Fashion, Art, Celebrity Gossip to Satisfy your inner Maniac.
On February 2, 2012, MANIAC Magazine hosted an exclusive preview of our Feb/March “Love Issue” for all style crunching, beauty addicted, art loving, music obsessed, socially active, health conscious and travel-loving bloggers that pride themselves on giving their readers breaking news and exclusive access to the inside scoop.
The room (formerly Nine West in SouthSide Works) buzzed with excitement as bloggers devoured our latest issue, featuring Pretty Little Liars (ABC Family) star, Lucy Hale. In addition to the chance to seeing the “Love Issue” before it hit stands, bloggers were showered with VIP gifts and services from Pittsburgh Brewing Company, LaVida Massage, Katherine Reel Makeup, Harmony Salon, Tamari, White Diamond Vodka, Stella & Dot, ModCloth, Esspa Kozmetica, SouthSide Works and MINI of Pittsburgh.
As a “Thank You” to all of the bloggers that attended, MANIAC offered the chance to win $200 in fabulous gift cards to those who submitted their posts to us on February 3. And the winner(s) are …
That’s right, winner(s). We received such an overwhelming response from the Pittsburgh blogging community and it was impossible to choose just one, so without further adieu, we are pleased to announce that the winners of the Feb/March “Love Issue” Preview Blog Contest are …
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ComingUnstitched – Beautifully written by a new-comer to the Pittsburgh area, Sarah Stright, provides readers with a detailed overview of our Feb/March “Love Issue,” including photographs of her own style choices for the event. We loved Sarah’s MANIAC courage for throwing herself in to the middle of the Pittsburgh fashion scene (alone, not knowing anyone) as well as the attention she paid to describing her favorite articles such as Maniac Shops, Fashion (J’Adore Paris) and Jet Set – Egypt. Expect to see Sarah on the scene in Pittsburgh and blogging about it in the months to come, we do …
It’s All Smoke & Mirrors – Never at a loss for words when it comes to fashion and all things fabulous, Michele Garris, provides an in-depth look at our “Love Issue.” We loved her inclusion of several “Maniac Mutts” as well as the wide variety of articles on which she chose to comment such as the cover story featuring Lucy Hale, our “Style Profile” featuring Homestead native Pamelyn McMahon and profile on comedy magician, Lee Terbosic. As a photo stylist, esthetician, make-up artist and business woman, Michele continue to provide a clear view on style, through all the smoke and mirrors …
Thanks to everyone who made this event such a huge success! We are pleased to announce that you will find a detailed feature on the BEST FASHION BLOGGERS IN PITTSBURGH in our April/May issue. Stay tuned …
For more photos from the event, check out our photo album on Facebook.
~Jennifer K. McGlincy | Editor
In conjunction with Rimmel London, the cosmetics line she has represented for a decade now, supermodel Kate Moss has launched five Lasting Finish Lipsticks sure to please everyone from teen girls and daring fashionistas to conservative ladies who lunch. Known for her effortless rock ‘n roll chic both on and off the runway, Moss has created five glamorous colors that reflect the ‘easy to wear, classic shades’ she has ‘always worn and loved.’ The lip colors are presented in a matte black tube emblazoned with the fashion icon’s signature in bright red.
This comprehensive collection includes a shade for every skin tone and occasion. The lipsticks contain a Black Diamond Pigment Complex for radiant color, natural moisturizers to ensure the creamiest texture, and vitamins C and E to yield antioxidant protection. After seeing color swatches it is apparent that the colors are very true – they look the same on lips as they do in the tube, which is great given that Rimmel is a brand available in drugstores. Shade selection is as follows:
The Kate Moss collection arrives on our side of the pond this month. The lipsticks will retail for under $10. What a fabulous way to begin 2012; get the London Look!
~By Katherine Reel
Last week, style icon Gwen Stefani launched a limited-run collection for Target. Called Harajuku Mini, it is inspired by Stefani’s other clothing lines and by her own personal sense of style.
