Arcadia Boutique To Close in Rittenhouse, Expand in NoLibs
That’s right, next month, Philly’s go-to indie eco-fashion and lifestyle boutique will be closing the doors of their Rittenhouse location (265 S. 20th St.) forever.
But before you go sheading a tear, there is some good news. Actually, there’s several pieces of good news.
With only a short amount of time to unload their selection of sustainable clothing, denim, shoes, jewelry, home accents and gifts, starting this Friday, Arcadia Rittenhouse will be having a HUGE clearance sale that’ll continue through mid-May. Even better, with one less business now to worry about, Arcadia owner, Ali McCloud is focusing all of her attention on her NoLibs location (819 N. Second St.) and more specifically, expanding its collection of vintage apparel, accessories and casual men’s clothing.
Also, starting this summer, the socially-conscious contemporary interior design firm, Design6 will be setting up a small studio space inside the boutique, offering everything from wallpaper, fabrics and furniture samples for inspiration to full-scale interior design services. In other words, you’ll be able to spruce up your wardrobe and your apartment all at the same time. It just so happens that DESIGN 6 is the creative team responsible for Arcadia’s chic décor and digs.
Aoki Boutique Has All Your Last Minute V-Day Needs
Just found out that you’re beau is taking you somewhere fancy and need the right dress or accessory? Still haven’t gotten you’re gal a gift? Completely clueless as to what you should actually get your gal? Single and ready to mingle?
Whatever you’re V-Day circumstances might be, Alina Alter, owner of Aoki Boutique in Rittenhouse (115 S. 22nd St.) has got you covered. Besides the shop’s miscellaneous assortment of Valentine’s goodies (below), Alina offers some specific recommendations for ladies in search of the perfect date-night outfit. She also makes a few gift recommendations for all you clueless guys out there.
Clockwise from top: Vintage Valentines by Cavallini & Co., $15/12 assorted cards // Betsey Johnson Kiss Knee Socks, $15 // Love Letter Necklace by Ornamental Things, $56 // Kiss Pill Box by Homart, $12 // Sparkly Assorted Valentines Hair Ties by Kitsch, $12.
Dress by Ellelauri, $168 // Geometric Gold Necklace by AV Max, $70 Feather Necklaces by Serefina, both $70
“This look is perfect for the lady who prefers a more traditional silhouette yet still wants to look young and hip. The pink and red color theme can be way overdone on Valentines, so it can feel refreshing and unique to go with a more neutral color palette. The mocha and sheer mint color blocking in this Ellelauri dress is feminine without being over-the-top girly, and is great for winter. Finally, the geometric and feather necklaces by AV Max and Serefina add some flair and edginess to balance out the look.”
Dress by Fraiche by J, $87 // Bag by Urban Expression, $63
“This length of this Fraiche by J dress suggests elegance and drama, yet the jersey fabric keeps it lighthearted and, most importantly, comfortable! The plunging neckline and back cutouts are sexy but tasteful, and perfect for a romantic dinner out. Pink is incorporated subtly in the striped pattern throughout the otherwise seafoam dress; add a bold pink bag like this one by Urban Expression to really make it pop!”
Presh: Gold and Pink Floral Earrings, $18 // Archipelago: Caramel Candle, $38
Royal Apothic: Japonesque Eau de Perfume and Vintage Duster, $40 // Papaya: "Love" iPad Case, $45
2 Winter Sales You Don’t Want To Miss
Mitchell & Ness’ 18th Annual Winter Sale
With the Super Bowl just four days away and the Flyers finally back on the ice, seems like an ideal time to maybe stock up on some sports gear. It just so happens that the folks over at Mitchell & Ness have a long tradition of celebrating the Super Bowl with a badass sale. In addition to taking 25 percent off headwear and accessories, all apparel will be an impressive 50 percent off. I repeat: HALF OFF ALL MITCHELL & NESS APPAREL! Hell, you might as well pick yourself up a Flyers jersey, an Eagles hat, a Phillies scarf and Sixers sweatpants. As for any Falcons or 49ers fans out there, well, you can just go fuck yourself. Through Feb. 2. Mitchell & Ness, 1201 Chestnut St.
