First up in my Style Stars of Philadelphia series is Curran Swint of Kings Rule Together.

I met Curran at a party a couple of years ago, and it was fashion at first sight. Often seen donning the best in men’s vintage wears, this young king is a true inspiration and a Philadelphia fashion plate. His blog, kingsruletogether.com is a chock full of inspiration and his own fashion musings.

This scene-ster knows the meaning of seeing and being seen. You can catch him at the coolest events and on the pages of GQ, Ebony, NY Times, Complex and  Essence magazines, just to name a few.

Check out the video with Curran to get to know him better.

As a fashion enthusiast, I am constantly on the lookout for the most innovative threads and style finds. I am a boutique shopper,  but in some instances, my wear wants happen to be occupied by someone else’s body.

In addition to my posts on what to wear; when to wear it; and how to buy it - this year, I will take you on a journey to meet some of my favorite style muses in the City of Brotherly Love. Every month, I will feature one of my favorite "Style Stars of Philadelphia" and take you on a behind the scenes lens look into their lives of all things fashion.

This year when buying a gift for someone (or just a gift for you), shop for cause. Boutiques and stores around the Philadelphia region are giving you the opportunity to not only shop today’s latest fashion, but to also support local charities.

Scarlett Alley

241 Race Street

Boutiquer? Scarlett Alley carries everything from home ware to custom jewelry, guest books, favors and headpieces. It is the perfect boutique for gifts and even wedding registries! The boutique supports the community through “The Way to Gift, Give More,” which donates to local charities. In addition to supporting these charities, they also sell in store collections from Plates With Purpose by Riverside and John Wind AIDS Jewelry Project, which donates 50% of all proceeds to the Mazzoni Center and Action Aids.

Tory Burch

King of Prussia Mall

160 N. Gulph Road

King of Prussia, PA

Mall rat? Shop Tory Burch in KOP. The Tory Burch Foundation provides the opportunity to women and families in the United States with economic support by having 100% of the “Shop for a Cause” proceeds go towards the foundation.

Macy’s Center City

1300 Market Street

City Slicker? Rachel Roy is more than just a beautiful, long haired, long legged woman that we love to hate (because of all of her beauty) supports Haiti by recently teaming up with Macy’s Heart for Haiti program. Roy traveled to Haiti with CEO of Macy’s Terry Lundgren and Martha Stewart to work with Haitian President Michel Martelly to protect women in the earthquake torn country. She created a jewelry collection handcrafted by Haitian artisans which all proceeds from the line directly benefit the artisans which is available on her website and in Macy’s stores as well. The collection ranges from $32-$45 dollars.

Philadelphia Aids Thrift

710 S. 5th Street

Thrifter? Philadelphia Aids Thrift is a non-profit boutique that is federally recognized as 501c3 tax-exempt charitable organization! Looking for useful, interesting clothing, accessories and other odds and ends? Philadelphia Aids Thrift is the place to go! With all proceeds going to local organizations involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Not only do they sell items, but donations are also accepted there if you are looking for a place to bring used clothes and also making a charity by knowing your item donation benefits aids.

The Wardrobe Boutique

1822 Spring Garden

Donater? Want to help empower women around the area to attain a valuable career? The Career Wardrobe, the nation’s largest independent non-profit provides professional work attire, educational programs, and networking tools and opportunities to empower women to achieve a productive career and independence. Many donations are accepted from clothing to scrubs, coats, shoes, and accessories. The place is like stepping into your Auntie’s forbidden chock full of clothing close.

Green is the new black! So, I pulled together a gift guide of my favorite trendy and eco-friendly gift ideas. Happy shopping!

Engage Green Penguin Umbrella

Big Green Earth Store

934 South Street

The Big Green Earth Store is every eco-chic fashion fan’s dream! The boutique is chock full of sustainable goodies that will make you gaga for green. This gift is for your special someone who always gets caught in the rain. It’s also available in orange and blue.

Picnic Pal Blankets

Nest

1301 Locust Street

These pal blankets are made with 100% organic cottons and have a hypo-allergenic filling. Choose from five different animals to give away this holiday season.

Eviama Simple Facial

Eviama Life Spa

262 S. 16th Street

Everyone deserves a spa day. At the Eviama Life Spa, spend the afternoon in a tranquil, stress free environment and sweet organic rich botanicals.

Amazulu Artisans Global Contemporary Boutique

Amazulu Artisans Global Contemporary Boutique

2816 W. Girard Ave

This holiday pop-up shop nestled away in University City, features a brand new jewelry line that has really caught my eye! Soul Crafted is designed by Hasan Malik, local artist and photographer extraordinaire who uses his keen eye on detail to create unique jewelry pieces using the most exotic stones. Grab your original piece of jewelry before this pop-up shop closes at the end of 2011!

