5 Ways To Lose Weight By Looking Great (Thanks Fitbie!)…
Being a self-proclaimed health addict who spends way too much of my time scouring the Web for fitness/healthy eating articles, I was more than happy to stumble upon Fitbie’s “Fashion-Forward Ways to Lose Weight.”
This article offers 10 chic ways to lose weight using some of the seasons most popular styles. I just had to share with you some of my favorites but be sure to check out Fitbie for the entire article.
1. Lipstick: Fitbie states that wearing lipstick, especially those of a coral, red, or fuchsia hue, can prevent you from eating messy or sugary foods since you won’t want to constantly mess up your kissers. Nutrition Director Sari Greaves, RD, from Step Ahead Weight Loss Center confirms that you will want to eat daintier as no not smudge your makeup! My preferred lip colors are from Sephora.
Left to Right: Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain “Always Red” $12/Charlotte Ronson “A perfect Kiss Lip Gloss” $14 (Sophia-Creamy Coral)
2. Carry a Clutch: Marisa Moore, RD, a spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, told Fitbie that carrying a clutch, instead of a shoulder bag or purse, keeps your hands busy, making it more difficult to carry a drink AND a plate of food (genius because, lets be honest, the cocktail would always beat a plate of food if I had to choose one).
From Left to Right : Clare Vivier Aqua and Neon Foldover Clutch from $156/ H&M Straw Bag $17.95
3. Buckle Up: Fitbie suggests wearing a belt to not only kick up your style a notch, but to also help define your waistline. (Also, it is a nice reminder to have: once it starts feeling a little tight you know to put down that last donut)
From Left to Right: Forever 21 Colorful Braided Belt $6.80/ Tory Burch tory Reversible Logo Belt $195
4. Do Denim: Hopefully you work at a more laid back office where you are given the freedom to wear jeans on Friday. A study from the University of Wisconsin showed that people who wore their favorite dark-washed jeans to the office took 491 more steps than those who wore suits.
From Left to Right: Forever 21 Stretch Skinny Jeans $10.80/ Madewell Skargorn Bones Skinny Jeans $128
5. Sneak Attack: Fitbie’s article encourages commuters to save their heels for the office and rock some your favorite paire of sneakers into work. Not only will this make your morning routine more comfortable, but it will also give you the availability to get a quick work or walk out in during your lunch break.
From Left to Right: Nike Free 4.0 Women’s Running Shoe $90/ New Balance 860 $89.99
~Michelle Mass
What To Do This Weekend
Far from your average clothing swap, the extra “Rama” is a series of DIY workshops in which locals can explore easy, creative and sustainable ways to upcycle used clothing and textiles. Here’s how it works: while not mandatory, those who come with at least a bag of unwanted clothing will save $10 on admission and once all the donations have been collected, everyone will get to dive into the massive pile of gently worn treasures like wild (yet courteous) scavengers. Finally, skilled local artists will help Swappers work their creative mojo and revamp their new duds. You can spruce up a boring tee with a screen-printed image with Candy Depew of the Philly-based silk-screen studio, school and showroom, Candy-Coated or with a simpler version of designer Nicole Rae Styer’s unique embellishments. Amber Zaraza of Phea Jean and the crafty folks of Handmade Philly will even show you how to transform an article of clothing into a one-of-a-kind accessory. Saturday, 12pm. $10-$20. @ Broad Street Ministry (315 S. Broad St.)
Spring 2012 Art Star Craft Bazaar
Just in time for Mother’s Day, Art Star has hand selected over 140 local and national artists to set up shop and sell their wares outside at Penn’s Landing for the spring edition of their beloved art fair/craft show. Basically, anything and everything you can think of and then some. Some local vendors to keep an eye out for: exit343 design, Concrete Polish, Black Heart Letterpress, BirdQueen Designs and Bob Dix Illustration. Going through the long list of vendors, I’m going to be on the look out for Moonlight Bindery, Spread The Love and Inedible Jewelry. As usual, there will also be live music from local bands, vegan/vegetarian friendly food and interactive art demos like sculpting/mold making with The Philadelphia Sculpture Gym and recycled crafts with NL Arts. Saturday, 11am-6pm. Sunday, 11am-5pm. Free. The Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing (Columbus Blvd. at Chestnut St.)
Breaking Away: 2012 Fashion Show
This annual fashion extravaganza in conjunction with Moore College’s commencement celebrations will feature 28 innovative senior collections as well as designs by junior and sophomore students of the college’s acclaimed fashion design department. The showcased designs include swimwear, bridal, childrenswear, menswear, sportswear and last but not least, eveningwear. The theme “Breaking Away” is specifically for the senior eveningwear finale. There will also be a closing reception for “Emerging Artists and Designers,” featuring the best work from their senior students in fine art, graphic design, illustration, interior design photography and textile design. So come out and help congratulate the Class of 2012 Who knows—you may wind up discovering America’s next big designer before everyone else. Saturday, 8pm. $25. @Moore College, Aviator Park (20th & Ben Franklin Pkwy.)
