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…
Smelling the Roses at Fleur De Lis Boutique
My eyes were immediately drawn to the astonishing palate of colors as I entered the small yet fashionably organized boutique on the corner of 21st and Walnut. Purses, sun dresses, jeans and shoes adorned the color-coded walls from ceiling to floor. I have finally found it-fashion heaven.
Named after her favorite flower, Fleur De Lis Boutique is owned and operated by fashion leader, Kimberly Czyzyk. Opened three years ago, the Rittenhouse Square shop is not your typical Philly consignment boutique. Instead, Kimberly does all of the buying and selling on her own as opposed to setting up contracts and selling items for clients.
While buying from customers isn’t something she does all the time, she is not opposed to the idea and will never turn down a must-have item. What also makes Fleur De Lis stand out is that the chic owner doesn’t discriminate against non-high-end labels. If she spots a cute dress from H&M, it is on the rack of the boutique the next day. I fought the urge to purchase every cute spring sundress that stared me down as I sauntered through the maze of seasonally appropriate tops, skirts and fur coats. This was not an easy feat to say the least.
Separating herself from the masses even more, the clever fashionista is in the mist of setting up an Ebay store to double her presence. Once the merchandise is purchased from the online store, it is removed from the boutique and vice versa.
–Michelle Mass
Getting Addicted to Addiction Make-up Studio and Boutique
The degree of fabulousness that Addiction Make-up Studio & Boutique had was almost too much to handle. Immediately upon walking into the swanky storefront located on 10th and Pine, I was bombarded with racks of designer clothes, shoes and jewelry just begging to go home with me. Luckily, I managed to keep my professional composure together, while simultaneously fighting my shopping addiction, as I learned more about the store from co-owner Candice Birdsong.
Opened two years ago, Addiction is a full service make-up studio and designer consignment shop. Selling gently worn and current designer items only, the store offers sellers a 40/60 split on items, sending a check for the 40 percent after the item is sold. If, after 45 days, the item is still in the store, an extension is discussed. For extremely high-end labels such as Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, or Chloé, they will offer sellers an even 50/50 split. Most of the must-have jewelry sold in the boutique is made by local artists totally brand new.
Just bought a killer outfit and now want to wear it out that night? Candice and co-owner Joelle Brodhecker will help you finish your look with their full service make-up studio located right in the shop. A makeover will run you $50, $5 extra for lash extensions.
Working on-location, the chic entrepreneurs also do make up for weddings, commercial photo shoots and other events, where pricing is customized. Currently, no make-up is sold in the studio but Candice and Joelle expect to be selling NYX Cosmetics in the near future.
~Michelle C. Mass
Find High-End Gems at The Crystal Cage
Let’s be honest: consignment shops are a dime a dozen in Philly-most no different from the last. Fortunately, this past weekend, I was proven wrong having stumbled upon a hidden gem neatly tucked away on 11th and Pine called The Crystal Cage.
Owner Kelly Reynolds opened the door to her swanky, upscale accessories boutique with a bright smile, as she does to all of her customers. At first glance, the shop is adorned with purses, shoes, scarves and jewelry. Upon further investigation, I notice that every piece of merchandise is a top-notch, brand-name fashion designer that even the most humble “fashionistas” are dying to get their paws on. Martin Margiela, Louis Vuitton, Tori Burch, Coach, Burberry, Prada and more, all in good-excellent condition, right in front of me.
If I didn’t know any better I would have thought I had accidentally stumbled into heaven.
Kelly informs me that her store, which has been around for ten years, is unique and shouldn’t be considered a regular-old consignment shop. While she has a black book full of exclusive designers including Ronald Williams and Lea Furs that sell only to her store, she also accepts merchandise (in fabulous condition) from anyone looking to sell. Rearing away from the ordinary “consignment shop rules,” the entrepreneur offers sellers a 70/30 profit, giving them the higher payout only after the accessory is sold. Kelly also opts to not attend local fashion shows as to ensure she doesn’t get products that every other boutique has. Instead, she jets off to International shows in Italy and other fashion-hot spots around the world.
No matter which high-end piece of fashion you want to rock the streets of Philadelphia with, The Crystal Cage will make sure you are looking chic and fabulous.
