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The best thing about fall is its fashion, but that retail therapy can also take a toll on your budget. Our finance expert offers tricks to avoid pitfalls while still enjoying a fashionable fall treat.

Shop for fall fashion without busting your budget.
Shop for fall fashion without busting your budget.

I was at lunch with my friend the other day, and of course we could not help but talk about the all the new fall fashion trends.

Each year top fashion magazine release what’s cool this season rather it’s whimsical colors, flare bottom jeans, or chunky collared sweaters. We as consumers are convinced that somehow we have to be cool and trendy, spending our money on these new clothing items. Not true!

For the record, as a self-declared fashionista, I love shopping. I’m weird in a sense because I love touching the fabrics, the smell of new clothes, and sifting through racks of clothing to find that unbelievable deal. The clearance rack is my favorite, of course. So I definitely understand the urge to shop until you drop on the latest trends, but I would recommend only buying one trendy piece this season. As a frugal fashionista, you do not want to get in the habit of spending a lot of money for pieces you will only wear once or twice.

When looking for these trendy pieces, it is easy to go out to an expensive retailer, but let’s start the search at Forever21, H&M, or Macy’s (as they are always having a sale). No one will know that you did not spend an arm and a leg for your piece. I often wait for the end of the season sale to pick up my statement pieces. Season end sales are deeply discounted to at least 65 percent off.

This brings me to my next point of using price points while shopping. Don’t use a sale as an excuse to splurge outside of your budget. Having a spending limit will help with this endeavor. Combining price points with spending limits will definitely ensure your bank account is happy. This real-life concept is used by home buyers when selecting a home. A good realtor will not show you a home that is more than your pre-approval amount; therefore, as a frugal shopper you should not shop outside of your budget.

My plan of attack this fall season is to find the perfect pair of thigh high, suede, high-heeled boots. However, I am only willing to spend $50 for a pair. By setting this price point, I will not get distracted by anything outside of that price range. It will not be easy, but it will be worth when I have extra money for holiday shopping or trip planning.

Trust me you can do it, changing your habits and your priorities is the start to becoming a successful saver. Price pointing and spending limits will be second nature and your bank account will remain intact. It takes patience, but don’t let retailers take you out of the saving game; instead make better decisions when it comes to shopping. This way you will win every time.

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Learn about the exciting new event series that will bring a variety of events, activities, and pop up shops to Westwood this summer!

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The Cincinnati neighborhood of Westwood has long had a community dream of launching a vibrant business district full of retailers and restaurants. That dream will come to life this summer with the opening of Pop! Goes Westwood in the neighborhood’s public space called The Bowtie.

According to Kevin Tolan, Executive Director for Westwood Works, Pop! Goes Westwood is a multi-pronged community activation event series that’s designed to bring a host of events, activities, and pop up shops to the historic core of Westwood’s business district.

“We will be activating various public spaces in the community with music, art, and family-friendly activities,” he says.

The event series will run from June 18 through September 10, every weekend. It will go from 3 to 8 p.m. on Saturdays and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays, with the exception of July 2 and 3 and September 3 and 4.

There are a plethora of businesses and community organizations behind Pop! Goes Westwood. Tolan says this list includes Westwood Works and Westwood Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation, The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation, PNC Foundation, Artworks, Give Back Cincinnati, Jill and Herschel Benkert, Western Hills Honda Yamaha, Westwood United Methodist Church, Westwood Civic Association, Kretchmar, Deans Hops & Vines, HDR, Advantage Group, and Champlin Architects.

The grand opening of Pop! Goes Westwood will take place on June 18 at 3 p.m. Tolan says it will feature The Young Heirlooms, The Hiders, and a Pop Up Beer Garden sponsored by Deans Hops & Vines.

There’s a lot to look forward to when it comes to Pop! Goes Westwood, according to Tolan. “We have several unique pop up shops, including a local glassware artisan, a hat maker, and handmade accessories made here in Westwood,” he explains. “We will also have food trucks throughout the series.”

The launch of Pop! Goes Westwood will also welcome several new retailers to the Westwood Business District, says Tolan. This includes Muse Cafe, Carriage House Press, and Bear Necessities Market.

If you plan on checking out Pop! Goes Westwood this summer, you can find them at the intersection of Harrison-Epworth-Urwiler streets in the heart of Westwood.

To learn more about Pop! Goes Westwood, click here.

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He’s been designing luxury menswear for years, and just launched a new custom line for women. Read on for details and where you can check it out in person.

Jonathan Mezibov will host a pop-up shop open house event on Friday, Feb. 12 from 6-9 p.m. in Over-the-Rhine.
Jonathan Mezibov will host a pop-up shop open house event on Friday, Feb. 12 from 6-9 p.m. in Over-the-Rhine.

When it comes to custom clothes, men always get the love. But Jonathan Mezibov is changing all that.

