Style Spotlight | Spand-Ice Revive Tank Top: A Chic Solution to Back Pain Therapy

The simplest tasks can cause agonizing pain for someone who constantly feels the sharp sting of back pain. Applying ice and heat effectively can be messy, uncomfortable and time consuming since you have to sit still.  But it's 2015 and where there's a will, there's a way.  Now you can effectively treat your pain without having to compromise your busy schedule - stylishly!

Local entrepreneur, Helen Behn, founder & inventor of the Spand-Ice Revive Tank, has designed an innovative, wearable solution for on-the-go back pain relief. After realizing that icing her back after any activity reduced inflammation and relived pain, she wanted to wear something that would allow her to apply ice without having to stop everything she was doing. Frustrated by the lack of options there were out there, she began to develop her own garment that worked as a wearable ice and heat therapy.

The Revive Tank is a sleek and surprisingly chic tank top that provides effective icing and heating of the lower and mid back by holding thermal packs in place in dual therapy pockets, it also features an adjustable compression strap, to hold the packs close you for effective distribution.

spand-ice.com

The front zipper feature makes it easy to put on even if you're injured - and it's a pretty cool detail (hails to the "Surfer Chic" look seen on runways for Spring 2015), making it wearable as a regular tank top.

  I liked layering this under a hoodie and moto-jacket. I feel sporty chic in this ensemble, warmed up the thermal packs, and enjoyed the soothing chicness that is the Revive Tank.

spand-ice.com

Help this amazing idea takeoff by supporting Spand-Ice in their Kickstarter Campaign.

Visit their website: http://spand-ice.com/revive_tank/

How to Look "Game Day Chic"

Game Day Chic - Steelers 

Football season in Pittsburgh is a very serious occasion.  We are loud, passionate and proud fans! All year round, dedicated Pittsburgh-ers are seen proudly wearing their Steelers jerseys, hats, hoodies and t-shirts - a look GQ magazine called "Game Day Casual." It's a simple go-to look that you can't go wrong with because everyone accepts it - so long as you wear black and gold, "you can sit with us."   It took me a long time to jump on the black & gold bandwagon but living in the city, it's almost impossible to not get immersed in it somehow, and need I say, even enjoy it a little bit.  However, I can't help but feel weird anytime I've put on a football jersey - "how do you wear this thing?"  What pants do you wear with it?  Can I still wear heels?  My date wants to watch the game, so can I still look cute?  And the answer is yes!  You can look cute, wear heels, do your makeup and look incredibly chic while supporting your local football team.

I have created a great game day look using one of  Fanatics NFL Jerseys! They have every team jersey available in every size and style you can think of.  So for my Game Day Chic look, I went with a limited edition women's Nike jersey in white of my favorite player, Troy Polamalu (it's the hair).

So here's what to do to look Game Day Chic: 

1 - Color Coordinate your Accessories - this may be the only time such precise color coordinating is acceptable.  So wear your pride in your hats, purses, jewelry, or anything else you plan on accessorizing with.

2- Find a jersey that fits - try to invest in a jersey that actually fits you.  Your boyfriend's jersey looks exactly like it sounds - like you're boyfriend's jersey.  Fanatics has a whole line of women's jerseys tailored to fit the curves of a lady.

3 - Layer - Football season is cold and jersey's aren't very warm, so make sure you wear something under it (in coordinating colors of course) or over it to keep you warm.

4 - Wear slimming pants - please for the love of God, do not wear sneakers and flared jeans with your jersey - just, no. Keep it looking polished with some nice skinny jeans or leggings.  I chose to be daring in some leather leggings - sexy yet sensible.

5 - Make the shoes count - Obviously if it's snowing and there's ice everywhere and you're tailgating and all that, it's not a smart idea to walk around in 6 inch heels, but if you're going to be indoors and you feel you can wear heels, do it!  It amps up the chic factor and is an unexpected twist to the oh-so casual football jersey.

6 - Put on some makeup - Don't be afraid to doll your look up, do your hair, put on some lipstick, line your eyes, do whatever you want to do to look cute.

You've just gone from Game Day Casual to Game Day Chic - eat your heart out GQ!


Visit Fanatics.com to find an NFL jersey perfect for you!

