What To Do This Weekend
In addition to extending their hours (9am-8:30pm) and offering 10 percent off everything in store (expect items from indie artists), Rocker’s Closet is inviting guests to come and learn “How to Rock-Out a Denim Vest” while enjoying free refreshments and tunes from DJ Aura. Be sure to bring your lamest vest as the Fabric Row shop will provide all the necessary adornments for you to give it that extra edge—spikes, studs, safety pins, leather, etc. Friday, 4-8pm. Free. Rocker’s Closet, 818 S. Fourth St.
Follow the balloons down Fabric Row and kill several birds with one stone as the participating shops and salons will be offering deals for Black Friday while treating shoppers to festive cocktails and treats. For anyone who previously submitted their name to the “4th Street Fashionista” contest, tonight the lucky winner of the $1,000 dollar holiday makeover will be announced tonight. Friday, 5pm. Free. Various locations along S. Fourth St.
After the success of last year’s holiday pop-up, the Philly-based jewelry line, Saffron Creations has once again gathered a small, hand selected group of local artists to temporarily set up shop inside a small Mount Airy brick-and-mortar store. Featured designers include Liz Stump (handbags), Crash Pad Designs (home décor) and Ilene Pearlman (prints, collage) in addition to select vintage and upscale resale. Zsa’s Gourmet Ice Cream truck will be parked outside should you get a sudden craving for frozen sweets. Sat., 9am-8pm, Sun., 9am-6pm. Free. Across from Weaver’s Way Mt. Airy, Greene & Carpenter Sts.
This annual “virtual and “pop-up” gallery will feature the creations of 15 textile, jewelry and ceramic artists from around the region, providing a more “high-end” alternative to the other local holiday craft events (think: fancy bowls and home décor). It opens tonight with a reception event and the sale will continue through Saturday. Fri., 5-7pm. Sat., 10am-4pm. Free. Ethical Society Building, 1906 Rittenhouse Sq.
Shop Local and Save Friday-Monday
As you begin to devise a game plan for the official kick-off of the holiday shopping season, there’s three key things you should keep in mind:
#1.) The deals do not just begin and end on Black Friday. The next day you’ve got Small Business Saturday followed by Cyber Monday.
#2.) Most stores have extended hours thus allowing shoppers more flexibility.
#3.) Philly’s awesome independent shops and boutiques need your money far more than Target or Macy’s.
That said, here’s several local sales you can look forward to this weekend…
**UPDATED**
Joan Shepp: Save 20 percent on all coats now through Monday in stores and online (code: COATS20). (1616 Walnut St.)
South Moon Under: All this weekend, take an additional 25 percent off all sale merchandise in store and online (code: BLACK25). Spend over $150 and you can save another 20 percent (code: HOLIDAY20) (1731 Chestnut St.)
Arcadia Boutique: As part if their “Black on Black Sale,” on Friday, the eco-friendly retailer will be taking 30 percent off every item of black clothing as well as an additional 20 percent off everything else. This 20 percent off deal will then run through Sunday at both their Rittenhouse and NoLibs locations as well as online using the checkout code: TURKEY. (265 S. 20th St. & 819 N. Second St.)
Rocker’s Closet: Take 10 percent off everything in the store (except independent artist items) from 9am-8:30pm. They will also be officially launching their online store at midnight on Friday. (818 S. Fourth St.)
Adorn Boutique: On Friday and Saturday, Sarah Lewis is not only extending the hours at her tiny Fishtown treasure chest (11am-9pm), but she’ll be taking 20 percent off the boutique’s entire selection of jewelry and wrapping it for free. On Monday, online shoppers can save 30 percent on their purchase (code: cybermonday) from 6 a.m. till midnight. (1314 Frankford Ave.)
Smak Parlour: All this weekend, the Old City boutique is partnering with Toys For Tots and for every toy shoppers drop off, they will donate a pair of super-cute children’s gloves. Shoppers who spend $40 dollars will also get a free pair of equally cute, adult-size gloves. If that’s not enough, the ladies will serve you apple cider and ginger snaps as you shop before carefully wrapping your purchases in pink cupcake and pastry for free. (219 Market St.)
BUS STOP: In addition to keeping their doors open late (11am-8:30pm) the boutique will be serving up
Black Velvet cocktails and offering customers 20 percent off their entire autumn/winter styles of black and brow boots. (727 S. Fourth St.)
Lakshmi Hair Studio: Get 15 percent off all products plus a free gift during their Black Friday Blowout. (21 N. Second St.)
Concrete Polish: Anytime between Friday morning and next Monday at midnight is the perfect time for you splurge on one of designer Angela Monaco’s stunning jewels as they will all be 15 percent off. This deal can be redeemed online (code: TURKEYLOVE) or in-store. Either way, be sure to RSVP to the sale’s Facebook event page as you will then receive a special gift with your purchase. (716 N. Third St.)
