Your guide to Philly's diverse creative scene, nightlife, music, food & more
Rakia's Style Nation: Counting Down My Favorite Looks for New Year's Eve
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:
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:
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:
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:
153 North 3rd Street
La Vie En Rose: A Fabulous Night of Fashion
La Vie En Rose: A Fabulous Night of Fashion
From daring hair-do’s to stunning stilettos, the La Vie En Rose fashion show and cocktail reception was fabulous from head to toe. If you’re under the impression that it was simply another ordinary fashion show—think again. La Vie En Rose brought together some of today’s hottest stylists and designers to deliver a night of fashion-forward glamour.
La Vie En Rose gathered people from all walks of life for a common cause—to address the need to nurture and motivate young African American girls. Sarah Dash of the trio Labelle, The Honorable Dame Jennifer Smith (former Premiere of Bermuda) and noted designer Loris Diran were all fashionably present to show their support for The Evoluer House. In the spirit of giving, Cheryl Ann Wadlington, Executive Director of The Evoluer House, gave out several fun gifts at the close of the show to thank guests for showing their support. It doesn’t get much better than glitz and gifts.
In case you missed this incredible night, Philly 360⁰ is here to provide you with another exclusive experience. Check out the video below for a taste of the La Vie En Rose fashion show.
P.S. To learn more or to make a donation to The Evoluer House, visit www.evoluerhouse.org.
Hip Trips with Cheldin: Behind the Scenes at the Mitchell & Ness Opening
Hip Trips with Cheldin:
Behind the Scenes at the Mitchell & Ness Opening
Philly's Mitchell & Ness, the famous vintage sportswear company, has opened its new flagship store at 1201 Chestnut Street--and Philly 360 was on the scene!
I was lucky enough to cover this event as a Philly 360 Insider. Sean McKinney, President of Mitchell & Ness stopped by to chat with me about their new store as well as the future of his historic brand.
From the energy of legendary DJ Jazzy Jeff spinning to the enthusiasm of Mayor Nutter and his surprise performance, the opening of the new Mitchell & store was a night to remember-- and lucky for you, we had a camera crew there to cover it.
Check out the video to see Philly's Mayor Michael Nutter rapping while DJ Jazzy Jeff spins!
Mitchell & Ness history:
Having been around for over 100 years, Mitchell & Ness is not only a Philly staple, but it is a sports fan staple. In many cases, it is the only store to offer authentic vintage inspired MLB, NFL, NBA and NHL gear. The store has become a must-stop destination for athletes, musicians and entertainers visiting Philadelphia--and with the opening of this new store, it's sure to even further solidy Mitchell & Ness' standing as a leader in the field. Even some celebrities I've spoken with have mentioned Mitchell & Ness as one of their favorite places, including Michael Bivins.
Mitchell & Ness
1201 Chestnut Street
www.mitchellandness.com
Rakia’s Style Nation: Rakia’s Fashion and Beauty Holiday Gift Guide
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
713 Walnut Street
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!
Stacey Flygirrl Wilson: How to Collect Art on a Budget
Stacey Flygirrl Wilson:
How to Collect Art on a Budget
With the holidays just around the corner, I know you're looking for some great gift ideas and trying to stretch your dollars. Ideally, we all would love to buy original artwork, but there are some great ways to collect or buy art gifts while on a budget. So, I have compiled a list of cool and fun ways to build your art collection--or give a unique gift to help build someone else's collection--without breaking the bank!
Thereʼs more affordable art out there than you realize! My picks offer a wide range of items, visually and financially but give you options to find exactly what youʼre looking for.
Happy hunting!
