Solange Knowles: Do We Love This Look?

photo credit: InStyle

"A Girl Should Be Two Things: Classy and Fabolous"...Coco Chanel

Shirley Maclaine will portray Coco Chanel, the iconic designer who was famous for creating the little black dress in a 2 part miniseries scheduled to air September 13, 2008 at 8pm on Lifetime. Maclaine will play coco in her later years when she was trying to re-establish her reputation as a fashion trend setter. Karl Lagerfeld and costume designers are working closely with the production staff to help recreate Coco Chanel's designs. I am curious to see how well the director and production team convey the story of Coco Chanel. For more info...Mylifetime.

Kathy Misick: Emerging Designer

This Turks and Caicos native, Kathy Misick, has captured the essence of the feminine spirit in her womens wear line. In fall 07, she unveiled her debut collection for Spring/Summer 08. She has interned with noted stylist Jane How and Nathan Jenden, creative director for Diane Von Furstenberg. Kathy Misick is definitely some one to watch. Click on photos to find where to purchase her designs.

Climbing Poetree

A great play is coming to Pittsburgh on Tuesday, September 2nd, 2008, Climbing Poetree, a dynamic duo of spoken word artists is on a national tour with their show "Hurricane Season: The Hidden Messages in Water" a post Katrina performance uprising! This event is sponsored by three local organizations, Sankofa Community Empowerment, New Voices Pittsburgh and Human Rights Coalition-Fed Up.

Hurricane Season: The Hidden Messages in Water, is a multimedia two woman show that interweaves spoken word poetry, sound collage, shadow art, film, dance and animation to explore critical issues facing humanity through the kaleidescope of Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath.

This event will be held at the Greybox Theatre, 3595 Butler Street in Lawrenceville Doors open at 6:30 pm and close at 7:15 pm. Tickets are $8-$20 sliding scale at the door. Tickets are $15 in advance. Ticket info or questions contact...bmguni@gmail.com or call 412.802.8575

Local Motion Fashion Show

Local Motion is CP's annual Fashion Show featuring local designers, models and stylists. Doors open at 7 p.m., show will start at 9:30 p.m. There will be a food and drink reception from 7-9 p.m. featuring some of the best restaurants in Pittsburgh.

Proceeds from this year’s show and auction will benefit the Family Services of Western Pennsylvania’s Education Assistance Initiative. Once a foster child turns 18 years of age, he / she can no longer receive the supportive services of foster care or other mental health services. The Educational Assistance Initiative was developed to help bridge that gap.

This years sponsors include All About Youth, Salon Vivace, Diamond Design Jewelers of Wexford, Andora, Dozen Bake Shop, Philly Soft Pretzel Factory, Shiloh Street Grille, Taste of Chocolate, Pinnacle Vodka, Verve! Energy, Vitamin Water, Apparel House, Spaghetti Warehouse, WYEP FM, & DH Creative.

Come & experience Pittsburgh's fashion culture while supporting a great cause!

General Admission:
$25 in advance / $35 at Door

Reserved Runway Seating:
$50 in advance / $60 at Door

Call 412.316.3342 x181 or visit pghlocalmotion.com

Hermes: The Making of The Birkin Bag

The Birkin Bag was designed for actress/model Jane Birkin after the actress was seen by the head of Hermes struggling with several bags while trying to get on an airplane in 1981. I was inspired to write about The Birkin Bag after finding this unique and interesting video on what it takes to produce one of the most sought after accessory in the world. Did you know that it takes 25-30 hours to make one Birkin bag. The house of Hermes only produces 5 bags a week. So, I guess there is no surprise as to why their is a 5 year waiting list. The average cost of one of these prize possessions range from $7,000-$15,000. Ok...I am not going to give you all the details from the video...Just check it out!

Nina Simone : Four Women

I can't believe that I found this rare classic footage of one of my favorite jazz singers...Nina Simone is a legend and style icon! I just wanted to share this rare footage with you...To find out more about Nina Simone click NinaSimone.

WishFull Thinking!

