Phreaked Fall Fashion 2008 September 3, 2008

So I’ve been compiling a list of looks I would love to see this fall.

First off, the T-Strap and the Ankle Strap are adding a demur look to some of the heavier, clunkier shoes of fall.

Madden Girl Pracila T-Strap, $39.95

Juicy Couture Elisabeth, $352 (avail in both Port and Black)

Two Lips Copa, a lil clunky but, $79

Secondly, GREY GRAY GREY!! I want to see it on cozy sweaters, knee high boots, and a-line skirts. Anything from a soft dusty shade to gunmetal. I’m over charcoal, too severe.

designbynihan Grey Unisex Sweater, $130

Semantiks "Lottery Pick" Paneled Tweed Skirt, $88

muttsywonder Gray Short Sleeve Hoodie, great for layering, $38

Purple. Mind you, I tried to make this the color of Spring 2007 but apparently the fashion consciousness was concentrating on vibrant blue.

DONE.

Purple is an amazing color to mix with the rich shades of fall that are sure to mimic the changing of the leaves. Deep Golds, Burnt Oranges and Bloody Crimsons. Intensity and Flair for all my friends.

JON Animal Print Skirt, please wear this with canary pumps, $346

Alice + Olivia Purple Belted Bubble Coat, $640

Peacock Embellishments. I love the intensity of Peacock plummage. I actually made my own peacock tutu this past spring for a garden-theme party and have since thought of turning extra peacock feathers floating around the house into an inspired necklace.

Maggie Makes It Sheila Peacock Feather Necklace, $12

misskk White Peacock Feather Necklace, $68

As you can tell, past Phreaked fashion finds are always about drama!! How better to achieve that than with the airs of a peacock strut?? With that said check out the following peacock loveliness~

Ruby Red Rose Peacock Feather Clutch, $105

VieModerne Peacock Headband, $29

Alright well that’s all for now! Please take it to heart my pretties!

Phreaked Beginnings: Julia Child is my kindred August 15, 2008

Howdy!

Sorry I’ve been a bit MIA lately folks! I’ve been doing some moving but on top of that developed a nasty case of strep! I know, I know, who gets sick in the middle of the summer?

Today is cause for celebration however, because it is Phreaked’s birthday!! (Same day as stealth-with-a-spatula Julia “I bake metal files into pies” Child)

Diabolical

It’s shaping up to be a lovely day in the city and I was up early to enjoy it. Grabbed some coffee (fab) and a bagel (eh) from Manhattan Bagel and then strolled through Rittenhouse. It was one of those lovely, perfect moments that makes me happy I was born.

I have plenty of Philly in Review coming your way in the next week: dishing on the dishes of Ten Stone, The Sidecar Bar and Grill and The Creperie… I ALSO have been trend forecasting Fall Fashion 2008! Found y’all some truly unique items online which I will be sure to post! Please be patient and stay tuned!!

My plan for today is to grab lunch with some friends at Honey’s Sit and Eat (a FAV) and then later tonight I want to try some place “new to me.” I was thinking maybe My Thai or Palace at the Ben??

Any suggestions? Sound Off!!

Philadelphia is the 5th Most Walkable City!! August 1, 2008

Courtesy of Philadelphia Inquirer…

Original rating on Walkscore.com

This is so true! Walking for the most part is my main means of travel. Which is good, since I’m lazy and don’t like to work out (Philadelphia fatness rubbing off on me apparently.)

I took a little hike around in the middle of July (after STUFFING myself with Maoz which I mentioned last week). I walked from 12th and Walnut over and up to 16th and Vine to check out my favorite statue and then hightailed it over to the Art Museum to take photos of the fleeting light on the Schuylkill. After that I moseyed through the Fairmount Section to the Broad and Green St. It was about 3.5 miles I believe. Here are some of my photos

I URGE you to get out in all this while the weather is still beaut. Reconnect with this city!

Scrapple TV: Philly Rendered July 29, 2008

A very good friend of mine Ms. Brittany Lynn has a message for all of you…

A far departure from the shitty horoscopes you read on MSN, right?

Her other videos are here and here. The over the top Spanish accent is an imitation of one of my old bosses. And yes he really does talk like that… “Jou Neeeed to stop bein’ hhhhhall drama gurl”

See more of Brittany HERE

These videos are just a smaller part of a Philadelphia internet phenom. If your unaware of ScrappleTV and Woodshop Productions you really need to check it out. Some of the funniest things I’ve ever seen.

