Fashion Forward Fridays: ShoeDiva Boutique & SIP SHOP SHOES

Honestly, where have I been with blogging recently? This is a serious promise that I'll be back with it and I just need you guys to hold tight while I get some of my plans in motion to make Chels & the City better. In the meantime, I could not pass up the opportunity to bring you a short interview from shoe designer, Janelle Cutler, the owner of ShoeDIVA Boutique. If you know me, you know shoes are my #1 obsession. Next Sunday, November 24th, Janelle, and the fabulousness that is the ShoeDIVA collection, will be hitting Pittsburgh in an event called SIP. SHOP. SHOES. that you do not want to miss. Details of the event are below, but here's your Fashion Forward Fridays inside peek at what to expect from this unique collection!

How would you describe the Shoe Diva collection?
I describe ShoeDIVA's shoe collection as stylish and flashy. They stand out and draw let's of attention to the feet of our divas!

Guest Post: Ashley from A Dash of Spectacular

Hope you all are enjoying this perfect, between summer and fall weather and perhaps thinking of being outside in it to enjoy it even more. Today's guest post is Ashley from A Dash of Spectacular and she's talking about biking in the 'burgh! Ashley is a Texas transplat to Pittsburgh and I really enjoy reading her blog and seeing how she enjoys discovering the city and all the new things she discovers on her adventures. Read about biking here and then check out her blog for a whole lot more!

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Beginner Biking in Pittsburgh

Hi, y’all! This is Ashley from A Dash of Spectacular, and I’d love to chat with you readers about biking in and around this lovely city. 

• Don’t have a bike? That’s ok, we’ll get you set up. Read on.  
• Missed Bikefest 2013 in August or any other fun cycle-centric events the city puts on? No worries, it’s always prime time for bike talk. 

It’s such a great way to get some exercise and see PGH at the same time. 

I am a new cyclist {a fancy term for biker}, having just bought my first bike in May of this year.  I’d always loved riding my bike as a kid, but fell out of habit when I grew out of my ‘kid-sized bike’ around middle school.  The pink-and-white streamers on my handlebars were really cramping my style. I should have stuck with it, because I am falling back in love with cycling!  You don’t need an expensive bike to enjoy cycling – just pick something you’re comfortable with, and several spots around town have bike rentals {I’ve heard good things about Golden Bike Rentals and Bicycle Heaven}, and I hear there is going to be a Bike Share program soon.

The Happy Day. I know I’m reppin' the wrong city, but I’m biking here nonetheless!

As a novice cyclist, I’m getting to know all of the gorgeous spots to bike here in Pittsburgh.  For example, a few weekends ago I took a breezy, 10-mile ride down Beechwood Blvd., through Squirrel Hill, and back up to my apartment in Shadyside. Beechwood is super safe and lined with bike lanes. I have a few photos of this ride on my blog post from 8/22, if you need a view to convince you.  If you’re already a cyclist, I’d love to hear about some of your favorites routes! I’ll be taking notes.

If you are brave, the city itself has lots of bikes lanes.  If you’re not satisfied with the ‘beta’ bike trails on Google Maps {the little green squiggles}, Bike PGH offers maps of the aforementioned local trails to get you started, so if you see one of these:

Pick it up!! Or, you can download one here. Take some time and grab your groceries for the evening or pick up your RedBox movie while on your bike. A couple times of doing the errands by bike and you’ll be a master at PGH’s bike routes.

If you don’t want to brave the streets of PGH {potholes and all}, then a trail might be your best bet.  More well-known, paved or packed dirt routes include the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, Southside Trail, the Frick Park trails, and of course, the granddaddy of them all, the Great Allegheny Passage, which eventually leads to Washington, D.C.  It’s more than 300 miles! That one’s going on my bucket list. 

All of the trails are ready for any level cyclist, from beginner to advanced. Once you have basic knowledge of bike maintenance, tire repair and safety {all of which you can get from any of the bike shops in town}, you’ll be set for an adventure. I’ve found that you just have to get yourself out there! 

Do you have any cycling questions? I’ll add them to my ‘beginner’ list and be posting more soon over on my blog, A Dash of Spectacular. I hope to see you out biking PGH with me! 

Guest Post: DuffyDossier

A recent Pittsburgh blogging friend of mine, Alex of DuffyDossier is today's featured guest post as I still get settled into my new job - I'm excited to have her here today to give all of you the ins and outs of great vintage shopping in the 'burgh. Trust me, this girl knows her stuff! Hope you enjoy her post!

