Shopping

COVETED: Renegade Craft (no) Fair

POSTED: Thursday, July 29, 2010, 6:00 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. We're more than a little bitter that the Renegade Craft Fair (think Art Star Craft Bazaar on performance-enhancing steroids) isn't swinging by Philly this year. <turns to the northeast, shakes fist angrily at Brooklyn> If you happen to be vacationing in San Francisco this weekend, be sure to head to the fest and campaign for Philadelphia in 2011; if not, window shopping it is. Here are some items from our favorite Renegade SF sellers:

Small Plate: Leaves in Chartreuse, $26, Hope Johnson
Shitty Cat Letterpress Card, $5, Power and Light
Organic Fox T-Shirt, $25, Bird Mafia

Passionate Peacocks Earrings, $33, Handmade Whimsy
Whistlin' Egg Print, $16, The Black Apple
Pillow: Yellow Hens 'n' Chicks print, $28, Appetite Home

Yellow Wooden Typewriter Brooch, $16, Crafty Folk
Mustache Rocks Glass, $18, Bread and Badger
Pig Plaque, $28, Rae Dunn

PREVIOUSLY >> COVETED: The devil and the deep Blue Q

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

BUY US THIS NOW: All About Philadelphia Game

POSTED: Wednesday, July 28, 2010, 7:56 PM

Filed Under: Shopping

[source]

Plaid Pony Vintage is currently hawking an All About Philadelphia Game made in 1982 by the Chamber of Commerce. For only $20, you too can play what looks like a acid trip version of Monopoly:

[source]

From Plaid Pony:

This game was made by the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and features all the Philly hot spots from 1982. Stop on by Encore Books or the News Stand, listen to Easy 101 and WFIL, and take in a concert at the Spectrum. The object is to collect 8 "travel cards". A must have for the Phillyphiles.

Want. Please send this game to: Team Critical Mass c/o City Paper 123 Chestnut St., Third Floor Philadelphia, PA 19106 The epic trash talk has already begun. h/t Natalie

Posted by Molly Eichel @ 7:56 PM Permalink | Post a comment

What did you score at the Punk Rock Flea Market?

POSTED: Monday, July 26, 2010, 4:05 PM

Filed Under: Shopping Fashion

It was Punk Rock Flea Market time once again on Sunday, and I, along with the other sweaty masses, braved the heat and the warehouse across the street from the Starlight Ballroom to do some digging. You guys get anything good? Tell me in the comments! I've put a moratorium on looking at records at flea markets such as this because I tend to forget about paying my rent in favor of buying Bikini Kill 7"s or Peter Frampton picture-discs (yeah, I don't, like, totally own this). Instead, I stuck to the more sidewalk sale-esque tables, picking up a mustard yellow Topshop dress that I talked down to half the price ($5 instead of $10, woohoo!). That's really why I like the PRFM: The Art Star Craft Bazaar satiates my crafty needs, and while the amount of DIY craftables has increased since the first PRFM incarnation (has anyone else noticed that too? Is that just me?), you can still find plenty of tables featuring someone's old Sega Genesis, Buyer's Remorse shoes and old books. But I couldn't resist Leah Creation's vinyl earrings. The super-friendly, Philly-based jewelry designer cuts earrings out of unplayable 45s. I picked up these:

With a little Googling, I figured out this was a John Mellencamp 45, as if anyone else but the Coug would be produced by both Don Gehman and and the awesomely named Little Bastard. Tell me what you got in the comments and hook me up with some pictures, why don't you?

Felicia D'Ambrosio

Posted 2010-07-26 16:56:17

I had to restrain myself at the Flea (I was working, after all) but I couldn't resist Backyard Boutique's sultry, peach-y maxi halter dress and a wee poetry chapbook from SplitLeaves Press... who was all alone vending in the Polaris, dear sweet thing.

Posted by Molly Eichel @ 4:05 PM Permalink | Post a comment

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH: Stolen accessories, old-fashioned style and "crazy, but never in a bad way"

POSTED: Thursday, July 22, 2010, 10:30 PM

Filed Under: Shopping Fashion

Every week, Critical Mass finds Philly's most fashionable.

Nyidera Edwards

Nicole J. has been going chic for 39 years strong, putting her skills to good use on herself and others working as a stylist. Her H&M tube top is simple black and white but unique in design, complementing her black wide-leg pants and handbag. Her leather tassel earrings were also H&M and her mixed metal bangles were from Loehmanns. She says, "I stole the necklace from my daughter." Sneaky, Nicole, very sneaky! The Overbrook native says she loves Buffalo Exchange for their selection of jewelry and Halle Berry ranks #1 on her style list. Nicole's wise words: "Keep it simple and accessorize."

