A Better Bra

Posted on May 10, 2013 by southphillyfashionista

Last week, I told you about the importance of skin care in your Spring spruce-up routine. A proper foundation is key to creating a flawless design. When it comes to your wardrobe that means foundation garments (read: lingerie). Some research shows that up to 85% of women are currently wearing the wrong size bra. I’ve heard this before, but having been measured numerous times at numerous, I was certain I was not among them.

Enter the Bra Whisperer. If you didn’t see her on Oprah a few years back, let me assure you, there is such a thing. When Intimacy opened a King of Prussia store last year, I took a drive to meet founder, Susan Nethero, for a bra fit styling. She measured me with neither tape nor fabric, simply took one look at me and said, “I’d say you’re a 32 or 34D.” My mouth dropped open. This could not be possible. In all of my many fitting experiences, I measured and even 36B. It was time to hit the fitting room and put her talents to the test.

Susan brought several bras in for me to try, but first educated me on the proper way to put on my bra because apparently, we’ve all been doing it wrong for, well, ever. Just slinging it over each shoulder and snapping it closed, I learned, was not sufficient. Like most tasks, the proper technique makes all the difference. To get the best possible fit and silhouette, you need to bend over about half way, so your girls are hanging loose beneath you. Slide the straps over your shoulders, get your breasts into the cups and then clasp the back (or front) of the bra closed. Susan took me through the short process and when I stood up, every fell perfectly into place. I’ll be damned if she wasn’t right about my size. They don’t call her the Bra Whisperer for nothing. And Susan created a training program for all of Intimacy’s employees so each is as knowledgeable as the next.

I honestly couldn’t stop staring at myself in the mirror as I tried on at least a dozen options. My posture was vastly improved, I seemed to have lost ten pounds in a matter of minutes and was looking at pretty much the most cleavage I’d ever had in my life. Even if you’ve been measured in the past or are relatively comfortable in your current bra, go and get fitted by the experts at Intimacy.

Women of all ages, shapes and sizes will find their fit here and this weekend, bring your Mom (or friend, sister, BFF) and you’ll both receive 15% off the purchase of one life-altering bra. After all, isn’t a gift that boost her confidence the best gift any woman can receive?

SPF

 

 

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Philly Suits Up

Posted on May 10, 2013 by southphillyfashionista

My little brother’s had his share of girlfriends over the years, some I’ve liked more than others. But all had one thing in common: one by one, each and every woman he has dated has thanked me for teaching my brother how to dress himself. Somewhere in high school, I made it my mission to extract him from his ridiculously baggy pants and ripped t-shirts. He’s a good looking guy. But nothing can make a man look less attractive than ill-fitting clothing.

Not all men are so lucky, though, to have a pushy fashion-forward sister, mother, or other family member to take him under her wing. I’ve seen my husband get flustered and frustrated when he can’t pull a perfectly-tailored piece off the rack. No one ever gave him an education on the importance of details like fabric, stitching, buttons, etc. and he had no interest in taking the time to learn about it at this point in his life. Many of my girlfriends have similar stories and none of us has the patience to walk them through it.

A beautiful home for beautiful clothing.

What these gentlemen need is professional help. Lucky for them (and the women they love), a European trend is taking hold in the US and is emerging on the scene here in Philadelphia. SuitSupply opened its new Rittenhouse Square location last week with great fanfare and the most fashionable of crowds in attendance. The 4,300 square foot space is spacious and vibrant. Browse suits, jackets, shirts, shoes, just about every accessory known to man, all made with the finest Italian fabrics and excruciating attention to detail.

Founded in Amsterdam in 2000, the brand has grown quickly, now with 44 stores in Europe and the states, each offering its signature high-quality tailoring and personal service. Indigo-colored wool, linen and silk are at the forefront of SuitSupply’s 2013 Spring/Summer collection with an eye on structure and modern refinement. Colors for this season include burnt orange and faded red with ocher accents, but new merchandise arrives every three to four weeks, keeping the selection fresh.

