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I’m so very sad to say that the fabulous co-op boutique, Conspiracy Showroom, will be closing its doors after two years of sharing handmade creativity with us lucky Philly guys and gals. Although, Rachel, Suzie, and Typhaney want to lift your heavy hearts and go out with a bang, by having an amazing sale on Saturday, February 7th from 10 – 6pm. Save at least 40% on their spectacular Clothing and Accessories. And in an effort to help them clean house, all store fixtures, kitchenware, random office supplies and fabric are free to those who want to carry them out (get there early for first dibs).

Snacks and booze will be shared, as the three talented women toast their fabulous two years and amazing adventures to come.

If you’re having separation anxiety following the goodbye bash, then you’ll be happy to know that the lovely ladies will be keeping everyone informed about all of their new ventures via conspiracyshowroom.com

Conspiracy Showroom
910 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123
conspiracyshowroom.com

If you are into fashion but don’t have the funds to support your habits of buying the newest Coach purse or those super cute Marc Jacobs boots, check out Walish Gooshe. This women’s ready-to-wear line will be hosting the “Stay Stylish” sample sale today from 4-8pm and tomorrow, January 31, from 12noon-6pm.

The owner of Walish Gooshe, Gregory Taylor, is a native of Washington, DC and attended the Philadelphia Art Institute where he created this line for the professional urban woman. (And he was only 19 years old!)

I can’t promise that Walish Gooshe’s original prices aren’t that of Michael Kors, but what I can promise is that the sample sale will have items discounted, and up to 80% off! The sale will be featuring items from the Fall 2008 and Spring 2009 lines and with designs from Chi Chi and Chi E. Some original designs will be available to you before they even hit stores! How cool is that?

If I haven’t convinced you yet, here’s my last persuading point “” there will be free food and wine there, too. So are you going be at Showroom 77 this weekend? I know I will.

Showroom 77
1520 Kater Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
www.walishgooshe.com

Photo by R. Kennedy for GPTMC

Yes, the rumors are true, Matthew Izzo, located at 1109 Walnut Street is closing its doors the end of January. But, before you throw your arms up in disgust, or dial the phone to tell a friend; relax”¦ there is no need to worry.

The Izzo will return, bigger and better than before! The new Matthew Izzo store is slated to open in due time at its new location”¦ 151 N. 3rd Street in the heart of Old City.

Here’s even better news, the Matthew Izzo “Moving to a new Beginning sale,” is happening now at its current location. You’ll find tasty sale items made for 2xist, Ben Sherman and a whole slew of others.

The new store will still sell you’re old favorites plus new lines of affordable fashion forward clothing, while the second floor will showcase sleek and modern furniture designs as well as fine art by Matthew Izzo and Philly’s latest, up and coming artists.

Don’t pass up the chance, it’s not a shopping experience it’s a shopping extravaganza.

Matthew Izzo
1109 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 829-0606

On the edge of what locals call Jewelers’ Row, sits a premier, high fashion jeweler “” Marchi Jewelers. This gem of a store is almost hidden on Walnut Street “” far enough from the glitz and bustle of its neighbors, but not far from the quality and fine jewelry it’s well known for.

John Marchiafava, owner of Marchi Jewelers has been in the business for well over 30 years and as an expert he knows the culture of fine jewelry.

It’s “worlds apart” feel is often synonymous with the fine, hand-crafted jewelry it often features and sells. And on a particularly rainy Philadelphia night, Marchi Jewelers played host to Emanuela Duca “” jeweler extraordinaire “” whose collections exhibit an “organic” and earthy feel. Much like what flies out the glass-enclosed cases at Marchi on any given day.

Whether you’re shopping for high-polished jewelry or something grittier and “earthy,” Marchi Jewelers is your one stop for everything unique.

Marchi Jewelers
737 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
(215) 627-3134

Make no mistake, we love us some Viv Pickle. Sweet Lexie posted about them back in December, selecting them as one of her picks for holiday gift giving. In response to our posting, the kind folks at the Pickle have put up a special page just for uwishunu readers…

“We love uwishunu and know you do too! And as a special treat, we want to offer all uwishunu fans a chance to purchase a Viv Pickle Custom Handbag gift certificate for 50% off!!”

… that’s right. Stop by the Viv Pickle Old City shop by this Wednesday, January 14th, to grab yourself a $100 Viv Pickle gift card for just $50. Or, a $50 card for $25. You can also simply email or call the shop. The gift cards are good towards any Viv Pickle bag from February 18th to March 18th.

Basically, you’ll get a custom handbag for 50% off. That’s one sweet deal.

Viv Pickle
21 N. 3rd Street Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 922-5904
www.vivpickle.com

A low key, fun, free bridal show. Is that even possible? Apparently, the answer is yes.

When people share wedding tales, I often hear horror stories about stress and costs, about caterers, photogs, dress shopping, etc. I must say, my wife organized the most fabulous wedding I’ve ever been to, and she did it on a shockingly thin budget, though you’d never know we didn’t spend a fortune. It’s a shame that all the fun she had putting it together isn’t the norm these days.

