Street Snaps: Continuous Glamour

One day in your life, you find this one object of clothing or some accessory, and it changes your style outlook forever. It’s the day you realize that you shouldn’t wear XYZ cut or silhouette because it’s just not you. It’s the day you realize that you can appreciate someone else’s look without later attempting to copy it. Cause it’s not you. You are you. Admittedly, I secretly sigh when someone tells me “I just do me,” but it’s a legitimate response, especially when that person is so put together. This week’s Street Snaps did not cull such a response, but I just wanted to point out how nicely Alima’s glasses, eyebrows, haircut, and face shape complimented each other — to me, that demonstrates a rich self-awareness. Pair it with bold stripes and that touch of red? Yeah, let’s get into this:

“My name is Alima. I’m from Philly.”

What do you think about the style of Philadelphians? How have you seen it change since you were younger until now?

“Well, I like style a lot, but as I’ve gotten older my complaint is, a lot of things I want to wear, I feel too old to wear. Sometimes I push it, but I kinda like the fact that most people have decided to do their own thing and not worry about what everyone else thinks about it. And I wish I could do that more with myself.”

Do you have a workplace dress code or anything that holds you back like that?

“I just went through this last night. I was going to tie a big scarf as a halter, and the way I came up with it, my entire back was out. And I thought, oh this is pushin it. I feel thirty in here (touches chest), but I have to remember that I’m not.”

Is there anything you see other Philadelphians wear a lot that you wish would stop?

“Yeah, in a way. I like jeans, but on some days, does everyone have on the same uniform?”

Do you own many jeans?

“I have about ten pairs. Like I said, I like them a lot, but I don’t wanna wear them every day. And I see them more than anything else. Maybe it’s because it’s an easy thing to…”

It’s something American. Like once you go outside of the United States — or at least, I’ve been to Europe and I’ve been to Japan, and both times I was like, wow nobody wears jeans like we do. It’s crazy. But I’ve thought about it. If you go into a retail store they don’t have anything but jeans.

“True. So I like them, as I said. But some days — you can come downtown on a Saturday and that’s all you see. That’s all you see. So maybe it’s an easy default when ‘oh I don’t know what I wanna wear‘ — throw jeans on.”

Are there things you look at the get inspired, since we’re surrounded by jeans all the time?

“Mmmm… I would have to say more magazines — I’m not really inspired by the people I see on the streets, so I have to look at something else. (chuckles)”

Is there a favorite magazine you have?

“Well, I like Glamour. I guess that’s pretty much my favorite as far as fashion.”

So switching to what you’ve got on right now, is there anything you have on that’s a favorite of yours?

“Actually not. No. I’ve had this sweater for maybe three years, and I haven’t worn it for the last two. The pants, I’ve had them for about a month. And this is the first time I’ve put them on, today. Not a favorite yet, but I think these pants are so comfortable, they’re gonna become a favorite. Without a doubt.”

Do you have a current obsession?

“Uhh, no. No.”

Do you have any shout-outs or comments or anything you’d like to say to the readers?

“The readers? Be yourself.”

If you’re looking for more Philly street style, visit Broad&Market, or check out the Street Snaps archive by clicking on the “street snaps” tag just below.

Be Apart of The Collection…

To celebrate their second year, The Philadelphia Collection—a ten-day, citywide series of fashion and style events that’ll take place in September—is inviting local designers and graphic artists to create a t-shirt design incorporating the TPC logo (above).

The two winning designs (one for a men’s tee, one for a women’s tee) will be printed by Nigel Richards of 611 Lifestyle and prominently featured in the TPC fashion events as well as being sold for $30 dollars at select local retailers starting September 1.

The contest is a great and relatively easy way for two budding local designers to really get their name/brand out there as it will be included on the shirts hang-tag. It’s also befitting of TPC’s mission to engage and expose members of Philly’s diverse style and fashion community.

The contest runs till July 8 (next Friday) and the winners will be announced on July 19. Depending just how awesome and original the designs are, you can’t expect us to post a preview. As for all the juicy details about Philly’s fashion and style event of the year, you can definitely expect us to share them with you as soon as they’re announced.

If you think you have the creativity and know-how to compete, check here for the contest’s complete list of entry guidelines.

Cultured Couture Vintage: The Renaissance

Shameless plug this is, I couldn’t resist telling you about “The Renaissance” Installation starting this Friday, July 1, 2010 at Cultured Couture Vintage. The opening event will feature five distinct Philadelphia fashion/vintage brands, each creating a unique display within the store. The brands include House of Ra’oof, Babylon Cartel, Kings Rule Together, Mel Ransom, Ego Pockets and myself displaying Stylish Thought/Missfit Vintage.

Come check out the different installations on the opening night Friday, July 1st from 7pm to 12am. And check out Cultured Couture Vintage at 703 West Girard Avenue for the month-long installation.

Get ‘South Moon’ Styles For Way Less

If you’ve ever gone into South Moon Under, you’ve probably perused their selection, began salivating over one or more items, then were left heartbroken when you checked the price tags and walked out empty handed.

Indeed, most of their awesome selection of designer clothes, shoes and accessories are on the pricey side (or just flat out unaffordable). But it’s time to go back in because right now, they’re having a huge summer sale (up to 70 percent off) on select styles of everything from jewelry, dresses, swimwear, tops, pants, and so on and so forth.

The boutique has also partnered with Michael Stars who will be offering an exclusive discount on his expanded collection.

The inventory is very limited so if you can’t make it to their Chestnut Street location, you should considering shopping online ASAP. Here’s just a few of some of the sale items that caught my eye…

House of Harlow Mix Media Ring: NOW $32.95

Collective Concepts Combo Dress: NOW $44

Billabong Bikini: NOW $49.95

Michael Stars Animal Burnout Off Shoulder Tee: NOW $57.60

Gold Vermeil Bike Necklace: NOW $24.95

Aryn K. Beaded Halter: NOW $38.95

A New Pair of Shoes for the Holiday Weekend?

Surely you don’t want to celebrate the nation’s independence wearing a crappy pair of sandals from last summer.

Fortunately, Off Broadway Shoes is offering you $10 bucks off any purchase of $39.90 or more throughout the holiday week. You’ll be able to download/print the coupon from their Website starting tomorrow and it will be redeemable July 1-4.

We’re talking shoes like these…

And these…

And these…

BLUEREDYELLOW Natural Dye House: What’s old is new

Recently established local dye house BLUEREDYELLOW held a great dye workshop this past Thursday at Art in the Age, where their red, blue, and yellow-dyed garments have recently been picked up (as well as necklaces and scents). Elissa Meyers and Mira Adornetto, the affable pair behind the brand, showcased their processes for creating hand-dyed garments using natural, locally grown pigments and ancient dying techniques. After, the sizable crowd was led through the process of dyeing kerchiefs (supplied) using a five gallon fermented indigo vat, some gloves, and a bag of rubber bands. Find out more after the jump.

Waiting one’s turn to dye.


Crowded around the dyeing tubs.


Dyed pieces oxidizing before a vinegar bath.
More »

A Summertime Barn Sale, Ya’ll

It’s the last weekend of the month which means that the Manayunk treasure, Three Potato Four is holding its first official barn sale of the summer. In addition to their discounted selection of vintage and quirky furniture, signs, prints and various other home goods, Trove General Store will be dropping by with some goodies.

The Paoli boutique offers hip, heritage brand men and women’s clothing and accessories including, Pendleton, Woolrich, Levis and Blundstone. Their commitment to quality craftsmanship also extends to their collection of home wares and apothecary.

