January 27: East End Fashion Magazine

Take a peek at the fantastically fabulous East End Fashion Magazine, and you'll find fashion, style, advice, and everything chic and stylish. Pretty standard for a fashion magazine, right? Well, what you don't know is that all of this loveliness is produced right here in Pittsburgh! Abby Gleason and Cassie Rusnak, two local chicks with an eye for design, have been producing this online magazine since Spring 2011 and they haven't looked back. bel monili was contacted by EEFM this past summer, and we are pleased to announce that you will be able to see fantastic new bel monili pieces in the February 2012 issue of EEFM!

The idea of EEFM developed between two friends with common passions for local and independent businesses, fashion and photography. Wanting to have a fun way to create beautiful pictures and involve other Pittsburghers of the same mind, Abby Gleason and Cassie Kay Rusnak developed a concept that is now developing here, as you see it, as East End Fashion Magazine.

East End Fashion Magazine serves the Pittsburgh, PA area with focus on the neighborhoods in the East End. EEFM believes in local and independent and will support those businesses by getting the word out through fashion photo spreads, a directory listing, advertisements and social events. By existing only online, EEFM is able to add and update photos and content more often than a print magazine, is easily accessible to everyone, and is better for the environment.

Shirt, Garbella, Bike Chain Bracelets, Erra Creations

 January 2012 Issue

EEFM is always looking for new people and businesses to join its passion whether it is aspiring or experienced models, photographers, hair stylists, makeup artists, fashion designers and stylists, boutiques, locations for shoots and events, and collaborators. If you would like to be considered as new talent, or have a place you think would be awesome for a shoot, please contact us!

Make sure you check out EEFM online, follow them on Twitter,  and "like" them on facebook so that you can keep up with what's happening in style and trends right here in the 'Burgh!

January 11: Cora and Carina at Spoiled Chics the Boutique

Anyone who has ever visited the Sewickley, PA area will immediately recognize the iconic hot pink and leopard logo of Spoiled Chics the Boutique. It's impossible to walk down Beaver Street and NOT  stop in to see all of the gorgeous things inside, including Cora DeLoia and Carrina Perrone, sisters and co-owners of the boutique.

Spoiled Chics the Boutique, Winter 2011

I first met Cora and Carina about a year ago, when a friend suggested I pay them a visit to see if they would be interested in selling bel monili by l.marlane in their shop. I was pretty new to the "retail" side of things and was fairly nervous when I had my first visit. It was all for naught, though, because I was greeted with the warmth and kindness of a long-lost family member and immediately felt at home. Cora and Carina were amazing; not only were they interested in my items, but they were unbelievably generous with their advice and business savvy. Now, a year later, Cora and Carina are some of my biggest champions, and for that I am deeply grateful.

Cora, Carina, Cindi, Cecilia

Spoiled Chics started out  in October 2003 by offering women’s accessories, jewelry and unique handbags to women through home parties and trunk shows. According to the other sister/partner, Carina Perrone of Upper St. Clair,  “You can never have too many purses or girlfriends”, and that was the whole idea behind a  Spoiled Chics party.  The party scene was a successful one, especially after the front page, Style Section introductory story  written by LaMont Jones, fashion Editor of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette. Parties were booked 2-3 times per week up to 6 months in advance, with waiting lists. The motto still exists today, and although the  Chics no longer do home parties, The Boutique still frequently throws many parties and events.
In June 2004, the girls opened up their storefront on Beaver St.  Receiving the2005 Reader's Choice Award for 'Best New Business ,Spoiled Chics the Boutique continued it's passion for finding interesting and exciting products at a variety of pricepoints for 'spoiled chics' of all ages.One of the interesting items, which has been a great seller is the"The Little Hooker, the ultimate dinner companion," a  hook to hold  handbags at the dinner table or bar was included in  the  2005 Oscar gift bags to the stars! Today, you will find the latest and greatest fashion trends at Spoiled Chics; if it's hot, they've got it!

That 70's Shoot, Spring 2011

Owners/Partners Carina Perrone and Cora DeLoia continue the tradition started by themselves and their 2 sisters and mother in Texas. "Mom is the original Spoiled Chic", the sisters agree. "Everything we learned, we learned from the best" says DeLoia, "She's always been my hero."

Lola, Cora & Carina's beautiful inspiration

Everything you need to be fun, funky, and fashionable can be found at Spoiled Chics the Boutique in Sewickley, PA. Visit their website and like them on Facebook to keep up with the whirlwind of new items and activities they have to offer!