The Pittsburgh Look: November 2011

11.24.2011

STYLE: Happy Thanksgiving!!

Oh Thanksgiving. Not my favorite holiday but it is nice to see family and friends and eat amazing food. The trouble with Thanksgiving is that you may easily find yourself in a situation where you have several outings to go to; your family, your boyfriend's family, a friend's dinner party. Each have their own expectations and each have a ton of food waiting to be consumed. So what to wear for such an occasion? Something fabulous of course to impress the fam, something comfortable to handle all that food and traveling from house to house, and something warm because it is COLD!

A warm sweater, skinny jeans, wedge boots and a scarf are a perfect combo for a cold day of traveling, eating and taking pictures!

11.19.2011

STREETSTYLE

Her shocking red hair (which I was told was Henna) pulls the entire look together!

11.16.2011

FOOD: The Best Lil Tea House in Pittsburgh: Spice Island Tea House

Spice Island Tea House

I do love a good cup of tea! More so, I love a good cup of tea when it's complimented with amazing food. Whenever I'm in the mood for a relaxing atmosphere complete with a hot pot of tea, good food, and friendly people, I head over to Oakland (of all places!) to visit one of my favorite restaurants Spice Island Tea House. The tiny tea house on Atwood St. serves delicious Southeast Asian dishes that won't break the bank! Inside is a very warm, positive energy; its bohemian decor, good music (90's music on this particular night), and a very friendly and knowledgeable staff set the mood for a very chill and enjoyable experience. I usually get the "Ever-Famous Pad Thai" because I believe it is by far the best Pad Thai in the city. However this time I wanted something different. So the BF and I chose dishes we've never had before, and I couldn't have been more satisfied!

Tea of the Day, Soup of the Day and seasonal Dessert menu!

Spice Island also has a pretty lengthy beer and wine list to choose from - behold the bar!

Ahhh...hot, soothing, wonderful tea! This one is called Young Hyson, a very robust green tea.

Crab meat Spring Rolls

Malaysian Sate Noodle with Seafood

Spicy Laht Nah of Thailand - amazing!!

Check out Spice Island on Facebook and their website!

11.01.2011

STYLE: Committing Highway Robbery for Vintage Goods

The Southside is by far my favorite place to shop in Pittsburgh. It has various distinct styles that are displayed up and down E. Carson St like a museum of vintage shops and urban boutiques. Anytime I look for vintage I head to Southside, to the block between 14th and 15th where you will find Southside monuments like the Beehive and Yesterday's News. My heart skipped a beat when I found a tiny, warmly lit, well-decorated store front tucked somewhere between Yesterday's News and Decade. A brand new vintage shop - Highway Robbery Vintage!! The shop is brightly decorated in a bohemian-fun and fearless vibe as Franz Ferdinand plays in the background. There are racks of 1950's pencils skirts, Mod-cut sweaters, bomber jackets, hippie dresses, and 40's frocks. It is completely wearable vintage without getting too "dress up" looking; the menswear is perfect for any regular "Tee-shirt and jeans" kind of guy - band shirts, flannels,leather jackets, and jeans. It is a vintage shop that celebrates its shoppers with realistic pieces, reasonable prices and a dash of hometown pride. What better addition to the tiny Vintage District of Southside?

Highway Robbery Vintage

Kate Minton, 26, owner of Highway Robbery Vintage has quite a history in fashion. She has worked in retail (her last gig being Avalon Exchange in Squirrel Hill), styled for film and television, and worked resale on her own Etsy page. Not to mention she also holds a degree in fashion merchandising under her sparkly vintage belt. Kate has always held a special place in her wardrobe for vintage, "Vintage is great because you can pick it piece by piece," says Kate. She wanted to share her vintage pieces and make it accessible for everyone.