Fashion Director - Britt Fillmore is a graduate of The Art Institute of Cincinnati in Cincinnati, Ohio, with an Associate’s Degree in Fashion Merchandising and Marketing. She currently attends the University of Cincinnati working towards her Bachelor’s in Magazine Journalism with a minor in Fashion Design Studies from the school of Design, Art, Architecture and Planning. Britt Fillmore is from Dayton, Ohio, and has lived in Cincinnati for the past five years to pursue her dreams of becoming a wardrobe stylist for a New York magazine. Contact her at BFillmore@cincychic.com.
Flappers, it’s time for puttin’ on the ritz and celebrating Repeal Day with a roaring ‘20s party at the 21c Museum Hotel. Read on for the cat’s meow!
Sunday Sipper is a spirited celebration of Repeal Day being hosted at 21c Museum Hotel in Cincinnati.
In 1920, nationwide Prohibition began in the United States. When the Eighteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution went into effect, the act of manufacturing, storage in barrels, bottles, transportation and sale of alcohol including alcoholic beverages was prohibited. This lasted for 13 years, and on Dec. 5 of 1933, with the ratification of the 21st Amendment, nationwide Prohibition was over.
Now that you’ve had your history lesson for the day, we can celebrate! Metropole, 21c Museum Hotel and Watershed Distillery are joining forces for “Sunday Sipper,” a spirited celebration of Repeal Day in honor of all the booze makers and behind the stick slingers who thrive in Cincinnati.
The event will take place at the 21c Museum Hotel in downtown Cincinnati Sunday, December 6, from 7-11pm with specialty cocktails, jazzy tunes and burlesque dancing by Ginger LeSnapps – a national traveling burlesque dancer who is known for her modernized burlesque moves, elaborate costumes, and of course her vibrant red hair.
Brush off your favorite flapper dresses and zoot suits, because attendees are encouraged to come dressed to impress in their best ‘20s themed attire. “Guests are encouraged to come dressed in their best Prohibition-era dress and sip on classic, speakeasy cocktails featuring Watershed Distillery spirits,” explains Baltz and Company event planner and account director, Amanda Schinder.
In addition to the costume party, entertainment and drinks, there will be many hometown favorite restaurants who are partnering with this event to bring you some of the best food in Greater Cincinnati. These participating partners include JPS Restaurant Group (Mita’s/Salazar Restaurants), Maribelle Tavern, Neon’s, Sundry and Vice, Taft’s Ale House, and Sotto, Cincinnati’s premier Italian restaurant.
To learn more and reserve space at the event, click here.
Learn about a boutique re-opening in OTR with a unique concept: taking eco-friendly works of art from canvas to fabric.
New “MADE IN OHIO” off the shoulder sweater in plush organic fabric by Canary Ink.
With education and training in fine arts, digital media and graphic design, co-owners Kincy and Joney Fields and Isaac Curd are merging street fashion and fine art with their boutique MADD CASA that takes eco-friendly works of art from canvas to fabric.
MADD CASA, the first installment of three planned boutique chains located in the Art District of Downtown Cincinnati, initially opened its doors June 2015. While they received a positive and warm response from the community, a remodeling of the space was necessary to continue growth. The shop was temporarily closed and they hosted a grand re-opening Oct. 30, 2015.
Since their grand re-opening, the environmental enthusiast owners have relayed an eco-friendly approach to their art-driven fashion boutique. “We bleed green,” jokes Visual Creative Artistic Designer of MADD CASA, Joney Fields.
But on a more serious note, Joney says, “We’re taking sustainability to another peak. Nearly 80 percent environmentally green and we plan to add several unprecedented aspects to MADD CASA that will positively impact the city. We’re also focused on artistic enrichment and connecting with locals to strengthen the art and design network.”
The co-owners of MADD CASA are striving to make their brand represent both the artistic and eco-movement in Cincinnati. “MADD CASA has partnered with a variety of brands worldwide to bring various styles of Eco-conscious wear, Designer wear, accessories and canvas artwork,” Joney explains. They sell apparel, accessories, art, with their t-shirts being their biggest seller.
Joney says they’re also inspired to create their boutique as an outlet to recognize the artistic talent here in the Tri-State. In fact, Joney has advice for young creatives who aspire to have their own business. “Enroll in start-up courses to become familiarized with the ins and outs of the industry,” he suggests. “Connect with fellow entrepreneurs who can act as a mentor and guide. Maintain self-motivation while connecting with the community and building strong business relationships.”
To learn more about MADD CASA, “like” them on Facebook, or follow them on Instagram at @maddcasa_gallery. You can also check out their website. For those who want to check out the store in person, visit 1333 Walnut Street in downtown Cincinnati.
