2nd Annual Chels & the City Fashion Week!

Calling all fashion lovers! This week you are in for a treat! Welcome to the start of the 2nd Annual Chels & the City Fashion Week! In honor of two lovely years of Fashion Forward Fridays, I am celebrating by hosting some lovely ladies and of course putting the cherry on top with a giveaway of a $50 gift card to Target. Because who doesn't love Target?

Two years ago, I started Fashion Forward Fridays after reading a GQ article that named Pittsburgh the third-worst-dressed city in America. In the pursuit of showing that Pittsburgh is a fashionable city, I went out on Fridays in search of fashionistas to host on my blog. I literally, stopped random people walking around downtown, asked them some questions about their style and took pictures of them to post on my blog. To be honest, this idea was part genius, part insanity. Genius because Fashion Forward Fridays has consistently brought the most page views to my blog since it's introduction and I'm always told that it is the favorite part of my blog by a lot of readers. But it was insane because I was nervous every Friday morning that, that would be the Friday I wouldn't be able to find someone to post on my blog.  

For last year's Fashion Week, I hosted all Pittsburgh bloggers and ModCloth sponsored a giveaway - but this year, we're making it bigger. Since I am so thankful about the growth spurt my blog has had in the past year, I decided to reach out to bloggers from all over, who I admire, to feature this week. And together we are bringing you the opportunity to win a Target gift card so you can get a jump start on your spring wardrobe! I am so excited to be able to continue Fashion Week this year and by the success of Fashion Forward Fridays in general, and am humbled by the growth this series has brought to my blog.

Thank you for supporting this series and my blog and I hope you enjoy meeting some other fabulous fashion bloggers and take advantage of winning the giveaway! Good luck!

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Fashion Forward Fridays: Meet Emily!

Today you guys are meeting a great friend of mine from Seton Hill, who I cannot wait to see at our alma mater's Homecoming tomorrow! Emily is that friend we all have who looks good no matter what. She could be having the worst and busiest day ever, and she still somehow always looks flawless. So when she jokingly said she'd want to be on Fashion Forward Fridays, I wondered why I had never asked her before already. Here she is with a simple chic, and casual Friday appropriate, outfit to inspire you. Read on to learn more about her and her style!

How would you define your style?
It is hard to define my style, as I take inspiration from many different areas and like to mix things up.  One day I may be in jeans, chucks, and v-neck tee, whereas another I may have on a blazer, pencil skirt, heels and pearls! I like to play off both current trends, but also classic timeless looks.  I guess you could say my closet is a collage of many different looks and styles.

Where are your favorite places to shop?
HA! I don't know if I can even answer this question! I LOVE to shop! I guess going off of my first answer, I would have to say The Limited (love their work clothes), Macy's, New York & Company, Kohls (LC is my fav!), GAP and who can resist Target! Marshalls also is a favorite - you never know when you might find a killer Michael Kors sweater dress :)

If someone asked you for fashion advice, what would you tell them?

If I had to give someone fashion advice, I would have to say to follow their own interest and style, not what the celebs or TV ads are "telling" them to wear.  Yes, I will admit that I follow the latest fashion trends and visit Pinterest daily (I know I have a problem), however it is still important to be unique and feel comfortable in your own skin! Be yourself and wear what makes you feel pretty!

Where did you get the pieces you're wearing in the photos?

Top - Target, Jeans - Macy's, Shoes - Target, Watch - New York & Company, Scarf - Not gonna lie, Gabe's, Jewelry - Charlotte Russe......September is an awkward month in my opinion for fashion. Its too cool for shorts and flip flops, but you aren't quite ready for the flannel and boots! So I try to combine both summer and fall pieces to create those outfits that work perfect for that Indian Summer.  Think light fabrics and fun colors mixed with some scarves or cute flats. Layering is great too!

What trend are you loving this season?

So far I am loving what I am seeing out at stores for fall fashion! I may be biased because it falls in line with what I would typically wear, but.....neutral but powerful colors, soft fabrics, cozy sweaters, infinity scarves, mixed patterns and stripes, and riding boots! And whether or not it continues to be a fall trend or fashion no no, you will still see me rocking my sock bun!