~Michelle C. Mass
Tonight: Make Your Own Lip Gloss at MOKO & Save at Three Sirens
Here’s two more events to consider tonight:
For February’s First Friday, Three Sirens Boutique is wooing shoppers with champagne, chocolate and a slew of sales. In addition to taking 25-40 percent off apparel, their entire selection of outerwear, scarves, hats and gloves will be 40 percent off while jewelry will be 20 percent off (excluding TyphaneyB). Be sure to check out the new jewelry collection by JillEllen Designs because from now through Valentine’s Day, they’ll be buy one, get one half off.
While makeup artist Francois Nars is sharing his tips for mastering this season’s hottest beauty trends over at Sephora, over at MOKO Studio in Old City from 6-8pm, makeup guru Kristyn Rudnet will actually be helping ladies create their very own lip-gloss with Giella Custom Blend Cosmetics. Already have a perfect color in mind? Feel free to bring a photo, swatch or favorite discontinued lipstick and she’ll whip up a perfect recreation. And as if getting a customized lip shine wasn’t awesome enough, you’ll also get to sip on wine while perusing MOKO’s selection of organic beauty products.
A Russian Style Fashion & Go-Go Event Tomorrow Night
You’re Wednesday evening just got much more eventful!
Tomorrow starting at 7 p.m., The Trestle Inn at 11th and Callowhill (339 N. 11th St.) is hosting a Russian themed winter event showcasing the fabulous handmade knitwear of local designer, Janell Wysock.
In addition to both a trunk and fashion show, the Whiskey Go Go Bar will be offering hor d’oeuvres, complimentary drinks courtesy of Stolichnaya, hair and makeup by Charlie’s Salon, a special video projection by Josette Bonafino, music and the unveiling of an ice luge drink.
Starting at 10 p.m, the Trestle Specials will take their little podiums and proceed to dance into the wee hours, possibly even donning a few of Wysock’s designs.
Oh, and did I mention there was no cover?
Blogger Finds the Cindy Crawford of Boots
During one of my many winter break internet window shopping sessions, I happened upon this beautiful boot on ModCloth:
Courtesy ModCloth
But for more than 200 smackers, I couldn’t even begin to rationalize adding this beaut to my already-overflowing shoe collection. It just didn’t seem right. But I wanted them oh-so-badly. After some sleuthing, I discovered they’re not called the “Log Cabin Coalition Boot,” as ModCloth so appropriately named it, but they’re actually made by Lucky Brand, and are known as the “Northview Boot.”
Fast-forward after another hour of researching, and these puppies are not $208.99, but can be found (like I did) at Bloomie’s for $104.50, and are also available in black with black and white plaid lining.
After a plastic pair of chestnut boots from MODA on 15th and Chestnut sts. fell apart earlier that week, I gulped and whipped out my orange PNC card.
I’ve been sporting these every day for the first week of class, and today a nice maintenance man compared me to Cindy Crawford. I’m not sure if he meant Crawford circa modeling days, or currently 45-year-old Crawford, but either way she’s smokin’, so I’ll take it, and I’ll thank the boots in the process.
With a 4 1/2 inch heel, leather upper and cozy flannel lining, these boots are really two-in-one: Roll down the shaft for a pop of color in an outfit of black and neutrals, or roll them up for a classic, sexy cowgirl vibe. And don’t let the heel scare you; in these, I tower over everyone at 5 feet, 10 inches, but I’ve been stomping and strutting through North Broad all day without a single complaint from my feet.
Several more online retailers have these in stock, too. Piperlime is charging $99.99, and Endless sells them starting at $99.97 and offers free shipping. Just don’t forget to size up at least half a size to allow room for chunky socks and the slightly narrow toe.
Lucky Brand's Northview Boot modeled by blogger Alexis Sachdev
Outfit idea: Black skinnies, the Northview boot rolled down, an oversized black chunky sweater and layers of dark gold chain necklaces. You too can be Cindy Crawford!
Organize Your Winter Accessories, Easily
Due to my insatiable appetite for accessories, it’s taken a lot of time and effort to keep my excessive collection from consuming my bedroom. I’ve employed more hooks, shelves, racks and bins then you can imagine.
Yet, while my purses, jewelry and shoes are either tucked away or neatly displayed for easy access, until now, I had all of my hats, scarves and gloves crammed into a big Rubbermaid container.
Besides taking up much-needed floor space in my room, it was almost impossible to actually find anything in that damn bin without several minutes of rummaging.