For years, Mezibov has specialized in custom tailored shirts for men, but he just announced a new line of made-to-order women’s designs.

That’s not the only thing he’s announcing. He has a new pop-up shop in OTR, and he’s hosting a Valentine’s Day themed open house event Friday, February 12. The event will take place from 6-9 p.m.

The event is free to attend, and guests will enjoy complimentary refreshments, a mini photo session with professional photographer, as well as a meet-and-greet with the designer. Attendees will also have a chance to give back to the community, as a portion of sales at the event with benefit UpSpring.

Mezibov, who specializes in fine tailored shirts for men, explains the excitement toward the spring season: “I love the bright, hopeful, and easy feeling that accompanies this time of year,” he says. “I am a big fan of color and the fresh palettes that come to the forefront in spring.”

Until now, Mezibov’s pieces have only been available for men, and sold only online. At the pop-up shop, not only will guests be able to purchase and be fitted in-person, but they will also get a sneak peek at his new designs for women. “We are really excited to now be offering made-to-measure shirts for women. They feature the same fine ingredients, craftsmanship and attention to detail as our men’s shirts, but [will be] totally customized to the individual’s specifications,” he says. “There is a certain freedom in making women’s shirts, in terms of colors, fabrics and styles…I am really enjoying the process and the ability to now offer shirts to anyone who enjoys our aesthetic.”

In addition to the stylish nature of the event, a portion of all sales will go to benefit UpSpring, formerly known as Faces without Places. UpSpring is the region’s only non-profit exclusively serving the educational needs of homeless children and youth. Mezibov is passionate about the organization, and says, “Childhood poverty is an unfortunate reality and Cincinnati is near the top of the list for highest child poverty rates among major U.S. cities. Poverty is a hindrance to many aspects of our society, but education certainly should not be one of them…[UpSpring’s] mission could not be more timely or important.”

Jonathan Mezibov’s pop-up shop event will take place at 1421 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, February 12. To RSVP for the event, visit www.mezibov.eventbrite.com. To learn more about the designer, visit www.jonathanmezibov.com.

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Save money. Look your best. These popular New Year’s resolutions can be stylishly satisfied at this upcoming event at Clothes Mentor that’ll make both your wallet and wardrobe happy.

Kate Paynter, Owner of Clothes Mentor Hyde Park.
Kate Paynter, Owner of Clothes Mentor Hyde Park.

Look like a million bucks without spending it. Shopping spree and a girls night out. You have can have the best of both worlds thanks to an upcoming event.

On Thursday, January 28, Clothes Mentor in the Hyde Park Plaza will be hosting a “Sip, Shop and Save” event. “Women are invited to spend the evening with us while shopping, mingling and sipping on refreshments,” says Clothes Mentor Owner Kate Paynter.

Clothes Mentor is a women’s resale store that buys and sells gently used, current style apparel and accessories for women sizes 0-26 as well as maternity. Paynter owns the Clothes Mentor franchise stores in Hyde Park, West Chester, Fields Ertel and Anderson in addition to the Once Upon A Child locations in Hyde Park, West Chester, Fields Ertel, Anderson, Colerain and Western Hills.

“Unlike consignment shops, we pay cash on the spot for the items you are no longer wearing,” says Paynter. Plus, she adds, they have a helpful staff who will help with styling or finding that perfect piece you’re looking for.

During the Jan. 28 “Sip, Shop and Save” event, Paynter says Clothes Mentor will be offering 20% off regular-priced merchandise, which includes clothing, shoes and accessories. Their designer purses – with brands ranging from Michael Kors to Louis Vuitton – will be 10% off.

Not only is the event free to attend, Paynter says, but all attendees will enjoy a Swag Bag, complimentary wine and refreshments, and door prizes will be handed out throughout the evening.

“I’m most excited about showing current and new customers the selection of gently-used, current style women’s clothing and accessories that can be found at our store,” Paynter says, adding that she always loves how shocked people are when they shop at Clothes Mentor for the first time and see how much they save on trendy, designer pieces.

The event will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on January 28 at the Clothes Mentor Hyde Park store, which is located at 3880 Paxton Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45209. To get future event invites and sale alerts, “like” Clothes Mentor Hyde Park on Facebook. To RSVP for the event, click here.

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Fashion, friends and philanthropy. That’s the couture combo that’s helping the less fortunate in our area. Learn more about the fashionable affair on December 19.

A group shot from the 2014 Ladies Night Out with a Purpose. Photo credit: Amy Elisabeth Spasoff Photography
A group shot from the 2014 Ladies Night Out with a Purpose. Photo credit: Amy Elisabeth Spasoff Photography

Each year, local fashionistas gather for an evening of celebration while supporting an important cause. This event, known as Ladies Night Out with a Purpose, was created so that other women could support each other, says founder Teresa Washington.

