Local Valentine’s Gift Guide
Now that you know what Philly’s Ten Most Romantic Meals are, it’s time to start worrying about your Valentine’s gift. Here’s eight local shops and businesses definitely worth hitting up:
FOR YOUR FELLA …
If your beau isn’t afraid to rock a little pink, right now Duke & Winston is taking 20 percent off their entire selection of refined, yet appropriately festive pink and red menswear, both in store and online (promo-code: ILUVDUKE). For the more dapper of dudes, consider one of the brand’s gentleman polo ($65) and signature logo tie, in your choice of burgundy or pink ($68). For the more laidback dresser, there’s always their signature red hat ($22) and pink “Long Live Duke” tee ($32). (633 N. Second St.)
As long as you get the team right, you can never really go wrong with cool, vintage-inspired sports apparel and accessories. Hint: the Flyers and Sixers are both in the midst of their seasons. (1201 Chestnut St.)
Lingerie is over-rated. If you really want to get your man’s attention, how about sprucing up your vajay vajay with gemstones or hot pink dye? No, seriously—the chic, organic Old City salon is currently has four different V-Day specials going on, the two most interesting being their “Bedazzled Brazilians” ($85) and “Hot Pink Bikini Color” ($50, $95+ with Brazilian). Should you want to do something far less extreme for yourself they’re also offering a one-hour facial and complimentary blow-out for $100 dollars as well as a 30 minute scalp treatment and custom oil blend for just $37 dollars. (55 N. Third St.)
FOR YOUR LADY…
Rather than going to a department store and picking out some cheap, generic piece of jewelry, you’re gal is much more likely to appreciate a one-of-a-kind, handmade adornment. Though any of owner/designer, Sarah Lewis’ creations will do, you should definitely consider Adorn’s new Love Potion Necklace ($38), a tiny faceted, heart-shaped glass vial which holds a few drops of essential oil—your choice of lavender, rose, or jasmine. As an additional incentive, if you stop by the boutique any day before V-Day, you’ll save 10 percent. Meanwhile, if you shop online before Feb. 12, you can save 20 percent with the discount code: LOVE. (1314 Frankford Ave.)
The gift of pampering never goes out of style, and nor will your lady’s mane should you give her a gift card to Philly’s award-winning, cutting-edge salon. Their services start at just $25 dollars and range from blowouts and restorative treatments to makeup application and brow shaping. (258 S. 11th St.)
Arcadia Boutique
Though typically, men should not be trusted to pick out women’s attire, Arcadia’s sales associates will be more than willing to help you out. This is just a preview of the eco-friendly, V-Day appropriate fashions they have in store. (No Libs: 819 N. Second St. Rittenhouse: 265 S. 20th St.)
FOR HIM OR HER…
If they have a home, then TPF has the perfect gift—whether it’s a a mid-century sofa, an Indian Navi blanket, a set of Victorian tin cups or the 1940s kiss letterpress postcard set that you see above. Seriously, they have more truly unique home goods, décor and accessories than you can even imagine. (376 Shurs Ln., Building A)
In addition to their selection of rare designer shoes, the Fabric Row boutique has all sorts of lovely gifts and accessories, both for him and her. Even better, starting next Monday, several of those gifts and accessories will be 15 percent off including, handmade wallets from Cheap Monday and Patrick Michael, Betsy & Iya earrings and Lisa B. unisex socks, which have a hint of cashmere. (727 S. Fourth St.)
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.
Cyber Monday Deals
And the post-Thanksgiving sales continue…
Concrete Polish: Splurge on one of designer Angela Monaco’s stunning jewels before midnight and you’ll save 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 in addition to free gift-wrapping. (716 N. Third St.)
South Moon Under: Shop online and take 20 percent off everything using the code CYBER20. You’ll also receive free shipping.
Adorn Boutique: Till midnight tonight, Sarah Lewis is offering 30 percent off her entire selection of jewelry. You can either stop by her tiny Fishtown treasure chest or shop online (code: cybermonday). (1314 Frankford Ave.)
Express: Save 40 percent on everything site-wide and receive free shipping.
Kembrel: Receive 40 percent off either in stores or online with the checkout code KEMCYBER. (1822 Chestnut St. & 1219 Locust St.)
Urban Outfitters: Today is the final day the retailer will be slashing prices on hundreds of items in stores and online. The deals vary.
