Fall Fashion 2013: What to Wear and Where in CLE

If you're a Clevelander, then you are probably a big fan of the fall season here--Browns games, hearty meals, and beautiful changing leaves. Fall has always been a season I look forward to, not only because of the fun and fabulous foilage, but also for the fall fashion! Layers, boots, scarves, over-sized sweaters...oh my! So wondering what to wear and where in CLE during our (most) fashionable season? Well here are some of my top outfit picks for around town this year. Check out last year's picks here.

What to Wear and Where in CLE: Ohio City - West Side Market and Ohio City Farm

So are you hankering for some fresh seasonal food? A great place to find some fresh farm foods is in Ohio City at the infamous West Side Market and Ohio City Farm--yummy butternut squash or pumpkin raviolis from the Ohio City Pasta stand at the Market are some of my seasonal faves. Cozy foods and apparel! A snuggly mustard sweater, slouchy knit hat, lace-up boots and quilted vest make up the perfect attire to go shopping at the Market. The layers play to the indoor/outdoor shopping you'll be doing and you can pop your fresh produce right into this multipurpose over-sized "Everyday Shopper" bag from the reasonably priced Zara.

JAMinCLE Fall Picks

What to Wear and Where in CLE: Press Wine Bar

Press Wine Bar is a newer restaurant and wine bar in Tremont. Priding itself as the first location in Cleveland to offer "wine on tap," this place has a classy but eco-friendly relaxed feel. Read more about it here. These Tory Burch Cherie Wedges are killer! Typically, loafers are a bit too "stuffy" for my style, but with the unexpected gold plating and tweed addition, these sky-high wedges are anything but! The other pieces are classic shapes and styles but with more of a bohemian vibe. Like that leather wrap bracelet with a stunning orange sapphire (for a cool $2700... I mean a girl can dream, right?) Cozy up with a glass of wine on tap and head out to the back patio in this warm wool blend coat for chilly fall evenings. A CLE venue that blends classy and quirky, with clothes to match the mood.

JAMinCLE Fall Fashion

What to Wear and Where in CLE: The Office

I love the color combo of olive, camel and teal for the fall--a perfect ode to the cooler weather and muted jewel tones. Bring the outdoors right into your office with this awesome, natural looking coffee mug that not only warms up your morning, but your desk decor too!

JAMinCLE Fall Work Wear

What to Wear and  Where in CLE: Mahall's Lanes

Mahall's Lanes is always a fun adventure for the weekend. This gem in Lakewood is a throwback to times past boasting twenty bowling lanes, craft beers served up in mason jars, and an intimate venue to take in lives bands too! I dig this retro bowling bag purse, Lennon-style shades, and comfy boyfriend shirt...sweet staples to carry you throughout the whole season. 

 

JAMinCLE Fall Bowling

What to Wear and Where in CLE: IngenuityFest

IngenuityFest has grown to be quite the fun festival each fall, celebrating CLE's creativity, innovation, arts and technology. The fest takes place at Dock 30 and 32 again this year featuring live music, performances, art, installations, interactive exhibits and more as the warehouses transforms from a vacant industrial space to a giant creative hub abuzz with ideas and acitivities. So what to wear? Well I'm obsessed with these Sperry Top-Sider Lace Up Desert Booties, a new twist on an old classic. I love the simpleness of shape and design of this Aztec-style sweater. The turquoise ring has a similar impact with the setting, a gorgeous "diamond" in the rough. I like design concepts that force you to reconsider the presentation of something familiar and beautiful in a different light. Ingenious!

JAMinCLE Fall Weekend Wear

What styles are you digging this fall season?   What will we spot you wearing around town? What are your fall must-haves? For more of my fashion picks and finds, follow me on Pinterest or Polyvore!

Weekend Recap: Last Call CLE Laughs, Wedding Shower and Spring Shopping Savings!

After a long week, I needed to start my weekend with some laughs...ridiculous, inappropriate, wholesome Cleveland laughs with Last Call Cleveland live at PlayhouseSquare!



Last Call Cleveland vs. the Asian Carp
Image source: www.lastcallsketch.com

This wasn't my first laugh-fest, in fact, I have seen the YouTube sensations and Cleveland comedy troupe, Last Call Cleveland at least four times before! From local "celebrity" impersonations, to the invasion of Asian carp, to saving Cleveland...these guys are always sure to get a chuckle and good belly laugh from any true Clevelander! Check out more of their hilarious videos on their Last Call Cleveland YouTube channel.

On Saturday, I headed out to Aurora for my college gal pal, Steph's wedding shower! The wedding shower was so elegant and beautiful! Her and her husband-to-be are fun-loving and always know how to have a good time! I had fun, laughed a lot, celebrated their happy future, and ate entirely too much!


