Showing posts with label local fashion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label local fashion. Show all posts

Monday, May 11, 2015

CLE Shops: Whiskey Grade

This past Friday, Nick and I attended the opening of Ohio City's newest retail offering, Whiskey Grade.  Located at 2515 Jay Ave (very close to the intersection of Jay and W25th), Whisky Grade is one of the most unique stores I've been to lately! Part biker-store, part vintage treasure hunt, this store has plenty for men and women, whether they're into motorcycles or not.

The store has an incredible industrial feel-- matte black paint, chandeliers of varying styles and sizes, and incredibly interesting design details. From the amazing skylight to the real motorcycles that are hoisted up on some pretty high shelves, to the unusual display of children's toys, to the changing room that's actually an old safe, the interiors are absolutely delightful. Masculine with a kick of feminine sass. 


As I mentioned before, the store's primary focus is people who ride motorcycles, so there's an extensive offering of armored leather jackets that will literally save your life. Also in the life-saving category, an array of very cool helmets. On the fashion side, there's a selection of t-shirts, dress-shirts and denim (jeans and jackets) for men.



But if you were to think that ladies had been neglected at this store, you would be wrong. In addition to some to-die-for leather jackets (I seriously cannot stop thinking about them), there is selection of very well priced and well curated vintage apparel and accessories.


I picked up two dresses (one of which I will wear to Solstice), a clutch, and a beaded jacket for a total of $105 (tax included!). Seriously, you cannot beat the amazing deals, and there are only maybe 1-2 of each item, so its not like you're likely to run into someone wearing the same outfit!

I am so excited about this newest addition to Cleveland's retail scene-- I know I will be visiting them frequently. For more pictures, check out Whiskey Grade on Facebook and definitely stop in the store!

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Rock the CATWALK (And a Giveaway)

One of the things I love MOST about Cleveland is how easy it is to get involved in the community- from volunteering for various organizations or joining a board, or being a part of a community development group-- the opportunities exist for anyone who wants to give back and get involved. If you don't have the time available to commit to something on a regular schedule, there is always the option to give back merely by attending a FABULOUS, FUN event. Rock the CATWALK is exactly one such event.

Hosted by The Women's Leadership Council of United Way of Greater Cleveland, this event is a fashion show, showcasing next season's hottest fashions from local boutiques and designers. Not only that, but the event also includes cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, and a silent auction with the opportunity to bid on items such as a Vitamix (and we all know how much I LURVE mine), A Gibson guitar, 12x$100 gift cards to Cleveland area restaurants, vacation packages to warmer climes, and the list continues…. And just in case this wasn't enough, it is being held at one of my most FAVORITE spots in Cleveland- the Atrium at Cleveland Museum of Art. If you're interested in being a part of this event, here are the details:

When: Thursday May 1, 2014 at 6:30 pm
Where: Cleveland Museum of Art
How: Tickets available here 

If you would like to take a look at some pictures from last year's event attended by over 450 people, you can do so here.

Now for the REALLY fun part. You could win TWO general admission tickets to the event by tweeting the following:
"I want to win tickets to Rock the CATWALK @UnitedWayCLE via @cleshopaholic http://goo.gl/LBt011 #UnitedForFashion" 

You may tweet once a day for additional entries!

Follow @UnitedWayCLE and leave me a comment saying you did so for one additional entry. Please make sure you leave your contact info (email/twitter handle etc) so I can reach you in the event you are picked as the winner.


Seriously, what could be more fun than giving back with fashion?! Good luck to all who enter!!! Contest ends at midnight March 30th, 2014, with the winner announced March 31st, 2014. 

Disclosure: I am receiving a pair of tickets to attend Rock the CATWALK and blog about the event. I have also received a pair of tickets to giveaway to a reader. As always, all opinions are 100% my own! 

Thursday, August 1, 2013

A Sneak Peek at Made in the 216 Summer 2013

Since I'm a lover of shopping and Cleveland, it should go without saying that I absolutely LLUUUUUUURRVVEE Made in the 216.



I love seeing all the amazing, unique artistic talent that our city has to offer, that frankly sometimes remains well hidden under the radar. This year is no exception.

The lovely Jennie Doran has done an absolutely wonderful job curating this year's selection, and I am SO incredibly honored and excited to bring you a sneak peek!!


