Shopping Spree

Fashion > Forward

by Monica Weymouth

(CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VERSION)

According to Times New Viking, "The hippies are back & they're punks!" Or at least that's what the Ohio-based rockers proclaim on the new T-shirt they've designed for local label Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction. They've only cranked out 125 of the hot pink-and-gray tees, which are available starting today while they're in town for a show at Johnny Brenda's. If we weren't undeniably wary of hippies, punks and all that is associated with their clothing, we'd be fighting you for one.

Every first Sunday the ladies at plus-size boutique Evangeline accomplish the impossible: convince women to try on styles they've long ago ruled out. "A lot of times people think there are silhouettes they can't wear," says manager Michele Gordon. "We get girls to put on things they didn't know they could rock." The staff makes helpful suggestions over mimosas, and everyone gets a handout outlining flattering profiles for various body types. Figure-friendly labels in stock include Spanx, Gayla Bentley, Igigi and Kiyonna.

Now that it's officially summer, Rosalina Czarnomski's necklaces, earrings and bracelets deserve some prime real estate in your jewelry box. The Seattle-based designer ditched her career as an engineer to focus on experimenting with colors and textures in her jewelry line, Serasi. Bright amethysts, opals and jade mingle with fossilized wood and freshwater pearls in delicate wire pieces inspired by her West Coast sensibilities. As part of Fabric Row's fourth Friday celebrations, Bus Stop will showcase the summery pieces while serving up sangria and savings on sandals.

You've got more than three months until Swap-O-Rama-Rama, but this one is going to need some prepping. Hosted by the Philadelphia Sewing Collective, the afternoon looks to recycle and re-imagine Philly wardrobes. Start saving your unwanted pieces now — admission will cost you a bag of clean threads. In addition to a traditional swap, the day will also include a series of DIY workshops to transform boring pieces into trimmed, silk-screened and otherwise sassier garments. Volunteers are needed to lead and create workshop sessions and man the sewing-machine stations. For those of us who peaked with the Bedazzler, volunteering to sort the clothing will score you first pick. E-mail swapphilly@gmail.com to help out.