Steph & Joey's Wedding Shower:
from top left clockwise:
1.DELICIOUS desserts and adorable party favors (wine cork keychains, I'm obsessed!)
 2. The happy couple.
3. Three cheers for wedding shower gifts!
4. First ribbon break, thanks to T.A. at least one baby...
5. The beautiful flowers he surprised Steph with, how sweet!
6. Excuse me, but I mustache you a question...

T.A. and I
The Official Papparazzi for the afternoon :)

Lovely ladies!



Congrats Steph! We <3 you!

After the shower excitement, I discovered that we were JUST down the road from Aurora Farms. Naturally, I had to venture over to check out some deals...and boyyyy did I get me some deals! Let's be honest, who else gets an awesome high from sweet shopping deals?

Ann Taylor Outlet Deals & Steals!

Pretty spring cardigan!
Originally: $64.99
Priced: $14.99



Can never have too many cardigans, especially at this price!
Originally: $64.99 each
Priced: $11.99 each!!!

Gorgeous silky spring top to wear out
for Steph's Bachelorette Party Weekend in DC :)
Awww yayuhhh!
Originally: $49.99
Priced: $14.99

Nearly $300 worth of merchandise for just around $60...woooooo! Bring on the spring weather and happy colors!

 

Polka Dot Flats from the Gap Outlet

Originally: $34.99

Priced: $19.99

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More spring colors!

The Banana Republic Outlet

 

Perfect for layering!
Top orginally: $44.99
Priced: $12.99

Love this color combination!
Turquoise necklace originally: $29.99
 Priced: $16.99
Coral bracelet originally: $19.99
Priced: $5.99

Nearly $100 worth of merchandise for under $40! I'd say this spring shopping spree was a huge success and several hundreds in savings! Wooohoo! These warm colors make me so happy! Hope you had a wonderful weekend in CLE too!

 

How do you laugh off a long week? What's your favorite wedding shower tip or treat? Where do you go to get awesome spring deals? What trends are you looking forward to wearing in CLE this spring?

Public Proposal from a Mexican Pig and a Hauntaquarium: A JAM Halloween Adventure!

Yes, you did read that title correctly. This past week has been a crazy, fun, wild, & happy Halloween!!! Last weekend, I visited my college roomie and bff Marissa at her new place in Columbus. We had a lot of festivities in store as Halloween approached AND just found out she passed the Ohio Bar!!! Woo0o0o! So proud of her--she's such a humble smartypants.

We started off with our yearly tradition of pumpkin carving, watching spooky supernatural shows, and sipping some hot spiked cider. Ahhh I seriously LOVE fall!!!

masterpieces from this year

And years past....

Bad to the bone biker chick 2012

Hot Devil 2012!
(Yes, I bought and forced her to wear that giant  I'm #1  pin and told everyone she got #1 on the Bar) haha love it :)

After a fun-filled fall afternoon, we headed out to the infamous Halloween Highball in downtown Columbus. WOWWWW! They truly took the Halloween festivities to a whole new level there. The best comparison I can give is downtown Cleveland's St. Patrick's Day. NUTS! Thousands of people dressed up in the most elaborate Halloween costumes, food, libations, live music, high fashion costume show, stilt walkers, and an epic Halloween costume contest. 

 

masses of costumed people on the downtown streets of Columbus

Ermahgerd! (say it out loud) I'm sooooo excited!

costume fashion show

 

Best recreation of an original costume: Futuristic Dorothy!

Ummm I don't even know what to say here... $#%*

 

crazy stilt walkers!



 JCU Girls reunite in C-Bus



Ahhh!!

 

 

Giant monster

It was spooky overstimulation and fabulous festive fun all night long. Then we ran into these two characters (pictured below). When I asked what they were supposed to be, they confidently replied, "Oh, we're a Mexican cheetah and Mexican pig." ..... Umm I don't get it? Hahahaha! Footie animal pajamas + giant sombreros = a Mexican animal apparently. Haha! After chatting and having some good laughs...the Mexican pig (Anthony) then promptly started to make an announcement and dropped down on bended knee in front of alllll these people. A crowd of spectators quickly formed around us as people thought this was actually real. He then reached into his pork chop pockets and popped the big question to me with a sweet ring pop in tow. I just about died laughing!!!!!

Now THAT'S a sweet rock!!! :)

Columbus  Highball Halloween was a total blast and everything it was cracked up to be. Certainly goes down in the books as one of the top Halloweens ever... so when can we bring the Highball to CLE, please?!

On the actual day of Halloween, I was up for another spooktacular day! The Greater Cleveland Aquarium hosted a "jawsome hauntaquarium!" I've been to the Aquarium before and loved it, so I knew I'd be in for a real treat with the place decked out as a haunted aquarium. They even gave you some history about the Powerhouse Building and the ghostly encounters they've had on site.... yikes!

 

 

Frankenstein time!

 

Found 'em! Jeff and Kayla Waldo!

 

Touched the "scary" sting rays!