Just a small part of a wall of LOVE



Artisan sauces and jams and general yummy goodness



A little something for cat lovers too... 


The curves of a vintage camera clad in cool concrete



Fun prints from grey cardigan make perfect engagement presents...



A little something for the hostess with the mostest....



Perhaps a little something for yourself....


With loads of bands + shopping, this year's Made in the 216 promises to be an absolute blast! I hope to see you there!!!





Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Summer Solstice 2012: What to wear...

Its no secret that the Summer Solstice Party at the Cleveland Museum of Art is one of my most favorite events of the summer. Last year, I did a post-mortem on some of my favorite looks from the event, and you can be sure that I will be doing one again this year. However, this year, I also have a preview- a sort of what-to-wear in the event you're attending and are stumped. My favorite part about this post is that all these outfits are from our very own, locally-owned store, Room Service!!

Here are my rules for dressing for this event:
1. The crowd is an all-ages, all-styles crowd. The older crowd tends to be dressed a little more formal- full length ball gowns, taffeta, silk... the younger crowd is more edgy- leather, lace, very much on trend, some music-festival like outfits. In short, anything goes. Wear what you feel comfortable in, because you're going to want to dance. If there's an outfit or look you really want to try but don't have quite the place or occasion to try it, THIS IS IT. Take risks, have fun! You will NOT look out of place no matter what you choose as long as its YOUR style.

2. Shoes: Invariably, you will end up in the grass. Just remember, grass + skinny heels = sinking. I usually wear wedges to this event, but an espadrille or pretty flat would work really well.

3. Accessories: Don't carry a clutch purse- it will just get in your way. This event calls for a wristlet or cross-body-- something that keeps your hands free for hand-holding, drink-holding, picture-taking, tweeting, dancing, etc. Have fun with your jewelry, and if you feel like wearing a hat, GO FOR IT!


A popular choice for women is a dress-- its easy, effortless, comfortable, and looks pretty and dressy without being stuffy.  These Room Service dresses are adorable and completely on trend, so if you're at a loss for what to wear to Solstice, or really any event this summer, these are all excellent options!


I love this blue dress- its flirtatious and sexy with the sheer lace, and has sleeves for those of you who are uncomfortable with your upper arms. 



White, is well, white hot this summer. The little yellow detail is unexpected and yet totally adorable!



Tangerine Tango was Pantone's color of the year, so you absolutely cannot go wrong with this color. I might pair this with a red or hot pink shoe and incorporate some subtle color blocking via the shoe as well! 



How cute is this print with the little yellow detail?!?!? 

Room Service may not be the first store to come to mind for party dresses, but as you can see, they have some really REALLY cute options! I hope you will stop in or call and check them out for yourselves!! 

Are you attending the Summer Solstice Party at the Cleveland Museum of Art this year? Are you attending any other Solstice celebrations?





Monday, June 4, 2012

What better cure for Monday than a contest?

UPDATE: The winner of this contest, as chosen by random.org, is #2 Sarah @Cooker Girl. Sarah, please email me with your full name at cleshopaholic@gmail.com, and your gift certificate will be available to pick up at Guest Services at Beachwood Place tomorrow!! Remember to take your ID! 


Hello all! Hope you had a lovely weekend! Mine was quite enjoyable and relaxing- highlights included giggling like a bunch of teen girls at Barre Cleveland with Alana, Suzanne, Michelle, Tabitha, and Jessa, followed by breakfast at Stone Oven and a spot of shopping at Lululemon.  N and I attended the Red Hot Chili Peppers concert at the Q Saturday night- what a great show. Its hard to believe they're all close to 50- they're in incredible shape!!!

I'm always so disappointed when the weekend ends, but lucky for you, I have something to make this Monday a little bit better-- GIVEAWAY TIME!! For the second year in a row, Beachwood Place is hosting the Form to Fashion Event. I love this event because (a) it sorta reminds me of Project Runway, but without the crazy materials and insane deadlines, and (b) its a great event for student fashion designers to get some exposure. Its really pretty amazing when you think about the talent we have here in Northeast Ohio- I personally know of two recent graduates from Kent State University's fashion design program who have moved to New York City and have been hired by some pretty FABULOUS, internationally recognized designers!

