebrate a fabulous year in fashion and to recognize 10 talents to watch in the new year. These individuals are making a lot of progress in their respective fields and we predict that 2017 is the year that they’re going to break out.

Meet the 10 to watch in 2017:

Miyah Knight, Model

Tori Mistick, Lifestyle Blogger

Councilwoman Marita Garrett

Mars Jackson, Rapper

Melissa Frost, Owner of Frost Finery

LoRen Knight, Singer

Kelly Frost, VP of Inspiring Lives Magazine (in the middle)

Michele Garris (on the right), Owner of Pure Skin Care Pittsburgh

Not pictured are Danielle Green who was recognized for launching Supreme Beauty Bar and Portia Foxx for her accomplishments in Broadcast Journalism. Check out more pictures from the event. Guests looked fabulous!

Diane Withrow and Lisa Wagner Freeman

Fashion designer Leesa Kassler is flanked by models Tesha Lovelace and Jenny Lou who are wearing her designs.

Brazilian fashion designer Lana Neumeyer shown with one of her creations.

Darieth Chisholm and friends

 

Guests loved the Mary Kay samples from consultant Teri Walters

Hanover Designs

Many thanks to Larrimor’s for sponsoring Swag Bags for the event and Ray Feather Photography for capturing some beautiful moments.

Happy Holidays!

Meet the Nominees – STYLIST OF THE YEAR

The Style Awards recognizes the leading men and women in fashion, business, and the arts and honors them for their extraordinary accomplishments.

Join us for the Style Awards Friday, August 19, 2016, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Vote HERE

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Meet the Nominees – STYLIST OF THE YEAR

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Aire Plichta Reese

A graduate of The Fashion School at Kent State with 10 years of experience in the Fashion Industry beginning with an internship at Chanel and ranging from product development work with Macy’s private label brands, where I gained a strong understanding of fabric and production, to ModCloth’s dedicated in-house PR team, I am an energetic and enthusiastic Fashion Marketing professional with a passion for trend forecasting, product placement, media relations, partnerships and celebrity/entertainment outreach.  Outside of my normal 9-5, I am an experienced personal stylist working with clients like the Pittsburgh Steelers, for their Steelers Style Fashion Show. I can also be found blogging at sparkleeveryday.tumblr.com & athletichic.com and as a board member at WearWoof.  My motto? “Life is too short to save your sparkles,sparkle every day!”

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Christina Imberlina Stein

Personal Stylist and Image consultant Christina (Stein) Imberlina has been bringing the world of fashion to her Pittsburgh clients for over four years. Christina’s work has been seen on billboards, magazines and local charity fashion shows. With her fresh approach to styling, Christina’s ability to simultaneously predict trends, and transcend them, has solidified her presence in an ever-changing industry.  To contact Christina for styling appointments or to view some of her work please visit her website at www.christinajstein.com , and you can find her on Instagram @stylebychristina

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Shawna Solomon

Owner Shawna Solomon originally started Exotic Hush as an online lingerie site in 2010. She started the business as a way to generate extra income but soon realized that she had a knack for sales. As the business and her love of fashion grew she added clothing and accessories. Exotic Hush Boutique opened its first brick and mortar
location in Pittsburgh in April 2015. The boutique offers a variety of choices for the discerning fashionista Offering clothing and accessories that will make heads turn and keep customers coming back. The boutique also offers fashion & wardrobe styling
services for customers headed out to a special event or for stylists to present to their clients. Styling clients such as Tina Campbell(Mary Mary) and recently styling local artist in the D.C, Cleveland and Atlanta area, she is building her Fashion Empire. Priding
herself on keeping up with the trends, Shawna makes sure each client is completely satisfied.  The Boutique, located on Pittsburgh’s Eastside of town is making its mark in Pittsburgh.
The boutique won the 2014 Bella Award for “Best Boutique” and is nominated ‘Best Boutique 2015” for StyleWeek Pgh. Exotic Hush graced the runway at Pittsburgh Fashion Week in 2014 and again in the 2015 show. In 2016 Shawna, took her fashion
and expertise on the road with the Hush Fashion Tour .Visit the store at 1849 Montier Street Pittsburgh, PA 15221. Online http://www.ExoticHush.com To book Shawna for styling
visit http://www.ShawnaSolomon.com

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Niki Whittle

Niki Whittle, is an established British personal stylist with over 10 years’ experience.  In 2014, she brought her Brit style to Pittsburgh, expanding her business and client base to cover both the UK and the USA.  She prides herself on providing a positive and life changing experience that rejuvenates client’s closets, style and confidence, whether that’s reinvigorating and unlocking the potential in their existing closet through a closet consultation, or building and developing their look through personal shopping.  Niki works with each client to discover and develop their unique style, arming them with the tools and knowledge needed to develop their personal style, look fantastic and feel confident, and insists on working independently from retailers to ensure she can provide honest, impartial advice in a friendly and pressure-free environment rather than being incentivised to do so.  She shares simple styling tips and down to earth shopping advice to help maximize your budget and closet on her style blog http://www.stylestudsandlace and is about to launch her first collection of luxury scarves http://www.nikiwhittledesigns.com.  To find out more about her Styling services, visit her website http://www.nikiwhittle.com

