Warning: if you leave your house this weekend, be prepared for an insane amount of traffic, loud music and street vendors literally anywhere you go.
Trenton Ave. Arts Festival
For the seventh year, this annual festival will once again celebrate East Kensington and the wonderful things the neighborhood has to offer with an afternoon of live music, food and fun as well as 200+ booths of local arts vendors. Some of the featured crafters whose handmade creations are likely to make you swoon include, As The Crow Flies and Co. (vintage ceramic china and stained glass jewelry), ABJ Glassworks (affordable and stunning 3-dimensional stained glass terrariums, mobiles, nightlights and lamps), Orgotten (sustainable, eco-friendly clothing/handmade, cruelty-free jewelry) and Two Lucky Cats (fun, vibrant textile accessories). Saturday, 12-6pm. Free. Trenton Ave. between Norris St. & Frankford Ave.
Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival
One of the city’s most popular spring festivals, the annual event attracts over 10 thousand people around the region each year, rain or shine. For the sake of conserving space, let’s just say that basically every store and restaurant in the neighborhood will have something special going on—cooking demos, sales, workshops, live entertainment, kid’s activities, free shit, ect. In the midst of all the chaos, just be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the spring fashion booth from Rittenhouse Row’s many super-chic boutiques (Knit Wit, Sephora, Town Home, Joan Shepp, Arcadia, South Moon Under, Bella Turka, ect.). Saturday, 12-5pm. Free. Rittenhouse Row (Walnut St. between Broad & 19th Sts.)
9th Street Italian Market Festival
That’s right, yet another festival. So what does this one have to offer that the other two do not? In short, cannolis. In fact, you’ll find delicious, authentic Italian food literally everywhere you look (beat that Rittenhouse!) There will also be stages set up at each intersection with live music throughout the day and a craft marketplace between Fitzwater & Christian Streets featuring one-of-a-kind, handmade items from a juried selection of local artists. What local artists, you ask? Ummm…presumably whichever ones aren’t in Rittenhouse or Kensington. Again, the party doesn’t stop in the event of rain. Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm. Free. Along 9th St., between Fitzwater & Federal Sts.
Made In America Trunk Show
During the Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival, SA VA will be serving light refreshments and hosting a trunk show featuring three talented local designers who make all their items right her in the U.S.A: Toggery, J&I Jewelry and BCS Designs. Founded by Kate D’Arcy, Toggery is a contemporary fashion collection for women that blends beautiful design with luxurious, environmentally conscious fabrics (50 percent organic). The J & I jewelry collection is highlighted by gemstones and freshwater pearls, each piece hand formed in their Philly studio. Finally, there’s Center City designer Beth Soffer of BCS Designs who will be bringing along her collection of exquisite gemstones and 18K gold plated chains. Saturday, 12-3pm. Free. @ SA VA (1700 Sansom St.)
Nadeau Grand Opening Celebration
Enjoy drinks and nibbles while being one of the first to discover Manayunk’s newest retail haven: Nadeau. The store offers beautifully handcraft hardwood furniture imported from around the globe. This includes traditional and brightly painted dressers, TV stands, chair, accessories and more. And while perhaps not as cheap (or shitty) as Ikea furniture, Nadeau’s prices are actually pretty reasonable, especially considering that none of their pieces are mass-produced or cookie-cutter. Saturday, 10am-6pm. Free. @ Nadeau (4131 Main St.)
Memorial day is just around the corner, which means beach traffic will convene, pools will open, outdoor festivals will start, barbecues will fire up and your beauty routine will make its summer switch up. Late spring/ early summer beauty care is thankfully low-key, but the environmental stresses on your skin and hair kick into full gear. Here, we have some great products that will keep you low maintenance and smartly protected from whatever summer throws at you.
Phillip Kingsley Swimcap is serious protection from sand, surf, sun and chlorine. So good, in fact, that it’s used by the US Olympic Synchronized swim team.
