Art Institute Student Creates An Award-Winning Wedding Gown
The Art Institute of Philadelphia is swarming with talented young people and Adriana Maria is one of them.
Currently enrolled in the Institute’s Fashion Design Program, Adriana officially made a name for herself last month having won Philadelphia Wedding’s “Sew in Love Fashion Showcase. Philadelphia Wedding, a publication of Philadelphia Magazine, asked design students to create a one-of-a-kind wedding gown that cost under $500. The dresses, refereed by Fashion Icon Nicole Miller, Project Runway winner Jay McCarroll, Danielle from Bridals by Danielle, Pattie Lamantia from The Wedding Shop, Mary Dougherty from MKDA Agency, Danielle Hoysa from Bridal Garden and Philadelphia Wedding’s Editor-in-Chief, Carrie Danny, were judged in three categories including creativity, execution, and emotional response.
Having been deemed the best of 21 entries (all from five local design schools including, Drexel, University of Delaware, Philadelphia University, and Moore College of Design), Adriana not only will have her dress (pictured left) featured in the Fall/Winter 2013 issue of Philadelphia Wedding, but the budding new designer also won the chance to work closely with the Bridals by Danielle owner on her brand new eveningwear line.
Making the competition even more exciting, 50 percent of ticket proceeds from the April 20th reception event went to the non-profit organization, Wish Upon A Wedding, which provides wedding renewals for couples who face life-threatening illnesses.
Great job, Adriana!
~Michelle Mass
Be A Fashionable Phillies Fan
Ladies, there’s no reason for you to be representing the Phillies in frumpy, oversized men’s apparel. With the team’s female (and overall) fan-base having grown a great deal over the last three years, companies have really stepped up their selection of women’s apparel and accessories.
In fact, on the Modell’s online shop, the selection was almost 50/50. More importantly, it appears companies are starting to take female fashion sensibilities into consideration when coming up with their designs, rather than just offering fitted versions of their men’s apparel.
So you’re one of those women I see walking around Center City every game day wearing what appears to be the same generic one-size-fits-all Phils tee—which I’m guessing you probably got for free somewhere—it’s time to seek out a more stylish alternative.
Here’s just a preview of the array of cute/cool Phils gear out there…
Modell’s: Fightin Phils Tee, $34.99 / Racer Back Tank Top, $24.99 / Capri Sweat Pants, $32.99 / Hooded T-Shirt, $35.99 / Sateen Shorts, $17.99 / Moccasin Slipper, $19.99 / Crew Neck Raglan T-shirt, $26.99 / Striped V-Neck T-Shirt, $26.99 / Vintage Full-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt, $54.99 / Cosmetic Bag, $14.99 / Hoodie Purse, $44.99 / Feather Hair Clip, $12.99 / iPhone Case, $29.99 / Socks, $11.99
MLB.com: Ruffle Bikini, $44.99 / Victoria’s Secret PINK® V-Neck Ringer Tee, $32.50 / Flannel PJ, $32.99 / Victoria’s Secret PINK® Hoodie, $64.50 / Sequin Flip Flops, $19.99 / Victoria’s Secret PINK® V-Neck Half Sleeve Tee, $32.50
FootballFanatics.com: V-Neck Fashion Top, $31.95 / Scoop Neck French Terry Sweater, $32.95 / Fashion Replica Jersey, $64.95 / Touch by Alyssa Milano Burnout Tank, $26.95 / Ponytail Holder, $5.95 / Lace Trim Panties, $13.95 / Touch by Alyssa Milano Tank, $34.95
Sports Authority: Hooded Sweatshirt, $89.99 / Camo T-shirt, $27.99 / Personalized Replica Jersey, $79.99 / Tweed Military Cap, $24.99 / Crystal Military Cap, $22.99
Material Girl Launches Shoe Line
Photo courtesy of news.instyle.com
Earlier this week, Madonna, fondly nicknamed Madge among her devout followers, announced slyly that she plans to launch a shoe collection called “Truth or Dare.”
According to several sources, Madge’s line consists of 60 designs, featuring leather studded stilettos, leather knee-high lace up boots and other sexy staples in line with Madonna’s current look: sleek, sexy and ultra bad-ass.
Though her current clothing line, Material Girl, is geared toward a younger, teenage set, “Truth or Dare” is directed to an older scene, primarily women ages 25 to 50.