Upcoming Event Picks:
17th Annual PAFA Student Print Sale
Friday, December 3
4:30 - 5:30 p.m. open to PAFA members
5:30 - 8:30 p.m. open to the public
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA)
Samuel M. V. Hamilton Building, 6th Floor
128 North Broad Street (Cherry Street Entrance)
If you’re looking for some incredible art maybe to buy as a gift for the holidays or to add to that empty wall, you can definitely find something here. Purchase limited-edition, hand-pulled fine art prints, all for under $100. Food and beverage will be provided. Exclusive members' shopping hour from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The sale, held in the print shop located on the sixth floor of PAFA's Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building, features cards, etchings, lithographs, stamp prints, and woodcuts by students. Admission is Free. Check here for more info : www.pafa.org
December 4 - 5
11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
The Northern Liberties community is in the holiday shopping spirit with a two day spending spree event with various shops having sales of up to 25% off. The more you shop the more you save. What’s even greater, is that a few places I mention on here such as Jinxed and Art Star are on the list! You can shop and receive discounts at various places like Jinxed, Art Star, Bambi Gallery, Arcadia Boutique, Adorn Hand Crafted Jewlery and more!
My Top Picks:
This cool and funky shop is in the shops at The Piazza. Here, you can find all kinds of fun, artsy items that are hand painted and hand made. Don’t forget that original art isn’t always just two dimensional. Hand-painted sneakers and other random items are all original art. Pick up some hand painted Dunny’s, put up a shelf and display your art that is a one of a kind!
If you want cool visuals, Etsy can be your best friend! Etsy is an amazing site where you can find all kinds of art and crafty things. Everything on this site is handmade, aside from a vintage section. There is so much to choose from--but donʼt fret by the vast amounts of choices--they have a search engine where you can enter all kinds of specific wants and needs, including your spending budget! You can also support local Philly artists by going to the 'shop local' section of the site.
This dynamite spread of artwork is somewhere I love to visit to get inspired. The site allows the buyer to browse by medium, genre, size, price, color and artist. You can get lost in the massive amount of creativity on this site. What is even greater about the site is that you can buy gift cards! What a great gift for a friend (or for yourself) to save up for that must have piece of art!
This site not only has great original art, but in order to exhibit on the site, you must be an art student, recent graduate (up to 5 years) or professors to sell your artwork.
I belong to this site and am a big fan of it. As an artist, it is a really cool network of artists. As a consumer, you have the option to buy some really amazing work in various fun forms like table coasters, jigsaw puzzles, prints and all kinds of other things. Itʼs cool way to collect your favorite pieces in different and unique ways.
As an artist and a consumer, I understand both sides of the purchasing situation. So, I allow customers to custom create the piece that they want for an accommodating fee. For $300 you can receive an original piece of art with the colors and concept of your own (with my style of course). Size and time frame vary per project.
Outdoor Art Markets + Festivals
Although it is getting cold outside, something to look forward to in the spring and summer are all the outdoor shopping options. Mostly held on the weekends, you can find little vendor and artist markets and exhibitions outside in the city. Look out for places like - The Piazza, Rittenhouse Square and Headhouse Square. You will definitely find something unique and funky. And donʼt forget about the Art Star Craft Bazaar--it's a goldmine of wonderful original art!
Trade Services
Trading Services is a cool way to network and get the artwork that you want! Maybe youʼre a graphic designer, a massage therapist or a hair stylist. Offer your craft in trade for theirs! Itʼs a great way for you both get something cool out of it. And what a bonus if you gain a new client from the exchange and help a starving artist!
Insider Tips:
Insider tip: Prints, prints, prints!
Canʼt afford the original? Most artists either have prints or are willing to print to order. There are lots of options out there for how you would like the print to be printed, depending on how much you can spend. Next time you see an artist exhibiting at one of Philly's many galleries and their work is out of your price range, ask them for a print!
Insider tip: Thrift Stores + Vintage Shops!
Over the years, I have found some really cool original art in random thrift stores. Just as you can find that amazing piece of clothing, you can also find amazing art! Maybe you can restore it bit or get it reframed. Remember, one mans trash is another mans treasure!
Insider tip: Creative Ambassadors who are visual artists
Check out these artistic Creative Ambassadors for some inspiration--Tatyana Fazlalizadeh, Rah Crawford and me, Flygirrl.