Learn more about an event coming up this week that benefits victims of sex trafficking and abuse, while you enjoy a fun event and 20% discount.
Cincinnati Union Bethel is hosting its Step & Style for Off the Street at Macy’s on Nov. 12.
Fashion and philanthropy are coming together for a fun event this week.
Cincinnati Union Bethel, the longest running social service agency in Cincinnati will be hosting Step & Style for Off the Streets at Macy’s downtown. This agency has three programs: Early Childhood Education with three Head Start preschools, which prepare 3-5 year olds for kindergarten, the Anna Louise Inn, which provides safe and affordable housing for women and Off the Streets, which provides services for abused and prostituted women.
The Off the Streets program gives young women the tools they need to gain safety, recovery, self-empowerment and community engagement. Focus areas include emergency needs, housing, medical care, mental health, substance abuse, education, and employment. Back in 2006, Cincinnati Union Bethel became the lead agency and the first group of women who joined the program.
Cincinnati Union Bethel and Macy’s are teaming up for an event, called “Step & Style,” this Thursday, Nov. 12. “The shopping experience is fantastic,” says Tracy Megison, Marketing Communications Manager of Cincinnati Union Bethel. “Everything in the store has a 20% discount including designer brands. Additional discounts are available on many items that are already on-sale. Plus, guests can shop four full hours from 6-10pm during this private event.”
It’s more than just a shopping event, though. “This event is not just about shopping, but it is to give hope to women for a second chance at a better life,” Megison says of the fourth-annual event. “The women who participate in the program see a huge need for it.”
According to Megison, the program typically helps women 18 to 57 years old, with the average age being 35. One program testimonial includes a story from a young woman, Valerie. Valerie lived in abandoned buildings, abused heroin, and was involved in prostitution for more than 11 years. After being arrested, she asked her judge to sentence her to Off the Streets.
During her time in the program, she was connected to medical care and began attending 12-step meetings. Today, she is living in her own apartment and is studying graphic design in college. She has maintained a 4.0 GPA through her first two years and regularly visits Off the Streets to offer encouragement to new women entering the program.
Megison says this story and others will inspire the attendees of Step & Style. In addition to the great cause and shopping discounts, attendees will also enjoy hors d’oeuvres and drinks from Jeff Thomas Catering and live jazz music from Billy Larkin. The fashion show will feature local guest models and one Off the Streets graduate with a fresh new look with fashions from Macy’s. There will also have a raffle including a ruby and diamond pendant and a weekend lease of a new Lexus.
The event takes place Nov. 12 from 6-10pm at Macy’s Fountain Place, located at 505 Vine Street in Cincinnati. All proceeds benefit the Off the Streets program. To learn more, and to register, click here. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the door.
Learn how one local lady took a skill, passed down by her grandmother, and turned it into a booming business that’ll help you stay bundled up this winter.
Maryanne Dorn, Founder of Bundle Up Crochet
They say if you do what you love for a living, you never work a day in your life. Maryanne and Alec Dorn say that couldn’t be more true for them. They are the husband and wife duo behind Bundle Up Crochet, a locally-based business specializing in hand crocheted cold weather accessories.
Maryanne learned the art of crocheting from her grandmother, knowing only how to make potholders at first. Over time, with patience and practice, her skills developed. But with the demands of earning her degree at the University of Dayton, she gradually she stopped fiddling with the needle.
However, when her post-graduation “real world” left her craving a creative outlet, though, she began crocheting again. “I felt myself needing a hobby outside of my job,” she recalls. Eventually, Maryanne realized she could make just about any accessory possible out of a needle and yarn. “I picked up crocheting again in 2012 and gifted my items to friends and family. In 2013, I sold through word of mouth to friends, family, and coworkers, and couldn’t believe how quickly the word spread of my creations.”
With encouragement from her husband, Alec, they officially launched Bundle Up Crochet in 2014. Today, the business sells crocheted goods such as hats, scarves, headbands, baby blankets and much more. Want to sport your favorite team’s colors in a cozy hat or warm scarf? Bundle Up Crochet has you covered, literally!
“My husband, Alec encouraged me to sell my crocheted ear warmers, hats, and scarves at Second Sunday on Main in Over the Rhine,” says Maryanne. “After countless hours brainstorming company names, we finally agreed that Bundle Up Crochet defined us as a business.”
Alec also helped to build their new website, as well as photographs and edits all of their product photos, and handles all of the shipping for orders. He even joins Maryanne at craft shows and events to help sell.
