Burberry’s New ‘White Line’ is Ummm…Confusing
Image Courtesy of Burberry's US Store.
On Wednesday, May 2nd, the British clothing house Burberry released a white collection for Spring/Summer 2012, including a video intro to give shoppers more of a feel for the line.
After watching the models look windswept in slo-mo for 55 seconds with camera panning over them, we’re wondering why? The line doesn’t make sense.
Now, I’m a huge Burberry fan. But who the hell is wearing a trench coat during the summer??? I don’t care how light or breathable the material is, no one in their right mind would don a trench mid-May. I love my trench more than like it’s my first born child and even I retire it the moment temps start reaching into the 7os.
In addition to focusing on the model’s trench coats, the video highlights each model’s white jeans. I’m a big fan of white, especially slim fit white jeans, but they’re nothing new. Based on the video, there doesn’t seem to be a difference between Burberry’s white jeans and a pair from H&M.
I only liked the male model’s sweater out of the entire collection. The subtle, yet oversized Burberry check is iconic, and incorporates the classic look Burberry is known for.
Overall, I think the line would fare better in an area with a cooler, rainier climate than the US. The line would be perfect for England where the average temperature through the summer doesn’t go past 70; however, in the US, it seems like a lost cause.
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.
Introducing the JoeyBra
It is no secret to anyone that knows me that when it comes to going out to the bar, I don’t like carrying purses. I feel as though it limits me being able to prowl-I mean dance- around with my friends!
Unfortunately, putting my phone, apartment keys, credit cards, and ID in my pockets is less than practical and the extra weight on my fanny is certainly not that comfortable. There is also that fear that by the end of the night I will be fishing any of the above items from the toilet, should I forget to take them out pre-potty.
Luckily for me, two good people from Seattle, Washington have invented a product to help such “free-spirits” like myself. JoeyBra, a company recently founded by Mariah Gentry and Kyle Barlow, is a sexy, pocketed bra that allows you to conceal any items you choose to stow in the safety of your bosoms. Most cell phones and any other items, regardless of breast size, can fit into the otherwise normal looking bra. The best part, besides that it comes in a must-have leopard print, is that this bra is only $19.99, and comes in sizes to accommodate any bust size.
They even have a video to show you how easy it is to use. Enjoy!
~Michelle Mass
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.)
Checking in with Commonwealth Proper
After meeting the owner of Commonwealth Proper, Craig Arthur von Schroeder, at the Mitchell & Ness Spring Launch Party the other week, I was dying to see what his 17th and Spruce Street showroom looked like. I was lucky enough to charm my way into an invite.
Everything about this place screams: MAN! I’m not talking the juiced up, grunting, throwing furniture over their head kind of man either. I mean the cigar-smoking, whiskey-sipping, briefcase and custom-made suit wearing kind of man. Don Draper and Nucky Thompson would be regular visitors, for sure. Not only is the showroom a certified man cave, but it simply drips with Philadelphia culture and history–from the Revolutionary and Civil War maps that adorned the high ceilings, to the African war buck in the main dressing room and the shearing scissors from the 1800’s.
In between his busy schedule of dressing A-list stars like Leonardo DiCaprio and getting ready for the MTV awards, the fashionable entrepreneur (who was as handsome and debonair as his clothing) was able to talk to me about what was new with Commonwealth Proper, especially his newfangled ‘Ready to Wear’ pieces: “We at Commonwealth Proper have studied custom tailoring and bespoke clothing practices for the past several years and are now applying the fit principles we learned from those experiences to make the perfect button-down shirt, as well as other ready-to-wear garments that simply fit better because they are designed with the contemporary man in mind. There is no substitute for fit. We are essentially making tailored fit ready-to-wear garments. The proof is in trying our clothes on…”
Craig explained that, while he has a showroom in Los Angeles, he wants to take more time to focus on his presence in Philadelphia, having everything from design, measure, pinning and chalking to the final fitting take place right here. He wants his clothing to soak up as much local culture and vintage feel as his show room does. All Commonwealth Proper designs are equipped with a tag stating when it was “born” and that it was made in the USA. Now, the creative genius, as I fondly call him, wants to produce tags saying “MADE IN PHILLY,” and there is absolutely nothing we hate about that.
Making a Difference with United By Blue
United by Blue is a Philly-based apparel company that prides themselves in being ocean friendly. For every single product sold, members of the caring UBB team remove one pound of trash from the world’s oceans and lakes. As of April 20th, they’ve actually removed a total of 87,863 pounds.
