Gotta Get Away

Courtesy of Glamour.com

Happy Hump Day!  This morning Marie Claire’s got links to the 25 beauty products that will change your life. While we haven’t tried them all, we can’t argue with the benefits of the Chanel Nude Blush or Mac’s Bronzer just to bring a glow to your face during the drab winter months, the Jergens Natural Glow Express Body Moisturizer which helps us look like we had a nice weekend getaway to Cancun even if we sadly haven’t taken out our passports, as well as Olay’s Body Wash with exfoliating ribbons. With such a moisturizing body wash, you can even skip a post-shower moisturizer. Nice. Marie Claire also posted tips on how to care for your skin depending on your climate.

Lilliana Vazquez, who contributes to NBC10 posted some  cute and affordable sweaters on her blog – The Cheap Chica’s Guide To Style. Glamour magazine is also looking out for your wallet, with their list of shoes for $50 and under.

Philadelphia Magazine is on the lookout in Rittenhouse Square, spotting some styles that they love as well as a type of yoga we hadn’t seen yet. It’s called Slackline Yoga, and it’s done on a tightrope. Philadelphia Magazine spotted Jennifer Nehila practicing Slackline and did a writeup and shot video. Just as Jennifer mentions, YogaSlackers.com gives more information on the practice as a whole.

Lastly, we’re not sure how the #4 resturant on this ESPN list earned it spot, but we’re cracking up.

Zahra Saeed

Gah, I love this White Lotus dress by Zahra Saeed. I guess I usually don’t take most stores directly on Rittenhouse Sqaure seriously, because they always seem like places to outfit a child, Pomeranian or overpriced condo of privilege, and I have none of the above. When I’m (window) shopping, I generally don’t venture past the Barnes and Noble on Walnut Street.

But I’ve been missing out, apparently. Philadelphia Magazine did a story on the Moorestown designer’s second collection, and I was super impressed.

The Pakistan-born Moorestown resident (whose personal history includes an arranged marriage, a divorce, and moving her way up the corporate ladder at a South Jersey mortgage bank while raising two daughters; she self-financed her fashion business) is constantly inspired by the fabrics she finds around the world. And with the wholesale success of her eponymous lines throughout Europe and the Middle East, she sees quite a bit of it.

While I generally appreciate color and pattern more, and there are quite a few pieces in the collection that use those fabrics from around the world extremely well, what I especially like here is what this woman can do with plain ol’ white:

And what’s more, she has a way of keeping balance when employing interesting silhouettes and structural bits so that the wearer looks like she’s wearing something neat that you haven’t seen before, but doesn’t look like she got lost on her way to the Met Costume Ball (OK, the one on the right’s a little bit Swan Lake costumey, but I still like it).

I’m not gonna lie, though: her website doesn’t work very well (at least, not on my computer), and if you click “home” you’ll get blasted with unwelcome music. Whatever. Just wander past the Barnes and Noble next time, and check out all this gorgeous stuff from a for-real local designer.

Zahra Saeed, 1905 Walnut St.

Mad for Mad Men

Trends from Mad Men seem to be popping up all over. Marie Claire as well as Sammy Davis Vintage, a website run by Temple University grad Sammy Davis have caught on – have you? We’ve read that 1960’s designs like those from Mad Men emerge in times of economic struggle. Perhaps Mad Men isn’t just a look for Halloween. Hmm…

Lauren Conrad also has a look that seems to go back in time. Glamour asks – are you a fan of her newly bobbed and darkened locks? Glamour also asks if you keep it cute, sexy or full out skanky for Halloween.

Check out Rittenhouse Square’s website for info on their costume competition – skanky or not, they’d love to have you.

What To Do This Weekend

From peaceful protest to critter crafts and chiptune music, here’s your weekend forecast for the humidity and the happenings:

Friday: 

//Philly Tea Party (peaceful protest and discussion) in Rittenhouse Square I love the things you can find on CL– seriously! At first glance I thought people were bringing their spoons and saucers, but it turns out that this is actually a peaceful protest. If you’re interested in seeing what it’s all about, the deets are here.

Saturday:

//8Static at Studio 34 Not gonna lie, this is totally a plug for a personal fav. Support local music!

 

This month 8static is proud to present a special four musician lineup consisting ofCovox (Sweden),Nullsleep (NYC),Oxygenstar (CT), andRo-Bear (PHL).

Covox touches down in the US the day before and starts his tour right here in Philadelphia at 8static! Nullsleep returns from his worldwide Disaster Fetish tour in time to destroy 8static a second time! Oxygenstar, who previously played open mic and drums for minusbaby, is back for a full set! Finally, Ro-Bear, long time 8static open mic’er and up and coming Philly artist, makes his debut performance!

 

The fun starts at 45th and Baltimore at 8pm. Flyer for reduced admission here.

//Crafts for a Cause Oh man, I wish I had a pet. (For those of you who know me, you’re aware that I’ve actually settled for naming my houseplants.) There was a lovely little write up in City Paper about this sweet crafter celebration on Tuesday, but if you missed it here’s the scoop:

Citizens for a No Kill Philadelphia are bringing together more than three dozen crafters from the tri-state region to vend critter-friendly crafts. Awwww. There’ll be pets up for adoption from PAWS, a book signing and tunes, too. Local favs catFlowers and Steve Notich (above) will be showing, so be sure to swing by the Rotunda between noon and 6pm on Saturday tosee what it’s all about!