A lot of beauty bloggers will try to sell you on expensive foot scrubs this time of year. Don’t buy it, get this 3.99 one from Avon. The course sea salt in it does the job and it smells like coconuts.
The old favorite has a grown-up scent of lavender and chamomile. Use it for everything. Under your arms, in your shoes, on your roots, on your carpets before you vacuum, between your thighs – whatever you got.
Okay, this is a weird one. But you know how in summer you get that not-so-fresh feeling more often than usual? The body mint tablets use chlorophyll to freshen you up on the inside.
Boscia BB Cream is a primer, foundation and SPF all in one, all while repairing your skin with antioxidants and botanicals. Just one swipe and your good all day. You’re welcome.
Vincent Longo Hydrating Lip stain with SPF 15. Keeps on all day, doesn’t dry lips out, protects them from the sun. Now, you are ready.
As a medium build, somewhat busty gal, I’ve got a pretty big beef with Victoria’s Secret.
First of all, no woman wants to try on underwear while having to stare at a huge photo of Gisele Bundchen and Heidi Klum in the dressing room. Seriously, not cool.
Second, regardless of cup size, if you’re looking for a bra with greater coverage and support, you’re left to choose from a small selection of neutral colored, grandma-esque brassieres. Oh, and don’t even get me started on the whole branding-the-ass thing.
Fortunately, the plus-size ladies of Philadelphia now have an alternative to VC and all the other chain stores which seem to think size and sexiness should be exclusive.
After selling plus-size intimate apparel online for over ten years, Valerie A. Cuttino, owner of Lovely’s Lingerie, just opened her first boutique earlier this month in the Pennsport Mall (234A Moore St.). 
The mid-to-high-end lingerie fashion boutique caters specifically and exclusively to the modern BBW, carrying a wide selection of undergarments from sizes 1x-6x. We’re talking everything from elegant lace nighties to naughty leather corsets and even bathing suits. For any brides-to-be out there looking for the perfect wedding day/honeymoon unmentionables, the boutique offers special bridal consultations on Sundays.
Ultimately, Lovely’s Lingerie hopes to be a friendly and comfortable environment where women can come and embrace their bodies without being forced to walk around in ill-fitting undergarments with a logo or pink dog on their ass.
In other words: fuck Gisele and the rest of her super-skinny, inexplicably big-breasted “Angels.”
Being a self-proclaimed health addict who spends way too much of my time scouring the Web for fitness/healthy eating articles, I was more than happy to stumble upon Fitbie’s “Fashion-Forward Ways to Lose Weight.”
This article offers 10 chic ways to lose weight using some of the seasons most popular styles. I just had to share with you some of my favorites but be sure to check out Fitbie for the entire article.
1. Lipstick: Fitbie states that wearing lipstick, especially those of a coral, red, or fuchsia hue, can prevent you from eating messy or sugary foods since you won’t want to constantly mess up your kissers. Nutrition Director Sari Greaves, RD, from Step Ahead Weight Loss Center confirms that you will want to eat daintier as no not smudge your makeup! My preferred lip colors are from Sephora.
Left to Right: Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain “Always Red” $12/Charlotte Ronson “A perfect Kiss Lip Gloss” $14 (Sophia-Creamy Coral)
2. Carry a Clutch: Marisa Moore, RD, a spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, told Fitbie that carrying a clutch, instead of a shoulder bag or purse, keeps your hands busy, making it more difficult to carry a drink AND a plate of food (genius because, lets be honest, the cocktail would always beat a plate of food if I had to choose one).
From Left to Right : Clare Vivier Aqua and Neon Foldover Clutch from $156/ H&M Straw Bag $17.95
3. Buckle Up: Fitbie suggests wearing a belt to not only kick up your style a notch, but to also help define your waistline. (Also, it is a nice reminder to have: once it starts feeling a little tight you know to put down that last donut)
From Left to Right: Forever 21 Colorful Braided Belt $6.80/ Tory Burch tory Reversible Logo Belt $195
4. Do Denim: Hopefully you work at a more laid back office where you are given the freedom to wear jeans on Friday. A study from the University of Wisconsin showed that people who wore their favorite dark-washed jeans to the office took 491 more steps than those who wore suits.