According to the University of South California’s Annenberg Center, Macy’s, Nordstrom and Asos are among the retailer slated to carry Madonna’s shoe stylings, which will range from $89 to $350.
The line is expected to hit stores for the Fall/Winter 2012 term, and she’s expected to release a line of intimates and hosiery by 2013. But here’s to hoping the cone bra look doesn’t come back in style. History repeats itself, I know, but I’m praying history does us all a favor on that front.
But as for the shoes, they’re nothing short of divine. But what else would you expect from the Queen Bee?
My favorite pair features, though not seen in this image, a knotted bow-type detail on the back of the heel. And I love the toe; it recalls this steel-toed boot feel, but is still feminine and sexy.
Eight of the 60 designs can be seen on Women’s Wear Daily.
‘Taste of Runway’ the Perfect Fit for Fashionista Foodies
Who said fashionistas don’t eat? Taste of Runway, one of the gems I’ve recently unearthed from the interwebs, is a blog that chicly blends a fashion fiend’s panache for pretty clothes and a gourmand’s gastronomic taste.
Since May 2011, the website has juxtaposed the runway’s memorable looks with culinary dishes that fairly resemble the high line designs. And with the slew of fashion shows that occurred in the past few weeks, it’s now a great time to possibly see your favorite threads reincarnated into food form.
But of course, food is not meant to just be looked at! You can even cook up the stylish cuisine, since there’s an accompanying recipe in every blog post. You may not be able to afford a peach ruffled Lanvin dress at the moment, but you can whip up some delish parma ham rolls. If you can’t wear it, eating it is just as good.
It’s understandable if you crave a PYT burger instead of a plate of greens when you’re looking at those slender models strutting down the catwalk. But from sweet fluo macarons to fun multicolored pasta, you will surely be the most fashionable cook in town with Taste of Runway’s help. Bon appetite!
~ Jennifer Nguyen
Get Your Swagger On at Swag Boutique
Alright readers, here is your daily vocabulary lesson from your friends at PW Style:
Swag (n): Appearance, style, or the way he or she presents them. Oh, he’s got killa swag!
Swag Boutique, a chic store-front in one of my favorite city hot-spots, NoLibs, is dedicated to helping customers “get their swagger on.” Whether you’re shopping for art, gifts for the home, or adorable fashion must-haves from local artists, your swag will sky-rocket upon entering this boutique.
The posh shop specializes in selling pieces from local artists and crafters. Unfortunately, due to the delicate shipping requirements of the one-of-a-kind items, you can only shop for them in the store or by contacting the artist directly as opposed to online shopping. Visit the North 2nd Street location to see unique jewelry from local artists including Bernadette Sunner, Pretty Little Things, Unique Annick and more.
Have no fear online shopping addicts, you can most-certainly get your fix with the rest of Swag’s products.
Some of my favorite Swag items can be seen below!
Everything about these two outfits scream swag. The bright colors, the adorable and sexy design. I’ll take both!
I’ll take the one in coral, please.
And then there were the purses…SWAG OVERLOAD
**Photos courtesy of the SWAG’s Facebook
~Michelle C. Mass
Expand Your Online Horizons
I can’t lie: I’m an online shopping addict. I’ll rarely ever purchase anything due to a lack of disposable funds, but it’s still a very therapeutic activity for me. Especially during spring break stuck in the suburbs, where my days consist of eating Nutella and watching awful Hilary Duff films.
As of late, however, I’ve been exhausting my usual stomping grounds (Modcloth, ASOS, Karmaloop, Urban Outfitters), and I’m too impatient anymore for Etsy (but that’s mostly because Etsy doesn’t have a “Stuff Lex Likes” link). Being the loyal blogger I am, I’ve decided to share some of my newest discoveries. Click “more” for the list!
Smelling the Roses at Fleur De Lis Boutique
My eyes were immediately drawn to the astonishing palate of colors as I entered the small yet fashionably organized boutique on the corner of 21st and Walnut. Purses, sun dresses, jeans and shoes adorned the color-coded walls from ceiling to floor. I have finally found it-fashion heaven.
Named after her favorite flower, Fleur De Lis Boutique is owned and operated by fashion leader, Kimberly Czyzyk. Opened three years ago, the Rittenhouse Square shop is not your typical Philly consignment boutique. Instead, Kimberly does all of the buying and selling on her own as opposed to setting up contracts and selling items for clients.