Dominique R. (22) has the heart of a vintage soul. She says, "I'm old fashioned. I was raised by my Grandmother so I'm into anything '40s-'70s." Her denim vest is from Retrospect (536 South St., 267-671-0116), the printed skirt and tube top were from Urban Outfitters and her lace-up leather flats are Steve Madden, where she works. Dominque says her look has no inspiration; she simply gets up and gets dressed depending on her mood. Her fashion icons are Katy Perry who is "very '60s and has versatile looks," Alexander McQueen "who brought a different aspect to shoes" and Lady Gaga "for obvious reasons."

Nyidera Edwards

Aminah D.'s (17) layered look screamed classic edge. The Levittown girl's funky hair and color play show a young fashion rebel in her prime. I loved the contrasted pairing of the green skinny-leg jeans with the red and black flannel and shredded graphic tee by Forever21. The rising freshman at Drexel says in style she loves Amber Rose for "her use of color and unique eyewear" and admires Rihanna's ability "to go dark and edgy but make it sophisticated." Aminah says her favorite store is Urban Outfitters but she also likes to thrift and hit up Goodwill. "Jewelry is a must, "Aminah decrees. "Jewelry changes the entire look."

Nyidera Edwards

Aminah D.'s partner in crime, Victoria C. (18) is an incoming Fashion Design/Merchandising student at Drexel as well. The New York native says, "Philly reminds me a lot of Manhattan." She says she's a huge Rihanna fan like Aminah, but her absolute icon is Betsey Johnson. "Everything is crazy but never in a bad way," Victoria says. "Her pieces are always eclectic." To thrive in the world of style, Victoria says, "You can't be afraid to take risks. As long as you have confidence, you can pull anything off."

Posted by Nyidera Edwards @ 10:30 PM Permalink | Post a comment

COVETED: The devil and the deep BlueQ

POSTED: Thursday, July 15, 2010, 8:00 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. You've undoubtedly seen BlueQ products here and there — Wash Your Sins Away soap at Urban Outfitters, I Am Not A Paper Towel dish towels at Fosters Home Goods (RIP), Let's Drink the Drops watter bottles at Verde. But who knew they were all from one giant quirk-tastic company? Here are a few of our favorite giftables from online marketplace BlueQ, which has been around, the company points out, "since Die Hard. The first one. 1988."

Beaver tote, $9.99
Blue Q Cutting Edge T-shirt, $15.99
I Love You Like Biscuits and Gravy dish towel, $9.99

Nasturtium water bottle, $17.99
Oh Crap I'm Having a Baby mini-book, $7.99
Tea Merci lemon-ginger tea, $9.99

I Heart Water whale soap, $7.99
Yellow Little Bird vase, $9.99
Won't Be My Facebook Friend gum, $1.25

PREVIOUSLY >> COVETED: The Oil Spill Response Market edition

Posted by Carolyn Huckabay @ 8:00 PM Permalink | Post a comment

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH: Hey baby, I'm a rockstar

POSTED: Thursday, July 15, 2010, 4:45 PM

Neighborhood Watch finds Philly's most fashionable.

I found Lauren S. (24) sitting peacefully in Washington Square Park with her bike. She says when it comes to fashion she doesn't have inspiration and she looks up to no one; she simply does what she feels. Thus, with her beautifully carved wooden gauges, floral H&M scarf and colorful half sleeve, she effortlessly exuded the warm air of a sun-child. The Queens Village resident says she chopped off her tresses the night before embarking on a trip to northern India three years ago. "I didn't want to think about it anymore," she says. She proudly proclaims sale racks and thrift stores as ranking top on her list, like Circle Thrift (2233 Frankford Ave, 215-423-5060). As for her ink, Lauren says she has four tattoos and has artist, Knuckles of Olde City Tattoo (44 S. Second St., 215-627-6271) to thank for helping her along the way.

