things I love about Pittsburgh #1

Often I'm walking through my fair city, see something that makes me very happy, and think- I should make an informal catalog of all the things I love about Pittsburgh!
I've lived in some great places- New York, DC, and Pittsburgh. I love them all. Each have something wonderful to offer and allow you to find your niche, your people.  Others always assume I will think Pittsburgh is 2nd rate compared to the "big cities" I've called home- not true at all!  I for sure bloom where planted, and have always been a "nester," and really love wherever I happen to be calling home.  One of those reasons is that on the surface, it is easy to find pros and cons about any city.  It's once you allow it to get under your skin, rub it around on you that you can truly say what you love or hate.  It also helps that I am the luckiest girl in that I really have the best group of friends. I've picked a few up in each city I've been blessed to call home, which has only enhanced the experience of that place.

So this post is the first edition of "things I love about Pittsburgh!" I will try to carry my camera around with me more often so I can capture the people, places and things I will try to represent through my words with these posts.

Things I live about Pittsburgh #1- consignment and independent shopping! And often to the benefit of local charitable organizations!

what? shopping in Pittsburgh? yes!  I have, approximately 10 years late, discovered the joy of consignment.

Today, I wandered into Designer Days Boutique in Shadyside and wandered out with a $14 Tahari skirt. Black, structured heavy cotton, to the knee, with a gross-grain ribbon waistband that makes my derriere something to marvel at!  I did not walk out with, but did drool over, a $400 1970's vintage louis vuitton grey-green briefcase.  I have no need for this, nor do I have $400, but oh my goodness!  And if I were truly wealthy I could be the proud new owner of a large black $1500 Chanel shoulder bag- complete with iconic quilting and metal link strap.  If I wore a size 7 shoe (a real problem, it is hard to find good shoes when you are a size 9!) I would have had my pick of prada, manolo blahnik, coach, ferragamo, and dolce & gabbana heels. sigh.  Proceeds go to support local womens and girls associations.

Ambiance Boutique in Lawrenceville is a wonderful, large consignment shop. 50% of the proceeds go to support Bethlehem Haven Shelter.  2 of my darling girlfriends from NYU, in town for the weekend, and I found some great bargains- shoes, jewelry, dresses, purses.  We walked out with 3 large bags for a combined total of around $100.  Again, the shoe size was an issue- why were those spectacular gold jimmy choos a 7???  Waist size can also be an issue. I'm a size 4.  If I were a 0 or an 8 I could fare much better when shopping other people's discarded designer wardrobes. 

The Common Thread, also on Butler St. in Lawrenceville, is a well-kept thrift store.  You won't find high-end designers, but dresses are no more than $6, jeans for $4, tops for $3, shoes for $3, so no complaining here.  A recent trip got me a skirt (black, high-waisted, flowing), and 2 dresses (one summer lightweight shift, and a winter grey sweater dress) for $11.50.  They were also selling a Deuce Staley #22 jersey for $3, which I had to laugh at, but not enough to actually purchase!  Proceeds from The Common Thread also go to support a local charity.

Eons, on Ellsworth Ave in Shadyside, a few doors down from DDB, is a vintage clothing dream.  Dresses with original tags from the 60's, pumps from the 40's, hats, gloves, handbags!  It's where we found Leah's dress at our MadMen themed party.  The prices are amazing (mostly in the double digits) and the quality impeccable.  Plus, the staff are quite knowledgeable.  When shopping for gloves for the MadMen event, a salesperson knew exactly the type worn in the early 60's (to the wrist, black, showing the wrist bone).  They really know their stuff!

Finally, I would be remiss to blog about great off-the-main-street shopping in the 'Burgh if I didn't mention my favorite independent boutique, Pavement, on Butler St in Lawrenceville.  It is known for its shoes, but I love the clothing.  They sell local designers, often at a great price.  I have purchased $30 skirts, a wonderful buttery leather wrap belt for under $40, and jewelry in the same price range.  Sometimes it is surprising to pull out a simple cotton shift for over $200, so watch the tags!  In general, the prices are great, the environment friendly and decorated in great eclectic style making it not only easy but interesting to shop.

If I need a pair of black pants, stat, I will end up at Banana Republic.  If I'm just shopping cause tis the season- I will check these shops off of my list first.  Always a lover of "costumes" that aren't "costumey" I think I have found my go tos for future events (garden party! cruise! brunch!).