Arcadia’s Annual Winter Attic Sale
Ah yes, it’s right about that time of the year when retailers must purge their inventory to make way for the impending season. You only have three days to take advantage of Arcadia’s annual winter blowout, which directly coincides with a spring pre-sale and will be quickly followed by a Valentine’s Day sale. Exclusively at their Rittenhouse store, shoppers can save 50-80 percent off all fall/winter style, not to mention there will be a clearance section of clothing and accessories starting at just $20 dollars. We’re talking designer collections from Dolce Vita, BB Dakota, Lauren Moffatt, Prairie Underground and even Pendleton’s Portland Collection. Meanwhile, hit either one of Arcadia’s city locations and take 15 percent off all of their new spring arrivals. You can also shop online using the code: SPRINGFEVER. Feb. 1-3. No Libs: 819 N. Second St. Rittenhouse: 265 S. 20th St.
Get Your New Year’s Eve Look For Less
Still searching for a perfect New Year’s Eve look? Well, that makes you and about a million other women. The good news: practically every retailer is having some sort of post-Christmas/end-of-the-year sale. So get glam, but don’t overspend. You are going to need some cash for cocktails, after all.
The Dress…
The ultimate NYE dress is perhaps the hardest dress a gal will have to shop for all year. There’s just so much criteria that it has to meet: it has to be sexy, bold, comfortable, unique, durable, etc. Luckily, Arcadia Boutique has not only a wide selection of dress styles to choose from, but now through Tuesday, all of them will be 20 percent off. Oh, and all of their shoes will be 20 percent off too. The sale is going on at both their NoLibs and Rittenhouse locations (819 N. Second St. & 265 S. 20th St.) as well as online (promo code: MIDNIGHT).
The Outfit…
Eros Apparel Cap Sleeve Sequin Peplum Top (Now $67), Look From London Two-Tone Tights (Now $14), Eight Sixty Metallic Dot Camisole Top (Now $60), Abbeline Studded Collar Blouse (Now $40), Free People Animal Foil Skinny Jeans (Now $70), Aryn K Collared Shawl Blazer (Now $90)
Should you desire something sparkly and sexy, but would prefer not to completely freeze your ass off all night, South Moon Under (1731 Chestnut St.) has an impressive selection of NYE-appropriate fashions and accessories on sale both in stores and online right now. If you’re shopping online, you can receive an extra 25 percent off all sale items using the checkout code: EXTRA25. The garments shown above are just a few that caught my eye.
The Accessories…
Kimchi Blue Metallic Mix Checkbook Wallet (Now $17), Rhinestone Appliqué Headband (Now $20), Rhinestone Diamond Earring (Now $13)
Need a little somethin’ somethin’ to complete the look? Considering that Urban Outfitter’s is offering deals on thousands of select items both in stores and online as apart of their “Get What You Really Wanted Sale,” you may want to consider hitting one of their locations in town (Rittenhouse: 1627 Walnut St., University City: 110 S. 36th St.) for any last-minute NYE adornments, such as those shown above.
The Hair & Makeup…
We all want to look especially stunning on New Years and let’s face it—there’s only so much you can do without the skills of a professional. It just so happens that tomorrow and Monday, the stylists at Center City’s b2 Salon (200 S. Broad St.) are offering to make you over from head to toe for a fraction of the original cost. For just $50, they’ll wash, blow and style your hair and apply a full face of make up. For another $30 bucks, they’ll cover all of the above in addition to a conditioning treatment and shellac manicure. Needless to say, spots are filling up fast so you’re going to want to call and book an appointment ASAP. Like, right now.
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.
Holiday Happenings This Week
NOTE: This only includes events going down Tuesday-Thursday. The weekend is a whole other separate beast, one that I will wait till Friday to tackle. That said, spend your money wisely.