Bundle Up Crochet will be one of the featured vendors at the Nov. 7 Seasonably Chic Showcase. Click here to RSVP. At the event, Maryanne will unveil her special edition Cincy Chic Cowl Scarf and it will be available for special discount at the event. To learn more, visit www.bundleupcrochet.com.
Learn more about the Ohio-based bakery winning nationwide awards for designing cakes that are best-dressed at any occasion.
Heavenly Confections is based in Athens, Ohio, and is recognized as one of the top cakeries in the country.
Whether it’s a wedding or a child’s birthday party, planning a “big day” can be stressful. But at least you know there will be cake.
That’s what Cheryl Cullop of Heavenly Confections loves about her line of work. And according to Cullop, they go much further than flavors and colors, to create fashionable confections to perfectly personalize the cake or cupcakes to each occasion.
Based in Athens, they serve clients across Ohio and West Virginia. And what brings in clients far and wide, according to Cullop, is that they create designs that one could only imagine with superior products. “My products are pure, fresh, and natural,” she explains. “My refusal to use mixes, pre-made fillings, preservatives and additives is part of my commitment to my customers for a finer, more delectable cake.”
Cullop says her attention to detail to ensure each cake is exactly what her client needs, spending up to 30 plus hours designing one cake (not including baking time), is what also sets her apart. Why so long, you ask? “I do not have mass-produced stock designs; each cake is a unique creation,” she explains. “I meticulously copy lace and embroidery details onto the fondant with a stylus or pin prick technique. I custom match all colors to swatches supplied by my clients. My cakes are often hand-painted or lustered.”
She also likes to create with the client in mind, to stay true to who they are and what they like. With weddings, for example, during the consultation she familiarizes herself with the couple, their story, and all the plans they have in place for the big day.
“Inspiration can come from the tiniest detail about the event, from floral decor, to bridal attire, to the invitation design or the season of the wedding,” she says. “Remember, the cake, like the wedding, is a reflection of who they are as a couple.”
Just this year, Heavenly Confections won the Wedding Wire Couple’s Choice Awards, which means they were recognized among the top 5 percent nationwide. To learn more, visit them online at www.heavenlyconfections.net or contact them via email at heavenlyconfectionsohio@gmail.com.
A line inspired by African Culture is set to showcase at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center this Sunday. Read on for all the fashionable details.
Shingo Fashion will be showcased at the Underground Freedom Center Sunday Oct. 18
A fashion line that represents beauty, confidence and status will be showcased at the Underground Freedom Center Sunday Oct. 18. Shingo Fashion is a women’s clothing line born in Cincinnati, but stays true to its African inspired roots. Founder Chanel Scales was inspired by the term, “Shingo,” which is Swahili for the term “neck.” In Swahili, the neck is a symbol of beauty and pride.
With a feminine silhouette to each piece, this fashion line also has an element of surprise with bold prints, tribal colors, and pieces to fit any woman’s size. The line’s showcase at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is to provide a platform for the independent, creative people of the city to magnify their passions and gifts in the fashion design profession.
“I want to broaden brand awareness of designers, beauty experts and organizations throughout the metropolitan community,” says Scales. “Our passion here at SHINGO is to collaborate with young designers and create a community that can elevate the fashion presence here in the Greater Cincinnati area.”
Designing this line has been her dream since age five. “Growing up, I was always being told ‘you look different’ and ‘you dress weird,’” Scales says, adding that she later channeled her unique sense of style to stand out and create Shingo Fashion. “Fashion is never described to me, it’s about how you’re feeling.”
Today, her line features a mixture of creative pants, dresses, skirts, and jackets. While African culture is her biggest inspiration, Balmain and Cushnie Et Ochs are two designers who also inspire. “I love their sexy and daring, yet classic designs that I strive for in my line,” she explains.
Although she faced many obstacles, stopping was never an option. “Doing it alone, money, being told ‘no!’ and even the urge at times to stop and give up,” she recalls of her most difficult challenges, which she says aren’t all conquered just yet. “Every successful company needs a team of players that want to play their position to lead to a win – I just haven’t found that yet, and I need it. I do it alone with the help of my seamstress, who creates my visions.”
Despite having a small team, she still achieved launching her line and is excited to showcase it at the Inaugural Glam Odyssey Fashion Show, held at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Oct. 18 at 4:30pm, with proceeds donated to KENZIE’S CLOSET. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.
Tamia Stinson is who many want to be when they grow up. Learn more about this magazine stylist by day, fashion blogger by night (and “Downtown Disco Housewife” in between).
Tamia Stinson, Founder of The Style Sample. Image: Tiernae Salley
When a fashionista thinks of her dream job, a vision close to Tamia Stinson’s life will come to mind.
