Shopping

POSTED: Monday, February 28, 2011, 5:00 PM
Filed Under: Shopping | I Am Woman Fashion

In contrast to our weekly dude column Man Cave, I Am Woman adds a feminine touch by chronicling the weekend adventures of a single Philadelphia socialite.

I should buy stock in H&M. All the cash I've spent in that store would make me one rich investor. What started out as a simple return on Friday, turned into a shopping spree — thanks to a 50-percent-off sale that provided incentive to stay. Plus, spring is approaching, which means all of my favorite stores are rolling out new merch. So I have this irrepressible obligation to buy, buy, buy. And the shops in Rittenhouse, I'm sure, will thank me for it.

Saturday I wanted to reward myself for the amazing job I've been doing in school lately so I went for a simple manicure/pedicure and called up a few friends for lunch that afternoon. The meal was decent and the price was reasonable. I had to let my wallet heal from the beating I gave it shopping. We capped the night off by seeing Blue Valentine at the Ritz.  I really liked it because it doesn't showcase the typical Disney-fied love story where everything is perfect. It also feed my anti-Valentine emotions that were still lingering. I am not a pessimistic person when it comes to love and romance. I just have a love/hate relationship with love much like the love/hate relationship I have with John Mayer or red meat.

The following day I took a drive out to West Philadelphia for a get together my friend Aaron was hosting. I was not in the mood to go because Aaron and his significant other have the type of relationship that feels like it's being crammed down your throat. But at least it would provide me an opportunity to wear one of my new outfits. I would just sit happily through the story about how they met at Woody's if they dared to tell it for the millionth time.  I secretly wanted to Blue Valentine their love. At his house Aaron made martini's so the constant eye batting between the two love birds was ironically easier to handle.

Posted by Jillian Weir-Reeves @ 5:00 PM  Permalink | Post a comment
POSTED: Tuesday, February 22, 2011, 6:00 PM
Neighborhood Watch looks for Philly's most fashionable. This week, Kala switches it up by pointing her camera toward Old City's  sexiest boutiques. Interviewing Philly residents about where they like to buy their clothes is interesting enough, but too often do we neglect the actual aesthetic experience of shopping. The way a store looks has a profound effect on how we perceive its wares, as well as the way we feel as we buy. Not to mention that store owners spend a boatload of time and money furnishing their spaces. Old City is packed with charming boutiques that do more than just display clothes — they exude serious personality. Each of these clothing stores (and one breathtaking furniture store) is like each of your closest friends — they have distinctive character traits, and you want to spend as much time with them as possible. Smak Parlour: The Wild, Quirky Friend
Smak Parlour (219 Market St.) is pink. Very pink. The colorful façade of the building stands out against the brick and siding of its neighbors, and the well-dressed mannequins and baubles in the windows draw in passersby. Inside, it's vintage shabby-chic through a Pepto Bismol filter, in the best possible way. The rainbow beaded chandeliers, custard-colored chests of drawers, and randomly interspersed lawn flamingos give off what owner Katie Loftus calls an "edgy, girly, punky" vibe. You'll find adorable dresses  (many designed by store owners) and standout jewelry here, as well as an entire section of books and funky gifts. Vagabond: The Simply Chic Friend
Vagabond (37 N. Third St.) with its heavy, knotted wood flooring (it creaks as you walk across), benches loaded with folded sweaters, exposed brick, and tree stumps as shoe displays is reminiscent  of a cozy, yet trendy cabin in the woods. Crates full of colorful yarn are stacked against a wall, and a nondescript chalkboard boasts "Vintage" in script. Subtle displays of delicate charms on chains and gauzy blouses line the walls and make Vagabond the perfect place to stop in for a unique yet understated cocktail dress or pair of shoes. J. Karma Boutique: The Well-Traveled Fashionista
The window displays of J. Karma (60-62 N. Third St.) are arranged in the colors of France's flag. The interior displays are adorned with iron Buddha statuettes and aluminum bird cages and watering cans straight of an English garden.  The overall effect is that you've just stepped into the storage closet of an international collector. The space is clean and open, with lovely displays of jewelry, bags and shoes ranging from conservative to statement-making. Sugarcube: The Artistic Hipster Friend
