Anyone who still thinks of a crafts fair as a place to buy tissue box holders and “I (heart) my daschund” signs needs to get out a little more often. Trailblazing crafty boutique owners Erin Waxman and Megan Brewster, who recently moved their artfully chic shop from Liberties Walk to 623 N. Second Street, have likewise moved their extremely extraordinary, thoroughly popular Art Star Craft Bazaar for its oh-so-cool 5th b-day.
This weekend, head to Penn’s Landing Great Plaza on Columbus Boulevard (a.k.a. Delaware Ave between Walnut and Market Streets) for the event — think stuffed felt donuts and hand-screened t-shirts and très urban tote bags and sleek to colorful to, OK, kinda crafty jewelry, plus tons more things you’ll wish you made yourself. I swear, it’ll inspire you to dig out your knitting needles from storage, to take a class in letterpress, or, at least, to snatch up all the spectacular (and affordable) little wonders that other people have made all by themselves and are now happy to sell directly to you. Artificial flower arrangements not included.
Lately, I’ve been trying to trade in my jolting mugs of java for calming cups of tea. Not so surprisingly, I’ve found that trying to curb a caffeine habit is not fun. What makes it slightly more tolerable are all the utterly adorable trinkets and accessories that go along with all my Earl Greys and English Breakfasts and chais: delicate teacups, cute tea cozies, sweet little tea presses — and this subtly statement-making teapot by local ceramicist Teresa Chang.
Chang’s pared-down designs and creamy off-white colors let her impeccable details — life-like bamboo handles, for example — shine through. Plus, Chang’s actually studied the ins and outs of teapots, so her pots won’t drip or leak, and you’ll get a perfect pour every time.
Much cuter than that bulky coffeemaker you’ve got sitting on your counter.
Forgive us for having mentioned this before, but: fabulous Philly native Becky Fawcett and her husband, Kipp, recently started HelpUsAdopt.org, which awards grants — their first one coming in June! — to couples financially unable to take on the enormous costs of adopting a child.
On Tuesday, June 3rd, Nicole Miller Philadelphia (the Bellevue and Manayunk locations are owned by Philadelphian Mary Dougherty) is hosting a luncheon for HelpUsAdopt at Bourbon Blue in Manayunk. Tickets for the lunch, which goes from 12pm-2pm, are $75 (you can pay at the door, but RSVP to Becky at 917-684-5484), and afterwards, all guests are invited to shop just up the block at Nicole Miller for summer’s hottest styles — and where 10 percent of the proceeds will go directly to HelpUsAdopt.
On a trip to Media, I stopped at adorable Sorella Boutique and the store was just busting with new spring goods. While combing through the racks, I stumbled upon what instantly became a summer wardrobe staple.
These jeans from Level 99 not only have an easy I’m-not-trying-too-hard summer vibe with their perfect shade of blue and wide leg, but they are made of the lightest denim known to man, so I can stay cool. And at $108, they are priced right for a seasonal look. All the sudden, my skinnies are looking too hot (and not in a good way).
Whenever I am in West Chester I have to stop at Malena’s, a Best Of Philly 2006 Vintage winner and all around kick-ass store. Sweet Malena always has brand name, excellent condition vintage clothing, shoes and accessories constantly coming through her doors.
The problem is, I don’t often find myself in West Chester, which is why I had to share the good news that she now has an amazing online version of her store. On the site you’ll get a preview of what’s new to the store with detailed condition and history descriptions (this week: A Schiaparelli silk scarf in the original box and a Lilly Pulitzer skirt, shown, both for $48) to just scope out or buy, the opportunity to get in on her ecommerce with a sellers site of your own, and updates on events and sales.
It’s sorta like having her great eye as your personal shopper, in your computer. malenasboutique.com.
Now that it’s officially summer (despite the annoyingly chilly temps), you’re probably aching to splurge on warm-weather goods: new sandals, tank tops, shorts, sunglasses. But just hold off a teeny bit longer on those shades — trust us. By the end of the month, Margot & Camille Optique owner Valerie Vittu will be stocking the shelves of her cozy eyewear boutique with Tom Ford’s just-released line of sunglasses. All sleek lines and non-scratchable glass lenses, the shades in his Sun Collection are ever-so-slightly retro — cool aviators and acetate styles for him and softly square wrap-arounds for her.
Vittu will be carrying 13 of Tom Ford’s delicious designs — including this rectangular T44 Christopher pair, $395, shown — most of which come in several colors (shiny black, rich tortoiseshell, transparent olive green). So, for the next two weeks, satisfy your summer shopping urges with flip-flops and breezy sundresses — once you’ve slipped on your new pair of shades, you’ll be happy you held out. And isn’t Tom Ford worth the wait?