Many fashionistas were disappointed to learn that the collection is only for kids – but, the children that get to don these duds are truly lucky!
The stylish Harajuku Mini collection is an offshoot of the line she did with Target last year called Harajuku Lovers. All of Ms. Stefani’s Harajuku work is inspired by the bold prints and patterns of the Harajuku District of Japan, which is one of the most revered and avant garde fashion capitals of the world. It boasts an electic mix of fashion-forward styles ranging from gothic to Lolita, visual kei, decora, Asian and tribal influences, and more.
The Harajuku Mini collection for Target features clothing for boys and girls, and includes animal-inspired hoodies, tutus, and plaid pants, plus prints and graphics galore.
There is clothing for little kids up to the “tween” age. Gwen Stefani was quoted as saying, “Ultimately, with the tween line, I wanted them to feel cool and that they’re expressing themselves through their clothes — that’s what I always did. It’s a sensitive age. I was still really into Hello Kitty, but in a different way. I wanted to wear it with like, zippered skirts, but your parents still want you to be a little girl.”
About the collection as a whole, she also went on to say, “When I get dressed in the morning, it’s a reflection of how I’m feeling that day, so when I first went to Japan and saw the Harajuku, I felt like, ‘How perfect — a catwalk for kids to go, ‘I want to be real and unique and express myself.’’ That’s the DNA of the line. It’s my style mixed with the way the Japanese dress their kids — a lot of clashing and mixing and things that you wouldn’t think go together. I wanted the Harajuku Mini collection to reflect that kookiness. I also got to put some of my signature styles through the years in: punker pants, plaid skirts, zippers. Target wanted all of it. This is really cute and really wearable. It’s so fun. I wanted it to look like all of my signature looks that I’ve done through the years, kind of for children. I wanted to bring fashion to kids.”
Stefani says that own two quite stylish boys helped her design the collection. “My kids have a big opinion about it,” she said.
Check out some of the best looks from the Harajuku Mini line as well as of Gwen at the launch for Target.
~~ By: Ashley Boynes-Shuck
I’ve been to a lot of concerts in my day. I’ve even been to the Grammys in 2005 and have seen an eclectic mix of bands and solo acts hit the stage. I’ve seen people pass out on stage, and I’ve seen bands literally bleed for the fans while they play the sets of their lifetime. After last Wednesday, November 9th, I can add Manchester Orchestra to the list of disgustingly passionate performances I’ve witnessed in my 24 years. The sold out show, presented by PacSun for the PacTour 2011, was completely impressive, to say the least. Everything from the opening acts White Denim and The Deer Hunter to Manchester Orchestra as the main event blew me, and the rest of the audience, away.
First and foremost, I’ve never seen Altar Bar as crowded and jam-packed as it was that night. It took my friend Dave and I about 20 minutes to trudge our way through the crowd just to get a drink and get situated. Even then, the mass of people blocked the stage, making it difficult to see. If you know Dave, you know he is as spirited as they come. It didn’t take long for him to lose interest in not being front row. That, coupled with press credentials, made for an amazing concert experience, right in the mix of it all.
Manchester Orchestra hit the road this year to promote their latest release, Simple Math, which dropped in May. Playing songs from each of their records since 2006, the Atlanta-based rock band blew the roof off of Altar. At one point, lead singer Andy Hull stopped to continuously thanks everyone and make mention of how kick ass it was that they were playing a sold out show for fans who were singing the lyrics to every single song. When the crowd of die-hard fans starting chanting his name, Andy made a point to talk about how it’s not just him up on stage; it’s a band…a family.
Manchester played all of my favorites, including “April Fool,” “Pride,” “I’ve Got Friends,” “Shake It Out,” “Virgin,” and “Everything To Nothing.” The set itself was non-stop, full on rockin’ out at light speed. The crowd moved as one, as the beat of each song drove onward toward an encore that figuratively kicked everyone in the chest (the sign of a sick rock concert). Below is the setlist from the show. If you have the opportunity to see these guys live, do it. DO IT!