While buying from customers isn’t something she does all the time, she is not opposed to the idea and will never turn down a must-have item. What also makes Fleur De Lis stand out is that the chic owner doesn’t discriminate against non-high-end labels. If she spots a cute dress from H&M, it is on the rack of the boutique the next day. I fought the urge to purchase every cute spring sundress that stared me down as I sauntered through the maze of seasonally appropriate tops, skirts and fur coats. This was not an easy feat to say the least.
Separating herself from the masses even more, the clever fashionista is in the mist of setting up an Ebay store to double her presence. Once the merchandise is purchased from the online store, it is removed from the boutique and vice versa.
–Michelle Mass
Kembrel Re-imagines Online Shopping
In 2010, while standing in an American Apparel store cursing their loan-depleted bank accounts, three entrepreneurial, fashion-conscious Penn students came up with a brilliant idea to essentially reinvent online shopping.
And they called it Kembrel.
The online shopping community pairs with cool lifestyle brands to offer members their favorite fashions for the fraction of the retail price. Each week, Kembrel runs a flash sale featuring 10-20 items from a handful of designers for up to 40-75 percent off.
Furthermore, the company partners will local businesses like restaurants and salons to offer VIP members Living Social/Groupon-esqe deals.
Within a year, they were representing over 200 brands and had provided savings to more than 40 thousand shoppers. Kembrel carries both mens’ 
and womens’ apparel as well as a little bit of everything else—shoes, accessories, gifts, gadgets Apple accessories, ect.
“We are going after independent, smaller labels and designers, either with a cool story behind the brand or interesting detailing,” explains co-founder and CEO, Stephan Jacob. “Anything that makes the merchandise stand out.”
The store also features established designer brands (including Missoni and Chloe), but only if they can negotiate a great value for their customers.
In November, Kembrel extended beyond the virtual world, setting up shop at 1219 Locust St. The store—which also serves as their home base—was a little light on merchandise when I stopped by last week, but that’s because most of their inventory has been transferred to Kembrel’s first official pop-up location in Rittenhouse (1822 Chestnut St.).
Judging by the attendance at the store’s grand opening party and the amount of foot traffic it attracted on a Monday night, the venture already appears to be a success. The pop-up shop will only be open a few months and I highly recommend stopping by. Most items are slightly on the pricier side, but there’s still some pretty sweet deals—like this awesome Niez ring ($5), paisley print tunic dress ($39) and sequin BB Dakota dress ($28).
Though there’s a larger a larger selection of items on Kembrel’s Web site, according to Jacob, most of the items in-store can also be found online, give or take a few days. He also says that they plan to feature several local apparel brands in the coming weeks.
Marni for H&M: Ech
We told you back in December that H&M would be collaborating with Marni and with the collection’s grand reveal now only about a week away (March 8), it’s time to officially examine their fashion offspring.
In theory, everything about the Italian label’s design aesthetic excites me: bright colors, bold prints, sophisticated silhouettes.
But as I scanned through the collection’s look-book, the only thing that got excited was the food in my stomach. Ok, so maybe I’m exaggerating a bit. Much like the H&M-Versace collabo, the collection is really just hit or miss.
On one hand, there’s wonderfully quirky, modular work-appropriate looks like these…
But on the other hand, there’s this barf-tastic pleather/sweater hybrid for $149…
And while I realize that pairing mismatching or odd garments is sorta indicative of high fashion photography, what really alarms me about the collection is Marni’s claim that “everything goes with everything.”
Everything? Really?
So apparently in Marni’s world swimwear goes with knee-high socks, sandals, wool cardigans, sequined collars and matching button-up shirts. Let’s see how this looks in the real world, shall we?
As far as I’m concerned, not a single garment in the either of the above ensembles makes any sense. I mustn’t be apart of the “transversal audience of individually minded explorers of style,” that Marni is targeting.
**All Photos courtesy of H&M
The Fashion Ball Cap
I’ll have you know we predicted this one. It’s simple, fashion follows the street. Couture high tops, thousand dollar spiked punk jackets, carefully ripped designer jeans — it’s a line fashion houses tread constantly, bringing extremely low fashion to the runway and charging a ridiculous amount for it.
Baseball caps have started popping up at fashion week and, we gotta say, we are into it. But, and this is a big BUT, we fear the thousand dollar Isabel Marant leather and mink baseball cap is right around the corner and it kind of makes us cringe.
Here, some examples of the fashion ballcap done right.