Over the weekend I came across these two items on ShopBop and I couldn't resist the desire to post these two wonderful fall items on my blog. Every season, I create a wish list for myself and these items are definitely within the top 3...Now, we all know that a wish list is a list of items that a person may never receive...So, If any of you decide to get swept up in the mood of giving this holiday season, keep these items in mind...LOL...I hope you enjoy these great fall pieces as much as I did. The Coat (Hanii Y, $1,520); The Boots (Frye, $428)

Photo Credit: ShopBop

PB & Caviar: Evin Cosby

I would like to dedicate this particular blog post to a faithful reader of Catslystpgh...She sent me an e-mail about this latest story...I would like to take this time and say thank you to all of those who support Catalystpgh and if you know of any fashion news or trends please feel free to send me an e-mail...Anywho, PB & Caviar is one of the latest Boutiques to open in SOHO owned by Bill Cosby's Youngest daughter, Evin Harrah-Cosby. She was born in LA and raised in New York. Apparently she has always had a love for fashion and French culture, she states that her store will provide a high end and unique fashions in a cozy and child friendly atmosphere. For more info on Evin Cosby's boutique click PB & Caviar
Photo Credit: Essence

Patrick Robinson and Gap Inc

I must say for the first time in a long time, I am excited about the new fall line of the Gap! For the past 5 years, It appears that Gap inc has been trying to create/reinvent itself. Well, I think this new fall line speaks for itself due to the help of the new executive vice president of design, Patrick Robinson. Patrick Robinson was brought on board May 07 to help breathe new life in to the dying brand. He has also done an amazing job of reinventing the Banana Republic Brand as well. As For the Old Navy brand, I think they still need to continue to brainstorm...Nevertheless, changing ones image is a process, so I am here to enjoy the ride...In the meantime, Check out this cool video below I found on youtube of Nylon's Style director, Dani Stahl and Patrick Robinson.



Photo Credit: Glamour

Andre Benjamin: Benjamin Bixby

Andre 3000 may just out shine the over saturated market of hip hop artist turned fashion designers...Mr. Benjamin is currently working on his new clothing line, Benjamin Bixby slated to premiere September 4th during fashion week and sold exclusively at Barney's. Charlize Theron and Boyfriend will be co-hosting the launch party at Barney's during Fashion Week. Andre explains that his inspiration for his clothing line was inspired by college football circa 1935. He also states to look for a lot of preppy inspired pieces. I am really excited to see what comes of his new design venture. So, stayed tuned and look forward to purchase his new fall Benjamin Bixby collection exclusively at Barneys. For more info check out...DNR
photo credit: DNR

Chanel Iman: Love It or Hate It?

Fall Maddness!

Due to the drop in temperatures (from 88 degrees to low 70's), i can't help but to daydream about what fall trends fit my style and what classic pieces I need to update and add to my closet. While surfing the web, I found some really cool styles that I could use to update my look. However, have you ever notice that there are some trends that appear timeless? Well, sometimes it is difficult to pick out classic pieces when magazines are force feeding you fashion styles from all over the world. So, I thought that I would help you sift through some of the fall madness. To make smart shopping choices in such a fickle economy I have created a list that will carry over for seasons to come:

1. You must invest in a statement coat/trench coat (statement coats set you apart from the sea of black coats that you often see around this time of the year)

2. Boots...Boots...Boots (Steve Madden, Frye always have a great selection of fall/winter boots)

3. Scraves and leather gloves (I don't have these listed but you can go a long way with a cute pair of colorful leather gloves)

4. Denim (A great dark rinse or medium to light wash looks great with classic white shirts, chunky sweaters and turtle necks)

5. Pencil Skirt (Black, Grey, Navy or Brown)

6. Chunky Sweaters/Cardigan or Sweater Dress (These items are not listed but they go a long way with a pair of leggings or opaque stockings)

7. PVC or Leather Leggings (Some may beg to differ about this particular trend but I think this style will be around for a while)...They are a great comfortable alternative to jeans. ShopBop has a pair of leather leggings for $88!

8. Structured or Over sized Handbag

If you think I may have missed a classic fall trend, please feel free to comment and add your own twist! Always keep in mind when shopping for seasonal pieces..."Fashion Fades, only style remains the same." Coco Chanel

Beyonce: Do We Love This Look!

This photograph taken by Jean-Baptiste Mondino caught my eye as I flipped through the current fall edition of Fashion Rocks. Fashion Rocks is a seasonal supplement that normally accompanies the Luck Magazine. She is wearing Giorgio Armani...Anyway, do we love this look or hate it?

