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.)
The Best & Worst of the Met Gala
The Met Gala, it’s the who’s who of everything really. Whether you’re an actress, pop star, social queen or just dating someone really rich — everyone who’s anyone is there and flaunting ridiculously dramatic dresses. It’s also one of the most blogged about events in the fashion, even more so than the Oscars where starlets play it rather safe. The Met Gala is the night to let it all go and experiment. The results are often awe-inspiring, or, sadly, just plain awful. Here, we take at look the former and the latter.
The Worst
Kirsten Dunst is a big fan and also close friend of the Rodarte ladies, and we applaud here for supporting friends. But it looks like she should be handing out lollipops to kids after they visit Santa.
Model Anja Rubik barely wears an Anthony Vaccarello dress. The holy-high slit and slippery bandages over her boobs are a desperate cry for attention. Is this night about artistry or is it a singles mixer?
NO, no, no B! We love you, but you look horrendous in this Givenchy mess and a bit too eager to show off our post-baby bod.
The Best
You can always count on Dree to bring it. She looks so casual cool in this Topshop Uniqueness Dress.
Katherine McPhee is a tangerine dream in this Ellie Saab dress that fits her so well.
Yeah sure, we’d probably pick her no matter what she wore, but this Deep green Wes Gordan gown and the bright pink Stella shoes is perfection!
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…
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
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.)
Celebrate Japanese Culture This Week at Liberty Place
If you have time on your lunch break this week, be sure to stop by The Shops at Liberty Place (1625 Chestnut St.), where each afternoon in the Rotunda from 12-2 p.m., they’ll be hosting some really amazing activities as part of the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia.
Today instructors will be teaching folks how to make origami and tomorrow, they’ll show you the art of kimono dressing. Here’s the complete schedule of daily events:
Tuesday: Origami
Wednesday: Kimono Dressing
Thursday: Calligraphy
Friday: Harajuku Fashion Display
Hosted by the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia, the Cherry Blossom Festival is going on now through April 21, and has tons of events lined-up for you to further explore the cultural, social and educational customs of Japan, including…
Sushi Making Class: Philadelphia’s Queen of Sushi, Madame Saito will teach you the basics and show you how to make your very own original rolls. Participants will event get to take home leftovers. Thurs/12, 6:30-8:30pm. $30. @ Headhouse (124 Lombard St.)
Nodate Tea Ceremony: Enjoy traditional Japanese tea ceremony on the veranda under the weeping cherry. Drink a bowl of matcha (green tea) and taste a seasonal sweet. Space is limited and reservations are required. Sat/14, 1pm & 2:30pm. $35. @ Shofuso – Japanese House and Garden (Horticutre & Lansdown Drives)
Kirie Workshop: Renowned kirie artist, Shu Kubo will explain the art of cutting paper and assist participants as they work on their own creations. Wed/18, 6:30pm. $10. @ JASGP at The Bellevue (200 S. Broad St., Suite 700)
Sakura Sunday: The festival’s centerpiece event features an action-packed day of live dance performances, music, demonstrations, workshops, a fashion show and even a pet costume contest. Sunday, 10:30am-4pm. $5. @ Fairmount Park Horticulture Center (Montgomery Dr. & Belmont Ave.)
Kimono Dressing Demonstration: Marvel at Fumiyo Batta’s extensive collection of kimons while learning about their history and how to wear them. Sat/21, 11am-2pm. $7-$16. @ Morris Arboretum (100 E. Northwestern Ave.)
What To Do This Weekend
In 2005, two BFFs decided to open their own store and fill it with unique goodies every girl would love. Now, seven years later, the pink and dreamy little haven known as Smak Parlour has managed to weather the recession, continuing to offer girls all the frilly party dresses, adorable accessories and one-of-a-kind housewares their hearts could desire. Tonight, Abby and Katie are welcoming all their supporters to come and help them celebrate with champagne and a slew of stylish confections—Triple Layer Bakery’s organic baked goods, heart-shaped strawberry shortcakes, pink champagne cupcakes and, last but not least, Pink Lady and Lemon layer birthday cake. Even sweeter are the special b-day deals they’re offering shoppers: a free pair of heart sunglasses with ANY purchase, a free bullet and feather necklace with purchase of $40 or more of Sultana Maria Jewelry (which also happens to be 25 percent off) and 20 percent off an entire purchase of $100 or more. The Old City boutique has also recently teamed up with local street artist Blacky to design a super cute limited edition cat tank, 50 percent of the proceeds of which will be donated to The Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society. Friday, 5pm-8pm. Free. @ Smak Parlour (219 Market St.)