GQ named Pittsburgh the third-worst-dressed city, do you agree/disagree and why/why not?

I think Pittsburgh is a unique city. I have seen some fabulous fashion, as well as some not so great looks. We are an eclectic town, filled with various cultures, generations and interests, so I think that plays into what we see in terms of clothing and fashion. Hit up Bloomfield and you will see one set style, and then pay a visit to the Jason Aldean concert and you will think we are in Texas. Nonetheless, everyone dresses in the way that they feel best. I will admit to venturing to Walmart in sweats and hoodie from time to time, so who am I to judge?!

See you tomorrow, Miss Emily & happy weekend everyone!

Fashion Forward Fridays Reader Submitted: Meet Evan!

Hello friends! For today's Fashion Forward Fridays is a reader who I think has loved this "segment" of my blog since it's first post. Which I appreciate, Evan! I met him in my first year of grad school when MJ and I were giving a presentation about student leadership at an annual conference in Pitt Greensburg. He was on point from the moment we met and I instantly loved him because he is very much like MJ. From their goals, their student background and their ability to to dress well. And while neither of them would agree that their style is "similar" because they both are very unique but come-on...every body loves a well dressed man, no matter what his style.

All photos provided by Evan.

How would you define your style?
My style is very unique. I never stood in the crowd to blend in; it was a must that I stood out like a sore thumb. I love bright colors and my style is to accent them with other medium tone colors. I consider myself to be a well-dress individual. Fashion labels do not define what my style is; it surely is an attribute to my style.

Where are some of your favorite places to shop?
Express, Macy's (various locations other than PA). H&M, Burlington Coat Factory, Marshall's, and Buckle.

Where did you get the pieces you're wearing in the photos?
I have not a clue. I buy too many clothes to keep track, but ironically I remember these particular clothing pieces. Pants and shirt are from Burlington Coat Factory, shoes are from a flea market in Delaware, my suit jacket is from Macy's my sunglasses are from Lenscrafters.

If someone asked you for fashion advice, what would you tell them?
This is funny, this was the same question I was asked in an interview at Macy's. Well it depends whether it is a male or female. I'll stick with a female. I would want to know what makes her feel comfortable and what is out of her comfort zone. You never want to "give advice" you suggest it because if it fails, the blame is on you. Figure out her style, and get measurements and a feels for her financial background. After all of that, I would go over some colors with her to see which matches her complexion well.

What is your favorite trend right now?
My favorite trend is mine. I do not follow what other individuals are doing! That has never been my style.

Pittsburgh was recently called the 3rd worst-dressed city by GQ, do you agree/disagree and why/why not?
I totally disagree. I would like to know what demographics the researched, what parts of Pittsburgh, etc. - Pittsburgh is a well diverse city and it fosters a lot of the arts. Many college students have their own form of fashion that many won't understand. People have to understand that fashion is not made to be understood that is why it is always trending. When I drive into Pittsburgh, I love seeing men and women in the professional attire heading to work. Of course, you have some who do not follow the "Professional Colors" and those are the individuals that I like taking pictures of. You can still be professional and wear bright and loud colors.

Anything else that you'd like to add...
A little about me - I am a graduate student at Edinboro University with a focus in Student Affairs. I am a very spontaneous and I believe that my clothes can speak on that behalf.

I don't know about you, but I totally agree that loud colors can be professional! 

So I'm glad others have that opinion too - what do you guys think? 

Hope you all have a fashionable weekend!

Fashion Forward Fridays Reader Submitted: Meet Autumn!

It's always have stylish friends, and today for Fashion Forward Fridays, you're meeting one of them! I met Autumn while we worked at Victoria's Secret together and was always so jealous of how she was able to make our dress code of 90% black 10% white attire look amazing time and time again. And if you follow her style board on Pinterest, you'll easily see that she has impeccable taste, so I knew she'd be the perfect person to ask to be today's fashionista! Trust me, you'll be jealous of her too after reading her interview. She's the total package of beauty, brains (she's currently a law student), and style. After all, I only pick the best for these things, enjoy!

All photos provided by Autumn.

How would you define your style? 
Classic with a touch of glam. I usually stick to clean lines and neutrals (black, white, gray, navy, cream) and add some flair with a little bit of sparkle or unexpected color (like neon).

