Rakia's Style Nation:

Counting Down My Favorite Looks for New Year's Eve

Everyone is celebrating New Year’s Eve in style this year. Are you spending the night out in the city or celebrating with close friends at an intimate party? Check out these looks to style yourself for your New Year’s Eve plans.

Insider tip: Catch some of the boutiques goods at the Season Finale party Wednesday, December 29, from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. at Boutique 77 located at 777 South Broad Street. They’ll be highlighting designers and selling last minute NYE dresses. 

Little Black Dress

The rosette detailing of this piece creates a romantic twist on the classic “little black dress” for the fashionista hitting the New Year's Eve parties.

Get this look at:

Octavio Miles Boutique

4251 Main Street (Manayunk neighborhood)

Party Dress

For the fun-loving girl partying with friends at the bars, choose this bright flowing vintage get up to stand out in the crowd.

Get this look at:

Reverie Boutique

205 West Girard Avenue

Glitz & Glam

If you are hosting a cocktail party or attending a celebration with friends, this timeless piece sparkles perfectly for New Year’s Eve.

Get this look at:

Reverie Boutique

205 West Girard Avenue

Tres Chic

This sophisticated dress puts a spin on the traditional outfit for celebrations, adding brilliant  and ornate details to the shoulders to make this piece ideal for any New Year’s Eve plans.

Get this look at:

Third Street Habit

153 North 3rd Street

Rakia’s Style Nation:

Rakia’s Fashion and Beauty Holiday Gift Guide

The countdown has begun! The holidays are 11 days away. Here are some last minute gift items that everyone will love.

Distante

1510 Sansom Street

Philadelphia, PA 19102

(215) 545-2850

If you’re looking for a great pair of cuff links to compliment that stylish suit in your man’s closet, Distante features a variety of well-made and designed links. They are sure to give a man that extra flair for the holidays.

Vivant Art Collection

60 North 2nd Street

Philadelphia, PA 19106

(310) 612-4636

Need a great gift for the ladybug in your life? Vivant Art Collection in Olde City has a hand painted espresso set done in a red and black lady bug pattern. Too cute!  The gallery displays a cultural art exhibit of works from Africa and the Caribbean so if you are looking for a gift for the art connoisseur, look no further.

Duafe Holistic Hair Care

3502 Scotts Lane

Philadelphia, PA 19129

(267) 297-7636

Duafe Salon has come up with a holiday treat for all natural locked individuals. They offer a holiday hair care product kit, which includes shampoo, conditioner, slicker, and body oil—and it’s all wonderfully packaged into what they are calling a lock box!  Treat the locked one that you love to this wonderful treat.

Wilma Theatre

265 South Broad Street

Philadelphia, PA 19107-5659

(215) 893-9456

This holiday seasom, buy tickets to BalletX’s spring series 2011. BalletX’s performances feature a multimedia dance production that incorporates ballet, spoken text, video, and originally composed music. Treat the whole family to a great performance for the holidays.

Spa East

1040 N. 2nd Street, # 301

Philadelphia, PA 19123

(215) 829-1009

Treat the special lady in your life to a relaxing sensation such as a paraffin wax treatment and minx manicure in Northern Liberties. Spa East will leave you pampered and waxed for the New Year. Don’t be the last to know about this great holiday dea! Why not treat yourself while you’re at it?

Nino Brand Sample Sale

December 16

6 – 9 p.m.

1639 Fitzwater Street

Keep warm in the freezing cold with a cape coat made by Nino Brand by designer Bela Shehu this holiday. This stylish cape coat is more than just a gift—it’s a lux gift of style. Give the gift of lux wear and also catch this gem at their sample sale for 70% on Thursday, December 16 from 6-9 at 1639 Fitzwater Street. You’ll surely be the envy of all females this season.

Salon Tenshi

537 North 10th Street

(215) 232-8090

Give the gift of beauty! Salon Tenshi is offering a complimentary full-face makeover and pack of makeup removal wipes as well as brush cleaning wipes if you purchase gifts over $100. Stop in to peruse the locally made makeup line. Every piece is sure treat!