And alterations at SuitSupply are a breeze. No more taking your suit right from the store to the tailor. The majority of alterations are done on-sight, by a skilled professional, often while you wait. A member of the Fair Wear Foundation (FWF) which promotes good working conditions in clothing factories, SuitSupply also believes that quality is not limited to the actual garment, but includes the manner in which it was produced.

Bottom line: quality clothing makes you look and feel good. How many retailers help you achieve that with ease, individual attention and a clear conscience? SuitSupply is sure to become a Philly standard for the fashionable man.

SPF

 

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Get a Fresh Face for Spring

Posted on May 1, 2013 by southphillyfashionista

Spring. Renewal. Rejuvenation. You’re changing up your look; hair, wardrobe, makeup, the works. Have you considered your skin? It’s an accessory that will be with you the rest of your life. If you take good care of a designer bag, you should take exponentially better care of your skin. The needs of the delicate epidermis depend on a variety of factors, including the climate. Spring is an excellent time to reevaluate your skin care regimen.
Product junkie that I may be, I’ve been in a longer relationship with my facial routine that with my husband. My tolerance for product variations tends to be about three days. Heading into my 30s, I began to notice some tiny bumps around my nose that even the most thorough exfoliation wouldn’t solve. It was around this time in her life that my mother was diagnosed with Rosacea.
When I was offered a free Express Facial Consultation at Rossi Wellness Center recently, I figured it was time to bite the bullet and see what I was dealing with here. I sat down Medical Esthetician, Lois Digirolamo, who explained RWC is a select medical practice focused on each patient’s unique balance of internal genetics and external environment. They believe in a whole body approach to health, combining a range of methods from nutritional supplements to facial injections.
At first she didn’t even notice the bumps (how vain am I?), but after removing my makeup, she assured me she saw no signs of Rosacea. Rather, it was likely that one of the products I’d been using was a little too heavy for my skin. Blemishes were forming, and being trapped under new layers of skin, making them harder to unearth. She recommended exfoliating more frequently and gave me a sample of Glytone Step Up Mild Gel Wash, which she suggested using just a few times a week in the evening. She did NOT try to sell me on the entire line of products or condemn the ones I’ve been using.
We talked about some other options including the effects of Botox and glycolic peels, maybe sometime in the future, if I was interested. The staff at Rossi understand we all want to look good, but they’re not there to pressure you into products or procedures. They help you address your specific concerns and make informed decisions.
I noticed reduced puffiness around my nose after just one use of the product. I was so excited I started using it every day, which dried out my skin just as Lois had predicted. I backed off and used it only once a week, which lessened the effects. Nope, Lois was dead on. I continued using it as she directed and two weeks later, I can see the difference. Not only are the bumps diminishing, my face actually looks more like it did in my youth, fresher, finer, fabulous.
Take a trip to Rossi Wellness Center and the time to reevaluate your skin care regimen. It may be the best thing you do for your look this season.

SPF

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Are You Really What You Eat?

Posted on April 19, 2013 by southphillyfashionista

The 3rd Annual Philadelphia Science Festival kicks off this week, offering more than 100 programs to the Philadelphia public over the next ten days. Don’t think of yourself much of a science buff? Then this event was made for you.

“The premise behind the Science Festival is to engage all Philadelphians, people who don’t necessarily consider themselves scientists in the traditional sense,” said Dennis M. Wint, President and CEO of The Franklin Institute, the event’s organizer. “We want everyone to look at the world around us, at what we eat, drink, read and watch everyday with a sense of curiosity.”

There’s something for everyone – and every age – at this year’s Festival. But, for a Philly restaurant addict like me, there are more than two dozen foodie events on tap:

  • All Things Fermented: The Science of Beer and Cheese. Go “behind the label” of some of Philly’s best microbrews at Manayunk Brewery. The two hour tasting will feature seven draught beers paired with four farmstand cheeses.
  • Five Senses “Pub Crawl.” Check in at the Betsy Ross Houseto start your five-stop crawl exploring the science of the senses, while participating in hands-on activities and enjoying refreshments along the way.

