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…
What To Do This Weekend
Finally a chance to out all your America’s Next Top Model fantasies! During this exclusive, two-hour Philly Dance Fitness workshop, instructor Beverly Holskin who has modeled and choreographed for hundreds of fashion shows around the area over the past two decades, will lead you through the three key components of modeling. First, you’ll learn to work the runway like a pro. Next, Beverly will show you some basic tips when posing for photos to ensure that you always get a flattering shot. Finally, you’ll get a hands-on makeup lesson, learning professional techniques for both day and night. The workshop is limited to only 20 women so be sure you to register ASAP. Sunday, 2:30-4:30pm. $20-$30. @ Major Movement Studio (1624 South St.)
With the forecast calling for summer-like temps, you can expect 2nd Street in Old City to be packed with vendors tonight selling their handmade creations. Once you’ve worked up a sweat, head a block over to Three Sirens Boutique for a refreshing margarita while perusing their new summer styles, including fun dresses from Press and Gracia. As always, the store will also be offering special in-store sales on clothing and accessories. Friday, 5-9pm. Free. @ Three Sirens Boutique (134 N. 3rd St.)
Once you’ve loaded up on margaritas at Three Sirens, head over to Smak Parlour for Smak-tinis and even more pretty spring dresses and accessories. Sultana Maria Jewelry will be hosting a pop-up shop with everything 20 percent off so be sure to keep your mother in mind before you go spending all your cash on yourself. Friday, 5-8pm. Free. @ Smak Parlour (219 Market St.)
The first of a slew of upcoming spring craft bazaars, Greensgrow Farms is inviting you to come and spend the afternoon appreciating nature and the great outdoors while perusing the handmade goods of more than 30 local artists and crafters. With the variety of items ranging from handmade soaps, candles and jewelry to prints, wood crafts and furniture, you should have no problem finding something your momma will like. Saturday, 9am-5pm. Free. @ Greensgrow Farms (2501 E. Cumberland St.)
SA VA Style Event
Join SA VA founder and CEO Sarah Van Aken for a super fancy cocktail party featuring a Style-It Fashion Show showcasing the brand’s signature “New Classics” collection, modeled by local celebs with jewelry provided by Bario-Neal. There will also be passed hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and a chance to win one of two signature SA VA items. Following the event, shop at SA VA for the looks just shown, with 20 percent of all proceeds benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters. Space is limited and you can purchase tickets here. Sunday, 4-6pm. $59-$295. SA VA @ Sofitel Philadelphia (120 S. 17th St.)
What To Do This Weekend
Exclusive Aleksandra Ambrozy Makeup Class
Whether you’d like to admit it or not, chances are you’re one of the millions of women who don’t apply their makeup correctly. I mean, I know mine definitely isn’t flawless. Fortunately, there’s professionals like Aleksandra Ambrozy. One of the most sought after makeup artists in the city, Ambrozy will be instructing women on the proper way top apply makeup as well as which products and tools to use and how to achieve that “professional makeup effect.” The class will be conducted in a very chill, all girl atmosphere with light food and mimosas served. Ambrozy has just knocked $15 off the ticket price so RSVP ASAP. Only ten women will be allowed to take part and you definitely don’t want to lose out on a spot. Sunday, 12-4pm. $60. @ Soiree Philadelphia (305 Cherry St.)
On the market for some beautiful, traffic-stopping designer jewelry? Well, Judith Ripka has plenty of it and today only, you’ll be able to score 50-70 percent off her 18K gold and silver collections. That includes this 18K yellow gold vertical Oasis ring with full cut diamonds, pink mother-of-pearl and pink sapphire which may be one of the most beautiful creations I’ve ever laid eyes on. Friday, 10am-5pm. Free. @The Rittenhouse Hotel (210 W. Rittenhouse Sq.)
