Shopping

WHAT WE HEART: We Heart Philly

POSTED: Tuesday, November 2, 2010, 6:00 PM

us, too!

Looks like the lovely ladies behind Verde and Open House (and Bindi and Barbuzzo and and and), Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran, have compiled all their best City of Brotherly (and Sisterly, obv) Lovin' merch into one website: weheartphilly.com. And, well ... we heart it!

They've got neighborhood-y market totes, cozy I [pretzel] Philly tees, Liberty Bell necklaces, mugs, stationery and plenty of goods for babies, too. Oh, and Philadelphia artisanal chocolate. Hello, lover.

Click on over and get your Christmas shopping done early, or else we'll beat you to it.

Posted by Carolyn Huckabay @ 6:00 PM Permalink | Post a comment

FASHION: An homage to farting

POSTED: Thursday, October 21, 2010, 4:22 PM

Filed Under: Shopping | Philly Artists Fashion

This week, Store 1026 is celebrating Andrew Jeffrey Wright Fashion Week 2010 by unveiling four new, locally produced t-shirts. Some of them are hilarious, some of them are funky and they all cost $16. My favorite is the homage to the crop duster in all of us, Walkin' and Fartin'. The models are pretty great, too. Work it!

Posted by Josh Middleton @ 4:22 PM Permalink | Post a comment

FLEA MARKETS: Uhuru's season finale

POSTED: Friday, October 15, 2010, 6:00 PM

Filed Under: Activism | Shopping

Uhuru Flea Market

Goodies galore

On Sat., Oct. 16 from 9-5 p.m., Uhuru is wrapping up their summer-long flea market in Clark Park "B" (34th St. at Baltimore & Chester avenues). Hit it up to take advantage of a grassy knoll full of everything from antiques to jewelry and bikes to all kinds of goods from local artists. The event is held to benefit the African Village Survival Initiative, a program that seeks to enforce sustainable energy, collective food production and economic self-reliance and development to local black communities. A day of cheap shopping that benefits a good cause — how could this get better? Oh, yea, Honest Tom's Taco Truck is just around the corner. Mmm!

Posted by Josh Middleton @ 6:00 PM Permalink | Post a comment

GET YOUR SHOP ON: Sale at Open House

POSTED: Friday, October 8, 2010, 9:37 PM

Filed Under: Shopping Fashion

openhouseliving.com

Little Miss & Mr. Mugs

Adorable couple and entrepreneurs Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran have undoubtedly played a crucial role in creating what we know as Midtown Village. With six trendy restaurants and boutiques opened along 13th St. between Chestnut and Sansom, they've transformed the area from a sketchy, don't-go-there-after-dark zone to one that's bustling and snazzy This weekend, they're celebrating their 8th anniversary by holding a huge sale at their very first business, Open House (107 S. 13th St.). On Sun., Oct. 10 from 12-6 p.m. and Mon., Oct. 11 between 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., pop in to receive 30 percent off your purchase. As you may know, Open House is a home and gifts store that sells everything from furniture, to home goods and beauty products. The only hitch to the sale is that you have to present a printed copy of their emailed invite, which is now sitting snug in my inbox. If you're interested, shoot me a request at joshua.middleton@citypaper.net. I'll be happy to forward it along. I don't know about you, but I'm taking mine in to get started on holiday shopping. It's never too early.

Posted by Josh Middleton @ 9:37 PM Permalink | Post a comment

JUST DO IT: Go pink for boobies

POSTED: Friday, October 8, 2010, 4:47 PM

Filed Under: Just Do It Fashion

Pinks have more fun

It seems like getting your hair did for charity is the "it" thing to do this fall. First, we reported that Salon Vanity gave free haircuts for Locks of Love, and today we've caught word that Floyd's 99 (2610 Moreland Rd., 215-706-0170) in Willow Grove is dying pink streaks in people's hair in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For the entire month of October, the self-described "rock 'n roll barber shop" will donate 50 percent of pink streaking costs to the local cancer fund. Co-owner Debbie Jackson says she came up with the idea to offer a unique twist on the pink ribbon that famously signifies breast cancer awareness. "I feel like we're doing something a little more original ... to help people show their support," she says. "It's a great fit because both breasts and hair are very rock 'n roll." She says the streaks, which cost $8 each, take about 20 minutes to apply and will last up to three weeks. This is a great opportunity to give something like this a try if you've always been curious. Hey, it worked for Pink.

