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.)
Beauty Essentials to Switch into Summer
Memorial day is just around the corner, which means beach traffic will convene, pools will open, outdoor festivals will start, barbecues will fire up and your beauty routine will make its summer switch up. Late spring/ early summer beauty care is thankfully low-key, but the environmental stresses on your skin and hair kick into full gear. Here, we have some great products that will keep you low maintenance and smartly protected from whatever summer throws at you.
Phillip Kingsley Swimcap is serious protection from sand, surf, sun and chlorine. So good, in fact, that it’s used by the US Olympic Synchronized swim team.
A lot of beauty bloggers will try to sell you on expensive foot scrubs this time of year. Don’t buy it, get this 3.99 one from Avon. The course sea salt in it does the job and it smells like coconuts.
The old favorite has a grown-up scent of lavender and chamomile. Use it for everything. Under your arms, in your shoes, on your roots, on your carpets before you vacuum, between your thighs – whatever you got.
Okay, this is a weird one. But you know how in summer you get that not-so-fresh feeling more often than usual? The body mint tablets use chlorophyll to freshen you up on the inside.
Boscia BB Cream is a primer, foundation and SPF all in one, all while repairing your skin with antioxidants and botanicals. Just one swipe and your good all day. You’re welcome.
Vincent Longo Hydrating Lip stain with SPF 15. Keeps on all day, doesn’t dry lips out, protects them from the sun. Now, you are ready.
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
Obsessed with OCC’s Lip Tar
Bright, neon lips are undoubtedly a popular trend these days. Sephora has deemed tangerine their color of the year- walk into the store and you’ll find a selection of the best coral options for your lips, among nail polishes and eye shadows. Bright pink lips are a highly coveted look also; from Jessica Stam modeling for CoverGirl to a girl I shared an art history class with, who pulled the bold look off so casually that I wondered why more people weren’t sporting a bright lip on a daily basis.
Since I’ve discovered Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetic’s Lip Tar, I’ve been planning to ditch my red lipstick for a shade of purple. Then again, they also carry cyan blue, and even mango-orange. With 36 unique colors to choose from, it’s a decision that requires some consideration. Not only does OCC offer plenty of variety in their products, but all of their products are 100% vegan and cruelty free.
Even without the wide variety of colors, The Lip Tar is a unique product in itself. It applies like a lip gloss, but has a dry, satin finish and the durability of a lipstick and goes a long way. The Lip Tar is ultra-pigmented, so when applying it to your lips (you’ll need a lip brush!) you only need a very small amount; if too much is applied, the product will bleed. It will look exceptional all while doing good for your lips, as it contains hemp oil, peppermint oil and vitamin E. Should you ever need to adorn your body with brightly colored designs, you’re in luck because the Lip Tar can be used as body paint as well.
-Emily O’Neill
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.
A Sexy Spring Shoe Event at The Trestle Inn
Should you be in need of a little mid-week pick-me-up tomorrow, head to The Trestle Inn (11th & Callowhill Sts.) where from 6-10 p.m., BUS STOP boutique will be hosting “Sexy Heels A Go-Go,” a night of sexy good fun and even sexier footwear.
Sip on a “Spiked Heel” cocktail as models dolled up by Ground Zero South Hair Salon showcase the boutique’s incredible new selection of fun and flirty shoes from hard-to-find international designers like Irregular Choice and Jeffrey Campbell.
And you don’t just have to longingly admire the shoes from afar—you can buy them right on the spot. In fact, BUS STOP will be offering guests 10 percent off their first shoe purchase in addition to raffling off three $50 gift certificates.
Meanwhile, Maggy’s Rooftop Aerial will be spinning some British funk and at 10 p.m., The Trestle Inn’s go-go dancers will take the stage.
Again, it all goes down tomorrow, Wed., May 16 starting at 6 p.m.
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…
Meet Supermodel and Make-Up Extraordinaire Cindy Joseph
I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Ford Classic supermodel and entrepreneur Cindy Joseph about her career, her new make-up line BOOM! By Cindy Joseph, and her perspective on how every age can be beautiful. The 61 year old silver fox will also be speaking at the new raw food and juice café, Jar Bar.