“I’m a firm believer that we as women need one another. We need a night out with our girlfriends and what better way than to come together and have a good time while helping disadvantaged women and children,” explains Washington, who is also the CEO and Creative Director of STMT-Statement. http://shop-statement.com/

“Of course, each year is special to us because we’re helping others, but what makes this year so special is the venue,” she explains.

For 2015, the 5th annual Ladies Night Out with a Purpose will be held at the recently revamped Contemporary Arts Center on Saturday, Dec. 19, where guests will have the chance to enjoy all three levels of the venue as well as a Runway Style Fashion Show. “It doesn’t get any better than that,” says Washington.

The event begins at 6:00 p.m. with a complimentary wine hour. The runway-style fashion show called “Rock the Holiday In Style” will start promptly at 8:30 p.m. In addition to the fashion show and wine hour, guests can also expect a fun filled event of live music, unlimited small bites, exclusive shopping, complimentary mini makeovers, a nail bar, mini massages and raffle gifts.

Teresa Washington, CEO/Creative Director at STMT-Statement and Founder of Ladies Night Out with a Purpose.
Teresa Washington, CEO/Creative Director at STMT-Statement and Founder of Ladies Night Out with a Purpose.

Washington says the first 25 guests to arrive will receive an exclusive “Purpose” gift bag. Exclusive Ladies Night Out with a Purpose t-shirts will be available at the event for $15.

Event attendees will be able to mingle with local vendors as this year’s Ladies Night Out with a Purpose is bringing a plethora of vendors and merchants. Vendors include STMT-Statement, Ear Hustle Couture Handcrafted Jewelry, AZZ on Fire Natural Seasonings, Brittney Harrison Handbags, Serket Jewelry and many more. “Our guest speaker will be Washington D.C., native Dr. Kym Lee, celebrity makeup artist and Creator/Founder of Wink & Pout Cosmetics,” says Washington.

Washington says sponsors for the 2015 event include: The Woodhouse Spa, European Wax Center, Oh Sugar Day Spa, Dor’Nee Natural Body Luxuries, Chenese Bean Makeup Artistry, Denise Breyers Cincinnati Boot Camp, Cara Alwill Leyba, Invito Personal Chef (Chef Anthony Jordan) and Artistic Hair Design. Additionally, participating benefactors are Toys for Tots, Talbert House Passages Program and Neediest Kids of All.

What makes Washington the most excited for this year’s Ladies Night Out with a Purpose is the chance to help someone else in need. “Each year it gets bigger and better,” she says.

Tickets for the event are $20, and all proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Neediest Kids Of All. To purchase your tickets, click here.

You can learn more about Ladies Night Out with a Purpose by clicking here or following along on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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Learn about the ultimate “Mommy & Me” event coming up, complete with face painting, princess visits, a fashion show, photo booth, crafts, shopping, visiting with cute pets, and more — all for a great cause!

Girls' World will be hosting a Mommy & Me event full of shopping, pampering and four-legged friends.
Girls’ World will be hosting a Mommy & Me event full of shopping, pampering and four-legged friends.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 23 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. That’s when Girls’ World will be hosting its first Mommy & Me fundraiser and fashion show alongside Cincy Chic to welcome summer and celebrate a good cause!

According to Sarah Brooks and Justine Foster at Girls’ World, the Mommy & Me Preview is supporting Animal Friends Humane Society to raise funds for their shelter in Butler County. “The Mommy & Me event is a fun-filled, family event where the community can come together and make a difference,” says Foster.

Brooks says that businesses from Montgomery have been uplifting and supportive of the event as the big day approaches, adding that they’re really excited to see the community come together at the event.

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“The support that we’ve seen from Montgomery business owners and local families stopping in just to see what we have has been fantastic, whether they’re walking to the park with their family or just stopped in on their lunch break,” says Brooks. community with the community is something that we feel very passionate about.”

Girls’ World will be having an event special of additional 20 percent off on regular price and sale items throughout the day of the event, so you can add to your summer wardrobe while out and about with your little ones.

On the day of the event, the PetMobile from Animal Friends Humane Society will be there with their four-legged, adoptable friends. All of the proceeds from ticket sales will go to the humane society. “We’re excited to help in their effort to raise money for the shelter and even to help find forever homes for pets with some great families,” says Foster. Additionally, Girls’ World will be matching in-store sales that day and donating them to the Animal Friends Humane Society.

Aside from shopping with your little fashionista (or the whole gang), families can enjoy face painting, painting with a local artist, playing with the pets as well as the main event – the summer fashion show. “To keep the party going we’ll have a DJ playing upbeat music the entire family will enjoy,” says Brooks.

The cost to attend the Mommy & Me event is $2, kids are free.

To learn more, click here. You can also visit the Girls’ World Facebook page and look under events. Click here to register for the Mommy & Me event.

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