As Americans, we are inundated with advertisements of all shapes and sizes everywhere we go. And thanks to the internet and things like ‘viral videos’ the way in which companies choose to showcase their products is at least getting a little more creative. But we have never seen anything quite like this.
For her Spring 2012 ads, designer Diane von Furstenberg, or better known to you and me as the initials DVF, has decided to go for a decidedly surrealist art-y bent – that looks different with each ad.
The campaign feature models with their faces cut-out and instead there is a mirror, which reflects the sky above or, if you want to get up in there, your own face. Clever? Kooky? You decide! We think it’s actually a pretty cool idea.
Once February rolls around, dedicated alt-weekly readers start encountering the many, many “Anti-Valentine’s Day” articles, lists and parties. And, to be honest, it’s getting a little weak. I get that it’s a holiday invented by the greeting card company, I’ve heard the schpiel about how you are supposed to be romantic everyday of the year and not just one. But, what people always seem to forget is that, an excuse to celebrate anything, is pretty awesome and a necessary part of life. How often would you get all of your friends together to go rollerskating if it wasn’t your birthday? Think about it.
So, I’ve found some great local stuff that celebrate love and Philly and the act of celebrating. Here’s to a year of not being Anti anything and pro everything!
1. Jin-Ja is a spicy beverage created by local Philly lawyer Reuban Canada. It’s a blend of ginger, cayenne, green tea and sugar that would be so good with gin and a great way to heat up, if you know what I mean. Buy it at Green Aisle Grocery.
2. John and Kiras Chocolate Lovebugs really can’t get any cuter. The chocolates, made by local Philly couple John and Kira, are salted caramels, touched with basswood honey from a local farm, covered in ganache and handpainted.
3. Okay, enough with the cute stuff, The Erotic Literary Salon happens every month at Time at we couldn’t think of a better time to go and check it out. Susana Mayer Ph.D. leads the night of erotic readings and performances centered around classical and modern erotica. Go order an absinthe and listen to some smut, it will be a very European evening.
4. Ah, The Flower Show. It’s the only place where you can physically go out and buy romance. This year promises the sound of CGI waves crashing, the constant smell of lush gardens and orchids, and magically tropical gardens as far as the eye can see. No wonder people are always getting engaged there. Follow them here and here to find out about sweetheart packages they offer!
Here’s two more events to consider tonight:
For February’s First Friday, Three Sirens Boutique is wooing shoppers with champagne, chocolate and a slew of sales. In addition to taking 25-40 percent off apparel, their entire selection of outerwear, scarves, hats and gloves will be 40 percent off while jewelry will be 20 percent off (excluding TyphaneyB). Be sure to check out the new jewelry collection by JillEllen Designs because from now through Valentine’s Day, they’ll be buy one, get one half off.
While makeup artist Francois Nars is sharing his tips for mastering this season’s hottest beauty trends over at Sephora, over at MOKO Studio in Old City from 6-8pm, makeup guru Kristyn Rudnet will actually be helping ladies create their very own lip-gloss with Giella Custom Blend Cosmetics. Already have a perfect color in mind? Feel free to bring a photo, swatch or favorite discontinued lipstick and she’ll whip up a perfect recreation. And as if getting a customized lip shine wasn’t awesome enough, you’ll also get to sip on wine while perusing MOKO’s selection of organic beauty products.
Image Courtesy of theartofshaving.com
This weekend, Philly’s The Art of Shaving store on 16th and Walnut streets is having a 20% off sale on all of their shaving merchandise. The semi-annual event is geared at restoring the appeal of shaving. Rather than guys quick slap on some Barbasol and cut the hair off, The Art of Shaving hopes to bring the luxury back to shaving.
The store sells starter kits starting at $25 and includes pre-shave oil, shaving cream, and post shave balm to keep skin sexy and smooth without irritation. More expensive kits include electric razors and other types of shaving balms. While I’m normally the get it done fast guy, shaving fast doesn’t exactly work, so why not take the time and treat your face right?
You’re definitely going to want to make sure you stop by Sephora in Center City (1714 Chestnut St.) tomorrow. From noon-6pm, make-up artist and founder of NARS Cosmetics, Francois Nars is celebrating his new, limited edition set “Wicked Attraction” by sharing some of his makeup magic. You’ll learn how to recreate this season’s top beauty trends and be one of the first to experience the brand’s Spring 2012 Color Collection (side note: is it just me or is Nars pretty hot?)
In honor of both First Friday and Valentine’s Day, tomorrow night from 6-9pm, Smak Parlour is offering customers a free fab flower pin and hair-clip with any purchase over $25 as well as a complimentary glas of “Pale Pink” wine from Pinot Boutique (it has a hint of red berries!). You’ll also be entitled to a free sample at Pinot Boutique when you come from Smak (it’s just a few doors down).