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DuffyDossier is Pittsburgh born and raised.

The lovely Miss Alex of DuffyDossier - photo provided by Alex.

Here we go, gals. It’s time to talk about the nitty gritty of Pittsburgh Resale Shops. DuffyDossier is going to get down and dirty with all the epic details. I’ll give you an inside look into which Pittsburgh resale shops to frequent and which ones to stay far away, (and on the other side of the street) from. We’ll cover which shop owners know their way around resale, and which ones don’t. And of course, this post will talk about the tremendous Pittsburgh vintage selection.

Since taking on the responsibility of ‘Miss Vintage Pittsburgh’, I’ve had my fair share of resale/consignment/vintage shopping experiences here in the ‘Burgh. My first rendezvous at a resale shop began one year ago when I stumbled upon The Clothes Horse on Beverly Road.

Miss Judy sitting behind her glass counter full of jewels greeted me with a smile and personal introduction! Immediately, I admitted to her that I’d never been to a resale shop before, and that I was in need of some assistance.

Judy began by showing me around her shop and then she gave me the ins-and-outs of consignment. She explained how she gets her clothes, how often she gets them, her regular consignment junkies, how she prices items, their self life … etc.

Without that initial understanding of the ‘whats, who's, whys, and hows’ of consignment shopping I may never have been able to grasp what it takes to actually be a great resale shop. Since Judy’s consignment finishing school 101, I’ve been able to critique every resale shop in Pittsburgh on this side of the Mon River.

The Pittsburgh South Side

We all know and love the South Side of Pittsburgh, home to many boozy & woozy college kids after hours, but a GREAT location for consignment, and in particular, vintage shopping! 

Stores you NEED to try out in the South Side:

Luxx, Clothing and Hair Salon. First of all, GFs, this shop is both a hair saloon and vintage reseller … can you say #chictodeath? Second of all, the chic in charge knows how to put on a shoe display. Luxx is by far the best consignment shop for vintage shoes! The shoes in this shop are colorful, diverse, name-brand, and mod. The selection Luxx has going on right now is comparative to Steve Madden and Vince Camuot’s 2013 shoe lines.   

The Pittsburgh South Hills

Since I myself, am a PGH south hills resident, I know my way around consigning town. Here are a few shops that are a must-see!

TheSavvy Fox of Mt. Lebanon. And, boy …is she savvy! The shop recently moved its doors to a new location on Greentree road and also has another location in Peters Township. I was able to find some splendid work attire. Profesh & appropriate styles from Asos, various Macy’s brands, and Calvin Klien …just to name a few!

GladRaggs Boutique of Upper Saint Clair. This little shop used to be an old car garage, so it gets drafty in the winter! So, bring your duck-down coat and prepare because you’ll want to stop in no matter the weather. They boast a petite selection worth all your shivers!

Shady Side, Pittsburgh

Shady side has more than just the shops on Walnut Street! It’s one of my favorite little neighborhoods in Pittsburgh.

EonsFashion Antique. Down a ways, on Elmsworth Avenue, Eons Fashion antique is stacked with Vintage. (I’m not kidding, they have hat boxes piled so high they reach the ceiling) Eons appropriately dubs themselves, ‘fashion antique’ store for good reason. The entire store boasts clothing from all vintage eras, 90s and beyond. Their selection is stitched to perfection and made the way clothes used to be made  …with careful, nimble fingers.

And now, a little bit about me, Alex Duffy of DuffyDossier. Since agreeing to write for Chelsea’s ‘Chels and the City’ Pittsburgh blog, I had to start asking myself the hard-hitting questions, why do I blog? And, what is my favorite thing about Pittsburgh?

Why do I blog? Hmm… that’s a question with many answers! Since I know you don’t have all day, I will sum it up in a few words… I blog because I am creative. It took me 23 years to realize the depth of my creativity and all of my friends telling me I possessed style. So, I got to thinking, ‘Alex, what can you do that encompasses both your creativity and your style?’ The answer: blog, blog and more blogging! …blogging is always the answer.

What is my favorite thing about Pittsburgh? Pittsburgh people. I travel a lot in my free time. Hoping around from place to place, you begin to realize how valuable a genuine smile and a happy ‘hello!’ from strangers. The people Pittsburgh has are what makes Pittsburgh a happy home for me and my family.

Be sure to check out Alex of DuffyDossier on Pinterest, Twitter & Instagram as well!

