masters.

So I had a busy weekend, all of which will be in future posts, but for today, 

all you need to know is that this happened...

Melissa, Me, and Mae after graduation.

The only thing running through my head right now is "you can never be overdressed or over educated." Which is my favorite Oscar Wilde quote. It hasn't sunk in yet that I have my Master's degree. I'm sure it'll take awhile for me to fully realize it. I cannot thank my family, friends, and professors enough for their support and guidance. Now on to the next big thing...

To the Wonder at Harris Theater

Living downtown, everything (except a grocery store) is at my fingertips. Which I love. I will never be able to explain how much I love living downtown. Anyway, I have been hard at work trying to find a job, get to graduation, and design the new Pioneer Magazine. So after all of my magazine spreads were turned in on Monday, I craved some alone time in some place other than my apartment. What better than to treat myself to a movie with subtitles?

This was my first time at the Harris Theater and I have to say, I was impressed. The Harris Theater is just a little baby theater, seating about 200 people. It is a part of the Cultural Trust, is run by Pittsburgh Filmmakers, is the only downtown movie theater, and is open every day of the week. So for being such a little guy, it's doing big things. Also, for those of you who complain about movies being too expensive and blah blah blah, the Harris is not only cheaper than the big movie theaters for tickets, but their concessions are also priced much cheaper than big theaters. My large Diet Coke and box of Cookie Dough Bites came to $3. Thanks for being fair, Harris Theater.

Harris Theater - lovely old marquee!

I sat in the balcony, which made the "me time" even better because no one else sat up there and I was at eye level with the screen. To the Wonder is a film staring Ben Affleck, Olga Kurylenko, Rachel McAdams, and Javier Bardem, and is about love. Love of self, of a partner, an old flame, of God, home, life, etc. It was beautiful. It felt very indie, with atypical camera angles, extreme close ups and super soft lighting. But the storyline was gorgeous.

Ben Affleck plays Neil, who travels to Europe and meets and falls in love with Marina (Olga Kurylenko) and he convinces her, and her ten year old daughter to move with him to America where he is an environmental inspector. In the beginning, like all love stories, everything is perfect. But life begins to "get in the way." Marina turns to Father Quintana (Javier Bardem) for guidance, even though he is struggling with his faith and being able to find the joy in life as well. Eventually, Marina and her daughter return to Paris because of their expired visas, which is when Neil runs into Jane, (Rachel McAdams) his former girlfriend and falls in love with her again. But I'll let you figure out for yourself what happens after that.

Photo Credit

Now, while Olga is really the female lead in this movie and she was amazing and plays a free-spirit perfectly; my girl, Rachel steals the whole thing. She embodies all that is feminine and powerful. She really makes this movie. And though this probably was her most quiet role, she is flawless and beautiful. Not to mention, every outfit she wore, I want in my closet.

Overall, the experience was perfect. The film gave me some perspective on things and the Harris Theater is so charming, and such a wonderful gem for downtown. It was just what I needed to clear out my mind after working so hard on those magazine spreads. I really encourage you to check out this location, whether or not it's for To the Wonder, they do have a few other good looking films coming up that you could see instead if subtitles aren't your thing. :)

If I become a hipster, blame my brother.

On Saturday, bright and early, I joined my brother, Eric, for Record Store Day. We bopped all around the city to Dave's Music Mine in the South Side, Eide's in The Strip District, and Sound Cat Records in Bloomfield, to get some totally sweet deals on some exclusive music on that lovely old vinyl.

Record Store Day is a nation-wide day to encourage people to get out and support stand-alone record stores and really to promote local business. Eric, who has always been my music guru, recently has been bit by the vinyl loving bug and is using our dad's old record player. But I have just started to become more interested in the possibility of getting a record player, so I tagged along to start my collection. Guess I need a record player now!

While I have been to Dave's before, Eide's and Sound Cat were new to me and I was actually surprised at their large quantities of music on vinyl and CD. Record Store Day is not just for buying vinyl, you know. Here's a look at the goods Eric and I purchased, at got fo freee! Have a great (Music) Monday, everyone!

Brother Instagramed me while I looked for some goods in Sound Cat Records.

Me & Eric with our finds and free stuff! (I'm so happy, I found Amy Winehouse on HOT PINK vinyl.)

Fashion Forward Fridays: Pavement!