From Left to Right: Forever 21 Stretch Skinny Jeans $10.80/ Madewell Skargorn Bones Skinny Jeans $128
5. Sneak Attack: Fitbie’s article encourages commuters to save their heels for the office and rock some your favorite paire of sneakers into work. Not only will this make your morning routine more comfortable, but it will also give you the availability to get a quick work or walk out in during your lunch break.
From Left to Right: Nike Free 4.0 Women’s Running Shoe $90/ New Balance 860 $89.99
~Michelle Mass
Bright, neon lips are undoubtedly a popular trend these days. Sephora has deemed tangerine their color of the year- walk into the store and you’ll find a selection of the best coral options for your lips, among nail polishes and eye shadows. Bright pink lips are a highly coveted look also; from Jessica Stam modeling for CoverGirl to a girl I shared an art history class with, who pulled the bold look off so casually that I wondered why more people weren’t sporting a bright lip on a daily basis.
Since I’ve discovered Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetic’s Lip Tar, I’ve been planning to ditch my red lipstick for a shade of purple. Then again, they also carry cyan blue, and even mango-orange. With 36 unique colors to choose from, it’s a decision that requires some consideration. Not only does OCC offer plenty of variety in their products, but all of their products are 100% vegan and cruelty free.
Even without the wide variety of colors, The Lip Tar is a unique product in itself. It applies like a lip gloss, but has a dry, satin finish and the durability of a lipstick and goes a long way. The Lip Tar is ultra-pigmented, so when applying it to your lips (you’ll need a lip brush!) you only need a very small amount; if too much is applied, the product will bleed. It will look exceptional all while doing good for your lips, as it contains hemp oil, peppermint oil and vitamin E. Should you ever need to adorn your body with brightly colored designs, you’re in luck because the Lip Tar can be used as body paint as well.
-Emily O’Neill
Wow, your Wednesday night sure is filling up quickly. Before heading over to The Trestle Inn to drool over BUS STOP boutique’s sexy shoe showcase, stop by SA VA in Center City (1700 Sansom St.) where they will be holding a special shopping party and fundraiser from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
While enjoying complimentary beverages, guests can shop the SA VA spring collection which is centered around eternal bloom and features ultra feminine pieces marked by soft shapes and wispy fabrics.
A portion of the party’s proceeds will be donated to InLiquid to help support their mission to create opportunities and exposure for emerging artists while making art more attainable to the general public with programming such as the upcoming Art for the Cash Poor and CAFe.
You’ll also be simultaneously helping SA VA in its mission to create a new kind of fashion community through local living wage creation, community partnerships and socially conscious clothing and accessories. If you didn’t already know, 90 percent of the garments the Philly-based brand sells are made in their adjacent garment center, always with fair-trade and often eco-friendly materials.
Certainly beats heading straight home after work and spending the rest of the night watching American Idol.
Should you be in need of a little mid-week pick-me-up tomorrow, head to The Trestle Inn (11th & Callowhill Sts.) where from 6-10 p.m., BUS STOP boutique will be hosting “Sexy Heels A Go-Go,” a night of sexy good fun and even sexier footwear.
Sip on a “Spiked Heel” cocktail as models dolled up by Ground Zero South Hair Salon showcase the boutique’s incredible new selection of fun and flirty shoes from hard-to-find international designers like Irregular Choice and Jeffrey Campbell.
And you don’t just have to longingly admire the shoes from afar—you can buy them right on the spot. In fact, BUS STOP will be offering guests 10 percent off their first shoe purchase in addition to raffling off three $50 gift certificates.
