Terminal State of Mind

Have you guys heard this song? It's to the tune of Jay Z's "Empire State of Mind" but "Terminal State of Mind" after our Terminal tower and it is a tribute to the Imperial Massacre. East Cleveland has a long way to go but after some of the renovations in other Cleveland neighborhoods maybe we can see this change as well.  Artists HusMoney's Cj & Skent Dukes, MGK, and Bravo

Mad End

I'm so sad that Mad Men Season 3 has come to a close - and what an ending last night! The best part of the show is that each scene looks like a beautiful photograph. Below are the highlight images of the season. Visit the full photo gallery on amc.com.

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Cleveland Man of Style

Last night was my first Cavs game of the season. We lost by one (totally unfair call at the end) but I had such a great time. I love how the biggest super star in sports is right here in Cleveland. Jeremy Piven was even in the audience watching (random?) Below is a pic of Lebron at a Gucci party in NYC and on the cover of Vogue last year. What a dream boat!

Gucci Party

With Giselle in Vogue

Online Shopping

For some reason a lot of my friends and family were born in November and then all of December is holiday time. For these two months I feel like I'm even more dependent on some very special bargain hunting sites either for presents or a treat to myself for being generous! Here's the line up:

#1. Gilt Group. This is an online sample sale, it begins at 12:00 everyday and the designers are all posted. (Christian Louboutin sample sale I couldn't get on until 12:30 but for most it's instant) if you like it and it's in your size, put it in "your cart" and it will be held for 10 minutes while you think about it. Use my invitation to get started: Gilt

Fall '09 Catherine Malandrino - Her Gilt sale starts today at noon

#2. Rue-la-la. Similar to Gilt not quite as good but still has high end designers. Seems to be more accessories driven. Another invite for you: Rue la la 

Tibi Sale Today on Rue la la

#3. Shop it to me. You enter your sizes and favorite brands and it delivers the cutest pieces to you inbox daily from every online site that has what you're looking for in the best price. Click here to start

Shop-it-to-me found me this great Nanette Lepore top on sale at Saks

#4. Ebay. If not to buy then to re-sell your old things so you can get more spending money!

 

A Good Sole

Last week I was bargain hunting at Nordstrom Rack and a helpful sales associate told me some great news - a Cole Haan truck had delivered a giant box of a variety of regular and Nike Air collection shoes - "it's amazing" she said, "they made us mark all of them $49.90 no matter what their original price was and most were around $200-$300" (in my head) this is the best sales associate ever "I bought all of the size 8's that came in because it was such a great price" size 8 me, this is the worst sales associate ever!! As each aisle was filled with cute shoes minus my lucky number I stumbled upon a pair of 7 1/2 perfect flat black boots - still full price at the main store in chocolate shown. I went for it but made a stop at Coventry Shoe and Leather and had them stretched out to be like a custom boot for me for only $7! My sole is at peace :) Check out the sale and visit Coventry Shoe & Leather 2806 Mayfield Rd (216) 932-1836


Sale Note: Nordstrom Half Yearly sale starts on line and in stores today too!

Shop Talk: Audrey's Sweet Threads, Eton Place

Every time I read the style section in the Plain Dealer there is something listed from Audrey's Sweet Threads. I wanted to find out their secret for myself so I interviewed the Audrey Bergrin about this trendy shop:

1. Tell me about your store and how you decided to open the boutique?

About 15 years ago Sweet Threads started as a store geared for junior girls.  As time went by our customers grew up and had new needs that weren't being satisfied.  As women saw style magazines and couldn't express their own styles with some of the stores in the area, Sweet Threads became "Audrey's Sweet Threads"  (We didn't want to lose our good name and reputation but because we were catering to a new customer we had to tweek it a little).


2. Do you look to any celebrities or style icons for inspiration on the clothing you carry or the trends in fashion magazines?

"Audrey's", even though the owner is Audrey, was mostly inspired by the style and grace of the woman she was named after, Audrey Hepburn.

3. Who is the Sweet Threads customer?

The Sweet Threads customer is any woman between the sizes of  0 and 14 that wants someone to broaden her fashion range.  She is more comfortable in a smaller, more manageable venue with associates that can not only suggest selections that would be perfect for any time but will be happy to fit and tailor these items to the customers' satisfaction.  We definitely aim to please!

4. What do you like about the style in Cleveland?
Women in Cleveland will take the dominant styles they see in the media and make them livable for a midwest lifestyle.  They are realistically fashion-saavy and we hope to provide the way for them to express themselves.