Third Street Habit: Save 40 percent on the entire Isabel Marant Etolie Collection now through the end of Saturday. (153 N. Third St.)
Kembrel: Although a bit confusing, Kembrel is offering shoppers savings all three days, both online and in stores. Friday: 40 percent off from 6am-11am (code: KEMBLK6) then 30 percent off from 11am-9pm (code: KEMBLK11). Saturday: 30 percent off all day (code: KEMSMLBIZ). Monday: 40 percent off (code: KEMCYBER). (1822 Chestnut St. & 1219 Locust St.)
Knit Wit: Get 20 percent off your entire in-store purchase on Friday. (1729 Chestnut St.)
SA VA: Shop before 1 p.m. today and save 30 percent off your entire SA VA label purchase or receive 15 percent off from 1-8pm. (1700 Sansom St.)
Expect a roundup of more holiday shopping events going on this weekend on Friday.
Pre-Black Friday Sales
Rather than trying to compete with all the Black Friday whoopla, more and more retailers are opting to offer pre-Thanksgiving or extended holiday sales. So for those of you who have no intention of leaving your home come Friday, here’s a few deals you may want to consider taking advantage of now…
Aoki Boutique: Spend $100 and get 10 percent or spend $150 and receive 15 percent off all month long. (115 S. 22nd St.)
Lacoste: Bring an unwrapped toy to any Lacoste store now through Nov. 25 and receive 20 percent off you next purchase as part of their “Don’t Let Sandy Steal Christmas” campaign with Toys For Tots.
H&M: Select sweaters, dresses, outerwear and pants will be marked down with prices starting at just $7 dollars. (Nov. 19-21)
Knit Wit: Stop by anytime before the end of November and you’ll score 20 percent off any one item. (1729 Chestnut St.)
Victoria’s Secret: Now through Dec. 3, purchase any sweater and you’ll get a free scarf in your choice of one of three colors. Online shoppers can redeem deal with the checkout code “SCARF.”
A Pea in the Pod: Receive a free Britax Carrier with a purchase of $300 or more tomorrow only (Wednesday) while supplies last.
Destination Maternity: Receive a $75 Restaurant.com gift certificate when you spend $125 or more both in stores and online. (Nov. 21-Dec. 24)
Motherhood Maternity: Receive a $50 gift certificate to Restaurant.com when you spend $75 or more. (Nov. 21-Dec. 24)
Target: The retailer has just launched a new “Beat The Rush Sale” going on now through Wednesday. The various storewide deals includes up to 50 percent off select electronics and up to 30 percent off select home and kitchen items.
Urban Outfitters: While select UO stores will be opening as early as midnight for Black Friday, all week long, the retailer is slashing prices on hundreds of items both in stores and online.
South Moon Under: Take 20 percent off online orders over $150 using the code HOLIDAY20.
Check back tomorrow for a roundup of the various deals local retailers will be offering for Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday!
Get Your Shop On This Weekend
OK, so at this point, you’re probably trying to save up some cash before Black Friday and/or all the million different local holiday bazaars and craft shows. But as they say, the early bird catches the worm.
In honor of VIX Emporium’s 5th anniversary, the West Philly treasure chest will be hosting an all-day bash featuring festive refreshments, live blues music and plenty of holiday merriments. Meanwhile, in addition to their usual array of handmade, one-of-a-kind goods from local crafters, featured fiber artist, Elissa Kara will be debuting an assortment of small pouches and purses in vintage fabrics along with some warm, colorful winter accessories. Saturday, 6-9pm. Free. VIX Emporium, 5009 Baltimore Ave.
The Waldorf School of Philadelphia Holiday Fair and Craft Bazaar
If you’ve got kids, this is the idea holiday shopping event. While you check out the unique creations from over 30 juried artisans, your youngsters will get to run amuck in a special room where they’ll have a chance to buy their own gifts for their parents and grandparents. There will also be food, live music and several hands-on activities like candle dipping. If you don’t have kids, don’t like being around kids, or would like to ditch your kids so that you can shop in peace, tonight the school will be hosting a special free, adults-only candlelit dinner during which you’ll get first dibs on the arts and crafts. Fri., 6-10pm. Sat., 10am-5pm. $0-$5. The Waldorf School of Philadelphia, 7500 Germantown Ave. 
The always entertaining local fashion star will be temporarily setting up shop in Art Star, showcasing his collection of clothing, scarves and socks while no doubt providing some pleasant conversation. Seriously, he’s a hoot. While perusing the boutique’s adorable goodies, you’ll also enjoy free mimosas and snacks. Saturday, 11am-3pm. Free. Art Star, 623 N. Second St.
Black Friday Sales Coming to a Store Near You.
It’s about that time when shoppers go from the normal leisurely window browsers to ravenous sale hunters that stop at nothing to get the greatest deal on a pair of pants. Most stores are trying to keep their Black Friday Deals under wraps, but some have leaked out. Here’s what we know so far:
Anthropology
25% off sale items through Sunday.