She began her fashion-focused blog, The Style Sample, in 2008. “I started organizing pop-up shops for new and emerging designers back in 2005, when you still had to explain to people what a pop-up shop actually was” explains Stinson. “After that, I moved on to other pop-up projects, participated in Cincinnati Fashion Week, organized fashion shows, did some styling for an awesome but short-lived magazine called A-Line as well as other freelance clients, created look books for local retailers and built the website for Thread Cincinnati as part of our group of local style bloggers.”
Along the way, she landed a prestigious Stylist position at Cincinnati Magazine. “I’ve been a full time Stylist at Cincinnati Magazine for a little over two years now,” she explains. “My job involves finding cool and interesting products—fashion, accessories, home goods, you name it—to feature in the monthly magazine as well as specialty publications like Cincinnati Wedding, SHOPS, HOME and Baby Guide.”
This grad from The Ohio State University, who majored in business marketing with a minor in fashion merchandising, describes her personal style as a Downtown Disco Housewife. “My style is a combination of drape-y, asymmetrical neutrals—which would be the ‘downtown;’ glitzy ‘70s-inspired loungewear—the ‘disco;’ and nipped-waist skirts with oxford shirts—the ‘housewife,’” she laughs. “I figure that will do until I achieve my real goal, which is to dress like Prince every single day.”
As she grabs inspiration from the A-listers such as Tracee Ellis Ross and Jennifer Lopez, her biggest influence is her mother. “My personal favorite fashion icon is my mother, who is the epitome of what I call ‘Class ‘n Sass,’” Stinson says. “She’s a proper lady, but she is no one to mess with!”
While her job, The Style Sample blog and partnership with Thread Cincinnati keep her busy, she also started a new project, Tss-Studio, which helps new businesses and early entrepreneurs with marketing and branding strategies. To learn more about it, visit http://tss-studio.com/about/. To learn more about The Style Sample, visit http://thestylesample.com/.
From rustic French décor to sparkling accessories, a new local shop wants to help you live beautifully. Read on for all the details.
Brad Price is behind the newly opened Villa Sanctuary located in Milford.
Brad Price is no stranger to beautiful things. After working with custom, vintage and estate jewelry for nearly three decades with Krombholz Jewelers, he decided to chase a dream and open his own store.
Recently opened on Aug. 2, 105, Villa Sanctuary is located in Old Milford. The interior fashion boutique specializes in carrying an eclectic mix of new, vintage and antique home furnishings, lighting, tabletop center pieces, gifts and jewelry. This is the twist that separates Villa Sanctuary from most other competing retailers, Price says.
And while the store just recently opened, Price says it’s been in the world for more than three years. after being in the works for the past three years. “The transition from 27 years at Krombholz Jewelers to Villa Sanctuary is really as simple as an extending my love of beautiful jewelry to other beautiful things,” he says. “At Krombholz Jewelers, getting to know my clients taste and lifestyle, then designing pieces or selecting stock to share with them was my favorite part of the job. At Villa Sanctuary, it is the same thing – only I have a broader selection of categories to share.”
Price believes you should live your life “beautifully” – and beauty is in the eye of the beholder. That’s why Price gets to know his clients on a personal level. “Because your home should be your personal sanctuary,” he explains. “Interior design is about elevating your spirit and centering yourself in this fast past world through how you feel at home.”
After 27 years in boutique style retail, Price says he developed a love for special events and trunk shows. That’s why, on Nov. 6 from 4-8pm, he will host the first official show of the season at his boutique that will be featuring Garnier Thiebaut linens and French cookware from Revol. According to Price, both of these brands are leaders in home furnishings and décor.
“We will be sharing French wine and cheese while having the opportunity to see some of France’s finest table décor,”Price says. During the show, he adds, they will be offering 20% off all items ordered at the event and your newly selected treasures should arrive from France in time for Thanksgiving.
Villa Sanctuary is located at 32 Main Street in Milford, adjacent from 20 Brix in Old Milford, which according to Price “has been a wonderful experience,” as it gives the store an opportunity to build excellent foot traffic.
Learn about a local boutique and spa that has everything you need to get your pooch feeling fab and looking fashionable—just like you!
How does a quality spa treatment using premium products, and then afterwards, a professional blowout, nail service and massage sound to you? A local boutique and spa offers all that and more—for your pet!
At Edgy Pooch Pet Boutique and Spaw, located in OTR, your pooch can get groomed and decked out in new duds all in one shop. Specializing in dog grooming, they also have a fully-stocked pet fashion boutique, complete with outerwear, tops, bottoms, collars and dog accessories. They also have a large assortment of pet apparel name brands such as Lassie and Grreat Choice Dog Apparel.