Where are your favorite places to shop? 
Because I am a law student, I have to spend most of my money on school instead of my wardrobe. My goal is to look expensive without actually being expensive. H&M, Urban Outfitters, and Forever 21 are places to go for trendy fun pieces that aren’t very expensive. Express, Ann Taylor Loft, and The Limited are my go to’s for classic pieces and work staples. 

Where did you get the pieces you are wearing in your pictures? 
High waisted vintage inspired shorts – Urban Outfitters
Chiffon shirt – Urban Outfitters 
Wedges – Target 
Earrings & ring – Forever 21
Handbag – Louis Vuitton 

Close up photos of Autumn's ring and earrings from Forever 21.

If someone asked you for fashion advice, what would you tell them?
Invest money on key timeless pieces like a beautiful wool coat, a pair of stilettos, or a designer handbag. These kinds of wardrobe staples never go out of style, so you won’t feel like you wasted your money.

GQ named Pittsburgh the 3rd worst dressed city - do you agree/disagree and why/why not? 
I would have to say that Pittsburghers are certainly more comfortable in a Crosby jersey as opposed to Prada, but that laid back take on fashion is exactly what makes Pittsburgh so wonderful. The unassuming casualness that people may mistake as sloppy is really just iconic Pittsburgh approachableness. 

Keep it fashionable, Pittsburgh! Happy Weekend!

Fashion Forward Fridays Reader Submitted: Meet Rachel!

Happy Friday, everyone! I have to say that I am really loving being able to feature so many readers during my time outside of city life. You guys are so awesome, thanks for helping me to carry on with Fashion Forward Fridays. Today's fashionista is Rachel, who you all should still be jealous of because she was the winner of the ModCloth and Heinz History Center giveaway back in April when Fashion Forward Fridays had it's one year anniversary and Fashion Week. I'm excited to bring you her look because I think it's so unique and I love all of the vintage and upcycled pieces. So without further ado...here's Rachel!

Close up of Rachel's bracelet and ring, from two different family members.

How would you define your style? 
My style is eclectic--- pairing classic pieces with unique, one of a kind finds. Looking like everyone else is boring! You're most likely to find me in a skirt paired with some type of fabulous accessory. Fashion should always be fun.

Where are your favorite places to shop? 
I have been patronizing flea markets, thrift stores and consignment stores with my mom forever. These are the best places to score one of a kind items at affordable prices. That being said, my favorite places in Pittsburgh are Avalon, Designer Days Boutique & Ambiance. You can even score some pretty awesome deals at Plato's Closet and Goodwill. T.J. Maxx and Marshall's are also staples.

Fashion Forward Fridays Reader Submitted: Meet Tara!

So, you know what a great feeling is as a blogger? Getting your stuff read and liked. Even if it's just by one person, it's fabulous. Since I moved, I guess word got out that I would probably be doing "reader submitted" Fashion Forward Fridays until further notice. Which is basically true and thanks to friends and friends of friends and genuine readers, I think I'm pretty set with this little segment of the blog for awhile and I so appreciate that. I love that you guys love this section of my blog so much that you're willing to get someone to take pictures of you of cute outfits and be featured. 

Admittedly, I do miss the little rush of nerves that race through my veins as I'm about to ask someone randomly on the street to be on my blog and I miss making that in-person connection through those little interviews, I do very much appreciate the emails and Facebook messages asking to be featured. Today is no different. Tara, today's fashionista, is actually a close friend to Jodi, whom I met at Jodi's birthday party. And once Jodi let her know I was accepting reader submissions for Fashion Forward Fridays, it was on. We were supposed to meet up in downtown once, but when that didn't work out, Tara still found a way to get pictures taken and email them to me, along with her interview. (Thanks, Tara!) And below, in her own words and showing off a cute and simple summer outfit, here she is...

Love these sandals!

How would you define your style? 

My style is very comfortable and affordable. I won't wear anything that I am not comfortable in. Being a post college grad, affordability is essential. I am also pretty versatile. I wear big, sparkly, studded earrings one day and then skulls the next. I try not to limit myself to one particular style or trend. 

Where are your favorite places to shop? 