Nyidera Edwards

Noel H.'s (21) look was simply crisp and classic. Her use of vintage pieces and beautiful combination of solid black and neutrals was the perfect elements for a well-tailored, mod look. Her bodysuit is American Apparel and high-waist black trousers are her grandmother's hand-me-downs. "I'm addicted to cowboy boots," Noel admits, "I got these at Retrospect (534 South St., 267-671-0116) and I own about three or four other pairs, all different styles and heights." The Spelman College undergrad loves shopping at Buffalo Exchange, random shops along Germantown Ave. and even found luck with other thrift-style shops while studying in Atlanta like, Rag-O-Rama and Psycho Sisters. The psych major says, "I admire people who do their own thing, people who don't conform. At the end of the day, as long as you feel comfortable and confident in what you wear, that's the best feeling."

Nyidera Edwards

Country girl Lizzie C. (18) was shopping at H&M during her annual visit to Philly. "I love to thrift a lot but I always make it my business to shop here when I visit because we don't have one back home," she says. Back home would be Nashville, TN. She adds, "I like the city vibe in Philly. It's not aggressively busy, and unlike New York, people take the time out to say 'hi.' They're still cordial here." The student says, "It weirds me out when people can look at what I'm wearing and know where it came from. I like to be unique." Her pairing of the printed, tucked blouse with greens shorts and red bandanna is something many people would be afraid to chance. But I definitely dug it. Lizzie says the number one thing to keep in mind: "Try not to put too much thought into an outfit."

For Donna W. (20), "anything goes." She is the walking embodiment of the very element many are afraid to play up in hair and fashion: color. The West Philly native says, "Colors tell the way I feel. I pretty much wear anything as long as I can dress it up right." With a pink-purple-black faux hawk, rainbow lashes and vintage florals, she pulls off "wearing pretty much anything" quite well. Donna says she shops all over but loves Bebe and Forever21. As a cosmetology student, Donna is her own mannequin because she experiments on herself. "I always put some kind of colors in my hair. Basic brown and black are just boring to me. I like the rock star look." Speaking of "rock star, Donna says that she copies no one but highly respects Rihanna's style and role in fashion. It's safe to say, Donna's a rebel in her own right.

Posted by Nyidera Edwards @ 4:45 PM Permalink | Post a comment

FASHION > FORWARD: Market at the Piazza opens tomorrow

POSTED: Friday, July 9, 2010, 7:45 PM

Filed Under: Shopping | Fashion What We Heart

marketatthepiazza.com

If you caught Shopping Spree this week (or read the headline of this post), you already know what I'm about to tell you: The Piazza at Schmidts is launching its weekendlong Markets at the Piazza this weekend, and you, friends, are invited. Here's what Julia West had to say about the affair:

How is this different from the Piazza's flea market? Because this is an ongoing event, it provides a weekly space where local businesses can set up a shop, allowing online-only stores to entice passers-by without high rent constraints. More than 200 vendors will be hawking home goods, recycled items, crafts, cupcakes and antiques. And, of course, there will be fashion finds: Check out hair accessories from Lady Saint Couture, Philly Phaithful's sports apparel and ultra-swanky handbags from Elizabeth Bayu.

We asked a handful of this weekend's vendors to share a bit about themselves and send over a few photos from their product line; jump on over to take a look at their bios.

Sat.-Sun., July 10-11, noon-7 p.m., free, Piazza at Schmidts, 1101 N. Second St., atthepiazza.com.

PHILLY PHAITHFUL >> "Tired of throwing away his money on cheap tees, PhillyPhaithful President Dan Hershberg set out to create a line of shirts that felt great, looked great and appealed to the dyed-in-the-wool Philadelphia sports fan. Printing clever, whimsical and original designs on high-quality American Apparel blended cotton shirts, PhillyPhaithful appeals to those who live and breathe sports. If you find yourself wondering what Jayson Werth does in his down time or have erected a shrine to his beard, we're probably the guys for you."

SHOWROOM 77 >> "Angela Edmunds created Showroom77, Philadelphia's first wholesale/retail multi-label clothing and accessory showroom, in November of 2006. Showroom77 launched as the new division of the Sarai Style fashion department, servicing buyers and private clients."

VERVAIN SAVON >> "Vervain Savon is a natural soap and body care company focused on using the best that nature has to offer. We create the highest quality products using only natural ingredients. Vervain takes pride in the fact that all of our soaps and body care products contain only fair trade butters, sustainable oils and locally grown herbs and botanicals."

DANIEL DUFFY >> "Daniel Duffy is a local artist whose artwork has been approved by Major League Baseball, and is currently being sold at the Baseball Hall of Fame. The work is painstakingly handwritten with a patient hand. The Phillies posters are made from every game of the two Phillies championships, and the Kalas is made from his best calls and his Hall of Fame speech."