It's been awhile since talking to you guys about a local boutique, so on this rainy day where no one (including myself) was looking cute during my walk around downtown, here you have it. Pavement. I have been swooning over this store for about three-ish years now. I first laid eyes on it while I was walking around Lawrenceville hanging up fliers for an internship and have loved it ever since. You cannot let me walk by a place with shoes in the window and not think I'm going to fall in love.

All photos from the Pavement Facebook page.

Mr. Rogers & Prayers for Boston

Photo from Pittsburgh Magazine. Editing by me.

As a Pittsburgh kid, I grew up watching Mr. Rogers. 

So when I saw that this quote and various pictures of him were making their way around 

social media world as sources of comfort for the tragic events surrounding the Boston Marathon yesterday, 

I knew no other words would really be necessary. 

My thoughts and prayers go out to anyone who was affected by the thoughtless acts at yesterday's race. 

May our country heal and learn to respect these lives we've been given. 

I am thankful for the people helping, especially the runners that kept on running to donate blood. 

What heroes. What helpers. 

I'm upset that this was supposed to be a day of celebration and that 

someone ruined it for the athletes and their supporters.
I know that running in Boston is the mark of a "true runner."

I celebrate in your hard work and dedication, runners.

I wish you peace as you begin to heal, everyone. 

May God, and the love of a nation, be with each of you.

Lofty Letdowns

I kind of hate to write this post, but I am not about to lie to my readers or lead you astray by not telling you the "whole truth" in a review of places I've been to. Although this blog is to show that Pittsburgh has great things and places to go to and that anyone can have a good time basically anywhere, that is not so much the case in this post.

On Saturday, MJ and I went to The Wine Loft with a group of friends to celebrate the 25th birthday of our dear friend, Gabby. I love seeing this group. They were some of the greatest and most genuine friends that I have met and I'm thankful that their friendship has extended beyond the walls of Seton Hill and even though we've all graduated either two or three years ago, we still can get back together without missing a beat.

Photo credit.

 However, we might have been better off going somewhere else. I had such high hopes for The Wine Loft. I swoon every time I have look at their website. I turn into a lush just thinking about all the different wines (and food) on their menus and was so excited when this was the place Gabby picked. To be fair, the wine was dry like I wanted it to be, the food was as delicious as I thought it'd be, the decor and layout of the place was beautiful, but the service was so sub par that I know I will not be returning anytime soon.

Let's talk about the decor. Since we were seated in the upper level, I felt like we were at some one's super chic apartment. Very VIP and classy. My only problem with the decor/layout is that there is really no understanding of the place when you walk in the door. No one is there to greet you, no hostess table or area where it makes sense to stop and, not only be welcomed, but to be shown where to go or told what spaces are available. Luckily, as per usual, MJ and I (okay really just I) was running fashionably late and we saw our group when we first walked in. However, for the first member of our group that wasn't the case and she had to track someone down to see where our party was supposed to be. She was never greeted at the door or asked if she was waiting for someone or anything. You know, the typical restaurant protocol that you would expect anywhere else.

Also, although not totally her fault because there were only two waitresses running around all night, but our service was terrible. As someone currently working in the service industry, I feel bad saying that but it was just absolutely terrible. To the point where the same friend who wasn't greeted at the door, went to the bar to get a round of waters since we never got them after asking for them to be delivered with our food. Water is the easiest thing to get people. Also, MJ had to track down our waitress to tell her our dessert orders since we hadn't seen her for about 20 minutes and then had to repeatedly tell her what we wanted. I understand that it was not fully her fault and do not blame her, but the management of this place made me cringe. If all of your waitresses call off on a Saturday night, you call in more. Oh, and our waitress kept complaining to us that they had run out of glasses and they were not doing bottle service. Excuse me? This is the Wine Loft. You are known for having wine. Why don't you have enough glasses? It's not like there was an absurdly large number of people there - it was a typical Saturday night crowd.

What makes me the most upset is that, we had a reservation, and our friends knew what they wanted before everyone got there and ordered for everyone, yet still, nothing seemed to go right. Sigh. I won't go on. The plus side of the evening...seeing our friends and catching up with the wonderful women we used to see everyday. I missed each of them so much. And we got to see a wedding proposal, which was cool to be in that special moment of a total stranger's life haha

This post is not to tell you to totally write off The Wine Loft. As always, I encourage my readers to go out and experience anything I review for themselves and to form their own opinions. This is just a warning to hope that you'll have a better experience if you decide to go. Things to keep in mind: make a reservation, know what you want before you get there, and know that, for some odd reason, they might run out of glasses.