NIKE activewear
fanatics.com

Yves Saint Laurent skinny leg trousers
$2,780 - brownsfashion.com

Proenza Schouler yellow handbag
shop.harpersbazaar.com

ALDO black jewelry
aldoshoes.com

Yellow knit beanie
target.com

Monday Spotlight: AIRMALL at PIT Premieres High End Shopping Mall

Photo by: Kristi Jan Hoover

I love traveling!  And much like in my everyday life - half the fun for me is getting ready for it.  I like collecting little bottles of travel sized shampoos and conditioners, sorting out which lipsticks I want to take (very important), and choosing the best interchangeable - yet still jet-setter chic - outfits, I get into it.  I recently took a trip to New Orleans for business and I was in AWE of the transformation that the AIRMALL in the Pittsburgh International Airport had gone through! 

Photo by: Kristi Jan Hoover

The AIRMALL at Pittsburgh International Airport is now a far cry from the usual airport gift shops and magazine stands. The new renovation has transformed AIRMALL into a fashion haven, offering passengers an ultra-chic experience with shops like Hugo Boss, Armani Jeans, Disigual, PINKO (first boutique in the US), Furla, Tumi, Lacoste, Metalsmiths Sterling, Collezioni-The Beauty Gallery and more! 

Photo by: Kristi Jan Hoover

Need a last minute staple piece? Perhaps  a great eye cream for jet lag or an eye popping lip color for your presentation tomorrow?  Head down to The Beauty Gallery for all your beauty needs, or Armani Exchange for a luxe classic pieces.  There's a little something for everyone whether you're buying for yourself or you're looking for a gift.  AIRMALL at PIT is now a legit shopping hot spot in the Steel City.

Photo by: Kristi Jan Hoover

Photo by: Kristi Jan Hoover

Unfortunately, due to my trip, I missed the FLY2014 Grand Opening event, but the event hailed bloggers, stylists, a runway show and a celebrity appearance by Carmindy from TLC's "What Not to Wear" featuring a book signing for her new book BLOOM.

(From the left) Tea Tree Pore Minimizer by The Body Shop, Tea Tree Nighttime Skin Clearing Moisturizer by The Body Shop, Vitamin C Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30 by The Body Shop, Smashbox lipgloss in Limitless, All About Eyes eye cream by Clinique, and Pink Grapefruit Body Butter by The Body Shop

MY HAUL: I went with a good skincare haul - I imagined the hot humid New Orleans air was going to turn my skin into a shiny blemished mess so I went with travel sized luxuries that would help keep my skin clear and quenched, along with a great day/night lip gloss that could go easily over my (carefully selected) lipsticks. 

*** CONTEST OPPORTUNITY***

ATTENTION ALL TRAVELISTAS! Win $`100 in gift cards to AIRMALL at PIT.  

Leave me a comment on The PGH Look Facebook page telling me what your top 5 Must-Pack Items are when you Travel!  Make sure to tag #FLY2014 and #flypit

5 Things | 5 Reasons to Move to Pittsburgh (Guest Post by Zillow)

Online real estate database Zillow, has chosen The Pittsburgh Look for their Zillow Partnership Program!  Zillow creates a user-friendly and creative way to go about finding the perfect place to live! So why move to Pittsburgh?  Here are 5 reasons according to Zillow....

Pittsburgh is a thriving, modern city built on a foundation of hard work. Coined “The Steel City” for the industrial boom of the 20^th century, Pittsburgh is now on the map as a global comeback city. Since its iconic steel mills shut down 30 years ago, Pittsburgh developed into a cultural mecca. Additionally, Pittsburgh is abundant in natural beauty with a steady local economy and an eclectic mix of neighborhoods. Here are a few reasons to make the move to Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh Gallery Crawl

1.       Rich in Culture

With 35 percent of the Pittsburgh population between ages 19 and 34, the city is bursting with young, vibrant and innovative energy. The culmination of creativity is found in the Cultural District, the 14-block downtown area that houses multiple historic theaters, modern art galleries and trendy restaurants. Each year, the Cultural District hosts more than 2,000 local, national and international performances including live theatre, music and dancing. Notable museums in the area include the Andy Warhol Museum and ToonSeum and popular festivals including the Three Rivers Arts Festival and VIA Festival.

Photo by: Darrell Sapp (pittsburghpostgazette)

2.       Natural Beauty

Pittsburgh receives much praise for its natural beauty. The city is formed on rolling hills set around three intersecting rivers, the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio. Throughout summer, residents enjoy river kayaking and bike riding along the banks. A great way for newcomers to check out the scenery is to take a land and sea Duck Tour of Pittsburgh. Throughout the winter, Pittsburgh offers multiple snow activities including ice skating and sleigh rides in local neighborhoods. Pittsburgh is also conveniently located close to ski resorts in Maryland and New York.

