Local Gifts For That Special Someone
Boyfriend/Hubby…
The Philly Package, $72 / Duke & Winston, 633 N. Second St.
Yards Soap Box, $21 / Duross & Langel, 117 S. 13th St.
611 Men’s Luxe Life Navy Plaid Flannel, $76 / 611’s Pop-Up Showroom at Liberties Walk, 1024 N. Third St.
Do Your Best Pennant, $36 / Three Potato Four, 376 Shurs Lane, Building A
Girlfriend/Wife…
Adorn Signature Crystal Necklace, $128 / Adorn Boutique, 1314 Frankford Ave.
1-Hour Massage/Mani Pedi, $100 / b2 Salon, 777 S. Broad St.
Pink & Pepper Booties, $89.95 / South Moon Under, 1731 Chestnut St.
Monogrammed Wine Stopper, $22 / C Wonder, King of Prussia Mall, 160 N. Gulph Rd.
One Of The Best Ways To Get Your Christmas On Before The 25th Would Be By Catching A Performance Of The Nutcracker
Here comes Christmas. It’s right around the corner and if you’re like me and haven’t done a stitch of holiday preparation, you still have a whopping six performances (including tonight at 7pm) to catch before the big day. This is to say, if you’re looking for some kind of emergency holiday magic, this is a great pick. Furthermore, if you’re interested in snatching up a last-minute gift, there are nine more performances before the New Year.
The Pennsylvania Ballet is a world-class ballet and an often over-looked cultural treasure of our city. And what says a classy and artistic Christmas celebration more than the ballet. FYI, there are often two showings per day (noon and 5pm on Sundays and the day after Christmas), and a string of 2pm performances between Christmas and New Years.
611 Pops Up in Rittenhouse
Just in time for the final leg of the holiday shopping season, Philly’s fashion-forward dance/music-inspired clothing and accessories brand, 611 Lifestyle has just revamped and set up shop inside a vacant garage, smack dab in the middle of Rittenhouse Square (behind Parc Restaurant at 225 S. 18th St.)
Open daily from 12-6 p.m. now through Sunday, the store will be carrying a large selection of men’s t-shirts, record/laptop bags and jackets from 611’s “DJ Life” line as well as the more design-oriented items from their “Luxe Life” line including, handmade leather luggage, dress shirts, flannels, scarves, hats and even their new limited-edition, hand-dyed long sleeve jerseys (see below).
And yes ladies, they have items for you too. Just not quite as much.
Some useful background on the brand: It was founded by local DJ and owner of the now-defunct South Street staple 611 Records, Nigel Richards. All of the pieces within 611 Lifestyle’s ready-to-wear “DJ Life” collection are actually inspired by the shop’s original designs, such as their “I Love the DJ” catchphrase tee.
If you’re dying to know what 611 has up its sleeve for spring, it just so happens that the holiday pop-up will be offering shoppers a sneak peak.
Local Gifts For Your Folks
Mother…
Nashelle Identity Necklace, $58 / Verde, 108 S. 13th St.
Voluspa Scented Candle, $40 / Town Home Jewelry & Boutique, 1616 Walnut St.
Labradorite Drop Earrings, $68 / Adorn Boutique, 1314 Frankford Ave.
Chloe Beige Oversized Embellished Sunglasses, $149 / Kembrel, 1822 Chestnut St.
Father…
Duke & Winston Preppy Package, $135 / Duke & Winston, 633 N. Second St.
Rustic Table Lamp, $179 / Gourmet of Olde City, 26 N. Third St.
Di Bruno Bros. Pasta, Sauce, & Cheese Set Grande, $99 / Di Bruno Bros., 1730 Chestnut St. & 930 S. Ninth St.
Philadelphia Woodworks Gift Certificate (Any Amount) / Philadelphia Woodworks, 4901 Umbria St.
