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Shopping
Collectors of pretty things, take note: Every Friday Monday, 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 can't help but stalk on the regular.
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| The Oxford in blue and yellow, Foulard Threads |
We moved! Since Mondays are automatic-suck days, we thought we'd try to cheer you up. This week, we've been thinking about summer scarves — the ones you wear strictly for fashion purposes on warm days despite being teased by your male co-workers. It ain't quite summer yet, but we'll make do.
Firstly: We've been eyeing Foulard Threads' eco-friendly cowls, made entirely of recycled men's Oxford shirts and polos, for a while now, but that was back when we were buried in 70 inches of snow and needed something warmer. At first we weren't sure we could rock these without looking sloppy, but the promise of a run of 60-degree sunny days this week encourages beater-and-jeans ensembles, amplified with a big messy scarf. Right? Hipsters, don't fret: Plaid versions abound. $26, Foulard Threads, spied first at modish.com.
In case March showers bring April ... showers: The thing we like best about Mother Eleganza's brightly colored "Dancin in the Rain" Head Hoods (which, yes, we know is not a scarf at all) is the headless models. Silliness aside, these hoodie heads seem like a nice compromise between jacket and down-comforter coat seasons. These are the same folks who make Bread Shoes, the ones Felicia D'Ambrosio wrote about on City Paper's food blog, Meal Ticket, not so long ago, which I guess means we trust them. $45, Mother Eleganza, spied first at designyoutrust.com.
Speaking of Felicia D: Our resident fashionable girl-about-town and Shopping Spree columnist clued us in to Letau Designs' cozy woolly Drawstring Scarves back in October when we were fretting about the aforementioned down-comforter season. For the warmer months, switch to the Philly designer's hooded scarves, made of lighter materials like silk and jersey (pictured, right). They're a tad pricey, but supporting local businesses should assuage your wallet's guilty conscience. $60, letaudesigns.com.
Finally: Gray doesn't have to be icky, despite what this rainy day would have us think. Elsie Flannigan's blog, A Beautiful Mess, shouted out all things heather gray recently, and we particularly heart this Shadowed Vine Scarf from Anthropologie (which we can claim is a local business, since its HQ is here in Philly, with very guilty looks on our faces). Corporate monster or not, it's lovely, and perfect for an afternoon wine tour. $28, Anthropologie, spied first at abeautifulmess.typepad.com.
PREVIOUSLY >> And the Nominees Are ...
Thanks for sharing this post! Actually, this is one of the things that my wife kept on telling me during our Philadelphia dating getaway. We searched for these all day. IN fact, she really doesn't want to go home without having one of these. LOL
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| babble.com |
Every Thursday, we give you this week's LGBTQ to-do list.
The gay community was handed more good news this week with the passage of gay marriage in Mexico City. Even though it's in a completely different country, it's still a huge stride for us LGBTers. Philadelphia, aren't you ashamed Mexico City did it first? Way to go amigos.
— Bullies everywhere need to conjure more clever insults than "You fight like a girl," to heave at the poor little gay boys on the playground because the William Way Community Center's (1315 Spruce St., 215-732-2220) self defense class for women at 2 p.m. on Sat. Mar. 13 will prove that girls can kick some major bully ass. Philadelphia Judo Club instructors Ray Huxon and Alma Qualli will teach students how to maneuver a variety of standing and ground attacks. Then, students suit up in protective gear to demonstrate what they've learned. I'm sure this instruction will be much more in depth than the defense mechanisms I learned, even though, "Go for the balls," has worked pretty well for so far. Heeeeya!
— Whether you do it for fun or you're trying to make a legit transformation, artist Klawdya Rothschild is teaching two gender transformation classes at Sexploratorim (620 S. 5th St., 215-829-4986) on Sat., Mar. 13 that will boost your drag or passability experience tenfold. The first session begins at 2 p.m. with a lesson about hiding or enhancing gender-identifying attributes like high cheekbones or a 5 o'clock shadow and how to complete the process with hair and wigs. The second class, which begins at 6 p.m., takes the teaching downtown with pointers on how to tuck your hoo-hoo and flatten or push out those ta-tas. The $20-$30 admission price includes a discount coupon to Passional Boutique (704 S. 5th St., 215-829-4986) and the next Angela's Lap Top Lounge event at Shangrila (120 Swedesford Rd., 610-687-8838) on Sat., Mar. 20.
