KITCHEN REMODEL

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Heidi Balas is a regular contributor for LOCALpittsburgh, and brings her own brand of perspectives to Pittsburgh at www.thesteeltrap.net.

Living for a

JUMPSUIT

By Heidi Balas Photography By Hayden Rose

Fashion is one area that I never truly address in my writing despite how much I love it. That’s not to mention that I have some of the most fashionable friends in this city (yes, I am biased, but it’s true). Thus, I decided to showcase my lovely pal Syma Hajian in this piece; fortunately, she was kind enough to open the doors of her closet (and the Pittsburgh Winery) to let us all take a peek into her world.

Heidi: So first of all, thanks for agreeing to do this. Sitting in your closet is everything that I thought it would be, and I am realizing now that mine is terribly inadequate. You already know I think you have your finger on the pulse of Pittsburgh when it comes to lifestyle, especially when it comes to fashion. With that in mind, I want to explore your thoughts and ideas regarding what style means to a modern Pittsburgh woman... like yourself.

Syma: Thanks for visiting my happy place! This tiny room is a carefully curated combination of all of my favorite things. Try to say that three times fast! I’ve always loved fashion; my mom has been buying me Vogue magazines since before I could read. Even though I’m definitely not buying couture off the runway, I like to stay inspired. And as you can see, I also draw a lot of style inspiration from rock ‘n roll and art. My style icons are probably a combination of seventies Cher, Edie Sedgwick, and Debbie Harry. We wear a lot

of black at the Winery…not just because we attempt to have an edgy aesthetic, but it also hides the spills. We are pretty laid back in the tasting room, but we are lucky enough to sponsor some amazing events throughout the city and it’s a great excuse to dress up a bit.

H: I’ve always admired the way you pull your outfits together. There’s definitely an Almost Famous vibe going on. What are your signature pieces? You know, those items in this closet that are uniquely and identifiably part of your look?

S: Wow, thanks! I hardly ever feel put together! I feel like this time of year most people can see me coming from a mile away by my loud furry coats. Leopard, white shag, and gray ostrich feather are in my regular rotation. I also live for a jumpsuit- I cannot have too many black or chambray jumpsuits. With heels or flats- day or night- you can find me wearing one year round!

H: Is there a story behind any of them?

S: One of my favorite pieces of all time is my vintage Penny Lane coat. It’s perfect camel suede with a fluffy fur collar. I don’t know who wore it first, but it has amazing energy and it the warmest thing I’ve ever worn. I’d definitely save it in a fire.

H: See! Penny Lane! I knew it was an Almost Famous vibe! What about staple pieces? You know, the ones that aren’t signature, but are so essential for day to day life.

S: I love staple jewelry. There’s something to be said for not having to think about your accessories every morning. I wear gold hoops or diamond studs everyday along with gold bangles, a skinny vintage gold watch and an assortment of gold rings. I’m naked without them. Another staple is my leather jacket that’s perfectly broken in. That thing can take any outfit up a notch. And I know I have so many shoes, but white Chucks and black patent pumps are true essentials. They are on my feet at least once a week and in every suitcase I pack.

H: Oh I totally agree about that. Let’s talk shop. Yes, that was a pun. Where do you love to shop? What would you recommend are the best spots in the city for finding unique pieces? For finding staple pieces?

S: I shop online a lot…mainly for convenience. I love Revolve, Shopbop, and Zappos. For vintage pieces, I love Highway Robbery and JuJu. I love Brandy Melville or TopShop at Nordstrom for basics.

H: [looking around] How many pairs of shoes do you currently own?

S: I still have room on my shelves! But I’m going to guess 100ish.

H: Goals! [laughing] Lastly, folks might not realize that you grew up in West Virginia. Since we are both from coal country, I have to ask, are there any items in your closet that reflect those years of your life?

S: [laughing] Oh yes, the fashion epicenter of Appalachia: Morgantown, WV. I was very lucky to work in a super chic boutique in college that was owned by a costume designer from LA. She was way ahead of her time, but she taught me so much about style and the importance of great denim. I still have a few pieces (that fit!) from Sugar Britches. I also keep a vintage WV hat on my shoe shelves. As much as I couldn’t wait to escape, now I kind of love to represent.

H: Oh I still bust out my flannel from time to time! Take me home, country roads! On that note, Cheers! [clinking glasses of my favorite Pittsburgh Winery vintage, the 2015 White Blend]