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!!!

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?

1st Date Mental Prep May 9, 2008

1- When You Mix Scents You Smell like a Hooker…

(Getting Cute)

First off– get everything off. Shave everywhere.

What to do with what hair you have left: Massage your scalp with your finger tips during shampooing to help give your hair that extra lift at the root. Models actually shampoo and condition their hair in cold water because it is less damaging. My hair is so much silkier and easier to manage when I do this.

You could pull a Bridget Jones and not shave or wear cute underwear as a way of de-whoring yourself. Yet when you’re hard-up, you’re hard-up and your pure intentions will just be seen as grooming laziness when the pants come off. He Will Remember…

In terms of your face…I mean, I hope he looks at that more than your cootchie tonight, but think simple. Don’t let eye and lip color compete and when in doubt with hair; go straight!

2- Masturbation is a Great Stress Reliever

So you’re pinned, zipped, waxed, powdered, tweezed, moisturized, buffed and of course, stretched, but still not feeling ready in any sort of way because you’ve hyped yourself up by being over critical of your body hair, zits, fly-aways, nail beds, bony elbows, short eyelashes, funky toes, k-ankles…. Well, you get the idea. Time to relax and remember that the outside is just the beautiful gift-wrap; the actual prize is You.

Read a book, paint your toenails, listen to music or clean the house. Anything that calms you and takes your mind off the first date giddiness

If you were a man this might include having a few beers with the ‘bro-skis’ or an easing of the mind with Mary Jane. (Just kidding, But no, REALLY, I found out further into our relationship that one boyfriend came on our first date high because he was so phreaking nervous!)

3- Dolla, Dolla Bills Y’All

(Sorry, I’m not trying to call you a stripper)

Bring Money!! While I would like to assume that any man worth dating would cover the first date, be prepared. Anticipate where you might be going and plan accordingly. Spring for coffee. Girls who offer to pay for little treats here and there show themselves to be generous, as well as thankful for the time they are spending with this new beau.

4- He’s Kinda Hot When He Strikes Out

Plan an after-date activity, preferably something that works off a gluttonous dinner. In Philly?? Try games at Dave and Busters, Lucky Strike Lanes or North Bowl. Perhaps sip wine at Vintage or Tria. Pickup a dessert at Naked or Capogiro and then mosey on down to Washington Square for a walk and talk.

One of my most memorable first dates was when my friend Gene offered me four different choices of places to go after our dinner (color me shocked: this rarely happens with most other men!!): Movies, Vintage, Dave and Busters, or Tavern on Camac. As soon as he mentioned what a maven he is at air hockey, You knew it was ON. We each won one game and it was great to see each other’s competitive streaks. (Unfortunately somewhere in our time at D&B’s he lost his wallet and I was happy to pay for the cab… once again, Bring Cash!!)

5-Or Doesn’t…Use Your Love Tonight

(When a 1^st Date turns into a 1 Night Stand)

Yes, I’ve been eluding to this the whole article. Whether you think I’m calling you a slut or you just get that it’s the 21^st century– it is what it is. Everyone is hoping for a great connection on the first date, but let’s not pretend you weren’t hoping his penis would connect with your cervix too. (Too far, huh?) I’ll let Chelsea Handler take the reigns and regale you with proper One Night Stand Etiquette. It’s only polite people.

“We should do this again, the sex part that is.”

skip to 2:12, best parts!

Head, Roll, Door. I’m Out

Gotta leave you wanting more baby.

Phreaked