Do you want your pet to also be game-day ready just like you? Edgy Pooch carries Cincinnati Reds and Cincinnati Bengals gear for small, medium and large dogs, along with customizable dog apparel fit for any occasion from weddings to Halloween costumes.
When owner Henasha Chandler launched the business in 2011 because she wanted to help pets stay healthy and happy. “Keeping your pet well-groomed not only makes for a clean-smelling pet, it also helps to keep your dog more comfortable and allows you to spot health problems before they become serious, or even life-threatening,” she explains.
Chandler, along with their boutique groomer Lucy Beery, are both experienced in the field having being groomers for the past eight years. “I love seeing animals dressed in clothes, I love the way it adds to their charisma and character, especially after a full groom,” she says. “It’s always fun to see the before and after results.”
But Chandler knows that grooming isn’t financially feasible for everyone. That is why she came up with a fair pricing system. “[It’s] affordable for nearly every house hold,” she says. “I love animals. I wanted to share my love of helping and caring for animals all shapes, sizes and backgrounds.”
In addition to their clothing and grooming services, they also offer boarding services and help owners host pet birthday parties. Also, with Halloween just right around the corner, they will be having what they call a “Howl-O-Ween Yappy Hour” Saturday, Oct. 31 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. All attendees will receive $10 off coupon on their next visit.
We chat with the owner of Curate Boutique about her recent transition from a brick-and-mortar store to a redesigned retail site and her exciting new lifestyle blog, Radiant Rogue.
Courtney PeGan, owner of Curate Boutique, which recently transitioned from a brick-and-mortar store to an online-only retail site with lifestyle blog
The retail world is changing. No one knows that better than Courtney PeGan, who chased a dream – inspired by her late father – and opened Curate Boutique, a Hyde Park-based women’s clothing and accessories shop in 2013.
“Growing up, my dad had his own business for 40 years, so that was normalcy for me,” says PeGan. “I grew up working with the family and I saw how fulfilling owning your own business can be. It was always my end goal that I wanted to do my own thing.”
Over the course of her first two years in business, PeGan hosted events in her store, donating a portion of sales and 100 percent of raffles to her father’s foundation. In May 2014, she was able to award her first four-year scholarship to a local senior hoping to attend school. “It was so exciting to see all of the hard work pay off and to be able to positively impact someone’s life,” she says.
But along with the successes, there were also struggles. Primary of which, PeGan says, was the adaptation needed to accommodate changing retail behaviors that were making a dramatic shift toward digital. “I am an entrepreneur with a headstrong belief that there is nothing I can’t do myself – but this typically gets me in trouble when it is time to move heavy furniture,” PeGan laughs.
Turns out, she did need to move heavy furniture, because she made the decision to close the storefront in June 2015 and focus solely on the boutique’s digital efforts.
“Being my own boss and owning Curate Boutique was my dream. When I opened the doors to Curate in early 2013, my entire life changed. I loved working for myself. Even when I worked more hours per day and week than ever before, I felt energized and excited. It was easy to pour my whole life into it because I loved it, and I believed in myself and my tenacity. Unfortunately, wanting something and working hard doesn’t always yield business results that can pay the bills.”
After a two-month hiatus to redesign the website and logo, PeGan recently launched her new online-only boutique. She says the new Curate Boutique website makes it more user friendly, and more interactive with customers. In addition to Curate’s new e-commerce site, PeGan also relaunched her blog, now titled “Radiant Rogue,” to inspire her customers and reach them on a more personal level as she did in her store. “I loved connecting with shoppers in store,” she says, “and I wanted to preserve that personal connection in a digital way. I see Radiant Rogue as an opportunity to share my journey both personally and professionally.”
PeGan says she wants her journey of inspiration, risk-taking, adaptation and perseverance to inspire others. “I hope my story strikes a chord with some and inspires them to keep fighting for their dreams,” she says.
With the new streamlined business concept, PeGan says that lends itself perfectly to the new “Capsule Wardrobe Project” concept she’s excited to launch in the near future. According to PeGan, the Capsule Wardrobe Project is loosely defined as a seasonal wardrobe limited to 36-50 pieces of mostly high quality wardrobe essentials plus a few seasonally trendy pieces that mix and match easily. “The idea is that limiting the number of options in your closet doesn’t have to limit your personal style at all,” she explains.
To learn more, visit www.curateboutique.com. Use the code CHICFALL20 to save 20% on all new fall arrivals this week (expires Sept. 19).