50% off sale items Friday 6 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Bebe
40% off selected styles.
Bloomingdales
Save 25-40% on select merchandise through Sunday.
Express
Everything in store is 40% off Thanksgiving Day and Friday morning.
Everything in store is 30% off on Friday afternoon.
Everything online is 30% off on cyber Monday.
Gap
Everything in store & online is up to 60% off through Saturday.
H&M
Dresses and sweaters start at $5.
Pants and Kid’s jackets start at $10.
Outerwear starts at $20.
They’re also doing a scratch off promo for the first 100 people in line that is valued at up to $300.
J.Crew
25% off purchases of $150.
Lucky Brand
Tops are half off with the purchase of a pair of jeans.
Selected accessories are 30% off.
A select two pairs of jeans in the store on a promotion.
Check out your local store for more details!
PacSun
Denim is buy one pair, get one free.
Men’s flannel shirts are $20.00.
Women’s skirts are $10.
Women’s sweaters are $20.00.
Women’s wovens are $15.00.
Sephora
Selected items are $10 each.
Personal shopping services are available upon appointment for purchases over $250.
Sunglass Hut
The sales associates wouldn’t divulge the deals, but she said it’s something similar to the current promotion:
$50 bonus card with the purchase of a pair of sunglasses over $150, and an additional 30% off clearance.
Tilly’s
The first 100 customers will get a Tilly’s gift card worth $10-$100.
Urban Outfitters
50% off sale stuff midnight to 10 a.m.
Victoria’s Secret
2.5 oz. perfumes are $25 each.
$25 for selected pairs of yoga pants
Buy one, get one 50% off bras.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday Online Shopping Deals
It’s 5 a.m. outside Macy’s. Hundreds of soccer moms and their teenage daughters pour out of their minivans, coffee in one hand, credit card in the other, ready to curb stomp a hoe if she even thinks about taking the last ceramic angel figurine.
5:45 a.m. hits. They fold up their fishing chairs, do 50 push-ups and give their daughters a pep talk.
By 6 a.m., hot breath and squished noses press against the glass doors to the entrance as sales associates shit their pants in preparation.
Black Friday has become the premier sport for materialists and fashionistas across the nation, and, yes, people have died. It’s like the running of the bulls in heels. But if this isn’t quite your cup of tea, or you’d rather celebrate Black Out Friday, maybe Cyber Monday is better for you. But in the grand tradition of American holidays, it’s not just one day, but an entire week. So, while you’re in front of your computer drooling over the ceramic angels, keep reading for the best online shopping deals through the weekend.
40% off + Free shipping
Use promo code: 72429831
Offer valid: 11/23 – 11/26/11
40% off
Use promo code: THANKS
Expires: 11/27/11
40% off
Use promo code: SHOP40
Expires: 11/27/11
New deal posted daily
Today it’s 30% off (promo code: BRJUMP30)
Check back daily for new promotions!
30% off all orders
Use promo code: CELEBRATE11
Valid: 11/28-11/30/11
Delia’s:
$20 off $75
Use promo code: 75VSD
Expires: 11/30/11
J.Crew:
New deal posted daily
Today it’s 25% off (promo code: YOURGIFT)
Check back daily for new promotions
Juicy Couture:
$50 off $200
Use promo code: GIFTED
Expires: 12/18/11
Kensie:
30% off all regularly priced items (plus 20% off your first purchase after joining the mailing list)
Use promo code: TAKE30
Expires: N/A
Lands’ End:
30% off + Free shipping on orders over $50
Use promo code: STUFFING
Pin: 5847
Expires: 11/28/11
Macy’s:
15-20% off regularly-priced, sale and clearance merchandise (excluding select designers, electronics, rugs, furniture and fine china/silverware)
Free shipping on orders over $99
Use promo code: THANKS
Expires: 11/26/11
Steve Madden:
25% off + free shipping
Use promo code: TURKEY
Expires: 11/24/11
Urban Outfitters:
10% off
Use promo code: PARTY
Expires: 12/23/11
Things that make me go mmmm…
It’s Cyber Monday! Woo! What other ridiculous marketing special “holiday” days do you think they’ll come up with in order to inspire your want to spend money?
Anyways, the madness, gluttony and family-ness that is Thanksgiving/Black Friday/Small Business Saturday etc. is over and now it’s Monday and we are all back at work complaining that we are—well, back at work. With this in mind, I give you some enjoyable peruse-in-your-cubicle-fun known as the Cover Archives of GQ. Check out covers that span the 50 years that the Gentleman’s Quarterly (yes, that’s what GQ stands for in case you were unaware) has been gracing the newsstands. I personally love seeing the gradual changes in the formatting of the covers and the snaps of greats like Carey Grant, Rock Hudson and Joseph Heller.