Fashion > Forward

by Monica Weymouth

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Published: May 14, 2008

Meg Urabani (CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VERSION)

The bathing suit looms over spring shopping like a spandexy, neon beast. Behind every flouncy sundress and playful pump, he lurks with his unforgiving cuts and gaudy prints, waiting for June to pounce on soft winter hips. Local designer Sheila Frank puts it politely: "Every time I go to the store I see the same string bikinis and matronly one-pieces that aren't figure-flattering." Thankfully, the recent Moore grad is doing something about the sorry state of poolside fashion. With a cheeky retro sensibility, Frank has taken the chore out of bathing suit shopping. Her spring 2008 collection's signature Sugarbitch suit (pictured, also available in brown) winks at Marilyn without feeling costumey. Another one-piece, the Starlet, stays interesting with well-placed cut-outs. You can catch both designs at Frank's Topstitch trunk show, which conveniently coincides with the Old City Sidewalk Sale. Looking to do some serious beach bumming? Frank will unveil three more suits (including a two-piece) that are heavy on '60s floral later this summer. We want one. We're ready for this. And our thighs are textured, thank you.

As two single Philly girls, Shannon Alsop and Anna Goldfarb have met their share of questionable gentlemen. But unlike the rest of you, they've done something much more productive (and legal) with that underager from the Barbary last weekend. The infectiously fun BFFs chronicle their adventures on shmittenkitten.com, a witty blog of annotated sketches. Meet "Manacrunk." This Young Republican terrorizes McGillicuddy's with his shell necklace and light beer. Naturally, "Aging Hipster" (pictured) is kind of hot despite rooster hair, and your Barbary kiddo is sporting face paint and an orange tongue. Not that they're total haters. "Trader Bro" is a downright lovable checkout boy, and there's even the occasional girl caricature. ("Fishtown 24-hour Party Girl," there's a special place in hell for you, and it requires pants. Real, live pants.) The ladies will have poster packs and possibly even trading cards featuring some of their greatest hits at their Conspiracy Showroom party, which will also celebrate Alsop's 27th birthday. Despite the fact that every girl in town will soon have "South Philly Dandy" on her wall, these shmitten kittens are keeping it real. "Even now, Shannon is my only audience," says Goldfarb. "I just want to crack her up."

Have an upcoming shopping event? Give it here.
E-mail monica@citypaper.net.

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