Hell hath no fury like a sunburnt gal in a sports bra.
According to my painfully pink, sore, soon-to-be “tan” lines, I am still wearing a bikini. The catch? I haven’t been to the beach in well over 48 hours. As a shore native, I had enough common sense to apply some sunblock before I settled down on the sand… but modern UV blocking lotion and my Mediterranean roots were no match for my accidental 2-hour nap on a beach mat.
Most of us have had sunburn before. For those who have not experienced the crimson glow (like my Vietnamese best friend who coincidentally only gets the best tan in the world every time we go to the beach), consider yourself LUCKY. Remember: the short-term effect of sunburn is the pain, but it’s the long term effects that ultimately will do you in (re: skin cancer). Do yourself a favor– invest in some sunblock!
I read some tips on e-how and firstaid.com:
- Get out of the sun. Staying in the sun after the burn is present will make it worse.
- Look for blisters. Blistering means the skin is completely damaged and complications are likely. If the area with blisters is bigger than one entire arm or the whole abdomen, seek medical attention by calling 911 or visiting the emergency department.
- Take a cool shower or bath to soothe the pain.
- Apply aloe or another cooling agent. Whatever you use – DO NOT APPLY BUTTER OR OIL TO ANY BURN!
- Over the counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used for the pain of a sunburn. If stronger pain relief is needed, contact a physician or go to the emergency department.
I also asked for some advice in the Tweesphere:
Thanks guys!: @JustinAugust I have invested in some Lubiderm Intensive Care already, thank you. @LexieLerro, I love the cold bath idea. Be sure to follow @PWstyle on Twitter.com!
In other news, I personally don’t recommend exercising until your sunburn has turned at least 1/2 tan. Why? Well, I ran up a flight of stairs and I couldn’t tell which “burn” was which. The process of stretching was ridiculous, and I think the stinging sensation up and down my legs prevented me from warming up properly. Regardless, I ran 2 miles at the banks in one of my faster times yesterday…. because, well, Hell hath no fury like a sunburnt chick in a sports bra.
Tulip tech
Wow, I’ve needed a USB hub for aaaaaaaages, and I feel like I’d probably end up spending $22 on an ugly one, much less this cute bed-of-tulips one by Fred Flare. Check that off my list of things I need to do.
via shelterrific
Bikini Girls with Machine Guns
Photo by our very own Michael Persico
Heads up for all those that have a less boring bra size than me: there’s a neat piece by Felicia D’Ambrosio over at City Paper on getting a custom bathing suit for her above-average rack at Topstitch boutique in Old City.
Finding a bikini that could contain the monsters without evoking Auntie Pearl in her bathing cap has occupied my last five springs, with poor results. Everything was too matronly (all D-cup-specific lines), too expensive (Betsy Johnson’s bra-kinis) or better suited for Rio or Nantucket than the Jersey Shore (Victoria’s Secret, J. Crew). I vented my retail frustration to the ladies of Topstitch Boutique one day and was thrilled when designer Emily Geddes offered to construct me a custom suit.
D’Ambrosio doesn’t mention how much the custom suit ran her, and it would probably vary from person to person; but seeing as how she disqualifies Betsey Johnson bikinis earlier in the piece for being too expensive, I figured it had to be under $200. Then I said, Emily G, you lazy ass. Call… the other Emily G… and find out.
Unfortunately, Other Emily G gets in at 11, and it is currently 10:40. So in the meantime, here’s another spot for handmade bathing suits that I love: etsy’s LAdramaqueen.
Maybe it’s the way the suits incorporate the parts of vintage suits I like (the shape) and leave most of the parts I don’t like (the fabric) at home. Maybe it’s because the models, unlike most swimsuit models, don’t make me feel quite so ungodly pale. Maybe it’s because the suits all look beautifully constructed and come fully lined. Maybe it’s this totally amazing user profile:
Hello, my name is Tani Marie.
I have been handcrafting clubwear, swimwear and lingerie since 1999. I learned my craft building exotic dancewear. I was hired as a house mom at a gentlemen’s club and started selling clothes that I purchased to the dancers. Not being impressed with the clothes available, I decided to start making them. After a few months of designing and experimentation I was able to construct outfits to sell. Six months later, having a large variety of patterns, styles and custom orders it was time to do it full time.
The experience gave me incredible insight into fitting and complementing for all body types. My style has always leaned to the sexy side, and I draw inspiration from hip hop, 80’s punk rock, classic funk, classic pin ups, classic cinema, anime, lowrider cars and bicycles, roller skating and surfing.
But whatever it was, I’d had that chevron maillot on the left open in a firefox tab for about a week and a half, trying to decide whether it was worth spending $110, but it looks like I waited too long and it’s sold out. Sad face. But all the others are still available for about the same price.
And now it’s 11:15 (blogging: a surprisingly time-consuming process), so let’s try Other Emily G again!