Fashion Forward Fridays: Meet AJ!

Hi friends! Coming off of Fashion Week I have to say that I have a new energy for Fashion Forward Fridays, you are to thank for that. I'm glad you guys enjoy this "segment" of my blog so much and I'm going to try harder at finding fashionista/o's - I mean, it's spring now so this will become easier to do again!

Today I thought we could use a dose of testosterone up in hurr. It's been a while since I featured a fashionisto - so here's a cute one for you. His name is AJ, he's a senior at Point Park and we have matching backpacks, so clearly, he's legit.

Our backpacks, compliments of H&M. Can you guess who has which color drawstring?

AJ, who likes to shop at American Eagle, H&M, J.Crew and the Gap, said that he would consider his style casual, preppy-trendy. Actually, after he listed all his shopping destinations to me, he said, "Oh, geez, I sound like a total prep," and followed that up with, "but that's what I am!" And flashed his killer smile. (So cute.)

He said he likes to keep up with what is on trend at the moment...budget permitting. He said that GQ is his place to go for inspiration and likes to dress like the models, if his student limits allow him. And for men, or women, looking to amp up their style, AJ said to turn to the magazines, like he does, for some ideas. "GQ for guys and Marie Claire for women are great resources to see what the "experts" say you should be wearing," he said. But AJ also insists that no matter what is in style this season, you have to wear the clothes, not let them wear you, and that no matter what you're wearing, you have to be comfortable and that way you'll be confident in whatever you have on that day.

As for AJ's favorite magazine, GQ, calling Pittsburgh the third-worst-dressed city in America, he said that he does not agree with them. He said, "I cannot speak for Pittsburgh as a whole, but here in downtown, with all the business people and large student population, this is an area that has a lot of fashion sense." He also said that he thinks that fashion sense definitely stretches to Lawrenceville and Shadyside and some other places around the city where he's been. But quickly added, "if GQ came here on a game day, then shit no, nothing but black and gold."

Hard to pretend you're not "preppy" while wearing Sperry's.

Don't you love a guy who is cute and funny!? (I'm trying to help a brother get a date here if you couldn't tell lol) Anyway, hope all of you have a great weekend! Enjoy the sunshine today, Pittsburgh and keep it fashionable!

Chelsea Lately

I can totally steal that phrase right? I mean, it's my name too and Chelsea Handler stole the idea of having a talk show from me (Chelsea Tonight! is going to happen) ....maybe.

Anyway, since I've been pretty MIA recently and I didn't get to talk about what is/was going on too much during Fashion Week, here's a picture-heavy post to get you up to date on my life. Also, in between each of these pictures, please visualize me looking like a hot mess in a Mac lab at Point Park trying to design/re-brand the Pioneer Magazine and other miscellaneous things. Because, let's be real, that's what I've really been doing. Along with applying for jobs because I graduate in TWO WEEKS. Eek!

Went to the Pirates home opener with my parents and brother! Welcome baseball season - I looooove you!!

Red Beard's opened downtown - right between Verve and Six Penn. Expect a full review!

I got a free cake after waiting in line for 30 mins from CAKE BOSS! Yum! Thank you, Buddy!

WGF held their annual Equal Pay Day - good job ladies!

Went to Jumonville for a dean's meeting - excited for baby dance camp!

Eric talked me in to joining the PTS softball team for PSL. Our first game was yesterday, we won 21-7!!!

Spring finally came to Pittsburgh! I love you warm temps and sunshine!! 

Fashion Week: A Winner & Some Favorites

Thank you for all of the excitement over Fashion Week! 

I loved reading all of your comments and messages about how you all enjoyed this week of "meeting" some great Pittsburgh fashion bloggers! I hope you loved each one of them and were able to see a full range of styles and maybe they inspired some outfits of your own. 

Also, thank you SO MUCH to Sarah, Zoe, Liz, Stephanie, and Terra! 

Thanks for letting me feature each of you, sharing your posts, 

and being excited about Fashion Week since I asked you to be a part of it! 

You are all fabulous and I admire each of you for different reasons. 

Thanks for helping to make Pittsburgh fashionable! 

Now on to why you're all here! 

The winner of the ModCloth and Heinz History Center giveaway is... 

