What To Do This Weekend
If you typically spend your Friday nights out and about, pounding drinks and shakin yo’ ass, why not take in a fashion show while you’re at it? This showcae is essentially a clusterfuck of stimuli. In addition to live bands, DJs, breakdancers and Brazilian martial arts, there will be fashion shows featuring several up-and-coming designers including Ashley Davis’s “Cut & Sew” Spring/Summer 2012 collection and the new clothing line Death to Dubstep. There will also be a live recording of “The Kitchen Sink,” a half-hour variety show based here in Philly. Friday, 8pm-2am. $12. @ The Level Room (2102 Market St.)
For those looking for something a little more low-key, how about a taking in some art and culture? As part of Arts on South’s “Fourth Friday” Receptions, Community Cultural Exchange is hosting a mini healing arts expo that will feature free massages, Tai Chi and yoga demos and a Reiki session from a local health practitioner as well as local music and poetry to help you unwind. There will also be handmade soaps, lotions and other textiles for your personal health for sale. Friday, 3-10pm. Free. Community Cultural Exchange (706 South St.)
12th Annual Women of Substance & Style
In honor of Black History Month, Joan Shepp is 40 outstanding women with a fashionable affair complete with hors d’oeuvres, drinks, music, live art and shopping. A portion of the event’s proceeds will be donated to Nebinger Elementary School. And just in case that wasn’t enough, there’s going to be a slew of complimentary desserts provided by several local bakers including, Brown Betty, Miel Patisserie, Amy the Baker and Swiss Haus Bakery. Just make sure to wipe your hands before touching all the amazing designer fashions. Friday, 5:30-8:30pm. Free. @ Joan Shepp (1616 Walnut St.)
With spring lurking just around the corner, it wouldn’t hurt to get a head start on your spring cleaning. Saturday afternoon, free your closet of all the garments you know will never see the light of day again then trade them in for entirely new collection of looks on Sunday at this one-day pop-up shop in Germantown. To ensure there’s a decent selection of apparel to choose from, they’re inviting anyone and everyone to come with at least an entire bag’s worth of items to swap (including shoes and accessories). They also ask that whatever you bring be in good condition (no one wants a shirt that already has sweat stains). To enhance the swapping experience, music and light refreshments will be provided. Sunday, 1-4pm. $5. @ Torchlight Arts and Cultural Center (45 E. Church Ln.)
While I was planning to lock myself in my room for the Oscar’s on Sunday, getting dressed up in my best cocktail attire and watching it live inside the Ritz Carlton while enjoying complimentary champagne and food from new chef de cuisine Natahan Volz certainly sounds like a much better option. Oh, and its FREE. They’ll even be awarding prizes to the best-dressed attendees, including a free overnight stay in the exclusive Presidential Suite. Sunday, 6pm. Free. @Ritz Carlton Hotel, 10 Arts Bistro (Broad & Chestnut sts.)