    Ever wondered about the science of beer? (Photo courtesy: Yards Brewing Company.)

  • Clandestine Clad: Real-Life Spy Technology. Chat with a real-life, retire US spy! Try your hand at some real spy craft and enjoy a martini, shaken, not stirred, of course, in classic spy fashion.
  • Sweet and Savory: Hives and Honey. Philadelphia beekeepers will educate you on these incredible insects and the nectar they produce. Check out observation hives to see them in action.
  • Hot, Hot, HOT: The Science of Spicy Food. Some of the spiciest food in the city is served at Han Dynasty. Learn the science that gives their food its kick and test the different remedies to combat their effects.
  • Perceptions of Flavor: An Evening with Shola. The concepts of flavor perception and modern cuisine have changed significantly throughout the course of history. Learn about their past, present and future with four “courses” from Chef Shola Olunloyo.
  • The Sustainable Table: A Dinner Experience. Learn about where and how your food is grown is so important at Riverbend Environmental Education Center. Chef Max Hansen will prepare a four-course meal, highlighting sustainable food.
  • Fun With Fermentation: Kimcheese. The experts at DiBruno Brothers will present pairings of cheese and homemade kimchee. Find out why they typically unrelated ferments are much closer than you think.
  • Beer Chemistry: Perfect Pairings. Explore the malting, milling, mashing and fermenting behind your favorite beers with the master brewers of Yards Brewing Company. Taste and drink your way through five stations of suds and samples from some local eateries. Attendees will also enjoy an open bar.
  • Discover Day: Urban Farming. Thinking about growing your own plants or veggies in a city setting? The hands-on demonstrations at Bartram’s Garden will show you what you need to know before your grow.
  • Science for Sinners.Eat, drink and be wary with talks and entertainment with a science-spin on the seven deadly sins. And keep in mind that gluttony is one of the seven.

    Want a kid's endorsement for the Science Festival? You got it!

In addition, some of Philly’s best gourmet food trucks will be offering refreshments at tomorrow’s free Science Carnival on the parkway. Bring the kids out to explore more than 130 exhibitors, then head over to the Franklin for a taste of ice cream made with liquid nitrogen. The kids in my life gave last year’s carnival a big thumbs up!

The 2013 Philadelphia Science Festival runs from April 18th through 28th. Tickets, reservations for free events and a complete program calendar are available at PhilaScienceFestival.org.

SPF  

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Flavors of the Avenue is Back & Bigger than Ever

Posted on April 11, 2013 by southphillyfashionista

Have you heard the news? This month’s Food and Wine magazine named Philly’s own East Passyunk Avenue one of the best foodie streets in the nation! If you haven’t been to South Philly recently, you may not know about some of the newest additions to the neighborhood. Even if you, it’s hard to keep up! Enter the annual Flavors of the Avenue event. Slated for Saturday April 27 from noon to 4pm, Flavors brings 25 area restaurants together under one tent, offering guests the chance to sample selections from a plethora of proprietors.

Last week, I joined a host of media folks for the Flavors media preview. Four groups were set up to tour different Passyunk spots throughout the evening with each offering a signature dish that will be featured at the main event. My itinerary for the evening included:

  • Noir(1909 E. Passyunk Ave.). Mussels steamed in white wine and a watermelon

    Spring green gazpacho at Will BYOB flows gently into the bowl.

    and feta salad started us off. My favorite was the arancini, stuffed with mozzarella cheese and prosciutto.

