A PGH-er in NYC's Guide to Shopping for Designer & Unique Finds

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Wednesday, 27 October 2010 00:00

Written by Sarah Sudar

From the Mon to the Hudson... Julia DiNardo brings her NYC fashion perspective back to PGH.

When I lived in Pittsburgh, I REALLY thought that Ralph Lauren, Kenneth Cole, and Nine West were as high-end as they come. Wrong! There was a whole world of designers out there that I had yet to know existed; I just wasn't seeing, or looking for their garments during my habitual shopping trips to Marshall's, T.J. Maxx and Ross Park Mall.

If you're not sure how to educate yourself on the latest and greatest designers, start with checking out the Council of Fashion Designers of America's website for an extensive listing of over 350 designers, so next time you check out a label in a store, it will sound familiar. You can also stay up to speed with who is showing at Fashion Week by checking out the official page at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.

Although now I have practically any store imaginable accessible to me in NYC, I still have my go-to local Pittsburgh gems for shopping as well as several e-commerce musts. Here's my list of some of my favorite resources to shop for designer finds, both new and vintage, and unique fashion-forward offerings, both locally and online. Check them out because who knows- you may just discover your new favorite designer whose clothes or shoes fit you impeccably well!

In the Pittsburgh Area:
Designer Days (at the Monroeville Convention Center October 29, 30, 31, 2010): Although it's a fundraiser, don't undercut the fact that you can get some amazing resale vintage pieces here - my Mom found a vintage Balenciaga bag there last year for $5!

I Made It! Market and Handmade Arcade: A curated selection of designers, artists, independent artisans sell their works here; you'll be sure to find something unique and one-of-a kind!

Gabriel Brothers (Gabe's): The hunt is part of the allure, and "Going Gabe-ing" is one of my favorite Pittsburgh shopping activities! I've found designer labels there that I've never seen carried in Pittsburgh.

Independent Owned-Pittsburgh boutiques: There are too many great ones to list, in neighborhoods like Lawrenceville, South Side, Shadyside, and more. Talk to the owners to learn more about the brands offered, since there's a good chance each designer and item was specially picked for a reason!

Online:
Last Call Neiman Marcus: Shop its Designer Index to find your favorite high-end brands for less, including Elie Tahari, Dolce & Gabbana, M Missoni and more.

ShopBop: The site carries in-season merchandise on designer items and also has a great sale section to peruse with savings of up to 70% off! They carry brands that are harder to find elsewhere online, such as J.Crew's little sister brand Madewell and one of my work-appropriate favorites, Club Monaco.

Yoox has a ton of European designer brands, all marked down, with most merchandise being from last season, but at (usually) great prices that you won't find lower elsewhere.

ASOS Originally a British e-tailer, this site offers its own private label and overall on-trend clothing to guarantee that no one will have on your exact same dress at the party.

Private Sale and Auction Sites:
Some of my favorites include Rue La La, Ideeli, HauteLook, Gilt Groupe, MyNines, and Ahalife, which offer on sale, limited quantity products or specifically curated designer items. Just sign up for a (free) account in order to participate.

Julia DiNardo, a Pittsburgh native and New York City resident, has penned articles for a myriad of publications, including Clear, Redbook, GQ Magazines, The New York Sun, BagSnob.com, AOL's Stylelist.com, and RunningwithHeels.com. Her own site, FashionPulseDaily.com has been mentioned on NYTimes.com, Elle.com, and RackedLA.com. Julia also designs the Pittsburgh-based locally-printed t-shirt line Neighbor Teaze and is an adjunct professor at NYU's Gallatin School. When in Pittsburgh, Julia enjoys shopping in Lawrenceville and at 'Gabes', scavenging through vintage shops on Ellsworth Avenue, and eating the best Vietnamese food at Tram's on Penn Ave.

Thanks Julia for a fantastic post! Be sure to check back on Friday for another Clutch post!

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