Sugarcube (124 N. Third St.)  is part male/female clothing store, part art gallery. At least in theory. Glowing, white geometric shapes that look like, well, cubes of sugar hang above the cash register, behind which hang minimalist framed photos. Walk past the display of bicycles and motorcycles and make your way back to the dressing rooms, where a chandelier made of bone hangs (it matches the antlers on the brick walls). The store boasts an impressive array of clothing, hats, bags and jewelry for girls and guys, but you won't be able to shake the feeling that Sugarcube is little more than a welcoming, interesting, and well-decorated closet. Jonathan Adler: The Retro-Glamorous One (a.k.a. The One With the Nicest Apartment)
Shopping at Jonathan Adler (33 N. Third St.), unless you are prepared to buy, will make you feel simultaneously elated that you've stopped in, and depressed that your living space will never be as fabulous. Everything inside is bright, bold, and breathtaking. From the geometric-patterned wall hangings and comforters to the overwhelmingly colorful wallpaper and pillows, you'll wish you could move in. Or at least find a friend with a house as hip where you could crash.
TJ
Posted 2011-02-22 20:20:51
J.Karma has the best shoes in the city, not to mention my personal favorite the super useful & chic purse holders.



Luuuuurve J.Karma !!!
Sugarcube
Posted 2011-02-24 08:09:35
The Third Street Corridor is indeed filled with personality and quality. Numerous shops and galleries housing art, design and fashion have become a destination for their eclectic mix and chilled Old City charm. Your closest friends are right around the corner! Thank you Kala. --P.s. Our Visitor Information menu will help you travel to and from Old City. See you soon!
Posted by Kala Jamison @ 6:00 PM  Permalink | Post a comment
POSTED: Tuesday, February 15, 2011, 3:00 PM
Neighborhood Watch looks for Philly's most fashionable. This week: Kala roamed one of Philly's chicest neighborhoods to talk to a few girls who work and shop there.
Rittenhouse Square is known for its shopping. From nationwide chain stores to cozy boutiques and vintage shops, any fashionable Philadelphian is guaranteed to be tempted to blow next month's rent on clothing, shoes, and accessories. One such patron, Hannah Elliott (21, above) studies at the Art Institute of Philadelphia and works at Arden B. but she says her favorite stores have to fall more within her price range. "H&M and Forever 21 really have my heart," she says. "They fit my budget." So many Philly shoppers tend to frequent those two stores in particular, which seem to carry pieces that translate seamlessly into anyone's style. Elliott's pants and tee are from Forever 21 and her jacket and bag are from H&M. Her black leather ankle boots are from Aldo, and her oversized gold earrings are from The Hair Store. She also enjoys British retail chain, Topshop. Elliott, who is a fashion student and hopes to work for the offbeat pop culture and fashion magazine Nylon, says that layers are "on trend" this winter, but she finds her own personal style is best reflected in spring and summer, when she can wear her favorite cutoff jeans and graphic tees in bright colors.
Alexandra Fishoff (21, left) and Dana Pershyn (29, right) both work and shop at Rittenhouse's Arcadia Boutique. Hailing from West Philly, Fishoff covets some of the unique designers the boutique features. One of her style rules is that she has to be comfy, and says that her long, hooded Prairie Underground coat fits the bill. Her brown leather boots with brass buttons are from Steve Madden, and her red chain link bag is from Arcadia. "They make really feminine stuff," she says. "They make great hoodies and use organic cotton." She also shops at nearby Anthropologie and Vagabond Boutique, and shared her knowledge of the Feral Childe fashion at Arcadia, which features hand-painted designs and intricate pleats on many of its dresses. She mentioned that Arcadia's Northern Liberties location often features local artist showcases. "You would see some characters there," she says. Northern Liberties' Pershyn says she's "not really a shopper," but her put-together and quirky look would indicate otherwise. Her two most standout pieces, her tie-dyed (ish) graphic-print blouse and huge amethyst ring, are both from Arcadia, and her jeans are simple Levi's. She says she bought her black leather and wooden-heel wedges at a shop in Las Vegas, and her necklace at a vintage flea market. Her favorite Arcadia lines are Lauren Moffatt and Melissa shoes. As far as online shopping, she loves Singer22.com and Shopbop.com. "It's like Mecca for shopping," she says of the latter. Good to know...
