Pittsburgh Fashion Week!

New York ... Milan ... Paris .... Pittsburgh. What do these three cities have in common? If you answered, a Fashion Week (!), then you are right on target my friends. This week, Pittsburghers are proving they're just as stylish as their counterparts in the so-called Fashion Capitols with the city's first ever Fashion Week. The festivities kicked off last night with the RUNWAY: Clearing for Takeoff -- Destination, Fashion Oz! runway show in the Southside Works. Featuring five local boutiques, including The Planet Pulse, we were honored to be a part of the event.

We also got the blessings of a queen ... two of them in fact. Besides the models in the runway show, The Planet Pulse showcased some of its stylish products on Gina Cerilli, the reigning -- and gorgeous -- Miss Pennsylvania and her counterpart, Elena La Quatra, the equally stunning Miss Teen Pennsylvania.

Upon deciding what to dress the girls in, The Planet Pulse decided to go with military-style ensembles, which is one of the hottest looks for fall. Gina is rocking a pair of khaki Houlihans from celeb-favorite J-Brand Jeans while Elena looks like "da bomb" in a black military-style jacket with gold detailing from Juicy Couture.

We were so proud to be a part of the 'burgh's Fashion Week and prove that our city is not all about mullets and Steeler jerseys --- at least not most of the time -- and there is much more to come. Pittsburgh Fashion Week is taking place all week with more events around the city. To learn more, visit the Pittsburgh Fashion Week website at http://pittsburghfashionweek.com/

Of course, The Planet Pulse is available 52 weeks out of the year for your fashion fix. To find out what's really in style this season, give us a visit today!

Who are you today?

Don't our mannequins look hip yet mysterious clad in their Planet Pulse finery and bejeweled masks? Kudos to Doug Anderson, The Planet Pulse staffer who came up with the concept and created our masquerade-themed window display for Halloween. Classy, yes?

Speaking of mysterious, the upcoming Halloween season got me thinking about how we costume ourselves -- not just on Oct. 31 -- but all year long with our ever-evolving wardrobes. On any given day, you can be a hippie chick, a diva, a punk or a biker babe. It's amazing how your clothes define you.

For myself, some days I feel like a glamour girl and pull out some high, high heels and a fancy top (courtesy of The Planet Pulse of course) and on others I just throw on a pair of trusty True Religions (also from the store), a military-inspired ball cap and a pair of flats for the tomboy effect. Each outfit affects my mood and demeanor for the day ... Such is the power of clothes. The fun part is that with fashion, you don't have to choose just one persona.

This is where The Planet Pulse can help you. We have so much in inventory and such a diverse selection that it is easy -- with the help of our staff -- to create a new image. So next time you venture into our Planet, don't just think of it as a clothing store, think of it as a new world of opportunity!

P.S. The photo I took of the display doesn't do it justice. Stop in for yourself and be sure to congratulate our Dougee on his hard work!

New VIP Special!

We've launched a new special offer! This offer is available until September 15, 2010 at 3:00 PM.<br /><br />Fashion Fridays house jazz with David Roth 6-9pm. Sidewalk Sale Sunday, 9/19 with all new hot markdowns @The Planet Pulse

New VIP Special!

We've launched a new special offer! This offer is available until September 9, 2010 at 4:30 PM.<br /><br />Fashion Fridays start tomorrow @The Planet Pulse! 6-9pm with special savings, refreshments and The Sour Mash Band performing!

Size Matters

That is, when it comes to getting the proper fit for your jeans. Wait, you didn't think I was talking about .... Uh, nevermind.

Anyway, getting the correct fit for your body is essential when it comes to wearing denim the right way. Unfortunately, it can get a little confusing as most premium jean brands (such as True Religion, J Brand and many others) utilize the European system of sizing ... meaning sizes range from a 24 to a 32 and beyond. For Americans used to buying their brands with sizes in the lower digits, it can be a bit baffling.

From personal experience, I know it's frustrating to walk into a store and be unaware of your size ... and even more frustrating to try on sizes that are too big or -- worse -- too small. But fear not, the trusty team at The Planet Pulse is here to help.

Below is a conversion chart from European to American sizing. Oh, and this is IMPORTANT! Do not be alarmed if you go up a size when you try on a pair a premium denim jeans. Designer sizing tends to run smaller than Classic Apparel Sizing. So cancel your crash diet and don't worry, it's not you, its the jeans. REALLY!

Classic Apparel Size 00 = Designer Size 24

0 = 25

2 = 26

4 = 27

6 = 28

8 = 29

10 = 30

12 = 31

14 = 32

Here's another helpful hint from the experts. If your jeans fit tight -- but not cutting into your skin tight -- the first time you try them on, then that's the right fit for you. Denim tends to stretch, not only throughout the day, but throughout its lifetime and -- in order to avoid the dreaded saggy butt -- this is important to note before buying your new jeans.

If this sounds a little difficult to take in or remember, just ask your resident experts at The Planet Pulse for help. The staff is well-versed in all things denim and we'd be happy to hook you up with the right pair of jeans today!

The Planet Pulse at Zen Social Club

For the second time in as many months, The Planet Pulse sponsored a fashion-related event at Zen Social Club in Station Square. This time, it was "The Headliner," hosted by DJ Digital Dave on Aug. 20. A set also was performed by "The Dream Team,"aka DJs' Nino Nice and DJ Endless, who were there to celebrate the release of their new CD, Kicking It Poolside.
The night was a blast and four lucky winners were given gift certificates to The Planet Pulse. The staff also made a splash by handing out glow stick necklaces to club goers. A big thank you goes out to our models, especially Andrea, who made us -- and the entrance to Zen -- look good! Thanks for sending everyone our way girls!
Above are Planet Pulse staffers Jaymie, Doug and Jessica at the big event. Between transforming clubbers into Planet Pulse converts, we also were entertained by Doug's (awesome) dance moves. Go Dougy!

Armed and Fabulous!

First of all, how adorable is the above artwork? The hand-drawn fashionista was created by Kara (with the words provided by yours truly), one of the many talented people we have -- or rather had -- on staff at The Planet Pulse. Kara recently returned to art school in Chicago and we'll certainly miss her creativity. However, we won't get a chance to miss her artwork as we have a poster-sized version of this very drawing on display at The Planet Pulse.

But back to why you're really reading this missive, the fashion. While the military look has been popular since it debuted on runways everywhere this spring, like any good soldier, it keeps marching forward ... right into fall!

Of course, The Planet Pulse has the hottest label in the game when it comes to this particular look and that is Houlihan cargo pants from celebrity fave, J Brand Jeans. Spotted on the likes of Rihanna, Gwenth Paltrow and other luminaries, Houlihans are far from your boyfriend's cargo pants of yore. Fitted and sexy, these pants -- which come in a variety of colors from navy to olive drab -- are meant to embrace a woman's curves. Paired with a camisole, a tight T-shirt or some other token of femininity and the combination is a lethal weapon.

So what are you waiting for? Go to The Planet Pulse now and try on a pair! Now, how's that for marching orders?