What To Do This Weekend…
Warning: if you leave your house this weekend, be prepared for an insane amount of traffic, loud music and street vendors literally anywhere you go.
For the seventh year, this annual festival will once again celebrate East Kensington and the wonderful things the neighborhood has to offer with an afternoon of live music, food and fun as well as 200+ booths of local arts vendors. Some of the featured crafters whose handmade creations are likely to make you swoon include, As The Crow Flies and Co. (vintage ceramic china and stained glass jewelry), ABJ Glassworks (affordable and stunning 3-dimensional stained glass terrariums, mobiles, nightlights and lamps), Orgotten (sustainable, eco-friendly clothing/handmade, cruelty-free jewelry) and Two Lucky Cats (fun, vibrant textile accessories). Saturday, 12-6pm. Free. Trenton Ave. between Norris St. & Frankford Ave.
Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival
One of the city’s most popular spring festivals, the annual event attracts over 10 thousand people around the region each year, rain or shine. For the sake of conserving space, let’s just say that basically every store and restaurant in the neighborhood will have something special going on—cooking demos, sales, workshops, live entertainment, kid’s activities, free shit, ect. In the midst of all the chaos, just be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the spring fashion booth from Rittenhouse Row’s many super-chic boutiques (Knit Wit, Sephora, Town Home, Joan Shepp, Arcadia, South Moon Under, Bella Turka, ect.). Saturday, 12-5pm. Free. Rittenhouse Row (Walnut St. between Broad & 19th Sts.)
9th Street Italian Market Festival
That’s right, yet another festival. So what does this one have to offer that the other two do not? In short, cannolis. In fact, you’ll find delicious, authentic Italian food literally everywhere you look (beat that Rittenhouse!) There will also be stages set up at each intersection with live music throughout the day and a craft marketplace between Fitzwater & Christian Streets featuring one-of-a-kind, handmade items from a juried selection of local artists. What local artists, you ask? Ummm…presumably whichever ones aren’t in Rittenhouse or Kensington. Again, the party doesn’t stop in the event of rain. Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm. Free. Along 9th St., between Fitzwater & Federal Sts.
During the Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival, SA VA will be serving light refreshments and hosting a trunk show featuring three talented local designers who make all their items right her in the U.S.A: Toggery, J&I Jewelry and BCS Designs. Founded by Kate D’Arcy, Toggery is a contemporary fashion collection for women that blends beautiful design with luxurious, environmentally conscious fabrics (50 percent organic). The J & I jewelry collection is highlighted by gemstones and freshwater pearls, each piece hand formed in their Philly studio. Finally, there’s Center City designer Beth Soffer of BCS Designs who will be bringing along her collection of exquisite gemstones and 18K gold plated chains. Saturday, 12-3pm. Free. @ SA VA (1700 Sansom St.)
Nadeau Grand Opening Celebration
Enjoy drinks and nibbles while being one of the first to discover Manayunk’s newest retail haven: Nadeau. The store offers beautifully handcraft hardwood furniture imported from around the globe. This includes traditional and brightly painted dressers, TV stands, chair, accessories and more. And while perhaps not as cheap (or shitty) as Ikea furniture, Nadeau’s prices are actually pretty reasonable, especially considering that none of their pieces are mass-produced or cookie-cutter. Saturday, 10am-6pm. Free. @ Nadeau (4131 Main St.)
5 Ways To Lose Weight By Looking Great (Thanks Fitbie!)…
Being a self-proclaimed health addict who spends way too much of my time scouring the Web for fitness/healthy eating articles, I was more than happy to stumble upon Fitbie’s “Fashion-Forward Ways to Lose Weight.”
This article offers 10 chic ways to lose weight using some of the seasons most popular styles. I just had to share with you some of my favorites but be sure to check out Fitbie for the entire article.
1. Lipstick: Fitbie states that wearing lipstick, especially those of a coral, red, or fuchsia hue, can prevent you from eating messy or sugary foods since you won’t want to constantly mess up your kissers. Nutrition Director Sari Greaves, RD, from Step Ahead Weight Loss Center confirms that you will want to eat daintier as no not smudge your makeup! My preferred lip colors are from Sephora.
Left to Right: Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain “Always Red” $12/Charlotte Ronson “A perfect Kiss Lip Gloss” $14 (Sophia-Creamy Coral)
2. Carry a Clutch: Marisa Moore, RD, a spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, told Fitbie that carrying a clutch, instead of a shoulder bag or purse, keeps your hands busy, making it more difficult to carry a drink AND a plate of food (genius because, lets be honest, the cocktail would always beat a plate of food if I had to choose one).
