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.)
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.)
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.)
Hunger Games’ Nuptials: May The Odds Be Ever In Your Wedding Favor…
Unless you live under a rock, you are at least somewhat familiar with the newest literary and cinematic phenomenon, The Hunger Games. In a nutshell, the book/film is about a post-apocalyptic world where 24 tributes are picked to fight each other to the death in a specialized arena. As a fan of the book trilogy, I can confidently confirm that it is absolutely as awesome as it sounds.
Kylie Carlson, owner of the Wedding and Event Institute, has decided to take her love for The Hunger Games to the next level by devising a contest using another popular phenomenon, Pinterest. A group of twelve talented wedding planners, stylists, and designers will compete against each other (in the Pinterest Arena) to see who can produce the best mood board and concept for a bridal couple who want The Hunger Games as their wedding theme. The victor of the contest is destined to win quite the bounty including a course of their choice from the Wedding and Event Institute, a signed copy of Signature Sasha-Magnificent Weddings by Design, an iPad2, a one year subscription to WedLock Magazine, and a one year membership to the Wedding Industry Professional Association.
Carlson states that “One of the main jobs of a wedding planner, stylist or designer is to come up with concepts and designs based on the requirements of our clients, however unusual they might be. Our own personal taste shouldn’t come into it. And this can sometimes be a challenge”
Beginning April 13th, interested applicants will have seven days to enter the contest. Just like the Suzanne Collins blockbuster, at the end of the application process twelve tributes will be chosen, assigned to a district, interviewed and featured on their own Wedding and Event Institute page. The Districts are appropriately named after design themes including Color (District 1), Venues (District 4), Floral (District 9), Hair and Make-up (District 12) and more.
The tributes will have to do their best to gain the love and interest of the public to get votes. After a week of rallying for their Pinterest boards, the two tributes with the highest votes will be put through to the next round where they will be judged by a panel, including Kylie Carlson, celebrity wedding designer Sasha Souza, Editor of Event Solutions Magazine Ann Turner, and Event Designer Lindye Galloway before a winner is chosen on May 1st.
If you have a knack for wedding planning and design and want to enter the arena before Reaping day, fill out the registration form before April 19th. Good luck to all of the tributes and, say it with me, “may the odds be ever in your favor…”
~Michelle C. Mass
Photos: Sakura Sunday
Sakura Sunday is the centerpiece event of Philly’s own annual Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival. But this year’s day-long event was celebrated against an unseasonably green background instead of Fairmount Park’s pink, fluffy canopy of cherry blossoms. Despite the early heat spell, Japanese dancing, drumming, fashion shows, and vibrant costumes of both guests and performers lit up the park.
The sunny and 80-something degree weather brought out an eclectic crowd of anime lovers, dog owners, and fashionistas–all of which could find activities to their liking. Anime fans were invited to show off their representations of their favorite characters in a Zenkaikon Cosplay Fashion Show, while Harajuku lovers took their designs to the main stage for an eccentric, space-age fashion show. The ASPCA and PAWS were present to host the Prettiest Pet in Pink parade. Asian food vendors lined the park’s oblong fountain-turned-pool.
From Japan themselves, one of the country’s best performing art schools, Tamagawa University, lit up the stage with thundering taiko drumming paired with the graceful dancers flicking fans in dresses that looked like origami. Speaking of origami, local vendors sold Japanese wares, from anime-themed snuggies and beautiful kimonos to wooden sandals and paper kites.
Here’s some highlights from the day’s festivities…
If you missed Sakura Sunday, don’t fret- the festival’s activities are near from over. A few events include a sushi making class Tuesday, April 17, “Kirie” paper-cutting workshop the 18th, amateur Sushi-Making Contest the 19th, and a Samurai sword performance and Kimono dressing demonstration April 21st. Check out a listing of the beautiful photo exhibits and galleries around Fairmount Park that will be up for the remainder of the month here.
–Marissa Oswald
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.)
Macy’s Center City Now A Brazilian Paradise
If you didn’t get a chance to attend the Philadelphia Flower Show this year, don’t worry because for the next two weeks, Macy’s Center City is bringing the lush tropical gardens and floral landscapes of Brazil here to Philly.
On display now through April 7, the 4th Annual Macy’s Flower Show aims to take visitors on a virtual journey to faraway land—from the Amazon rainforest to Rio de Janeiro and its legendary Carnival celebration. The framed works of Brazilian landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx also serve as inspiration for the show’s unique urban-meets-nature theme.
The show’s highlights include a stunning centerpiece in the Grant Court featuring a nine-foot Toucan and thousands of exotic flowers; four windows showcasing a complete rainforest; and a ten-foot tall floral masterpiece created by renowned floral designers, which will change every two days.