Victoria’s Secret: Today only, receive two “Secret Rewards Cards” with any online purchase of $10 or more. Just enter the code MONDAY at checkout and the secret bonus reward will be added to your order once the code is applied.
Steve Madden: Get free shipping and 30 percent off site-wide with the code HOLIDAYS30.
Sephora: For a limited time, you can score a free mystery gift with any online purchase with the code UNDERWRAPS. This gift is a little black bag containing a secret assortment of their favorite holiday beauty items.
Art Star: Enter code CyberMon at checkout and save 15 percent off your total, excluding the cost of shipping.
Threadless.com: Tons of items site-wide are on sale today only including a selection of tees for $9.99 while over 200 prints and canvases are now 25 percent off. Spend $49 or more for free shipping.
Joan Shepp: Today is your last day to save 20 percent on any of Shepp’s designer coats. And while I would highly recommend going to her fabulous Rittenhouse boutique, you can shop online (code: COATS20). (1616 Walnut St.)
Paper Source: In addition to select sales on an array of holiday gifts, including 25 percent off custom stamps, online shoppers who spend over $75 will get free shipping today only using the code THANKS75 at checkout.
Charlotte Russe: In addition to taking 20-50 percent off everything sitewide, shoppers who spend $50 or more will receive $10 off their purchase and free shipping.
Macy’s: Enjoy various deals on items site-wide including an extra 25-40 percent off clearance items. At checkout, you’ll receive an additional 15 percent off your purchase using the promo code CYBER as well as free shipping if your order is $75 or more.
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.
Ladies, Adorn Yourselves
By now, every woman in Philadelphia should be familiar with local jewelry designer Sarah Lewis, owner of Adorn Boutique in Fishtown (1314 Frankford Ave.). If not, you seriously need to get with the program, especially since Lewis has just launched a photo contest giving you a chance to win a $100 gift card.
Here’s how to enter:
1. Purchase one of Lewis’ amazing pieces of handcrafted jewelry, whether it’s one of her signature crystal necklaces, sterling silver feather ring, moonstone drop earrings or patchwork chain bag. Any item will do. If you already own one, you can skip to step two….
2. Take a photo of said jewelry either by itself or with you/a friend wearing it. Be as creative as possible.
3. Upload your photo to either Adorn’s Web site or Facebook page.
4. Tell your friends, family, coworkers, lovers, complete strangers, etc. to vote for your photo because the one with the most votes wins.
Pretty simple, huh? The hardest part is going to be selecting which of the collection’s functional, timeless pieces you absolutely must have. Only 11 people have entered thus far, so you’re chances are looking pretty good. And although the contest doesn’t end till January 1, the sooner you submit the photo, the longer it has to receive votes.
What To Do This Weekend
FRIDAY
Just follow the balloons down Fabric Row tonight as practically every business and boutique will be celebrating Fourth Friday with even more discounts, specials, snacks and booze than usual. Meet Lynn Bardowski, author of the new best-selling book “Success Secrets of a Million Dollar Party Girl” and enjoy a cocktail at Urban Princess Boutique (750 S. 4th St.) then play dress up at Lois A. Wigs (754 S. 4th St.). Meanwhile, fellas will definitely want to stop into BUS STOP (727 S. 4th St.) where they’ll be unveiling their new, bigger, badder and sexier selection of designer men’s shoes with ice-cold beer and a 15 percent off deal. Finally, hit Red Hook Coffee & Tea (765 S. 4th St.) for an after-party with beer and a new artist debut exhibit. 5-10pm. Free. Various locations along S. Fourth St.
As part of its Diamond 75th Anniversary celebration and coinciding with Penn’s Homecoming Weekend, the Women’s Committee of the Penn Museum is bringing back its annual jewelry extravaganza featuring a hand-picked selection of antique, estate, and high-end jewelry from over two dozen exhibitors. Who wouldn’t mind spending a few hours drooling over amazing bling? 11am-5pm. Through Sun/28. $15-$25. Penn Museum, 3260 South St.