Posted 2010-10-08 16:38:24

THAT'S AWESOME!!!! I LOVE THIS IDEA, WHAT TRULY FINE PEOPLE!!! :)

Posted by Josh Middleton @ 4:47 PM Permalink | Post a comment

FASHION WEEK: Kickass Carmelita

POSTED: Thursday, October 7, 2010, 8:00 PM

Filed Under: Critical Mass Fashion


		Photos \| Julia West

Wednesday was the opening night of the second annual Philadelphia Fashion Week, and at first it seemed like little had changed since its initial launch. Same venue (23rd Street Armory), same designers and the same interesting but less than inspiring clothes on the runway. Delicious Boutique kicked off the show this year, and though they were an exciting wild card in '09, this go 'round proved to be subdued. Their leather jackets, corsets and skirts were bordering Americana rather than dominatrix.

Next up was Lolliepop Collection, which attempted angular construction but instead produced ill-fitting broad shoulders, a mess of light denim, stretchy leggings and frizzed-out hair. With Nirvana playing in the background, the whole thing turned into a not so subtle way of saying, "Hey, remember the grunge era? Yeah, those were high times, man." No they weren't. And bringing back the worst aspects of those days only solidifies that notion. Things didn't improve too quickly. After enduring another slew of mediocre outfits there was a lengthy intermission (read: mingle sesh). Entertainment, albeit a shade awkward, finally came from those wearing hardly any clothing at all. A very toned Brian Sanders and another, equally ripped member of JUNK performed twisty-turny choreographed trapeze in a cube dangling above the end of the runway. Then it was back to business with clothes and shoes from Arcadia and BUS STOP boutiques, respectively. Now who wouldn't want to stick their feet into a pair of those babies? Seriously, every shoe walking the runway was killer. There were volcanic heels, chunky suede heels, and applique heels. Oh, a girl could have some fun in those. All of this was child's play, leading up to the final runway show of opening night: Carmelita Couture (looks pictured above). This made the entire night go from just fine to outstanding. Her clothes were sizzling with gold sequins, brilliant blue feathers and properly used bold angles that accented all the right girly parts while narrowing others. Each piece was a statement, a work of art. Sure if you saw the clothes on a hanger or even a mannequin you'd get the gist, but seeing the pieces hug curves while moving down a catwalk, well, it was a reminder of why fashion shows exist in the first place. Check out the show in its entirety below:

Designer Kurtis

Posted 2010-11-08 22:41:57

Grab elegant and stylish Designer Kurtis from Envi fashion.

Posted by Julia West @ 8:00 PM Permalink | Post a comment

COVETED: In it to win it

POSTED: Thursday, October 7, 2010, 5:03 PM

Collectors of pretty things, take note: Every week, we're rounding up a what's-what of what we [heart], culled from the scores of design blogs, artist sites and Etsy treasuries we stalk on the regular. Hey there ... remember us? Sorry we've been gone so long. To celebrate Coveted's triumphant return after a month-and-a-half-long hiatus, we'd like to point you in the direction of three awesome giveaways going on right now in the blog-iverse. Hopefully one of you will win something awesome, and our abandonment guilt will be abated.

HINTERLAND VINTAGE >> To celebrate local style blogger Deidre Wengen's one-year Etsy-versary, the host of Hinterland Vintage is giving away a $30 gift certificate to her Etsy shop. Pretty sweet, considering most of Deidre's goods are pretty affordable. You've got till Monday, October 11 to submit a comment to the contest post, describing what you'd spend your $30 on, should you win. (Our answer? This vintage cream cardigan. Or the sweet buttercream party dress we could never fit into in a million years. Or — crap — maybe the winking owl S&P shakers. Deidre, the real answer is that we just can't make up our minds.)

SYCAMORE STREET PRESS >> The Utah-by-way-of-Ohio design studio's limited-edition collection series, the Sycamore Club, features a different artist each go-round to create an original work of art that's then letter-pressed into 100 prints. Jen Watson is the featured artist this month, and she's giving away one of her Snow Baby prints to one lucky blog-reader. A bit about the piece: "I have drawn a rare happy time, an ideal place for a snow baby to live instead of immature all over people's windshields, clinging miserably to bare trees, eyelashes and extended private driveways." Visit Sycamore's blog and leave a comment for a chance to win; they'll pick a name on Tuesday, October 12.