Matthew Izzo

151 N. 3rd Street

(215) 829-0606

‘Tis the season for giving, so don’t forget to visit Matthew Izzo Boutique and experience peace and tranquility while splurging on your most favorite winter fashions. Custom made candles adorn the quaint boutique, which manage to alter the feel of your shopping trip while still arranging to lighten up your holiday. Plus, check out one of my favorite lines, Duke + Winston!

2 B Groomed Barbering Studio

270 South 11th Street

(215) 925-3505

Be sure your man is trimmed and ready for 2011. Give your guy the gift of a straight razor shave at 2 B Groomed Barbering Studios. He will enjoy a relaxing shave and hot towel treatment with stimulating jazz music playing in the background. Don’t hesitate on helping your guy look and feel like a new man for the New Year!

Lolli Lolli Boutique

713 Walnut Street

(215) 625-2655

Make sure you visit Lolli Lolli Boutique this holiday season to treat your children to fun and charming get-ups like tutus for her and vintage tees for him—and don’t forget to pick up a toy or two to place under the tree on your way out!

Rakia's Style Nation:

Black Friday Shopping in Philly

Avoid the holiday crowds at the mall this Black Friday and enjoy a one of a kind holiday shopping experience.

Philadelphia’s most fashion forward boutiques are letting the prices drop this Black Friday. Our favorite boutiques are having a fabulous Black Friday sale that will surely blow you away.  Come shop in these fashion sanctuary’s on your own time. From 30% off of handbags to 15% off hats to 10% off of jewelry, these gifts are sure to show the gift of love. So just relax and shop!

RITTENHOUSE SQUARE

Arcadia Boutique - 
819 N. Second St

Shop at Arcadia Boutique and enjoy their black on black sale with 30% off all black items in store, 15% off anything else in the store, plus sale racks with up to 60 % off items. They will also be offering cocktails all day so come and get a glass of champagne while you shop your day away!

Head Start Shoes 
- 126 S. 17th Street

Come and get a head start this Black Friday and enjoy a shoetastic experience at one of the center city premiere destinations shoe footwear. Shop and enjoy selected items all the way up to 30% off.

Sa Va - 1700 Sansom Street

Want to save in style? Come shop Sava Boutique all day this Black Friday and rack up on your favorite items! Get 20% off regular price clothing as well as 15% off accessories.

NORTHERN LIBERTIES


Bambi  - The Piazza at Schmidt's, 1001-13 N. 2nd Street

This Black Friday--anyone who mentions Philly 360 while in Bambi will get 10% off their purchase. Don’t be last to know about this great promotion!

Delicious Boutique & Corseterie - 
Liberties Walk, 1040 N. American Street #901

Want to feel delicious and still save a buck? Delicious Boutique is having their Black Friday sale with everything in the store 10 % percent off and selected items with up to 75% off.

Spa East - 1040 N. 2nd  Street

Come and get pampered while keeping your pockets fat. Indulge in 50% off all gift certificate purchases and 50% off all services on Friday. The sale continues in the spirit of Black Friday with 50% off all services on Saturday and Sunday.

SOUTHSTREET HEADHOUSE DISTRICT

Bus Stop - 
750  S. Fourth Street

Come take a pit stop at Bus Stop Boutique. Reward your feet and put a smile of your face!  Enjoy 20% off any black shoes or boots in the shop and 25% off any autumn/winter style with a Blue sticker on it.


Dudes Boutique - 
646 South Street

Guys do you want to shop and save at the same time? Well Dudes Boutique is where you should be the day after turkey day! Come enjoy Dudes Boutique’s Black Friday sale with almost everything in the store over 10% off.

Hats In the Belfry - 
245 South Street

Need a new hat?? Of course you do! This Black Friday come pick out a hat that will keep your head warm for the whole winter! Enjoy 15% off selected items, and fedoras are on sale for $25.

Jinxed Clothing
 - 620 S. Fourth Street

Need tees and toys? With the Christmas season almost here, 'tis the season to shop! Enjoy all tee-shirts are $5 off and all toys are 15% off.


Passional
 - 704 S. Fifth Street

Enjoy your passion for fashion at Passional Boutique this Black Friday, Saturday and Sunday! Everything with the exception of corsets will be on sale for 20% off.

