ModCloth IRL: Pittsburgh

If you follow me on Instagram or Twitter you know that this past Sunday I had the honor of attending and exclusive press event for Pittsburgh's own ModCloth. Before I dive into all the details, first I want to say thank you so much to ModCloth's Fashion PR woman Aire  for inviting me to this fabulous event, I also want to say how wonderful it was to meet and chat with some of my favorite Pittsburgh Bloggers in person (I'm looking at you Jessa, Kim, and Terra)!  It was honestly such a wonderful time and it was so great to have had this opportunity, and not just because I got to shop privately for some super adorable clothes.

So what is ModCloth?

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the brand ModCloth, let me give you a quick run-down about the clothing store. Firstly, ModCloth is an online retailer that was founded by couple Susan Gregg Kroger and Eric Kroger back in 2002, and now has expanded to employ over 350 people in their three locations throughout the USA which are based in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Pittsburgh. Susan and Eric initially started the company so they could promote unique and expressive clothing, as well as sizes for all body types because as they state in their About Us section, fashion is for every body. 

I myself have been a fan of this store since my senior year of high school and I still shop with them to this day. Though, I encourage you to go and poke around their shop for yourself, if you don't have the time, I'll just tell you now that their clothes really are quite unique and a little quirky. Many of their dresses have a vintage feel; however their other clothes (such as blouses and bottoms) give off quite the urban vibe. In my opinion, ModCloth truly has something to make everyone happy.

ModCloth: IRL (In Real Life)

The press event I attended last Sunday was for ModCloth's pop up shop tour that they've named "ModCloth IRL", that they have been doing in a handful of states this past year, but their last stop of the year was here in Pittsburgh where it all began! The reason ModCloth decided to host something like this was due to the fact that being an online store, sometimes people are skeptical of ordering. 

"What if it doesn't fit?" 

"What if I don't like the material?" 

"What if it's too short or long when I try it on?" 

These are the questions ModCloth wanted to eliminate by doing their pop up shops. This way their clients can actually meet with their stylists in person as well as touch, feel, and try on clothes before placing an order online. I know that I was thrilled with this idea just because I personally struggle with finding proper sizing especially online. Mainly because due to my slender build I generally am a XS/0 however, in my experience, those sizes tend to run a little short, which isn't ideal for my 5'7" frame. So needless to say, being able to try the clothes on at the shop really made me feel much more confident about my purchase.

The other great thing about this event was, one of ModCloth's head stylists Lindsay, was there to show us the biggest trends coming up this fall and winter along with some tips and insight about the different types of "ModCloth Girls". I also had the opportunity to work with another stylist named Laura who helped me put together two very stylish fall outfits, and I also snagged an awesome cardigan to help keep me warm in my office (pictured below).

Want to get in on the goods?

If you already love ModCloth or are a first time shopper and want to check it out in person, you can if you are in the Pittsburgh area this week! The pop up shop will be opened until September 27th, 2016 and is located on 625 Smithfield St. Pittsburgh, PA 15222.

Did you make it down to ModCloth to get some darling clothes? If so, tell me about your experience in the comments below!  

Xx, Bree

#FREEDAY: Winghart's Recent Charity Event

All throughout my college experience, I took a great interest in both photojournalism and documentary photography. The reason this is, is because I wanted to be able to raise awareness of social issues as well as help people through my art. However as we all know my career took quite the left turn when I started working for DSG's visual merchandising department and then started this blog. And while I love both, I'm beginning to feel slightly unfulfilled. 

This being said, with my blog rapidly approaching it's two year mark, I've decided it's time to start tackling some more prominent issues on here, while continuing my normal style and beauty posts. The first being a cause that has been near and dear to me since my college Junior and Senior thesis classes, and that would be helping the homeless. Long story short, my last two years of college were spent photographing, interviewing, and making friends with people who were living on the streets of Pittsburgh (I mostly concentrated on the Hill District and South Side). So needless to say, when I was notified that Winghart's Burger and Whiskey Bar was having an event to help feed the homeless as well as raise money for The Light of Life Mission, Pittsburgh Charity, I knew I just had to cover it here.