Pittsburgh Weekend Staycation: July 19-21

Everyone knows that summer means a time to relax and possibly take a vacation, but if you're like anyone else these days, you're also looking for a way to save money. So a lucrative vacation might not be your scene right now, but here's a way to still have a great time "away from home" while staying right here in Pittsburgh.

I've made a little roundup of fun activities for anyone in the area who wants a mini-vacation but still wants to get away. To get the full effect, I suggest you splurge on a two-night stay at any of the great hotels around the 'burgh and take on the activities in this list, especially tailored for this weekend. Get packing, the fun starts after you get off work tomorrow!

Skybar: though I have yet to be there, I cannot wait to go at some point this summer! Photo credit.

Friday Evening: 

Check into your hotel and head out the door for dinner and a little fun at the Rivers Casino. With five wonderful, trust me I've tried them, restaurants to choose from and plenty of slots and table games for you to play, you're sure to start your evening off right and instantly feel like you're on vacation. But don't stay too long because you want to be able to head down to the Southside to check out Skybar, Pittsburgh's only rooftop pool and lounge. Seriously, how big city of us to have a rooftop pool bar.

Saturday Morning/Afternoon: 

Where else would you want to spend a Saturday in the summer besides Kennywood? 

Ride the Phantom's Revenge, take the Pittsburg* Plunge, and for all things great and beautiful, eat some Potato Patch Fries!

*Pittsburgh was spelled without the 'h' circa 1890 - 1911 so the Plunge still takes that spelling.

Cinema in the Park: various parks around Pittsburgh, but the one mentioned is happening this weekend. Photo credit

Saturday Evening: 

Get a prime view of the city while snuggled up to your friends on a blanket while watching 

Rise of The Guardians at Cinema in the Park at Grandview Park on Mt. Washington.

Sunday Morning: 

Wake up early and head to Schenley Park for the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix. 

The parade and opening ceremony starts at 11am and at noon watch those cars fly! 

The newest addition to the Gateway Clipper Fleet, the Queen! Photo credit.

Sunday Afternoon: 

What better way to end your time in the city than by touring through it on the Gateway Clipper? 

See all the sites from the upper deck of one of their one-hour sightseeing cruises and reminisce about your greatly packed, Pittsburgh weekend!

Whatever you do this weekend make it fun and think about keeping it in Pittsburgh!

Craving Burgers & Beer?

Sometimes (not often) I just have a craving for Fat Head's. Thankfully, it was like my brother knew this and when he was making lunch, made me a hamburger and although not as good as Fat Head's, it was good enough to fill the void of red meat in my life. Fat Head's in South Side is, surprisingly, one of my favorite places to go in the city. I'm not a big fan of red meat, but when I'm craving it, look out. They also have a huge selection of beers, being a brewery and all, and while I'm not usually a beer fan, they have a big enough variety for me to find one that's good enough for me. (Read: girly enough for me.)

While the brewery is actually located in Cleveland, I'll admit in this case, that city is good for one thing. The last time I went was during my "last" week in Pittsburgh with a couple of friends before heading to the AcoutstiCafe at Club Cafe with my brother and I found my perfect meal combination of the Kelsey Burger (topped with a pierogie), fries and an Rivertowne Babbling Blonde, this meal in general screams Pittsburgh and girly, it should be called the Chelsea Combo, but I'm not too sure how Kelsey would feel about that.

What I love most about this place is the atmosphere though, especially the outside porch space. If it wasn't so rainy in Pittsburgh these days, I'd suggest going and requesting the "Chelsea Combo" and a seat outside, but instead, just order it inside and then later in the summer when it's beautiful out you can crave this combo and head outdoors.

Fashion Forward Fridays: Highway Robbery!

Fear not about me not doing Fashion Forward Fridays anymore just because I don't live downtown anymore, I planned ahead for you guys. Like a real blogger! Anyway, today I am featuring a little vintage shop on Carson Street that I've had a crush on for awhile. Highway Robbery.

Highway Robbery features both women's and men's vintage items and while the women's collection is more expansive, the men's seem to hold the attention of a male just long enough before the "I'm bored of shopping" nerve kicks into their system. This is a proven fact, since I've only ever gone in there with a guy friend with me and they all start to wander aimlessly at about the same time.

Kate Colussy, the owner of Highway Robbery calls this, and her style, Vintage Casual, and Kate has the fashion background to know what's up. She's worked in everything from retail to styling for movies and now, Highway Robbery. This store is just what you're looking for if current trends with bold vintage statements is your style. Or you could wear vintage all over, but the pieces in this store make a statement, so wear them with confidence!