I work at Target, therefore I shop a lot at Target. They have some really great affordable basics. I get my jeans from Old Navy. I love that they fit me perfectly. 

Left: Closeup of Forever 21 earrings | Right: Closeup of Tara's, Charming Charlie's necklace.

Where are the pieces of your outfit from? 

My dress and shoes are from Target. I bought them both for the summer and can't wait to wear them constantly! My necklace is from Charming Charlie's. That store is an accessory heaven and I highly recommend it. My earrings are from Forever 21, which is my favorite place to go for super cheap earrings.

What advice would you give to someone trying to amp up their style? 

Accessories. Fun earrings can do a lot for an outfit. I always try to wear a great pair of earrings every day, even if I am only going to work. Also, make sure that whatever you choose to wear, you are comfortable. There is nothing worse then getting an outfit to keep up with style trends to realize how uncomfortable it makes you feel. 

Who doesn't love a great maxi for summer?

GQ named Pittsburgh the third worst dressed city - do you agree/disagree and why/why not? 

I think that Pittsburgh gets a bad fashion rep because of our love to wear sport jerseys. For some reason people in Pittsburgh think it is okay and reasonable to wear their favorite jersey everywhere. 

 

 

True, people do think it's okay to wear jerseys everywhere. Let's try to settle down on that, shall we?

At least to nice places...and church. Anyway, Happy Friday, everyone and since the word is 

officially out now, by all means, if you'd like to be featured on Fashion Forward Fridays, or 

know of a designer, boutique or fellow Pittsburgher who should be featured, 

email me at chelsandthecity[at]gmail[dot]com and I'll get back to you asap!

 

     

Fashion Forward Fridays Reader Submitted: Meet Jodi!

What would you do without fantastic friends? Well. I wouldn't have had a fashionista for Fashion Forward Fridays to share with you today without this friend. Knowing that I would be moving and not really have time during the week, and especially not today, to find someone to feature, I called upon my trusty friend Jodi to send in to be a reader submitted fashionista. Jodi was one of my first friends I met when I moved into downtown and I love this cute and simple, kinda hipster, look she's got going on.

I emailed Jodi the questions I usually ask people on the street and since she's a writer herself and she has so much personality in her responses, I'll just let her explain her style in her own words...

Clutch made by another friend, Laura Greenawalt.

What do you consider your style to be?
I think my style is pretty relaxed. Jeans and tees have always been my go to. The kid in me will always love a good graphic tee and I also love color, so I try my best to have at least one colorful piece in my outfit.

Where are your favorite places to shop?Target. I LOVE Target..it's kind of ridiculous. I also shop at Old Navy and some online shops like ModCloth and Threadless.

Fashion Forward Fridays: Meet Ericka!

It has been beautiful in Pittsburgh this week! And beautiful weather means obviously cute outfits. I have been seeing a lot of maxi dresses with jean vests recently and have decided that it's my new favorite thing. So when I saw Ericka, I thought she would be perfect for Fashion Forward Fridays today.

Ericka in her cute look for summer in the city!

Ericka said that she thinks her style is low-key and that she just goes with the flow and whatever is appropriate for the weather and the day she has planned. She likes stores like Forever 21, Rainbow, Macy's, H&M, and Dots. And she suggests that everyone should dress for their body type, that everyone looks best in what actually fits their body. She also said that she disagrees with the third-worst-dressed listing that GQ gave to Pittsburgh because she is from Pittsburgh and sees all kinds of great fashions from different people. So, if you see me, you'll probably soon see me copying a look like this from Ericka and I hope that all of you have a fantastic weekend!

Fashion Forward Fridays: Meet Jeana & John!

Hello fashion fans! Today you are in for a treat because I have TWO people to feature for Fashion Forward Fridays. I had a free afternoon yesterday so I made my way up to the lookout area of Mt. Washington to take a few pictures of the city. But while I was there, I saw Jeana and John and could not pass them up for Fashion Forward Fridays.

John & Jeana - great shoes & tans.

They were just too adorable together and were in bright colors that it really made me want to feature them and have both of them be in this post. It's not all the time that you see an equally fashionable couple. And although Jeana was actually just coming to the area to visit John, a Moon Township native, they're clearly both fashionable and allowed to be featured.