OLD CITY


J-Karma Boutique - 
62 N. Third Street

Do you have good karma? You must have!  Your fortunate enough to find out about the J-Karma Boutique Black Friday sale. Come shop selected shoes and boots from 20-40% off. Styles like Jeffery Campbell and Sam Edelman will be on sale along with handbags at 20% off.


Three Sirens
 - 134 N. Third Street

Let Three Sirens become your sanctuary this Black Friday. Relax, enjoy, and find one-of-kind holiday gifts that your loved ones are sure to love. Enjoy 50% off in-stock Rebecca Minkoff, 30% off any Rebecca Minkoff special order, 40% off already reduced clearance merchandise, 30% off clothing, and 20% off accessories.  Also take part in the savings all week long with Black Saturday & Sunday--Saturday, 11/27, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m., Sunday, 11/28 12 noon - 5 p.m.  Customers will enjoy 35% off in-stock Rebecca Minkoff, 20% off listed Rebecca Minkoff special orders, 30% off already reduced clearance merchandise, 20% off clothing, and 10% off accessories.

Scarlett Alley
 - 241 Race Street

Don’t miss out on the Scarlett Alley Black Friday sale! Enjoy a free gift with any purchase. Check out their wonderful line of leather and faux leather items; date books, mini constitutions, golf scorebooks, wine journals, coasters, and jewelry rolls. Write the modern way, via iPad and write the old-fashion way via a pen with these great free gifts! Also don’t miss out on their Cyber Monday sale-- new website with gift registry option! Plus, complimentary shipping and gift wrapping on all orders on Monday, November 29.

Vagabond
 - 37 N. Third Street

This Black Friday, come shop at Vagabond Boutique and save 10% off on everything in the store. Sale items will be 50% off, so you definitely don’t want to miss the sale!

Topstitch Inc. - 54 N. Third Street

Do you have all your clothing pieces for the holidays? If not,you shouldn’t slack on racking up on items in Topstitch. Showcase jewelry will be on sale for 10-20% off and 20% off all other jewelry in the store.

Carmelita Couture - 17 North 3rd Street

Be stylish in couture this holiday season. Stop by Carmelita Couture and get 20% off the first item and 30% off the second item. Don’t forget to take advantage of their payment plans as well.

AVENUE OF THE ARTS


Boutique 77 - 77 S. Broad Street

The day after turkey day-- don’t forget to stop by Boutique 77 and build up your wardrobe. Buy one item and get the second item for 10% off.

PASSYUNK

Sweet Jane Vintage Clothing & Records
 - 1742 E. Passyunk Avenue

Have a fetish for something vintage? This black Friday save and indulge on all that’s classic and fun. Clothing items will be on sale for 10% off everything.

Metro Men’s - 1615 E Passyunk Avenue

Have a certain male to shop for this holiday season? Stop by Metro Men’s boutique for latest in men’s fashion. Keep your guy in style while saving on top brands. Get 20 % off all outer wear which means coats hoodies, and jackets.

Rakia's Style Nation:

All About Men's Fashion

This fall it is all about a custom fit for a man. Whether you are going to work or having after work drinks and din din with your honey, the goal is to look as good (well almost as good) as she does.

This season’s color trend reports are saying the hues of grey is where it is. I on the other hand am feeling rebellious and say color is always a must on a man.  Right now, I am loving that Saturday morning look. Maroon oversized cardigan with a fitted tee like a Duke & Winston shirt, jeans and some old-school docksiders.

This weekend while shopping for my All About Men TV segment, I stumbled upon some great happenings for men.

With Ryan (my always amazingly dressed digital media assistant) on my arm, we were bound for fun times with the Philly fashion scene as our backdrop.

Check out the video that Ryan did on his flip cam:

Here is what we found in two very fun and stylish neighborhoods:

Manayunk

Senor Clothiers for Him

4390 Main Street

This is the spot for custom suits! They’ve styled NFL players like Duce Staley and NBA players such as Samuel Dalembert.

Senor owner Mark is down to earth, cool, and is a total recessionisto. He’s all about pairing things that fit you with the right look -- at the right price!