  • Will BYOB (1911 E. Passyunk Ave.). I’d heard Will was intimate, but had no idea quite how small. No wonder reservations book so far in advance! Check out the spring green gazpacho with grapes, almonds and verjus.
  • Le Virtu (1927 E. Passyunk Ave.). Unfortunately, it was too cold for us to sit outside on the restaurant’s scenic veranda, but I enjoy the porchetta, locally sourced from Berks County.
  • Fuel (1919 E. Passyunk Ave.). Upon opening on Passyunk, this was one of my favorite places to grab a healthy lunch or a post-yoga smoothie. Seems like some things have changed since then. Because I was invited as a guest, I’ll refrain from further comment here.
  • Ristorante Tre Scalini (1915 E. Passyunk Ave.). I consider myself relatively adventurous in terms of cuisine. I tried the tripe. It wasn’t for me. But many others in my group gushed after its authenticity.
  • Ms. Goody Cupcake (1838 E. Passyunk Ave.). Time for a dessert break! Ms. Goody offered us miniature versions of two store favs: Take Me Out to the Ballpark (a chocolate stout cake with a peanut butter core) and Revenge of the Nerds (tropical cake with butter-cream icing covered in Nerds candy).
  • Stogie Joe’s (1801 E. Passyunk Ave.). Having been an EPA resident for nearly a decade, I’ve been to this old haunt more than a few times. But it’s always for the late-night pizza. This time, the meatball sandwich was on the menu and may have replaced my old standby menu item.

Ms. Goody's Revenge of the Nerds cupcakes. The 80s never tasted so good.

We ended the evening with all groups converging at Paradiso for a night-cap. There are myriad additional restaurants (including the not-yet-opened Noord) getting in on the action (click here for a full list of participants). But the entire neighborhood joins in the Flavors fun, filling the street with vendors, live music and a craft market at the famous Singing Fountain.

VIP tickets are already sold-out, but a few general admission tickets are still available and include access to the tent as well as wine and craft beer. Flavors always draws a crowd and South Philly parking is often a challenge. It would be a great time to take advantage of East Passyunk’s recently-debuted valet service ($8 for ticket holders) or taxi stand for ease of access. Proceeds go towards the East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District’s public safety program.

SPF

 

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Celebrate Spring with Arcadia

Posted on April 5, 2013 by southphillyfashionista

Spring fever: I’ve got it. How about you? I think we’re all ready for warmer temps here in Philly. While the calendar may say it’s spring, the weather hasn’t quite caught up with the season. This makes it tough to coordinate a seasonally-appropriate outfit and not freeze your tush off. It’s too warm for a heavy sweater, but too cool for bare legs. Seems to me to be the perfect excuse to go shopping!

 

The Summer Print Maxi from Costa Blanca, on sale at Arcadia now.

Arcadia Boutique’s Vintage Garden party and Trunk Show this weekend couldn’t come at a better time. As part of Northern Liberties’ First Friday festivities today, April 5, the shop will feature a meet and greet with two local designers as well as a vintage trunk show. As part of the newly expanded vintage department, Nana Pat Project will be on hand with vintage clothing and accessories. Pairing the old with the new, designer Tessa Kennedy of New Histories Jewelry will also feature one-of-a-kind jewelry.

Not only will you get the chance to enjoy cocktails and snacks with new faces on the Philly fashion scene, shoppers will get 15% off brand new spring merchandise. Arcadia will also be raffling off two $50 gift cards so you can get a jump on stocking your spring wardrobe.

NoLibs First Friday takes place every from 5 to 8pm with nearly two dozen local businesses offering 10% off along with a variety of specials and surprises. It’s going to be a beautiful evening, perfect for taking a stroll, exploring the neighborhood and saving some dough. Can’t make it tonight? You can still take advantage of the Arcadia sale online with code “BUTTERFLY.”

Happy Shopping!

SPF

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Try Defying Gravity

Posted on April 2, 2013 by southphillyfashionista

My mother used to say I like to “flirt with danger.”  She was always a bit overprotective, which is likely the reason I’ve always been on the hunt for adventure. Given her trepidation, I decided I wouldn’t tell her about my flying trapeze lesson until after the fact.