ELIZABETH BAYU >> "Elizabeth Bayu's jewelry is handcrafted with 14 karat gold fill and silver metals and features gemstones that symbolize good health, good luck and serenity. ... Many items are one-of-a-kind so you can enjoy wearing an exclusive piece."

DUKE & WINSTON >> "Duke & Winston is a Philadelphia-based men's casual clothing company launched in 2009 by Seun Olubodun and his English bulldog, HRH The Duke. The aim of the brand is to refine the innovative and fashion forward trends that come out of street-wear to produce casual apparel for a more discerning gentleman ... with some limited pieces for his lady."

RACK AND ROLL CLOTHING CO. >> "Mary Harvey's Rack and Roll carries fun, funky, affordable clothing that you can rack up and roll right into your living room, office, gym, bar, salon ... you name it. It's all about shopping and cocktails....it's a great girls' night out — or in!! And, as the hostess or shopping party organizer, you get 10 to 20 percent in free clothes."

Posted by Carolyn Huckabay @ 7:45 PM Permalink | Post a comment

COVETED: The Oil Spill Response Market edition

POSTED: Thursday, July 8, 2010, 8:23 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. This morning on Poppytalk, Jan reminded us that her site's July marketplace is dedicated to Gulf disaster relief — each vendor from the blog's monthly Poppytalk Handmade "online street market" has donated one item, and proceeds are going straight to Oxfam. Here are a few of our favorite goods from this great cause:

Porcelain bunnies and dome, $25, by Kg and Ab
Enamel flags necklace, $110, by Minoux Jewelry
Letterpress Bonjour poster, $35, by Sycamore Street Press

"If You'd Be My Old Man I'd Be Your Sea" card, $4, The Great Lakes
Summer seahorse embroidery, $40, by Moxiedoll
"On the Fly" 8-by-8 matte print, $30, by IS Photography

"Three Standing" limited-edition giclee print, $35, by Leah Giberson
Crab legs full apron with IKEA fabric, $32, by Pamwares
"A lot of people attack the sea. I make love to it." custom clock, $60, by MB Art Studios

PREVIOUSLY >> COVETED: Birthday Wish List

LudaKristen

Posted 2010-07-08 17:48:07

I love this new(er) blog section Carolyn. Sort of jealous you get to do it. Hope things are well at CP!

Zak Molignoni

Posted 2010-07-08 21:40:15

Very excited that you guys covered this. It is such a great cause. As Philly locals Alicia and I love that City Paper is covering the beautiful poppytalk and we are honored to be part of the  oil spill relief market as well. When we come together as a community we can do so much.
Thanks,
Zak at Daily Memorandum

Posted by Carolyn Huckabay @ 8:23 PM Permalink | Post a comment

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH: Amazonian goddesses and fly-ass men

POSTED: Wednesday, July 7, 2010, 9:31 PM

Every week, Neighborhood Watch looks for Philly's most fashionable. This week: It's getting better all the time.

Nyidera Edwards

Amazonian goddess Lacora E. (26) epitomizes fierce. Her heightened blond coif is unlike anything most of us have ever seen. The Buffalo Exchange employee says she transitioned into her style by gradually changing the color and texture and has been rocking it for about 6 months. Hailing from Northeast Philly, Lacora has modeled since the age of 8 and will be featured in the upcoming Philly Fashion Week (Oct. 6-9), as well as the New York's Fashion Week in September. Lacora says she derives her style inspiration from music, like fave Lady Gaga, whom she adores for her "strong-hearted, daring persona." She adds: "You can't mess with her." The same could be said for Lacora.

Nyidera Edwards

In a world of superfluous trends and high-priced designer wear, Yeadon girl Danielle L. (23) isn't afraid to walk her own path. Decked out in self-created accessories and bright, bold hues, she instantly stood out, strutting down Chestnut street. Her motto: "Why buy more? Just reinvent." The second-hand/vintage addict recently earned a degree in fashion merchandising from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and is currently jumpstarting her women's clothing and accessories line, Lizzi Lew. She builds her look around lots of thrift store items, self-alterations and vintage wear, allowing her vibrant, colorful personality to shine through. "I rarely ever wear neutrals and you'll never catch me in black," she says. "I have to throw on some color."