From Left to Right : Clare Vivier Aqua and Neon Foldover Clutch from $156/ H&M Straw Bag $17.95
3. Buckle Up: Fitbie suggests wearing a belt to not only kick up your style a notch, but to also help define your waistline. (Also, it is a nice reminder to have: once it starts feeling a little tight you know to put down that last donut)
From Left to Right: Forever 21 Colorful Braided Belt $6.80/ Tory Burch tory Reversible Logo Belt $195
4. Do Denim: Hopefully you work at a more laid back office where you are given the freedom to wear jeans on Friday. A study from the University of Wisconsin showed that people who wore their favorite dark-washed jeans to the office took 491 more steps than those who wore suits.
From Left to Right: Forever 21 Stretch Skinny Jeans $10.80/ Madewell Skargorn Bones Skinny Jeans $128
5. Sneak Attack: Fitbie’s article encourages commuters to save their heels for the office and rock some your favorite paire of sneakers into work. Not only will this make your morning routine more comfortable, but it will also give you the availability to get a quick work or walk out in during your lunch break.
From Left to Right: Nike Free 4.0 Women’s Running Shoe $90/ New Balance 860 $89.99
~Michelle Mass
Obsessed with OCC’s Lip Tar
Bright, neon lips are undoubtedly a popular trend these days. Sephora has deemed tangerine their color of the year- walk into the store and you’ll find a selection of the best coral options for your lips, among nail polishes and eye shadows. Bright pink lips are a highly coveted look also; from Jessica Stam modeling for CoverGirl to a girl I shared an art history class with, who pulled the bold look off so casually that I wondered why more people weren’t sporting a bright lip on a daily basis.
Since I’ve discovered Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetic’s Lip Tar, I’ve been planning to ditch my red lipstick for a shade of purple. Then again, they also carry cyan blue, and even mango-orange. With 36 unique colors to choose from, it’s a decision that requires some consideration. Not only does OCC offer plenty of variety in their products, but all of their products are 100% vegan and cruelty free.
Even without the wide variety of colors, The Lip Tar is a unique product in itself. It applies like a lip gloss, but has a dry, satin finish and the durability of a lipstick and goes a long way. The Lip Tar is ultra-pigmented, so when applying it to your lips (you’ll need a lip brush!) you only need a very small amount; if too much is applied, the product will bleed. It will look exceptional all while doing good for your lips, as it contains hemp oil, peppermint oil and vitamin E. Should you ever need to adorn your body with brightly colored designs, you’re in luck because the Lip Tar can be used as body paint as well.
-Emily O’Neill
Great Gifts For Any Mom…
Ok, maybe you’re mother isn’t super chic, quirky, professional or free-spirited. Maybe she’s just a little bit of all those things. Regardless, she deserves an above-average gift.
So to officially conclude our Mother’s Day Gift Guide, here’s a slew of thoughtful treasures perfect for pretty much every type of mom other there…
Gifts For The Fun Mom…
If your mother isn’t afraid of bold colors or prints and has a personality to match, here’s some Mother’s Day gifts worth considering…
Gifts For The Sophisticated Mom…
With May 13th now just around the corner, as always, we here at PW Style would like to lend a hand in helping you find the perfect gift for your mamma. Regardless of your price range, our Mother’s Day Gift Guide is chock full of unique and thoughtful treasures. And thanks to Polyvore, this year, we’ve lovingly compiled all of them onto collage boards, each with a different theme to suit your particular type of mom.
First up, if you’re mother is like a fine wine, here’s some gifts she might enjoy…
Tonight: Make Your Own Lip Gloss at MOKO & Save at Three Sirens
Here’s two more events to consider tonight:
For February’s First Friday, Three Sirens Boutique is wooing shoppers with champagne, chocolate and a slew of sales. In addition to taking 25-40 percent off apparel, their entire selection of outerwear, scarves, hats and gloves will be 40 percent off while jewelry will be 20 percent off (excluding TyphaneyB). Be sure to check out the new jewelry collection by JillEllen Designs because from now through Valentine’s Day, they’ll be buy one, get one half off.
While makeup artist Francois Nars is sharing his tips for mastering this season’s hottest beauty trends over at Sephora, over at MOKO Studio in Old City from 6-8pm, makeup guru Kristyn Rudnet will actually be helping ladies create their very own lip-gloss with Giella Custom Blend Cosmetics. Already have a perfect color in mind? Feel free to bring a photo, swatch or favorite discontinued lipstick and she’ll whip up a perfect recreation. And as if getting a customized lip shine wasn’t awesome enough, you’ll also get to sip on wine while perusing MOKO’s selection of organic beauty products.
What To Do This Weekend
You’re definitely going to want to make sure you stop by Sephora in Center City (1714 Chestnut St.) tomorrow. From noon-6pm, make-up artist and founder of NARS Cosmetics, Francois Nars is celebrating his new, limited edition set “Wicked Attraction” by sharing some of his makeup magic. You’ll learn how to recreate this season’s top beauty trends and be one of the first to experience the brand’s Spring 2012 Color Collection (side note: is it just me or is Nars pretty hot?)