PWStyle: Hi Cindy! You are so beautiful! Please tell us how you were discovered as a model.
Cindy Joseph: In 1999, I was approached on the street by a casting agent who wanted to know if I could model for Dolce and Gabbana. I was 49 and had silver hair. I did the shoot and 6 months later, the campaign was launched. I went to Ford models and they signed me. I have been modeling every since.
PW: What do you think is the most beautiful age a woman can be?
CJ: Every age has its own unique beauty. Think of a newborn’s tiny hands and feet, reaching out for sensation and the absolute awe in their eyes from experiencing all the new sensations. Then think of the sweet cuddly beauty of a toddler’s tender smooth skin romping around in their diapers. From that age through teenage years, through puberty, and young adulthood, all the way through a woman’s
30s 40s 50s, past 100, there is a nuance and shift that reveals another kind of beauty. It is our choice to seek and find that beauty in every girl and woman.
PW: What is your favorite beauty secret?
CJ: Taking joy in life
PW: Do you believe women should change their make-up routine as they age?
CJ: Depends on what they were doing when they were younger. Best thing to remember is that your face attains more character and develops more features as you age; so less of everything is better. If you wear eyeshadows and contours and powders and heavy foundations you will be just be adding more texture to the fine lines and wrinkles, and end up looking older. Think moist, dewy, color and radiance. Softer eyebrows. No dark shadows or hard eyeliners etc. Keep it simple and relax with the changes instead of fighting them. It will only make you look strained and possibly older.
PW: Do you prefer the natural make up look or the made up (to go out) look?
CJ: I think it’s all great as long as the girl or woman is motivated to wear makeup for fun rather than feeling desperate and motivated by fear.
PW: Do you believe women should embrace their age or hide it?
CJ: Not only EMBRACE their age but celebrate it. Be proud to have earned each SILVER hair and wrinkle they have!!
PW: Please tell me a little bit about BOOM! By Cindy Joseph.
CJ: BOOM! By Cindy Joseph is the first pro-age cosmetic line ever to exist. The message is that women are just right the way they are. The right size, shape, features, coloring and age, just as they are. And when a woman is taking joy in her life, experiencing pleasure she is extra attractive. It is her smile and her joy that makes her compelling and attractive. Boomsticks are easy to use, applicator free and great for multitasking. Simple, easy, and affordable. They are designed to make every women look as she naturally does when she is experiencing pleasure. If she is laughing dancing or romancing, her circulation revs up and her lips, neck, cheeks, forehead become colorful and her skin becomes dewy and radiant. Boomstick and Boomsilk are all safe, paraben phthalate free cosmetics.
PW: Explain your take on the “Pro-age” movement!
CJ: I named BOOM! By Cindy Joseph because that is the sound of a revolution. BOOM is the Pro-Age revolution! Women and men, children and adults are ready. It is simply time. Our society has hit a screeching crescendo of anti aging attitudes and products. If we believe that the largest percentage of our lives is downhill, which is after we turn thirty, it is a sad story. Life is not a mountain with one peak. Life is a V, expanding and becoming more as time goes on. As you age, you become more self-aware, develop taste and wisdom. Women are going under the knife and are injecting Botox; 9-year-old girls are worried about their weight and becoming anorexic. Women of all ages feel unseen, unnoticed, unless they look younger than they are. It is time for women and our society to realize looking like we are in our childbearing years just to be valued is archaic thinking!! Not only that, it simply does not work. It only makes a woman look desperate and they cannot fool anyone. The whole idea that women are only valuable for bearing children, ended 100 years ago with suffrage!!! Remember Women’s Lib? That happened over 40 years ago! Everyone is waking up to reality. That is the Pro-Age movement. We are not accepting this anti-age attitude anymore. Women are free, powerful and attractive at every age and are valued on many levels for many reasons. Its time to wake up and smell the coffee!
PW: Is BOOM! By Cindy Joseph only for a certain age group?
CJ: BOOM! is for every female from new born to over 100 years old. Girls and women of all ages enjoy Boom!
To learn more about this captivating woman head to the Jar Bar on May 10th from 7-9 p.m. Cindy will be offering interesting make-up tips for every age and will be discussing how you can discover yourself and live a passionate, happy life!
~Michelle Mass