Highway Robbery

Price:

$$

(Moderate & up)

Location:

1411 E. Carson Street, Pittsburgh

Store Hours:

Monday - Saturday: 12pm - 8pm

Sunday : 12pm - 5pm

Monday Nights at Club Cafe

Club Cafe - located at 56 South 12th Street in the South Side

If you've been reading my blog for awhile, you know that my brother, Eric, is a music man. Last Tuesday, he talked me into joining him at one of his weekly outings and we went to Club Cafe (one of my favorite Pittsburgh bars) for AcoustiCafe. Which is a weekly open mic for local musicians. And although, I like to sing and am considered the more extroverted sibling, I could never, ever, ever see myself participating in an open mic night, but Eric does it pretty much every week! Guts, man.

We stayed for almost all of the acts last Tuesday, only heading home early because I was still deep into packing mode, and I have to say, as always, I am so impressed by the talented people of this city. Although AcoustiCafe is usually on Monday nights, because it was Memorial Day last Monday, they moved it to Tuesday and had the theme of "Things that make Jocelyn happy" since Jocelyn is one of the main bartenders and it was her birthday.

Eric singing & supporting the Pirates at the same time!

Broken Fences just back from their European tour.

Jimbo Jackson & the house band. Love me a soulful male singer. (Why do you think I date MJ?)

Overall, great event. Great vibe and drinks as always at Club Cafe and I suggest you check it out, since what do you have better to do on a Monday night? Although I will warn you, if you are not participating, you will possibly more than likely feel like an American Idol judge. Or, at least I did. With Eric, of course being the clear winner and Broken Fences and Jimbo Jackson coming in super close runner-up positions.

My "last" Pittsburgh weekend

I am one for the (over) dramatics. If you didn't know that by now. But as I have hinted at recently on Facebook and Twitter, I am moving soon. My lease (which I have held for two years now) is over on the 31st. And since this building only rents to students and I am no longer, I am giving up this prime location in downtown and moving back in with my parents to save up some money while I start my career. I haven't lived with my parents for longer than a week since I moved out six years ago to start my undergrad at Seton Hill...wow.

Since my brother is graduating with his master's degree on Friday, I plan to be out of here on Thursday so we can just enjoy his day. So this past weekend was my "last" Pittsburgh weekend. And it was fantastic! Thankfully, I had off everyday this weekend so I could really enjoy it, too! (I say last in quotations by the way, because it is silly to say I'll never be back, my parents do not live far from Pittsburgh and yes, I still plan on keeping up with blogging since I will be back fairly often.)

Here's a look at what happened during this wonderful weekend:

Friday - My beautiful friend Heather and I headed to Station Square for a late dinner and drinks to kick off the weekend! We stopped at Houlihan's first for yummy pulled pork sliders and fries and half prices mojitos. Then we realized we were the only locals and the only people under 30, so we headed to a "lesser known" place that is technically called Dirty Hairy's but that everyone really calls Ref's (is it's old name). Which is much more local bar scene and one of our favorite places.

Neapolitan style restaurant in Market Square.

Saturday - Sleeping in for the first time in months (!!!!!!!) and then MJ surprised me by sending me on a mini- scavenger hunt to figure out where we were going to have dinner. Which I assumed from the start was Il Pizzaiolo, a new restaurant in Market Square, where his friend Spencer works. You can bet your bottom dollar that you will soon see a review about this place because it was fabulous! Then we just soaked in each others awesomeness (10 points if you can name the movie I stole that line from) and walked around downtown for a bit, and hung out in my apartment talking for awhile. And then we took a drive around town until we decided we were hungry again and of course, agreed on Eat 'n Park's midnight breakfast buffet in Squirrel Hill.

Hot Metal Bridge Faith Community - logo on one of the church's windows.

Sunday - Eric and I went to church at Hot Metal, as usual. It was PACKED since it was the first week for summer service, meaning only one service per Sunday, instead of the usual two. So many people that it was standing room only. And I was sad that this will be our last service there for awhile, since this church is just indescribably awesome. Afterwards though, we went out for lunch in Aspinwall to use our Chili's gift cards and saw a flea market, so we stopped there on our way back into the city and found some great deals, even though most people were packing up by the time we got there. Eric and I both snagged some vinyl and I also got a great vintage purse and two bracelets.

My flea market finds - vintage purse, Queen Elizabeth coin bracelet, wooden beads bracelet, Frank Sinatra record.

Monday - Appreciation of the freedom we have thanks to those who served and continue to serve our beautiful country and the packing of my apartment went into overdrive and mostly everything is packed up and sorted by now.