No need to wait and hope your beau buys you a little bling for Valentine’s Day! Encouraging you to wear your “Heart On Your Sleeve,” Third Street Habit is taking 20 percent off their entire selection of jewelry all day Saturday (11am-6pm). Sip some bubbly while perusing an array of stunning creations—from the Chan Luu limited edition heart wrap bracelet to A Peace Treaty’s line of timeless, artesian pieces.
Back in 2004, Philly native Kyle Rheiner purchased a simple t-shirt at a local urban clothing store with a powerful design: an American flag with the word “MINE” printed beneath it. After analyzing his purchase, it occurred to Kyle that a blank-tee is really the ultimate blank canvas for him to express himself. And so he got busy designing and selling printed tees to fellow students at West Chester University—once even selling a shirt right off his back.
Well, that was at least until he started his own urban apparel company BreakawayINK.
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With the Sixers’ and Flyers’ seasons in full gear and the Phillies’ spring training just a few months away, this is certainly an ideal time to stock up on some vintage-inspired team apparel (regardless of how likely it is their seasons will end on a bad note).
Starting today, the Philly-based sports brand is offering 50 percent off ALL their men’s and women’s apparel and headwear at their Center City flagship store (1201 Chestnut St.) We’re talking limited edition outerwear, t-shirts, hooded sweatshirts, jerseys and hats now half the original price.
This incredible sale ends Saturday and the hometown gear is sure to sell out fast so you may want to consider stopping by the store on your way home from work today. As someone who owns two really awesome Mitchell & Ness shirts I can assure you this is one sale you do not want to miss.
While drugstores have been painted red and pink for the past month, with February now less than 24 hours away, now’s the time for all you lucky love birds out there to really start thinking about that perfect Valentine’s Day gift.
And since no V-Day gift is ever complete without a card, I figured I’d give you a heads-up on these three workshops going down this weekend.
Letterpress For Lovers
While snacking on pub grub and knocking back a few brewskies, Blackheart Letterpress welcomes you to print and customized one of their new V-Day-themed cards using their collection of old wood type. They’ll also be bringing along their selection of really cool, handmade prints, cards, coasters and bookmarks for you to purchase. If you can’t make it out this Sunday, don’t worry—another edition of LFL will be held at Community Cultural Exchange (706 South St.) next Saturday from 4-8pm. Sunday, 1-6pm. Free. @ Tattooed Mom (530 South St.)
12th Annual Print Love-In
Once again Fleisher Art Memorial invites you to come and learn about the printmaking processes as you create your very own Valentine’s Day cards from designs by several Philly artists. Three different workshops will be held throughout the day. The first two are open to all ages while the 5 p.m workshop is strictly 21 years and up (since wine and light refreshments will be served). Space is limited so be sure to register ASAP. Sunday, 10am-12pm, 1-3pm, 5-7pm. $10-$20. @ Fleisher Art Memorial (719 Catherine St.)
Hand Make Valentines Workshop 
Local paper artisan, Jessica Eldredge will guide you through a love-inspired card-making afternoon, providing her hand-dyed papers and any other necessary supplies. Jessica also has a Make-Your-Own-Card Kit available for you to buy both in-store and online. Though the workshop is technically free, you do have to spend a minimum of $27 at Square Peg in order to score a seat. Fortunately, the handmade artisan boutique is currently stocked with a slew of one-of-a-kind items that would make for a perfect Valentine’s gift—from jewelry and clothing to home décor and bath and body products. Saturday, 2-4pm. @ Square Peg Artery & Salvage (108 S. 20th St.)
I never thought I would say this after my delayed trip to Cali, but I actually wouldn’t mind waiting in the terminal at the Philadelphia Airport, if only to admire local artist, Sharon Taffet’s jaw-dropping, embellished footwear.
Currently adding a whole lotta much-needed visual interest to Terminal D, “Fanciful Footwear” features a series of individual, store-bought shoes, each uniquely designed following a different theme. We’re talking heels and boots covered in everything from artificial fruit and foliage, playing cards and feathers to costume jewelry, shells and candy.
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Photo courtesy of eonline.com
ROSE BYRNE!!
Few gals can pull off a jumpsuit, let alone a jumpsuit covered in sequins and crystal embellishments.
But by golly did she rock this!
During a red carpet interview, the Bridesmaids star noting have passed on this Elie Saab number for the Emmys and I don’t blame her—this is more SAG-appropriate attire. In the sea of mediocre full-length gowns, Rose stood out in the best possible way, officially confirming that not all jumpsuits are created equally.
Ultimately, what makes this glamorous onesie particularly flattering is the plunging neckline, cap sleeves and the wide-legged pants. The gold clutch and trendy bob cap off her flawless look.
And while a few Web sites have actually deemed Rose one the worst dressed starlets of the night, this really only reaffirms my suspicion that there’s a lot of blind fashion bloggers out there.
