East Passyunk Shopping: Metro Mens Clothing

This one is for the boys--->Metro Mens Clothing in East Passyunk has been on my list for a while.  Locally owned, Metro carries a great collection of casual wear, suits, dress shirts and sports paraphernalia.  Head over to 1615 East Passyunk Avenue in South Philly for proper clothing from Amsterdam to the locals. Check out the merchandise above and below for some summer-ensemble inspiration....

My guy buds have been asking me where to go for some decent clothes....a mix between slight hipster/city-cool minus any cheesy Euro-trash vibe.  Metro Mens Clothing is where I have been steering them for staple, closet items and fresh additions.  Even if you're not fashionably in-tune, brands like Original Penguin and Scotch & Soda are perfect go-tos for light layers that transition perfectly into the fall.  I consider a seersucker suit an essential for summer-soirees and you can rock these pieces separately for a low-key look.

Tee-shirts, plaid button-downs and golf shirts galore, Metro has classic khakis in awesome colors and lengths.  I was impressed by the denim collection and some baddass Philly sports gear for Flyers and Phillies fans.  I'm on a bow-tie kick and there's plenty of those, along with ties and other accessories. I'm in love with the Rooster swim shorts by Penguin.  The more daring beach-goer can try pulling off a pair swim "shorties" from Parke & Ronen----> just be sure you can give Daniel Craig a run for his money before hand.

Brands Carried:
Ben Sherman
Original Penguin
Fred Perry
Scotch & Soda
Report Collection
Parke & Ronen Swimwear
Fidelity, Big Start, Penguin, Ben Sherman and Scotch & Soda Denim
Red Jacket Phillies & Flyers Apparel
Rags & Threads T-shirts
Brooklyn Motor T-Shirts
Auri Footwear
Coal & Kangol Headwear


Metro Mens Clothing
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1615 E. Passyunk Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19148
267-324-5172

 info@metromensclothing.com
Monday-Saturday: 11:30-8pm
Sunday: 11-5pm

Moore College of Art & Design: Fashion Show 2013

Every weekend there's a "To-do" in Philly and so far, we've had pretty amazing weather! Checking out local boutiques and designers is a great way to show support, and why not start where they're---->just beginning?  This Saturday, May 18th, the student's at Moore College of Art and Design will be hosting their Fashion Show at Aviator Park on 20th and the Ben Franklin Parkway.  The Senior designers will be "Blasting Off" their "Spacey" evening wear collection, influenced by the 1960's "Space Look", (think sequins, PVC, & white boots). Round 1-->"Space Odyssey" swimwear from the Juniors, followed by Vintage Circus Childrenswear, some inspiration from the Eastern State Penitentiary, and collections from "Man's Best Friend",(the muse-->your main dog:)...

What: Moore College of Art and Design
Where: Aviator Park, 20th and the Ben Franklin Parkway (under tents)
When: Saturday, May 18th at 8pm
Who: Senior, Junior and Sophomore Designers
Judges include: Mary Sullivan '87, president, Bloom, Philadephia & Wilmington, DE; Nafeesa Scott '02, designer, Macy's Merchandising Group, NY; Jenna Davis '03, designer, Anthropologie, Philadelphia; and Leah Boston '10, associate designer, Amanda Uprichard, NY.

General Admission: $25
VIP Tickets: $100
Students: $15 with valid Moore ID

Bloomingdale's Fashion & Charity Event: King of Prussia Mall

If you're free this Thursday, May 16th and looking to be fashionably charitable, Bloomingdale's in the King of Prussia Mall is teaming of with the Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia is hosting a Spring/Summer Fashion Show and Auction. Designers from the area are getting together and dreaming up some one-of-a-kind pieces inspired by the McWrap....I'm thinking shoestring-french fry fringe and nugget-embellishments?? There will be a spring and summer trend presentation hosted by Stephanie Solomon, Ready-to-Wear Fashion Director.  It's not only for the ladies, Men's styles are included as well.  Sip on some cocktails and food from DiBruno Bros..... yummy-yummy!!!  All ticket sales and 10% of the sales made throughout the night will be donated to the charity.  Buy your tickets here--->Tickets and Event Information<-----for the lowdown.

What: Bloomindales Charity Fashion Event

Where: Bloomingdale's King of Prussia, Level 1, 600 W. DeKalb Pike

When: Thursday, May 16th, 6-8pm

Who: Hosted by Jan Feris, GM at Bloomingdale's and The Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House

CBS 3 news anchor, Lesley Van Arsdall will be emceeing

Book Review: Travel With Face Hunter

As bad as my ADD is, I love reading.  I've been drooling over the images of Travels With Face Hunter: Street Style from Around the Work, by Yvan Rodic.  For those that never heard of Yvan, he started his career capturing and blogging style on the street, known as the Face Hunter.  More of a chronicle and not a heavy read; each chapter highlights a different country and is chock full of style, art and life.  Starting with a sweet, personal intro from Yvan, each section follows-up with eye-candy photos of faces and places.

 Starting with the streets of New York, this culture explorer bopped around the globe from Seoul, Moscow, Madrid to the snapping shots of the bike-obsessed divas in Copenhagen.

146 flights on record, Yvan hit up some amazing places I wouldn't think to visit---> the indie-city, Wellington of New Zealand and Reykjavik in Iceland.  The later seemed to hold a "warm" place in Rodic's heart.  Batumi and Instanbul were among some of my favorites, as well as Stolkhom and Amersterdam. The photos captured weren't solely based on fashion, they're about self-expression, lifestyle, and heart.  This composition is kind of a miracle, since it was stolen while in Oslo travelling.  After being "rescued" from the thieves, Rodic had to hire an expert to recover all the deleted data.  Great buy and stylish coffee decor as well!