This may just be the most Philly-appropriate holiday celebration I’ve heard of. During each of these 12 straight “jolly happy hours,” locals will enjoy a different, half-priced seasonal brew as well as complimentary bar snacks before discarding their empties on the “Percy Street Beer Can Xmas Tree.” Once you’ve had enough to drink, you’re invited to take a photo on Santa’s lap—and by “Santa,” I mean a disguised representative from the night’s featured brewery. Return on the 12th day to see how their booze tree sparkles during a special ceremony with live music and even more festive beers. Daily through Dec. 12 from 5-7pm. Percy Street Barbecue, 900 South St.
For one night, Bus Stop’s incredible selection of unique designer shoes will take a slight back seat as the boutique becomes an emporium of oh-so adorable gifts and stocking stuffers from an eclectic mix of local, national and international designers. This includes wristlets and men’s wallets from the UK brand Cheap Monday, the trendy jewelry of Betsy & Iya and the very fashion-forward socks of the Hong Kong-based line Da-Sein Socks (Bus Stop is currently the only store in America where you can find them). Guests will also be treated to cocktails and bites and whether you decided to purchase a small gift and/or a pair of shoes, you’ll receive 15 percent off your purchase. Weds., 6-9pm. Free. Bus Stop Boutique, 727 S. Fourth St.
For this special craft show, benefit sale and auction, the second floor galleries at the Philadelphia Art Alliance will be transformed into an upscale retail shop, featuring an array of handmade items—tableware, toys, jewelry, sculpture, etc.—from over 35 carefully selected artists. For any Rittenhouse nannies who happen to be reading this, the PAA is offering special family-friendly activities every afternoon including several origami workshops and a “Bring Your Stroller” guided tour. Tues., 12-7pm. Through Dec. 9. Free. Philadelphia Art Alliance, 251 S. 18th St.
Kembrel Holiday Gifts Trunk Show
If all these massive local holiday craft shows are too intense for you, here’s a chance to shop locally-hand-made gifts in a more intimate setting. Party with the Kembrel crew and patronize with some local designers while checking some folks off your Xmas list. Some of the designers confirmed so far include Armstrong & Wilson (men’s accessories), bombom jewelry and De Jong Design (wooden home goods). Finally, as always, drinks and snacks will be provided. Thurs., 5-9pm. Free. Kembrel, 1822 Chestnut St.
With the apocalypse now allegedly less than a month away, not only is this a good time to finally go check out the Penn Museum’s MAYA 2012: Lords of Time exhibit if you haven’t already, but given the inevitable slew of apocalypse parties, now also seem like a good time to stock up on some fun doomsday novelty items. For the next five days, the museum will be offering shoppers 10 percent off their purchase (15 percent if you’re a Penn student or faculty member; 20 percent if you’re a member). Besides their usual selection of unique gifts from around the world, their store currently has a special “Party Like It’s 13.0.0.0.0” gift collection featuring everything from shot glasses to t-shirts. Daily through Dec. 9. Various times. Penn Museum, 3260 South St.
Because Diamonds Really Are A Girl’s Best Friend…
To make sure the women of Philadelphia get what they really want this Christmas, TownHome Jewelry & Boutique has put together a rather genius two-part shopping event, targeting both the givers and the receivers out there.
First up, tomorrow (Wednesday) night, ladies are invited to come and peruse the boutique’s selection of designer adornments while enjoying wine and light bites from Rouge as well as a hot coco station. Whether it’s one of Heather B. Moore’s simple yet elegant customizable pendant necklaces or a unique, environmentally friendly bangle from Me&Row, there’s bound to be something that catches your eye.
Once you’ve decided which piece(s) you’d like to find under the tree, be sure to tell your beau (or leave hints) because on Dec. 11, the Rittenhouse treasure chest will be hosting a boys-only night featuring whisky cocktails from Whistlepig, and fare from Chef Marc Ventri.
So as not to discriminate, guests at both events will be entitled to a special 15 percent discount. In other words, single ladies can go ahead and buy their own damn bling.
Both events will be held from 5:30-8 p.m. at TownHome’s headquarters at 1616 Walnut St.