Last week, I joined a small group of local media professionals for a two-hour class on the flying trapeze. As part of Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts, Fly School Circus Arts has set up shop in the University of the Arts parking lot on Broad St. Anyone can register for classes, but a few were reserved for press. I’m not afraid to admit, when I saw the rigging, I was intimidated, but soon discovered I wasn’t alone. My classmates – Philadelphia Style’s Kristin Detterline, Philly.com’s Maria Papadakis and Fashion of Philly’s Brittiny Stewart – were all just as unnerved. Marisa Magnatta, from WMMR’s Preston & Steve Show, had taken the class last year and gave us all a pep talk.

Photo credit: Rebecca Stark.

The lovely Mary Kelly Rayel served as our coach for the day and began by taking us through the basics on the low bar, only a few feet off the ground. We practiced the important postures, flipping our knees over the bar and pulling ourselves upright again. It didn’t seem like very long before we were approaching the ladder. All of us were equipped with a safety belt that would be keep us harnessed for the length of each “flight.”

Photo credit: Rebecca Stark.

The ladder bounced with every step up to the platform, about three stories high. I found the hardest part to be actually jumping off. Once you do that, you don’t really have a choice but to swing. I wasn’t sure I had the upper body strength necessary to maneuver myself about in the air, but soon discovered I could use the momentum of the swing to help me. I went up a second time, a third, a fourth … I was starting to like this.

The final phase of the day’s training was to attempt a “catch.” SATC fans will remember this was Carrie Bradshaw’s downfall and I almost chickened out. Marisa chimed in again, though, and convinced me I had to at least give it a shot. I’m happy to say I was successfully caught and left the class with an unbelievable high (pardon the pun). It took a full 12 hours for the adrenaline rush to stop, but I sported an ear-to-ear grin for days.

Photo credit: HugheE Dillon, PhillyChitChat.com.

The feeling of flipping myself about while flying through the air was so exhilarating, I didn’t realize how much exercise I was getting. While some muscle soreness did set in the next day, it was nothing more than what I would feel after an intense yoga class, but with much more impressive bragging rights.

Fly School Circus Arts will continue to offer classes on Broad St. for the duration of PIFA (March 28 – April 27). It’s a great chance to flirt with danger without making a lifetime commitment.

SPF

*Special thanks to Kory Aversa for offering me this unique opportunity and to PhillyChitChat for capturing every moment with his lens!

 

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Ready to Blow

Posted on March 27, 2013 by southphillyfashionista

My stylist – Charlie Potje, owner of Charlie Salon – has done it again. He’s turned me on to another can’t-live-without product: Blowpro Ready Set Blow. Developed and tested by Blow, New York’s premier blow dry bar, it actually speeds up drying time while it primes and smooths hair.

The manufacturer says it’s the formula’s exclusive protein blend that is simultaneously nourishing and weightless. Micro-heat conducting polymers optimize your blow dryer’s heat, reducing your hair’s exposure, resulting in less stress and damage, no matter your hair type. The addition of Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) and Triticum Vulgare (wheat protein) leaves hair revitalized. Bonus: all Blowpro products are made without sulfates, parabens or sodium chloride and are compatible with keratin-treated hair.

How to use: rub a small amount (nickel size for fine to medium hair, quarter size for coarse) between your palms to emulsify the products, then rake hands through hair, concentrating on the ends and outer layers. Then, set about your normal routine. For the best results, point the blow dry nozzle down as you dry and be sure to ventilate steamy bathrooms before styling to ward off frizz.

Blowpro has literally cut my morning styling time in half and leaves me with a lasting look that I don’t have to touch up before heading out for the night. Try it once and I guarantee you’ll be hooked just like me. At this point, I’m starting to wonder if Charlie is my stylist or my dealer. For the product junkie in me, it’s a win-win.