Each day, visitors can learn how the show came together and about the different flowers and plants during one of four free 15-minute guided tours. There will also several festive events held throughout the exhibit including a “Find Your Magic” fashion challenge and spring trend show hosted by former “New York Housewives” star, Jill Zarin ouseHouon Wednesday and a Brazil-inspired cooking demo on Thursday.
So if by some chance you need an excuse to go to Macy’s, I’d say this is a pretty good one.
What To Do This Weekend
The Philadelphia Invitational Furniture Show
Even if you’re still a renter, there comes a time when you need to ditch the hammy-down and $50 Ikea furniture and invest in quality pieces that actually reflect your personality. The PIFS is the longest running exhibition of its kind and features an array of handmade, one-of-a-kind furniture and furnishings. We’re talking some of the most unique nightstands, lamps, desks and chairs you can imagine. Friday-Sunday. 11am-7pm. $15. @ The 23rd Street Armory (22 S. 23rd St.)
For thousands of girls around Philly, prom is just around the corner and if you can remember your own prom, you know that finding the dress of your dreams at the right price is no easy fete. So if you have a little sis, niece or daughter, help them out and come to Fairy Godmother Inc.’s annual fair. With brand new gowns for just $10 and jewelry and makeup between $2-$5, any purchase will be a steal. Saturday, 10am-2pm. Free. @ Cheltenham Mall (2385 W. Cheltenham Ave.) 
Side Arts Demo & Interactive Workshop
If you’re a budding designer or crafter, this free workshop is definitely worth attending. The demonstration will introduce visual and craft artists to Side Arts, an interactive platform where users can promote, connect and sell, covering the basics of how to use the service. Free wifi will be available so come prepared with your laptop or mobile device as well as a few business cards to exchange. Seating is limited and you must RSVP in advance. Saturday, 1-3pm. Free. @ UArts, Terra Hall, Rm. 1107 (211 S. Broad St.)
LizaBeth Jewelry Spring Showcase
Should you find yourself taking a stroll down Walnut St. this Saturday, be sure to stop into Joan Shepp where they’ll be showcasing the edgy, vintage-inspired pieces from LizaBeth Jewelry’s new spring collection. However, you should probably know her jewelry is all $1,000 and up. So don’t get too excited. But while there, you might as well torture yourself and peruse all the other designer fashions and accessories you’ll never be able to afford. Saturday, 12-6pm. Free. @ Joan Shepp (1616 Walnut St.)
What To Do This Weekend
If you knit, sew or crochet or are interested in learning, every Sunday afternoon, A-Space in West Philly welcomes you to stop by and enjoy some refreshments while crafting for a good cause. Instead of making hats and scarves for yourself, you’ll be making them for people who really need them—Philadelphia’s homeless. Any items made at the event will be donated to the People’s Emergency Center. And since they can’t be donating just any half-assed piece of thrown together fabric, lessons are on the house. There will be yarn for free and available for purchase, which will go toward more supplies for the group. Sundays, 2-5pm. $1-$5 Donation. @ A-Space (4722 Baltimore Ave.)
When Full-Figured Fashion Meets Makeup
While BellaNOR Boutique in Mt. Airy might cater to full-figured fashionistas, ultimately they believe every woman deserves to be chic, which is why they’re ladies of all sizes to this special event. Not only will attendees receive 15 percent off any full-priced purchase, but Tanya Robinson, key makeup artist for the Food Network show Big Daddy’s House will be on hand to provide makeup tips and tricks and answer your most plaguing beauty questions. Having recently work with The Help’s leading ladies, Octavia Spencer and Viola Davis, you can assure Robinson knows her stuff. Saturday, 6-8pm. Free. @ BellaNOR Boutique (7117 Germantown Ave.)
To celebrate their store expansion, Buffalo Exchange is holding a bash with live music from the Magic Message DJs and an art showcase featuring a variety of artwork from their own employees, including fine art drawings, oil on canvas and cartoons. While you’re there, take a picture of yourself in an outfit, tag Buffalo Exchange then post it to Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr or Instagram. If not for the simple fact that you look hot in it then for the fact that a prize will be awarded to the party-goer pic with the most “likes” within 24 hours. Sunday, 5-7pm. Free. @ Buffalo Exchange (1713 Chestnut St.)
In the spirit of spring and sustainability, Craft Foundry is encouraging folks to clear out their closets of any unused or unwanted crafting supplies—canvas, paint, fabric, ribbon, ect.—and drop them off in exchange for new materials or inspiration for a new project. While there, you’re also encouraged to peruse the store’s latest eco-friendly, handmade home and body products or learn the basics of making your own bronze jewelry during their weekly three-hour bronze clay workshop. Sunday, 12-4pm. Free. @ Craft Foundry (701 Belgrade St.)