 

Swimmin in pumpkins :)

 

JAMs provided by DJ Beat Boy... a mini CLE Justin Bieber!! This kid rocks!

 

Love these gals!!! Thanks for a Halloweeny evening!

I had such a fun time being my alter ego biker chick for a week of fun and celebrating in CLE and C-Bus  with my ghouls!!! Be sure to check out the Greater Cleveland Aquariums cool events all season long, fun for everyone! I can't wait for Halloween festivities next year. Till then...Keep on JAMmin!!!!

The Coolest, Most Creative, Caring 17 Year Old Cleveland/Canadian Designer!

Last month, I attended the Smart Business Innovation Awards for work. Little did I know, I would meet Courtney den Elzen at the event and be completely blown away by her passion, focus and innovation! Courtney is the wonderful co-owner and visionary behind the design and accessory line called Wee Sang Designs.



Image source
Wee Sang Designs

"Wee Sang Designs is an eco-friendly and charitable design company out to make a difference in the world around us. Founded by high school aged sisters, Courtney and Hailey den Elzen, Wee Sang Designs was built upon the concept: Save Give Live. A commitment to save our planet, give to others, and live life to the fullest."

Courtney happened to attend the the Smart Business Innovation Awards as a student of Montessori High School in University Circle. The school, which opened in 2008, "provides a unique learning opportunity by combining experience-based developmental learning with formal academic disciplines, and partnering with University Circle Institutions as interdisciplinary resources to create an exceptional experience."

Photo source

The unique learning atmosphere, community involvement, and opportunity to develop her business drew Courtney from Canada to Cleveland last year. When asked why and how she made the big leap to the U.S. she simply stated, "I knew it was the right thing to do in order to get my business off the ground." Courtney's authentic style, sweet demeanor, generous heart and dedication to her business shook me to the core. I was completely inspired by how she outlined the mission of her business with such ease and articulation. Wow!

Photo Source

Courtney's love for fashion and sewing started as a young girl when her mother first taught her how to sew. As Courtney began to make new and cool products, her friends took notice and began asking her to make items for them too...and it took off. The great thing is, in Canada, they do not use disposable grocery bags in the store, so people must bring their own bags to do their shopping. Courtney saw the demand and went for it! She began making totes and bags from upcycled juice drink packaging.



Photo source: Duncan Field



Photo source: Duncan Field
Her popular Jammers line...
clearly we are a match made in heaven!
JAM will DEFINITELY be purchasing something from this line!

But wait, not only are the products awesome and upcycled, a portion of the proceeds benefit good causes! "Because helping those in need is just as important for us as protecting the environment: From each Wee Sang sale twenty percent of proceeds are donated to our two favourite charities: Kerr Street Ministries’ children’s programs for low income families in Oakville, Ontario and Free The Children’s water and sanitation projects in Sierra Leone." Yes 20%! These young ladies are truly tremendous!



Courtney den Elzen, co-founder of Wee Sang Designs, Recipient of YMCA Peace Medallion 2011

Wee Sang Design sisters Hailey and Courtney den Elzen

Courtney said it was great as a young female and entrepreneur in Cleveland. Her favorite hangout spot, when she's not busy working on her business or creating designs on her sewing machine, is the University Circle area. She frequents the Cleveland Museum of Art, walks around Wade Lagoon with friends, and finds inspiration in all the new construction and hustle and bustle going on in the Circle. We both are dying to check out MOCA! I feel some design inspirations coming onnnn!!!



Photo source

Courtney's school works diligently to pair students with opportunities in the community to learn and expose them to other small business owners. Her only hope for other female entrepreneurs is a specific network to foster business ideas and promote other women's businesses in the community. Especially as a budding entrepreneur, Cleveland lacks a specific network or online community solely dedicated to female entrepreneurs. But Courtney seeks as many ways to immerse herself in the Cleveland community, culture and character. She's involved in a new nonprofit in Cleveland that focuses on delivering positive, productive, confidence building workplace seminars called That Can Be Me. And is on a youth panel at the University School Entrepreneur Institute.

Photo source
May your dreams take you on positive adventures in CLE and beyond!!!

How can we connect Courtney to our cool CLE community? Let's do it! Spread the word my friends about this amazing business, positive cause, earth-friendly and fashionable product line!

Photo source

So to all my CLE readers, eco-conscious colleagues, business buddies, female fashionistas, and mission based movers and shakers...seriously, you NEED to check out Wee Sang Design and like them on Facebook. I'm totally going to buy some of the JAMmer wine totes to give to my gal pals for the holidays. I'm helping spread the word because after meeting Courtney, corresponding with her, and chatting with her over lunch, I'm telling you--this girl has got it going on... goal-oriented, extraordinarily mature for her age, actively-engaged, creative, empathic, keen eye, and business savvy. What a pleasure to get to know this outrageously cool young lady. I hope to see her products in Cleveland stores soon!