…
…OK, so Other Emily G’s still not in yet, but the nice lady who answered the phone last time said that she’s talked to the owner since I last called; for a suit like the one in City Paper, it’d probably be $125-$150, maybe a little more if there are a lot of fitting issues. Try to bring a bra or swimsuit you already know fits you well if you suspect that you’re outside the norm.
You’d need to make an appointment for a fitting, which can be just about any time during their business hours just so long as you let them know beforehand.
Topstitch Boutique
54 N. 3rd Street
215.238.8877
topstitchboutique.com
HOURS:
T-Th 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
F-Sat 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sun noon-5 p.m.
P.S. Uh, no actual machine guns in this post, I’ve just had the Cramps stuck in my head while writing this. For all the bullet belts, patent leather and, yes, actual bikini girls with machine guns you can handle, I suggest you watch the video:
I’m Not A Fan of the Shmata
In Style has a video of Katy Perry during her photo shoot for the magazine. I honestly wasn’t a fan last year when she came out with last year’s hit ‘I Kissed A Girl,’ but now she’s grown on me.
I can’t say the same for American Apparel. I want to be in their corner, since I know they pay their workers proper wages and are very very anti-sweat shop. But seriously, what is this stupid shmata?
Jennifer Johnson, hairstylist from Gossip Girl is such a sweetheart. I met her along with Blake Lively a few weeks back. She shares her hair tips with In Style magazine, including favorite products and how to get Blake’s famous waves from the show.
Also, I showed you Emma Watson’s from the American Teen Vogue, but here she is in British Vogue. Looking gorgeous again, obviously. Her makeup is described as ‘feline eyes.’ Meoww…
I like cig butts and I cannot lie
Photo by Emily G. Incidentally, the magical land of $3.99 Marlboros is Sandusky, Ohio circa May 2008
As I mentioned, I quit smoking the other day. Since this is at the moment leaving me completely unable to think about anything that is not cigarettes, I figured I may as well just embrace it and give you a smoking roundup. I may also have a review of those weird and probably soon to be illegal e-cigarette things with a nicotine vaporizer later this week, as I ordered one off the internet in a fit of desperation and poor judgement on Friday. But first: pretty things!
So of course this had to turn up first thing this morning. Yeah, Bally’s claiming it’s inspired by Bianca Jagger, but it’s clearly a hard-pack box of Camels done in metal filigree. Box necklace, Bally, $660.
Dropping the price and switching to pretty vintage ashtrays on etsy, I would have loved to put out a cigarette on this girl’s pretty face or in the back of this pretty duck. If I still smoked cigarettes. Vintage metal ashtray, theturniptruck, $12.50; Vintage duck ashtray, Portuguese Vintage, $10.20.
Hee. This is by Jeremy Kalgreen, who also designed those SCIENCE! T-shirts that are very well known to me but perhaps less well known to those not dating a scientist. Smoking Mermaid T-Shirt, Amorphia Apparel, $16.
Well, you may remember that I like squids. They can, however, be improved by delicious, delicious nicotine. Kraken cigarette case, Cosmic Firefly, $39.
Cigarettes Will Kill You necklace, Naughty Secretary Club, $18.
Kick the Habit socks, Ashi Dashi, $12.
P.S. Nicotine withdrawal being played for laughs; I’m on day 5 and at the moment I am not that bad. I am pathetically “smoking” a white straw snipped to cigarette length. It makes me sound like Darth Vader and has very nearly been lit on fire by several well-meaning people.
What a Drag
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This past weekend, Gay Pride took over NYC. Marking the 40th anniversary of the riots at Stonewall, where police beat up a group of gay men at bar without a liquor license. The event took place on the same day as Judy Garland’s funeral – a woman who into addition to following the yellow brick road, had a huge gay following.
One of the men, dressed in drag fought back, marking one of the first times that gays resfused to be seen as submissive, but rather chose to fight back. The celebrations this past weekend were a world away from police brutality. The police lined the street on horseback to ensure that no one bothered the gay population that dominated Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood this weekend – more than usual, and the drag queens look gorgeous.
Also this past weekend, BET hosted it’s awards show. A bunch of stars came out for the night, and many paid tribute to Michael jackson. The O’Jays performed a tribute in addition to Ne-Yo, Jamie Foxx and Maxwell. I’m glad they performed – even Maxwell who got bad reviews. They put in a better effort than my spin instructor this past weekend who wouldn’t play ANY Michael Jackson. It was just really upsetting. In addition, those on the red carpet at the BET awards looked amazing, including Beyonce, Alicia Keys, and Kanye West’s on again off again girlfriend, Amber Rose.
Lastly, this writer at Glamour magazine needs help picking a floppy hat. I got one this past weekend for the beach. I’m super excited to wear it. Apparently picking a hat isn’t usually as easy as my experience.
They’ve got clothes in different area codes
Liking this 215 shirt from MikeJames clothing. Of course, if you’re somewhere else, you can get one from a good 50% of the places Ludacris mentions below (although DC, Pittsburgh and most red states that went Republican in 2004 are off the table).