SETLIST:
ENCORE:
Overall, not only was the show a huge success and a lot of fun, but also, it was an experience. PacSun and the PacTour 2011 have been nailing it and will continue to do so on the remaining dates. They have made that evident. As for Altar Bar and Manchester Orchestra…unbelievable and impressive show. The band will continue to see massive success for some time to come, that’s for damn sure.
~By Dominic Janidas
~Photography By Matthew Shuck
With fall in full swing and the winter months looming ahead, many people are looking for the hottest fashion for cold weather seasons. Indeed, every year the fashion market shifts, even if just a little bit, meaning that it is certainly a good idea for fashion-conscious people to keep an eye on designers and trends. One trend that doesn’t seem to be going anywhere soon, and which has been popular for many years now, is that of wearing boots that double as fashion items and pieces of warmth. For the most part, this trend is due to the explosive popularity of Ugg Boots, which have gained notoriety worldwide in recent years, having originated as unique Australian boot designs. Fans of these sorts of boots will be happy to know that there are a number of newer styles being offered by the brand this season.
One trend that seems to be occurring within the Ugg brand is the availability of taller boots. The classic Ugg style, which we’ve all seen on people for years now, is designed to go about midway up the shin, however, a few of Ugg’s newer boot offerings are designed to fit just below the knee, providing an entirely different look (as well as more leg warmth!). For examples of this new story, check out the Bomber Chestnut Over The Knee Bailey Boot, or the Lotus Brown Over The Knee Bailey Boot, which both have similar designs within this new style.
Ugg has also made some changes with newer styles that go the other way, in that they are lower than the classic style. In fact, some of the shorter new Ugg boots barely even resemble the classics or the knee boots, in that they have harder soles, and even heels in some instances. It can be great to grab a smaller pair of Uggs, like the Black Leather Lynnea Shearling Clog Boot, or any number of similar offerings, in order to give yourself more options with your footwear in the coming, colder months.
These are just a couple of styles in what has become actually quite an extensive collection offered by Ugg boots. The truth is, this brand name is so hot lately, and has been so popular for years now, that virtually anything they put out will be considered trendy and stylish, and will be picked up by thousands of customers. If you’re looking for some fashion compliments, or even just some new footwear this season, the Ugg collection is definitely a good one to keep your eye on. You can’t go wrong with a new pair of these famed boots.
As a makeup artist, continuing education is a life-long endeavor; that’s why last month I chose to attend a seminar with fabulous NYC-based makeup artist and hair stylist, D’Angelo Thompson, held at the MAKE UP FOR EVER boutique in Greenwich Village. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but from the moment he entered the room, one could immediately sense… a presence.
D'Angelo Thompson
I’m not going to lie: the painfully competitive world of makeup artistry is one that is all-too-often tainted by cattiness, ego, and superficiality. You might expect to experience some of this with an artist as experienced as D’Angelo (two decades’ worth), but there was nothing to be found in his midst but humility, authenticity and candor. Frankly it was a privilege to be seated so close to him, and he was more than generous in sharing his wealth of knowledge. I listened with intent.
D’Angelo has earned quite a reputation: he’s worked with stars like Wendy Williams, Roseanne Barr, Laila Ali, Mario Lopez, Nicole “Snookie” Polizzi, the Backstreet Boys and Daisy Fuentes, to name a few. As a versatile artist he has lent his skills to major motion pictures, TV commercials, national ad campaigns and publications, TV shows, theatrical productions, New York Fashion Week and more. A gem in this industry, he is accomplished at both makeup and hair styling, for which he has won an Emmy Award. You’d have to pry this information out of him, however; he’s not the type of artist who shouts, ‘notice me! I’m important!’ Rather, he draws you in with his impeccable charm, soothing demeanor and quiet confidence. Needless to say, it’s evident why his clients continue to book him.