— If you don't feel like tucking the jewels or punching fight instructors on Saturday, maybe you'd prefer a leisurely afternoon of shopping and mingling on E. Passyunk Avenue. 2nd Saturdays on the Avenue kicks off at 6 p.m. with participation from dozens of neighborhood hot spots. You can browse art by Pam Haner and Justin Myer Staller at Sweet Jane Vintage and B2 Café, chow on discounted grub at FUEL and relax with the music of Alia Ady at Black N Brew. There's a lot going on in this area of South Philly, I definitely suggest hopping on this trolley before you get left behind.
Neighborhood Watch finds fashionable folk all across the city. Where do all the vestiges of the '90s meet? South Street, South Street.
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| PHOTOS | Julia West and Josh Middleton |
This week exciting street fashion was as abundant as the sunshine. We found most of our picks circling somewhere near South Street, where we felt as if we'd just stepped out of Bill & Ted's excellent phone booth into the soul of the '90s.
Brittany K. (15) is a product of the '90s in more ways than one. Not only was she conceived in the latter part of the era but her sense of fashion has turn-of-the-century, pre-packaged Hot Topic Goth written all over it. This is a look that's age specific. When you're 15 it works, but honey, don't be trying to pull it off after high school. She buys the bulk of her duds on sites like Hell Bunny and she mentions the bands Eyes Set to Kill and A Day to Remember as fashion influences.
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| PHOTOS | Julia West and Josh Middleton |
Jonathan G. (37) and Stephanie W. (38) show how to take the punk rock look out of the malls and make it appropriate for any age, which is unsurprising for the latter because Steph is the owner of South Street's quintessential and iconic punk shop, Crash Bang Boom (528 S. 4th St., 215-928-1123). On their way to donate clothes outgrown by Nina J. (2), they stopped to chat about their "cheap and savvy" style that includes a lot of black, a lot of layers and a damn good pair of boots.
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| PHOTOS | Julia West and Josh Middleton |
Strolling down the street with a cock-eyed doo-rag and donning a re-envisioned '90s grunge look, Jeff M. (19) was killing time before going to put more holes in his face. He already has a lebret piercing and huge gauges in his ears but he's not quite satisfied yet. Judging by his appearance you'd think he pieced his outfit together from a second hand store, but actually most of it came from mainstream department spots like Kohl's and Foot Locker.
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| PHOTOS | Julia West and Josh Middleton |
We weren't actually on the Neighborhood Watch clock, but when we spotted Rose B. (17) at the Man Man show at the Trocadero (1003 Arch St., 215-922-5483) we couldn't help but whip out the camera for a snap. We find her "circus/vintage" look a tad too provocative for a girl her age, but I'm sure all the fellas in the house didn't mind it at all. Looking at her is like a game of I Spy â We spy Britney gone wrong in the pigtails and plaid scarf, we spy Rainbow Brite in her hair bows and stripped socks and we spy Final Fantasy heroine in her lace bodice and self-made faerie bloomers and ... wait a minute ... is that a chastity belt? Either way, read J. West's review of the Man Man show.
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| Zoe Saldana: The fave of the evening. |
Well, well, well boys and girls, last night was what sadly may be the most anticipated event of my year ... The Academy Awards (I kid, I kid ... or do I?). I was actually quite pleased with this year's ceremony: Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin had fantastic rapport, the writing was generally humorous (so much so that I actually enjoyed jokes coming out of Robin Williams' mouth) and even though I was all hot and bothered about the 10 best picture nominees, all was well in the end because The Hurt Locker beat the shit out of Ferngully for Adults.
I'll admit I was at first a little disappointed by the gowns, but today, having dedicated far too much time looking at this slideshow, I realized that there were quite a few fabulous numbers strutting down that red carpet, and they deserve to be praised.
Yes
—Kathryn Bigelow — She looked great, and even better, she pulled off the best. revenge. on. an. ex. ever.
—Gabourey Sidibe — What a wonderful night she must've had, and she really looked beautiful, charming, adorable and lots of other heart-warming adjectives. Also, one of my favorite things about last night was listening to everybody try to pronounce her name.
— Zoe Saldana —One word: WOWZA. Some other words: Givenchy couture, bulbous ruffles descending into all sorts of purples, light pink crystal bustier. All very good words.