East Passyunk Square

Metro Mens Clothing

1615 East Passyunk Ave

Such a cute find! This shop is a men’s boutique at its best. They are a one stop shop with trendy dinner jackets, blazers with the throwback elbow patches, newsboy caps, and an amazing local line of t-shirts.

Kanye West would have a ball in this store.

Check out some of my other fashion posts and videos here! 

Rakia’s Style Nation:

Fashionology Philly 360°-Style

A How to Guide for Philadelphia Fashion Week

Every night from Wednesday, October 6, through Saturday, October 9, it will be going down on the runway at the 23rd Street Armory located at 22 S. 23rd Street for the second annual Philadelphia Fashion Week (PFW). This is another exciting week for Philadelphia as the city will again unveil the creative fashion scene that we all love. 

Wednesday, October 6

The kick-off night boasts Philadelphia’s localista scene at its best.  Local boutiques that we know and cherish will be putting on show stopping performances accompanied by local DJs who will be spinning sets throughout the night. Bus Stop Boutique and Arcadia Boutique will be putting on a sustainable fashion show titled Earthly Beauties.

Thursday, October 7

It’s a school night at the 23rd Street Armory, as we’ll see all of the art stars of local universities and institutes, such as Drexel University, Art Institute, Moore College, University of Delaware, and Philadelphia University showcasing their designs for all to see.

Friday, October 8

I’ll be there to see Philadelphia’s own Kristin Haskin-Simms who had a beautiful love affair with Project Runway this season.

Saturday, October 9

On Saturday, PFW will close out the night with special DJ performances, an aerialist, and more fashion galore.

Insider tip:  There is a Philadelphia Fashion Week app for iPhones!

This year, Fashion Week organizers have launched a new mobile application, PhlFshnWk, to help attendees navigate through the daily shows and events and access timely, making it the first app created for a major, national fashion event.  

Check out the full schedule below:

Wednesday October 6th | 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

5:30 PM - Doors Open

6:00 PM - Delicious Boutique, LolliePop, Ban Thor Phan and Kampanart Buahombora [DJ Matt Blank]

7:00 PM - Sarah Borrello & Self Help Revolver

7:30 PM - DJ Bruce

8:00 PM - Brian Sanders JUNK

8:00 PM - Arcadia & Bus Stop Boutiques, Carmelita Couture

9:00 PM - Casey Alvarez Band

Thursday October 7th | 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

School Night - Open to all ages - no liquor served on-site.

4:45 PM - Doors Open

5:00 PM - DJ Gregg Nyce

5:30 PM - Girl Scouts, Handwork Studio

6:30 PM - Brian Sanders JUNK

7:00 PM - DJ Dozia

7:15 PM - Philadelphia Slick

7:30 PM - Drexel University, Art Institute, Moore College, University of Delaware, Philadelphia University

9:15 PM - Willpowerless

9:30 PM - Award Ceremony

Fashion Week's College Night After Party at City Tap House (The Radian Balcony- 3925 Walnut Street | Philadelphia, PA 19104) with a full kitchen open 10-12 and DJs Manny Romano & Adrian Hardy from 11-2. Free Cover all night!

Friday October 8th | 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

5:30 PM - Doors Open

6:00 PM - TNNA, a Different Fur, Alecia Zameska, WeSC [DJ Ben Arsenal]

7:00 PM - Jessi Teich

7:45 PM - tU pHace

8:00 PM - Kristin Simms, Pamela Ptak, NEUW, Farah [DJ Adrian Hardy]

8:30 PM - Brian Sanders JUNK

9:00 PM - Kuf Knotz

Saturday October 9th | 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

5:30 PM - Doors Open

6:00 PM - Marina Makaron Moscow, Cold Method, Autumlin, Bolongaro Trevor [DJ Venus 7]

7:00 PM - Christy Jefferson

7:15 PM - Brian Sanders JUNK

8:00 PM - Allegri/D-Exterior, Sand, Nary Manivong [DJ Manny Romano]

8:30 PM - Skinny (Violinist of All Crazy)

9:00 PM - J Hudson's T.R.O.N.

LOTIS Media & the Spring Garden Social Club present the Official Philadelphia Fashion Week After Party at Zee Bar (100 Spring Garden Street.) PFW guests enjoy complimentary admission until 12:00 a.m. and half price admission until 2:00 a.m.

