I was a little nervous and intimidated about attending a weekend full of admirable designers, artists, and musicians, knowing I had no wingman, and being a little shy about meeting people who I idolized. Before I knew it, though, my amazing weekend at Cleveland’s 2nd Weapons of Mass Creation Fest was over. I felt more inspired and motivated than ever before, and I couldn’t wait for the next year! Well, kids, next year is just about here! WMC Fest 3 starts on Friday! (And this time, I’m taking notes!)

Ohio City, the location of the creative fest, is one of the most interesting and diverse places in Ohio. There’s always great places to visit or something creative and noteworthy happening in the neighborhood, so it’s no surprise that Cleveland’s Go Media has chosen Detroit Avenue (just west of downtown Cleveland, running alongside Lake Erie) for the home of their creative conference/indie music festival. If you live anywhere close to Cleveland, don’t be shy- come on out this weekend to make new friends, explore West Cleveland, and get majorly inspired! I promise there is no way you will be disappointed. And check out the forecast! You might see me at Edgewater Beach each this weekend too!

I've long been jealous of people who are invited to Mad Men-themed costume parties, wishing I had a reason to dress in period style with other people involved for once. And finally! Finally my dreams came true. I was invited to join a fine committee of Canton-area business owners to plan and put together a fundraiser for the community of North Canton, Ohio. Our theme? Mad Men – of course. And boy if our big '60s party didn't knock the knee socks off of any Mad Men viewing party I had ever hoped to attend! A funky soul band, cigarette girls toting yummy cake pops, bustling casino games with funny money, delicious food and drinks, great style everywhere, and Mad Men nostalgia galore! I'm still a littled tickled just thinking about it all.

My biggest contribution to the fundraiser was coordinating with Adam of Main Street Modern (seller of impeccable mid-century furniture and housewares!) to put together a 1960's living room photobooth in a corner of our North Canton venue. I set up my lights, turned on my charm, and had a ball meeting new people and capturing their excitement on camera. I'll share a few of those photos tomorrow.

As much as I enjoyed taking photos in my little corner all night, I was happy to get away at the end of the evening to shake it '60s style on the dance floor. Wesley Bright and the Hi-Lights totally wowwed the crowd with their perfect soul style that kept me dancing all night- even if it was only from behind the camera.

What more is there to say? Check out my friend Rob Netro's photos from the night, and you'll begin to wish as I do- that you all could have been there too!

all photos by Rob Netro

It's really lovely to visit local vintage shops, but after a while of frequenting the same overstuffed places where new stock is a rarity, I kept wishing a new shop would spring up. A place well curated with modern sensibilities. Lucky for me, Ohio City's Leigh Ring recently opened a gem of a vintage boutique- The Rag Refinery.

The Rag Refinery also doubles as the Pink Eye Gallery, with the shop walls covered in fresh art installations every month and parties on the first Saturday. I was really surprised at how affordable and desirable every single item was, and am already thinking about when I can visit again.

Next door you will find the gourmet Chili joint, Palookaville, where apparently the chili is to die for. I didn't get a chance to stop inside, but next time I visit, I'll be sure to step inside for a bite.

Leigh, owner of The Rag Refinery, is a really charming girl who I loved talking to about design and vintage shop keeping. Who knows, maybe in the near future Canton will find a new vintage shop springing up downtown? :)