Fashion > Forward

by Monica Weymouth

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Published: Jul 22, 2008

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We didn't really appreciate all that "sixth borough" nonsense, but if it means cute, talented New Yorkers keep moving down, we'll get over it. Shortly after meeting at the Fashion Institute of Technology, Christopher Colon and Schell started designing together under the name bS Shirts. They sold their silk-screened tees at a stand on Houston and Broadway before packing it up for a cross-country tour in an ice cream truck. Thankfully, they're ready to set up shop and have chosen Philly, which Colon feels has more room for artists than NYC at the moment. The Old City boutique is artfully sparse and could easily be mistaken for a gallery on this stretch of Third Street, with original paintings for sale and a large mural on the wall. But the real show here is the selection of bright and intricate T-shirts, tanks, hoodies and thermals, which depict epic battles (sometimes on both sides) between good, evil and the occasional robot. If you've got a minute — and here's suggesting you make one — the boys are more than happy to discuss the story behind each handmade piece. 

Most days, Amanda Saslow has her mind on the boys. Her boutique, Sazz Vintage, has been supplying Philly fellas with '70s disco suits, gabardine Western shirts and for-serious platform shoes since opening in early May. But starting this week, she's letting ladies in on her enormous collection of retro wear. Every Thursday evening, Saslow will roll out racks of dresses, skirts, blouses and jeans that were previously available only at her online store or in a tiny "girlfriend corner." In addition to a stash of 1950s beaded dresses, she also has a table full of 1940s-'60s estate baubles (heavy on the crystals and rhinestones) that'll put your grandma's jewelry box to shame.

Unlike us, Arcadia doesn't plan to wait out August under the Schuylkill Banks sprinklers with a pitcher of margaritas heckling joggers. (Keep it moving, kittens — we could use a breeze and Spandex does you no favors.) Instead, owner Ali McCloud is giving her eco-friendly NoLibs boutique a makeover for its first birthday. While this unfortunately means she's closing up shop for renovations Aug. 11-18, it also means some sweet discounts. At Arcadia's cleanup sale, you'll score an additional 50 percent off the sale rack and 25 percent off all regular-price merchandise, including rarely-marked-down goodies such as jewelry, vintage shoes and Matt & Nat bags. Additionally, McCloud will be hosting a Sustainable Business Network meeting in the store on Aug. 6 (6-8 p.m., $10-$15) and sharing some enviro-savvy style tips. (Line-dry it, Philly!) Rock on, lady — but you know where to find us if you need a tequila break.

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