5. Which trends did you skip this season and which are you loving? (Ie. Balmain inspired jackets, Balenciaga draping, acid wash denim)

Our customers do not like puff sleeves and too many ruffles.  We listen.  We still offer some, since the trends can be represented in a very subtle way but we skip most of the fussier styles that don't fly in Cleveland!

Keep checking their website for upcoming events at: www.audreyssweetthreads.com


In the store now:

Great Art Deco Dress by Yoana Baraschi

Basics from Avenue Montaigne

Fun Party Dress also from Yoana Baraschi

Chelseas (aka Candy Land for vintage!)

For my Betty Draper costume this weekend I got to visit Chelsea's - A nondescript brick building, a few tables of props by the door and then a sign "Vintage straight ahead" - alas - aisles and aisles of amazing vintage clothing separated by decade, kind (lbd), and size, enough to make Rachel Zoe "lit-rilly die". Most dresses between $25 - $35. My dress here was $25 but had some rips so the owner sewed it up for me on the spot. Happy hunting! Chelsea's Vintage 1412 W 116th St, Cleveland (216) 226-9147

Inspiration:

Me in my $25 find:

A better costume

First, sorry about the late post yesterday, my computer wasn't loading pictures properly but I think we're back on track!

So - I'm not much of a Halloween costume person (witches, ghosts, why look bad for any reason besides waking up late or having the flu?) Instead I'm posting my favorite costume jewelry for the season with a focus on statement necklaces. Let's dress up everyday with these pieces even after October 31!

Coiled Bib Necklace Banana Republic $150

 

Love Rachel Roy $55

 

Scattered Seeds Necklace Anthropologie $45

  

Crystal Supernova J.Crew $128

 

Jeweled Garland Bracelet J.Crew $95

 

Disco Fever ring - awesome New Years! Kate Spade $125

 

Park Ave Pearls Kate Spade $45

 

The look for way less

I was reading InStyle this month and had to stop to look at their boyfriend cardigan outfit. Sometimes with long vests and cardigans I get stuck making them look kind of hipster or casual. I loved the way they made this piece work for business casual instead. They recommend getting an inexpensive Ralph Lauren cardigan for $195 and pairing it with a silk blouse, black pants, and a black belt. I was so excited when I found the almost identical cardigan (down to the buttons) at White House Black Market for $29.99! (It's marked $39 but rings up lower). I styled my mom with a blouse, pant, and belt she already owned. Voila!

Analyze This

Last night I was catching up on some reading with Isaac Mizrahi's How to Have Style. I love fashion magazines but sometimes it's good to take a more invasive look at your wardrobe. The book starts with a questionnaire that I took and my husband, Chris, played too! Here are a few of our responses: (Mine in pink, Chris, blue)

What would you never be caught wearing?

Christmas sweaters, white after labor day (laughing)

When you were little, who did you dream of looking like?

Glenda the good witch, Michael Jordon

What are five clothing items you can't live without?

Black silk blazer, white t shirts, ballet flats, pyramid stud bangles and YSL Muse bag (I'm sure I'll feel that way if I ever get that bag!

Lacoste polos, nike tennis shoes, diesel or levi jeans, hooded sweatshirt

What is the last thing you bought?

Long white cardigan (1 week ago), Hermes silk tie (2 months ago)

How long does it take you to get ready to go out?

15 minutes, 5 minutes (it does?) I change!

What's your biggest style challenge?

Capital, not being business casual

Rachel, Rachel Roy

I love to buy classic clothing but I recently cleaned out my mom's closet and found myself praising her for her 80's clothing and 70's statement necklaces. As I look into my closet based in nude, white, and black pieces I realize sometimes you have to embrace the trends so you can create your own style. Thanks to Rachel Roy's new collection, Rachel, you get the hottest trends, the designer label, and a great price tag! Here are some of my favorites, find your own at Rachel Roy 

Tank $59

Pyramid Stud Earrings $20

Jump Suit $129

Dress $99

Tweed Blazer: $149

Shop Talk: Knuth's

I think I have been a fan of Knuth's since... forever. When I was younger I used to be drawn in by all the baubles and cozy free people sweaters (I had to wear a uniform to high school, the sweaters I wore over the polo were my only style statement) and now I fall for their great selection of dresses, denim, and of course... the shoes! We checked in with Knuth's Sherri Knuth Bryan to learn more about the store:

What is the difference between your East Side inventory in Pepper Pike and your West Side inventory in Westlake?