This Friday, after breaking out of work (hopefully a little early) and beelining it down the Shore (hopefully without traffic), pop into Queen Village’s very own Bus Stop Boutique, where owner Elena Brennan is throwing a Sex and the City party from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
As if we needed another reason to come in and scoop up the latest from Repetto and Farylrobin, the party will have cocktails and nibbles, plus SATC trivia and prizes (free movie passes, anyone?)
More reports from the world of lunch break = nail polish.
The week-old Nail Bar (above Leehe Fai) has a mosaic-tiled bar where they serve up luxe manis (start at $20), and a row of sparkling-new pedi stations (start at $45). The prices (which are admittedly higher than your typical in-and-out nail joint) are justified once you take in the spa-inspired scene — friendly welcomes with offers of bottled water, natural wood floors, pretty wall art and soothing candles. Plus, you can join the Nail Bar club and start accumulating points for free services.
Way, way better than swiping your Qdoba card, and you don’t return to your desk smelling like onions.
Image, photos.com
There comes a time in every style editor’s life where she faces a major ethical dilemma: Tell her dear readers about the most amazing, wardrobe-changing find, or keep it all to herself? After a week of internal mulling, I’ve decided to pass this tidbit on to you.
South Moon Under has overhauled their expensive-is-better handbag philosophy by bringing in a slew of affordable, on-trend, super cute bags. Sure you’ll still find totes from Tanno and Marc in the $250+ range, but now you’ll also find no-name, faux-leather messengers, clutches, satchels and small duffels for under $50 — that look expensive and it-bag-ish.
We love this rich-hued InStyle & Co. woven duffle for $48 and this Urban Expressions red clutch for $36. My only fee for this tip is that you don’t buy the same bag I just did, the Instyle & Co Double Flap Shoulder Bag and that you believe me when I tell you it’s from Kooba.
Quick! Name three designers who do their best work in warm weather: Lilly Pulitzer, Emilio Pucci and, more recently, Amy Smilovic, founder of Tibi, and, as far as we’re concerned, the creative offspring of the first two.
Smilovic’s in town on Friday for a private trunk show at very trunk-showy Kimberly Boutique. Which means, you can, 1.) Stalk the shop and beg whoever answers to add your name to the list. Or, 2.), You could just pop in Saturday to scour the racks for the here-that-day, gone-the-next pieces from Tibi’s beach-y, swirly, maxi-dressed, hippie-chick-meets-Palm-Beach-socialite summer 2008 collection. Because as far as we’re concerned, summer’s here.
Image, tibi.com
Anyone who still thinks of a crafts fair as a place to buy tissue box holders and “I (heart) my daschund” signs needs to get out a little more often. Trailblazing crafty boutique owners Erin Waxman and Megan Brewster, who recently moved their artfully chic shop from Liberties Walk to 623 N. Second Street, have likewise moved their extremely extraordinary, thoroughly popular Art Star Craft Bazaar for its oh-so-cool 5th b-day.
Lately, I’ve been trying to trade in my jolting mugs of java for calming cups of tea. Not so surprisingly, I’ve found that trying to curb a caffeine habit is not fun. What makes it slightly more tolerable are all the utterly adorable trinkets and accessories that go along with all my Earl Greys and English Breakfasts and chais: delicate teacups, cute tea cozies, sweet little tea presses — and this subtly statement-making teapot by local ceramicist 
Forgive us for having mentioned this before, but: fabulous Philly native Becky Fawcett and her husband, Kipp, recently started 
On a trip to Media, I stopped at adorable 
Whenever I am in West Chester I have to stop at 
Now that it’s officially summer (despite the annoyingly chilly temps), you’re probably aching to splurge on warm-weather goods: new sandals, tank tops, shorts, sunglasses. But just hold off a teeny bit longer on those shades — trust us. By the end of the month, 
This Friday, after breaking out of work (hopefully a little early) and beelining it down the Shore (hopefully without traffic), pop into Queen Village’s very own 
More reports from the world of lunch break = nail polish. 
There comes a time in every style editor’s life where she faces a major ethical dilemma: Tell her dear readers about the most amazing, wardrobe-changing find, or keep it all to herself? After a week of internal mulling, I’ve decided to pass this tidbit on to you.
Quick! Name three designers who do their best work in warm weather: Lilly Pulitzer, Emilio Pucci and, more recently, Amy Smilovic, founder of Tibi, and, as far as we’re concerned, the creative offspring of the first two.