—Zoe Kravitz — Why was she here? What does Zoe Kravitz actually do besides have really attractive parents? Is that a career? Rumer Willis seems to have done something with it. As much as I question Z. Krav's purpose and worth, I can't deny that girl's style. I love velvet and big bows and chiffon skirts, and all three of those things are hard to pull off, but gdamnit, she done did it.
—Mo'nique — It was a tribute to Hattie McDaniel! She had gardenias in her hair! She has an apostrophe in her name! You know, Mo' never shaves her legs, like, as a rule. It was the mofo-ing Oscars and her legs were as hairy as Robin Williams' knuckles. LOVE her!
—Amanda Seyfried — She's starting to get on my nerves for some reason, but she's pretty and more-than-marginally talented so I better get used to having her around. I enjoyed her dress last night, though I must add that a giant sparkly ball gown is a safe choice and I tend to prefer that my ingenues be risk-takers (see: Zoe Saldana). The dress looks spectacular from the side, and I appreciate that she toned down her hair to let the gown speak for itself, because it had a lot to say.
—Meryl Streep — The most beautiful and wonderful and talented woman on that red carpet. And she always dresses her age, which I really admire. It was nothing special, but she looked radiant.
—Sandra Bullock — I haven't seen The Blind Side, and I am very suspicious of the hype, but Ms. Bullock has pulled out all the stops this awards season (sartorially, that is). Especially loved the lipstick with this outfit. The train was delightfully glamorous, and the flowery brocade business up top was really quite incredible. Plus, I think it gets shinier towards the bottom. I looove shiny.
—Helen MIrren — Remember what I said about Meryl? Just copy and paste that here, but add something nice about her big rack.
—Kate Winslet — What can I say? It was shiny and it fit like a dream. Her hair was the most flattering shade of blonde and it was styled just right: simple and elegant. Also, did anyone else notice that they played the Titanic theme song when she came on stage to announce Best Actor? That was exciting.
Meh
—Vera Farmiga — I couldn't decide if I liked this or only felt so-so about it. I definitely love the color, but I think it could do with fewer ruffles. I think it wanted me to think it was amAZing, but I don't do what dresses tell me to do. Jean shorts, maybe. Dresses no.
—Diane Kruger — This dress was a major letdown as far as I'm concerned. I've been looking forward to The Krug's Oscar outfit since before the Globes, and this was just blah blah blah. A nice gown, I suppose, but not Oscar-worthy by any means. It was frumpy. Hmm, I hope that's not because she's depressed ... or because she's having relationship problems. Oh god.
—Penelope Cruz — Wow, a red dress that hugged your curves. Really out there ,Penny. I expect more from you. I will give you the benefit of the doubt, and believe that the reason for this mediocrity is because you are simply too preoccupied having passionate, crazy, Spanish, Almodovar-style--which-means-l
—Carey Mulligan — I don't feel strongly about this dress either way, which in itself is sort of a problem. At least this one is several steps above both her Globe and SAG choices, in both fit and style. I dug the bejewledness of it all, and the unusual cut of the skirt, but I feel like there has been something missing from each of Carey's outfits this awards season and last night was no exception. The most obvious problem was her hair color, but I was also bothered by the general lack of color in the ensemble.
—Demi Moore — She looked really tan, so that's good, I guess. But I don't know why she was there. Honestly there should've been far fewer ruffles on this number. Plus, homegirl really needs to eat something.
—Cameron Diaz — Yeah yeah, she looked fine. But she sucks majorly.
Noooo
—Tina Fey — I wish I didn't have to put Tina on this list. But this thing made you look awfully hippie and it really looked like it could be purchased at David's Bridal. One of the things I do love about T.F. is that nerdy writer inside who still doesn't quite fit in at these grand masturbatory Hollywood affairs.
—Sarah Jessica Parker — Doesn't Perez Hilton call her SJPeePee? Because her dress was definitely the color of urine. She better play her cards right, because I'm almost to the point where I can no longer enjoy watching Sex and the City reruns on TBS at midnight. God forbid my distaste for Sarah Jess should grow so strong that I am forced to throw away my copy of Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. Please don't make me do it. Please.
—George Clooney's Italian Date — This new nameless, faceless flame of my soulm8 surely can't last long. I mean, she accessorized a red satin dress with a red satin shawl and a red satin clutch. Once again, please.
—Rachel McAdams — The cut was very flattering, but that's about it. I suppose in theory I liked the watercolor print, but would like to know the reason why the colors all seemed to be inspired by different consistencies of sewage.