In honor of both First Friday and Valentine’s Day, tomorrow night from 6-9pm, Smak Parlour is offering customers a free fab flower pin and hair-clip with any purchase over $25 as well as a complimentary glas of “Pale Pink” wine from Pinot Boutique (it has a hint of red berries!). You’ll also be entitled to a free sample at Pinot Boutique when you come from Smak (it’s just a few doors down).
No need to wait and hope your beau buys you a little bling for Valentine’s Day! Encouraging you to wear your “Heart On Your Sleeve,” Third Street Habit is taking 20 percent off their entire selection of jewelry all day Saturday (11am-6pm). Sip some bubbly while perusing an array of stunning creations—from the Chan Luu limited edition heart wrap bracelet to A Peace Treaty’s line of timeless, artesian pieces.
Brilliant Idea: Magnetic Nail Polish
The other day I was hanging out in Sephora, and one of the sales associates, Sara, showed me something new. It’s called Whitehall Magnetic Nail Polish by Nails Inc., London.
Here’s how it works: you paint your nail with the polish and then hover the magnet (located on the top of the bottle cap), over the paint and viola! Your nail has this funky, shiny, squiggly thing going on.
I wasn’t so sure about the polish at first, since I usually stick with neutral colors. But it’s been about 24 hours since I got a sample on my pinky finger – and even though the nail looks totally busted- I can’t find the will to remove it. I’m sold! Neutral colors, step aside.
Sara mentioned that she recently read an article about how nail salons are suffering since people are doing their own nails in order to save money. So, I guess when you think about it, $16 isn’t a bad amount for nail polish you can get a nice amount of uses out of and have fun with it.
You can get your own bottle in silver, purple or teal at Sephora in Center City.
~Zenovia Campbell
To Splurge, or Not to Splurge?
It’s only been a couple of days since Christmas. You’ve been frantically running around, scouring the shelves and picking up last minute gifts for your friends and family. Now, it’s time to take that wad of cash you’ve accumulated from those relatives that had no idea what to give you, and use it to treat yourself for surviving the holidays.
But what to spend it on?
If you find yourself repeatedly gravitating toward that Louis Vuitton bag every time you’re within a ten mile radius of the store, or if you feel like your wardrobe is seriously lacking a go-to staple piece that will last longer than a month, maybe it’s time to consider a splurge purchase.
Of course, a splurge to one may just be a normal purchase to another, and there’s no perfect splurge for everyone. For instance, a pair of designer nude heels is a perfect foundation piece to build a variety of outfits off of, but if you can’t see yourself wearing them very often, maybe they’re not the right purchase for you. Here’s a list of possibilities that will hopefully inspire you to find the right splurge for you:
Photo Courtesy of Chanel
Designer Cosmetics
For me, buying foundation in a drugstore was always a nightmare. The bottles were sealed, and when I ended up deciding on one, it’d usually come out looking orange, cakey, a dreadful combination of both, or it would rub off throughout the day.
At a makeup counter, like in Sephora, Clinique, or MAC, among many others, a specialist will help you find the perfect foundation for you, based not only on your skin color, but also your skin type and the amount of coverage you want.
Lipstick and blush can be tricky too, but a makeup counter can help you find the perfect shade before you buy anything.
Photo Courtesy of Madewell
A Good Pair of Jeans
Jeans are a staple item that we all have in our closet. But how heartbreaking is it to have to throw out your favorite pair of jeans because they started to rip for no apparent reason? Avoid the heartbreak and go for a pair that will last. Madewell has a variety of styles, from wide-leg, to boot cut, to skinny, and everything in between. If you struggle with jeans being too long or short on you, try Ann Taylor, who caters to women tall and short alike.
Photo Courtesy of Marni
A Designer Bag
Okay, so maybe this one was kind of predictable. A bag by your favorite designer is a good candidate item to splurge on because it can be used daily, and most are classic and don’t go out of style, such as Chanel’s trademark quilted bags. If a bag is too high over your price range, no need to deprive yourself! Just opt for a wallet instead – it will still get as much use as a bag, and it won’t fall apart from being tossed around or rubbing against your keys.
Photo Courtesy of Misikko
A Salon-Approved Heat Styling Tool
That $20 hairdryer you picked up from Walmart could be the culprit for those recurring split ends. An ionic hairdryer by Misikko will do minimal damage, and comes with an attachment piece at the end to direct the air where you want it and to keep it away from spots that have already been dried.
If you use a flat iron more often than a hairdryer to style your hair, Chi makes flat irons that you’d find in a salon. They also double as a curling iron, and depending on the size of the barrel, can help you achieve perfect soft waves or bouncy tight curls.
Ideally, if you choose to splurge, it should be something you’ve been fantasizing about owning for a while, or something that will be used daily or often enough that it will pay for itself. Never should a splurge be a spontaneous, on-the-spot purchase, unless you have the means to do so. In that case, please help me pay for my college tuition! And buy as many Christian Louboutins as your heart desires.
- Lauren Arute