I turned to Google for possible organizational solutions and if you have a small room, a small closet and a lot of shit, an over-the-door cloth shoe rack is really your best bet (I got mine at Walmart for just $14 bucks)
With the exception of only a few of my thicker scarves (which I folded and stored elsewhere), I was able to fit all of my winter accessories in addition to my tights and belts. The pockets are large enough that you can fit a few items in each. You just have to fold/roll them up.
I know it might look a little cluttered, but I swear everything is still super easy to see and grab.
If for whatever reason you’re not convinced an over-the-door shoe rack will work for you, I recommend perusing The Container Store’s variety of contraptions. Chances are you can find a similar item at Target, Walmart or on Ebay for much cheaper.
Ski Chic…
Image Courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/trysil/
Every year, my family vacations in Florida. Every. Year. I’m not trying to sound ungrateful, but it gets old. This year, my father suggested we venture on a ski trip in lieu of visiting the sunshine state. Being the avid skier I am and because it wasn’t Florida, I was incredibly excited to go.
After donning my skis and my apparel, I hit the slopes only to be shocked at the atrocious choices made. Don’t get me wrong, the mountain isn’t a runway, but your apparel is the difference between a fun ski trip and pneumonia.
When designing a snow outfit, start with the innermost layer and work your way out. I always wear a long spandex shirt. Long spandex is great because it’s thick enough to hold in heat while wicking sweat away. For those who have yet to try, skiing and boarding are an incredible workout. Despite the cold, I sweat like a Broad Street runner in the ninth mile.
Next, consider your bottom layers. If it’s super cold (like on the verve of freezing your Kahlua and coffee cold), long spandex is a must for the bottom layer. If not, sweat pants and ski pants will do.
Under no circumstances should you wear jeans to a mountain. When skiing, everyone falls. Whether you’re a beginner, or an Olympic athlete, your butt will become very good friends with the snow. Ski pants are designed to keep the moisture separate from your skin and keep you warm. Some even breathe to let in refreshing air as you glide down the mountain, yet retain heat on the lift.
Snow sports require strength, agility, and coordination when drifting down the mountain. Your body produces a significant amount of heat as you combat the terrain, but getting to your slope on the lift requires virtually no effort. The lack of movement combined with the intense wind speed, height of the lift and elevation of the mountain cause temperatures to drop significantly. The right ski jacket can make or break the experience.
Most people flock straight to down, but I like to keep the fowl feathered. Originally designed for the frigid temperatures and brackish water involved with competitive sailing, the Swedish company Sail Racing designed a series of breathable yet waterproof and insulating jackets perfect for the huge temperature change of skiing. The jacket also keeps its inside dry despite the number of times my skis decide I need to spend some quality time with the snow.
Much like the Little Black Dress, the right accessories are vital. Part of dressing for tearing up the mountain involves knowing your body. For example, my hands sweat a lot, like more than a middle school boy dancing with his sweetheart. Keeping that in mind, I chose gloves that will vent while still keeping me warm. When planning a ski trip, consider how your body reacts to stimuli, and plan accordingly. I wear a pair of wicking gloves underneath my ski gloves to keep my extremities warm while keeping moisture at bay.
The final accessory is not an option. Helmets aren’t cool, but they’re literally the difference between life and death. Snow sports revolve around snow, but beneath the powder, the mountain is almost all ice and rock. Falling on ice is incredibly painful, to add insult to injury, ice doesn’t allow as much control as powder. Natasha Richardson and Sonny Bono both died as a result of skiing accidents; neither wore a helmet. I literally beg everyone on the slopes to please wear a helmet. I’m not going to lie, I hate mine, but it gave me an incredible amount of peace of mind when traversing the seemingly vertical drop of Jack Frost’s black diamonds.
As with any hobby, snow sports aren’t cheap, but the right apparel can be the difference between comfort and life or hypothermia and death. I highly recommend trying a snow sport. There’s nothing better than racing your friends down the mountain to see who’s going to buy a round of shots at the bar. The proper attire might just be the difference between a free round and an empty wallet.
Must Have Winter Accessory: The Trapper Hat
Sure, they might look a little goofy, but goofy in an endearing way. And more importantly, they’re pretty much the warmest winter headgear you’re going to find.
Urban Outfitters: $34.00, $38.00
Forever 21: $7.50, $14.80, $9.80, $12.46
Target: $19.99, $29.99, $12.99
Macy’s: $19.99, $26.99
South Moon Under: $26.60, $19.99