—Miley Cyrus — She looked nice and all but she seems to be allergic to standing up straight. My friend Mike said she looked like she was pooping. I love Mike.
—Mariah Carey — Will never make it on a best dressed list. Ever.
—Charlize Theron — Rosettes? On your boobies? For reals?
—Kristen Stewart — Just sucks. And apparently, she can't stand still and read from a teleprompter at the same time. Or stand up straight for that matter. And judging by how awful her hygiene seems, she actually might have been pooping. (That's right, that another poop joke. Deal with it.).
What say you? Who did we miss? Who did you love? Who, more importantly, did you hate? Weigh in on the stars' gowns in the comments.
Vera Farmiga is so hot but that dress looks like Lady Gaga's pajamas, the fuck! SJP's dress looks like it used to be wrapped around a slender bottle of some obscure Italian liqueur that your grandparents kept in their liquor cabinet but never drank. Also I'm not sure what's wrong with Clooney's face but he kinda looks like Eurasian k.d. lang now in certain lights.
Oh and that picture you link of Kathryn Bigelow doublefisting Oscars is scary as shit! She's about to pound out some hammercurls and then challenge Jeremy Renner to a drunken stomach punching contest
i disages with mike miley look so fucken pretty so get fuck miley haters
Kristen stewart nearly smiled shame about that dress she's to short to look good in it.
Excuse me but Zoe Kravitz has built and substantial body of acting work showing that she has not only inherited her parents beauty but also their TALENT!
Collectors of pretty things, take note: Every Friday, 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 can't help but stalk on the regular.
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Here at Coveted HQ, we've got Oscar night on the brain. Apparently, so does everyone else.
Glourious, glourious poster art: We just saw Best Picture-nominated Inglourious Basterds the other day, and while we kinda thought it felt like two separate films (one about lovely, heart-wrenched Shoshanna; the other about kicking Nazi ass and taking names), we're still rooting for the underdog. Last month, L.A.'s Upper Playground Gallery auctioned off 13 amazing Quentin Tarantino-signed Basterds posters with proceeds going toward Haiti relief, and we covet them all. $300 (sold out), upperplayground.com, first spied at bestweekever.tv.
O-82!!!: Here's a fun game for pajama Oscar parties with friends: Oscar Bingo, courtesy of DIY blogger Jessica Jones of How About Orange ... . It's full of hilariously predictable Oscar-night happenings — think "George Clooney Seen Sporting a Beard"; "Someone Mentions Haiti"; "Patrick Swayze Appears in Dead Person Montage" — in PDF form for easy printing. Good luck! Free, howaboutorange.blogspot.com.
Julie or Julia: We weren't fans of Amy Adams' annoying, cloyingly self-centered portrayal of Julie Powell in Julie & Julia. (Perhaps this is why Meryl Streep's the one who got the Oscar nod.) Adams groupie or not, though, you'll like Etsy artist NOOBOO, who's replicated the Subway token necklace that Julie wore throughout the film. The old-school token (from 1953) hangs inside an antique brass filigree circle ring, upping the ante from the simpler version in the movie. (Alternatively, you could always just read the book.) $50, etsy.com/shop/NOOBOO.
Fantastic Mr. Badger: Die-hard Bill Murray fans would have recognized that voice anywhere, and even though the Wes Anderson mainstay won't win any Academy Awards for his voiceover of a nebbishy attorney, Fantastic Mr. Fox (nominated for Animated Feature Film and Music/Original Score) would've felt incomplete without him there. Illustrator Michael May's Eros Inc. shop on Etsy features sweet, vibrant Mr. Badger, Demolitions Expert prints, plus one of Mr. Fox himself if thieving carnivores are more your scene. $5, etsy.com/shop/erosinc.
PREVIOUSLY >> One of These Things Is Not Like the Others
Neighborhood Watch finds fashionable folk all across the city. In Mt. Airy, fashionable translates to understated, comfortable and granola-y. Crunch, crunch.
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| Photo | Josh Middleton and Julia West |
Jason H. (29) was working the espresso machine at High Point Café (602 Carpenter Ln., 215-849-5153) when we noticed he was wearing a pair of shorts. It may not be the most fashionable look in the world, but like the return of the tweeting robin, a pair of legs is undoubtedly one of the first signs of spring. And yes, this self-labeled antithesis of anything fashionable is wearing the remainder of his pants around his ankles so he can zip them back to his shorts for warmth when he begins his footed journey back home.