SPF

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Serrano: Ready for Spring

Posted on March 26, 2013 by southphillyfashionista

The sheer volume of the Philadelphia restaurant scene is overwhelming these days. It’s great to have so many incredible culinary choices, but in the search for the next new hot spot, it’s easy to forget some longstanding legends.

Last week, I attended a media tasting at Serrano in Old City. I have to admit, I’ve been before and enjoyed it and can’t, for the life of me, figure out why I haven’t been back. The spring menu preview offered the perfect chance to get reacquainted with this hidden gem. Tucked in on Second St. under the Tin Angel venue, Serrano has been a neighborhood staple for more than a quarter century. The addition of Executive Chef Gina Rodriguez has given birth to a revamped menu, marrying the restaurant’s old world feel with new signature creations.

We kicked off the evening with some signature drinks, created by owner Donal McCoy, using his extensive education of bourbons, whiskeys and classic cocktails that began when he started bartending at the age of 15. His expertise is evident in the recently revamped spirits menu. In particular, the wines paired with our meal were simply perfect.

Seasonal favorites like steamed mussels, heirloom tomato salad and spring flatbread (changes daily) set the scene for our spring feast. Chef Rodriguez also shared with us starters of shrimp mousse, corn fritters with cayenne honey and a baby spinach salad topped with bits of sliced watermelon and bleu cheese vinaigrette. Diners were offered a choice of lamb, scallops or vegetable curry for the main course. My date and I shared the latter two courses and both were light and lovely, perfect for the spring season. And while I typically shy away from lamb, the presentation of Guiness-braised meat, served in a corn crepe with sweet pea tendrils and drizzled with a Dijon demi-glace was so eye-catching, I nearly changed my order.

The dinner was dynamite from start to finish, but what most stands out to me about Serrano is the easy-going yet elegant atmosphere. The space is cozy enough to make diners feel at home, yet chic enough to impress your out-of-town guests. I’m of the opinion that fine food can be made fantastic if enjoyed in the right company. Sincere kudos to PR Professional Kory Aversa as well, who not only organized the event and put me on the guest list, but used his killer people skills to pair us with some amazing table mates who made the experience all the more special. Stop by and check it out Serrano’s new flavor with some of your favorite dining companions.

Cheers!

SPF

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Tiffany Brings Buds of Bling

Posted on March 21, 2013 by southphillyfashionista

Despite the groundhog’s prediction, Spring is clearly toying with us here in the Northeast. It’s the second day of the season and this morning, there was snow on the ground. I’m sick of the grey and gloom and more than ready for flower beds to pop with bright buds again.

One company who will never toy with us introduced a new line of floral-inspired jewelry to get us in the mood for Spring, regardless of what the weather is outside. This month, Tiffany & Co. rolled out Paloma’s Olive Leaf, a collection inspired by the olive branch as a symbol of peace and abundance.

Credit: Tiffany & Co.

Designer Paloma Picasso drew inspiration from the olive groves around her home in Morocco. Also, “Paloma means dove in Spanish,” says Picasso. The image of a dove carrying an olive branch is an internationally recognized symbol for peace. “The jewelry I’ve created pays tribute to both the messenger’s noble mission and gardens as a refuge of peace and tranquility,” she explains.

For this collection, the designer placed colorful gemstones amongst leafy branches of gold and silver. Tiffany artisans hand cut and set each stone for maximum brilliance. The result is a group of pieces that dazzle in the light like leaves on a summer breeze.

Paloma’s Olive Leaf includes a bib necklace entwining tender leaves and stems, pendant necklaces in gold or silver, one-of-a-kind rings composed of rubellite, green peridot, white gold and diamonds, and delicate drop earrings anchored by sparkling leaves. My favorite, though, is the intricately-woven golden cuff. The design echoes the olive wreath, used as a crown in ancient times.

Paloma Picasso introduced her first collection for Tiffany & Co. in 1980. She continues to create lively and visually appealing jewels for the world’s premier jeweler.

SPF

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