Your guide to Philly's diverse creative scene, nightlife, music, food & more
You are viewing 3 posts for August 2010
Hip Trips with Cheldin: Philadelphia Fit For a Queen
Hip Trips with Cheldin
Philadelphia: FIT FOR A QUEEN!
Summer is winding down, and it’s the perfect time for some much needed pampering and to be treated like a royal, especially with the world premiere of the Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt exhibition at the Franklin Institute. So grab your girlfriends (or boyfriends) for a fabulous getaway to Philadelphia and discover your inner queen or king. Enjoy all that Philadelphia has to offer and experience the best in beauty, styling, dining and entertainment!
First Stop: Northern Liberties for manis and pedis and treats, oh my!
Stop by Spa East in Northern Liberties to get the best manicure and pedicure the city has to offer. You (plus your hands and feet) will thank me later!
After a relaxing mani-pedi, stop by Brown Betty Dessert Boutique for a sweet mid-day treat! Skip the cobb salad and choose cupcakes for lunch instead! You deserve it!
Insider tip: Try the red velvet cupcake.
1040 N. 2nd Street, Unit 301 (Off of Liberty Walk)
1030 2nd Street (Off of Liberty Walk)
Second Stop: Center City/Rittenhouse Row for a head to toe makeover with shopping, facials and more!
Get a little shopping in along Rittenhouse Row – one of Philly’s best shopping districts. Splurge on a fabulous dress or some cute accessories at any of the shops and boutiques. And did I mention that all clothes are tax free in Pennsylvania?
Next, visit my girl Ursula, of Ursula's About PHace, and be pampered with the ultimate facial and have your makeup done to perfection in her makeup studio. Trust me on this, you will look and feel like a queen afterward!
Walnut Street between Broad and 21st Streets
1700 Sansom Street
The Main Event: The Museum District for Cleopatra and dining in style
Head over to the Fairmount neighborhood of Philadelphia and go to Rembrandt’s. This restaurant is only minutes from the Franklin Institute and offers some of the best food in Philadelphia – from unique brick oven pizzas to traditional meals, Rembrandt’s has a dish to satisfy everyone within your party.
Now that you’re looking and feeling like royalty – it’s time to unleash your inner heiress and finally see Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt! The audio tour, breathtaking exhibition décor and layout, and the incredible artifacts make you feel like you’re actually walking through Alexandria, Egypt with the Queen herself!
Insider tip: Final entry to this exhibit is 7pm, so make sure to make an early dinner reservation at Rembrandt’s so you won’t be late!
Rembrandt’s Restaurant and Bar
741 N. 23rd St.Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt
222 North 20th Street
Final stop: Center City for dessert and drinks
Once you’ve visited the fabulous Cleo exhibition and learned about her life of decadence, you may be looking for some delicious decadence of your own.
Head back to Center City to finish your evening the proper way – dessert and drinks! Enjoy a perfectly made dessert from one of Philadelphia newest restaurants R2L. Feel free to ask, for a sweet masterpiece by one of the most amazing pastry chefs in the country, Peter Scarola. Pair one of Peter’s tasty creations with a colorful cocktail from the spectacular bar. This restaurant also has one of the best views of the city from practically every seat in the restaurant.
Still want to indulge in more? Why not show off your new look and party with the stars at two of my favorite rooftop sky bars – Vango Lounge and Sky Barand Continental Midtown’s rooftop! They are must-stops on your day of luxury.
Insider tip: Try the Astronaut pop martini at Continental Midtown
Two Liberty Place
37th Floor
116 South 18th Street
Continental Midtown rooftop bar
1801 Chestnut Street
Experience the ultimate pampering when you stay over and book the Cleo hotel package!
Rakia's Style Nation: Philly Boutiques
Rakia's Style Nation:
Philly Boutiques
With fabulous summer sales and fall fashion beginning to roll out, there isn’t a better time to shop in Philly. Stop in at some of my favorite boutiques to see what I’m talking about!
Insider tips: No tax on clothing in Philadelphia! Also, check out some other boutiques that I absolutely love!
South Street Headhouse District
720 S. 5th Street
Located in the eclectic shopping district of South Street, Astro is my destination when I am looking for vintage throwbacks. From vintage eel skin clutches to beehive hats, this retro haven is something you wouldn’t want to miss!
313 Bainbridge Street
Jen Weshler fosters raw talent for her boutique by hosting trunk shows once a month. With her secret sample sales and personal shopping experiences, she’ll make any guest feel like a fashion insider.
Northern Liberties
819 N. 2nd Street
Arcadia is the one-stop-shop for all “naturalistas.” This green haven carries items from recycled fabrics to reconfigured pieces. This eco- friendly fave is centered smack in the middle of Philadelphia’s hipster spot, Northern Liberties.
1040 N. American Street
From handmade corsets to top hats, you'll feel like you stepped into a very stylish circus when you go to Delicious Boutique. If you want to make a statement, this shop is sure to have that one of a kind piece you're looking for!
1001-13 N. 2nd Street
Millesime, meaning “vintage” in French, had me at the name. A vintage vixen at heart, I was immediately drawn to the out-of-this-world pieces I can find here on the racks. It’s a perfect blend of kitschy, chic and cosmopolitan.
1050 N. Hancock Street
The owners are so cute - I want to dress just like them! Their taste in exclusive Philadelphia labels is shown in the sexy silhouettes that flatter your figure.
South Philly
1928 E. Passyunk Avenue
Best friends Janae and Monica’s love for clothes is obvious in their shop Aci Nae. They created their own line but show Philadelphia some love by supporting local designers too.
1742 E. Passyunk Avenue
Sweet Jane Vintage is a retreat for period pieces to transform and outfit. The boutique boasts cool finds from flea markets and estate sales worldwide. Its as if you stepped into the closet of early style icons like Diana Ross and Sister Sledge.
Rittenhouse Row
1608 Pine Street
The Japanese-inspired boutique is a mix of trends you might find while browsing Amerika-mura or Harajuku. This pop-culture inspired boutique is a destination for ladies and gents that admire innovative fashion.
128 S. 17th Street
This boutique has a selection of both exclusive top-shelf brands and sales items, and the owners will help you select the piece you’ll fall in love with but never would have tried on yourself. Plage Tahiti is the place you go to when you want to be trendy without overdoing it.
2008 Walnut St
Silver Legends is one of Philadelphia’s best-kept secrets. With owner, Leon as your tour guide, you’ll be taken on an international escapade of fashion. This Rittenhouse Square boutique is not only a premier destination for local jewelry, but also specializes in hard to find leather bags and clutches.
For a full listing of boutiques and shops along Rittenhouse Row, click here.
Old City
Forbidden Planet
10 N. 3rd Street, Basement Level
Johnny carries high-end vintage pieces from designers like Chanel and Gucci and will turn you into a superstar with his “outfit rentals”. This underground gem is literally underground! Shopping here makes you feel like you’ve gotten the key to fashion’s wonderful world of Oz.
219 Market Street
Abby and Katie, a best friend duo who do everything together, sell their own designs that are “vintage-inspired, girly, fun and flirty.” The hot pink colors throughout the store make every girl feel like they are a character in Sex in The City. Plus, this is one of creative ambassador Marsha Ambrosius’ favorite boutiques!
To find out about more boutiques, fashion and shopping Philly 360-style, go here.
Tayyib's Beat: DJ Aktive Exclusive Interview
Tayyib's Beat:
Exclusive Interview with DJ Aktive
at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
I had the chance to catch up with DJ Aktive before he left to tour with Kanye West. Check out the video for my interview with him.
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