Posted by Kala Jamison @ 3:00 PM  Permalink | Post a comment
POSTED: Tuesday, February 8, 2011, 9:00 PM
Neighborhood Watch looks for Philly's most fashionable. This week, Kala catches up with a pair of Philly friends who use chic, funky accessories to add pizazz to their looks.
Photo | Kala Jamison
West Philly's Laura Bouchard (21) is a dedicated fan of neutral colors and "standard" pieces like simple jeans and sweaters. The lively aspects of her outfits aren't her clothes, but her accessories.
She wears a chain with a letter 'L' charm and a bead from New Mexico every day, but likes to accompany her necklace with dangly earrings, bold rings and colorful scarves. Bouchard purchased her red ceramic ring at Dandelion jewelry store in Philly, and her earrings from Stella & Dot. She also likes the Havertown jewelry supply store, The Bead Garden. A friend handmade her multicolored scarf, which she layers over simple pieces from Anne Taylor, Old Navy, and Manayunk consignment store Worn Yesterday. Her metallic silver bag is from Macy's Style & Co. line. "I use that bag pretty much every day," she says. "I even put my binders in it for class." Fashion and function — gotta love it.
Photo | Kala Jamison
Christine Burke (21), also from West Philly, favors more colorful prints and patterns in her wardrobe, but compliments her clothing with standout jewelry, belts, and bags. Her white and gold cocktail ring and red, pink, and orange beaded earrings are from Silpada , and her black slouchy bag with silver accents is from Lucky Brand.
She likes to carry the large bag during the day, but says her Macy's clutch is easier to carry for nights out. Like Bouchard, she pretty much sticks to one or two bags instead of many in constant rotation. She believes the trick is to find one bag that works as an accessory to many outfits. Over her Merona top and American Eagle sweater, she wears a braided brown leather belt from Gap. She laughs that her black pants are simply stretchy yoga pants from City Sports, but pairing them with the right tops and shoes (like her Minnetonka moccasins) keep her from looking like she just came from the gym. It's easy to throw on a pair of jeans and a tee and call it a day. Luckily, it's also easy to spice up an everyday outfit with a few simple, eye-catching pieces. While basic tank tops and sweaters can come and go from a wardrobe, accessories and jewelry tend to stick around. One can wear a scarf or bag many days in a row, and timeless, meaningful pieces of jewelry can be paired with almost any outfit. The best part is that most accessories can be worn during any season, and most pieces come relatively cheap. If you work at it long enough, the art of accessorizing is one that's easily mastered To find out where to get the best deals on outfit-amplifying accessories, check the Shopping/Style page of our events database.
Posted 2011-02-09 17:17:14
THAT GIRL IS A FOX AND A DEMON IN THE SACK!!!! ;)
Posted by Kala Jamison @ 9:00 PM  Permalink | Post a comment
POSTED: Tuesday, February 1, 2011, 5:00 PM
Filed Under: Critical Mass Fashion
Neighborhood Watch looks for Philly's most fashionable. This week, Kala stepped away from the warmth of the city's clothing shops to catch up with people braving the elements on the pavement.
Samantha Nihw (20) from East Falls, canvasses Philly neighborhoods for a charitable organization, so she's no stranger to dressing for the cold. When I saw her, she was wearing several layers, including pants from Buffalo Exchange (1713 Chestnut St.) and sneakers from Jessica Simpson's shoe line. She also shops at thrift stores like Goodwill and Second Time Around (1728 Chestnut St.), as well as the department store, Century 21. "And I love to shop online at Forever 21, because their website has more selection than their stores," she says. The key to dressing for her type of work, she iterates, is wearing warm layers underneath the more fashionable items of clothing she wants to show off — like her thick socks and other hand-me-down pieces she got from her mom. She completed her look with a button on her leather coat and a flower pin in her hair.