D'Angelo Models
For aspiring makeup artists, D’Angelo stresses the importance of diversity, branding, building quality relationships with photographers and fellow artists, savings and humility. He says that as a makeup artist, you are your own brand, and establishing strong business savvy is key to financial survival. D’Angelo mentions that it’s crucial to pay attention and use gentle care and respect while doing a client’s makeup/hair. Also, “if makeup isn’t your passion,” he advises, “then you should think twice about choosing it as a career.” If you ever have the opportunity to hear D’Angelo speak, I highly recommend it. He is an amazing educator, motivational speaker, business man and artist.
Last but not least, I asked D’Angelo to name five products he feels are essential to have in one’s makeup kit. He recommends:
1. LIP STAIN: D’Angelo likes the Sephora Lush Flush Lip & Cheek Stain in Red Wine. This is a great product to layer under lipstick and gloss for long-lasting color, perfect for brides.
2. EYE DROPS: Blood shot eyes are a no-no.
3. FOUNDATION BRUSH: This tool yields a flawless makeup application.
4. CETAPHIL LOTION: A gentle lotion that acts as a substitute for makeup primer and works on all skin types.
5. BRONZER: A medium to dark matte shade is universally flattering.
~~ By Katherine Reel
Anyone who has read the popular book Julie and Julia: 365 days, 524 recipes, 1 Tiny Apartment Kitchen by Julie Powell or has seen the 2009 movie adaptation directed by Nora Ephron can catch a quick glimpse into the eccentric lifestyles of non-fictional characters Julia Child and Julie Powell, but also see the successes and tribulations each face in the culinary department. While they both try to perfect the most satisfying Beef Bourguignon, their determination to both make something of themselves in this environment is what the reader or movie goers really take away from these characters. Scientifically speaking, nourishment is essential for survival, but it takes a certain kind of person to truly appreciate the craft of cooking or baking foods. Some look upon it as an art, others look upon it as a therapeutic task, but the majority of chefs in the culinary world or even the chefs who make dinner for their families at home, look for that initial reaction of the person they are feeding after they have prepared the food. The first taste is everything and whether the dish is excellent and pleasing or horrid and tasteless to the people eating it, it is a crucial learning experience for the man or woman in the kitchen, the chef.
Le Cordon Bleu Institute of Culinary Arts in Pittsburgh has taught the people who attain to be such chefs, whether at home or in four-star restaurants, for the last twenty-six years. Anchored by wonderful faculty, staff and instructors, the school has set a strong foundation for the educational system in the Pittsburgh area. It is a place where aspiring culinary students can take courses ranging from “Baking and Pastry” to “Hospitality Trends and Technology.” These aptly titled classes are only a piece of the pie that make up this wonderful institution that captures the mind and attention of its young apprentices.
Le Cordon Bleu Institute of Culinary Arts was founded in Pittsburgh in 1986 as the Pennsylvania Institute of Culinary Arts and did not obtain the name it holds today until roughly thirteen years ago in 1998. Decades prior to its original convocation in Pittsburgh, Le Cordon Bleu, which means “the blue ribbon” in French, was founded in Paris in 1895. Today, Le Cordon Bleu has multiple locations all over the world as well as seventeen locations currently in the United States. Pittsburgh has been fortunate enough to be a prosperous location for the past few years, especially because it is in a market with institutes in bigger metropolitan cities such as Chicago and Los Angeles. “Le Cordon Bleu has fared very well in the past few years in Pittsburgh,” said William Hunt, Dean of Culinary Arts. “Unfortunately, once our lease is up in 2012 and the final graduates finish their courses, we will be closing our doors, stated Hunt. “Less capital to invest and the decrease in enrollment have been major factors in this decision. Our student body alone has dropped from 700 students down to 200 in the last few years,” said Hunt.
