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.)
New Sales For The New Year
Sure 2011 may now official be behind us, but there’s still plenty of “end of the year” sales going on. So if you’ve got some Christmas cash leftover, here are some local shops you may want to consider blowing it at this weekend.
Three Potato Four: If you’re on the market for a unique salvaged vintage item for your home, now’s the time to check out Three Potato Four awesome collection of treasures. Spend over $100 and you’ll receive 35 percent off your entire order with the promo code NEWYEAR35. The sale ends at midnight on Sunday. (376 Shurs Ln., Building A)
Knit Wit/Plage Tahiti: Select items throughout the store are now be half-off. (1729 Chestnut St./128 S. 17th St.)
Arcadia Boutique: Looking for a little retail therapy to cure your holiday hangover? Take 25 percent off all clothing, shoes and sale items either in stores or online with the promo code: LEFTOVERS. If that’s not enough of an incentive, shoppers will automatically be entered to win a $100 gift certificate when they make a purchase anytime now-Sunday. (No Libs: 819 N. Second St. Rittenhouse: 265 S. 20th St.)
Nicole Miller: You have just a few more hours to take advantage of Nicole Miller’s semi-annual sale and take an additional 15 percent off all sale items using the promo code EXTRA15. By the way, this includes an ample selection of designer dresses. (200 S. Broad St.)
Three Sirens Boutique: As part of the Old City’s First Friday festivities, the boutique is offering 30-50 percent off clothing as well as 20 percent off accessories. Even better: they’re extending the sale through the weekend. (134 N. Third St.)
BUS STOP: Save anywhere from 30-40 percent on the Fabric Row boutique’s selection of winter shoes for ladies and blokes including, winter styles from such hot international designers as Irregular Choice, Nicole and Antelope. Their “RED HOT Winter SALE” ends on Jan. 13. (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.
Local Gifts For Your Sibling
Sister…
Glass Chickadee Vase, $14 / Three Potato Four, 376 Shurs Lane, Building A
Evelyn K Scarves Sequin Chunky Knit Infinity Scarf, $38 / South Moon Under, 1731 Chestnut St.
12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker (Pink), $69.95 / Kitchenette, 117 S. 12th St.
Hanging Glass Light Bulb (For Tealight or Terrariums), $26 / City Planter, 814 N. Fourth St.
Brother…
611 Black and White Scarf, $22. / 611’s Pop-Up Showroom, 1024 N. Third St.
South Philly Tailgate Union Tee, $24.99 / Philly Phaithful, 737 N. Fourth St.
CARTOLOJI Pennsylvania Pillow, $59.99 / Scarlett Alley, 241 Race St.
Richer Poorer Socks, $12-$20 / SugarCube, 124 N. Third St.
What To Do This Weekend
Much to the excitement of pretty much every secondhand-loving local, Philly AIDS Thrift will soon be getting even bigger and even better. To help raise money for their impending expansion, the store is inviting folks to join them for a summertime bash featuring delicious food and drink, prizes and a silent auction as well as live music from Dangerous Ponies and DJ TransAM. Though the event will be held inside the magnificent work of art that is Philly Magic Gardens, tickets are on sale at PAT (710 S. 5th St.) for $25. Pay an extra $25 guests and you’ll have access to an open bar. Friday, 5-9pm. $25-$50. @ Philadelphia Magic Gardens (1020 South St.)
5th Annual Old City Sidewalk Sale & Stroll
With the weekend forecast calling for sunny skies and temps into the 80s, you’re definitely going to want to meander over to Old City at some point this weekend where over 50 stores, restaurants and galleries will be showcasing and selling their wares out into the streets. Several businesses will also be hosting special events such as exhibits, trunk shows, food and demonstrations. For instance, over at Three Sirens Boutique (134 N. 3rd St.), they’ll be offering shoppers treats and tasty margaritas for the adults (or lemonade for the kids) as well as a special clearance sale, 10-20 percent off select summer styles, jewelry and scarves and a buy-one-get-one-half-off deal on Mink summer dresses. Sat. & Sun., 12-5pm. Free. @ Various locations around Old City.
By now, most of you are probably familiar with InLiquid’s annual art extravaganza (or at least you should be if you’ve read PW’s art column this week). But regardless of whether you’ve attended the much-anticipated summer event the past 13 years straight or are a total AFTCP virgin, this year’s edition is not to be missed. Besides food and live music, each day, there will be at least a 100 or so arts and craft vendors in attendance selling all sorts of affordable, one-of-a-kind items—from prints, paintings and sculpture to clothing, accessories and housewares. Having gone through the list of vendors, I can assure you AFTCP is the best possible thing you can do this weekend—and probably the cheapest. Sat. & Sun., 12-6pm. Free. @ InLiquid, Crane Arts Bldg. (1400 N. American St.)
Three Potato Four Sale & Inventory
By now you’ve heard of the Three Potato Four sale this weekend with all the wonderful food trucks — including Pitruco Pizza – yum!– and we urge you to get into this big time. Three Potato Four has some of the coolest housewares and textiles around. But, what we didn’t know is that they have a web store! So,we decided to pick out a few things online before hitting up the sale, so we can make a beeline to all of our favorite things!
Faribault Woolen Mills Gray Military Blanket
Super Heavy Duty and industrial – this awesome blanket will be what you’re picnic-ing on all summer.
Carpenter Wood Letters & Numbers
How great are these? You could get a big WC for your bathroom or your initials, the possibilities are endless!
Glass Chickadee Vase
How adorable is this vase? And cheap even before the sale price at 14 bucks!
What To Do This Weekend
This Saturday, Free People is celebrating V-Day by hosting one of four different DIY events at each and every one of their U.S locations. Here in their new Philly home, they’ll be setting up a craft station with everything you’ll need to make an unraveling love letter—all while marveling at their stunning merchandise and enjoying complimentary Valentine snacks and drinks. Saturday, 12pm-3pm. Free. @ Free People (1625 Walnut St.)
Tomorrow and Saturday, Three Potato Four is hosting a shopping event at their Manayunk brick and mortar store showcasing an array of local, handcrafted goodness. In addition to TPF’s selection of salvaged/re-purposed furniture and décor, you’ll find hand-bound journals by Peg and Awl, Giant Dwarf’s recycled fabric hair accessories and really awesome prints/posters/illustrations by The Heads of State. The event kicks off tomorrow night with a party from 6-9 p.m with live bluegrass music, treats from Sweetbox Cupcakes, Say Cheese’s mobile grilled-cheeses and bangin’ cocktails by Art in the Age. Friday, 6-9pm. Saturday, 10am-6pm. Free. @ Three Potato Four (376 Shurs Ln., Bldg. A)
Having attended the first edition last Sunday at Tattooed Mom, I can assure you this is one Valentine’s DYI event worth attending. It’s simple: walk in, choose from one of Blackheart Letterpresses’ four different V-Day cards, decide who you want to send it to, pick out the letters of their name, hand it to the nice gentleman and BAM!—you’ve got yourself a free, handmade card to send to a loved one. They’ll also be bringing along their selection of funny and Philly-centric coasters, bookmarks and prints should you want to get a cheap gift while you’re at it. Saturday, 4-8pm. Free. @ Community Cultural Exchange (706 South St.)