October 23, 2007
With “good design at an affordable price” as the motto for this home specialty outfit, Foster’s Homeware has combined its two cramped locations at Reading Terminal Market and 3rd and Arch Streets into a new showroom and retail outfit with over 10,000 square feet at 4th and Market Streets in Old City. The new location opened August 1st and specializes in home décor accessories for everyone including kids and quirky artsy-fartsy types to even the most conservative customers looking to make home a little more homey.
The new location breathes with a wide open floor design making browsing or finding exactly what you’re looking for a piece of cake. It also features “Apartment 399″ a multi-use loft-style space that works as a furniture showroom and cooking school perfect for renovation contemplation or bridal registry. The state-of-the-art demo kitchen hosts cooking classes from basics and baking to Italian, Indian and vegan foods through Temple University Center City non-credit courses. It is also available to rent for cooking demos, tastings and product reviews.
Along with a continually expanding e-commerce site, the new space offers an almost full line of Chilewhich vinyl placemats and a fully stocked line of Iittala dishware from Finland. The added space allows for a collection of upholstered furniture, as well as an addictive display of coffee table books throughout the store. Whether you’re just looking for a spicy new shower curtain or have been dying for a camouflage apron, you’re sure to find something for your home at Foster’s. Though uncommon for Old City, odds are you’ll be able to afford it too.
Foster’s Urban Houseware
399 Market Street, Old City, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(800) 734-8511
Monday through Saturday 10-8 | Sunday 12-6
http://www.shopfosters.com
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October 22, 2007
Funny enough, I discovered Sailor Jerry at a badass out-of-state goth/skater boutique, but they have a retail location right here in Philly. If you haven’t heard, street wear is the hotness of fashion *thisminute* and people of all ages are scrambling to wrap themselves in artfully slammin’ t-shirts, hoodies, denim and canvas – PRONTO.
And yeah, I’m talkin’ about you, Mr. & Ms. Brightside. You may be saying “No No No” to rehab, but here in Philly, and all over the world, people are saying “Gimme More” (Amanda Blank remix, this *IS* Philly after all) to Sailor Jerry and his anchor-licious designs. Sailor Jerry is so dope that they even have their own designs on Converse. I bought the “snake flower converse lowtops” seen here, (if you buy these, we should coordinate so we don’t show up to the same places in them).
But don’t stop there! Ladies, I recommend you check out the tunic/tanks and be prepared to fend off the sailors. Guys on the other hand, you should get all down with your manhood this holiday season. Shrug into their skull-embroidered plaid hunting jacket and watch out “” the foxes will be lining up! *swoon*
Who doesn’t love them a sailor? AHOY!
Sailor Jerry
116-118 S. 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 531-6380
http://www.sailorjerry.com
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October 22, 2007
309 Cherry Street hosts the studio and gallery space for creators, founders, managers, partners, and business associates RJ Thornburg and Warren Muller, collectively known as bahdeebahdu. This six-year old interior design, lighting gallery, and work studio features the unique work of these two men who have come to make their personal artistic impressions a staple of the Philadelphia visual style.
After milling over variations on “Thornburg and Muller” the team opted on something less law firm sounding for something a little more musical. The name bahdeebahdu came from a memory of a Jamaican man calling his dog in Rittenhouse Square, an occurrence Muller remembers hearing repeatedly while a resident in the area. The Litmus test was a branding that was capable of being spicy when first answering the phone. “Hello bahdeebahdu” just seemed to have more pop than “Hello, Thornburg and Muller.” After a little internet research RJ settled on the spelling with some added “h’s” to avoid any karmic confusion by twice using the word “bad.”
The dynamic duo has worked in the Old City artistic community for decades, both having heavy retail experience. They met while owning neighboring gallery shops on 3rd street. They partnered up and began renting part of their current Cherry Street studio for a large commissioned work only to eventually take over the whole thing. This year the team expanded the studio help with the hire of Drexel grad and uwishunu design blogger Kevin Derrick.
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October 22, 2007
New to Old City, this fantastic minimalist boutique carries brands from all over, from as far as Sweden, England, and Japan. Of course, they also sell fashions from their home, Philadelphia. Take a look at one of their sweet, camo jackets after the jump below!
Right now, Bryan Poerner of Trk+Fld is one of the featured designers over at Deep Sleep. His bags are created from Sunbrella, a 100% solution-dyed acrylic fabric, an idea he came up with while away in Hong Kong in 2005. The interesting thing about Sunbrella, is that this fabric is traditionally used for awnings, due to the fact that it is UV and water resistant. The color and strength of the fabric refuses to fade, even under the worst weather condition, yet still remains as soft as cotton.
Trk+Fld bags come in all sorts of colors and styles, for both men and women. Take a look!
