Saturday Feature - Hat Shops

I remember my father taking me to the Hatterie in Akron as a child while he browsed the many hats, I giggled as I tried on hats that my whole head seemed to disappear into.  I didn't understand the purpose of the various hats then but aside from a protection from the elements hats have always been a social status symbol.  We stereotype many hat styles; cowboy hats, fedoras, ball caps, skull hats, cloches, or even berets.

Some local specialty hat shops in Ohio (this is by no means a complete list):

Akron:
The Hatterie

Cincinnati:
Head Fashions by Lula
Batsakes Hat Shop (downtown)

Cleveland:
Busy Broad Millinery
Mike the Hatter

Columbus/Bexley:
Hat & Sole

...If you dont have a local hat shop to visit but do have a Burlington Coat Factory, they too have a great hat selection to rampage thru. 

I leave you with this, the late Alexander McQueen was quite the craftsman of apparel for the head.  Photographed below Naomi Campbell honors McQueen by wearing a custom hat to his funeral on Friday in London.

Read more...

Friday Fashion - Hat Attack!

Hats have always amazed me from the quirky nature of the British hats to the hats that have been hitting the runways at Fashion Weeks throughout Paris and NYC.

My favorite hats are berets or even the newsboy style hats, similar to this one spotted on the runway.  Berets come in many versative colors and styles of knit and feel - I have seen them locally anywhere from 12.99+ at the local mall. 

Charlotte Ronson - Spring 2010

Don't thru away those straw hats - they are still a hot commodity.  The fedora and both the wide brim hats are still in this summer don't get rid of them! 

Straw Fedora - $28.95 at Jaxon's

Sun Hat $24.99 at Amazon.com

In other hat news...

Some hat news that is a bit unique, controversary and "couture".  This "hat" worn by Tavi a fellow fashion blogger caused some ruckus at the Dior show in Paris when fellow journalists couldn't see the runway. 
I think her hat is unique especially for a 13 year old, but I'll leave it to others whether to declare appropriate or not.  To those wanting to buy such a wonder sorry but I think this maybe a handmade as it's uniquness is made up of feathers - I haven't found anywhere selling such a creation, yet. 

Image via Grazia_Live

Read more...

Thursday Trend - Winter Coats

We're not out of winter yet!  The snowflakes are piling up again and I sit and ponder so will March come in like a lion or a lamb?

Sara Drum's Pick: The Milano Jacket from Columbia Sportswear - $159.99


 

Feminine and functional is what I was looking for when I found this coat. I love the gathered puffy shoulders and belted waist. It’s super warm but not too thick. It doesn’t matter if I’m going shopping or skiing, this jacket does it all!  *Editor note, it's also available in red!

Editor's Pick:  J Lo's Hooded Pea Coat - $74.99



I have always loved pea coats, I always wanted one as a child but instead enjoyed dressing my Samantha doll in her pea coat while my mother dressed me in a hefty down jacket which was more fitting for our climate.  This J Lo jacket comes in a variety of colors at the local Burlington Coat store - red, multi brown, and a black.  It has a very nice fit rides just past the waist to keep the back warm, and a hood to keep you warm uptop which is an uncommon feature for this style of jacket. 
This jacket can be found at Burlington Coat Factory in Akron - near Chapel Hill Mall or online at Overstock.com.


Sara Drum is a regional writer for OhioFashionista.com from Yellowsprings.

Read more...

Wordless Wednesday - Etsy Local Top Picks

Shopping and supporting local businesses has been a tradition in my family for generations.

My top picks for this week from Ohio owned Etsy shops:

Heart of Many Colors Filigree Seaglass Locket
$25.00
from Beach Glass Memories - Central Ohio

*I always had a thing for beaches, and living in Ohio the Lakeside Beach doesn't compare but the class that is gentle carves and tossled by the waves has always been a great fasciation of mine.  There is a great variety of pieces that this artist has incorporated the glass with.

Dandelion Blowing in the Wind - Vinyl Wall Decal (removeable)
$21.00
Household Words

*Fashion for the home too!  An easy way to decorate and change  your walls with little hassle season to season with removable wall vinyl.

Glitz and Glam Hollywood Necklace
$38.00
Designs by Candice - Sylvania

*Just like is name says the glitz and glam caught my eye of this vintage looking piece.

Read more...

The first sick day of 2010...