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Sonita Bell

Sonita’s was founded by Sonita Bell in 2005. Sonita’s vision for her company is to ensure that women of all sizes, cultures, and ethnicity’s feel beautiful and confident . Sonita studied Business Management at Point Park University and has been styling since 2010. She has used the skills she has learned to help make women look and feel their best. As a stylist she designs a classy , unique and edgy look to your wardrobe. Sonita hand picks each item and works with aspiring jewelry makers, including jewelry and apparel companies to ensure you have a personal touch. Sonita specializes in Styling. Photoshoot Design and Accessories.

Vote Now For the Style Awards!

The Style Awards recognizes the leading men and women in fashion, business, and the arts and honors them for their extraordinary accomplishments.

Join us for the Style Awards Friday, August 19, 2016, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Now here’s your chance to vote for the best in fashion, business, and the arts!  Voting ends Sunday July 17th!

Pittsburgh creatives show their #style

Remember a few weeks back when Style Week Pittsburgh launched its #iamstyle campaign where we featured some of Pittsburgh’s trailblazing creatives? Well! Guess What? The photos are now available for your viewing pleasure. Check out some of our faves!

Like Style Week Pittsburgh on Facebook to get event updates and don’t forget to purchase your tickets for the 4th Annual Style Week Pittsburgh. Be a friend and tell a friend.

#IAMSTYLE Campaign

A few weeks back, Style Week Pittsburgh launched its #iamstyle campaign, which along with our mission for Style Week Pittsburgh, is to highlight the diverse people of Pittsburgh doing exceptional work to make our city better, impacting the region’s growth and sustainability.

Like Style Week Pittsburgh on Facebook to get first dibs on viewing photos from the #iamstyle campaign.

#iamstyle #styleweekpgh

 

 

Blogger Feature: “Afternoon Espresso”

Samantha May Photography

Ashley Pletcher’s fashion and lifestyle blog Afternoon Espresso, offers the perfect dose of style that is sure to satisfy any fashionista’s cravings. Get to know the beauty behind the brand!

Define your style?

My style depends so much on my mood and the day!  Generally speaking, I would say my style is chic and classic.  I tend to gravitate toward more feminine pieces with classic feel.  Occasionally I will even throw in an edgy piece like a leather jacket. 

What is your idea of a perfect date outfit (for a man and woman)?

The perfect outfit for a man is to keep it simple:  A white v neck tee, nice denim, and a pair of distressed leather boots- Clean and classic always makes a swoon-worthy look!  For a woman I love a classic blazer, tee shirt, distressed denim, and a cute pair of colored pumps for a pop! This look will never go out of style! 

In what ways do you think that fashion is evolving in Pittsburgh?

I think Pittsburgh is such a stylish town!  There are always such a variety of styles just looking around any corner.  I think where Pittsburgh is evolving in fashion is certainly the fashion community.  From Style Week Pittsburgh, Style Social Pittsburgh, Fashion bloggers, and boutiques, everyone seems to really be working together and building a strong fashion community and I love it!      

Using one word, describe Pittsburgh style?

Eclectic 

Who is your celebrity style crush?

I adore Blake Lively!  She is so naturally beautiful and her style is always so classic and timeless.  

What are your favorite places to shop in Pittsburgh?

For local shops my favorites are No. 14 Boutique and Bronze Coconut!  No. 14 always has the best color palate to choose from and such unique pieces!  Bronze Coconut stocks up on the cutest little tees, stationary, Free People, and plus I can get my spray tans there!       

What inspired you to start a blog and what makes your blog different?

I actually started my blog because I was just in a slump of being unhappy with my career choice of accounting.  I needed more creativity flowing so Afternoon Espresso became my little pick me up!   Afternoon Espresso focuses on my personal style, but what makes it different is that I like to add my own spin with a cupcake of the month recipe, travel, and of course, coffee.  All of these things I just simply enjoy and are very much me!      

What is your favorite lipstick (color and brand)?

My all time favorite lipstick is Mac Lustre Soft Savour!  I line it with Make Up Forever C22, and top it with NARS Turkish Delight lip-gloss!! It’s the perfect combination of pink for everyday wear.  

What trends can fashionistas look forward to for Spring and Summer 2016?

For the Spring and Summer trends this year, I’m obsessing over bell sleeves, off the shoulder tops, midi skirts, and lots of stripes!  Also anything flirty will go!     

What is your favorite accessory?