What To Do This Weekend
If the selection of vintage clothing, accessories and housewares available on their Etsy shop is any indication, you’re definitely going to want to get your ass over to Fishtown at some point this weekend where the local founders of Snowbird Vintage will be temporarily occupying the entire space just above Adorn Boutique. These ladies clearly have a good eye for vintage fashion. Most of the items fall into either the “super-trendy” category or “stunningly classic” category. Personally, I’m really digging this 1970s wine-colored floor-length dress with crochet detailing. It’s like classy-Bohemian. Best of all, there’s even more awesome items downstairs. Friday, 11am-8pm. Daily through Sun/16. Free. Adorn Boutique, 1314 Frankford Ave.
If you missed Crafty Balboa last weekend, this may be the closest craft event to it. More than 15 local artisans and craftspeople will be in attendance selling an array of fine handmade jewelry and vintage treasures, including those of SquidWhale Designs, Dahling Accessories and MADEBYHANK. Oh, and you can even get a portrait of yourself sitting on the moon. That alone makes it worth the trip. Saturday, 12-6pm. Free. 1241 Carpenter St.
While you may never be able to enjoy Christmas with the same unbridled enthusiasm that you did as a child, why not at least try? Plop down on Santa’s lap, decorate cookies, marvel at an array of shinny seasonal arts and crafts, rock out to your favorite Christmas song with Frosty and maybe even partake in a little holiday treasure hunting. If this all sounds incredibly embarrassing, then offer to babysit a niece or nephew and relive your youth through them. Saturday, 11am-2pm. Sister Cities Park, Logan Square, 18th & Ben Franklin Pkwy.
You didn’t think the holiday season was going to go by without a GO WEST craft extravaganza, did ya? Regardless of who it is that you need to crossed off your list, chances are one of the 40 local vendors at this year’s event will have the ideal gift—one that you probably would have never thought of yourself. For instance, how about a cozy hand knitted or crocheted winter accessory for your bestie living in Chicago? Or how about a clever screen-printed tee for you’re little bro? Saturday, 11am-4pm. Free. The Rotunda, 4014 Walnut St.
Once again, Three Sirens Boutique is partnering with Nawrocki Fitness for a special shopping event, this time with a portion of the proceeds helping to benefit Moss Rehab. In addition to accessories and handbags by Urban Expressions and apparel from RD Style and Press, befittingly, the boutique will be bringing along their selection of Hardtail workout gear as well. RVSP to the Facebook event or bring your student ID and you’ll receive an additional 10 percent off. Sunday, 12-5pm. Free. Nawrocki Fitness, 1500 Locust St.
Your Weekly Holiday-Related Happenings
TUESDAY
Polygon Comedy: Holiday Explosion!: Anything with the word “Explosion” in the title is probably worth checking out, right? This month, Philly’s independent comedy showcase will feature the wits of stand-up comic Jake Alvarez, followed by the angry local improvisers, Angry People Building Things and improv tag-team Rosen & Milkshake. Your headlining act for the evening is none other than the gals of ManiPedi, the hilarious sketch troupe who you may or may not remember from PW’s cover a few weeks ago. 7:30pm. $5. L’Etage, 624 S. Sixth St.
Second Stories: The Worst X-Mas Ever III: If you’re looking for a few laughs tonight, but don’t have $5 bucks to shell out on a cover, just head over to The Dive where upstairs, several funny locals will be sharing their most horrendous/embarrassing Christmas memories, all for your entertainment. So not only are you guaranteed some good chuckles, but you might start conjuring up a few repressed holiday memories of your own—for better or worst. 7pm. Free. The Dive, 947 E. Passayunk Ave.
Christmas Movie Quizzo: If you own a TV, you’ve probably seen Elf, A Christmas Story, Home Alone and Christmas Vacation at least a dozen times. Now finally, you have a chance to put all the useless info you’ve retained about these holiday classics to good use during four rounds of trivia, one movie for each. Perhaps needless to say, come bringing you’re A-game because these are going to be some pretty tough questions. If you can’t make it out tonight or simply want a do-over, the event will be re-hosted Wednesday night with the same drink specials and Christmas tacos. What’s a “Christmas Taco?” I have no idea. Tues., 8pm & Weds., 8:30pm. Free. Drinker’s Tavern, 124 Market St.