Today was one of those days that I woke up feeling like I was ran over by an Amtrak train...while crashed out on my couch trying to sleep off the migraine I came up with a little collage of my favorite fashions when just trying to find the most comfy spot on the couch.



Yoga pants from Victoria's Secret -  Chapel Hill Mall or online
Route 8 tshirt from Made in Akron -in Highland Sq, Akron Ohio
Alpaca socks from Custer's Alpacas - Atwater, Ohio

Read more...

Support Haiti Locally - Cleveland at the Rock Hall

I was bouncing from excitement when I read of this event, then I checked my calendar and literally had to sing to myself to turn the frown upside down as I am out of town this weekend.

But I definetly recommend everyone get your tickets early and have a great time!

For more details visit Fashionably Cleveland's website.

Read more...

Beauty Trend: Eyebrow Threading

Have you noticed all the eyebrow threading kiosks opening in your local mall?  Were you curious as to what this torture with a thread was all about?  Well I was.

Eyebrow threading is a beauty tradition originating from China, India, and the Middle East regions.  A single cotton thread is used to pull hairs (yes plural) to create straight defined lines and a perfect shape to your brows.  Other eyebrow threadings claims to fame are longer lasting shape due to the hairs being removed at the follicle, and that regrowth is sparse and finer.

Being the curious journalist I had to try this new phenonmon, at least once, to give you a better understand and first hand experience.  While you sit in a dental style chair your eyes are rapidly tugged on with minimal pain, but you are done within minutes it doesn't take very long.  I would have to agree with what I heard while talking to others, the pain is minimal and no worse than other such techniques for brow shaping. 

Local eyebrow threading kiosks and salons:  (not a complete list by any means)

Eastland Mall - Columbus
Rani's Skin Care - Cincinnati
Beachwood Place - Beachwood/Cleveland
Southern Park Mall - Youngstown
Summit Mall - Fairlawn/Akron
Chapel Hill Mall - Akron
Westfield Belden Village Mall - Canton

For those that are still curious, here's a helpful video from youtube.com:



Top before & after photo from website: www.marthasalonspa.com

Read more...

Adventures through the countryside.

Today was one of the nicest day we had since autumn - the sun was shining, jacketless weather, and windows cracked to let the fresh air pass through the car while cruising down the country roads.  Ohio has many various communities of Amish, most recognizable by the horse drawn buggies also cruising down the road.  The Amish have a history all of their own - simple dress, simple living, but a complex history.

 Today's country drive took me to a town that has a large population of Mennonites and Amish.  Hartville is also home to the Hartville MarketPlace which is part market place and part flea market (outside).  The marketplace is an opportunity for small businesses to have a permanent location to set up their goods, much like a store front.  There is  a variety of antiques, craft stores, apparel, chotchkies, clothing, grocery and much more.

 One of my favorite stores is called Katie's Place.  It is owned by Katie Yoder Hochstetler who was born Amish, but left the Amish community with her family at a very early age to join the local Mennonite community.  Katie's shop has a variety of things from hand crafted wooden toys that her husband makes that are marble rollers and noise makers.  Katie's Place also has a variety of fashion, but all are Amish fashions that some of her Amish relatives have made. 

 Amish Clothing at Katie's Place
Hartville MarketPlace - Hartville, Ohio

Read more...

Local Finds Friday - La Llama Place

La Llama Place in Yellow Springs

If you’re looking for a unique accessory to spice up that dull winter wardrobe, La Llama Place in Yellow Springs should be your first stop.

Importing Peruvian apparel and merchandise since the 1960’s, La Llama Place has many great accessories.

A few of my favorites, are the Chullo Hat in Burgundy - $14.50

Alpaca Silver Necklace with Jasper stones - $ 17.75

Alpaca Scarf in Lime Green - $ 24.50

 

Yellow Springs is just a short drive east of Dayton.

Blog written by: Sara Drum regional writer for OhioFashionista.com from the Yellow Springs area.

Read more...

Wordless Wednesday: NoodleNoggins

These are just too cute to pass by!  Kristy Hawk of Akron established NoodleNoggins in 2008 (according to Facebook) and has caused quite a NoodleNoggins mania locally!  Check out these cuties from her clients and product photos:

 Adults too!

All these hats,and many other varities of knit headwear and accessories can be found on NoodleNoggins Etsy site.

Photography credit:
Christina Sommers
Captured by Kelly Photography

Read more...