Simon Fashion Now
All this weekend, a style extravaganza will be sweeping the King of Prussia Mall. It kicks off tonight with a “Trends & Friends Night,” during which you’ll have a chance to connect with your favorite retailers through interactive demonstrations like hand-graving stations at Tiffany & Co., “make-unders” from Bare Escentuals and mini spa sessions from Aveda. There will also be a fashion show. For day two, runway presentations will be held every hour showcasing seasonal styles from Coach, Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom and more along with “style shops,” offering shoppers in-depth beauty and style demos. Friday, 6-8:30pm. Saturday, 1-6pm. Free. @ King of Prussia Mall (160 N. Gulph Rd.)
Kembrel Designer Series: Philadelphia Designer Trunk Show
Enjoy art, music, food, drinks and lively conversation while checking out apparel and accessories from five emerging local brands: Kenneth Zane, Adorn by Sarah Lewis, Duke & Winston, Haight Ashbury and SPLURGHE. Kembrel will even be extending its 20 percent discount. They have several events lined-up at their Rittenhouse pop-up location so be sure to check back next week! Sunday, 5-9pm. Free. @ Kembrel (1822 Rittenhouse Sq.)
Just in time for Mother’s Day, TownHome is inviting Heather B. Moore to showcase her customizable and incredibly charming jewelry line. All of Moore’s designs feature hand-pressed engraving, which can include anything you want—monograms, mantras, names, dates, ect. If you have siblings, consider pooling your money together and having each of your birthdays engraved. Not only will that make it more affordable, but extra special. Saturday, 9am-7pm. Free. @ TownHome (1616 Walnut St.)
If you’re doing it right, shopping can be a pretty intense workout. With that in mind, Three Sirens Boutique is inviting you to come and shop their feminine fashions while checking out the boutique-style fitness studio, Nawrocki Fitness. New spring styles by Press, RD Style and Gracia will be showcased as well as handbags and accessories from Urban Expressions and their Hardtail workout gear collection. If you’re a student, bring your ID along and receive 10 percent off. As an extra incentive, 10 percent of the event’s proceeds will be donated to Moss Rehab. Sunday, 12-4pm. Free. @ Nawrocki Fitness (1500 Locust St., Suite 1419)
Come and watch as I attempt to walk down a runway sporting a bold new do given to me by the cutting-edge, award-winning stylists at Sigatures du Mei. I’ll be joined by 20 other amateur models showcasing the salon’s summer hair and makeup collection. The show will feature both an “exotic” and “summer” theme and models will be adorned with jewelry and accessories from SWAG Boutique. Should for some reason you want to meet a PW Style blogger in the flesh, just keep your eyes peeled for a half-woman/half-cheetah. PYT will be providing tents in case it rains so my spots should remain intact. Sunday, 3:30pm. Free. @ PYT (1050 N. Hancock St.)
First Friday Fashion & Art Events
While there’s always a crap-ton of cool events on First Friday, local galleries and boutiques seem to be going all out for March.
Tonight also marks the kick off of Fiber Philadelphia 2012, the international biennial and regional festival for innovative fiber/textile art which will be hosting exhibitions at 50 venues across the city from now through May.
Anyway, here’s a few places you should consider checking out tonight…
128 N. 3rd St.
To celebrate the launch of the Philly chapter of Emmy’s Heart, a charity which makes and distributes tutus, crowns, capes and masks to children being treated for serious illnesses and disabilities, Franklin Square is hosting a trunk show/fundraiser from 5-8 p.m. Some really adorable handmade tutus, capes and hairpieces will be available. And, on Saturday at 6 p.m, the Old City boutique will be throwing a tutu party. Seriously, what could be more fun than a tutu party??
614 S. 9th St.
Come and celebrate the opening of “Not a Stitch,” a US/UK group exhibition held as part of Fiber Philadelphia from 6-8 p.m. The two and three-dimensional renderings of needlework featured in the exhibit are garanteed to be unlike any fiber art you’ve seen—from a deck of Tarot cards illustrated with images of knitters to the bondage drawings of a wool and knitwear fetishist.