Rachel Mazur!  

Congratulations!

You are now the proud owner of two tickets to the

ModStylists' Fashion Show on Friday, April 12th 

and two tickets to the Vintage Pittsburgh event on Saturday, April 13th. 

You are in for one hell of a weekend! 

Email me at chelsandthecity[at]gmail[dot]com for details and to claim your prize!

And since Fashion Week was done to celebrate one year of Fashion Forward Fridays, 

here are your three most viewed fashionista/o's from the past year.

MJ - 5.11.12

Erin - 11.02.12

Richelle - 12.28.12

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fashion Week: Meet Terra of Stylish White Female!

All photos provided by Terra.

 I am celebrating one year of Fashion Forward Fridays this week by hosting fellow Pittsburgh bloggers for Chels & the City Fashion Week. I started Fashion Forward Fridays because I wanted to prove to GQ that Pittsburgh is a fashionable city, despite their mention of our city being the third-worst-dressed in America. So for the past year, I've been randomly stopping people on the street to ask them their thoughts on fashion and Pittsburgh and feature them on this blog! Since this Friday marks the one year anniversary, what better way to celebrate than to host Fashion Week?

If you've been following along with Fashion Week here, than you know that each day I have featured a Pittsburgh fashion blogger each day and to top off the week, a giveaway sponsored by ModCloth and Heinz History Center focused around vintage fashion is going on. (You can enter below.) You have already met Sarah of Coming Unstitched and Zoe of Pittsburgh in Polka Dots, Liz of Schmatta Matters, Stephanie of Glam & Graffiti. For the last day of Fashion Week, I'm introducing Terra of Stylish White Female.

Terra is possibly one of, if not the most, well-know Pittsburgh fashion bloggers that I can think of. She's basically an icon around these parts because of her impeccable taste, the length of time she's been blogging and because she is super gutsy and takes a lot of her pictures in busy downtown areas like right in the middle of Market Square. I love that she does Community Choice and lets her readers help pick out her outfits sometimes and that we have seen her through all sorts of changes. From hair cuts to all the stages of maternity wear, Terra has always looked beautiful and her style translates well to all kinds of women at different points of their life.

For this week, I sent all of my selected Pittsburgh fashion bloggers the same list of questions I typically ask the fashionista's I find out in the city, but this week I'm letting their responses speak for themselves. Here's what Terra has to say...

Fashion Week: Meet Stephanie of Glam & Graffiti

I am celebrating one year of Fashion Forward Fridays this week by hosting fellow Pittsburgh bloggers for Chels & the City Fashion Week. I started Fashion Forward Fridays because I wanted to prove to GQ that Pittsburgh is a fashionable city, despite their mention of our city being the third-worst-dressed in America. So for the past year, I've been randomly stopping people on the street to ask them their thoughts on fashion and Pittsburgh and feature them on this blog! Since this Friday marks the one year anniversary, what better way to celebrate than to host Fashion Week?

If you've been following along with Fashion Week here, than you know that each day I'm featuring a Pittsburgh fashion blogger and to top off the week, a giveaway sponsored by ModCloth and Heinz History Center focused around vintage fashion is also going on. (You can enter below.) You have already met Sarah of Coming Unstitched and Zoe of Pittsburgh in Polka Dots, Liz of Schmatta Matters and today, Stephanie of Glam & Graffiti.

All photos from Stephanie.

I met Stephanie at the Maniac Magazine blogger event awhile back and cannot explain how quickly and easily she lit up the room and really brought a sense of life to the party. I loved that she made her way into conversations and took gorgeous pictures of the event. And since then, I have been following along with her blog that always impresses me. I love her fun-loving energy and writing style. She is the definition of Pittsburgh style, with her daily looks that are sometimes glam and sometimes grungy. I'm sure you'll begin to love her too!  I mean come on, look at this picture and not smile....you just cannot do it! Stephanie has such a great energy and it comes across clearly in her blog as well.

For this week, I sent all of my selected Pittsburgh fashion bloggers the same list of questions I typically ask the fashionista's I find out in the city, but this week I'm letting their responses speak for themselves. Here's what Stephanie has to say...

Fashion Week: Meet Liz of Schmatta Matters!

All photos property of Liz.