Rakia's Style Nation:

The Philadelphia Collection Gets All the Attention!

Most of you fashionistas know that The Philadelphia Collection, Philadelphia’s 10 days of Fashion event, has officially begun. Since we are in the last four days of the event celebrating style and versatility, I’ll give you some fashionologie - Philly 360° style.

Wednesday, September 29

Anthropologie Open House

5-8pm  

1801 Walnut Street

This is for all of you Anthro lovers, and I know there are many. Be sure to stop into the Rittenhouse Square staple for a chance to meet accessories buyers and preview new must-haves for the fall. Models will be throughout the store wearing the new collection which is sure to be yumalicious!

And for all of you divas out there, take advantage of the personal shoppers who will be on-hand to help accessorize outfits.

Rittenhouse Row Fall Gathering

7-9pm

The Comcast Center (18th and JFK Boulevard)

You may even have to do double duty and strut on over to the Rittenhouse Row Fall Gathering. One of our favorite DJs, Schoolly D, will be there spinning his flavor for the fashion fanatics.

Tickets: $20 in advance ($25 at door) - to purchase email events@rittenhouserow.org

Thursday, September 30

Talk with Patrick Robinson and Nole Marin

12-2pm

Drexel’s Mitchel Auditorium (3128 Market Street)

If you're looking to get an inside look into the world of fashion, make sure you check on famed designer Patrick Robinson (I heart his afro!) and Nole Marin, you know him best from America’s Next Top Model.  They’ll be giving us an Insider’s perspective on the road to success, unique strategies, professional hardships, and all that other good stuff.

Oh, and it's FREE!

Friday, October 1

A Night of Trunk Shows

For all of you First Friday fans, you definitely won’t want to miss this. Check out what’s happening at our favorite trend-setting boutiques:

Smak Parlour

6-9pm

219 Market Street

New holiday collection featuring: Hand-crafted jewelry by Sultana (made with antiques!), new dresses from Ark & Co., new clothing from store line, simply called Smak Parlour, Weyerbacher Imperial Pumpkin Ale, and music from DJ the Most!

Carmelita Couture

5:30-9pm

17 North Third Street

New fall collection, “The Modern Warrior.”  Plus, cocktails and cupcakes!

Three Sirens Boutique

6-9pm

134 North Third Street

Enjoy a fabulous gift with purchase at Three Sirens Boutique.

Saturday, October 2

FBH Agency Fashion Show Mixer

7-10pm

1401 Walnut Street

End your celebration on a high note at Banana Republic at the 1401 Walnut Street locay.  DJ Hollywood will be spinning as you enjoy a fabulous fashion show!

RSVP required at info@fbhtheagency.com

Don't forget to check out Rakia's Creative Ambassador page and her favorite Philly Boutiques!

Rakia's Style Nation:

Falling Over Fall Fashion!

In Philadelphia, fall is marked by the changing color of the leaves, the influx of college students filling up the hip coffee shops, and the fashionistas moving from the bare leg to the ever-loving combination of tights and boots.

I'm always so excited to see what new trends will be walking down our sidewalks. This season I plan on buying staple must haves that can be worn a ton of different ways.

The Leather Jacket

It's a trends that keeps coming back better and better. This season pair your leather jacket with a flirty dress or jeans for your after work sip with friends.  Go to to Franklin Square Boutique to find this must have staple for your closet.

Denim

I can't get enough of that skinny jean, which keeps getting skinnier and skinnier. Check out Franklin Square Boutique's skinny pant, which feels like a yoga pant instead of the classic denim feel.

Chunky Scarves

They can dress up any outfit and keep you cozy while walking from Rittenhouse Square to Old City.  Find some cute chunky scarves at Knit Wit in Rittenhouse Square.

Cable Knit Sweaters 

This season's hot item can be used to cover up everything you didn't lose this summer or to  transform your look when paired with the right belt. To get Jakai's look, stop in Franklin Square Boutique in Old City and ask for Liz.

You can also head over to Knit Wit to satisfy all over your knit wear needs.

Flip through the photo slideshow to see all of my favorite fall trends!  

See Rakia's Philly 360 creative ambassador page here.