When Technology Is Actually Useful
Call me crazy, but sometimes I’m not a huge fan of technology. Like when a dude asks you out via text message. Sure, texting is more convenient most of the time and definitely provides a good cushion in case you get rejected, but really, you should dial my phone number and call me. I want you to take that risk.
Other times, however, technology is great. The fact that I can have food delivered to my home at any time of night without having to speak to inept food service workers justifies paying Comcast a hundred dollars a month for a wireless Internet connection.
In my mind, Twitter falls in the first category. Even though I occasionally enjoy short notes from my pals and will cop to using it for breaking media news, I despise the fact that it’s impossible to link responses to a particular comment and unlike other social networking sites, it’s nearly impossible to ignore obligatory but annoying followers. Also, the word “tweet” irks me for reasons unexplainable. And “retweet”? Don’t even get me started.
The exception to this rule is the Etsy twitter feed.
Run by the folks behind the awesome user-generated craft website, the feed highlights new products and good deals without being overbearing or annoying. Only updating a couple of times a day—instead of, say, on the half hour like other craft Tweeps—the feed is easy to digest and provides direct links to the corresponding artist’s pages.
From the Dept. of WTF: Conspiracy Showroom Already Closed
Sad, sad, sad news out of Northern Liberties this afternoon. Conspiracy Showroom is closed. After two and a half years and one “Best of Philly” award, the beloved boutique is shutting its doors, presumably for economic reasons. The gals will host a huge sale on Sat., Feb. 7, from 10am-6pm. Everything in the store will be priced to move, with clothing and accessories at least 40% off and store fixtures, kitchenware, random office supplies and even fabric up for grabs. While we’ll certainly be stopping by for discount shopping, we’ll also raise a glass to Rachel Breeden, Suzie Morris and Typhaney Shanker. It’s been a good run, ladies, and we look forward to more projects from you in the future.
Happy Tuesday: Some Notes on Work Week Survival
Whether it be the necessity of work, piling assignments at school, the bitter cold that keeps you from walking to the place that you really wanted take-out from, or all of the above, the start of a new week isn’t always a clean slate. Luckily, you can always…
BRIGHTEN UP YOUR BEAUTY ROUTINE. Feel rejuvenated or at least look like it with these simple tips that can erase the traces of overtime without making you late.
OPT FOR A PRETTY PLANNER. Who wants to list all of the crap they have to do in some ugly leather bound book with blank lined pages and the occasional motivational quote from a random historical figure that never has much to do with anything you have to accomplish anyway? Not me. Get functional, colorful, and sassy with Anne Taintor’s Planner, “It’s So Involved Being Me.”
CAFFEINATE AND OVERSTATE. Caffeinating and complaining are two of the best coping mechanisms on a stressful day. So why not kill two birds with one stone?
SNUGGLE UP IN STYLE. And NO I’m not saying Ugg Boots and leggings. Dear God, no. I said “in style.” Go for a long cotton tunic top from American Apparel. It’s simple, super-comfortable, and stylish at the same time. Keep your legs toasty with a nice pair of wool tights. Top with a long cardigan if needed.
HAVE A QUICK FIX. While I am convinced that college is ruining my face, I am ever-grateful to Max Factor’s Pan Stik Foundation for covering my blemishes in a split second and lasting throughout the whole school day.
Good News of the Day: Ali’s Wagon Isn’t Closing
Exactly two weeks ago, we reported the sad news that Fairmount Avenue’s Ali’s Wagon would be closing due to financial difficulties.
We happily stand corrected.
According to their website, an anonymous donor has supplied the funds to keep the baby and housewares shop open for business.
Unsolicited, they have offered financial backing for Ali’s Wagon which will allow us to remain in business. We are absolutely blown away by their generosity, and it really speaks to their commitment to our neighborhood. This family feels strongly that our store provides necessary services to Fairmount, and their commitment will allow us to continue providing these services.
This is the kind of story that brings on the warm fuzzies. Best of luck to owners Jessie and Nat.