PIONEER WOMAN >> Ree Drummond, queen of amazing giveaways (and queen of blogging in general), shells out free goodies all the time, and she's got so many followers that despite entering her contests every single time, we know we'll never win. Still. She's giving away a peacock-blue Le Creuset French oven, "just because it's Thursday" — and because she loves us, of course. (We also want the cameras, sets of Fiestaware and other awesome things she conducts contests for on the regular, but that's besides the point.) Just comment on the blog and tell Ree what man, throughout history, you'd have dinner with if you had the chance. One comment per person, and she'll announce the winner tonight at midnight. PREVIOUSLY >> COVETED: Things I like that you could do to be my boyfriend

Posted by Carolyn Huckabay @ 5:03 PM Permalink | Post a comment

JUST OPENED: Philly Pack Pet Shop

POSTED: Tuesday, October 5, 2010, 4:39 PM

Filed Under: Critical Mass | Just Opened | Shopping

The Philly Pack Pet Store

Entrance and sales floor

If you live in Graduate Hospital and have a pet, then your days of trekking into Center City for pet supplies are over. A couple of professional dog walkers, Jeremy Burger and Krista Milito, just opened a cute pet boutique on the corner of Pemberton St. and Grays Ferry Ave. called The Philly Pack. Their earth-friendly inventory includes a variety of pet supplies, healthy foods and all-natural supplements for dogs and cats. Burger and Milito came into the game with a wealth of experience in dog training. So, along with their in-store inventory, they also offer a regular line-up of workshops — like social and behavior conditioning, high performance exercise sessions and puppy development. There's even a class for humans. On Thurs. Oct. 14 at 7 p.m., they're offering a Pack Leader Class to teach owners how to effectively correct unwanted behavior and how to gear your pooch up for well-structured strolls. Look out for some well-trained pups coming out of the Graduate Hospital area. The Philly Pack, 2315 Grays Ferry Ave., 215.279.7240, thephillypack.com.

Dog Beds

Posted 2010-11-01 21:17:23

nice little shop... i wish you good luck..

Posted by Josh Middleton @ 4:39 PM Permalink | Post a comment

FASHION WATCH: Philadelphia Collection 2010 Begins

POSTED: Thursday, September 23, 2010, 8:30 PM

Filed Under: Shopping Fashion

Photo | Josh Middleton

Melanie Johnson (center) flanked by models wearing local designs

Last night our beloved Shopping Spree columnist Julia West took me as her plus one to the swanky kick off party for Philadelphia Collection 2010. It was held on the 18th floor of 10 Rittenhouse Square in a gorgeous penthouse overlooking the park. The ten-day extravaganza is a celebration of Philadelphia style, so many of the city's fashion elite were in attendance. As we enjoyed complimentary wine and apps provided by Stephen Starr, we hobnobbed with designer Carmelita Martell, FBH Modeling Agency owner Kevin Parker and had a one-on-one chat with Melanie Johnson, the lady who started the whole affair. She told us how thrilled she is to be able to spotlight local fashion heavyweights like Nicole Miller, Boyds and Joan Shepp. Her goal is to boost business for local boutiques by proving that shoppers with an eye toward high fashion can find everything they need right here in Philadelphia. Now through Oct. 2nd, there will be nearly eighty Philadelphia Collection events happening around the city. Here's a list of goodies to consider this weekend:

Tonight at 6 p.m. host Kim Balaschak will be at Second Time Around (1728 Chestnut St.), teaching guests how to edit their closets to keep their wardrobe on par with current trends. I always heard if you haven't worn it in a year, throw it out. I wonder if Ms. Balaschak agrees?

Gents can get in on the mix on Fri., Sept. 24 when Duke & Winston's Seun Olubodun hosts a trunk show at Matthew Izzo (151 N. 3rd St.) at 5 p.m. I saw Olubodun at the party last night and, well, he's pretty damn easy on the eyes.

On Sat., Sept. 25, cruise down one of the city's newest fashion enclaves, East Passyunk Avenue. Metro Men's Clothing (1615 E. Passyunk Ave.) and 1600 Below Vintage (1600 E. Passyunk Ave.) are each holding open houses from 5-9 p.m. Treats and drinks will be served.

To take in a wider variety of local threads and accessories, stop by the Market at the Piazza (N. 2nd & Germantown Ave.) from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Sun., Sept. 25. Several vendors, artists, crafters and clothing designers will be on site displaying some of their merch. Look out for jewelry by Elizabeth Bayu and goods by Rock N' Roll Clothing.

Check this week's Shopping Spree and the Philadelphia Collection 2010 website for a complete list of events. Have fun out there. And let us know if you see or do anything super amazing.