Part Time Studios 2031 Frankford Ave.
Budding local designer and Part Timer, Meg Swansen will be showcasing her fall 2012 collection, “Bones and Bows” during a special presentation from 6-10 p.m. As the name indicates, the 100 percent handmade collection features a lot of dark garments, highlighted with feminine touches (like the LBD above which is totes adorable). The looks will be modeled by Dawn Kramlich and photographed by Seth Shimkonis. The show will also feature a score compiled by DJ Laine Henry.
1314 Frankford Ave.
While making your way up the Frankford Ave. Arts Corridor, you’ll definitely want to stop by Adorn from 6-10 p.m. and get a sneak peak at owner Sarah Lewis’ spring jewelry collection, including some super-cute beaded and macrame friendship bracelets from The Eden’s Rose Foundation. Bonus: she’ll be serving cheese and wine and offering 10 percent off your purchase.
701 Belgrade St.
Check out the latest bronze jewelry, porcelain ceramics, organic skin-care, locally printed t-shirts and spring scarves while enjoying snacks and wine from 6-9 p.m.
©Anthony Hart Fisher 2011
1400 N. American St. (Crane Arts Bldg.)
Indigo Arts is celebrating both Fiber Philadelphia and their 25th anniversary with their latest exhibit “Indigo at Indigo: Indigo-dyed Textiles from Africa,” which focuses on natural indigo dyeing and weaving techniques in Africa. On Sunday from noon-3 p.m, the gallery will be holding a free Indigo-dyeing workshop with master Yoruba artist Gasali Adeyemo demonstrating cassava-starch resist and tie-dyeing techniques.
134 N. 3rd St.
To make room for their slew of new spring arrivals, the Old City boutique is luring in customers with cookies, cocktails and some serious sales from 5-9 p.m. Select jewelry and scarves will be 10 percent while apparel will range anywhere between 10-50 percent off.
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.)
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.
First Friday Sales at Three Sirens
It’s the first First Friday of 2012 and Three Sirens Boutique in Old City is celebrating from 6-9pm with cocktails and a Red Engine Denim sale event. Guests will receive 15 percent off all premium Red Engine’s authentic, vintage-inspired jeans. Just in case that wasn’t good enough, clothing and accessories will be 15-30 percent off tonight as well.
Two Awesome New Year Sales in Old City
Just in time for your New Year’s Eve celebrations, two of Old City’s finest boutiques are bidding 2011 adieu in the best possible way…by slashing prices!
Now through Saturday, Three Sirens Boutique is offering 20 percent off all party dresses, handbags, jewelry, tops, sweaters, pants and skirts as well as 30 percent off select styles and already reduced clearance items. Need a bad-ass pair of pumps to complete your bad-ass party outfit? Well, lucky for you this is also the last weekend of their BUS STOP pop-up shop. Just whisper the secret word “shoes” at checkout and receive 15 percent off your shoe purchase.
Just a few doors down, Third Street Habit is having a giant winter blowout sale with select seasonal merchandise now 40-60 percent off.
For all you last minute shoppers, both shops are continuing their holiday hours. Three Sirens will be open from 11am-8pm tomorrow and Friday and 11am-3pm on Saturday. Third Street Habit will be open 11am-7pm the rest of the week and Saturday from 10am-4pm.
Three Sirens Boutique Open House
Tonight from 5-9 p.m, Three Sirens in Old City is hosting an open house to show off their latest uber-feminine, fall appropriate duds from Press and RD Style as well as new brands by Gracia, Bella Luxx and dresses from Minuet. To complete the look, Bus Stop boutique will be bringing along their fabulous collection of shoes.
While ogling over the fashions and enjoying cocktails and light refreshments, you’ll also have a chance to meet the boutique’s new owner, Emma Carpenter.
Carpenter’s life long dream has been to own a boutique and recently moved to Philly from New York where she worked for some of the top fashion companies. She was also a loyal Three Sirens customer before taking over.