Trk+Fld
www.trkfld.com
Deep Sleep
54 N 3rd. St, Philadelphia, PA 19101
(215) 351-9124
deepxsleep.blogspot.com
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October 19, 2007
I know you’ve had this moment! this thing, whatever it is chair, shirt, jacket! it sucks, if only I knew how to make it, I would make it better. In the case of R.E. Load, it was a messenger bag, only the moment was taken into action and the bag was made. Now the Philadelphia born bag company has expanded over the past decade to have a store and production studio here and in Seattle designing bags of all sorts for messengers and civilians alike.
Roland Burns (he’s the R in R.E. Load) grew up in New York and has always been into bicycles. He received a degree in materials engineering from Drexel University where he had good internships working for bike design companies. After realizing that breaking into the bike industry was not to be as easy as planned, he took a year off from pursuing his career and worked at a no longer existent bike shop on Walnut Street, where in 1998 he met Ellie Lum (she’s the E), who had just train hopped to Philadelphia from San Francisco.
How did R.E.Load get its start?
I was working at a bike shop on Rittenhouse Square, and Ellie, who I hated at first, because she was a big hippie from San Francisco and just a punk kid, came in and she had spray painted a bike that I thought looked cool, so I asked her about it, and then we ended up hanging out. Then she became a messenger and I became a messenger shortly after that. I had this bag that was horrible and I knew she knew how to sew so I asked her if she could help me fix it, and then we both just decided to make bags. We each made a bag of our own, not planning on doing anything else…
More after the jump!
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October 19, 2007
While strolling through the Italian Market on 9th Street, you can’t help but get caught up in the old world feel. In this rich mix are the sounds of the merchants screaming out orders for produce, the meats and cheeses hanging in the windows, and of course, the sleek elegance of the Mexican luchador wrestling masks…
Wait!!!Hold up. Did I say that?
Yes, there are times in one’s life when a wrestling mask can come in really handy. For instance, if you feel the need to work on your career as one of the rudos (bad guys) or técnicos (good guys) in an athletic and moves intensive wrestling match, the traditional mask is adorned with great dignity.
Or if you are interested in being El Jason-O or The Magnificent Gladys for Halloween, this is a great choice. Perhaps you see yourself as a new urban superhero, or want to avoid your ex, or even anonymously voice a protest at the next town meeting, what better way than a stylish fashion accessory like the Mexican wrestling hood. Avoiding creditors, hiding from enemies, helping people cross the street, dressing a little different at the cocktail party. Your imagination is the only thing holding you back. The styles and colors vary. Each hood has symbols and designs ranging from the religious to the ridiculous. I saw one with horns. Everything is available within a couple of blocks of your favorite Italian cheese shop, or Frank Rizzo’s massive mural…
Pictures and more after the jump!
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October 18, 2007
One of the (many) complications that come of having a shoe addiction is the correspondingly expensive problem of keeping up with stylish bags that work with the footwear. So when I stumbled on the J. Karma Boutique, I figured I must have racked up some good karma of my own for doing something good somewhere along the line.
Jeanne, the owner, has an eye for stylish accessories that won’t break the budget. I am currently coveting this cute little red Chinese Laundry double-handle shoulder bag that comes in at less than $60. Seriously. And in Handbag World, that’s practically free, right?
The question is… would it be a bit too matchy-matchy if I also spring for the red patent Carlos Santana spectator pumps for only $98. (Yes. That Carlos Santana.) Probably. So better I should go with the black high-heel Frye boots. I mean, it’s not like she doesn’t have a few dozen really cool styles to choose from.
It is all so affordable, I can also spring for the jewelry by local designer Marilyn Schiff. At last! A place where you don’t have to make an either/or fashion decision.
More photos after the jump!
J. Karma Boutique
62 N. 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
(215) 627-9625
http://jkarmaboutique.com/
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October 16, 2007
I think all stores in the 100 to 200 block of 2nd street must feel the push to be some kind of gallery, since they’re residing in Old City gallery land. If you have retail space in this neighborhood and you don’t have free wine and a reason for people to enter your store at 7pm on a First Friday evening, then you’re missing out on an opportunity to make some bank. Maybe gallery goers aren’t ready to spend thousands on a piece of art, but they are willing to spend hundreds on a piece of “art something”. Why not have glasses be that art something? I know that Margot and Camille’s optical store is cashing in their fantastic retail space and fantastic wears.
Margot and Camille’s is an upscale, but not stuffy, optical store on 2nd Street. The retail space is warm and inviting with bright orange walls and hard wood floors. It’s layout is typical of Old City, it’s about 11 square feet of space with stairs that lead to a basement. Even in the small space Margot and Camille’s isn’t overwhelming or cluttered with glasses packed from floor to ceiling. Instead, the space feels cozy. Only a marginal part of the room is used for displaying the glasses. Why? Because only a very certain type of frame can be found here.