My favorite accessory is definitely my two tone Michele Deco watch.  The square face makes it so unique and the two tones allow me to wear it with anything!  

What advice do you have for someone who is trying to discover his/her’s sense of style?

Be yourself.  Choose items that match your personality.  I’m most comfortable with what I’m wearing when it feels like the clothing is me!

 

The 411 on Foo Conner

Pittsburgh is gaining national attention for its arts and culture scene, and locals like Foo Conner, the man behind Jekko, is playing a major role in highlighting the people, brands, and happenings that are establishing Pittsburgh’s identify as a vibrant city to live, work, and play. Check out our recent interview with Conner!

What is Jekko?

Jekko is a new media outlet like Buzzfeed or Vice that just so happens to be based in Pittsburgh. It started as an experiment. I wanted to see if photography could drive a magazine today. After covering 1,000 events, Jekko has become a national platform that promotes arts, culture, and technology. All things Pittsburgh leads in. Our main audience is female millennials. 60% of readers are females and half of them are under 34.

Where are you from?

I am originally from West Virginia but Pittsburgh is my home.

What do you like about Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh has an open door to be creative. That makes it the perfect launch platform for ideas. And if you don’t know how to do something, there’s always a neighbor willing to help.

When people ask “What do you do?”, how do you respond?

I say that I’m a social entrepreneur. It has the right activism mindset for me. This means I work on businesses that find solutions to social problems. It also speaks to the seven-year-old me and gives me a wonderful excuse to explore everything.

How do you define your style?

Relaxed and quirky. 

Favorite Accessory?

Goggles

Where do you shop?

For the right thing, right now, I go to EONS in Shadyside. For adventure, I do this thrift shop run on Tuesdays. It takes about an hour and a half. I start at the Salvation Army and Goodwill in South Side, and then I head to the Red, White, and Blue. Do this once a month and you’ll build a fantastic wardrobe.

What’s your favorite date outfit?

I prefer something classic to start. Vintage fashion that fits exquisitely well.  Then accessory nuances, like a pocket watch or unusual necklace.

How would you describe Pittsburgh style?

Coming into itself. Traditionally Pittsburgh has imported culture, now we’re defining our own style.

One word to describe Pittsburgh style?

Evolving.

What makes Jekko different?

We are authentic. We show up. We aren’t afraid to cover the worst.

Blogger Feature: Meet “Fast Fashionista”

Meet Emily S. Kilgore, the style maven behind Fast Fashionista, a fashion and lifestyle blog devoted to giving fashion advice, beauty tips, recipes, and everything in between to readers.

Define your style?

I would describe my style as glam and classic. Very feminine.

What is your idea of a perfect date outfit (for a man and woman)?

For the ladies, you need to start with great base, exquisite lingerie. Next, I love a bright skirt, black top, and leopard pumps. Don’t forget a fun clutch and a scarf to complete the look.

For the guys, a nice pair of pants, a crisp button up shirt, and I’m a huge fan of suspenders. Also, every man should have a perfect pair of black dress shoes. If he has the confidence, he can finish the look with a fedora.

In what ways do you think that fashion is evolving in Pittsburgh?

I think that the amazing thing about Pittsburgh style is that it’s constantly evolving. There are no rules. It seems that everyone makes his or her own unique style and I love that. Pittsburgh really is a melting pot.

Using one word, describe Pittsburgh style?

Eclectic.

Who is your celebrity style crush?

Olivia Palermo. Her style is polished and always on point. To me, she can do no wrong.

What are your favorite places to shop in Pittsburgh?

I really like to shop local. Boutiques are my favorite because they usually have more unique things. I love Lex & Lynne and e.b. PEPPER.

What inspired you to start a blog and what makes your blog different?

After a sweet message from a long time friend comparing my fashion trends on Facebook to Cosmo Magazine I started exploring fashion blogs and I thought why not start one and see where it takes me. I try to make my blog a little different by incorporating “Fast Tips” into each post to keep my readers coming back to learn something new.

What is your favorite lipstick (color and brand)?

I’m all about red nails and lips. My go to is Rouge Coco 444- Gabrielle by Chanel.

What trends can fashionistas look forward to for Spring and Summer 2016?

A higher waist pant, lingerie inspired looks, and fringe.

What is your favorite accessory?

Shoes!! I’ve had a love obsession with them for as long as I can remember. Once I remember going into my older sisters bedroom to try on her heels. I’ll never forget that   feeling! My Mom love shoes too, I guess you can say I inherited it!

What advice do you have for someone who is trying to discover his/her’s sense of style?

Always be yourself and stay true to what you love. Keep up with trends but don’t become them. There have been a lot of times in my life that I was told to “dumb down” my look to fit in. I’m not okay with that for me or anyone else. You should always do your own thing when it comes to personal style because if you don’t like yourself then no one else will either. Self love all the way.