Elizabeth Thompson (24) from Society Hill, is a winter wardrobe fan because of the accessories like hats and scarves. She bought her camel-colored furry hat at an open-air market in Boston, but her brown leather shoes and black bag with gold accents are from Steve Madden (1723 Walnut St.). Like Nihw, she was wearing a piece crafted by her mother — the black scarf she was wearing. She says she loves shopping online, particularly on Amazon, and likes to mix up where she buys her clothes. "My coat is from the Land's End men's section," she laughs. Could have fooled me.
Kelly McManus (24) also from Society Hill, works in a fashion-restrictive lab at Penn, so she likes to break out her own style whenever she can. Her tall brown leather riding boots are from Bloomingdale's, and she got her Baby Phat coat from Burlington Coat Factory. "My friends make fun of my big furry collar, but it keeps me so warm." she says. "And it buttons at the neck so it doesn't blow back." To keep her legs toasty when she's walking around, she wears tights under her jeans, and says she can't wait for spring so she can wear sundresses and tee shirts. It's likely most Philadelphians would agree ...
Kim
Posted 2011-02-01 12:25:31
Just to be clear, the first outfit is so bad that it becomes ironic, therefore making it cool?
Veronica
Posted 2011-02-01 12:44:43
Fashion is art, Kim. Everyone sees something different. :)
Posted by Kala Jamison @ 5:00 PM  Permalink | Post a comment
POSTED: Tuesday, January 25, 2011, 5:00 PM
Neighborhood Watch looks for Philly's most fashionable. This week: Kala stopped into Green Street Consignment (700 South St., 215.733.9261) to chat with three visitors from Atlanta — Leili Kasraie, Claire Rigsby and "Peanut" Jones — about their personal style and take on Philadelphia fashion.
Refered to by her cohorts as "the most fashionable friend," Kasraie (22, above) says she's a fan of consignment shopping and constructing her own clothes. She knit the chunky blue-green scarf she was sporting and also customized her H&M gloves by cutting the fingers off. She stresses the importance of solid outerwear, and got the heavy, military-style olive jacket she had been wearing outside from Zappos. "In the cold, it's really worth getting a good coat," she says.
Rigsby (22, above) and Jones say that in Philly they've noticed that long puffy jackets and lots of layers are de rigueur. All three girls value layers themselves, and say that long knee socks and boots over jeans are staples of their winter wardrobes. "I like to sort of break up my layers with a bright stripe of a different color," Rigsby says. "I'll have black boots and black leggings, but I'll let grey socks peek out, too." She pointed out that Kasraie did the same with her red socks and white cuffs. Underneath her coat, she wore a plain white cotton shirt with a gray sweater.
Jones (23, above), who purchased a camel-colored fur vest at Greene Street, also favors pops of color, as is evidenced by her bright yellow scarf and orange knit cap. With these cozy accessories, and by layering leggings under her jeans, she knows how to keep both warm and trendy when the temperatures drop. Though some of their clothing and accessories were from Atlanta boutiques, all three say they mostly shop at clothing chains like H&M, Urban Outfitters and Burlington Coat Factory. All in all, the three Georgians agree that Philly shopping treated them well, and that the whole "Who are you wearing?" paparazzi moment made them feel a bit like visiting celebrities. That's what I'm here for ...
LarryHoover
Posted 2011-01-30 20:22:22
Why these girls so stretchy in the second pictures?
Posted by Kala Jamison @ 5:00 PM  Permalink | Post a comment
POSTED: Tuesday, January 18, 2011, 5:00 PM
Filed Under: Shopping
Neighborhood Watch looks for Philly's most fashionable. This week: Our newest fashion seeker Kala Jamison ventures inside vintage boutiques to get a feel for what retro-lovers are wearing underneath all of those bulky jackets.