Meanwhile, Maggy’s Rooftop Aerial will be spinning some British funk and at 10 p.m., The Trestle Inn’s go-go dancers will take the stage.
Again, it all goes down tomorrow, Wed., May 16 starting at 6 p.m.
“Ever since I’ve been really young, I’ve had a knack for knowing fashion,” says Alex Selig.
Over the past three months, the Temple University graphic design major has created a faux makeup campaign for Illusions Cosmetics. The campaign was initially intended to simply serve as his senior project, but quickly transformed into a work of art itself.
“I knew I wanted to create a piece I was proud of, and something I could use after college. I also wanted to do something where I could incorporate photography and design skills,” Selig said. “A makeup company was the perfect match.”
Selig scoured the internet for a cosmetics line with the potential to be a staple in the makeup industry and found Illusions Cosmetics. “[The project] was about revamping [something],” Selig said. “I found the Illusions makeup website, and it was terrible. If I were a chick, I’d block that website.”
The next challenge involved finding the right face that can compliment a wide array of makeup styles, while complimenting the intricacies of each look.
“I wanted a fresh face,” Selig said. “Makeup is all about being youthful.”
After considering several models, the photographer decided to use his younger sister Zoe Selig. “She’s incredible at makeup so we collaborated really well,” Selig said.
Each partner in the dynamic duo brought a unique skill set. Zoe had the makeup expertise, and Alex had the vision for what the makeup line could be.
The photo series started out with a photo of Zoe wearing a modern take on ancient Egyptian queens. Someone mentioned to Selig that his sister resembled Egypt, and the time period piece came to life.
The time period theme allowed Selig to demonstrate the versatility of the makeup line in addition to his skill set, without having one overshadow the other. Being detail oriented, he drew inspiration from photos taken during the time period, created a color palate, and used makeup ideas from his sister to create eight makeup looks, each completely different from the next.
“I wanted to include bright colors to draw attention and any aspect that would pop off the shelves,” Selig said. The series is incredibly artistic, but his goal was to use his vision to remarket the makeup as a brand with a solid identity.
Using a simple colored background and a similar photo composition for each head-shot, Selig created eight very unique looks that compliment each other.
After devoting his life to the project for three months, Selig couldn’t pick a favorite photo. “There are little features I love about each one,” Selig said. “All the little touches make each one different from another, so that’s why it’s so hard to choose a favorite.”
After scrolling through the campaign, I was convinced that it was an actual product line he designed. After finding out it was his senior project, I was even more impressed that he used that level of detail, but Selig treated the project as if it were an actual re-branding campaign.
“People want perfection, and if they don’t see it in the campaign, they’ll question the quality of [your product],” Selig said.
Swap-O-Rama-Rama
Far from your average clothing swap, the extra “Rama” is a series of DIY workshops in which locals can explore easy, creative and sustainable ways to upcycle used clothing and textiles. Here’s how it works: while not mandatory, those who come with at least a bag of unwanted clothing will save $10 on admission and once all the donations have been collected, everyone will get to dive into the massive pile of gently worn treasures like wild (yet courteous) scavengers. Finally, skilled local artists will help Swappers work their creative mojo and revamp their new duds. You can spruce up a boring tee with a screen-printed image with Candy Depew of the Philly-based silk-screen studio, school and showroom, Candy-Coated or with a simpler version of designer Nicole Rae Styer’s unique embellishments. Amber Zaraza of Phea Jean and the crafty folks of Handmade Philly will even show you how to transform an article of clothing into a one-of-a-kind accessory. Saturday, 12pm. $10-$20. @ Broad Street Ministry (315 S. Broad St.)