//End of Summer Sale at Oma Vintage We got an email from our girl Ada making sure we knew about the Dog Days party and sale at Oma Vintage.

As we all know, the summer is sadly coming to a close. So what better way to fight off those back-to-school blues than with a party and a sale? This Saturday night, all summer items at Oma Vintage will be 20-40% off. One night only! Drinks and treats will be served.

Sunday:

//Blue Oce’ana to benefit The Ocean Project If you’re into eco-conscious apparel, you’ve probably already heard about Sand Shack. We received an open invitation from noon to 5pm this coming Sunday at Tierra Mia Organic Nail Spa on south 17th Street… There’s going to be cocktails and ..fake nails? Here are some deets:

Sand Shack and Tierra Mia Organic Nail Spa are joining forces for ocean conservation efforts in style. Recently named “2009 – Best of Philly”, Tierra Mia is Philadelphia’s premier hot spot for organic, eco-friendly salon experiences. We’re coming together for an afternoon of relaxation and appreciation. 5% of ALL jewelry sales and spa services will support The Ocean Project.

TWITTERPOLL: What’s your fav cafe in Philly?

I asked on Twitter what everyone’s fav outdoor cafe was in town… simply because Philly is full of them and I’m curious! Overwhelming response– everyone seems to have one! My personal fav happens to be Cafe Clave in West Philly, but it seems that there are lots of Green Line fans walking the streets here…

And then the voice of reason tweets:

What To Do This Weekend

It’s Friday in the City of Brotherly Love… and for the first time this week, I’m no longer contemplating buying a paddle boat or building an ark. Hopefully the weather will be beautiful into this weekend, because there are quite a few things happening in town!

FRIDAY:

//REWARD Mid-Season Sale REWARD Boutique in Old City had me at hello; unique clothing, sweet staff and they may or may not have hosted a secret show for one of my favorite bands around the New Year. This coming Friday, May 8th, a mid-season sale is starting for swim, shorts, sandals and dresses. Selected collections for both men and women are going to be on sale– with up to 40% off SS’09 Wood Wood, Paul & Joe Sister, Ksubi, Tsumori Chisato, and many more!

//PAFA 108th Annual Student Exhibition “A PAFA tradition for over a century, this exhibition allows visitors to see and purchase works by BFA students… A free public preview reception of the Annual Student Exhibition will take place Friday”

The ASE Public Opening takes place on Friday, May 8, 2009. The event runs from 5.00 pm – 8.30 pm in the Samual M.V. Hamilton Building. More info here.

//JENNA LEIGH Runway Show featuring America’s Next Top Models “Local designer Jenna Leigh, along with America’s Next Top Models, Caridee English and Jaslene Gonzalez, and world-renowned celebrity spin master, DJ Berrie will unveil the Autumn/Winter 2009 Jenna Leigh collection”

Friday, May 15th, 2009 at 7:45 pm
Runway Show begins promptly at 8:15
The Piazza at Schmidts
2nd Street & Germantown Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19123

SATURDAY:

//Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival This is a favorite of mine. Starting Saturday morning, Walnut Sreet will be closed down from Broad to 19th to host a pedestrian parade and events. The event is rain or shine and there is more info here.

//Second Saturday Don’t miss the final Second Saturday open mic of the season! It will be held at the Painted Bride in Old City.

“Second Saturday was created to provide a less commercial, open, inspirational cafe in which local artists can gather to share, discuss, and perform their work. At Second Saturday open-mic events, anyone is welcome to perform, hang out, and enjoy the free organic coffee and wi-fi. These free events are held from 12-3pm, so we strongly encourage performers to arrive by 12:30 to sign up in order to secure a spot.

Past performances have included spoken word artists, vocalists, jazz guitar, a tabla and sitar duet, folk music, ‘rhapsodic essayists’, collaborative poetry writing, and more! So bring your instruments, voice, poems, stories, miming/juggling skills, monologues, etc. and hang out with us this Saturday afternoon.”

For more info, contact laneshe@paintedbride.org or 215-925-9914 ext. 17.

SUNDAY: Happy Mother’s Day!

//If your Mom totally rocks, go to World Cafe Live The Mothers Day Brunch at World Cafe Live seats from 11am- 2pm. There will be a special Mother’s Day Menu created by Executive Chef, Matthew Babbage; The menus is a la carte and ranges from Smoked Salmon to Cheese Blintzes to Eggs Norwegian. The brunch will take place upstairs and there will be – of course- live music by the  LP Stiles Trio. Reservations recommended (215) 222-1400 or here.

//If your mom is a little batty, go to the Philadelphia Zoo! On Sunday the Philadelphia Zoo will be seating Brunch attendees at two seatings– 9:45am and then at 12pm noon. The breakfast includes a buffet, “an up-close animal encounter”, a craft for the kids in the Zoo’s Peacock Pavilion. What I think is the coolest is the self-guided tour of the Zoo’s animal mothers (aww!). All reservations must be made in advance here.

//Scarlett Alley If you want to go shopping for Mom and help moms across the world, be sure to check out Scarlett Alley in Old City. If you visit their website here they will donate 10% of your purchase to the Women’s Commission for Refugee Women & Children, when you use promo code 1231 at the time of checkout.