Our Eastside store is much bigger, and so is the inventory. The Westside has the same goods as the East, but the Eastside as more. There are some items at Landerwood that Westlake does not have at all.

I remember when Seven for all Mankind first came out with Swarovski studded jeans and I was able to find them first at Knuth - how do you you know which trends will be a hit in Cleveland and which to skip?

I don’t always know! Years of experience and reading every fashion magazine help. I also try to imagine the real “wearability” of every trend…some are flattering (or pretty like the crystal studded jeans) and others are not. I avoid the ones that seem difficult for a real person to wear!

Who is the Knuth customer?

The Knuth Customer is terrific! She’s contemporary. She is interested in the trends, but not too trendy. She likes variety in looks and prices.  She is interested in good service. She wants to look up to date, but not like she’s wearing a costume. She is every age from a Junior to a hip Grandmother.

What do you like about the style in Cleveland? How would you like to challenge it?

I am not really interested in challenging style in Cleveland. I think we do a good job of dressing in a cool, updated way. I do challenge customers to find better looks and prices in other cities. I have customers from New York, LA and Chicago who shop regularly with us. They get asked all the time where they get their great wardrobes! I get worked up when people from Cleveland say they need to shop in other cities to find great clothes.

What is your best selling piece/brand in the store right now?

A few things: Frye boots, AG legging style jeans and skinny cords, Ugg boots, Tory Burch shoes and wristlet bags, boyfriend blazers, Michael Stars boyfriend T shirts.

Thanks Sherri!  We will see you there soon! 

Knuth’s – Landerwood Plaza, 30619 Pinetree Rd, Pepper Pike, Ohio 44124 – 216.831.1116

Knuth's - Jefferson Square, 26141 Detroit Avenue, Westlake, Ohio 44145 - 440.871.7800

Knuth Ugg's Event!

On Friday the 23rd at Landerwood (30619 Pinetree Rd Pepper Pike (216) 831-1116) and on Saturday the 24th at Westlake Knuth (6141 Detroit Rd Westlake 440-871-7800) Knuth's will be customizing Ugg boots and slippers with studs and rivets. The design is up to the customer and is free on any Ugg purchased.

Jay Z - Close Encounters

I feel that Jay Z and I have been meaning to meet up with each other for a while... I rode the J,Z train many a time on my way to work in New York (though by that time he probably had a driver) I, like Jay Z, have given expensive designer clothes to Beyonce (but it was my job and her stylist picked them out from our showroom) and I've even been at his lounge the 40/40 Club at the same time as him to watch an OSU game (except by the time someone told me he was behind me I turned around only to see the remnants of his entourage piling into his Aston Martin). Well tonight it all came together... as Jay broke it down to "Empire State of Mind" on stage with Lebron I was in the nosebleed section shaking my tail feathers right along with him and it was AWESOME!!

 The crowd warmed up and counted down with an awesome performance by N.E.R.D.

I am happy to be at CSU's Wolstein Center tonight wearing my concert proof $15 lbd (cheap so it can be ruined w/o heartache, dark so it doesn't show drink spillage) with Miu Miu ballet flats so I can stand all night in style and an easy to carry Marc by Marc Jacobs wristlet

The Sweetest Things

I'm obsessed with Mad Men like everyone else on the planet and I love January Jones and think Betty Draper is my dream girl. Ok, nothing new there. BUT - I was super excited when she said in an interview that her first job was working at Dairy Queen like yours truly! I mixed up quite a few Blizzards at the Dover Center location in Bay. I think that all of the candy choices and sweet confections can inspire true creativity and should be on any stylish girls list of necessities. In honor of the women in the 50's who did not go to the gym and loved their Joan-like figures I picked out a few of my favorite Cleveland brands that have inspired me with deliciousness!

# 1. Mitchell's Ice Cream. Try the peanut butter cup sundae with chocolate peanut butter cup ice cream. Tastes better when shared with a friend. Go to www.mitchellshomemade.com for a store near you!

#2. Pierre's Ice Cream. I love "Everything but the kitchen sink" and "Ice Cream Sandwich" (Second one is currently half empty in our freezer - or half full depending on how you look at it!). Available at most grocery stores but Marc's has the best deals.

 

#3. Malley's Chocolate.  I love the Sweet William sundae and any of the candy bars. Honestly what doesn't taste good on a pink carousel? For locations go to www.malleys.com