Spring 2012 Art Star Craft Bazaar
Just in time for Mother’s Day, Art Star has hand selected over 140 local and national artists to set up shop and sell their wares outside at Penn’s Landing for the spring edition of their beloved art fair/craft show. Basically, anything and everything you can think of and then some. Some local vendors to keep an eye out for: exit343 design, Concrete Polish, Black Heart Letterpress, BirdQueen Designs and Bob Dix Illustration. Going through the long list of vendors, I’m going to be on the look out for Moonlight Bindery, Spread The Love and Inedible Jewelry. As usual, there will also be live music from local bands, vegan/vegetarian friendly food and interactive art demos like sculpting/mold making with The Philadelphia Sculpture Gym and recycled crafts with NL Arts. Saturday, 11am-6pm. Sunday, 11am-5pm. Free. The Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing (Columbus Blvd. at Chestnut St.)
Breaking Away: 2012 Fashion Show
This annual fashion extravaganza in conjunction with Moore College’s commencement celebrations will feature 28 innovative senior collections as well as designs by junior and sophomore students of the college’s acclaimed fashion design department. The showcased designs include swimwear, bridal, childrenswear, menswear, sportswear and last but not least, eveningwear. The theme “Breaking Away” is specifically for the senior eveningwear finale. There will also be a closing reception for “Emerging Artists and Designers,” featuring the best work from their senior students in fine art, graphic design, illustration, interior design photography and textile design. So come out and help congratulate the Class of 2012 Who knows—you may wind up discovering America’s next big designer before everyone else. Saturday, 8pm. $25. @Moore College, Aviator Park (20th & Ben Franklin Pkwy.)
Pennsylvania Guild Fine Craft Fair
While fine art might be a bit of a snooze-fest, fine crafts are a whole different story. For their signature premiere fair, the PA Guild of Craftsmen has invited 140 of its finest crafts artists to pile into Rittenhouse Square this weekend and showcase/sell their exceptional one-of-a-kind creations. We’re talking everything from handcrafted jewelry, designer clothing and contemporary furniture to functional and decorative pottery, limited edition photography and fine porcelain. Will these items be pricey? You betcha! But there’s sure to be some affordable pieces. Either way, everything else is guaranteed to be worth the price. Fri.-Sat., 11am-7pm. Sun., 11am-5pm. Free. @ Rittenhouse Square
Mother’s Day Celebration
If you’re having trouble finding the perfect Mother’s Day gift (and somehow PW Style’s incredibly awesome and comprehensive Mother’s Day Gift Guide didn’t help), why not just mom out to the KOP Mall so she can pick out something herself? While there, be sure to stop into Free People where they’ll offering complimentary tea, coffee and other refreshments as well as a free flowers for the mommas (unless you show up late). You may want to also grab something for yourself since you’ll receive an exclusive soy candle by Candles with Love with a purchase of $250. Sunday, 11am-6pm. Free @ Free People, King of Prussia Mall (452 Mall Blvd.)
The Met Gala, it’s the who’s who of everything really. Whether you’re an actress, pop star, social queen or just dating someone really rich — everyone who’s anyone is there and flaunting ridiculously dramatic dresses. It’s also one of the most blogged about events in the fashion, even more so than the Oscars where starlets play it rather safe. The Met Gala is the night to let it all go and experiment. The results are often awe-inspiring, or, sadly, just plain awful. Here, we take at look the former and the latter.
The Worst
Kirsten Dunst is a big fan and also close friend of the Rodarte ladies, and we applaud here for supporting friends. But it looks like she should be handing out lollipops to kids after they visit Santa.
Model Anja Rubik barely wears an Anthony Vaccarello dress. The holy-high slit and slippery bandages over her boobs are a desperate cry for attention. Is this night about artistry or is it a singles mixer?
NO, no, no B! We love you, but you look horrendous in this Givenchy mess and a bit too eager to show off our post-baby bod.
The Best
You can always count on Dree to bring it. She looks so casual cool in this Topshop Uniqueness Dress.
Katherine McPhee is a tangerine dream in this Ellie Saab dress that fits her so well.
Yeah sure, we’d probably pick her no matter what she wore, but this Deep green Wes Gordan gown and the bright pink Stella shoes is perfection!