Man, it has been ages since I’ve seen the video for this song, and I had forgotten how funny it is when the two pilots bite their fists about 40 seconds in.
What To Do This Weekend
What am I doing this weekend? Oh, good– I’m so glad you asked, Philadelphia.
FRIDAY:
Tonight, in this incredibly cool weather of 87 degrees, I will be suiting up in a black cardboard nuclear warhead costume that is taller than me. Here’s the first of many webisodes I’m shooting with/for The Project for Nuclear Awareness as their mascot, “Nukette” to promote the Bombs Away Summer Film Series.
….If you come, I promise I wont hit you with my purse. The deets are below.
//Bombs Away Summer Film Series Hopefully you’ll join me and the Ban All Nukes Generation for the second installment of their summertime film series. Tonight they will be showing the Kubrick classic, “Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb” at The Magic Gardens on South Street at 6pm tonight.
// Artemisia Jewelry and Children’s Clothes Trunk Show An exclusive jewelry & children’s clothes trunk show @ BUS STOP on Friday, June 26 5:30pm to 8:30pm.
“Marisa Lombardo has kept a very small toolbox and has worked on minimally affecting the environment by discovering the beauty in re-purposed metals, antiques, stones and fabrics. Each piece of jewelry & garment of clothing is one of a kind and each has its’ own story.”
Also: BUS STOP will also have a one night only sale – 15% OFF any summer shoe or handbag purchase!
SATURDAY:
//Vetri Book Signing at Anthropologie To quote E-CookBooks, “Philadelphia enjoys one of the country’s most dynamic food scenes, and Marc Vetri is its top culinary talent”… so come out to Anthropologie in Rittenhouse this weekend to meet Marc and have your copy of his first book, “Il Viaggio Di Vetri”, signed.
// Last Friday opening at Astro Vintage Plaid Pony tipped us off on Twitter that there’s a Last Friday opening at Astro Vintage tonight at 8 pm. Astro Vintage is located on 720 S 5th St (below Bainbridge).
//Sugar Town loves Girls Rock Philly Benefit I’ve been playing the guitar since the ripe age of 13 and everything I was taught, I was taught by men: a male guitar teacher, male band-mates, etc. That wasn’t a bad thing, but when I heard about Girls Rock Philly at Ignite Philly, it made me really wish that there was something like this available for me 10 years ago.
For those of you not familiar with Girls Rock Philly:
“Girls Rock Philly (GRP) is an initiative to bring Philadelphia a girls-only, week-long summer day camp serving junior rockers ages 9-17. Led by a team of all female instructors & band coaches, girls in the program learn how to play musical instruments, write songs, make their own band merchandise, discover other women in rock & finesse their on-stage jump kicks.”
Support them this Saturday at The Tritone! $5, 9pm.
Have a great weekend!
Do You Remember The Time?
Maybe you think there’s been too much coverage already, but Michael Jackson was someone that influenced my life for sure. I used to put on a white glove and try to moon walk. I never really looked as good as Michael did performing the famous dance move, but I had the glove down. His style is just one of the things that stands out. The glove is just one of the things that made an impact.
Daily Candy is giving away something for 100 Days! Go enter their contest, now!
Here’s a glimpse into what Style.com considers the stylish set engages in during the summer months.
Also, coffee might not make you stink as bad as you think it does. What a relief for a caffeine addict like myself.
Lastly, look out for the star of Cash Cab in Philly!
Over The Hill
Courtesy of Hallmark
I’m drawn to the older set. At least for today. In Florida they call them Q-tip heads, with their little white or gray haired heads bobbling behind the wheel of a car or golf cart. In Philly, the Q-tip heads drive the Duck tours, with no sign of slowing down.
I saw an older woman in a Michael Kors jacket yesterday and I thought “Wow look at her!” She definately didn’t look like this, to say the least. What is it about old lady style that has me so intrigued? Maybe it’s the idea of taking more risks than in your younger years, like in the book When I am An Old Woman I Shall Wear Purple. Maybe it’s the moxie that seems to emerge in the later years like that of my great aunt who beat up a guy that tried to mug her in her twilight years.
If being an old head means you can wear hats like these, maybe it won’t be so bad after all. I’m already a fan of huge sunglases and for one of my internships I pushed a granny cart across basically every inch of Manhattan. BFF Granny Cart, I called my little carry all. What are your thoughts on style for the older set? Do you just think of a smelly stack of shirts that smell like moth balls, or are you somewhat inspired like I am?
FabSugar is not impressed by Desginer Bally’s latest ad campaign, but I think it’s gorgeous. It looks like this dress from Alexander Wang has found it’s way onto the red carpet multiple times as of late. I wish I had one! I’d store it covered in moth balls, next to the granny cart, of course.
Lastly, W Magazine did a feature on Persian Immigrants living in Los Angeles. It’s a focus on the style and culture of Iran – something that may have been forgotten in the weeks since the election and political unrest in the middle eastern country.