Nyidera Edwards

Christophe B. (22) is a fly-ass man. I caught him at the entrance of Buffalo Exchange and dragged him right back out to photograph and interview him. His blend of neutral accessories, dark denim and cool white linen balance out to create a clean, flawless look. Christophe's jacket is H&M and his shoes are by Steve Madden. In fashion, the Upper Darby resident praises Nicole Ritchie and Kanye West. "[Nicole] took 'boho chic' to another level," Chrstophe says. "As for Kanye, a lot of men play it safe with fashion. Kanye takes risks." The two of us shared our mutual love for Amber Rose and reminisced about 2010's Fashion Week, when Rose and Mr. West dressed in head-to-toe furs in the face of PETA.


Nydeira Edwards

With 32 graceful years (she could've fooled me) under her belt, Toya H. says, "Nowadays, there is no rule of thumb in fashion." Her wisdom shows true through her classic, clean-cut pieces which make up her "relaxed" look. Her boyfriend jeans and tiered necklace are from H&M and the vest was purchased at Express. But my personal favorite piece was her tan, woven bag from Aldo. Despite how good Danielle L. looks, neutrals are definitely hot this year. She lives for Roberto Cavalli and loves Anthropologie and Zara. Her final words: "At the end of the day, wear what you feel and what inspires you because people see it."

Posted by Nyidera Edwards @ 9:31 PM Permalink | Post a comment

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH: O-spiration, zebra prints and breakin' all the rules

POSTED: Thursday, July 1, 2010, 4:29 PM

Filed Under: Shopping Fashion

Neighborhood Watch looks for Philly's most fashionable. This week: Nyidera ventured only a few blocks north to Old City's shopping haven on Third Street, where she met some veterans in the fashion world, had some great convos and even treated herself to a pair of Topstitch Boutique's signature "fleather" earrings.

Nyidera Edwards

Casey B. (26) says riding her bike 24/7 usually keeps her on the tomboy end of the fashion spectrum. But today, the Center City girl let the estrogen flow freely in her Urban Outfitters floral dress. Casey chose the vintage-y piece because she likes breezy fabrics, bright colors and ruffles. "I like to be nice and summery. I'm not a designer girl. I like to pick through secondhand and vintage," she says, hence the leather camel flats from Buffalo Exchange. Casey praises the "classics," like icon Jackie O., and "contemporary women in music" like Karen O. of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Some of her fave shops are Anthropologie, UO, H&M and Art Star (623 N. Second St., 215-238-1557). Casey's #1 Rule of Thumb: "It's important to be comfy. If you're not, you can't pull off any look." Wise words, Casey.

Nyidera Edwards

Jamie Coyle, co-designer of Old City's newest boutique Carmelita Couture (17 N. 3rd St., 215-925-3207), is no stranger to bold and innovative fashion. She says, "We like a lot of one pieces, fun, funky and comfortable." Her mantra is much like the daring, zebra-print romper she's photographed in (a boutique original). After working with Carmelita head designer (and namesake), Carmelita Martell, the uptown girl says much of their pieces have been inspired by "art, femininity and comfort," noting key elements are "fun and color." Jamie notes some of her fashion icons are John Galliano; Coco Chanel's rival, the infamous Elsa Schiaparelli; and the gone-but-not-forgotten Alexander McQueen.

Topstitch Boutique's Tina M. (29) was draped in endless conversation pieces. The perfect combination of classic and distinctive, Tina created her a statement look by pairing a simple sheer oversized men's shirt with one-of-a-kind accessories. The wooden geometric necklace is a Topstitch original, she scored her leather utility vest as a gift from designer friend Collina Strada and her suede peep toes are by Jeffrey Campbell. Aside from her own store, the Fishtown native's other fave shop is Reward (55 N. 2nd St., 267-773-8675). "Reward fits my personality for clothing. The owner [Sheri Roulin] carries a lot of indie lines. She's willing to take risks with innovative designs," she says. Tina's her biggest inspirations are Susie Bubble, friends and Topstitch's designers. Lastly, she says, "People seem afraid to mix neutrals and they never mix metals and I don't know why. I like to do both."

Posted by Nyidera Edwards @ 4:29 PM Permalink | Post a comment

« PREVIOUS | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | NEXT »

What we're trying to do this weekend
Behind the scenes of local film A Man Full of Trouble
CONCERT REVIEW: The Postal Service @ The Mann 6/17
ICEPACK ILLUSTRATED: Sunny, Tony and the return of Do No Harm
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

Search this blog:

Topics:

Blog archives:

June
May
April

March
February
January

Past Archives: