Suit Supply Has Arrived In Rittenhouse, Philly Dandies Have A New Headquarters
Suit Supply just landed in Philadelphia on the corner of Locust and 16th, and dandies with a healthy income should be totally pumped. The Amsterdam-born brand is now 13 years old with 44 locations internationally, but only five in the U. S. of A: Atlanta, Chicago, D.C., SoHo and now Philly. At the grand opening, dandies were everywhere. SuitSupply (they like to play with capitalization and title spacing) definitely skews preppy and/or Ivy League. They encourage suiting mixed with casual wear and sell everything from wingtips and desert boots to tuxedoes and weekend bags. They definitely want dudes to walk in and be able to walk out with an entire outfit (not sure about underwear, though) and at a modest to high-end pricing scale. The store manager I spoke to explained that his whole outfit costs about $700. And the handsome staff should hopefully style and size you right.
Adding significantly to the menswear shopping situation in Center City, SuitSupply will provide a lot of style to our city’s fairly grim (for dudes, at least) fashion sense. With the departure of Club Monaco’s men’s section, we don’t have a lot of places to pick up some high-end product that can be worn for years and in a ton of different situations. We’ve got Barney’s, naturally, and that’s great and all, but you’re probably looking at a much steeper price tag on a designer suit. And while we’d love to be able to afford a Philip Lim or Theory suit, it’ll probably be a little bit of a moment in time; a suit you’ll take out in 10 years and think I can’t wear this anymore. While we’ve got a nice handful of boutiques and shops that nail casual and stylish staples (like Ps & Qs and Sugarcube), SuitSupply’s a great international brand for a little more luxe. And until we get a rumored Uniglo, the more international fashion we can get in Center City, the better.
The two-floor story also prominently features an on-site tailor. There’s a fee associated with each specific service, but, depending on volume and timing, they want you to get your suit tailored while you shop. That being said, the silhouette of the SuitSupply man is slim. The fit of these clothes is a modern, fairly skinny cut — not so sure how the big boys’ll do in this store. The suit room, downstairs, is wild, and blazers line the wall, with sizing from 30s to 50s. But beyond Macy’s and heading out to King of Prussia, men have a great new option for event suiting. Meaning, you need an interview suit? A wedding or graduation suit? You can start your search with $500 in Center City and probably find a great, quality, well-constructed suit that’ll cover you—maybe for the rest of your life.
Aoki Boutique Has All Your Last Minute V-Day Needs
Just found out that you’re beau is taking you somewhere fancy and need the right dress or accessory? Still haven’t gotten you’re gal a gift? Completely clueless as to what you should actually get your gal? Single and ready to mingle?
Whatever you’re V-Day circumstances might be, Alina Alter, owner of Aoki Boutique in Rittenhouse (115 S. 22nd St.) has got you covered. Besides the shop’s miscellaneous assortment of Valentine’s goodies (below), Alina offers some specific recommendations for ladies in search of the perfect date-night outfit. She also makes a few gift recommendations for all you clueless guys out there.
Clockwise from top: Vintage Valentines by Cavallini & Co., $15/12 assorted cards // Betsey Johnson Kiss Knee Socks, $15 // Love Letter Necklace by Ornamental Things, $56 // Kiss Pill Box by Homart, $12 // Sparkly Assorted Valentines Hair Ties by Kitsch, $12.
Dress by Ellelauri, $168 // Geometric Gold Necklace by AV Max, $70 Feather Necklaces by Serefina, both $70
“This look is perfect for the lady who prefers a more traditional silhouette yet still wants to look young and hip. The pink and red color theme can be way overdone on Valentines, so it can feel refreshing and unique to go with a more neutral color palette. The mocha and sheer mint color blocking in this Ellelauri dress is feminine without being over-the-top girly, and is great for winter. Finally, the geometric and feather necklaces by AV Max and Serefina add some flair and edginess to balance out the look.”
Dress by Fraiche by J, $87 // Bag by Urban Expression, $63
“This length of this Fraiche by J dress suggests elegance and drama, yet the jersey fabric keeps it lighthearted and, most importantly, comfortable! The plunging neckline and back cutouts are sexy but tasteful, and perfect for a romantic dinner out. Pink is incorporated subtly in the striped pattern throughout the otherwise seafoam dress; add a bold pink bag like this one by Urban Expression to really make it pop!”
Presh: Gold and Pink Floral Earrings, $18 // Archipelago: Caramel Candle, $38
Royal Apothic: Japonesque Eau de Perfume and Vintage Duster, $40 // Papaya: "Love" iPad Case, $45
2013 Grammy Awards: Best & Worst Dressed
Damn, was this hard. With Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj inexplicably absent from the Grammy festivities last night, we didn’t get the same sorta drama on the red carpet. For the most part, everyone looked sane, yet stylish. So stylish, in fact, that I couldn’t even rank my best dressed.
BEST
Janelle Monae
Matador-chic? Is that a thing? Guess it is now. And I like it!
Kelly Rowland
Apparently she and Beyonce switched roles for a night. And with this daring Georges Chakra Couture number—accessorized with her chiseled arms—Kelly made Beyonce look like a chump.
Kimbra
I’m probably alone in my adoration for this dress, but how do you fight something so Pretty Pretty Princess meets the Ice Capades? You don’t, that’s how.
Adele
It’s not black! Hooray!!
Katy Perry
Even though she’d look a lot better with her hair up and boobs in, I’m obsessed with this sea-foam green Gucci gown. And the slightly tacky embellishments make it very Grammy appropriate.
Rihanna
Wasn’t sure how she was going to top the incredibly sexy and simple goddess gown that she wore to the MTV Video Music Awards, but I definitely didn’t expect she’d do it with an equally sexy and simple dress.
WORST
Pauley Perrette
The Grammy’s were almost as boring as this outfit.
Lisa D’Amato
Uhhhh…ummm…like, the fuck is this?
Local Valentine’s Gift Guide
Now that you know what Philly’s Ten Most Romantic Meals are, it’s time to start worrying about your Valentine’s gift. Here’s eight local shops and businesses definitely worth hitting up:
FOR YOUR FELLA …
If your beau isn’t afraid to rock a little pink, right now Duke & Winston is taking 20 percent off their entire selection of refined, yet appropriately festive pink and red menswear, both in store and online (promo-code: ILUVDUKE). For the more dapper of dudes, consider one of the brand’s gentleman polo ($65) and signature logo tie, in your choice of burgundy or pink ($68). For the more laidback dresser, there’s always their signature red hat ($22) and pink “Long Live Duke” tee ($32). (633 N. Second St.)
As long as you get the team right, you can never really go wrong with cool, vintage-inspired sports apparel and accessories. Hint: the Flyers and Sixers are both in the midst of their seasons. (1201 Chestnut St.)
Lingerie is over-rated. If you really want to get your man’s attention, how about sprucing up your vajay vajay with gemstones or hot pink dye? No, seriously—the chic, organic Old City salon is currently has four different V-Day specials going on, the two most interesting being their “Bedazzled Brazilians” ($85) and “Hot Pink Bikini Color” ($50, $95+ with Brazilian). Should you want to do something far less extreme for yourself they’re also offering a one-hour facial and complimentary blow-out for $100 dollars as well as a 30 minute scalp treatment and custom oil blend for just $37 dollars. (55 N. Third St.)
FOR YOUR LADY…
Rather than going to a department store and picking out some cheap, generic piece of jewelry, you’re gal is much more likely to appreciate a one-of-a-kind, handmade adornment. Though any of owner/designer, Sarah Lewis’ creations will do, you should definitely consider Adorn’s new Love Potion Necklace ($38), a tiny faceted, heart-shaped glass vial which holds a few drops of essential oil—your choice of lavender, rose, or jasmine. As an additional incentive, if you stop by the boutique any day before V-Day, you’ll save 10 percent. Meanwhile, if you shop online before Feb. 12, you can save 20 percent with the discount code: LOVE. (1314 Frankford Ave.)
The gift of pampering never goes out of style, and nor will your lady’s mane should you give her a gift card to Philly’s award-winning, cutting-edge salon. Their services start at just $25 dollars and range from blowouts and restorative treatments to makeup application and brow shaping. (258 S. 11th St.)
Arcadia Boutique
Though typically, men should not be trusted to pick out women’s attire, Arcadia’s sales associates will be more than willing to help you out. This is just a preview of the eco-friendly, V-Day appropriate fashions they have in store. (No Libs: 819 N. Second St. Rittenhouse: 265 S. 20th St.)
FOR HIM OR HER…
If they have a home, then TPF has the perfect gift—whether it’s a a mid-century sofa, an Indian Navi blanket, a set of Victorian tin cups or the 1940s kiss letterpress postcard set that you see above. Seriously, they have more truly unique home goods, décor and accessories than you can even imagine. (376 Shurs Ln., Building A)
In addition to their selection of rare designer shoes, the Fabric Row boutique has all sorts of lovely gifts and accessories, both for him and her. Even better, starting next Monday, several of those gifts and accessories will be 15 percent off including, handmade wallets from Cheap Monday and Patrick Michael, Betsy & Iya earrings and Lisa B. unisex socks, which have a hint of cashmere. (727 S. Fourth St.)
Excellent New Menswear On South Street: Ps & Qs, Premium Quality
Last weekend, on a stroll on South Street from the Chop Shop to the Broad Street line, I did a double take at 820 South Street. An unassuming all-glass storefront seemed to house sophisticated menswear with a dozen shoppers checking out hats, jackets, shirts, books and other odds and ends. I scanned the storefront for signage – What is this place?! Didn’t matter – I entered and I spent.
Ps & Qs is a well-curated menswear shop carrying some stellar brands (brands you’d previously only find at Barney’s CO-OP or in a small handful of Old City boutiques): Norse Projects, Penfield, Naked & Famous, Herschel Supply Co., Pendelton, Patagonia, Warriors of Radness, Oakley, Richer Poorer, and more. In the back of the store, they’ve pooled together a collection of classy coffee table books, candles, blank notebooks and objects to smarten up your housewares game. To be clear, the store also just looks sharp. There’s not endless product eveywhere (you may have to ask for help with sizes), there’s beautifully finished wood everywhere, and the whole affair feels very minimalist. They’re not trying to recreate the wheel here, they’re just adamant about offering up quality products.
From a CityPaper story in November (photo pulled here by Jessica Kourkounis), we know that the store’s owned by Ky Cao plus his brother, Rick, and a fellow Drexel alum and bud, Joseph Lardizabal. They also have a tiny little adorable pooch wandering around the store, typically wearing something chill and comfortable. Their focus isn’t on being fashion-forward; most of the clothes in-house aren’t wild styles or colors. It’s more that they’re eager to give South Street a slightly classier pop of style while keeping the focus on well-made and resepectable brands. You may want to drop some serious cheddar in here but your wardrobe, and anyone who observes your apparel decisions, will appreciate the move.
I’ll be looking forward to seeing what they come up with this spring and summer. One of my favorite of the previously-mentioned brands, Warriors of Radness, doesn’t extraordinarily smart spring and summer goods and Lardiziabal urged that they’ve got a ton of W.of.R product coming in for the warmer temperatures. Can’t wait to see what kind of shorts, swimsuits, tees and tanks I’ll be creepin’ on in a matter of weeks. C’mon, spring. Give me a reason to spend more money here.
P.S. They don’t have a website finished yet, but it’ll be up soon. And for now, you can go’ head and like a Facebook page.
Damn, Michelle Obama Looks Good
She’s been a busy gal this past week, huh? If The First Lady’s status as a style icon wasn’t already solidified, I think it’s safe to say that it is now.
It all started with the unveiling of her new—and very much improved—do, which came just in time for Mrs. Obama’s 49th birthday on Thursday and is likely to send middle-aged women all across America flocking to salons requesting a sleek bob with bangs. Then came the seemingly endless string of inauguration festivities over the weekend and an endless string of museum-worthy outfits.
Let’s dissect this timeline of stunning looks, shall we?
Saturday Morning: National Day of Service Summit
I would totally wear this, which is not something I can say very often about a First Lady’s attire.
Saturday Night: Kids’ Inaugural Concert
Sasha and Malia look a bit to fashion-forward for me to believe that they crafted those outfits themselves, but I appreciate them nonetheless. Their momma looks exceptionally chic as well.
Sunday Morning: Official Swearing-In
Is there any color that she doesn’t look great in? You almost don’t even notice the President in this pic. Also, is it just me or is the detailing on the blouse sheer around Michelle’s boob?
Sunday Night: Inaugural Reception
When it doubt, you can never really go wrong with a black sequin Michael Kors dress. It turns out she rocked the same dress in 2009, which I suppose is a fashion faux pas, but it really only makes me like her more. I just wish she r
Monday Morning: Inauguration Ceremony
TOO. FUCKING. CUTE. Normally I don’t find it endearing when a mother tries to coordinate outfits with their children, but aesthetically, it was a great call. Wearing a coat and dress by Thom Browne, the fabric of which is based on the style of a man’s silk tie, this qualifies as a fashion risk. And it paid off. The fact that’s she opted to accessorize with more affordable J. Crew pieces, well, that’s pretty much what makes Michelle Obama the badass fashionista that she is.
Monday Afternoon: Inaugural Luncheon
This is what she was wearing underneath that coat…and I’m kinda wishing she kept it on. Yawn!!
Monday Night: The Commander in Chief’s Inaugural Ball
Nailed it! I don’t think the CNN news crew has devoted this much airtime to a dress since Monica Lewinsky’s infamous blue stained frock. For me, what really made this ruby halter-neck chiffon Jason Wu gown were the velvet details. Underneath all those lights it almost looked like it was on fire. My only complaint: the flipped hair. Soft curls would have been far more appropriate for the occasion. It also would be a little more 2013 and a little less 2001.
Tuesday Morning: National Prayer Service
At this point, I wouldn’t fault her for rocking sweat pants and sneakers. But instead, she went for a custom ivory wool-applique coat and dress by Naeem Khan. This might be my favorite outfit of them all. It’s just so very “First Lady.”
Photos: Mrs-O.com
What To Do This Weekend
If your new year’s resolution was to spend more time pampering yourself or perhaps upgrading your look, now’s the time to start following through. For this one-day-only Mary Kay pop-up shop, guests will have a chance to receive custom makeup and skincare recommendations during a free consultation with a Mary Kay professional as well as bites, bubbly and a 20 percent discount on the boutique’s entire selection of dresses. Be sure to RSVP on the Facebook event page before you go as you’ll be automatically entered to win one of several raffles and maybe even score a free Three Sirens gift certificate. Saturday, 11am-4pm. Free. Three Sirens Boutique, 134 N. Third St.
Photo: Partrick Daniel
If the company’s provocative and mind-bending annual Live Arts show is any indication, this annual bash benefitting Brian Sanders’ JUNK is likely to be a rather epic affair. Tonight, UArt’s Hamilton Hall will be transformed into a winter wonderland where partygoers can dance under falling snow and maybe even partake in an indoor snowball fight while enjoying the live beats of DJ Chip Dish, cocktails, beer, wine and creative “JUNK” food. In addition, great deals for local theater and dance productions will be raffled off throughout the evening and a silent auction will be held featuring “junk-inspired” artwork and lighting. Best of all, you’ll get to see a bit of JUNK’s holiday show at the Annenberg Center. Come donning your most creative winter white attire and fairytale-like jewelry as prizes will be awarded for both. Saturday, 8pm. $35-$50. University of the Arts, Hamilton Hall, 320 S. Broad St.
There may be a few appointments still open this Sunday at Lakshmi Hair Studio, where they’ll be offering $40 haircuts and $20 blowouts, all in benefit of the Friends of Kevin Neary Foundation. A dear and client, Neary was shot last year in a random act of violence leaving him paralyzed from the neck down. The foundation was established to help cover the costs of his long-term care. Sunday, 11am-4pm. Lakshmi Hair Studio, 21 N. Second St.