10 Awesome Things About Cleveland Fashion

1. You can wear really high heels and not have to worry about catching a cab because we can drive everywhere
2. You can wear tennis shoes out on a Saturday night and no one will think that's weird - especially if it's on a candy run to Giant Eagle... maybe that's just my friends
3. The cold weather most of the year means you can have a wardrobe full of cozy sweaters
4. We have the high-end Saks dept store from Fifth Avenue NYC...
5. ...but we also have 12 Gaps in the metro area
6. Ultimate fashionista Halle Barry is from here!
7. We have closets in our bedrooms instead of a bedroom that is a closet (thanks NYC)
8. If you spend the weekend in a Browns hoodie, you will make 5+ new friends :)
9. We have Virginia Marti College and Kent State which are some of the top ranked fashion schools in the country
10. We don't discriminate on size - Our dream guys is 6'8" and 250+ pounds (Lebron!)

Best Accessories for Cleveland

When I lived in New York I had to bob through crowded streets of people everyday to get to the subway, work, or run to the drugstore on the corner. Inevitably it would start to drain on me and my goal would be to look down and push through as quickly as possible. Every once in a while the universe would send me a sign that it's time to stop and smell the roses as a passerby would sport one of these Cleveland accessories and it instantly made me smile. 

Cheap Thrills: The White Tee

I think most of us have had a gig in the retail industry, I started at Ann Taylor Westgate... Westgate remember that precious empty mall? Then I went on to trendier pastures and joined the Gap inc. community through Banana Republic. While at BR I used my discount to get all sorts of business woman clothing I thought I would need one day but the ultimate style piece that I went for to dress down puffy ballroom skirts, simplify jeans, scarf and heels, or to wear under a wool sweater in the winter was their white cotton tee. The perfect thickness of cotton, the long not-too-boxy shape, and the sleeve that hits at the most flattering part of your arm. It comes out of the dryer ready to go without ironing and 2/$35 is a pretty price point for all of the ways you'll wear it.

Finally: The September Issue!

The much awaited Cleveland showing of the September Issue begins tonight at the Cedar Lee!! I can't wait to see the Devil herself in action. 

See trailer below:

The September Issue

Coventry Style Barometer Today: Peaceful with a side of love and Happiness

Room Makeover is a Breeze

The dj's on 96.5 announced that yesterday was the last official day of summer. I love the fall but I know we will quickly be in the grey days/cabin fever of winter (which last forever here!) I decided to make a plan to combat the overcast and picked up a fresh can of "Open Air" paint from Sherwin Williams on S. Taylor and Cedar. Painting with the help of some random furniture from my single days helped me turn a forgotten space into a guest room that is "Stay-cation" worthy!

La Bella Figura

There's too much to say about Little Italy's awesomeness so I'll tailor it to one thought: Cannoli's and Vintage on the same block....

Christine's Vintage Shop
12403 Mayfield Rd
216-791-2474
Check out the vintage hats and accessories

Presti's Bakery & Cafe
12101 Mayfield Rd.
216-421-9463
Check out the pecan sticky rolls

Style Statement: A Classic Silk Scarf

I was lucky enough to venture to Paris a few weeks ago on my honeymoon and spent more time taking notes on the street style of the rive gauche than standing in line at the Louvre. One common denominator of French fashion is the use of a classic silk scarf. They wear it every which way, each look more chic than the last. I scored a great Hermes vintage one on a stroll through shops in St. Germain but spotted a pretty great rival for it in the window of Talbot's, Legacy Village for $54! Tres bien!

Disenchanted Youth = Key to Style Success

When my husband and I were trying to find a neighborhood to call home I was determined to look into areas outside of the 5 mile radius around my beloved family house in Bay Village. I even ventured from gasp - West to East! Some people in Cleveland think the invisible fence makes this impossible but when we stumbled about Coventry Road I was completely hooked. I had been living in the Alphabet City section of Manhattan; ABC style is marked by Ramones t-shirts and converse, on 4 year olds, and an anything goes mentality. While strolling on the Cov and sipping a Phoenix coffee the ultimate sign hit me over the head with it's perfection - American Apparel. While metallic leggings aren't always in my daily line up, I feel this retailer searches for locations that have the coolness-factor to appreciate their saucy ad images and hip window displays. I have found a comfort zone among the disenchanted youth on the street knowing that if I wake up one day and want to wear leg warmers with a spandex leotard - I should do it with my head held high!

Cheap Thrills: Braided Headband

I love the Oscar de la Renta lady - always chic and put together. I was inspired to see him trade in his sleek chignon updo's for this thick braided look in the Spring '10 collection. I think Sasha Pivovarova is a total babe and can pull off this look but for something less difficult to mimic I love this H&M headband I picked up for $3.50 at Crocker Park in Westlake. You might notice Ms. Sasha's face on the ads in the store too - turns out everyone likes to mix high & low, even supermodels!

The New York Times!

How convenient that the city I left is praising my own hometown, Cleveland OH! Below is a link to the New York Times Travel section this weekend discussing hot spots for 36 hours in Cleveland. Knowing what a pain it is to get to Laguardia or on a very unlucky trip Newark airport - it really means a lot that New Yorkers would make the trip to our stylish 'hood! Cleveland in the New York Times

Ruffle Confections

A big day today - shopping at the Westside Market! I hadn't been since my 6th grade field trip but I have been missing a lot! Personal favorite was the chocolate cake that I dare say was channeling Valentino's latest it-bag.