SATURDAY
East Passyunk Avenue Fall Festival/Spooky Saturday
My favorite thing about this season: pumpkin lattes and the non-stop neighborhood fall festivals. In addition to various specials and autumn brews at the Avenue’s many beloved watering holes and restaurants, there will be live music throughout the day, a craft show at Nice Things…Handmade (1731 EPA), free drawing and art lessons by Young Rembrandts and a tightwire demo and circus performance by Charm City Movement Arts (11:15am-1:15pm). As part of Spooky Saturday, there will also be all sorts of family-friendly happenings, including kid’s costume contests, a pet costume contest, pumpkin decorating, trick or treating at the Singing Fountain and more cider and candy corn than you could possibly want. 11am-4pm. Free. Various locations along E. Passyunk Ave.
Whether you’re a mother of a little girl or you have a little niece, you definitely want to check out this insanely adorable line children’s of clothing and accessories for girls aged 3yrs-10yrs. Sarah Lewis will be showcasing Girl and a Mouse’s fall 2012 collection all day at her awesome Fishtown boutique. Not a bad idea to get started on your Christmas shopping. 11am-4pm. Free. Adorn Boutique, 1314 Frankford Ave.
The Friends of Vernon Park Inaugural Fall Flea Market
Hit the nearest ATM, withdraw $20 and see all the great stuff you can score at this first-ever Germanton flea market. Over 40 vendors will be in attendance selling items both new and old—from designer shoes, jewelry and furniture to garden tools, art and books. To top it all off, a few surprise local food trucks are expected to stop by. 9am-4pm. Free. Germantown Life Enrichment Center, 5722 Greene St.
SUNDAY
If you’ve been pondering a new do, book an appointment ASAP for this Sunday at Giovanni & Pileggi. Not only will the salon be offering a really sweet deal ($25 haircut, $20 blow dry), but 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit the Philly-based non-profit, Breast Health International. 12-4pm. $20-$25. Giovanni & Pileggi, 258 S. 11th St. 215.568.3040.
First Friday Fashion
NOLIBS
Arcadia Boutique: Getting a head start on their massive summer sale, the boutique will be offering up to 60 percent off spring styles and 15 percent off everything else in the shop including new summer additions from Dolce Vita, Threads for Thought and BB Dakota. And nothing goes better with savings than some fruity sangria. (819 N. 2nd St.)
Art Star: Take 15 percent off all regular priced items plus an additional 10 percent off sale items. There will even be a table of “Super Sale” items including calendars and prints marked as low as 75 percent off. (623 N. 2nd St.)
Once Worn Consignment: In addition to drinks, snacks and tons of sales, from 5-8 p.m., Al Huda Fashions will be doing their traditional contemporary and unique henna designs outside. (910 N. 2nd St.)
Concrete Polish: Stop by now through Sunday and receive 25 percent off all of CP’s incredibly awesome jewelry. If you can’t make it to the showroom, shop online using the checkout code “Fireworks.”(716 N. 3rd St.)
OLD CITY
Smak Parlour: Seek shelter from the sweltering heat and enjoy complimentary freeze pops from 5-7 p.m. While there, you might as well peruse their selection of feminine summer dresses, bold accessories and printed hair bows. (219 Market St.)
Three Sirens Boutique: Missed their 4th of July sale? No worries—the boutique will be offering customers 15-30 percent off storewide all day today as well as an additional gift with purchase from 5-9 p.m. They’ll be serving up cold glasses of their popular lemonade punch. (134 N. 3rd St.)
Moko: Experience the salon’s aromatherapy misting or have your hair chalked up in a non-permanent bold pastel by one of their experienced stylists from 6:30-8:30 p.m. (55 N. 3rd St.)
Adorn Boutique: Pour yourself a glass of wine and behold the stunning array of crystal, handcrafted and fair trade treasures of owner and designer Sarah Lewis. (1314 Frankford Ave.)
Two Percent To Glory: Besides offering an unusually generous helping of free wine, beer and snacks, this vintage haven happens to be one of the finest I’ve been to in the city. In fact, there’s so much amazing merch in the store that you could easily drink three beers in the time it takes you to rummage through it all. Oh, and be sure to keep an eye out for the bucket of $5 fashions. (1817 Frankford Ave.)
Craft Foundry: Over at Angler Movement Arts Center, Craft Foundry will be showcasing some of their jewelry, crafts and new Volta Organics items. The studio will be hosting a wine reception starting at 6 p.m. followed by their “Lure” performance series at 8 p.m. (1550 E. Montgomery Ave.)