I plan on tackling the last bits of my room and the kitchen today, and I should be all done. And later tonight, I am heading to the South Side for dinner with a couple friends and to see Eric perform at an open mic night...the adventure just never stops in the city.

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.)

Valentine's by Neighborhood

Wow. Have I been busy. Thank you to everyone who sent their well-wishes after my "blogiversary" post, I appreciate you sticking around even though for the past week I haven't really given you a reason to do so. Anyway, besides that back and forth temps, something else is in the air in Pittsburgh. Love. With tomorrow being Valentine's Day and this weekend practically dedicated to the colors red and pink, for you last minute planners, here's some idea for you. And since I will never be able to top the greatest Valentine's Day date ideas that I posted last year....so this year, lets do it by neighborhood, not love languages. (Though I still believe they are the key to knowing anyone in your life and how to love them properly.)

First up...as always, Downtown. I'm in love with downtown, you obviously already know this. But I want you to be able to fall in love more with your Valentine this weekend so I suggest coming down for one of the many shows going on. My top picks for Valentine's Day are You Say Tomato, I Say Shut Up! and Moulin Rouge - The Ballet. You Say Tomato is going on at the CLO Cabaret and is about a couple, with 10 years of marriage under their belts, who have just come to that point in their love life. People Magazine called this show "laugh out loud funny" so I'm sure it'll be a treat for you and your love. Or also downtown, Moulin Rouge - The Ballet is going on at the Benedum Center, which is a beautiful, artistic twist to a classic love story. Make sure that if you attend either of these shows, you also get in a lovely meal. One of my personal favorites is Six Penn, it happens to be right between these two venues as well. I'd suggest the salmon, because it's to die for and also "lent-friendly" if that's your thing too.

Living Pretty in the City

 This is a partnered post but all opinions are my own.

 

As you have probably figured out, I am in love with Pittsburgh. More so now that I live here too. I am living the dream here, although that is probably the most cheesy statement I have ever made. So when I was approached to talk about why people should follow the trend and move to Pittsburgh, I was more than happy to say yes.

Personally, I am living downtown, which is right for me at this time, but I know not right for everyone. But that's the great thing about Pittsburgh, each one of the many neighborhoods has it's own style and vibe to it, so anywhere here can easily become home for you. A way to find out which one would fit you best would be to visit, talk to the locals and actually spend the day in the neighborhood but I understand if you don't have that kind of time. An easy way to find out where you might fit best is through Pittsburgh City Living, and their Neighborhood Match. For me it was very accurate, and listed downtown, South Side and Lawrenceville as places where I would probably be the most interested in living. Spot on. Those are the three areas I am looking at for my next apartment and that is based on really knowing the areas, so if you're thinking of moving here, the match can be helpful.

See this infographic larger, in detail at Heartland Homes.

Although the suburb areas around Pittsburgh have a consistent growth, more people have been coming to live in the city as well. WQED recently aired a special about how growth in the city has been going. This interest in moving to the city is focused on young adults ages 20-29 who are coming to Pittsburgh for proximity to work, livability, and entertainment. For me, those are all the top reasons as well. Proximity to work and school was the reason I moved downtown after deciding on going to Point Park for my master's degree. It is convenient to be able to walk to work, school, shops and restaurants. Just imagine what it's like to not have to worry about parking or traffic. Sigh. So wonderful.

Entertainment is obvious in this city, whether you're a sports fan, music or history buff, theater lover, club hopper, outdoor adventurer, shopaholic...the list goes on, you will not tire of what this city has to offer. And as for livability has become known as the cost of living, variety of living and cultural opportunities and crime rate, and Pittsburgh has been rated the 2nd most livable city in the United States (30th in the world) for a few years running. (That's a big deal, you should live here!)

And I know some of you Debbie-Downers might be saying that this is all nice but that Pittsburgh comes with a high price tag. Well, Debbie's, any place this fabulous should, but Pittsburgh is actually below average in price. The average Pittsburgh home is $162,000 which is below the national average of $264,540 and apartments average at about $789 per month as opposed to the average of $1,087 elsewhere. (And for the record, I have seen great places for far less than that average too.)

But trust me, wherever you live in this city, the experience of living in the "no longer sleepy steel city" will be more than worth what you pay for it. This place is an experience in itself, live here and you'll understand what you've been missing out on and what you can look forward to. This is an exciting time to be living in Pittsburgh. The city is going through a beautiful Renaissance and I, like many other locals encourage you to join in on what we already know. Pittsburgh is the place to be.