In any case, this year's Form to Fashion Event gives these young designers an opportunity to design an outfit for Lorelei Shellist to wear as she hosts the La Jolla Fashion Film Festival this summer. The top 10 designs have been picked and are on display at Beachwood Place and also online.

So here are the details- if you would like to enter to win a $50 gift certificate to Beachwood Place, all you need to do is go vote for your favorite design HERE and then leave me a comment letting me know who you voted for!

The contest ends at noon on Thursday June 7th, with the winner announced Thursday evening. The gift card will be held for pickup at Beachwood Place Guest Services- you will need a valid ID to pick up your gift certificate if you are the lucky winner!!

Good luck!!

Disclosure: Beachwood Place is generously providing the $50 gift card for this contest. As always, all opinions are 100% my own!

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Planning for the Weekend: Fabulous Friday

Do you live for the weekends? I certainly do, and sometimes, with the amount of stuff happening in Cleveland, its a little difficult to get it all in. Take this weekend for instance- on Friday (9/9) alone there are not one, not two, but THREE events that I really want to attend. Unfortunately, I can't be three places at once, but as it turns out, I will certainly be attending two of the three events.

So, the first event is one that happens the first Friday of every month- The Tremont ArtWalk. If you STILL haven't been, you really really should consider attending- art galleries and boutiques open late, yummy cocktails on the fabulous patios, not to mention the absolutely delicious food at any one of the restaurants on Professor Ave. If you end up visiting, I highly recommend a stop at Banyan Tree. At this month's ArtWalk, Banyan Tree will have a very special visitor- The Canton Box Company. I've picked up their creations before, and they may make excellent gifts for weddings, bridal showers, or even housewarming presents!

Unfortunately, I will miss the ArtWalk this month though, because instead, I will be attending F*SHO 2011! I missed it last year, and based on reviews from those who attended, I missed an amazing opportunity to see the work of some incredibly talented Clevelanders. I don't usually make the same mistake twice, so I won't miss it this year. Besides, I'm still in the market for dresser and some sort of linen closet (I'm leaning towards a chest, but I'm open to ideas) and I'm hoping I find some stuff at F*SHO.

That said, this Friday I'm MOST excited about the Dredgers Union End of Summer ROAR ALONG the SHORE!! $28 gets you a 2-2.5 hour tour on The Goodtime III, libations, live music by not one, not two, but eight (EIGHT!!) bands, and of course, time well spent with some fabulous Clevelanders!! Seriously, if you haven't seen the view of our city from the lake by nightfall, you are definitely missing out. Besides, if you're on foursquare, and haven't gotten your "I'm on a Boat" badge, this is a great opportunity to take care of that!! And finally, one more reason to go this party- if you take your ticket into Dredgers Union on Friday September 9th, you get 25% off all men's and women's denim!!! Tickets are available at Dredgers Union, Room Service, and online!!

Well Cleveland, if you STILL don't have plans for Friday, you should be ashamed of yourself ; ). Just kidding!! But seriously, I hope you will take advantage of the last few days of summer and enjoy our city this weekend!! Maybe I will see you around!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Form to Fashion

So you know how malls have a reputation for only housing national retailers?  Well, luckily for us CLE folk, we have a few malls that defy this perception, one of which is Beachwood Place. In addition to local stores like Brigade and Style Lounge, this weekend, Beachwood Place is playing host to a really fun event that is a great opportunity for the area's budding designers.

The event is called Form to Fashion, and the event challenges 14 finalists from Ursuline College and the Virginia Marti College of Art and Design to construct pieces for their own collection. Themed "Be What's Next", the even encourages students to create garments using up-and-coming techniques to showcase fashion's next big trend! The 14 finalists were chosen from a panel of five "celebrity judges" that include Valerie Mayen (of Project Runway fame), Kimberly Criado (personal stylist manager at Nordstrom), Maria Pujana (with Fashion Group International), and Susan Smith (a fashion blogger; sorry I don't have the link to her blog!).

The 14 finalists creations are displayed at the mall and online, and the finalist receiving the most votes will win a $500 gift card!! The live fashion show is FREE and open to the public from 2:00pm-3:00 pm on 5/14/2011, so if you're in the area, you should definitely stop by and take a peek and enjoy some hors d'oeuvres provided by Maggiano's. Voting ends on May 12th, so if you have a second, please go ahead and vote!! My vote is going to #12, the cape by Rochelle Beres! What's yours?