The sale will be going on tomorrow and Sunday from 10 a.m-5 p.m. Here’s a few items to give you a general idea of what both stores have to offer…

1-2-3 Secret Hideaway Book Sets, Three Potato Four: $20

Belstaff Nylon Travel Bag, Trove General Store

Red Wing Engineer Boot, Trove General Store

Early 20th Century Auditorium Chair, Three Potato Four: $250

Thrift Store Alert!

American Thrift at 8th and Wolf Streets.

Some people try to front on “the vintage look” as though it’s some kind of thing, right? We have so many vintage shops though! I went on an adventure the other day just around 4th and 5th, south of Bainbridge (Queens Village area) and there was the new location of Philly AIDS Thrift (around the corner from its old location, on 5th at Bainbridge), Astro Vintage (720 S 5th), and Wilbur Vintage (716 S 4th). Further south on East Passyunk Ave there was 1600 Below (1600 E Passyunk Ave) and Sweet Jane (1820 E Passyunk Ave). But I had the tip-off — a seriously good thrift store, real south. Like past Synder Ave south. Down at 8th and Wolf.

Vintage shops are great because they do the rummaging for you, but for folks who miss a good thrift store with good prices, American Thrift is it. They’re a ‘check your bag at the desk’ kind of place, with huge wooden bins of children’s clothing, racks of bathing suits, and a sweet selection of shoes. Unfortunately, they don’t have carts, or a dressing room, so you’ll have to do that thing where you pull the waist of the pants around your neck to see if they’ll fit. While I was locking up my bike, a South Philly native told me the place used to be an Acme supermarket back in the 50s (fancy that). So if you haven’t already heard of this place, and have the means or the drive, do yourself a favor and hit this place up.

Street Snaps: Odunde!

Did everyone enjoy Odunde a few weekends ago? Broad&Market had a post or two about the 36th annual African festival, and I’ll continue here with a third. The style was incredibly refreshing: vibrant colors, patterns, and silhouettes were seemingly concentrated into a nexus point that was South and 23rd. For example:

Michelle and family.

“I’m forty. Hometown, New York. I live in Philly.”

Is it exciting to be at a festival where everyone is encourage to wear traditional clothing?

“This is my everyday style. I’m a hair stylist, so (it’s my everyday style).”

Cool. Are there any things you take in that inspire or inform the way you want to present yourself when you get dressed?

Different blogs sometimes. Rachel Stewart’s blog… Um…I can’t think of any blogs now. I’ve seen so many! The Sartorialist? Yeah.”

I heard he was in town for the week.

“I heard! [unintelligable part ]”

Is there anything you’re wearing right now that’s a favorite?

“My necklace. I just like the colors.”

And do you have a current obsession?

“Earrings. Bright and big earrings. And feathers. And glasses. Yeah, that is my current obsession. Cause earrings are always my obsession. But glasses.”

Michelle has been a natural hair stylist for 15 years, and you can get in touch with her via Twitter: @yesidohrmlondon.
If you’re looking for more Philly street style, visit Broad&Market, or check out the Street Snaps archive by clicking on the “street snaps” tag just below.

Versace Is Coming To An H&M Near You

Donatella Versace in a new Versace for H&M design

Versace has been having quite the moment lately.  First, the all-powerful Gaga wears pieces exclusively loaned to her from the late Gianni’s last collection for the house, for her latest video, “Edge of Glory,” and now comes the news that they are bringing their rock-and-roll sensibility to H&M, in a collabo set to launch this Fall.

News of the pairing-up broke yesterday in a video (which has since been removed?) from Donatella herself where she said that the collection will include iconic Versace moments.  Standout pieces of the line, which is slated to include men’s women’s and accessories, are a studded black leather minidress, which Donatella wore recently to close her men’s show in Milan and a sharp tailored blazer for the boys.

Mark your calendars for November 19th, when the clothes will hit 300 H&M stores.  And be sure to check out sneak peeks below!

—Kat Blazowski

Images and video courtesy H&M and Style.com