Like Breakfast at Salimay’s which turned me on to Santogold. (Note to Philebrity: Do you even care about your phucking sham of a blog?? At least Google shit before you post it– trying to pass off Santogold’s L.E.S. Artistes as some Noontime Nuggetz discovery when it’s been out since March. Y’all just piss me the phuck off with your ranting and raving. Philebrity gives the connotation of a glittering, shiny Philadelphia… but in actuality you just remind me of a bitchy geriatric on a bed pan. That’s right, your blog is piss. As in, rarely entertains me, just in case you missed the point.)

But anyways darlings, I digress, back to Salimay’s

Aww Joe you always make me smile! Especially with your historical analysis of modern music, I bet you were quite the swing daddy back in the day. Oh, and Anne, you’re a bitch, but keep it up!! Pherocious.

Lastly, Ultra Niche is a show on innovative technology hosted by another cross-dressing acquittance of mine: WANG NEWTON.

This episode covers circuit bending and how innovative types can take old children’s toys like a Simon Says and make it into a musical instrument. Hawwt!

NUMBER ONE HOST Baaaybeee!

Damn inserting all this link luv has me a lil tired.

Till Next Time, PHREAKED

Rags to Riches in the Italian Market July 28, 2008

So two weeks ago I told you to check out Craftadelphia, where local Etsy designers sell in person.

I went, abeit I didn’t get there until around 3, so perhaps some of the artists had already taken off… Not a smart thing to do if you want to make money off your wares!!

Then again, I heard two young ladies behind the counter at the Mew Gallery saying that “word hadn’t really gotten out about today”

*SIGH*

I guess what I’m trying to say is that I was a little underwhelmed.

Not that the Mew Gallery isn’t fantastic, because it is, but a lot the items were just CUTE. Not necessarily out of this world original, or “couldn’t live without.”

THEN just as I leave, walking out to the corner of 9th and Christian and going left to Isgro Pasticceria (Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies were calling my name) I see something flutter out of the corner of my eye!! There to my right is a vintage suitcase full of silk scarves.

Now I am just nuts for silk scarves, I love how they can accessorize any outfit easily and I’m a big fan of tying one around your head simply this summer for an eclectic yet sophisticated look.

What you can’t tell here maybe, is that I had my hair pinned half back and kept the scarf as a sort of band that was knotted above the rest of my hair hanging down… not underneath. I also decided to drama with lots of black eye liner and contrasting orange melon earrings. This was one of my buys, a gunmetal grey with red designs. On the outter edges however, it is punctuated with red stripes.

The deal was two for $5 (or one for $3) so I also selected a peach scarf (it was long and rectangular, unlike the square one above) that had lavender, chocolate and cream stripes. Perfect for that summer capri look.

As I wandered off the sidewalk and into the store with my finds in hand, I realized the fun didn’t stop there!! Along with vintage housewares there was a massive table spread with all sorts of 60′s and 70′s costume jewelry! Rhinestone leaf bracelets, silver and peal link necklaces, and even semi-precious rings. I don’t think I saw anything over $30 but most items were in the $6-$17 range.

The sellers were SO South Philly it was ridiculous.
I think they are just prowling the streets waiting for the old ladies in S. Phil to croak- moving in to nab up all their great jewelery, bags, and hats.

I also found a beautiful lavender rhinestone ring. Massive. Probably a half an inch in diameter. Surrounded by white diamond-like rhinestones and set in a faux gold. It was the perfect flashy bobble so I scooped it up for $6. I also absolutely fell in love with a thick gold chain necklace. I actually thought there were two pieces laying there together, only come to find out it was double tiered. At the bottom of each chain hung a large white stone pendant. It’s an absolutely original piece. I would guess circa late 60′s, kind of a eclectic yet sophisticated feel. You know, the feeling Urban Outfitters tries to go for but just mass produces. Suckers!

My necklace was only $7!
I’ve been wearing it everywhere and getting SO MANY compliments.

So enough about my finds! You need your fashion fix as well right?!

Rags to Riches
823 S. 9th Street (North of Christian)
Philadelphia, PA

The man I spoke to gave me the impression that either he is only in the store on the weekends selling these lovely vintage finds… or perhaps they’re only open 10-5 Friday Saturday Sunday. I couldn’t really understand that gruffy “Yous Guys” voice. I just know those are the hours he gave me when I admitted I had to leave immediately before I bought everything.