Chalking It Up
Diggin’ these chalkboard decals from Scarlett Alley. Though often seen in kids’ rooms, I’d love to do an entire wall in my kitchen. (Despite over a dozen heavy duty magnets, there somehow always seems to be too much stuff for the refrigerator door.) These tiles are 19”x24½” each, but can be placed side-by-side to create a large 38”x38” writing surface.
While a can of chalkboard paint is considerably cheaper, the nice part about these tiles is that they’re reusable—a nice touch for renters who fear painting over their standard white walls.
Take That, Streaming Puppy Cam
Today, we present you, dear readers, with the streaming kitten cam. It may not be the first of its kind. It certainly isn’t that last. But it is exactly what we needed on Monday.
Happy Monday: Resurging ’90s Trends You Can Cherish All Over Again.
While the revival of ’90s fashion will be an undeniable result of the designer collections for spring 2009, I can already observe the change in trends on the street. But instead of dreading the return of the ’90s, I have decided to embrace it with this list of trends that could use another go.
THE BABYDOLL DRESS
Who says this look has to be kinder-whore? Just stay away from Hot Topic when shopping for tights and lay off the eyeliner and the babydoll dress can be a very fresh and simple look. Popularized by rock goddess Courtney Love, the best quality of the babydoll dress is that it can look darling or tarty depending upon how you choose to style it. Now, who doesn’t appreciate versatility?
MUST-SEE … AGAIN! EMPIRE RECORDS
The first time I saw Empire Records, I swore that I would one day find a place of employment just as magical. And aside from the influx of generic weirdos on South Street and having to call the police due to a flasher in the vintage housewares section, I think my store comes pretty darn close.
Believe it or not, it’s already happening and you probably love it! Flannels have been a staple in city bars and indie rock shows for a while now. Remember Kurt Cobain’s shabby cardigan from Nirvana’s Unplugged performance on MTV? I’ve been noticing thrift store cardigans on girls and guys. They’re best worn slightly oversized over a fitted tee or top. My personal favorite: vintage lacoste cardigan.
Although this list is short, there will be more to come as ‘09 translations of ‘90 are popping up every day.
Okay, So I’m Back.
But I had to share Inquirer architecture critic (and two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist) Inga Saffron’s excellent article about Temple University’s misplacement of the new Tyler School of Art building.
The art school moved to North Philadelphia this semester after a 1997 decision was made to combine the main and Tyler campuses to stop overcrowding at Tyler. Many Tyler students were excited about the move and hoped that the new location would allow for easier access to Old City’s galleries and other city cultural institutions.
The University spent $55 million dollars on the new building, hiring famed Houston architect Carlos Jiménez. However, Saffron was not impressed with the completed work. She writes:
The $55 million building provides students with generous, light-filled and highly functional spaces. There are even several poetic moments that elevate the architecture above Temple’s usual. But this enormous, sprawling building, whose exterior resembles a run-of-the-mill high school, fails to forge a desperately needed sense of place.
Much of this is due to Temple’s failure to think more than one step ahead. Despite Tyler’s importance to the university, Temple dumped what should have been a statement building at the far end of the campus universe, plopping it down seemingly at random, so that its main entrance looks out onto the dumpsters for the Biology-Life Sciences Building. Similarly, the residents of Yorktown are now stuck looking at the butt end of Tyler, since its sizable loading dock looms over their immaculate, middle-class enclave, an oasis in North Philadelphia. [via Philly.com]
Start the Weekend Early
All right, folks, it’s Friday. It is the first day in recent memory where it’s physically possible to leave the house without freezing your face off. I’m giddy.
And also, kinda busy.
So here’s the deal. I’m going to give y’all a bunch of my most frequently watched YouTube clips—empowering TV theme songs. Because confidence is key to style. And confidence comes from a sense of personal empowerment. Or something.
So, enjoy these and we’ll see you Monday!
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Restaurant Week Shall Be Henceforth Known as Restaurant Weeks
This just in from R.J. at the Center City District, Restaurant Week—originally slated to take place from Jan. 25 to Jan. 30—has been extended through Feb. 6. Not all restaurants will participate in the second week, but those that do will offer the same menu.
This is what I call a fringe benefit of a fucked up economy.
For a list of participating restaurants, click here.