Picture this, if Swatch made glasses they would be stocked at Margot and Camille’s. The styles are very European, smart, art curator looking. My favorites are a pair of red Keith Hering style, 80s frames. There are a few pieces of jewelery on the wall and a mirror to admire yourself. This is a discerning store that doesn’t sell a whole bunch of everything, it’s a little bit of the best.
Of course, Margo and Camille’s has cashed in on their location. The store doubles as a gallery. This past Friday the store hosted a photography show, “Paris by a Parisian”.
Hours:
Monday: Closed. Tuesday: 10-6. Wednesday – Thursday: 10-6:30.
Friday: 9:30-5:30. Saturday 11-6. Sunday: 11-4.
Margot and Camille
142 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
http://www.margotcamille.com/
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October 16, 2007
On Thursday, October 18th, head on down to Valanni’s for their Fall fashion show, Candyland.
Delicious Boutique, Smak Parlour, LaBold Brothers, and Lola by Carla Montalvo will be showcasing their fun new designs for Fall, all of which give this show a one-of-a-kind twist… the designs are inspired by candy.
The catwalk will extend through the venue and out the French windows of the restaurant, where over thirty models will take the stage, adorned in body paint, bright colors, and delicious designs, setting a Candyland-esque mood. The show starts at 10:30PM with DJ Kevin Kong spinning punk and retro pop tracks to get you going on the dance floor. Valanni will have drink specials all night.
To top everything off, some of the hair stylists from the Andre Richard Salon and makeup artists from MAC Cosmetics will transform the models into works of candy coated art. Don’t miss it! Fall is getting just a little bit sweeter.
Candyland at Valanni’s
Thursday, October 18th, 10PM
Valanni Restaurant & Lounge
1229 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 790-9494
www.valanni.com
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October 15, 2007
Posted By: Chad Brown
Just off the western shore of Rittenhouse Square, down the Locust tributary, is a sentinel. Like an eddy that swirls hair in its lightly spinning current, Julius Scissor’s salon has a lot going on behind the glassy smooth exterior. A short step up out off the stream, the innovative hair fashioneer can be found attending to his clients in a chair that overlooks the bustle of the river.
A rising column of hair thrust from floor to ceiling and pleasant banter, mixed with 35 years of clips and quotes, mingled with product, and one truly feels in a unique spot on the hairy terrain of Philadelphia’s shear scene. Some clients have been with him from chestnut to salt and pepper, yet still he continues to prove there’s more than one way to split a hair. Ephemera and ideas from a long visual art run extend his reach beyond the hair dryer. Stop in for a chat and a penciled in date, then hop back in the waters.
Julius Scissor’s
2045 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19103
(215) 567-7222
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www.juliusscissor.com
October 15, 2007
There comes a time in every fashionista’s quest for her own highly-individual look that she comes up with the brilliant idea of making it herself.
It is at those times you’ll want to head to Vagabond, an off-the-charts Old City boutique that has one of the most unusual collections around.
Let’s start with the do-it-yourself part. Vagabond stocks all the stuff you need to create your own fabulous knitwear “” soft, cushy skeins of wool, cashmere, angora and other yarns, needles and owners who know a thing or two about knitting and purling to help you out.
If spending the next three months looking for dropped stitches isn’t your thing, they stock oodles of lux, hand-made knitwear by local artists. And because they are hand-knit, chances are you won’t see another one just like it anywhere. There are also racks of up-to-the-minute ready-to-wear by new designers. Seriously, check out the cute jackets with 3/4 length sleeves. Too, too cute. And if that’s still too generic for you, sift through the vintage shoes to whip up a look that you know you won’t see on anyone else.
Vagabond
37 N. 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
(267) 671-0737
http://www.vagabondboutique.com/
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www.vagabondboutique.com
October 12, 2007
At least once a year I splurge on a spectacular and spectacularly expensive pair of jeans. And with the euphoria that comes with purchasing such delicious denim comes the guilt of dropping nearly two Benjamins for a pair of pants”"you know, the kind of the button, zipper, pocket variety. But Charlie’s Jeans, Old City’s haven of indigo and the site of my yearly denim pilgrimage, doesn’t sell just any old jeans. They sell the best fitting denim in just the right shades by all the top designers”"7 for All Man Kind, Citizen of Humanity, Blue Cult, True Religion, Adriano Goldschmied and on and on.
Not only does the monster selection at the recently expanded Market Street shop rock, but so does owner Sebastian and his staff of denim mavens. One look at your body type is all they need to figure out which brands will work best for you. And if your jeans of choice are perfect in all the right places except for length, Charlie’s offers up same-day alterations free of charge, making the investment way worthwhile.
For 10% off the best jeans ever, visit: http://philly.urbansavings.com/charlies.htm.
Charlie’s Jeans
212 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 627-3390
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