You can do it for me instead.

Go Go Go Go!!!

Is God Mad at Philly? July 25, 2008

Maybe this seems a little late, but can you believe those storms Wednesday night?

O.M.Phucking.G.

ohhhh gurrrrrrrrrrl! Des bout to be some shit goin' down TOnight!

I actually got caught outside walking Thompkins, my beloved lil gentleman, when it started pouring.

I check the weather obsessively so I had brought my massive-ist Mary Poppins-like umbrella which I immediately popped open. We also stood under a tree because…

Thompkins just TOO diva to walk in the rain bIAtches!!

(Said in Phreaked’s best N. Philly trannie hooker voice)

When it had cleared, or so I thought, we started walking again, only to make it two blocks before THE Heeeavens Opened Up and Raineth Down Vengeance My Child!!

Imagine me, between the marble columns of an apartment building, trying to seek shelter… only to huddle in the corner of the apartment landing with my umbrella strategically moving to whatever directing the wind was trying to wisk away me and my lil black dog. Wicked!!

We managed to stay pretty warm and dry as the thunder was BOOMING and lightening CRACKING right above our heads. CRAZY

I know I should have just jumped in a cab, but I was kind of having fun roughing it.

Then again, I used to play “orphans” instead of “house” when I was little. Maybe I read too many Boxcar Children Books…

Don't worry Benny, we're just going to squat here until our rich Grandpa comes and saves us

Spot O’ Lunch: Munchalicious Maoz July 22, 2008

Oh Maoz, how I love thee, let me count the ways.

1. Amazing salad bar

2. Delectable hand cut fries

3. Dr. Pepper on hand

4. Kitchy green intertior

5. Great service

Last week I stopped into one of my favorite lunch spots. Maoz Vegetarian over on Walnut Street (between 11th and 12th). The neon green European eatery became an after work obsession when I worked at a bar in the Gayborhood. I would crave something filling late night but didn’t want grease in a paper wrapper from joints like Wendy’s or HomoHut (the go-to for gay pizza), Maoz is open until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays! (10pm Sun-Thurs)

During my latest visit I got the number two: a half of a falafel sandwich, fries and a drink. They have a variety of canned and bottled beverages on hand; sodas, juice, ect… you just help yourself to something from the fridge. I usually go for water (they only carry Dasani) or Dr. Pepper. MMM!

A word of caution: there are four meal deals on the menu and they all center around falafel, so if you’re not a fan, don’t waste your time! (P.S. What’s wrong with you?!)

When ordering your falafel sandwich you can add options such as hummus, or grilled eggplant. They’ve now started offering fresh feta or avocado as well. (Don’t get me started on how much I adore avacado.)

With a plethora of salad bar options to top off my sandwich already available however, I opted out of the upgrades.

Always take a fork and mash your falafel balls against the inside of the pita so that you can fit more veggie goodness inside. On my most recent trip I decided to garnish my sandwich with red cabbage, cucumber, a spicy evergreen sauce and onions. I always add mayo too because I love the creamy consistency mixing with the spices. Every time is a little different.

I was also eying the coleslaw, olives, corn salad, beets, mango chutney and tahini sauce, all of which I’ve had before with stunning success.

What is thoroughly consistent despite my salad bar experimentation, is the staff. Always the same friendly people behind the counter. Very kind. Very professional. Like Starbucks, but selling crack of another nature. They put on great music and just seem to have fun. Once more, the food always comes up quickly.

Num…Num…Num!!

Grab your sandwich from the plastic racks on the counter and make your way over to one of the thick wooden benches or ask an employee for some foil and wrap it up to go.

I sat by the window, pulled out my PROBLOGGER book, started munching on those delicious thick-cut fries and watched the world go by. As I was studying and taking notes I watched as people puddle-hopped in the pouring rain, trying to make their way in between bars for Center City Sips. I was half tempted myself to head across the street to the *newly blue* Moriarty’s for a beer but I WAS phreaking TOO FULL!!

*Little known fact*

Want to get a lil salad side action? One of the first times I went to Maoz I was drunk off my ass and could not decide what toppings I wanted. I’m positively glutenous. I asked one of the employees if I could have small side plate because I didn’t want to put all the toppings in my sandwich but eat them on the side. He happily obliged saying he could give me some tin foil (as they don’t really have plates) or charge me 50 cents for a plastic salad container. You should see how deep the bowl is! Without hesitation I handed over the change and loaded up the platter like I had just gotten out of a fallout shelter and been subjected to canned spinach my whole life. Needless to say this fellow with glasses and “too-big” jeans is seriously my favorite employee there. He has earned it for putting up with my antics.