Benedum Center   Photo: Robert Dorsett (flickr)

3.       Abundant Amenities

Quality of life is comfortable in Pittsburgh due to its abundant amenities. Each unique neighborhood has its own shopping, dining and entertaining districts. One attraction is the renowned Pittsburgh PNC Ballpark, home to the Pittsburgh Pirates and perched along the Allegheny River in North Shore. For great al fresco dining, head to Market Square which is the hub of downtown activity. Additionally, Pittsburgh boasts three major hospitals within the metro area as well as multiple specialty and children’s hospitals.

Point Park University Campus

4.       Quality Schools and Jobs

Pittsburgh offers an array of schooling options for children and adults. Dotted throughout the city are hundreds of highly-regarded preschools, elementary schools and middle schools. Pittsburgh also offers many specialty high schools concentrating in technology, science and creative arts. Additionally, the city is home to more than 29 colleges and universities and is ranked one of the best cities in the country to complete a higher education. Jobs are abundant as Pittsburgh is a hub for technology research and robotics while healthcare, construction and finance industries are booming.

Bloomfield (pittsburghmagazine)

5.       Affordable Neighborhoods

Pittsburgh’s cost of living is relatively low compared to other cities of equal of greater size in the United States. The median home value in Pittsburgh is $91,200 and monthly rents are $1,052, while the national median home value is $174,800 and rent is $1,318. Popular family-friendly neighborhoods include Highland Park and Shadyside. Highland Park is six miles northeast of downtown with a median home value of $220,900 and monthly rent of $1,677. Shadyside is located five miles northeast of downtown with slightly more expensive rates; the median home value is $304,900 and rents are $2,067.

Google’s offices and Whole Foods make East Liberty a popular neighborhood for single young professionals and entrepreneurs. Home values in East Liberty are $89,200 and monthly rents are $1,113, making it the least expensive location listed. Hipsters who enjoy open-air markets, specialty stores and indie coffee shops should check out the Strip District (home value or rent data are unavailable).

It’s impossible to know everything about a city before arriving. Curb uncertainty and curiosity by exploring Pittsburgh’s attractions using these helpful lifestyle insights.

*this is not a sponsored post but a guest post written by Emily Creswick of Zillow

How To | Easy Summer Hair Tricks by Jacqueline's Salon

I don't know about you but Summer and my hair have a love-hate relationship, once the humidity hits it, it has a mind of its own.  So I consulted Jacqueline Capatolla from Jacqueline's Salon in the Grant Building Downtown.  She had tons of tricks up her sleeve for working with Summer hair and weather conditions. Not to mention, her tiny salon is adorable; right in the heart of Downtown and in one of the busiest buildings in the area!

Here she shows us two very easy, and very cute Summer styles that you can wear anywhere - humidity proof!


                                            MESSY SUMMER BEACH WAVES

Step 1: Wrap 1 inch sections of your hair around a 1 1/2 inch curling iron.  Jackie is using a clampless iron which create a more natural, less uniform curl.

Step 2:  Create volume by teasing the hair the the root at the crown of the head.  Paige had extensions in her hair, so Jackie used this teasing technique to hide the extensions as well as create volume. Jackie used a dry shampoo by Matrix to help create bedhead volume.

Step 3: Jackie twisted the hair into 4 large ballerina buns and clipped them.  She let them set for about 10 minutes (you can let them set for longer depending on the kind of curl you want).

Step 4:  After she took Paige's hair out the buns, Jackie added extra texture to the curls by pinching sections of the hair and working her fingers up to create a messy - just-woke-up hair.

SUMMER-TWISTED UPDO

Step 1: Separate the mid-part of your hair (like you're making a mohawk) and create two pony tails, one in front of the other.

Step 2: Braid the ponytails and set with hairspray.

Step 3: Twist the two braids on top of the head in a figure 8 shape and secure with bobby pins.  Add volume and texture to the twists by gently tugging on parts of braids.

Step 4: Twist the hair in the back into buns, keeping them aligned with the buns on top.

Step 5: Secure the buns with bobby pins and finish the look with hairspray.


Some more shots from the shoot.....

Visit Jacqueline's Salon:

Grant Lobby Building
Suite 107
310-330 Grant St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Phone: (412) 281-2209

http://www.jacquelinesnews.com/