The Cedar Chest

The Cedar Chest

21 S. Jackson Street

Whenever I walk into The Cedar Chest, I always know that I will be walking out with at least two bags of clothing! The Cedar Chest features an array of apparel featuring blouses, dresses, and skirts.  Winter accessories, watches, and jewelry are also on display for you to try on. An extra 10% off will be given to customers who mention this Philly 360° post.

Astro Vintage

Astro Vintage

702 S. 5th Street

Passyunk Ave is home to many little hidden treasures. One of the newest vintage boutiques in the South Street Headhouse District is Astro Vintage. Step into the store and you’ll feel like you’ve stepping into the 1950’s. Check out the “Winking” shot classes, perfect for a friend who loves to be the host of your next holiday party. Take your holiday goodies to the next potluck in style with these one-size-fits-all gifts.

EA Effect

EA Effect

1050 North Hancock St, Suite 58

The varieties of shops at The Piazza and at Liberties Walk are always a great way to spend an afternoon. EA Effect is a local boutique tucked away in the Piazza and you can find stocking stuffers for your loved ones. EA Effect has candles made from 100 soy wax from local vendor Melostudios and homemade soaps by Phillysoaps. Boutique owner, Ella Kolanowska line, Pearl Crown is a sure green pleaser with all materials being upcycled.

'Tis the season for festive dresses! We all know that finding the perfect holiday dress can be a daunting task – but don’t sweat it. We’ve got you covered for all occasions this holiday season. From flirty formal, to family fun, to sexy stand out for New Year's Eve, these boutique finds are a sure fit to keep you signed, sealed and delivered this holiday season.

Glitter, sequins, and metallics are back, and it’s no question why. Adding a bit of sparkle to any outfit can easily transition you into festive fun. Not into buying a new dress? Accessorize one you already own with bold colors, sparkles, glitzy jewels and a red lip as the finishing touch – and voila, you’ve got yourself a head-turning look.

Check out some of my favorite holiday looks and where to get them!

All That Glitters Is Gold

A gold dress like this one is eye catching and formal enough for any holiday occasion. It’s the perfect dress for this time of year because you can dress it up or down. Pair it with decorated stockings, ankle boots and a colorful clutch, and you’re good to go.

Fab Family Fun

Look cozy and fabulous during family get togethers this season by pairing a chiffon dress with a warm oversized cardigan, knee high socks and glitzy flats. This outfit is subtle, cozy and ultra feminine. Dress: Smak Parlour

Holiday Nostalgia

This simple, but elegant  festive red dress is perfect for head turning! Build your simple look with gold jewelry to really make the outfit pop.

Sexy Show Stopper

Steal the show in this statement making LBD, pair it with bold pumps and simple yet elegant jewelry for that special New Year’s Eve get together you’ve been waiting all year for.

Where To Get These Looks

Smak Parlour Boutique

219 Market Street

Insider Tip: This is one of Marsha Ambrosius' fave boutiques.

Arcadia Boutique - Northern Liberties

819 N. 2nd Street

Arcadia Boutique - Rittenhouse Square

265 S. 20th Street

Frey Boutique

249 Main Street

This season, add a pop of peplum to your wardrobe. For folks who don’t know what a peplum is, it’s the short overskirt that you usually see on jackets and dresses. This style is flattering for all body types, and with its chic and feminine flair, peplum can do no wrong.

The flare creates an illusion of curves—while also disguising those tummy areas—for a chic, sophisticated look. Peplum dresses have been stealing the spotlight on runways and red carpets everywhere and now can be spotted on local fashionistas. It's no wonder the peplum dress is this season’s most exciting cocktail dress trend. Not in the mood to sport a dress? Keep it casual with a peplum-inspired ladylike tailored jacket and pair it with your favorite jeans or over any outfit. This look is great for the office, a night out on the town with your girls or a date night with your beau.

So, what are you waiting for? Pump up your wardrobe with peplum this season and accentuate those curves!

Peplum wears can be found at the following:

Strangefruit

http://shop.bestrangefruit.com/collections/fall-2011

Smak Parlor

219 Market Street 

Philadelphia, PA 19106

Kimberly Boutique

123 S 16th

St # 1 

Philadelphia, PA 19102

Carmelita Couture

http://www.shopcarmelita.com/

Fashion and interior design have been inspiring one another forever!  When looking for inspiration for your home, look no further than your personal style and wardrobe. I had the opportunity to meet with Sone, style interior design expert from Apt. 30 Design. I wanted to create an “inside” that reflects my outside wardrobe and appearance by revamping my home decor and having it explode with the flair of my eclectic style. And for the bespoken gentlemen, you too can tailor your pad to reflect your tailored suit and sharp wardrobe.