Phuck, I’m so hungry right now.

Sink Your Teeth into This: Tempting Eden by Wendy Brandes July 21, 2008

Recently I stumbled across Wendy Brandes online.

While she has several collections including It-Girls, Vivat Regina and a men’s line; Eden is my favorite.

This set is perfect for summer, taking inspiration from Mother Nature thus featuring flowers, fruits, and leaves. There are smooth curves, shining stones, melded with gleaming intricacies which call to the true spirit of the living beauty around us.

FAVORITES~

My darling Eve you will shell out some serious green for these fanciful designs and I don’t mean a few tender fig leaves. These necklaces retail at 1,050.00 pieces and 2,025.00 respectively, but others are upwards of 6,000.00. ( The ring prices were unlisted.)

The ring with the white Prehnite is a little different than most of the Eden pieces but I love it’s rough dull look. It belongs to a woodland faerie!

So visit Wendy Brandes and check out some really unique, feminine designs!

Bojibian- It don’t mean a thing July 17, 2008

Actually, Philadelphia, it means a lot.

I’m not really a concert girl. I don’t dig going to The Kyber and getting wasted to bands that just come off sounding like noise. Plus it really ruins the elastic in my skinny jeans when I start sweating too much. Really. Or knowing my luck, some 230 pound oaf kicks me in the ankle as he throws his arms above his head and staggers forward in a half-drunk leap screaming ‘Yeahhhhhh!!!‘ Thus, permanently disabling me and my hawwt heeled look. Ugh.

My music exploration is typically an online experience, discovering new groups through music blogs. Minimizes my interaction with groupies. Honestly, I can’t say that the Philly music scene promotes itself as much as it should.

This city has a penchant for undervaluing talent!
Which is why they all leave, right?

But then there is Philly Rising, an open mic night every Monday at World Cafe Live. I went a few months ago. O. My. Phucking. G!! Great music gives me that light-headed, heart-beating-out-of-my-chest sort of pleasure. Ah, Bojibian.

Pronounced bo-JIB-ee-an, these guys are brutal. Beautifully untamed. When I first saw them, they took the stage in sunglasses; like, ‘Hey we don’t take ourselves too seriously…’ but then proceeded to seriously rock out. The band consists of Stephen Lorek, Niles Weiss, James Scullion and Dylan Mulcahy. They pull off style and talent. Phucking down-right panache.

I won’t even mention how young they are because I’m sick of how every youthful music act has to be some surprise… I mean really, how many geezers do you know who still have passion? Life is draining, man. SO counteracting my extremely jaded nature, I listen to Bojibian songs that are light, fun, LOUD, upbeat. That’s the best way I can say it, as I’ve never been one for categorizing music, and Bojibian won’t cage themselves in either:

Stylistically, the group draws from many different influences, at times sounding like some sort of post-modern mash-up of pop, post-punk, classic rock, post-grunge, Southern rock, and arena rock…or something like that.

So.

This Saturday.

Go to World Cafe Live.

Bojibian will be on at 9 pm. They will also be selling their debut album which they have been working on furtively for the past 2 months. Commendable for a band that’s only been together since the beginning of this year!

HEAR THEM on Myspace. My fav? Hallway. Although Upstroke and Call Me In The Morning have been stuck in my head lately

click to buy Tix!!

I’ll be sad when they leave us for NYC.

I kid. I kid. Well, sorta.

Oh, Lady of the Night July 17, 2008

I composed this letter in my head last night as I was trying to take my dog for a late-night jaunt and found myself aggravatingly trolling behind a ‘lady’ of questionable reputation.

Trannie-licious…

Dearest Trannie Hooker,

I know you feel the need to saunter, shaking that jello-o all about, what with, trying to attract the ‘Johns’ and all… but could you please speed it up before I let my dog chomp on your STD-ridden ass? We both know what corner you’re walking to, so get your ass there already. Slut. And a word of advice, stop looking behind you at every car that passes darling, it looks a little desperate. Oh, wait. Nevermind, Get Money Guuuuuurl!

Always Your Neighborhood Bitch,

Phreaked

Eventually I just crossed the street… and then on the way back home I think I saw one of her ‘co-workers’ coming out from behind some building with a guy. Ah, Philly at it’s best.