I am celebrating one year of Fashion Forward Fridays this week by hosting fellow Pittsburgh bloggers for Chels & the City Fashion Week. I started Fashion Forward Fridays because I wanted to prove to GQ that Pittsburgh is a fashionable city, despite their mention of our city being the third-worst-dressed in America. So for the past year, I've been randomly stopping people on the street to ask them their thoughts on fashion and Pittsburgh and feature them on this blog! Since this Friday marks the one year anniversary, what better way to celebrate than to host Fashion Week?

If you've been following along with Fashion Week here, than you know that each day I'm featuring a Pittsburgh fashion blogger and to top off the week, a giveaway sponsored by ModCloth and Heinz History Center focused around vintage fashion is also going on. (You can enter below.) You have already met Sarah of Coming Unstitched and Zoe of Pittsburgh in Polka Dots, but today, you're meeting Liz of Schmatta Matters.

Liz has a unique style that I admire and I cannot help but think that she's fabulous, in a more classic way. I love how she mixes feminine and masculine styles together to make flawless outfits. But what I like most of all is that her choices seem specific to her and a wardrobe she has created. Clothes that are mass produced are sometimes hard to make "your own" but I think that Liz is always able to make something seem fresh and uniquely hers.

For this week, I sent all of my selected Pittsburgh fashion bloggers the same list of questions I typically ask the fashionista's I find out in the city, but this week I'm letting their responses speak for themselves. Here's what Liz has to say...

Fashion Week: Meet Zoe of Pittsburgh in Polka Dots!

If you were here yesterday to see Sarah of Coming Unstitched, and/or saw my announcement on Sunday about what's going on this week than you know that I am celebrating one year of Fashion Forward Fridays by hosting fellow Pittsburgh bloggers for Chels & the City Fashion Week. I started Fashion Forward Fridays because I wanted to prove to GQ that Pittsburgh is a fashionable city, despite their mention of our city being the third-worst-dressed in America. So for the past year, I've been randomly stopping people on the street to ask them their thoughts on fashion and Pittsburgh and feature them on this blog! Since this Friday marks the one year anniversary, what better way to celebrate than to host Fashion Week?

On to day two of Fashion Week! I have just recently (within the past month) found Zoe's blog, Pittsburgh in Polka Dots, while I was hunting around for new blogs to follow that were closer to home. And I am so glad that I did! I love Zoe's sense of style, her obvious girly touches and use of all kinds of colors just makes my little fashion lovin' heart swoon. I also love that she mixes it up on her blog daily by doing personal outfit posts, along with beauty tips, how to style celebrity looks you love and ways to remix staple pieces of any wardrobe. She writes a one-stop-shop kinda fashion blog and I really appreciate that. While Zoe is newer to blog world and the Pittsburgh sidewalk catwalk, I hope that she continues to do what she's obviously get at and learns to love our city even more each day!

All photos provided by Zoe.

For this week, I sent all of my selected Pittsburgh fashion bloggers the same list of questions I typically ask the fashionista's I find out in the city, but this week I'm letting their responses speak for themselves. Here's what Zoe has to say...

Fashion Week: Meet Sarah of Coming Unstitched!

As I mentioned yesterday, I am celebrating one year of Fashion Forward Fridays this week by hosting fellow Pittsburgh bloggers for Chels & the City Fashion Week. I started Fashion Forward Fridays because I wanted to prove to GQ that Pittsburgh is a fashionable city, despite their mention of our city being the third-worst-dressed in America. So for the past year, I've been randomly stopping people on the street to ask them their thoughts on fashion and Pittsburgh and feature them on this blog! Since this Friday marks the one year anniversary, what better way to celebrate than to host Fashion Week?

First up is a blogger who I've been following almost for as long as she has been blogging. (If you're coming here from her site, first, welcome! And second, I'm sure you agree that she's fabulous!) I have been inspired by Sarah, and went along with her on the 30x30x30 challenge. But she continuously amazes me with how she puts outfits together and shares her talents, love, and closet with the world through her blog, Coming Unstitched. To be honest, when I asked Sarah if she wanted to be involved in Fashion Week, I didn't know if I even wanted to have it if she didn't say yes. Luckily, she replied right away with a yes! (I think I might have felt the same way Brandon did when he proposed. lol)

All photos in this post provided by Sarah.

For this week, I sent all of my selected Pittsburgh fashion bloggers the same list of questions I typically ask the fashionista's I find out in the city, but this week I'm letting their responses speak for themselves. Here's what Sarah has to say...