Pennsylvania Guild Fine Craft Fair
While fine art might be a bit of a snooze-fest, fine crafts are a whole different story. For their signature premiere fair, the PA Guild of Craftsmen has invited 140 of its finest crafts artists to pile into Rittenhouse Square this weekend and showcase/sell their exceptional one-of-a-kind creations. We’re talking everything from handcrafted jewelry, designer clothing and contemporary furniture to functional and decorative pottery, limited edition photography and fine porcelain. Will these items be pricey? You betcha! But there’s sure to be some affordable pieces. Either way, everything else is guaranteed to be worth the price. Fri.-Sat., 11am-7pm. Sun., 11am-5pm. Free. @ Rittenhouse Square
If you’re having trouble finding the perfect Mother’s Day gift (and somehow PW Style’s incredibly awesome and comprehensive Mother’s Day Gift Guide didn’t help), why not just mom out to the KOP Mall so she can pick out something herself? While there, be sure to stop into Free People where they’ll offering complimentary tea, coffee and other refreshments as well as a free flowers for the mommas (unless you show up late). You may want to also grab something for yourself since you’ll receive an exclusive soy candle by Candles with Love with a purchase of $250. Sunday, 11am-6pm. Free @ Free People, King of Prussia Mall (452 Mall Blvd.)
Great Gifts For Any Mom…
Ok, maybe you’re mother isn’t super chic, quirky, professional or free-spirited. Maybe she’s just a little bit of all those things. Regardless, she deserves an above-average gift.
So to officially conclude our Mother’s Day Gift Guide, here’s a slew of thoughtful treasures perfect for pretty much every type of mom other there…
Gifts For The Fun Mom…
If your mother isn’t afraid of bold colors or prints and has a personality to match, here’s some Mother’s Day gifts worth considering…
Gifts For The Working Mom
If your mom is a nine-five gal who’s always on the go, here’s some Mother’s Day gifts sure to appeal to her professional side.
What To Do This Weekend
Finally a chance to out all your America’s Next Top Model fantasies! During this exclusive, two-hour Philly Dance Fitness workshop, instructor Beverly Holskin who has modeled and choreographed for hundreds of fashion shows around the area over the past two decades, will lead you through the three key components of modeling. First, you’ll learn to work the runway like a pro. Next, Beverly will show you some basic tips when posing for photos to ensure that you always get a flattering shot. Finally, you’ll get a hands-on makeup lesson, learning professional techniques for both day and night. The workshop is limited to only 20 women so be sure you to register ASAP. Sunday, 2:30-4:30pm. $20-$30. @ Major Movement Studio (1624 South St.)
With the forecast calling for summer-like temps, you can expect 2nd Street in Old City to be packed with vendors tonight selling their handmade creations. Once you’ve worked up a sweat, head a block over to Three Sirens Boutique for a refreshing margarita while perusing their new summer styles, including fun dresses from Press and Gracia. As always, the store will also be offering special in-store sales on clothing and accessories. Friday, 5-9pm. Free. @ Three Sirens Boutique (134 N. 3rd St.)
Once you’ve loaded up on margaritas at Three Sirens, head over to Smak Parlour for Smak-tinis and even more pretty spring dresses and accessories. Sultana Maria Jewelry will be hosting a pop-up shop with everything 20 percent off so be sure to keep your mother in mind before you go spending all your cash on yourself. Friday, 5-8pm. Free. @ Smak Parlour (219 Market St.)
The first of a slew of upcoming spring craft bazaars, Greensgrow Farms is inviting you to come and spend the afternoon appreciating nature and the great outdoors while perusing the handmade goods of more than 30 local artists and crafters. With the variety of items ranging from handmade soaps, candles and jewelry to prints, wood crafts and furniture, you should have no problem finding something your momma will like. Saturday, 9am-5pm. Free. @ Greensgrow Farms (2501 E. Cumberland St.)
SA VA Style Event
Join SA VA founder and CEO Sarah Van Aken for a super fancy cocktail party featuring a Style-It Fashion Show showcasing the brand’s signature “New Classics” collection, modeled by local celebs with jewelry provided by Bario-Neal. There will also be passed hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and a chance to win one of two signature SA VA items. Following the event, shop at SA VA for the looks just shown, with 20 percent of all proceeds benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters. Space is limited and you can purchase tickets here. Sunday, 4-6pm. $59-$295. SA VA @ Sofitel Philadelphia (120 S. 17th St.)