Three Sirens Boutique Spring Sale
While in Old City, you’ll also want to stop into Three Sirens where, as always, they’ll have some First Friday cocktails and shopping incentives. Now through Monday, the boutique is pimping their spring styles and the more you buy, the more you save. You’ll receive 10 percent off the first item, 15 percent off the second item and then 20 percent off any additional items (excluding clearance items, jewelry and lip balm). Friday, 6pm-9pm. Free. @ Three Sirens Boutique (134 S. 3rd St.)
Craft Foundry is pleased to announce their newest crafter: Sarah Holmes of Gritty City Beauty Co., who has just wiped up a fresh batch of fine soy candles, just in time for spring and Mother’s Day. Sniff the new scents and peruse their eco-friendly gifts, including some new jewelry and bookbinding work while enjoying food and wine. Friday, 6pm-9pm. Free. @ Craft Foundry (701 Belgrade St.)
Before partaking in an Easter feast, head over to South Philly for a little bit of fun, donning your most festive Easter Sunday attire. The annual event kicks off at 1 p.m. at the corner of Passyunk Ave. and South St. with a multi-cultural arts parade, activities and complimentary bunny ears. The parade will end at Headhouse Square where prizes will awarded to folks wearing the most fun and colorful Easter-themed outfits and costumes in categories like “Best Easter Hat,” “Best Dressed Woman” and “Best Dressed Family.” Sunday, 1pm-3pm. Free. @ South Street Headhouse District (Passyunk Ave. & South St.)
What To Do This Weekend
You know what you won’t get at your typical Friday night happy hour: outrageous bedazzled manicures and custom jewelry. That’s right, get your digits decked out with painted art and 3D pieces by Nail Tite (for $10 and up) and create custom Fleather earrings from leather scraps with Linda Smyth, former owner of Topstitch Boutique, all while sipping on cocktails, stuffing your face with snacks and cupcakes and listening to the to the booty shakin’ sounds of Gun$ Garcia. You’ll also want to peruse the boutique’s amazing selection of handcrafted jewelry, including Smith’s Rabid Fox line and Concrete Polish’s badass crystal bling, both of which will be 15 percent off during the event. Friday, 5pm-9pm. Free. @ Concrete Polish Showroom (716 N. 3rd St.)
This weekend, the Philly-based design collective HyLo Boutiques is launching a unique social media campaign to help promote South Philly calligraphy artist and jewelry designer, Danny Fox. Basically shoppers are invited check out some of Fox’s favorite local spots including, Manny’s Browns (5th and South), Concrete Polish (716 N. 3rd St.) and Duke & Winston (633 N. 2nd St.) either tomorrow or Sunday and drop his name at the register in exchange for an instant reward. Snap a photo of the #dannyfox icon at each location and tweet it @HyLoBoutiques using the hashtag #dannyfox and you’ll also be entered into a raffle to win awesome prizes like lunch for two at Pumpkin Market, Duke & Winston tees and one of Fox’s stunning industrial sterling silver rings. Each tweet counts as a separate raffle entry and the more pics you tweet, the higher your odds of winning a prize. A map of #dannyfox locations is available online as well as at each of the businesses. Saturday-Sunday. Free. @ Various Locations
Retrospect’s 1st Annual Very Vintage Prom Event
Regardless or whether or not you actually have a prom to attend, I think it’s safe to say we could all use another vintage dress in our wardrobe. But since it is technically prom season, Retrospect is lending youngsters a hand by taking 30 percent off all dresses, suits and slacks for one whole day. That includes everything from glizy formal gowns to polka-dotted maxi dresses. Saturday, 12pm-10pm. Free. @ Retrospect (508 South St.)
It’s Wellness Week in Philly!
Whether you’re looking to slim down for the summer, remove unwanted body hair or simply enjoy a little pampering, now would be the week to do it.