Below you'll find some of my favorite looks. And, a listing of neighborhoods and stores for some of the pictured looks.

60s influences / modern mod

With shows like Mad Men and Pan AM on air this season the 60’s influences are making way into home interiors. The masculine, yet deeply saturated pieces are a great way to spice up your existing interior. Mixing and matching is fun and using these pieces with existing ones help add depth and interest.

Modern Glamour

The rise of Modern glamour in interior design is a celebration of the strength within femininity. The key elements of this trend are; soft clean lines, curves, plush materials, reflective surfaces and strong presence. This trend makes no apologies for it’s bold and sophisticated style.

Color Blocking

Color blocking as seen all over fashion elites is easily translated into beautiful interior design. Color blocking is simply a number of bold and vivid colors pairing together to create the perfect contrast.

Peacocking

One of the most beautiful and interesting animals in the world is the Peacock. The colors of the birds feathers are amazing and inspire fashion palettes as well as interior paletts. The complex layering of similar shades juxtaposed against contrasting hues is magnificent. You can use the deep blue/green hues with magentas and deep brass tones to really complete this look.

Shop these neighborhoods and stores for some of the pictured looks:

Rittenhouse Square:

Studio Christensen

333 S. 20th Street

Midtown Village:

Uhuru

1220 Spruce Street

Scarlett Fiorella

113 South 13th Street

Old City:

Minima

118 N. 3rd Street 

Mode Moderne

159 N. 3rd Street

Reform Vintage Modern

112 N. 3rd Street

Swag (accessories)

935 N. 2nd Street

North West Philadelphia:

Material Culture

4700 Wissahickon Ave

Balancing a fashion forward look while also keeping mother earth and our environment in mind doesn’t have to be as difficult as you may have told yourself it is!  These Philadelphia boutiques are helping eco-savvy fashionistas take a step in the right direction.

Arcadia

819 N. 2nd Street (Northern Liberties location)

265 S. 20th Street (Rittenhouse Square location)

Arcadia provides affordable fashion from emerging and eco-friendly designers and artists from Philadelphia and around the world while also intertwining clothes for the entire family, men and babies. Make this your eco-friendly one-stop shop.

Big Green Earth Store

934 South Street 

Looking for handbags, jewelry, and accessories crafted from repurposed materials? This is the perfect shop! All of the products sold here are made from recycled materials which so you can help reduce and reuse mother earth’s limited resources. Ask them about their selection of handbags made from recycled juice boxes!

Sazz Vintage

38 N. 3rd Street

Housing over one thousand vintage items, this consignment shop is vintage gold and would make for a perfect day for ethical shopping. With everything from dresses to jeans and estate jewelry, you’ll be sure to kick up the kitschy in your wardrobe.

Sweet Jane Vintage

1820 E. Passyunk Avenue

It’s all in the name when it comes to this vintage stocked gem in East Passyunk Square. The shop is sugar sweet and houses some of the most hard to find pieces! The owners pack the store with affordable finds in home decor, shoes, clothing and cute clutches. You’re guaranteed to be a vintage vixen after leaving!

Moon and Arrow

727 S. 4th Street

Located in an eclectically decorated space filled with vintage clothing, in house hand crafted jewelry and unique housewares, Fabric Row’s newest addition Moon and Arrow is fitting the bill. From upcylced wool capes to 70’s coats, you’ll be sure to be an echochic staple. Stop over to Fabric Row to get your hands on one of a kind pieces before it’s too late. This pop-up lasts until January 8, 2012. 

We all know that denim has been a staple of American culture forever. This fall, denim is back in action--but stirring it up!  Anyone can wear denim, but you really have to know how to work it, so it’s not wearing you. Take your favorite pair of blue jeans and purchase them in a different color or shade. Vibrant blue, neon shades, and a variety of washes have hit the sidewalks and should be in your closet.

Have fun with your dungarees. Use smaller denim pieces to enhance all black outfits. Go on denim overdrive and wear denim on denim! Pair a light blue denim shirt with a dark pair of skinny jeans and a wedge shoe. Take the boho chic approach and add a light blue denim vest along with a long maxi skirt, cardigan, and killer black boots.

Remember, all fashion fantatics accessorize. The weather is turning a little brisk, so bust out your boots for strutting on the sidewalk. Tall, short, and platform boots are all in this season and will enhance whatever denim you choose to wear.

Look 2

Bracelets: Pnkelephant

Retrospect Vintage

508 South Street

Bus Stop Boutique

750 S. 4th Street

Pnkelephant

504 South Street