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!

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...

Celebrating a Year of Fashion Forward Fridays with a Giveaway

If you've been around these parts for awhile, you know that Fashion Forward Fridays is not only my baby but pretty much every one's favorite part about this blog. (Or at least that's what I hear about the most.) The first ever fashionista, Carly, was found randomly walking through PPG Place, one year ago and to be honest, I remember every bit of that day to the finest details. Mostly because I was scared out of my mind that 1) I wouldn't be able to find anyone, and 2) People would never go for this idea because it's kind of weird for a stranger to want to take your picture and put you on the Internet.

But people haven't told me it's weird yet, so I guess I'll keep on truckin! To celebrate one year of doing my best to stop random strangers and talk about fashion with them and prove to GQ that Pittsburgh is a fashionable city, even though they've named us the third-worst-dressed city, I'm bringing you lovely readers a week of fashionista's and, of course, a giveaway!

I've selected FIVE local Pittsburgh fashion bloggers to bring to you each day of this week leading up to the first anniversary of Fashion Forward Fridays (this Friday) and top it off with a giveaway coming to you from ModCloth and Heinz History Center! So sit back, read up, and enter your butts off in this giveaway.

If you win, you will receive two tickets to the ModStylists of ModCloth's '60's Fashion Show on Friday, April 12th AND two tickets to Heinz History Center's Pittsburgh Vintage Mixer...this is a $90 value and pretty much a super sweet prize and I welcome you to check out the event page on Facebook and/or the History Center's website to see what is going on and any updates. I could think of no better way to celebrate!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fashion Forward Fridays: Meet Shannon!

Hello fashion lovers! For today's Fashion Forward Fridays, you're in for a treat. I love this girl's style and how she pushes the envelope (who even knows what that means) on work attire. Shannon shows that you can be classy and still have fun with your office-wear. And come on who doesn't love that?

Bold style: These rings from Forever21 add just the right amount of edge.

Fashion Forward Fridays: Meet Christy!

Last semester, when I met Christy for the first time, I was so jealous of how effortlessly she was able to pull different pieces together to create such classic looks. We had a design class together and she was fabulous at creating projects and fabulous looking, even if she showed up in sweats. I hate girls like that, but it's hard not to like Christy because she's so personable and expressive. So when I walked into night class on Thursday for the first time this semester for another design class, I was so excited to see a familiar face and that face be hers. I also was so relieved to see that she was, of course, dressed in a simple yet classy outfit so I could feature her for Fashion Forward Fridays.

Christy in the lobby of Academic Hall at Point Park University.

Fashion Forward Fridays: Meet David!

After I have been pulling all-nighters and working hard all week for my grad school classes, it has finally taken it's toll. And today, when I woke up with a severe sore throat and no desire to find a fashionista/o I texted MJ to find one for me. So nice to have good help! I told him which questions to ask and how to take the photos and my little helper did a bang-up job. And of course, he picked a fashionisto, because he thinks Fashion Forward Fridays lacks men, which is true.

David in his office, wearing the causal/professional attire.

David is an Admissions counselor at Robert Morris University and the lead singer and guitar player for the band Identity X and he has a clear sense of style. While he likes to shop at places like Express, Marshall's and Macy's, he considers his style to be casually professional. As he is clearly doing in today's outfit, he says that mixing patterns is a way to amp up your personal style. (I agree!) David says that although he thinks it's now okay to do this mixing of patterns because it is currently on trend, but he thinks that you should not mix patterns of similar shapes, like argyle and checks because it's too much of the same thing.

Mixing argyle and stripes - great trend for guys (and girls!)

He also said something that I don't think anyone could ever stress enough. David said that he never wears a full outfit from one store and that the real key to finding your own style is finding the right pieces from different places and brands and bringing them together for one clean, unique and cohesive look. He also mentions that tailoring is a must and makes a huge difference.

As for Pittsburgh being the third-worst dressed city, according to GQ, he thinks that Pittsburgh does have some of the worst-dressed people, but the city as a whole is actually pretty trendy. So just a few bad apples ruining our bushel. Let's fix that, Pittsburgh! Happy Weekend!