Rakia's Style Nation: A Look Behind the Scenes of La Vie En Rose
Rakia's Style Nation: A Look Behind the Scenes of La Vie En Rose
Friday, December 3
7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Dorrance Hamilton Hall
320 South Broad Street
Once again, it’s time for Philadelphia’s fashionable elite to rock the runway—and you’re invited! The Evoluer House will host its 3rd annual fashion show and cocktail reception, La Vie En Rose. But, it’s much more than your typical night of glitz and glam—La Vie En Rose is a fashion show with a cause and several of today’s noted celebrity stylists have teamed up to bring you a fabulous night of fashion.
Meet the Style Team:
Cheryl Ann Wadlington
Producer
Micah Lamar
Celebrity Fashion Stylist
Debra Ginyard
Celebrity Fashion Stylist
Anthony Jones
Celebrity Makeup Artist
Darya Latham
Celebrity Makeup Artist
This extraordinary show will give you a taste of high fashion as well as stylish everyday wear under the creative direction of celebrity stylist Micah Lamar. I met up the Founder and Executive Director of The Evoluer House, Cheryl Ann Wadlington, and she gave me an exclusive peek behind the scenes of La Vie En Rose.
La Vie En Rose is part of the mission of The Evoluer House, a non-profit organization that assists with the nurturing and development of young African American girls. The organization looks to strengthen young girls over a twelve-week youth empowerment program designed to flourish the mental and physical aspects of their lives. Tres Chic! So, come live your life in pink, or as the French say, La Vie En Rose!
P.S. – Tickets will be sold at the door, so try not to be too fashionably late.
Rakia's Style Nation: Black Friday Shopping in Philly
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: Trends in Tresses - Naturalistas
Rakia's Style Nation:
Trends in Tresses - Naturalistas
Listen up ladies! In Philadelphia, we keep it fly from hair to toe. Take a walk on the wild side with us as we give you our guide to all salons who can bring the naturalista out in you. Here you'll see some of my favorite places to go when you want to rock twists, a fro, locks or anything that doesn’t require a hot appliance to style.
In our next Trends in Tresses video —all about how to be a straightenista —we’ll show you exactly how we straighten things out with the haute stylists and their blown out styles of choice. And for the ladies who like to extend their manes, my extensionistas video will give you the tips behind half weaves, why you shouldn’t be using glue on those tracks, and the latest tips and tricks for when you are looking to extend it.
Philly 360° Exclusive: Kerry Washington Interview
Philly 360° Exclusive:
Kerry Washington Interview
By Insider and fashion ambassador, Rakia Reynolds
The fabulous Kerry Washington is everywhere these days—including philly360.com!
I sat down with the actress and style goddess to talk about her movie Night Catches Us, which also stars Anthony Mackie and Tariq Trotter (Black Thought) of The Roots. The movie is set in Philadelphia in 1976, during the Black Power movement—and did I mention that the movie is scored by The Roots? Talk about being incredibly powerful.
We talked about Philly fashion, food and attractions. Check out what Kerry had to say about filming here!
You can also catch her lighting up the big screen in For Colored Girls, alongside Janet Jackson and Whoopi Goldberg. Another movie that I can't wait to see!
Rakia's Style Nation: All About Men's Fashion in Philadelphia
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!
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- Philly360: Video: We caught up with Creative Ambassador @Carol_Riddick. Check out what she loves about Philly. http://t.co/6QQ49JLg
- Posted Feb 7, 2012 6:44PM
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- Philly360: Check out our top picks for the perfect Valentine's Day rendezvous... http://t.co/QwExUEms
- Posted Feb 7, 2012 6:31PM
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- Philly360: Telecast Party: Just because you can’t make it to the GRAMMY’s doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate right here in Philly... http://t.co/3p55C5fz
- Posted Feb 7, 2012 6:22PM
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- Philly360: RT @visitphilly: For Philly LOVE stories, check out Good Day Philadelphia, 'cause FOX 29 is the official station of love this winter! ht ...
- Posted Feb 7, 2012 10:43AM
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- Philly360: Make sure you enter the '29 Nights of Dates' sweepstakes from @visitphilly. Tickets, Dinners, Hotel Packages & more! http://t.co/KpueNmSi
- Posted Feb 6, 2012 8:36PM