(L-R) FBH Model Lacora in Charles Jade from Kimberly Boutique & Designer Carmelita Martell in Carmelita Couture

Maureen

Posted 2010-09-24 09:00:00

I've seen better models than these. Yuk!

Josh Middleton

Posted 2010-09-24 12:41:06

Maureeeen!

Maureen Fan

Posted 2010-09-24 17:09:59

Oh Maureen I forgot that you were getting paid to know where good looks emulate from being as though Tyra Banks, D&G, and  Marc Jacobs beat down YOUR door for YOUR needed and oh so valued opinions.  Honey... go and check and make sure you fries are done in the back and wait on the next customer...Would you like fries with that...Hater...

Maureen Fan

Posted 2010-09-24 17:16:01

Oh, THAT'S YOUR FRIES, IN CASE YOU WANT TO SAY SOMETHING FUNNY ABOUT THAT :-p...JOSH, no worries Maureen is so Jealous..we love her anyway.. she was mad because she wasn't there...no she was making Wild Berry Smoothies for her guests..LOL...Smootches

Josh Middleton

Posted 2010-09-24 17:18:12

You're crackin' me up, Maureen. Y'all are fiesty!

Maureen Fan

Posted 2010-09-24 17:24:43

You Know that I'm right Josh...Maureen...don't hate..congratulate ;-)

Josh

Posted 2010-09-24 20:37:51

Wild Berry Smoothies!

Posted by Josh Middleton @ 8:30 PM Permalink | Post a comment

JUST DO IT: Get A Haircut For Charity

POSTED: Wednesday, September 22, 2010, 10:37 PM

Filed Under: Critical Mass | Just Do It Fashion

Photo | fastcompany.com

You could clean the Gulf with that

Looking for a new fall do? Well, we know how you can get snipped at one of Philly's sexiest salons without paying a dime. Yea, you heard right. This weekend Salon Vanity is holding their annual Locks of Love Day. Guests can swing by to get a free cut if they opt to donate their fallen tresses to Locks of Love, a non-profit that provides hair pieces to financially disadvantaged kids suffering from disease-induced hair loss. Four stylists will be on duty pampering each customer like they would any other paying client. Besides a cut, they'll provide washes, blow outs and even style your new coiffure. Any gratuity you decide to leave will also be donated to Locks of Love. Salon Manager Amy Lamberson says the client typically needs to sacrifice at least ten inches to make a relevant donation, so come ready for drastic change. She says walk-ins are welcome but appointments are highly suggested. The books are apparently filling up fast, which means you may be passing more short-haired girls on the street soon. A new fall trend? We hope so. Sun., Sept. 26, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., free, Salon Vanity, 1701 Walnut St., 4th Floor, 215-925-2211, vanityphilly.com.

kwpang

Posted 2010-09-22 21:31:11

I don't mind getting a hair cut for charity, but 10 inches is a bit too long isn't it?

Josh

Posted 2010-09-22 22:37:09

I agree, kwpang, but that's what they told me. I have a feeling they'd accept any amount of hair they can get. Give it a try!

EvaL

Posted 2010-09-23 09:30:43

It's a great charity!!! Can't wait !! 
I do believe 10 inches is min. to make a hairpiece
Read below  
http://www.locksoflove.org

Josh Middleton

Posted 2010-09-23 15:07:42

Good info, EvaL. Thanks!

Posted by Josh Middleton @ 10:37 PM Permalink | Post a comment

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What we're trying to do this weekend
CONCERT REVIEW: The Postal Service @ The Mann 6/17
ICEPACK ILLUSTRATED: Sunny, Tony and the return of Do No Harm
Behind the scenes of local film A Man Full of Trouble
NOW SEE THIS: Salinger film trailer
ICEPACK ILLUSTRATED: Indian fare rules, Dunder Mifflin lives on, Tom Jones is a god
REVIEW: Archer Live! @ the TLA 1/11
CITY PAPER WRITING CONTEST 2013: Send stories! Send poetry!
CONCERT PHOTOS: The National/Dirty Projectors @ The Mann Center 6/7
ICEPACK ILLUSTRATED: Pink. Diner en Blanc 2. Breaking Glass and Milkboy at the movies. And so on.

About this blog

Featuring everything from event roundups to concert reviews and sex talk, City Paper's Critical Mass is a space for off-the-wall coverage of Philly's A&E scene.

Follow Critical Mass editors Patrick Rapa and Emily Guendelsberger on Twitter:

@mission2denmark | @emilygee

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