Designer Days Primer from Wendy Bennett

Now
Take a look through your closet and assess your needs. Figure out your
size. While you're at it, bag all the stuff you haven't worn in a year,
stuff that doesn't fit. Be brutal. Donate to a thrift store.

Before you go
Wear comfortable clothing w/o snaps and buttons for easy removal. Wear
underwear w/o holes. Eat something and grab a bottle of water. Pee.
Leave kids at home. Leave purse at home or locked in trunk of car.
Bring credit card.

You're there
Parking is easy. You should leave your coat, scarf, etc in car--you'll
need your hands free.
There are men's, women's and children's clothing categorized by type
(pantsuits, casual, overcoats, etc) plus shoes and accessories. Figure
out what you need the most and start looking.

Looking
Don't pull out every item. Better to let your eyes or fingertips scan
the fabric and pull out the most appealing colors and textures. If it
looks good, inspect quickly for stains and holes. Only get items in good
condition or capable of an easy repair. One of the great things about
Designer Days is that these are the creme-de-la-creme of the thriftstore
clothes so they are generally in great condition.

Trying on
Take your haul into the communal curtained room with horrible mirrors.
If you can, stand near someone your own size so you can inspect her
rejects. I've gotten some great stuff this way! Put all of your stuff on
a chair, and go for it. It is considered perfectly good manners to ask a
complete stranger how something looks. People from all over the city
have been coming to Designer Days for years and like me, look forward to
it. There are racks on casters for you to hang your own rejects. You can
buddy up with a friend or ask a guard in the dressing area to keep an
eye on your stuff while you go out and look for more great items.
Good luck!

Sep 28 Run: Pam's House or Coffee Tree (or both)

Next week is the Great Race and as is the tradition, Pam Murray graciously is hosting a pre-race gathering at her house at 2200 Beechwood - about 1/2 between the start line and Colfax school on the big bend. Arrive any time after 8 or 8:30 AM.

For those not running the Great Race meet at the Coffee Tree - perhaps we can snoop around the Great Race course and drop by Pam's house.

Tom lead us on a pleasant loop starting from his house. It was a coolish, dry and sunny, perfect for a run through Oakland and Schenley Park. But the highlight of the run was definitely the blueberry muffins made by Tom that were waiting for us at his house. They were a real surprise and treat!

Maps of The Runs

I created this post on 9/21/2008 and will continue to add to it:

Virginia's Oakland Run: http://www.mapmyrun.com/view_route?r=468123712048364023

Hot Metal Bridge to Smithfield Street Bridge and back:

http://www.mapmyrun.com/view_route?r=363220385916

Joanne's Highland Park Run:

http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/pa/pittsburgh/441183776903

Wendy Bennett Run:
http://www.mapmyrun.com/route/us/pa/pittsburgh/412035776

Tom's Run from 9/20/2008:
http://www.mapmyrun.com/route/us/pa/pittsburgh/686738997741

Lovely Strip Run 11/2/2008:

http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/pa/pittsburgh/534880489113

Paula's run through Oakland 5/16/2009:

http://www.mapmyrun.com/view_route?r=201124256961771848

Hot Metal Bridge, along the bike path by UPMC Sports Med:

To view 06/07/2009 Route, follow the link below:
http://www.mapmyrun.com/view_route?r=802124438715013275

Paula Leslie writes:
I had to guess where we turned round. I didn't look at my watch! I've tried to work backwards. I'll have to explain the googlemap problem sometime. PtB

Sep 21 Run: Tom's House

Tom valiantly volunteered to lead the run starting from his house on Aylesboro near the intersection of Forbes (the rest of us were to drippy with heat to come up with a good suggestion).

It was a hot and steamy run through Schenley Park this morning but there were also some good points: it was not rainy, there were quite a few runners, the water fountain near the visitors center was working (the button was noted) and as always the conversation was interesting when we stopped panting.

Sep 14 Run: Wendy Bennett Trailhead

Excellent reports from the two Paula's below. Note that the Wendy Bennett Trailhead is at the junction of Barlett and the Blvd of the Allies. Meet at the Coffee Tree at 6:45 AM to run to there (it is 1 mile). From Paula "the brain": We decided on a Wendy Bennett Trailhead run for next Sunday. The run in Highland Park was really nice. It was very peaceful through Highland Park and around the reservoir. We all enjoyed the lower levels of humidity for a change. Virginia educated us on the artist responsible for the water fountain with stylized dolphins.

From Paula "the Brit' (who is also a brain): Anne Jane - this is the route from last Sunday. And a jolly beautiful run it was too - particularly for Iain and I who'd never been to Highland Park. All mist and early morning sunshine. Then a very fine cup of coffee. Thanks again Joanne. PtB http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/pa/pittsburgh/441183776903

Sep 7 Run: Tazza D'Oro Highland Park

Thanks Joanne - we will take you up on that offer!
All meet at Tazza D'Oro Coffee Shop near the corner of Highland Ave and Bryant St. for an always interesting Highland Park run.

I will be at the Shaw Festival on Sunday but for those who want to run to the run, there is a note in the blog that says it takes 25 mins to run from Wilkins and Shady to Tazza D'Oro so meet at 6:30 - 6:35.