Retrospect (536 South St.,267-671-0116) is a non-consignment vintage shop with merchandise collected from a host of time periods. From Technicolor Sergeant Pepper-ish military jackets to Dynasty-esque glittering dresses with mile-high shoulder pads, the store is a veritable trove that gives off a very 1970s feel. Two Retrospect employees, Emily Rose Patz (24, above right) and Morgan Chambers (23, above left) each had plenty to say about the benefits of vintage shopping. "I've found a bunch of sixties mini dresses here, and I once got a Henri Bendel evening gown from the '50s," Patz says. Outside of vintage, she usually shops online at stores like Free People, Urban Outfitters, and Solestruck. Her winter wardrobe is packed with leggings and flannel, and she says good shoes or boots can really make an outfit. Chambers, meanwhile, says she hasn't been to a non-vintage clothing store since she can remember. She shops mostly from Retrospect and American Thrift in South Philly. She agrees that dressing for winter doesn't have to mean jeans or sweatpants every day. "I wear tights in winter," she says. "I never wear pants." It gets even sexier after the jump ...
Like Chambers, Karin Tyburczy (30), owner of Astro Vintage (720 S. Fifth St., 215-922-0483) also forgoes pants. Astro's collection of merchandise is brought in on consignment, as well as from people's personal collections and estate sales. "I only shop vintage and resale," she says. "There are just so many beautiful things to be had." Astro's vibe is more '50s than '70s, with its storefront display of colorfully-patterned shirtwaist dresses and demure handbags. Tyburczy says that the resurgence of the vintage style is due to the popularity of period television shows like Mad Men and its stylish leading lady, Joan Harris. "My dress is something Joan would wear," she says. "Wardrobe people from that show shop at stores like mine." Tyburczy likes to shop at other vintage stores like Wilbur and Sazz Vintage, and also believes that winter fashion isn't complete without the proper leg wear. "A wool skirt, leggings, and boots are warmer than jeans any day," she says.
Wilbur Vintage (716 S. Fourth St., 215-413-5809) owner Daniel Wilbur (41) definitely sees the fun in vintage shopping but likes to mix it up with newer pieces as well. "A lot of the time in Philly, vintage shopping is harder for guys," he says. "Vintage can sometimes look costume-y." To get his vintage fix without overdoing it, Wilbur shops at Amazon.com, Old City's Lost and Found and Zara in Rittenhouse Square. While the racks of clothing that line Wilbur's walls can't be forgotten, the real standout is the jewelry collection. There are shelves of gorgeous vintage earrings, chains, bracelets, rings, and cuffs in an array of styles from '20s Art Deco to '90s geometric shapes. Many pairs sell for as little as $5. Browsing vintage stores is one of the most entertaining and interesting ways to shop in the city. These stores bring the shopper into a decades-ago closet with endless styling possibilities. At a time when many people can't keep up with high-priced fashion, vintage shops offer affordable of-the-moment fashion. The fact that each and every vintage piece is imbued with a bit of history is only a bonus.
vivi
Posted 2011-01-18 12:26:16
Vintage is the way to go!

www.ViviVintage.com
rosemarie
Posted 2011-01-20 17:58:43
wilbur vintage a treasure!
Posted by Kala Jamison @ 5:00 PM  Permalink | Post a comment
POSTED: Monday, January 17, 2011, 4:36 PM
We'll be posting a full Golden Globes review later in the day, but until then let's run down the best and most horrific fashions we saw on the runway last night. It's my personal opinion that only those who really take risks are doing it right — free gowns, free bling, so why not get a little creative? There's nothing less fun than a black dress at an awards show. Which is why I'm into the following three looks: I'll defend them thusly (special thanks to Buzzfeed's Just Jared for providing ample photos for judging purposes):
People say Emma Stone shouldn't have dyed her hair "Hollywood blond," she shouldn't have worn peach, she should eat a sandwich. But how modern is this Calvin Klein frock? I love the short sleeves and the backlessness; it's the 2011 way to pull off monochrome without looking naked. Red hair would've ruined that. Maybe she's trying to impress upon people her girliness these days, but Olivia Wilde's gown screams Gilda the Good Witch, which is kinda awesome. Also, those shoes. Only thing that would have better is cowboy boots, though I bet Joan Rivers would disagree. Finally, for those of us January Jones-ing (sorry) color in the bleak midwinter, this Mad Men star hits the nail on the head. Also, it's a little Gaga, and for a woman who's had to defend her sense of humor and/or presence of a brain this year, getting a little raunchy is a nice distractor.
