Print Liberation’s New T-shirt
With all the unemployed, over-worked and under paid people in this city, we suspect this one will sell out fast. Available for $22.
The Haircut Blues
Let’s talk about haircuts.
Sometimes you walk away feeling fab. You hop in the car and are instantly bombarded with flirtations from the plumbers and IT specialists sitting next to you in traffic. They just can’t help but notice how shiny and special you are. Swish!
Other times, you get caught up in the story of how your hairdresser was offered a ride in Ron Jeremy’s Ferrari, and you don’t realize until it’s too late that your hair is a full three inches shorter than expected. It’s times like this when I wish life were more like Microsoft Word. Edit + Undo!
On Friday I went to Great Clips. In the following photo, I documented my feelings post-haircut:
So I was being a little over-dramatic. I don’t cut my hair often. It’s partially thanks to good conditioner but mostly thanks to being lazy and forgetful. In any event, I hadn’t had a trim since July. I was used to hair that fell past my shoulders into a jagged mess of dried split ends. I had the kind of non-haircut cut that let my hair be hair without making a strong statement on the matter. This new style—visible layers, chin-framing—was way too much for me. It was like I’d traded in a finicky but lovable Volvo for a Jeep. I wasn’t ready for off-roading. Though my previous hair spent most of its time just hangin’ around, that didn’t mean I wouldn’t miss it.
Ahh, sounds just like an old mopey boyfriend. Bruce Springsteen would be proud.
The next morning I felt experimental. Ponytails don’t work anymore, but I can do this:
Boop! I’ve regressed to second grade. I plan on celebrating my good fortune in plaid pajamas with Legos and Pop-tarts in front of A Bug’s Life.
Haircuts are weird. It’s like going from the mall around the corner to the giant megamallopolis 45 minutes away. You spend half the time looking for Sultan Wok and the other wondering if anyone shops at American Eagle anymore. Everything is the same, but different. Theoretically it could change your personality. A friend was thrown off when I showed up without my usual mane. To her, my new hair signaled that I was no longer the free spirit who forgot her cell phone on a three-day road trip. I was clean, well-groomed, and in control of my destiny. I probably even had a car charger.
Who was I without my long hair? Was I “kicky,” as mom put it? Every time I tried to do the ol’ ponytail-pull I was met with an uncomfortable and let-down feeling. It was like I was walking around in someone else’s body. I knew how to feel sexy with long hair. With short hair? Well…
We call this the “Saturday Night Struggle.”
But I’m not one to wallow in my woes. Sunday at work I received compliments from co-workers and friends, and my roommates continually reassured me that it looked great. It certainly felt better to see clean edges rather than white and broken tips at the end of my ‘do. Besides, we can all take comfort that even the worst haircuts will eventually grow out. So, until April, when I’ll wave the white flag and shave my head.
Major Sales at Delicious Boutique
This just in from Psydde Delicious of Delicious Boutique & Corseterie: The store’s got items marked down to 75%. Talk about shopping economically this holiday season. And for those of you afraid to shop with the the three-dimensional people, online shoppers can get an additional 10% off with the code HOLIDAY YOUR FACE. (I’m hardcore crushing on the Betsey Johnson dresses.) Plus—as if this wasn’t a sweet enough deal—you can ask for free holiday gift wrapping. Check out their new items from LA-based SkinGraft Designs. (Remember how much I adored their holster?)
What To Do Tonight: Stiletto Holiday Cocktail Party
In case you haven’t had your fill of holiday cocktails this season, stop by Stilleto tonight between 4pm and 7pm for their holiday cocktail party. Call 215.972.0920 to RSVP.
EchoChic is Closing …
And they’re having a great sale starting today and running till Dec. 31. Jennifer tells us this is an “everything must go” situation, so we recommend stopping by on the last day of the sale for great deals. (Also: They’ll be doing a champagne toast between noon and 5pm.)
Can’t Live Without: These Five Items
Reader Gayle Schweppes emailed to tell us five style items she can’t live without. Thanks, Gayle!
Gayle says: “T-shirts announce that I enjoy being comfortable and also explain how I think and feel to the entire world!”
“Without pants, I would be naked below the waist. Even though signs at stores only specify shirts and shoes, I feel I would not be served if I was only wearing my underwear.”
According to Gayle: “A smile goes a long way. Really!”
“Rain boots come in cute styles now and can match any outfit while keeping your feet dry.”
Gayle loves rhinestone hair ties because it helps her “go from geek to chic in five seconds.” She further explains, “When I go to the club my hair will be off my neck, exposing my neck to the guys and they’ll be aroused.”
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Do you have an item you just can’t live without? Send it to epalan@philadelphiaweekly or leave it in the comments to be featured on PW Style!
Intern Beth Schools Us On Celebrity Lunch Boxes
Other than that, there are boxes designed by Cameron Diaz, James Earl Jones, the Ting Tings and Martha Stewart. Check them out and let me know if I missed anything ridiculous.
I Can’t Live Without: NY & Co. Black Tights
I love wearing skirts in the winter. (I’m not a huge fan of leg sweat so summer skirts create a unique problem for this girl.) Every year I invest a few pairs of tights in basic black, brown and gray. I don’t generally have any brand loyalty. I just pick them up whenever and wherever I happen to be when the thought comes to mind. This year, I picked up black and gray at New York and Company—they were out of brown. I just broke out the black tights last week and I am obsessed. The perfect thickness, just stretchy enough and warmer than previous pairs, I wore them three times this week—they wash up nicely with a little Woolite in the sink—and I’m converted. Unfortunately tights aren’t available in the online shop, but trust me, it’s worth the walk to the Gallery.
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Do you have an item you just can’t live without? Send it to epalan@philadelphiaweekly.com to be featured on PW Style!
Never Send A Man To Do A Woman’s Job
By now I assume you’ve all seen the video where an Iraqi reporter throws his shoes at good ol’ G.W. Bush. My first thought: Stilletos would’ve done more damage.
What To Do This Weekend: Really? You Still Haven’t Done Your Holiday Shopping?
The title of this post is pretty much directed at me, because I haven’t even started to ponder what to buy my loved ones and Christmas is 12-freaking-days away. I will likely spend my weekend surfing the Internet and calling my sister to figure what on Earth to buy for her three-year-old son, but I recommend you head out and do something a little more stylish with your time.
Grasshopper Holiday Party and Sale Sat., Dec. 13, 11am-7pm. Grasshopper Boutique, 727 Walnut St. 215.925.3959
Enjoy 25% off throughout the store and munch on hors d’ouevres while you shop.
Traveling Wares
Felicia over at Citypaper has taken up the Shopping Spree column. This week she clued me in on what must be one of Philly’s most clandestine craft events.
The best-kept secret in craft shows is certainly Traveling Wares, now in its 15th year. Originated by bartender and artist Jody Sweitzer of Dirty Frank’s bar, the moveable show features jewelry, screen-printing, handmade soaps, original art, glassware and other locally made creations. Sweitzer herself is the originator of shopping while drinking — dangerous and fun for gift giver and receiver. Grandma really needs that condom-cozy this year. Check out the wares on Sat., Dec. 13 (Sugar Mom’s, noon-6 p.m., 225 Church St.); Sun., Dec. 14 (Dirty Frank’s, 2-7 p.m., 347 S. 13th St.); Sat., Dec. 20 (700 Club, 1-6 p.m., 700 N. Second St.); and Sun., Dec. 21 (Tattooed Mom, noon-6 p.m., 530 South St.). [Source]