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| Photo | Josh Middleton and Julia West |
Unfortunately you can't see it in the photograph, but some of Kwanzaa P.'s (25) dreads are adorned with jewels like a small golden cuff and a vintage crystal piece made by her friend. She was chillin' in InFusion Coffee & Tea (7133 Germantown Ave., 215-248-1718) when we approached her to talk about her personal style. "I go for comfort with a pop," she says. On this day the pizzazz obviously comes from the horizontal stripes and the hair jewelry and not those dull Nikes that she asked us not to photograph. Sorry Kwanzaa.
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| Photo | Josh Middleton and Julia West |
Mira E. (28), holding baby Callum (<1), actually lives in West Philly, but we feel like her style encompasses the Mt. Airy look to a tee. We saw a lot of black-framed glasses and short haircuts, which she says was done by a stylist at Saturn Club that she's been visiting since she was 12. As a nanny she says she spends a lot of her time splashed with baby vom and someone else's breast milk but when she's not hooked to a baby monitor she hits the West Philly scene in a lot of plaid button-ups, jeans and comfortable tees. "I basically wear whatever I can find cheap at Second Mile (214 S. 45th St., 215-662-1663)."
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| Photo | Josh Middleton and Julia West |
If you can't already guess Stephane R. (41), a studio teacher at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, brings an uncommon amount of sass to her "crunchy and earthy" neighborhood. When asked to describe the fashion of the area she whispered, "It's challenged," but then quickly redeemed herself by adding, "and unique." That's easy to say for someone who's wearing a classic, but boug-y, little black Nordstrom dress to the local hippy café. She does tie in a hint of local flare with those great fingerless mits that she snagged at one of our favorite boutiques, Lost + Found (133 N. 3rd St., 215-928-1311).
Neighborhood Watch finds fashionable folk all across the city. But Fairmount needs to step up their game.
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| Photos | Josh Middleton and Julia West |
We were faced with our most difficult challenge this week — yes, even worse than N'East and the airport. We began in Fairmount where we found nary a fashionable soul, and then headed to Rittenhouse, where we're always sure to find someone looking snazzy. It still wasn't easy, but we found a few cute cats among the blobby regalia of North Face'd snores.
Hailing from Boston, Drew A. (24) put his outfit together that morning because he wanted to impress his lady friend. "Before I met her I was a slob," he says. We find that hard to believe, coming from a dude who actually ties his own bowtie. He accumulated his complex, but sophisticated, outfit from places like Urban Outfitters, thrift stores and a men's boutique in Boston called Uniform.
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| Photos | Josh Middleton and Julia West |
When we first saw John J. (24) in his bright blue ski jacket and oversized gray boots we thought he had just stepped off the slopes, but he was actually out enjoying an afternoon stroll. With all kidding aside, we love those boots, which he says were purchased online from a Danish company called Rubber Duck. European fashion influences his style even though he confesses grad school has made him apathetic.
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| Photos | Josh Middleton and Julia West |
We stopped Josh C. (22) because he was giving us those same sexy eyes you see in the photograph. He says his fashion choices are inspired by his accomplishment as a certified Eagle Scout, which actually translates to indifference. "I stick my head out the window to check the weather but it really doesn't matter," he says, "It's always the same jeans, same jacket and about five shirts."
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| Photos | Josh Middleton and Julia West |
Our one well-dressed lady this week is Taryn Z. (25), who makes a bold statement wrapped in a plethora of colorful layers. She says this style choice could be the reason she's alive and well today. "Wearing so many different shades makes it harder to get hit by a car," she laughs. It's too bad we didn't catch her wearing one of her recycled umbrella hoods that she sells on Etsy under the pseudonym Recycling Zychal.
The Poindexters are coming! The Poindexters are coming! Put together this morning? Bologna. Boston's Drew A. put thought into this pretentious, affected look. Bowtie and limp, wilted hat? Is he trying to look like Rodney Dangerfield's snooty nemesis in Back to School?
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| bloggingprojectrunway.blogspot.com |
Kids: It was bound to happen sometime, I'm just glad it's out of the way.
That's right, this week's episode of See What Color Blocking Mila Will Do Next, the designers were assigned children. The seven-to-10-year-old angels were there not for sacrificial purposes, but to be the models for this challenge. Excluding Amy, who was amped on the challenge because she apparently loves mini clothes, no one was too thrilled about this challenge. And really, can you blame them? Who wants to design for a munchkin body? Who wants to design something that the little brat will inevitably stain with ketchup and OJ? Jonathan is downright afraid of kids.