As for Michelle Williams, despite my general undying love for her and her pixie cut, this beige blob is icky from every angle, and reminds me of something I wore (badly) in the early 1990s. Mostly she just looks like she's over it. What do you guys think? Who's on your best- and worst-dressed list? And will someone please defend Michelle's choice for me? I just don't get it.
Posted by Carolyn Huckabay @ 4:36 PM  Permalink | Post a comment
POSTED: Thursday, January 13, 2011, 8:00 PM
Trunk Show Boutique (313 Bainbridge St.) is a tiny, cozy space in Queen Village that's filled to the brim with merchandise — even now that the store is preparing to go out of business on Jan. 27. Before the impending last day, the boutique has marked down its clothing, accessories and jewelry at 50-60 percent off, and all of its equipment, furniture and fixtures are up for grabs as well.
Think of shopping at Trunk Show Boutique as browsing through your most stylish friend's well-decorated closet. And store owner Jennifer Wechsler says shoppers should take their time when they're inside milling about. "If you spend some time here, you're going to get some great stuff," she says. "People leave with a ton of stuff they might not have tried." Among the items still left in the store, shoppers will find vintage-y leather belts hanging on the wall and a table displaying pewter Alice in Wonderland buckles to accompany them. The table itself is available for purchase, as are steamer trunks, cushioned footstools, and a giant wooden armoire. The clothing left on the racks includes a mixture of pieces from all seasons — from cotton pencil skirts and Chanel-style embellished jackets to printed sundresses and glittery camisoles. One of the most standout pieces, though, is a black and white graphic wall print of a girl silhouetted against swirling flowers. With only a week left until its last day, Wechsler recalls the Trunk Show Boutique as a place that offered a unique shopping experience — even providing customers a chance to take in some shopping after store hours. If interested in setting up a time for yourself or a group email her at trunkshowboutique@gmail.com. She says groups shopping was one of her specialties. "People get friends and can spend two hours here with a group of girls," she says. "We really have clothing for every group."
Posted by Kala Jamison @ 8:00 PM  Permalink | Post a comment
POSTED: Friday, January 7, 2011, 5:00 PM
Filed Under: Shopping
jean-jacquesgallery.com
The storefront during less-snowy times
After four years under new ownership, Jean Jacques Gallery, the eclectic Mt. Airy purveyor of funky housewares, jewelry and knicknacks, is closing to join forces with One Salon just across the street. Store owner Sherman Oberson says the new locale will be a hybrid between both outlets — featuring salon and spa services, as well as a boutique toting his trademark merch. The grand opening is scheduled for Fri., Feb. 4. To prepare for the big move, he and his partner Pete are holding a special First Friday event at Jean Jacques Gallery (7118 Germantown Ave., 215-242-5440) tonight from 6-9 p.m. They'll be serving drinks and light refreshments, as well as offering bargains on some of the goods they're not able to take with them to the new location. Oberson says among the clearance items up for grabs between now and the end of January is Skagen watches marked 30 percent-off; and housewares, select jewelry, and books and stationary reduced by 50 percent. Good luck with the new move, guys!
sheilajbowen
Posted 2011-01-08 05:21:09
I found a site where you can get coupons for restaurant called "Printapons" they are on all over the news, search online
Posted by Josh Middleton @ 5:00 PM  Permalink | Post a comment
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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.

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