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!

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!!!

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!

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia July 12, 2008

Well except on people’s faces. Hah.

Well I would normally want to give you a whole week of tasty tidbits, but there is just SO much going on today in the city I thought I just focus on this day in particular. Hey, maybe you’ll see me out because I am definitely going to be trying to make my way between all these great events.

We ALL already know I’m insane for Etsy, so how excited was I when I found out they are having CRAFTADELPHIA featuring local Etsy designers at the Mew Gallery?? I’m there.

At 9th and Christian it’s actually not too far from Mostly Books over at 529 Bainbridge, my favorite used book store in the city!! I mean really, it looks like this shitty little hole in the wall bookstore where used romance novels and westerns might abound but that place is so much more than cheap paperbacks. It goes back three more rooms, HUGENESS! I love delving into the cooking and self-help sections. ( It’s across from the Philly Aids Thrift… another AMAZING place) I just can’t wait to go over to the “South-ish” side of Philly and search for treasures.

My friend is having a bbq up in No. Lib. that I want to attend, but somewhere in that time I see myself looking for a little drama. So why not go watch a reenactment of the storming of the Bastille?! Yes, Bastille day is July 14th, and considering we have a prison just sitting around over on Fairmount, why not do something in honor of our 0% French-speaking population?!

Servant: The people, mam’n, they’re staring! They have no bread!

Marie Antoinette: Then let them eat cake!

Damn, that bitch had style.

Believe me, the French, masters of pastry, are cringing at the thought of this right now, but before Marie is executioned at 5:30ish today, she’ll be loading us up with Butterscotch Krimpets (oh my fav!).

Lastly I might head to a bar around the corner from my house that has been completely transformed (read: de-ghetto-ized)

Uwishunu is reporting:

Check out Billy W. of monthly parties Robotique (Medusa Lounge) and Hip Replacement (The Khyber). He’s now got a weekly thing called Shake Your Tambourine where he spins seriously serious disco with a smattering of early hip-hop and R+B in the mix.

This all happens at The Institute, which used to be the infamous Jesse’s Tenderline Cafe at 12th and Green. The new proprietors have kept Jesse’s North Philly charm intact, but they’ve managed to fix the place up a bit and bring in some fancy beers.

Shake Your Tambourine
Saturday, July 12th, 10 p.m. – 2 a.m., free,

The Institute
12th and Green, Philadelphia, PA
www.institutebar.com

Ah, gentrification at it’s best.

Airline Adversity = Style Serendipity July 11, 2008

Your accessories need to be seasoned travelers as well.

After all, every jet-set miss knows that a striking necklace or flashy bangles can instantly improve the casual outfit; giving you more fashion mileage from a tight suitcase to boot! The same can be said for handbags. Three is all you need, even for a long vaca.

One should be this…

Check out the airline bag recently featured on thestylephile:

This Kim White purse is made from fabric originally intended for use on a United Airlines plane. Hah, yeah as if any new planes are going to be made anytime soon.

Retailing for $210 (including tax and shipping) this bag is not only adorably kitchy; the transition from day to night with this same simple tangerine dress is abundantly clear.

Day accessories: Wrap this beautiful purple scarf around your head and keep your feet relaxed in these Steve Madden flats. (Phreaked owns a pair just like them!) Go Boho chic doll!

Night accessories: Play up the black leather details of this purse matched with the earthy tone of the fabric by going with black and cork accessories. (Stewart Weitzman Wedge Sandals & Cork Cluster Earrings)

It’s a nice day for a Red Hottt Wedding… July 8, 2008

It’s a nice day to start again.

O. My. PHucking. G.

A RED WEDDING DRESS. And it’s fantastic. PHENOMENAL. Traditional types might find something like this a bit over the top and garish, but then again honey, when haven’t weddings been a whole lot of carrying on??

Imagine an entrance in this Justin Alexander amazingness with loads of curls piled up on the head. Perhaps accessorized with a striking diamond comb. Ohhhhh…

Lots of black eye liner too. In a day that is supposed to be all about the bride, why should we play coy?? The dashing man meeting our Queen B at the alter should definitely have a long jacket and a bow tie to complete this high drama theme.

Can you see it? CAN YOU SEE THE MAJESTY? Yes, Phreaked has fashion fantasy issues.

On a side note- Phreaked is a firm believer that no woman should wait for her wedding day to make herself the center of attention. Throw a huge affair at any point in your life where you’re just feeling fantastic! Do we need to find some guy just to have a reason to put on a great dress?? Certainly not.

Be the highlight of your own ball ladies, Every. Goddamn. Day.

Thank you to Just A Formality for throwing this on my radar!!

Mizz Thang June 27, 2008

Philly Horrendous

I did not need to see that this morning…

You, hauling up the Spring Garden subway steps in your patchwork plaid shorts.