This week the group was split. They were either vying to be provocative and daring in their designs, like Jonathan, Jesse and Amy. Or they were playing it safe in order to remain in the competition, like Emilio. Mila's being safe, too, since she is capable of making only one style. And yet she remains in the competition. She probably put some voodoo curse on the judges to make them blind to her work each and every single week.
A pint-sized challenge wouldn't be complete without a little Tim Gunn coming in to put a little twist on it. TG informed the crew that they would now be making the perfect accessory to their kiddie clothes: a mommy outfit to match. How precious. The point, of course, was to create something that would coexist with the youngster's outfits without being just a bigger version of it because, really, that's gross. Jay had the right idea, saying that his outfits would be a part of the same show. His plum and black tunic on the tyke, and a tank for mommy that matched just a teeny bit too much got him into the top three.
Also in the top three this week was Jesse with a grey, black and red Parisian-inspired design that looked perfect on both models. For the little one, Jesse made an expertly-sewn red wool jacket that looked sophisticated and adorable. His momma model wore a dress that echoed the first design with red detail and buttons, but it wasn't too matchy-matchy.
Seth Aaron, that weird annoying dude, was this week's winner. He mentioned having an 11-year-old daughter and knowing what kids like and what they, like, totally hate, bro. Good thing Seth Aaron won this one or his daughter would have totally shamed him when he got home. The winning look for the girl was a black and white hounds tooth hooded vest with a little black jean skirt. He put "hard wear" (silver ring eyelets) on the skirt because this guy is so punk rock it hurts. His adult look was great; a black and white striped jacket was leaning ever so slightly towards Beetlejuice, but not too much. Kors called the jacket the best tailoring seen all season. Seth Aaron paired the jacket with a pair of high waisted black skinnies that flaunted studs down one leg. It was a look, as the judges mentioned, that little girls would love to wear. And the grown up version was chic and edgy.
The bottom three this week were sad, sad little duo designs. Jonathan used so many ruffles that Kors called his models "the conceptual toilet paper twins." The adult dress was certainly too tame for Bjork to put on, but it might be something she'd eye up. The girl's dress was yellow with matching toilet paper and a sweet little bolero jacket that the judges could tell was not at all comfortable for the child. Even though Jonathan's designs were butt ugly, they were by far the most attractive of the bottom three. Amy, who was also trying to take some risks, made a strange little girl's get up with a turquoise sweater and scarf, an orange petal skirt and tan leggings that flaired at the knee. The girl looked outstanding compared to the woman's pants that Amy made by cutting out petals of the same colors. It was like some feathery ostrich legs in peacock colors.
Jeneane was the this week's loser. She cried about it, of course. And she cried throughout the episode when she talked about missing her hubby, and this is so hard, and blah, blah, blah. The girl's dress that she made had absolutely no shape and no design to it. Jeneane put the girl in leggings, too, just to be completely innovative and different from everyone else who put their girls in leggings. "You're really rocking the Halloween," Gunn told her in the sewing room. No one told me that Halloween changed from black and orange to black and coral. But if Timmy says it, then it must be true. The adult jacket she made looked like "a Home Ec project," according to Kors. With very little design and no good taste, Jeneane's time was finally up. She just barely hung in there last week, so it's not a shock that she was told to pack her bags and move on.
Collectors of pretty things, take note: Every Friday, 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 can't help but stalk on the regular.
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This week our goal was simply to point out a few beautiful things, but dammit we can't ignore the fourth item on our list. It ain't pretty.
But first, and most importantly: We've been meaning to congratulate Philly designer Sue Eggen, who recently won a Jury's Choice Poppies Award for Favourite Accessories (side note: We were not aware that Canadians used the "u"). Her oversize Rosette Fascinator headbands, made of felt and elastic, promise to "keep you fancy all day long," and we like that idea. Eggen suggests the 'bands as bridesmaid accessories, but we'd like to think we could rock them on any average Tuesday at the office. (Also swoon-worthy: her Florette Cloche [pictured, right], a sweet faux-cashmere-and-felt hat that we keep trying on at Art Star.) $35, etsy.com/shop/giantdwarf, spied first at poppytalk.com.