Just a Little Background Info

Winghart's South Side location, 1505 E Carson St, Pittsburgh, PA 15203

Winghart's is a local restaurant that first opened it's doors back in 2011 and it's first location was located in the heart of downtown in Market Square. Later they went on to open their South Side location which is where Free Day was held. Zach and Colin (they're the owners) started a restaurant to serve fresh, never frozen food. If you would like to read their "About Us" and check out their menu for yourself, just click here or here.

Owner's Colin Smith and Zachary Winghart (names ordered respectively from left to right).

Also while I'm talking about the restaurant, ever since I was in college, Winghart's has been one of my favorite places to eat downtown. They're food is great, reasonably priced, and their cocktails are spot on as well. So, to my readers who live in and/or plan on visiting the 'Burgh, I highly suggest putting this restaurant on your list of places it visit! (And if you want my recommendations on food/drink, these are my faves: O.G. Mac & Cheese, the Percephone Salad, and the I Don't Care Whatever Burger. As for sips? I love their Gram Positive, and their seasonal drink 2 Monkey's 1 Banana, which features Monkey Shoulder Scotch, banana liqueur, muddled banana, and a slice of banana as a garnish.)

The Event: FREE DAY

While at the event, though I did not get to talk to Colin much, I did get to chat with Zach about what prompted them to do this fundraiser. Much like myself, Zach and Colin both really want to give back to their community and see the growing homeless population as a very pressing issue. Though I'm not going to go through all of the statistics here, as we all know the homeless epidemic has been on the rise in the U.S. since the bursting of the housing bubble in 2007. And unfortunately many of these individuals are not getting the help that they need. So obviously, Zach and Colin wanted to help in anyway they could, and that's how they ended up with Free Day.

The event itself took place this past Monday at Winghart's South Side location on East Carson street. For the event that they dubbed "Free Day", is exactly how it sounds: Their entire food menu (And remember, it's all made from scratch folks, and is absolutely delicious!) along with soft drinks was 100% free (excluding brews and spirits) in order to make sure people struggling could get a great meal. Free Day, however, wasn't just exclusively for the homeless, it was also opened to the rest of the public. Meaning anyone could get a kick-ass meal on the eatery's dime! But the charitable cause didn't just stop at feeding the people of Pittsburgh for free, as I stated earlier, Zach and Colin were also working with The Light of Life Mission, Pittsburgh Charity and collecting donations at the diner's discretion.

Final Thoughts

In closing, I just have to note what my favorite part of this event was and that was simply all the empathy I witnessed that day. Not that I don't [like to] think that most people are empathetic, but the sad truth is many of us have a hard time putting ourselves in some one else's shoes. However, while in attendance at Free Day, I noticed there were people from extremely different walks of life and backgrounds just sitting shoulder to shoulder and talking like old friends. Seeing this reminded me why I love being from Pittsburgh so much, how it's strong community of overall friendly people shaped me to be the person I am today. Whoever thought a little bit of free food would have such a big impact? As I heard Colin say in his interview with Channel 4 News, if one restaurant in the downtown area per week had a "free day" just think of the great strides this community would make in helping our fellow Pittsburghers that are in need, I personally think it's a great idea.

How about you? Would you like to see Pittsburgh's (or your city's) restaurants begin holding weekly free days to help the homeless? Sound off in the comments below, or tweet me at @StarkRavingChic with the hashtags #FreeDay and #Pittsburgh (or the name of your city) and I will retweet you to get the word out! 

Xx, Bree

**Note, if you didn't get a chance to make it down to Winghart's on Monday but would like to make a donation to help the cause, you can donate here at The Light of Life Mission, Pittsburgh Charity.

#Blogmas GIVEAWAY & Fascino Boutique: The Grand Opening

For those of you who have been following me for awhile, you know that I am obsessed with the Pittsburgh based, online boutique Fascino, seriously this little shop has the cutest clothing and accessories for great prices! And I have news for my Pittsburgh readers, they're not only online but now have a storefront located on Mount Washington, just a block down from the Monongahela incline. (And coincidentally across the street from my old apartment building, was my love for this store meant to be? I think so!) Recently I attended their grand opening party and as I expected, their boutique was chic and flawless (and of course there was champagne!). Before I get to the giveaway details, here are some highlights from opening night:

Let's roll out the pink carpet!