Gifts For The ‘All-Natural’ Mom…
If your mother uses the word “organic” almost every time you talk to her, has tried to get you into yoga or has lectured you about the importance of recycling, here’s some Mother’s Day gifts she’s likely to appreciate…
What To Do This Weekend
Exclusive Aleksandra Ambrozy Makeup Class
Whether you’d like to admit it or not, chances are you’re one of the millions of women who don’t apply their makeup correctly. I mean, I know mine definitely isn’t flawless. Fortunately, there’s professionals like Aleksandra Ambrozy. One of the most sought after makeup artists in the city, Ambrozy will be instructing women on the proper way top apply makeup as well as which products and tools to use and how to achieve that “professional makeup effect.” The class will be conducted in a very chill, all girl atmosphere with light food and mimosas served. Ambrozy has just knocked $15 off the ticket price so RSVP ASAP. Only ten women will be allowed to take part and you definitely don’t want to lose out on a spot. Sunday, 12-4pm. $60. @ Soiree Philadelphia (305 Cherry St.)
On the market for some beautiful, traffic-stopping designer jewelry? Well, Judith Ripka has plenty of it and today only, you’ll be able to score 50-70 percent off her 18K gold and silver collections. That includes this 18K yellow gold vertical Oasis ring with full cut diamonds, pink mother-of-pearl and pink sapphire which may be one of the most beautiful creations I’ve ever laid eyes on. Friday, 10am-5pm. Free. @The Rittenhouse Hotel (210 W. Rittenhouse Sq.)
Simon Fashion Now
All this weekend, a style extravaganza will be sweeping the King of Prussia Mall. It kicks off tonight with a “Trends & Friends Night,” during which you’ll have a chance to connect with your favorite retailers through interactive demonstrations like hand-graving stations at Tiffany & Co., “make-unders” from Bare Escentuals and mini spa sessions from Aveda. There will also be a fashion show. For day two, runway presentations will be held every hour showcasing seasonal styles from Coach, Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom and more along with “style shops,” offering shoppers in-depth beauty and style demos. Friday, 6-8:30pm. Saturday, 1-6pm. Free. @ King of Prussia Mall (160 N. Gulph Rd.)
Kembrel Designer Series: Philadelphia Designer Trunk Show
Enjoy art, music, food, drinks and lively conversation while checking out apparel and accessories from five emerging local brands: Kenneth Zane, Adorn by Sarah Lewis, Duke & Winston, Haight Ashbury and SPLURGHE. Kembrel will even be extending its 20 percent discount. They have several events lined-up at their Rittenhouse pop-up location so be sure to check back next week! Sunday, 5-9pm. Free. @ Kembrel (1822 Rittenhouse Sq.)
Just in time for Mother’s Day, TownHome is inviting Heather B. Moore to showcase her customizable and incredibly charming jewelry line. All of Moore’s designs feature hand-pressed engraving, which can include anything you want—monograms, mantras, names, dates, ect. If you have siblings, consider pooling your money together and having each of your birthdays engraved. Not only will that make it more affordable, but extra special. Saturday, 9am-7pm. Free. @ TownHome (1616 Walnut St.)
If you’re doing it right, shopping can be a pretty intense workout. With that in mind, Three Sirens Boutique is inviting you to come and shop their feminine fashions while checking out the boutique-style fitness studio, Nawrocki Fitness. New spring styles by Press, RD Style and Gracia will be showcased as well as handbags and accessories from Urban Expressions and their Hardtail workout gear collection. If you’re a student, bring your ID along and receive 10 percent off. As an extra incentive, 10 percent of the event’s proceeds will be donated to Moss Rehab. Sunday, 12-4pm. Free. @ Nawrocki Fitness (1500 Locust St., Suite 1419)
Come and watch as I attempt to walk down a runway sporting a bold new do given to me by the cutting-edge, award-winning stylists at Sigatures du Mei. I’ll be joined by 20 other amateur models showcasing the salon’s summer hair and makeup collection. The show will feature both an “exotic” and “summer” theme and models will be adorned with jewelry and accessories from SWAG Boutique. Should for some reason you want to meet a PW Style blogger in the flesh, just keep your eyes peeled for a half-woman/half-cheetah. PYT will be providing tents in case it rains so my spots should remain intact. Sunday, 3:30pm. Free. @ PYT (1050 N. Hancock St.)
DIY Wall Murals
Let’s be honest, most wall murals and decals are pretty cheesy. I don’t think people really think it through when they have a family photo blown up to monstrous proportions and use it as wallpaper. Pretty soon, the sight of your own smile will start to creep you out. Or, those terrible city sky-line murals. What is it with people (especially New Yorkers) who need to constantly remind themselves that they live in a city? Just look out your window! Personally, I like my city apartment to be super tranquil and remind me of being out in the country. Which is why I find these wall murals so appealing.