WEDNESDAY
CakeStyle Philadelphia Pop-Up Shop: For one day only, the virtual styling service for busy, modern women will be bringing their holiday selection of designer fashion and accessories into the real world, right here to Philly. Not only will guests will have a chance to win a $1,300 dollar Victoria diamond shaker necklace from local designer, Adornia, but a portion of the day’s proceeds benefit The Hamels Foundation. The shop will be open all day (8am-8pm) and you don’t need to be a sporting club member to check out the designer duds inside. Wednesday, 8am-8pm. Free. The Sporting Club at the Bellevue, 224 S. Broad St.
Spirits & Suds Bar Crawl: Start building up your alcohol tolerance now as you hit as many of the 12 participating bars/pubs/restaurants along E. Passyunk Avenue as your stomach/liver can stand. For just $5 dollars, you’ll get $3 dollar craft beers, $4 dollar cocktails and $5 snacks at select locations as well as your choice of either a Santa or Elf hat and “Santa’s Sipping Stamp Card.” Once you’ve collected five stamps on said card, you’ll be entered to win a $300 in gift certificates, with every additional stamp bettering your odds. The long list of drink and food specials include Art in the Age cocktails at Birra (1700 EPA), $5 dollar nachos at Adobe Café (1919 EPA), cranberry-ginger margaritas at Cantina Los Caballitos (1651 EPA) and a $5 dollar meatball sub at Stogie Joes (1801 EPA). 5:30pm-10pm. $5. Various locations along E. Passyunk Ave.
El Fuego & Philly Improv Theater’s 100% Improvised Baby Jesus’ Menorah Kwanztravaganza & Comedy Spectacular: Don’t be confused by the incredibly long and hilarious title—these are actually just two separate shows, which happen to be taking place in the same venue right after one another. First up is El Fuego, a new holiday musical that takes place after a fire has devastated the North Pole, killing countless innocent elves. The elves that did survive are on strike due to unsafe working conditions. Need I really say more? Afterwards, catch an all-encompassing holiday production in which one of the Philly Improv Theater’s house teams recreates a holiday gathering based on those shared by a few randomly selected audience members. Sounds like a pretty sweet double header, huh? So be sure to make a night of it (and save yourself some cash) by getting tickets to both shows. 7pm/9pm. Through Dec. 31. $12-$35. Skybox @ The Adrienne, 2030 Sansom St.
THURSDAY
Bario-Neal Holiday Party: Peruse the selection of handcrafted adornments from this Philly-based jewelry brand while enjoying delicious seasonal cocktails, beer from Yard’s Brewing and treats from Federal Donuts and Yumtown. Don’t feel guilty about splurging on one of Bario-Neal’s since all of their jewelry is made with reclaimed precious metals, ethically sourced stones and low-impact, earth-friendly practices. Also, bring in a new toy for CHOP’s Holiday Toy Drive and in exchange, you’ll receive 40 percent off any one item in the boutique. 5-9pm. Free. Bario-Neal, 700 S. Sixth St.
Nicole Miller’s Annual Men’s Night: For all the fellas out there who wouldn’t know an awesome gift if it smacked them in face, Nicole Miller is coming to the rescue. In addition to complimentary personal shopping and gift-wrapping services, the shop will be serving cocktail, hors d’oeuvres and even a few models. When picking out the perfect gift for the gal(s) in your life, keep in mind that 10 percent of all sales from the event will benefit the Ventri Foundation. So don’t be stingy. 6-9pm. Free. Nicole Miller Bellevue, 200 S. Broad St.
What To Do This Weekend
SATURDAY
Crafty Balboa Holiday: With more than 60 local art vendors in attendance, everyone on your list should be covered. If you’re shopping for your sister or mom, check out Penelope Rakov’s colorful blown jewelry and the sophisticated yet quirky textiles and wares of Kaye Rachelle Designs. For the men in your life, consider one of Recycled Rowhouse’s revamped pieces of furniture or the folklore-inspired books and prints of Huldra Press. This year’s event will also feature two fun new additions: a holiday-themed photo booth and a live print-your-own-wrapping-paper demo from South Philly’s mobile art studio, ColorWheels. Be one of first 50 shoppers to arrive and you’ll even score a free goodie bag. 11am. Free. SS Neumann Goretti High School, 1736 S. Tenth St.