All I need is coffee & mascara.

Have to love a crafty DIY jewelry holder.

A sign I definitely need in my apartment. 

Owners Stef Christiana & Kelly Williamson

Fascino is located at:

128 Wyoming St, Pittsburgh, PA 15211

And their shop hours are as follows: 

Monday: Closed

Tuesday: 5:00PM-9:00PM

Wednesday: 5:00PM-9:00PM

Thursday: 5:00PM-9:00PM

Friday: 5:00PM-9:00PM

Saturday: 12PM-5:00PM

Sunday: 12PM-5:00PM

Now, about that GIVEAWAY:  

So in honor of the giving season and Fascino's grand opening I figured what better way to celebrate than with a giveaway? Though I have partnered with Fascino for the grand prize, I also have partnered up with Bijoux USA again as well!

What can you win? 

Here's the deal: I will be giving away 7 different Bijoux USA jewelry items (pictured below) to 7 of my contestants and one lucky contestant will win all 7 jewelry pieces along with a $100 gift card to Fascino!  So that is 8 prizes all together. (For my international readers, unfortunately you're not eligible for the grand prize because Fascino does not ship internationally yet, however don't fret because you can still win some super cute jewelry which I will be shipping internationally!!)  

TEARDROP CRYSTAL DECORATED DOUBLET CUFF BRACELET

WIRE ROSE MOTIF DRAPED LAYERED NECKLACE SET

FEATHER DETAIL TEXTURED TWISTED WIRE OPEN CUFF BRACELET

FACETED DOUBLE SIDED GEMSTONE CHAIN TASSEL NECKLACE SET

CHEVRON CUT OUT METAL BAR CUFF BRACELET

ASYMMETRICAL CRYSTAL BALL TRIPLE LINE CUFF BRACELET

ROUND FILIGREE NECKLACE SET

GRAND PRIZE: $100 Fascino Gift Card + All Seven Bijoux USA Jewelry Pieces

Rules:

The entry rules are exactly the same as my last Bijoux USA giveaway and are as follows: 

1. The first step of entry is commenting on my post with what item you would like to try and win along with your email so I can reach you if you win to discuss shipping matters and such. However, if you are uncomfortable posting your email here, you can email me directly at starkravingchic@gmail.com with the same requests.
2. Please only ONE email/comment per item entry, this means you are allowed to try and win multiple items in the giveaway, but please only one email per item/contestant. (EX: if you want to try for more than one prize, you would list them in one comment.) Unfortunately if you do not follow this request, you will be disqualified.

How will the winners be chosen?

The drawings will be at random, basically I'll just be pulling names/email addresses out of a hat for each given category, this means there will be 8 separate drawings for each item listed to win, to guarantee the authenticity of the contest.  And of course as I stated above, once my winners are picked I will notify you via email to get your address for shipping purposes.

Dates The Contest Will Be Running: 

So the contest starts today with this post (AKA Thursday, December 10, 2015)! And you will have a little over two weeks to enter (meaning the end date will be Friday, December 25, 2015) and the winners will be announced that following Saturday, December 26, 2015 bright and early at 9AM US Eastern Time.

Just so you have it straight:

• Start Date: Thursday, December 10, 2015
• End Date: Friday, December 25, 2015
• Announcement of Winners Date: Saturday, December 26, 2015

Before I sign off just another reminder, and as stated earlier, all of these items will be shipped internationally except for the grand prize of the $100 Fascino gift card and 7 jewelry items which will unfortunately only be offered for my U.S. readers due to the fact Fascino does not ship internationally yet! So again to my international readers, I'm very sorry about that, but as stated above you can still enter for any (and for as many as you want!) of the 7 jewelry pieces which I will be shipping globally!

To all my readers, thank you so much for reading and participating. You are all seriously the best and I am so happy to be hosting this giveaway this holiday season, you all deserve it and I truly appreciate each and every one of you!

Best holiday wishes everyone, and good luck!! :)

Xx, Bree