As part of Wellness Week, the largest nationwide initiative dedicated to helping Americans lead healthier and happier lives, several local spas, yoga studios, salons, health clubs and other wellness businesses will be offering services for either 50 percent off or for a $50 flat-rate. Some businesses will also be hosting free consultations, mini-treatments and workshops.
All you have to do is go to the Wellness Week 2012 Web site, enter your email address and zip code and then book deals from the list of participating businesses. Though deals will last through Sunday, the sooner you book, the better.
Here’s the best local deals I found:
Spa at Sporting Club at The Bellevue (200 S. Broad St.)
Deals: $50 Meltdown Swedish Massage, $50 Bout Face Facial, $50 Pilates Session
The Welcare MedSpa (255 S. 17th St.) 
Deals: $187 Photofacial, $112.50 Laser Acne Treatments
Rejuvalux Body Klinic & Day Spa (2012 Walnut St.)
Deals: $50 Full Body Swedish Massage, $50 The Body Klinic’s Signature Facial
MaxAesthetics (2401 Pennsylvania Ave. Suite 1A10)
Deals: $50 Bikini Laser Hair Removal, $50 Microdermabrasion, $62.50 Microcurrent Facial Toning
On Thursday, from 7-9 p.m, MaxAesthetics will be hosting a free “Brows, Accessories and Wine” event where guests are welcme to come and have their brows shaped while sipping on wine and perusing handmade purses, earrings and scarves from around the world. To RSVP, email maxaesthetics@maxaesthetics.com with the subject “Girls Night Out” or call 267-528-3859.
What To Do This Weekend
Spring Art Opening & Trunk Show
Tonight you have not one, but two reasons to head to Arcadia Boutique’s NoLibs store. In addition to celebrating the opening of “Persona,” the latest collection of work by artist Anastasia Alexandrin, Arcadia’s new line, Dusen Dusen will be debuting all the flowy, feminine blouses and dresses from their Spring 2012 collection for one night only. And, as always, they’ll be offer guests cocktails, snacks, live music and a little shopping incentive (15 percent off all sale merchandise). Designer Ellen Van Dusen will also be in attendance should you want to pick her brain. Friday, 6-9pm. Free. @ Arcadia Boutique (819 N. 2nd St.)
4th Annual PBR Crafting Challenge
If you thought Pabst Blue Ribbon was only good for drinking, prepare to be amazed. Using the poor man’s beer of choice as their inspiration, independent artists and crafters from around the area have concocted a plethora of handmade crafts and vintage goods to showcase and sell for this beloved annual event hosted by Craftypants Philly. We’re talking everything from apparel, accessories and home décor to towels, beer cozies and prints. In addition, prizes will be awarded to the vendors with the most creatively festive tables. While perusing the array of handmade PBR treasures, guests will be treated to complimentary refreshments (i.e PBR) and live music. Several local restaurants will also be going head-to-head this year in a PBR-infused chili cookoff. Saturday, 3-10pm. $8. @ 2424 Studio’s (2424 E. York St.)
We’ve all seen a few scattered yarn bombs around the city, but for her latest exhibition, featured as part of FiberPhiladelphia 2012, Philly-based artist Melissa Maddonni Haimes has spruced up the winter landscape outside of the Schuylkill Center, bombing thirty separate tree trunks with brightly colored yarn cozies and other nontraditional materials. To celebrate the opening of “Cold Comfort,” guests are invited to come and have a little fiber arts fun of their own from 1-3pm, taking part in a few knit and crochet workshops, led by Haimes herself. Saturday, 1-4pm. Free. @ The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education (8480 Hagy’s Mill Rd.)
Potato Party
Each Sunday this month, Tattooed Mom is welcoming folks to come and enjoy brunch and discounted drinks while partaking in their popular “Potato Head Arts & Crafts” event. They’ll supply the spuds and an array of accessories and encourage you to share a pic of your Potato Person online once complete. All you have to do is drag your ass out of bed. I can assure it’ll be worth it. Sipping on a mimosa while freeing your inner child is a hell of a way to spend your Sunday afternoon. Sunday, 1-11pm. Free. @ Tattooed Mom (530 South St.)