Online Shoppers

Online shopping is a fun and convenient way of purchasing items with out leaving the comforts of your home. Over the weekend I found some interesting online retailers for those avid online shoppers: Shopplanetblue, Ruelala.com, Mangoshop.com, endless.com, Sobella.com

Italian Vogue: 100 Pages Of Black Models

I am so excited that i was able to purchase a copy of the Italian Vogue Black models issue! This edition of the age old publication was so successful at the newsstands that they republished another 10,000 copies. I was lucky to purchase two copies of the reprinted edition. If you haven't snatched up one of these collector editions...I recommend you do so now while they last! I purchased mine at the Joseph-Beth Bookstall in the South Side Works...For those individuals who are too busy to pick up a copy I found this cool video that gives you a cute sneak peak of all of the beautiful women that were featured in the magazine...LoL

Tyra Banks: Cover Girl for Harper's Bazaar

Tyra Banks is on the front cover of September's Harper's Bazaar...Check out the video, it gives you some insight behind the photo shoot...Tell me what you think!

Andy Warhol: Happy Birthday

I just wanted to take a moment and recognize Andy Warhol, an icon and Pittsburgh native who helped usher in the pop art movement. I can actually say that Andy Warhol and I attended the same high school (FYI in case you were wondering). Today is his birthday and in celebration of his birthday, go out and purchase Andy Warholesque items...I listed two cool items above by bond 9 Perfume, The Silver Factory and Union Square you can purchase these items at saks or another cool idea to show your appreciation of such a cool icon is to check out the Andy Warhol Museusm located on the NorthSide...All in All, what ever you decide to do make sure you give him his 15 minutes of fame (Andy Warhol coined this phrase by the way)...LOL

The Man Bag

OK...I am usually an open minded person when it involves fashion styles and trends. However, when did it become fashionable for our male counterparts to carry unmistakably large handbags??? Now, I know in other countries this fashion trend may be more acceptable but I just don't know if I am sold on the idea! Should we deem The Man Bag as an attempt for men to relish and adore one of our most prized accessories or should the Man Purse be deemed as a fashion faux pas?...Tell me your thoughts!
Photo Credits: Fashionweekdaily

Fall Trend: The Military Look

Yay Or Nay? Do we like the military look for the season? Click on the illustration to find out where to buy the items!

JCrew Fall Favorites!

Although, I am still in summer mode, I can't help but to start day dreaming about the beautiful selection of fall clothes that await for me to purchase with a vengeance. This weekend I got the chance to view some of JCrew's first fall shipment and it is one of the best ones yet! Of course, I was not able to capture all of my favorites but the picture above should give you an idea of what is in store. They have these crush velvet blazers in 5 or 6 awesome colors...They also have these great vintage boot cut and trouser fit corduroy pants in various colors...Click on the illustration above to see where to buy the items!

EnjoyourSelf: Energize, Elevate, Educe

Lakeisha Wolf creator and founder of EnjoyourSelf was featured in the spring 08 catalyst shopping event. EnjoyourSelf is a company that provides creatively designed gemstone jewelry, E-Ma's natural body products and specialized gifts. For those fashionistas who like to have that healthy and natural bodily glow all year around, Lakeisha has created a product line especially for you: The plain and scented shea butter(scents available in frankincense, lavender, almond, lemon& Jamaican Fruit); Hair and Body Butter (Great hair and body moisturizer); Tea Tree and Comfy foot Scrub and Enjoyourself hair Serum (helps stimulate hair growth). Another awseome benefit of E-ma's hair and body products is that it contains fair trade shea butter and a it's great for all skin types. In the future look out for E-Ma's soap and Green hair food. In addition, Lakeisha is seeking an enjoyourself sales rep to help open new accounts and increase distribution, so if you are someone who believes in natural products contact Lakeisha via e-mail enjoyour_self@yahoo.com or enjoy-ema.blogspot.com

You can find E-ma products at the Natural Choice, East End Coop and DeWalt's Health Food Store(Loccated in Dormont) or this weekend August 2nd at the 5th Annual Black Family Reunion Festival @ Mellon Park.