Also: Remember our Holiday Gift Guide? It was all DIY, and, turns out, pretty trend-setting: The second Lord Whimsy taught y'all how to make your own teeny terrariums, we started seeing them everywhere, from ReadyMade to The Hipster Home. If you don't have a mason jar or light bulb handy, though, head over to VivaTerra, which has a sweet pear terrarium — complete with four air plants — on its e-shelf. At 9 by 14 inches, it's a little bigger than our nano version (and because it has a hole in its backside for plant-placing, you can't use it as a vase), but we still love it. $79 ($49 without plants included), vivaterra.com, spied first at designspongeonline.com.
Speaking of sweet: Our dear friend and Philly native Chen Reichert, whose Boto Designs Etsy shop is teeming with fist-clenchingly adorable Japanese robot wares, blogged yesterday about Naoshi, a Japanese artist who uses sunae (a medium for sand-painting) to create whimsical, bright prints, postcards and greeting cards. We're particularly in love with her Dream Glasses limited-edition print, which reminds us of The Little Prince and, oddly, the Olsen twins. So says Naoshi's description of the print, "May tomorrow be another good day." Be sure to check out this video of Naoshi's process, too. $25, etsy.com/shop/naoshi, spied first at botodesigns.blogspot.com.
Lastly, and most creepily: We're not Twilight people (we're True Blood kinda gals, sorry), but apparently enough people are that someone thought Twilight man-pillows (that's "manllow" to you) would be a good idea. Best Week Ever's Dan Hopper said it best: "Face it, ladies: You're never gonna snuggle with Robert Pattinson. So why not just accept the hundredth next best thing, and buy one of these giant, long-necked creepy blobs that will f***ing murder you?" Looks like these sinister body pillows sold out on Etsy (maybe James Franco bought them all?), but maybe you can console yourself with some Pattinson underpants. Cripes. Spied at bestweekever.tv.
PREVIOUSLY >> Posters and Tees, Please
Neighborhood Watch finds fashionable folk all across the city. This time around, our Neighborhood Watchers travel to West Philly, where neither was born, nor raised.
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| Photos | Josh Middleton and Julia West |
Brittany J. (21) says her fashion sense is driven by how she wakes up feeling in the morning and on this day she was happy and excited. She bought most of her apparel at stores like Urban Outfitters, but it doesn't matter where it comes from as long as you have a vision and we think Brittany's is 20/20 even though she says the glasses aren't helping at all. "They're not real, they're fashion."
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| Photos | Josh Middleton and Julia West |
We have to admit, Laura F.'s (26) look is borderline hot mess but she pulls the mish mash off like an Olympic champion. Hailing from London, she says there is a distinct difference between the outrageous fashions she grew up with and the more toned-own style she sees in West Philly. When hunting for something different than what you'd find on the racks at the Gap she usually turns to eBay, which is where she found that awesome acid washed jacket and the kitty cat shirt that was unfortunately covered by three other layers and a strand of pearls.
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| Photos | Josh Middleton and Julia West |
As a philosophy major Ross L. (22), has profound insight into fashion. "I have a hatred of modern fashion, which is a vile slovenly lack of discern," he says. He puts to good use these dusty duds that scream thrift store bargain rack and is able to mix contemporary pieces — tight slacks and department store coat — with grandpa vintage —all the rest — to pull together a bewildered philosophy professor look that is only missing a pipe.
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| Photos | Josh Middleton and Julia West |
With all of our artsy fartsy finds, Tiffani A. (27) entered the scene with a touch of sass to slap us back into reality. "I'm all about enhancing yourself — dye, contacts, extensions, whatever," she says. It may sound like a superficial opinion, but we found nothing fake about this sweet, beautiful girl who finds inspiration from urban music stars like Kelis. And we always love a girl who's confident enough to strike a pose. "When you look good, you feel good," she says.
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| Photos | Josh Middleton and Julia West |
Yusan H. (25), a biochemistry and physics student, doesn't let a monotonous sounding grad program interfere with her artistic sense of style. Her individualism sets her apart from her days spent with microscopes and Petri dishes but her scientific knowledge comes into play when experimenting with this eclectic mix of local, handmade and designer goods. She picked up the blue glasses at Reward (55 North 2nd St.) — according to her, the best boutique in Philadelphia — the scarf is from Etsy designer Yokoo and her jacket is by Ann-Sofie Back, a designer for Cheap Monday. Yusan you win our Favorite Fashion of the Week Award.
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