Tuesday Trend: Galoshes

Sorry about not writing for a few days, the weather has been crazy here in the NEOhio and we've been battling a lot of destruction from the ice and snow.  But now back to regular scheduled programming...

Did anyone else as a child remember playing in your grandfathers galoshes?  I do, they looked like these and of course were like walking in clown shoes, quite sloppy but great entertainment.

 While these were fun as a child to romp into the puddles with it is now time to find my "grown up" pair to keep me dry while shoveling the side walk or to drudge through the snow to local stores like: Macy's, DSW, Burlington, and T.J. Maxx - all stores in the Akron area.  If you are in the market for some galoshes, or just stocking up for the next winter season (which we all know will be here sooner than we want) now is the perfect time to find them on many clearance shelves.

 

 

So the question is, are you happy in galoshes?

Read more...

Today's topic inspired by the Olympics 2010...SCARVES!

While watching the hours long opening ceremony tonight for the XXI Olympics in Vancouver one thing that really caught my eye was the variety of scarves that the Olympians were wearing.  Some were wearing them to stay warm in the enclosed arena, and some were whipping them wildly in the air swinging around their country name and/or colors.

  

 

Here's an example of one I saw on the Olympics opening ceremony.  It was actually being whipped in the air and held over there heads, much like their own personal flag of sorts.

 

Read more...

Very sad news: RIP Alexander McQueen.

I am very saddened to report that Alexander McQueen was found dead in his home - he was 40 years old.   McQueen has been one of my favorite designers, influences, and fashion role model.

Even my alpaca is named Xander partially in honor, and now memorial of Alexander McQueen.

News from the New York Daily News:  Here.

Some designs from his 2010 Spring collection, from style.com:

Read more...

Wordless Wednesday: Faux Fur

While I stare out the window at 4 feet of snow in the yard looking at what Ohioans have called "Snowatopia" I see people bundled up in all kinds of outwear - one of my favorites is natural colored faux fur.

Model: Jamie Ball of Akron, Ohio
Faux Fur Jacket and Necklace: Target in Akron (Arlington Rd)

Read more...

wood+metal = accessories!

I was surfing around the internet (Ebay to be specific) looking at how elements of nature, had more recently been connected in fashion. 

This is what you find when you inlay wood into a beautiful home:  (Inlay by DM Hardwood Design)



Here is what wood looks like inlayed into titanium metal for a wedding band, this same ring retails at a local jewelry store for $369.  I just bought it for $25 from Ashley's Jewelry - www.ashleysjewelry.com

Read more...

Super Bowl Sunday!

While our local NFL team isn't in Super Bowl XLIV I will still support them in spirit at a local party in my favorite locally designed and sold shirt.  Yay Browns, you had a decent season!



This shirt found in past collections by the C.L.E. Clothing Company - http://www.cleclothingco.com/

Read more...

Wordless Wednesday: Lebron James

Nearly wordless Wednesday - Ohio's own style icon Lebron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers today has inked a sponsorship with McDonalds to inch himself closer to taking the thrown as the highest paid athlete. 

Here's Akron's own sports star, and style icon - wordless.

On GQ Magazine...

In the Sun-Times...

  

On binarybasketball.com...

Read more...

Tuesday Trend: Leg Warmers

Whether you call it recycled fashion, comeback looks or a nightmare from the 80s there is no doubt that leg warmers are not just practical this winter but also trendy.  As we battle winter blues, we have no reason to not be trendy, warm and comfortable while wearing our favorite leg warmers.  For those that are crafty or even beginner’s leg warmers is a project for knitters or crocheters...also inexpensive to make from your favorite yarns!

Here are some of our favorite leg warmers:

Featured on Etsy

And for those of like a little glitz and shimmer.

Found on Free-People

And in other news Punxsutawney Phil which means at least 6 more weeks of winter...the good news he's only rumored to be right 39% of the time.  Let's hope spring is around the corner!

Read more...

Blog, meet world!

OhioFashionita.com is a site that came together to satisfy the needs of  local fashionistas and answer an age-old question of what and where is the fashion industry in Ohio.  With the use of collaboration across the state with other writers, and my self this blog will be the authority for local fashion news, trends, opinions, style, and much more! 

Follow OhioFashionista.com on Twitter:  OhioFashionista on Twitter

Facebook:  OhioFashionista Fan Page

Read more...