Weddings are a big, big industry, and for those of you who’ve ever been to the cattle call of a typical ‘bridal show,’ you can feel overwhelmed, dismayed, freaked out and even a little angry. Old City photographer Laura Eaton has rebelled against the yawnsville flow and put together something simpler, fun, groovy and girly. An event where you can have a little drink or two, resulting in some serious giggles.

Soiree in the City will be held at her studio on January 17th, will be absolutely free, and will feature a handful of wedding specific specialists and vendors who will share who they are and what they do in an atmosphere that is meant to foster the good time that all aspects of a wedding should be. Damn if that don’t sound outright revolutionary!

This is a deliberately small affair, and an RSVP is necessary to attend. Pay a visit to the official website for more information on how to sign up and attend. Enjoy!

Soiree In The City
www.soireeinthecity.com

Laura Eaton Photography
www.lauraeaton.com

Well… not really. I’m not suggesting you pick up last minute Christmas gifts at the local SEPTA stop. What I am recommending is that you pay a visit to Bus Stop, a cute boutique located on Fabric Row in Queen Village. They are currently in the midst of a three day holiday sale, offering 15% off shoes, boots, and handbags. Plus every purchase gets free gift wrapping. Nice!

It’s also worth mentioning that after Christmas, you’ll be able to save up to 40% on various clothing. You should definitely take the time to stop by this fun shop in QV. Back when I lived on Fabric Row, I’d walk past this shop almost every single day, and there were always people inside scoping out shoes and bags.

Bus Stop will be open today and tomorrow, from 11AM to 6PM, and on Christmas Eve from 10AM to 5PM.

Bus Stop Boutique
750 S. 4th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 627-2357
www.busstopboutique.com

Photos by Plaid Pony Vintage

Christmas is almost here, and you’ve got precious little time to get your holiday shopping in. Forget standing in long lines at the local department store. Head on over to Orphelin Vintage Boutique for their Holiday Soiree on Monday, December 22nd.

While you’re shopping, you can nibble on cheese and sip wine while taking full advantage of their wonderful assortment of gift worthy vintage stock. Clothing, shoes, housewares, art… lots of fun stuff to choose from.

Check out their website to see some great photos from inside the shop, and to get an idea on what they have for sale. If you see Tara, tell her Eric sent you. It won’t get you a discount or anything, I’m just hoping it’ll get me one next time I’m there.

Edit: The store is open from 6PM – 10PM this coming Monday.

Orphelin Vintage Boutique
720 South 5th St, Philadelphia, PA
(215) 796-5711
www.orphelinvintage.com

 

I have been a fan of Viv Pickle for years. Usually I don’t treat myself to custom-made anythings, but local businesses like Viv Pickle really make it worth your while. With full control over all your options, you can custom design a variety of bags in a variety of shapes and sizes–in a variety of colors, all emblazoned with a little green pickle!

The local Viv Pickle retail store resides comfortably on North 3rd Street just a couple blocks from Market. You can certainly schedule a “Pickle Party” (think Tupperware, but more fun) or wander in to find a bag (with the help of the friendly staff–maybe even the head of the company), but an easy and great way to design your own bag is by visiting their website. I just designed a bag today and was promptly called to confirm my order and add some details (extra pockets and a special strap).

In this season of tight wallets and the usual boring gifts, why don’t you take a look a Viv Pickle’s funky and unique products. You’ll be helping a local business trudge through this recession/ and/ find one-of-a-kind gifts for your loved ones (or yourself). My best friend Natalia might even be the one to send it out to you!

They also have some special holiday bags available on Etsy!

Viv Pickle Custom Handbags
21 N. 3rd Street Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 922-5904
www.vivpickle.com

Looking to snag some one-of-a-kind gifts this holiday season? Then head over to Pine Community Center on December 13th and check out the local crafts for sale at the Shop, Rock & Roll event, hosted by Mew Gallery and Girls Rock Philly. The sliding admission fee ($5-$10) will benefit Girls Rock Philly , Philadelphia’s first and only summer rock camp exclusively for girls (a non-profit organization). At GRP summer camp, girls ages 9 to 17 “learn how to play musical instruments, write songs, make their own band merchandise, discover other women in rock and finesse their on-stage jump kicks “” culminating in an end-of-camp band showcase for friends, family and supporters.”

So while you scour the tables for that oh-so-perfect gift, be sure to rock out to the music of Girls Rock Philly’s camper band Iron Tree & camper DJ Sassafras. Where else can you shop for local crafts, make your own stocking stuffers, listen to a live show, and support a local organization, this holiday season?

For more info about the event and Girls Rock Philly, visit www.girlsrockphilly.org or call (215) 789-4879.

Shop, Rock & Roll
Dec 13th, 2-6pm

Old Pine Community Center
401 Lombard St, Philadelphia, PA