When you walk into Robinson Luggage, you’re usually greeted by the earthy, new-car-ish smell of leather and tempting displays of every type of bag you could ever possibly need (um, an expandable wheeled carry-on with removable suiter and adjustable straps? Sign me up). But stop by Robinson’s Jenkintown store tomorrow from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and you’ll be welcomed by a … lemonade stand.
Yep, one of our fave luggage stores is teaming up with one of our fave charities, Alex’s Lemonade Stand, the Wynnewood-based foundation that raises money for childhood cancer research by selling the deliciously sweet summer staple. Donate in person and then browse Robinson’ stellar selection of purses, wallets, luggage, briefcases, and more. (We’re eyeing this bold Toss Designs beach bag).
Visit alexslemonade.org to learn more about the foundation and the amazing girl who started it all (you’ll be happy you did). Can’t make it to Jenkintown? Log on to robinsonluggage.net or alexslemonade.org to make a donation.
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?)
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
My job can be very dangerous sometimes. Not, like, physically or anything (well, usually). But when you’re already predisposed to shop and to covet and to, well, give in to all that, being responsible for conveying to people out there what they should also want to shop for and covet and give into buying, it can get a bit hazardous.
For instance, I’m at a photo shoot right now for nature-inspired jewelry. And it’s not just enamel or plastic stuff I can just go grab after the shoot if I really feel I must have it. It’s diamonds and pearls and platinum and it’s so frosty and the designs are so pretty (sprawling leaves and flowers, various insects — yes, insects; you’ll see) that I’m afraid these are going to stay on my mind for a while.
My fave: this little dragonfly necklace from Tiffany. He would work year round, with any outfit, just hanging out on my collarbone. I swear I’d take good care of him. If only someone would just give me the chance.
Lucky for us, free-spirited artist Susan Banchek has settled down (for now, at least) in Philly, after stints in Ohio, New Orleans and NYC. Even luckier for us, she’s filling the most fashionable city shops (Vintage Connection and Arcadia) with her slightly offbeat, totally statement-making necklaces, which she crafts in a teeny studio in her Center City apartment.
If her brass baubles have a vintage flair, it’s because Banchek gets most of her inspiration from the glamourpusses of yesteryear (think Cleopatra and the queens of the silver screen). And, though her jewelry line, Esther K. — named for her great-grandmother — is now limited to necklaces, she’s considering branching out to bracelets (fingers crossed!).
Next up? Look for semi-precious stones on Banchek’s next batch of earthy-pretty necklaces.
“They have a presence to them, I think,” Banchek modestly says of her covetable, limited-edition pieces. We couldn’t agree more.
That little headline is sadly not the work of my journalistic brain, but rather the tagline of Haverford’s newest (and possibly cutest) clothing boutique, Katye K, which I had the pleasure of popping into last week on a day when I was working extremely hard outside the office (i.e., certainly not buying no less than two items wherever I went. Ahem.).
The shop is nestled in a mini shopping strip set a tad back off of Lancaster Ave. in a pleasantly open, white and light space. Owner Katye Stanzak’s looking to freshen up the Main Line with designers not often found around those parts — comfy, flirty dresses and tops from JWLA, For Love and Liberty, Daftbird, Burning Torch and By Francine. She’s got denim from Genetic and Kasil, plus William Rast and People’s Liberation, and bags by Kooba and Deux Lux.
In the back, find comfy PJs, and a smattering of the cutest baby stuff — itty bitty “Philly Baby” onsies stuffed into to-go coffee cups from Baby Take Out, and one-of-a-kind girly dresses from Green Pomegranate, made out of vintage linens, old-fashioned hand towels, table scarves, antique lace and mid-century buttons. (So can you really blame me for “not” buying no less than two items?)
If you haven’t checked it out yet (she’s only been open a month!), pop by on May 8th, when she’s having a Girls Night Out party — wine and hors d’oeuvres from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and 10 percent off your purchase.
Ah, Gap. Ever-reliant, fundamentals retail heaven. Especially when you hit one of those stores where Gap Body is combined with the main store, like ours is on Walnut Street. About once a year I stock up on layering white camis, cropped workout (/lounging) pants, comfy hoodies and super soft v-neck Ts. Plus, there’s usually a wildcard item or two throw in, depending on the season. And this spring’s visit was no different.
Behold Gap’s striped tank dress for spring/summer 2008. It comes in an array of colors, is made of that super soft cotton, comes in a rainbow of colors, and will be as perfect to throw on after work and sleep in as it will be as a hot summer’s day go-to and the quintessential beach cover-up. Leggings optional.
Seeing as I’ll definitely use it as all of those, I bought it in two colors (love the tangerine!).
For now.
Gap striped tank dress, $24.50, various locations, gap.com.
When you walk into Robinson Luggage, you’re usually greeted by the earthy, new-car-ish smell of leather and tempting displays of every type of bag you could ever possibly need (um, an expandable wheeled carry-on with removable suiter and adjustable straps? Sign me up). But stop by Robinson’s Jenkintown store tomorrow from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and you’ll be welcomed by a … lemonade stand. 
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 
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. 
My job can be very dangerous sometimes. Not, like, physically or anything (well, usually). But when you’re already predisposed to shop and to covet and to, well, give in to all that, being responsible for conveying to people out there what they should also want to shop for and covet and give into buying, it can get a bit hazardous. 
Lucky for us, free-spirited artist Susan Banchek has settled down (for now, at least) in Philly, after stints in Ohio, New Orleans and NYC. Even luckier for us, she’s filling the most fashionable city shops (
That little headline is sadly not the work of my journalistic brain, but rather the tagline of Haverford’s newest (and possibly cutest) clothing boutique, 
Ah, Gap. Ever-reliant, fundamentals retail heaven. Especially when you hit one of those stores where Gap Body is combined with the main store, like ours is on Walnut Street. About once a year I stock up on layering white camis, cropped workout (/lounging) pants, comfy hoodies and super soft v-neck Ts. Plus, there’s usually a wildcard item or two throw in, depending on the season. And this spring’s visit was no different.