While it is hard to dwell on the future, especially for students and faculty, it is important to see the impact that this institute has brought to the restaurant scene in the area. “Some of our graduates have gone on to work in restaurants that have received much acclaim and great reviews. These restaurants have included Salt in East Liberty and Eleven in the Strip District,” mentioned Hunt. One thing is for certain, Le Cordon Bleu closing in Pittsburgh will have a definite impact on not only the city, but in the local restaurants where these talented graduates go on to work. Aside from the local restaurants, no longer will patrons on their lunch hour be able to sit down and dine at the cafeteria or Technique Restaurant in the Clark Building where all the delectable food is prepared by chefs in training and served at a fair price. No longer will passersby be able stop at Technique on the Go, the institute’s café across the street, to grab a quick snack as they head back to work or wait for the bus. Most importantly though, we will no longer have a culinary training institute as easily accessible in the city as this one has been for the last twenty six years.
Walking down Liberty Avenue and not seeing students in white attire running back and forth to their classes in the Clark Building and the kitchens across the street will seem very odd come next year, but the legacy of such a fine institution will live on through the students that have been taught at Le Cordon Bleu Institute of Culinary Arts for over the past two decades.
~~ By Matthew Hacke
When local sculptor David Calfo found out that participants in this year’s annual Arbor Aid fundraiser were only allowed to use salvaged material in their entries, all he could do was smile. For the last few decades, Calfo has made a career of shaping the remnants of old mills, train stations and other iconic Steel City architecture into elegant works of art ,and when it was announced that this Friday’s theme – “The Vessel” – would focus on his medium of choice it only took him a few days to find the perfect project.
Any Pittsburgher worth their pop should be familiar with the McBride House. For 158 years, the log cabin on 38th Street in Lawrenceville stuck out like a sore thumb until last year, when three different attempts to preserve it by the Lawrenceville Historical Society fell through and its owner was forced to tear it down. Before it was demolished, the McBride House was in contention to be named the oldest wooden structure in an American city. Even though it fell short of the title, Calfo has found a creative way to keep the house’s memory alive.
Using timbers that the house’s owner saved from the landfill, Calfo has constructed two different sculptures that explore humanity’s inextricable link with nature. A third entry uses materials salvaged from the Beaver Falls steel mill to pay tribute to Calfo’s grandfather and uncles, who worked on the mill’s rail gang. All of these pieces will be available for auction at tomorrow’s Arbor Aid, and you can see a preview of them below. (Click images for larger preview)
Soul Searcher ($1400). “Soul Searcher” illustrates man’s struggle to shape himself from the primordial darkness. From the dark, rough-hewn base, a figure rises into the light of self-awareness. The high-gloss polish makes the wood seem nearly liquid, which speaks to the dynamic physical and spiritual processes at work in what amounts to an act of self-birth.
The Seeker ($2,400). “The Seeker” is a followup to Calfo’s popular “Lone Walker” statue that sold at the “Art All Night” fundraiser earlier this year. Similar to the Soul Searcher, Calfo employs a gradient to transform a dark and rugged foundation into a homunculus of sorts, only now the figure is fully formed. Like ourselves, this figure is attached to nature – literally. As it strides out into the unknown, its face is blank, open to the coming experiences that will shape it from a template into a soul.
Hunky Rail Gang ($4,000). There’s a lot at work in this particular sculpture. A tribute to Calfo’s relatives who worked in the steel mill rail gangs for generations, “Hunky Rail Gang” is fashioned out of old rail ties and timbers from the Beaver Falls Steel Mill. At first, the iron towers rising out of the suspended rails might look like a skyline, but upon closer inspection it becomes apparent that these figures are also silhouettes representing the stern-jawed blue collar workers that kept the mills alive.