If you aren’t the handiest with a paintbrush, here’s some methods you can use to make your own wall mural.
1. Use PosteRazor to slice an image into squares that can be printed out to make a large poster size image.
2. Construct a make-shift projector from a box, a lamp and some tape.
What To Do This Weekend
For this spring edition of GO WEST!, 50 local crafters will be selling their plethora of handmade goodies out in the fresh air at one of West Philly’s most beautiful and historic spots. This includes the adorable jewelry, accessories and home goods of Bee Vintage Redux; Kelly Anne Mifflin’s beautiful aeriums and Ben Isaiah’s incredibly intricate metal jewelry. Some other crafters to keep an eye out for: Fox Glove Factory, Fitbliss Organics, Communitea Clothing and Hipster Designs. There will also be live music, face painters and juggling acts throughout the day with Tiny Circus performing aerial feats at 3 p.m. Should those pesky April showers threaten the day’s festivities, there’s a rain date scheduled for Sunday. Saturday, 11am-5pm. Free. @ The Woodlands (4000 Woodland Ave.)
The Rittenhouse Fair & Square Pop-Up
I’m so peeved I’m just finding out about this! Open now through April 24, this pop-up shop features an array of affordable handmade goodies (ranging from $5-$100) from several awesome local crafters: Girls Can Tell (fun, diagram embellished housewares), Made by Hank (feminine vintage purses), Miss Millie (quirky porcelain housewares and accessories), Betsy Ann Paper (adorable handmade greeting cards), and Giant Dwarf (super girly/glam hair accessores). Needless to say, you’re going to want to check it out. Tuesday-Sunday, 11am-5pm. Through April 24. Free @ Philadelphia Art Alliance (251 S. 18th St.)
With the forecast calling for sunny skies and warm temps, what better way to spend Sunday afternoon than soaking up Japanese arts and culture under Fairmount Park’s beautiful cherry blossom trees? This annual centerpiece event of the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia will feature a variety of demonstrations and workshops as well as live music and dance performances. Yet, perhaps the biggest draw are the spectacular fashions slated to be showcased: a Harajuku Fashion Show featuring the designs of local students and a Zenkaikon Cosplay Fashion Show in which anime fans will show off their crafting and costume skills, transforming themselves into their favorite characters. There’s even going to be a Prettiest Pet in Pink Parade! Seriously folks, it doesn’t get much better than that. Sunday, 10:30am-4pm. $5. @ Fairmount Park Horticulture Center (Montgomery Dr. & Belmont Ave.)
Should you feel like taking a little 45-minute drive this weekend, this bead and jewelry show—one of the largest on the east coast—is certainly worth the trip. Not only will there be hundreds of unique exhibitors selling an unbelievable array of beads, gems, stones and jewelry making supplies, but talented instructors will be on hand to teach you what to do with them. A total of 100 workshops will be held throughout the weekend including, bead embroidery, wire wrapping/weaving, torch enameling, metalsmithing and basic bead stringing. All workshops are free and $12 will get you admission the entire weekend. Friday-Sunday, 10am-6pm. $12. @ Greater Philadelphia Expo Center (100 Station Ave. Oaks, PA)
For their monthly “2nd Girls Night Out” event, BellaNOR Boutique is hosting a Chinoo Designs trunk show. In addition to a runway show presenting the line’s spring/summer collection, guests will have a chance to meet the designer, Patricia Stewart while enjoying cocktails and light hors d’oeuvres. The Mt. Airy boutique specializes in sophisticated, trendy clothing and accessories for women sizes 14-24, but welcomes ladies of all shapes to attend. Saturday, 5:30pm. Free. @ BellaNOR Boutique (7117 Germantown Ave.)
Confrontational Clothing Spring Fashion Show
Founded in LA by a long time student of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Confrontational Clothing offers clothing comfortable enough to workout in and stylish enough to wear when you’re done your workout. For the grand reveal of their spring/summer 2012 line, the brand is rolling out the rep carpet for a blowout fashion event featuring DJ Bizz, drink specials and of course, a few MMA fighters in attendance. Friday, 9pm-2am. Free. @ Red Zone (35 S. 2nd St.)
Ok, so Franklin Mills may be the second trashiest mall in Philly (the first being of course The Gallery). But with roughly 200 stores, including several outlets, there’s really no denying that it’s one of the city’s best shopping destinations—this weekend in particular. Several retailers will be offering deals on all the must-have fashions for spring including, Last Call by Neiman Marcus, Bath & Body Works Outlet, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor Factory Store, Gap Outlet, Old Navy, Rue 21, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store and Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th. Check their website for specifics. Fri.-Sat., 10am-9:30pm. Sun., 11am-7pm. Free. @ Franklin Mills Mall (1455 Franklin Mills Circle)