What To Do This Weekend…
Warning: if you leave your house this weekend, be prepared for an insane amount of traffic, loud music and street vendors literally anywhere you go.
For the seventh year, this annual festival will once again celebrate East Kensington and the wonderful things the neighborhood has to offer with an afternoon of live music, food and fun as well as 200+ booths of local arts vendors. Some of the featured crafters whose handmade creations are likely to make you swoon include, As The Crow Flies and Co. (vintage ceramic china and stained glass jewelry), ABJ Glassworks (affordable and stunning 3-dimensional stained glass terrariums, mobiles, nightlights and lamps), Orgotten (sustainable, eco-friendly clothing/handmade, cruelty-free jewelry) and Two Lucky Cats (fun, vibrant textile accessories). Saturday, 12-6pm. Free. Trenton Ave. between Norris St. & Frankford Ave.
Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival
One of the city’s most popular spring festivals, the annual event attracts over 10 thousand people around the region each year, rain or shine. For the sake of conserving space, let’s just say that basically every store and restaurant in the neighborhood will have something special going on—cooking demos, sales, workshops, live entertainment, kid’s activities, free shit, ect. In the midst of all the chaos, just be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the spring fashion booth from Rittenhouse Row’s many super-chic boutiques (Knit Wit, Sephora, Town Home, Joan Shepp, Arcadia, South Moon Under, Bella Turka, ect.). Saturday, 12-5pm. Free. Rittenhouse Row (Walnut St. between Broad & 19th Sts.)
9th Street Italian Market Festival
That’s right, yet another festival. So what does this one have to offer that the other two do not? In short, cannolis. In fact, you’ll find delicious, authentic Italian food literally everywhere you look (beat that Rittenhouse!) There will also be stages set up at each intersection with live music throughout the day and a craft marketplace between Fitzwater & Christian Streets featuring one-of-a-kind, handmade items from a juried selection of local artists. What local artists, you ask? Ummm…presumably whichever ones aren’t in Rittenhouse or Kensington. Again, the party doesn’t stop in the event of rain. Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm. Free. Along 9th St., between Fitzwater & Federal Sts.
During the Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival, SA VA will be serving light refreshments and hosting a trunk show featuring three talented local designers who make all their items right her in the U.S.A: Toggery, J&I Jewelry and BCS Designs. Founded by Kate D’Arcy, Toggery is a contemporary fashion collection for women that blends beautiful design with luxurious, environmentally conscious fabrics (50 percent organic). The J & I jewelry collection is highlighted by gemstones and freshwater pearls, each piece hand formed in their Philly studio. Finally, there’s Center City designer Beth Soffer of BCS Designs who will be bringing along her collection of exquisite gemstones and 18K gold plated chains. Saturday, 12-3pm. Free. @ SA VA (1700 Sansom St.)
Nadeau Grand Opening Celebration
Enjoy drinks and nibbles while being one of the first to discover Manayunk’s newest retail haven: Nadeau. The store offers beautifully handcraft hardwood furniture imported from around the globe. This includes traditional and brightly painted dressers, TV stands, chair, accessories and more. And while perhaps not as cheap (or shitty) as Ikea furniture, Nadeau’s prices are actually pretty reasonable, especially considering that none of their pieces are mass-produced or cookie-cutter. Saturday, 10am-6pm. Free. @ Nadeau (4131 Main St.)
A Plus-Size Lingerie Boutique Opens in South Philly
As a medium build, somewhat busty gal, I’ve got a pretty big beef with Victoria’s Secret.
First of all, no woman wants to try on underwear while having to stare at a huge photo of Gisele Bundchen and Heidi Klum in the dressing room. Seriously, not cool.
Second, regardless of cup size, if you’re looking for a bra with greater coverage and support, you’re left to choose from a small selection of neutral colored, grandma-esque brassieres. Oh, and don’t even get me started on the whole branding-the-ass thing.
Fortunately, the plus-size ladies of Philadelphia now have an alternative to VC and all the other chain stores which seem to think size and sexiness should be exclusive.
After selling plus-size intimate apparel online for over ten years, Valerie A. Cuttino, owner of Lovely’s Lingerie, just opened her first boutique earlier this month in the Pennsport Mall (234A Moore St.). 
The mid-to-high-end lingerie fashion boutique caters specifically and exclusively to the modern BBW, carrying a wide selection of undergarments from sizes 1x-6x. We’re talking everything from elegant lace nighties to naughty leather corsets and even bathing suits. For any brides-to-be out there looking for the perfect wedding day/honeymoon unmentionables, the boutique offers special bridal consultations on Sundays.