Arbor Aid will take place at Guardian Storage in the Strip District TONIGHT (Friday), October 28th at 7 p.m. For tickets, click here. To find out more about David Calfo, visit www.davidcalfo.com
On Monday September 26th, Market Square and surrounding venues in Pittsburgh hosted the beginning of what marked Pittsburgh’s second annual Fashion Week. The kick-off event began with a cocktail reception at McCormick and Schmick’s restaurant in the city. Guests of all varieties arrived donning the latest fall trends mixed with hints of classic European designer staples. While vintage Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and even the coveted Hermes Birkin bags made their appearances in the fashion forward Pittsburgh crowds, the atmosphere of the room stood out the most. It felt like, just for once, everyone was immersed in the avant-garde society of New York City’s fashionable elite during the peak of its fashion seasons in the months of September and February. At McCormick’s and Schmick’s, guests dined on the likes of seared tuna and other assortments of fishes. The sushi that was served there as well consisted of everything from the California to the Salmon Roll. While eating these delectable hors d’oeuvres and drinking martinis with a cucumber intricately placed in each glass, people socialized and took in the Marc Jacobs Fall 2011 Runway Show shown on the vast projector screen in the room.
After finishing up at McCormick’s and Schmick’s, everyone made their way over to another favorite Pittsburgh restaurant located right next door, The Capital Grille. At this venue, guests sampled lobster macaroni, filet mignon and humus dip paired with white and red wines. An old Hollywood vibe could be felt in the room as the dim lighting, rich mahogany wooden walls, and velvet décor laid the foundation for the setting. The flash of photographers’ cameras added to the glitz and glamour of the night as individuals in the crowds got to show off their best model poses. Once this part of the Monday festivities finished up, it was time for the big show; the most anticipated event of the night.
Fashion enthusiasts strutted with each step they took down Fifth Avenue as they made their way to the tent at Market Square for the show. The entrance to the tent was like a red carpet event, lined with columns with bushels of flowers and even more photographers. Walking through the entrance, guests knew that they were about to get an exclusive look into a world of fashion that was only going to be seen by them that evening. The show was previewing the Fall and Holiday Collections of fashion group Doncaster. As the house lights went down and the spotlight shined brightly on the runway, the DJ spun his dance club worthy tunes and the models began to walk out. From all ages and clothing sizes, the women who modeled showcased each piece in the collection with such flawless execution. Leopard and lace garments seemed to dominate the Fall and Holiday Doncaster Collections and were worn be a few famous Pittsburgh area faces. WTAE news anchor Wendy Bell along with local native Jacqui Gnazzo, most recognizable for being featured in the second season of the hit E! Network reality television show, Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami as a DASH store employee or “DASH doll,” graced the runway. As the show came to a close, it was then that the crowd moved on to the final event of the night, the after-show VIP party in the lobby of Piatt Place.
The final part of the evening included a champagne and dessert reception at Piatt Place. Guests topped off the first day of Pittsburgh Fashion Week with toasts galore while munching on cupcakes that exuded exquisite style, with the Chanel logo in icing, as well as taste. A band played in the background as the night drew to a close, making it the perfect ending to a fashionable event. Guests left with gift bags that included the August/September issue of Maniac Magazine.
Ultimately, this event could not have been possible without the help and sponsorship of Piatt Properties, The Capital Grill, McCormick’s and Schmick’s, Izzazu Salon, Tiffany & Co., Fairmont Pittsburgh and most importantly the Doncaster fashion team and Vice President of Design, Patricia Clyne. A special thanks also goes out to Ladies Hospital Aid Society (LHAS) of Pittsburgh who were a crucial part of the event committee and were the event beneficiary for the evening as well. For the past 113 years, members and volunteers of the LHAS committee have given back immensely to the Pittsburgh area by assisting the underprivileged through the use of financial, medical, social, and educational services. The LHAS committee this year, under the direction of current President, Ms. Laura Penrod Kronk and Executive Director Ms. Dee Dee Troutman have done a tremendous job so far in living up to one of its main goals, “to provide support for the sick and the poor living in our diverse neighborhoods” and will continue to do so for many years to come.
This night was certainly one of the most fashionable Pittsburgh has seen in a while and it was definitely refreshing to see how the city has evolved through its stylish inhabitants. It is safe to say that everyone who left the event is already looking forward to next year’s!
~~By Matthew Hacke