It's not about fashion people aspiring fashion people anymore--it's about real life inspiring real people, all of the world!"
~Yvan Rodic

Philadelphia Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Happy early Mother's Day people! I rounded up some gifts you can pick up in the area and online.

Arcadia Boutique in Rittenhouse Square at 265 S. 20th Street is  having a HUGE clearance sale till it sadly closes up it's doors Mid-May.  Don't worry, it's Northern Liberties shop isn't going anywhere.  Pop into Arcadia for 80% off and another 20% off spring gear! Love the above Color Block dress by Margarita Saplala for only $69. 

Philly textile and design gift shop, stadler-Kahn, located on 1724 Samson Street, carries vintage jewelry from $28-200, beautiful ceramics from Waylande Gregory, imported Italian and Scottish soaps, and handbags from Philly designer, Liz Mcllvaine.

Eviama Spa, located on 13th Street between Samson and Chestnut Streets, has some lovely Mother's Day specials starting with an Aromatherapy Effleurage with Kansa Infusion Mini Facial at a $159 (valued at $185, now through May 29th).  Make it a day trip and book two people to receive a free Spa Sampler of Foot Reflexology or scalp massage ($50 savings). 

Adorn Boutique on 1314 Frankford Avenue in Fishtown will 20% off all jewelry over $50 and free flowers for your Momma, May 9-12th.

For a hippie Mom, head over to Moroccan boutique Mushmina on 1540 South Street for gorgeous fair-trade clothing and accessories.  This one-year-old boutique carries handwoven scarves, hand-cut leather satchels, luxe handbags made with Moroccan textiles by Le Chameau and Bali-inspired jewelry. If you enter MOMDAY online, you will also receive 20% off!

Art in the Age at 116 North 3rd Street in Old City, has some unique and locally designed gifts from $10-$100--->

Under $10

-Letterpress Mother's Day cards ($5 each) 

Under $15

-Mast Brothers Chocolate $10 (Crown Maple Flavor $12)

Under $25

-Snap/AITA Craft Spirit Mug ($10) + Juniper Ridge Tea ($13) = $23 

-Morris Kitchen Preserved Lemon Syrup ($13)

-Jack Rudy & Co Grenadine or Tonic ($24)

Under $50

Good Candle + Matchstick Bottle = ($50)

Peg and Awl lunch bag ($45)

Under $100

Handmade Straw & Leather Basket ($65) 

DS&Durga perfumes ($85)

Under $150

John Bolle Cutting Board (Medium size $90) + Rosemary Cutting Board Oil ($30) = $120

Tembea Baguette Tote $130 

I'm in LOVE with the Lacoste espadrilles...might pick up a matching pair for the both of us! Lacoste is located on 1424 Walnut Street in Center City Philadelphia and at the King of Prussia Mall.

Agour Espadrille $80 available in Pink, White and Navy

Women's Blue Lacoste Espadrille $90.

Fishtown Decal Project at Adorn Boutique

First Fridays are pretty awesome if you've gotten the chance to dabble in some Old City & NoLibs' galleries and boutiques!  Adorn Boutique on 1314 Frankford Avenue is celebrating their 2 year anniversary and popping it off by supporting the NKCDC (New Kesingtown Community Development Corporation - Neighborhood Revitalization Program).   Starting today, May 3rd, Adorn will be selling "Fishtown" decals for $5 and gifting them out with every purchase over $100.  With each gifted or sold decal, $3 will be donated to the non-profit NKCDC to support their dedication to revitalizing Kensington, Fishtown, and Port Richmond neighborhoods.  Stop by this "eye-candy" boutique and enjoy some bevies and hors d'oeuvres while shopping and picking up your Fishtown decals.  It's a great way to show support for not only a badass, growing community but, local business owners as well!

What: Fishtown Decal Project

Where: Adorn Boutique, 1314 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia

When: Friday, May 3rd, 12-10pm, Saturday & Sunday, 12-8pm

Who:Adorn Boutique and NKCDC

Philly Weekend Shopping: Northern Liberties' Sidewalk Sale

Happy Friday again guys! This weekend is suppose to be a beauty and The NoLibs Sidewalk Sale sounds like the best way to spend it.  With Momma's Day around the corner, these shops are the perfect to pop-in and pick-up some unique and thoughtful gifts for any mom.  For gifts, such as cool home goods, quirky kitchen gifts, fab jewelry (sweet prices too) and cards, stop in SWAG Boutique.  Art Star is known for women's and baby accessories and clothing, with a strong focus on local artists' stationary and prints.  Casa Papel is the go-to papery shop in the city, for decorative and specialty paper, crafts, designer cards and envelops.  Check out the uber-trendy Arcadia Boutique and Bloom for women's clothing and accessories.  The vintage lover can splurge at Once Worn and Concrete Polish designs some sick, gold and silver metal jewelry (like this double-headed wolf ring).  For the preppy dresser, hit up local designer, Duke & Winston for some badass bulldog, screen prints, "New England"-inspired tees and pet accessories. Don't forget to head over to Philadelphia Framing Company  for antique prints, photos, and frames.

What: Northern Liberties Sidewalk Sale

Where: North 2nd Street between SpringGarden St. and The Piazza, Philadelphia

When: Saturday, April 27th, 11-7pm & Sunday, 12-5pm

Who: Art Star - 623 N.2nd

Arcadia- 819 N.2nd

Bloom- 910 N.2nd

Casa Papel- 804 N.2nd

Concrete Polish- 713 N.3rd

Duke & Winston- 633 N.2nd

Framing Philadelphia- 631 N.2nd

Once Worn- 906 N.2nd