Ultimately, Lovely’s Lingerie hopes to be a friendly and comfortable environment where women can come and embrace their bodies without being forced to walk around in ill-fitting undergarments with a logo or pink dog on their ass.
In other words: fuck Gisele and the rest of her super-skinny, inexplicably big-breasted “Angels.”
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
Also Tomorrow: Shopping Party & Fundraiser at SA VA
Wow, your Wednesday night sure is filling up quickly. Before heading over to The Trestle Inn to drool over BUS STOP boutique’s sexy shoe showcase, stop by SA VA in Center City (1700 Sansom St.) where they will be holding a special shopping party and fundraiser from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
While enjoying complimentary beverages, guests can shop the SA VA spring collection which is centered around eternal bloom and features ultra feminine pieces marked by soft shapes and wispy fabrics.
A portion of the party’s proceeds will be donated to InLiquid to help support their mission to create opportunities and exposure for emerging artists while making art more attainable to the general public with programming such as the upcoming Art for the Cash Poor and CAFe.
You’ll also be simultaneously helping SA VA in its mission to create a new kind of fashion community through local living wage creation, community partnerships and socially conscious clothing and accessories. If you didn’t already know, 90 percent of the garments the Philly-based brand sells are made in their adjacent garment center, always with fair-trade and often eco-friendly materials.
Certainly beats heading straight home after work and spending the rest of the night watching American Idol.
Alexander Selig’s Illusions Cosmetics Campaign is Stunning…
“Ever since I’ve been really young, I’ve had a knack for knowing fashion,” says Alex Selig.
Over the past three months, the Temple University graphic design major has created a faux makeup campaign for Illusions Cosmetics. The campaign was initially intended to simply serve as his senior project, but quickly transformed into a work of art itself.
“I knew I wanted to create a piece I was proud of, and something I could use after college. I also wanted to do something where I could incorporate photography and design skills,” Selig said. “A makeup company was the perfect match.”
Selig scoured the internet for a cosmetics line with the potential to be a staple in the makeup industry and found Illusions Cosmetics. “[The project] was about revamping [something],” Selig said. “I found the Illusions makeup website, and it was terrible. If I were a chick, I’d block that website.”
The next challenge involved finding the right face that can compliment a wide array of makeup styles, while complimenting the intricacies of each look.
“I wanted a fresh face,” Selig said. “Makeup is all about being youthful.”
After considering several models, the photographer decided to use his younger sister Zoe Selig. “She’s incredible at makeup so we collaborated really well,” Selig said.
Each partner in the dynamic duo brought a unique skill set. Zoe had the makeup expertise, and Alex had the vision for what the makeup line could be.
The photo series started out with a photo of Zoe wearing a modern take on ancient Egyptian queens. Someone mentioned to Selig that his sister resembled Egypt, and the time period piece came to life.
The time period theme allowed Selig to demonstrate the versatility of the makeup line in addition to his skill set, without having one overshadow the other. Being detail oriented, he drew inspiration from photos taken during the time period, created a color palate, and used makeup ideas from his sister to create eight makeup looks, each completely different from the next.
“I wanted to include bright colors to draw attention and any aspect that would pop off the shelves,” Selig said. The series is incredibly artistic, but his goal was to use his vision to remarket the makeup as a brand with a solid identity.
Using a simple colored background and a similar photo composition for each head-shot, Selig created eight very unique looks that compliment each other.
After devoting his life to the project for three months, Selig couldn’t pick a favorite photo. “There are little features I love about each one,” Selig said. “All the little touches make each one different from another, so that’s why it’s so hard to choose a favorite.”
After scrolling through the campaign, I was convinced that it was an actual product line he designed. After finding out it was his senior project, I was even more impressed that he used that level of detail, but Selig treated the project as if it were an actual re-branding campaign.
“People want perfection, and if they don’t see it in the campaign, they’ll question the quality of [your product],” Selig said.
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
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.)
What To Do This Weekend
Kembrel has teamed up with Temple Advertising Club to host an intro to silk-screening workshop all day today on Temple’s campus. Participants will get to choose from comfy and colorful tops as well as skirts and shorts by American Apparel then pick a design by a local artist and print it themselves right on the spot. You’ll also get 20 percent off your new custom merch. Friday, 11am-4pm. Free. @ Temple Student Center (1755 N. 13th St.)
Tonight, Arcadia Boutique will be kicking off a three-day trunk show featuring two of their favorite lines, Feral Childe and Kelly Lane. Shoppers can sip on sangria and get first dibs on the designers’ past and present sustainable collections tonight at Arcadia’s Rittenhouse location. Then, on Saturday, they’ll be packing everything up and moving it to their NoLibs shop. Both designers have some really fun styles in store for spring. Lane’s collection is inspired by the nostalgia of summer camp with a custom cloud and canoe prints while Childe’s aquatic-themed collection is marked by easy-to-wear pieces and a sophisticated color pallet ranging from bold coral to seablue. Fri., 5-8pm. Sat., 11am-6pm. Sun., 12-5pm. Free. @ Arcadia Boutique (819 N. 2nd St. & 265 S. 20th St.)