Holiday Second Saturday: Before and/or after you hit up Crafty Balboa, be sure to stick around and wander through the neighborhood, as there will be all sorts of festivities going down. From 1-3pm, follow the holly jolly tunes of strolling musicians as they make their way up and down East Passyunk Avenue and stop by the Alphabet Garden (1631 EPA) to get your photo taken with Santa. Meanwhile, Sermania Jewelry (1719 EPA) will be slashing prices on their selection of bling and from 6-10pm., Nice Things…Handmade (1731 EPA) will host its 3rd Annual Ornament Show. Last but not least, grab a beer at Ray’s Happy Birthday Bar (1200 EPA) where Traveling Wares will be presenting an art and craft show to help raise money for Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. Various times and locations.
DIY Christmas Gift Workshop: Save yourself some cash and get a little crafty as a group of skilled artists and crafters show you how to make everything from ornaments and homemade vanilla extract to a homemade clock and wreath. Some gifts may cost a few bucks, others are free. 12-4pm. $0-$10. Circle of Hope, 1115 S. Broad St.
Book Paper Scissors: Put down your Kindles and iPad for one afternoon and join the Philadelphia Center for Books in celebrating both old-school and contemporary book arts, printmaking and paper crafts. An array of vendors will be setting up shop inside the Free Library for this annual book fair, selling hundreds of affordable paper-based creations—everything from zines and origami to paper sculpture and jewelry. Meanwhile, guests of all ages have a chance to explore these art forms themselves during one of two free workshops. 10am. Free. Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St.
SUNDAY
Rejoice Craft Event: Tis the season to recycle and reuse! The skilled craftsmen (and craftsladies?) of Handmade Philly will be leading a workshop all afternoon, guiding the not-so-crafty in making their very own gifts and decoration. Not only will you be getting their advice and assistance free of charge, but all necessary supplies will be included. The Resource Center, a nonprofit center championing the creative reuse of various discarded materials, will have plenty of affordable, reclaimed materials for sale. Oh, and to top it all off, Philadelphia Brewing Co. will be bringing along some refreshments. 12-5pm. Free. The Resource Exchange, 2829 Cedar St.
Punk Rock Flea Market: Ah yes, the shopping event I’ve waited all year for. At this point, I probably don’t need to say very much about R5’s Productions’ annual shopping extravaganza considering how insane the turn out is. Though I swear they say this every year, supposedly this is going to be their “biggest one yet!” with over three hundred tables of anything and everything your heart could possibly desire. Personally, I find the best deals are with the miscellaneous personal vendors selling their unwanted items. Seriously, who sells a perfectly good pair of kitten heel shoes for $3? 10am-5pm. $3. The Punk Rock Flea Market-Dome, 461 N. Ninth St.
Sculpere Burn Workshop & Jewelry Sale: Looking to shed a few more lbs before Christmas, but still have some shopping to do? No worries, local designer and owner of Adorn Boutique, Sarah Lewis is going to help you kill two birds with one stone. Discover the Sculpere Burn, an intense full body workout that speeds up your heart rate ballet and slows it down with intervals of yoga, before heading downstairs and rewarding yourself with complimentary mimosas and 30 percent off the boutique’s amazing selection of handcrafted jewelry, accessories, clothing and gifts. 12-2pm. Free. Adorn Boutique, 1314 Frankford Ave.
Schuylkill Center’s Winterfest: Do a little shopping and a little crafting. A total of 25 local eco-artists will be onsite selling lovely gifts while other artists will be leading several different workshops throughout the day should you want to your own. Your options: a wreath, ornaments, cards/stationary, recycled art and jewelry. Starting at 6 p.m., you’ll even have a chance to do a little star gazing as you roast marshmallows on a campfire. 2-8pm. Free. Schuylkill Center, 8480 Hagy’s Mill Road.