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Football's 'First Lady' Designs Fashion In Pittsburgh

Not only is she the leading lady behind Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin, she's also a budding fashion designer. So who better to host the much anticipated NCJW Designer Days event than Kiya Tomlin.

Now in its 39th year, Designer Days is the National Council of Jewish Women Pittsburgh Chapter's largest yearly fundraiser. This year, Kiya is serving as honorary chair.

"Aside from being a great cause, it's a great buy, it's stuff that will stretch, and really fashion is not disposable. It really can be green, and glamorous," Kiya said.

New and gently used items by Chanel, Gucci and Versace are marked close to 75 percent off retail prices.

SLIDESHOW: See Kiya's Favorites

"You can find such bargains. If you have a little patience and if you wanna have a lot of fun, and bring your friends and family, it's a great day out," said NCJW Pittsburgh President Susan Nitzberg.

Within 20 minutes of arriving at Thursday night's kick-off event, Kiya had picked out more than five beautiful items she was interested in. She told me it's important to look at the quality of the fabric and remember, if it isn't your size, it can be altered. Almost all of the items she showed me were layered pieces and included some type of jacket.

"It's just so complete. You don't have to worry about finding a coat. It just looks so put together. The jacket itself is like an accessory," she said.

Kiya, who is drawn to vintage, one-of-a-kind designs, currently creates custom pieces. You can inquire about her private design consultation services on her Web site, KiyaTomlin.com.

So where does this wife, mother and fashion designer like to shop?

"I love to try out the different boutiques. I mean, I'm a Nordstrom girl as well. But I like to check out the different boutiques and different styles," Kiya said.

She told me that her husband, on the other hand, doesn't make many shopping trips.

"He cannot go to the store and shop. I can go to the store and I think they like to see me at the store," she joked.

Despite the Tomlin family's celebrity status, Kiya said they've managed to stay grounded.

"I'm still doing the same things I was doing before the Super Bowl. I'm raising my kids, I'm designing. Really, nothing has changed," Kiya said.

Designer Days will host a preview sale Nov. 6 with a $20 admission price. The two-day, free admission public sale will be held Nov. 7 and 8. All merchandise will be marked down 50 percent on Sunday.

NCJW operates a consignment shop and a thrift store in Pittsburgh which are both open year round. To learn more, visit their Web site.

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