Tomorrow, nine beloved NoLibs boutiques will be taking their merch outdoors, offering locals a chance to take in some fresh air while taking advantage of some serious discounts, promotions and refreshments. Both Arcadia and Art Star will have sale racks and tables with markdowns up to 75 percent off (75 PERCENT!). Arcadia will even be sweetening the deal with complimentary spiked lemonade. The other participating boutiques: Millésimé, Duke & Winston, Once Worn, Concrete Polish, Casa Papel, SWAG and Bloom. The event will be going down rain or shine so there’s really no excuse for you not to go and check it out. I can promise you won’t regret it. Saturday, 11am-7pm. Free. @ Along N. 2nd St. between Spring Garden St. & Girard Ave.
Still on the prowl for the perfect Mother’s Day gift? Well then make your way from NoLibs to South Philly where Crafty Balboa will have 45 artists and crafters to come and sell their wares in conjunction with Flavors of the Avenue. In fact, along Passyunk Ave., you’ll find a slew of things going on—from live music and kid’s activities to a sprinkling of other vendors. Saturday, 11am-5pm. Free. @ The Singing Fountain (Tasker St. & E. Passyunk Ave.)
The Philadelphia Antiques Show
If you think antiques are just for old folks who put plastic over their couch, then clearly you know nothing about interior design. Recognized as the longest running and most prestigious antiques show in the U.S, the PAS offers a massive collection of diverse furnishings and decorative arts, even for the contemporary American home. This year’s show features two exciting new elements: “Antiques in Bloom,” a juried flower exhibit that pairs local floral designers with leading antiques dealers and “Designer Rooms” showcasing innovative home decorating concepts. There will also be various lectures held each day as well as a boutique offering a wide selection of gift items, including stationary, jewelry and scarves. Saturday-Tuesday.Various times. $17. @ The Convention Center (1101 Arch St.)
A Han Couture Fashion Show Today at Liberty Place
In celebration of the return of The Shen Yun Performing Arts to Philly next month for a two-night run at the Merriam Theater, this afternoon the Shops at Liberty Place will be hosting an award-winning Chinese imperial dynasty fashion show from 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Featured in New York’s 2011 Couture Fashion Week, Han Couture design will delight and amaze shoppers with its over-the-top fashions. The cultural presentation will also include a live performance of ancient Chinese instruments.
So grab some grub and stay for a breathtaking show. It’s definitely a better alternative to spending your lunch break eating at your desk and stalking friends on Facebook.
usafashionshows.com
Photos: PW Style Blogger Turned Cheetah
So I went through a pretty dramatic series of transformations over the weekend.
First, my light auburn, almost shoulder-length locks were hacked off into an adorable pixie (a la Michelle Williams) before being dyed dark brown (with a few strategically placed highlights at the top). I then had long, bleach-blonde extensions glued into my bangs. Finally, the left side of my face, neck and shoulder were covered in cheetah spots.
As mentioned last week, I did it all for Signatures du Mei salon’s summer photo shoot and hair show on Sunday at PYT where I was joined by 20 other volunteer models sporting cute, practical summer-time dos as well as a few more creative “exotic” styles. It was during my consultation with the salon’s owner, Mary Chan a few weeks ago that she informed me I was going to be her “cheetah girl.” That’s right, whether it’s my piercing eyes or woefully unkempt eyebrows, apparently something about my face screams welcome to the jungle.
Despite having rocked almost every hair length between a bob and pixie and every shade from blonde to black, I was still incredibly nervous walking into the salon on Saturday knowing that I’d be leaving without the majority of my mane. Yet, four hours and three cups of sangria later, as I stood about a foot deep in a pile of dead hair, I realized how silly I had been.
The cut looked amazing.
If you’ve been thinking about revamping your look, I highly recommend leaving it up to Mary or one of the salon’s two other skilled stylists. From an ombre dye job and chic up-do to a Medusa-esque quaff with protruding rubber snakes—these ladies do it all. In fact, I watched them do all three in just a matter of hours.
By the time I found myself strutting through a restaurant the next day as part woman/part cheetah with my new wave, Flock of Seagulls bangs, the entire experience just felt like a wonderfully weird dream.
Anyway, having spent what felt like 30 hours in the salon, I had plenty of time to prepare for my professional photo shoot. So here’s some photos capturing the various stages of my makeover…
