POSTED: Wednesday, June 9, 2010, 10:53 PM
Neighborhood Watch finds fashionable folk all across the city. This week: New Neighborhood Water Nyidera ventured into Amazonian heat and found that most people were damn near naked. As for the others who opted not to give Philly a show, the stifling heat deterred them from even caring about a look altogether. However, there were a few among the masses who gave her something to talk about.
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| Nyidera Edwards |
| Robin C. |
I fell in love with
Robin C.'s look instantly, but the vintage specs were the icing on the cake. Nothing beats the
outre contrast of Urkel glasses and black spandex. She says she loves big, vintage glasses. Not to mention body ink! (She has five tattoos.) When I asked the Jersey native how she pieced together her ensemble, she simply laughed and replied, "I don't know what the hell inspired this." As for her overall inspiration, the makeup artist says, "I'm inspired by everything from music to everyday people. I shop anywhere from Target to Macy's to Nordstrom. Whatever I like, I grab." I can only imagine how many men in today's sweltering heat would've liked to grab her. Reeoow!
Johanna S. (26) is walking charge of assault with a deadly weapon. Do you see that beautiful cluster of gems hanging from her neck? The South Philly girl says
she accidentally stabbed her husband with it. "Trust me, it's not his favorite," she says smiling. This Macy's signature
I-N-C piece is her favorite necklace. Love it! As for the pewter
Betsey Johnson chain she paired it with (from Macy's, as well), I'd take that, too. The Mitchell & Ness employee says today's punk rock-esque look was dictated by her accessories. I loved the bright pink polish and dark, strappy heels. Her fave designer is none other than Betsey and she loves
Blake Lively. "I don't wanna dress like her. But she's really gorgeous and always looks great." But Johanna, you look great, too, darling! <3
Sunny Fridays are the perfect days to spice up the sidewalks of Chestnut Street with pastels and spring hues. Tyrone H., 29, says, "I just wanted to look happy. I dress based on my mood." I just couldn't stop gushing over the rich purple and soft lilac.
But let's get to the kicks. I have a soft spot for Puma's, so of course, I inquired. The South Philly social worker says he received these conversation pieces as a gift from Daffy's. This black shoe has a harmonious blend of orange, green, blue and a vague purple. Take note of the laces: I assumed the two-tone look was done purposefully but stood corrected; Tyrone nonchalantly says, "I actually just couldn't find the other one. So I just said 'Hey, whatever.'" Some of his fashion faves include the infamous
Billionaire Boy Pharrell Williams,
Vogue's
Andre Leon Talley and
Gwyneth Paltrow. I'm sure he looks good even on his shitty days.
Here's another simple look, played up with bold pieces. I'm not sure if it was
Melissa H.'s (22) bleached denim, blingy accessories, or her commanding aura that stood out to me most. I found this Germantown/Mount Airy native glam doll floating into Zara on Walnut Street. The Lincoln University student says she was shooting for the "
street chic, downtown look" when pondering what to wear today. I asked Melissa where she got her sexy, black heels and her eyes lit up as she smiled: She got her Alice + Olivia sky highs at Payless — frugal and fashionable. Melissa says her thread haven is Forever 21 and her style icons are Alice + Olivia and Elizabeth & James.
When I found Camden resident
C.J. 22 walking along 12th Street, I was about to retire for the afternoon, having met my four-victim quota. However, that was before I laid eyes on C.J.'s 'Now and Later' Nikes. The neon pink and yellow jumped out of the solid black canvas of the shoes, complementing his colorful graphic tee. Another conscious shopper, C.J. only shelled out $30 for the sneaks at Kicks USA in the Gallery at Market East. The Walmart support manager says, "I like colors and
I buy any shoe that stands out to me." C.J., I don't blame you. If I could find reasonably priced shoes for each outfit, my closet would look like Hurricane Madden blew through it. Steve is the only man who gets my money.