I think this might have been an attempt to look like a coquette co-ed on your way to the Community College, alas, these Amazing Technicolor Dreamshorts do not hide the fact you look at least 35, and indeed, only create a larger fat-ass.

I’m not saying clad yourself in black alone. But as I watched you, I could only think the manufacturers of these “short shorts” truly did you a disservice by making these in your size.

May I suggest some capris without “spectra-vision”? You’re a shorter, curvier woman so choose a length about knee level as to not look even smaller… may I suggest:

They hug you at your waist, one of your tiniest parts and will accentuate that great lower curve of your back but flare out from there leaving your legs feeling free.

This is going to be a hot sticky summer in Filthadelphia mamn, and I don’t need you running around pretending to be any spring chick. CAMOUFLAGE that cellulite, NOW!

Summer Loooove: Etsy means Easy Adornment June 24, 2008

So I know I’ve been missing as of late and I’m sure you were just jonesing to get Phreaked. Fear not my pretty kitties, while suffering a writing block, the ideas were, however, limitless. That is to say, I had lots of great things to mention but these Fin g .ers. jUst. w..ould. noT. ty p e!! Ugh!

Thank you for all the Loooove concerning my last post on the immeasurable style of Sex and the City. 3,145 views to date! Quite a success for me; and hopefully just the first of many. Mwa Bella!!

Speaking of Smashin’ Fashion: ETSY

My new obsession is a website featuring designers from all around the country (and beyond) selling unique handmade crafts, gifts, jewelry and fashion.

There are several ways to hunt for dazzling items:

-Browse categories such as: Accessories, Paper goods, Glass, Vintage, Furniture (and many, many more)

-Look up lists in the Treasury, where other users group together favorite items by a theme (ex. Turquoise & the American West)

-Treat the eyes with wonders in Showcase: Etsy pulls the “Top Items” from thousands of sellers. “Fresh Daily”

-Be Playful, Pounce!! Users can view sellers waiting to make their first sale (oh, be a humanitarian already!) OR view sellers who just made a sale.

-Traverse the Geolocator: Etsy’s Globe shows you the most recently published items from around the world. Think Google Earth but for en mode.

-Speaking of fashion forward, take a trip in the Time Machine and be UP TO THE MINUTE. As items just listed float on the screen just begging to find a home. Seriously, this is worse than a trip to the pound for me… “Mama, I wanna take em all home!!”

-Gift Guides are a lifesaver!! The user can choose between who will be receiving the gift, the occasion, the time of the year as well as that special person’s tastes. PHUCK Overstock. Great Prices and Originality.

-Colors: While seemingly NOT the most exciting program that Etsy offers, it is actually wildly amusing. Also quite helpful for someone trying to match home accessories in the Perrrrfect living space.

-Shop Local: Obviously a favorite. Check out my finds below.

While you can buy dresses and hand painted shoes, I’m quite partial to creative jewelry myself. Not only because it makes a statement with any boring outfit but because jewelry always tells a story. Think about what you’re wearing this moment: What was the occassion? How does it make you feel? (Please Comment Below!)

Oh, the lovely thing about ordering jewelery online? No ‘wrong size.’

These are the finds in Philly that make me want to empty my bank account:

Feeling edgy? Show it with sweetteeth’s handmade glass beads resembling pulled teeth!!
Would this be an inappropriate gift for Grandma?

I cannot get enough of this designer!! pinkflamingo61takes found item/vintage jewelry to another stratosphere!

FallenHearts‘ carries a wide array of vintage jewelry, like this ivory cuff from India.
Oh, just think of all the places it has been!

PreciousMeshes employs metal wire to net and nest some truly enviable objects.
Simple. Delicate. Lovely.

What’s your favorite piece of jewelry?

Where did you get it?

Summer Loooove: It’s a Battlefield May 7, 2008

Gladiators. The shoe of course, although if you can find a sexy bronzed Spartan to escort you about Walnut Street as you wear these, please do.

A favorite fashion warrior look? The knee high gladiator of course. The style graced the worst dressed pages in 2007 on the likes of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, but 2008 will prove to be the year of the Gladiator!!

Furthermore, NEVER doubt the Olsens. MK single-handedly brought back cowboy boots, tights (abet, ripped) AND oversized dresses YEARS before so-called fashion merchandisers saw the light. Ashley’s new line The Row is simply ingenious.

What to pair it with: This look is not for everyone. You must have the long slender legs to pull off short dresses (or short shorts) with flats. Remember not to go overboard with skin. If you are showing off your legs, keep the chest under wraps, also, do not over accessorize. Knee high gladiators are a statement all on their own. Throw on some sunglasses and stroll the shops diva!!

Other gladiator considerations:

If you are shorter and curvier consider a heel with a T-strap to balance you as well as keep you trendy!

These ‘halfies’ as I like to call them are perfect for longer outfits and just $20!! Phreaking unbelievable!