The company recently launched its 2012 Spring/Summer line and let me tell you, it took an impressive amount of self-restraint for me not to immediately whip out my credit card and begin purchasing everything in eyesight. From their vintage, handmade and sustainable jewelry to their extremely soft and chic apparel, they’re sorta like a wonderful mash-up of Urban Outfitters, Free People and American Apparel all rolled into one.
Check out some of my personal favorites below!
Uniform Bravo Bravo Scoop Neck $34/ S.O.S Scoop Neck $34/ Pacific Garbage Patch $34
Navy Women’s Laptop Bag $98/ Vintage Women’s Unstructured Bag $42/ Women’s Blue and Grap Stripe Bag $38
Top Row: Turquoise Cluster Silver Ring $75/ The John Dillinger $28
Bottom Row: Western Shore Strawberry Rhubarb Necklace $38/ Artisan Turquoise Ring $50
S.O.S $34/ Old Boat $34/Sit Ready to Shove $34
~Michelle Mass
Designer Showcases Return to HyLo Boutique this Thursday
It wasn’t hard to fall in love with HyLo Boutique’s after seeing the success of their promotional campaign for South Philly calligrapher Danny Fox. The design collective specializes in shining light on the work of local artisans so; naturally, we were tickled pink to hear about their designer showcases returning April 19th.
The first showcase, entitled CURRENT: A NIC*FISH Pop-Up, will feature Philadelphia fashion designer Nicole Fisher, who started her label NIC*FISH in 2000. Stop by to check out her unique, bright looks that “flatter but never reveal.” The spring collection features layerable options that can adapt to any woman’s style and personality.
Along with NIC*FISH, the show will include other Philadelphia artists of all talents. Douglas Witmer, a painter who specializes in geometric, colorful shapes, will be joined by jewelry sculptor Anu Rock and HyLo favorite, Danny Fox who will be showing his newest collection of rings. Angela Monaco’s Concrete Polish jewelry line will be displaying rare crystal pieces fuzed with silver, gold, mineral and metal, and Bus Stop Boutique will be showing off their one-night-only NIC*FISH inspired platform shoe.
Shoes, jewelry, clothing and art? Oh, AND guests will be offered a special RHUBY cocktail to accompany tropical treats from Kissinger’s Cupcakes and Brown Betty Dessert Boutique. Is this heaven?
The exhibition will kick off on the 19th at the South and 20th location from 7-10 p.m. with music by Josh Hey. the showcase will be around through the second week of May (hours Tuesday-Saturday 12-7 and Sunday from 11-5).
~Michelle Mass
A Birthday Bash at BUS STOP
Back on April 14 2007, London-born Elena Brennan opened a quaint boutique along Philly’s historic Fabric Row offering locals hard-to-find designer shoes and accessories. We’re talking some of the most unique, fun footwear you can imagine from international designers like Jeffrey Campbell, Poetic Licence, J Shoes, United Nude Farylrobin, and my own personal fave, Irregular Choice.
Now five years later, BUS STOP has just upgraded to a new and improved space at 727 South Street and continues to be one of the city’s hottest shoe shopping destinations.
To celebrate, this Wednesday from 6-9 p.m., the boutique will be throwing a birthday bash, equipped with cupcakes, Big Bad Fizz cocktails and the groovy British sounds of DJ Oz. Guests will also receive 10 percent off their purchase—15 percent if they bring a friend along.
Believe me, there’s going to be plenty of awesome spring sandals and stilettos for you to drool over. Like these…
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)
Tonight: Aoki Boutique Grand Opening
Rittenhouse officially has a new shopping haven: Aoki Boutique
Located at 115 S. 22nd St., in between Chestnut and Sansom Streets, the women’s lifestyle boutique will celebrate their grand opening with a quaint soiree this evening from 6-8 p.m.
Inspired by street style, world travels and modern femininity, Aoki aims to empower and inspire women while helping them to discover their “inner goddess.” Lending an extra bit of help, owner Alina Alter is offering a 10 percent discount card to all of tonight’s attendees.
With their selection of items ranging from edgy jewelry to sophisticated dresses and unique household items, you’re guaranteed to find something that tickles your fancy.
But just in case fabulous finds at a brand new boutique isn’t enough for you, the shop will also have champagne and light bites.
So get your butt over there!
-Michelle Mass