In this column’s past, Critical Massimmersed itself in one neighborhood each week and found its most stylish inhabitants. We’re switching things up. Now, this will be a space for us to find fashionable folk all across the city. But we’re still keeping the hood theme — kinda, sorta — by asking our subjects where they’re from and therefore trying to glean which trends are specific to which neighborhoods.
Photos | Nicole Saylor
I’m likin’ those love eyes, playa.
Both from South Philly, Nashia T. (33) and Dustin K. (27) mostly shop at the Old City boutique Lost+Found. She also recommends Etsy for good finds, though she doesn’t always stick with handmade goods and vintage. “I do shop at Urban,” says Nashia. “I am guilty of that.” He’s honest, too. “She bought my this shirt,” says Dustin.
Every Wednesday, Critical Mass pops into a neighborhood and finds its most stylish residents.
This week I traveled south of South Street and checked out shops around Bainbridge and Fabric Row. With unique stores and treasure troves like Passional and Philly AIDS Thrift, I hoped to find more fearless fashion mavens. Many of these Queen Village dwellers looked to their favorite thrift store, Philly AIDS, for clothing. Others constructed their own pieces, like Najee G., who customizes pieces with paint, and Virginia H., who designs her own historically inspired pieces. Sadly, Virginia wasn’t rocking her usual skirts and bloomers because she just came from a job interview, but she and her friend Miriam L. showed off chic all-black ensembles accessorized with funky bags.
Virginia H., 20, from Northeast Philly,and Miriam L., 18, from the South Street area:
Photos | Nicole Saylor
Victoria S., 16, from Mount Airy:
This student found her peacock feather dress at Forever 21, and paired it with a great pair of ballet flats with zipper detail from DSW.
Don’t know what to do tonight? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
— If you wouldn’t mind being persuaded to give up meat (noooooo! not my meat! not me!), take Lauren F. Friedman’s advice and see Jonathan Safran Foer talk about his book Eating Animals, which she likens to a more hardcore Omnivore’s Dilemma. He seems like a charming, good-dad type of guy in the Ellen clip above, and will be at the Central Branch of the Free Library (1901 Vine St., 215-567-4341) at 7:30 p.m. for free.
— Americans in France are doing their noisy, girly punk thing at the M Room (15 W. Girard Ave., 215-739-5577) at 8 p.m. for $8.
— Or there’s the gay/fashion option: Rebecca Wilkinson of brazen undies line Ginch Gonch will lecture about her experience marketing the company, and hopefully show off some models in the product … at the Bossone Auditorium (3128 Market St., 215-895-6993) at 6:30 p.m. for free.
Not satisfied? Check out today’s listings for more and more and more events.
Every Wednesday, Critical Mass pops into a neighborhood and finds its most stylish residents.
This week I moseyed around Chestnut and Walnut streets in Center City West. Stores like Buffalo Exchange and Urban Outfitters were havens for effortless weekend style, where equestrian-inspired boots remained a constant among the women, who paired them with tights and a dress or tucked-in denim.
Natasha P., 17, student
Favorite Places to Shop: “Urban Outfitters and H&M.”
Every Wednesday, Critical Mass pops into a neighborhood and finds its most stylish residents.
This week I took a stroll down to the Piazza to explore this favorite Northern Liberties hangout. I didn’t bump into Tony Danza, but I did find a few great examples of NoLibs style. Tights, sweaters and tough-girl boots were definite wardrobe staples. This first chic lady donned a gold off-the-shoulder sweater with opaque black tights and suede pumps.
Gabriella H., 19, student Personal Style: “Comfortable but chic.”
Every Thursday, we give you this week’s LGBTQ to-do list.
— Like we told you in this week’s Agenda section, the entire world is joining forces for yet another Michael Jackson tribute, and this one’s going to be a lot cooler than Madonna’s 20-minute me-fest at the VMAs. Doing Philadelphia’s part in the global Thrill the World campaign is Salsita Dance Studio (1624 South St., 267-687-6886), which is offering free classes on the “Thriller” routine tonight at 6 p.m. You must also be available on Sat., Oct. 24 at 8:30 p.m. at the Piazza (2nd & Hancock sts.), where the dance will be videotaped and then telecast around the world. There will be a make-up crew on hand to zombify each dancer at 7 p.m., so arrive early. Combined with other performers across the planet, this will be the largest, simultaneous rendition of M.J.’s “Thriller” ever performed. I’m sure M.J. will be smiling down from heaven with his crotch in his hand and a “hee-hee!” in his heart.
— The 2009 Arts of Fashion symposium is coming to Drexel University this week. The five-day affair, which honors the best of up-and-coming fashion design, will feature a variety of trendy activities that should satisfy the hankerings of the fiercest fashionista. Here are the highlights: On Oct. 24 at 6 p.m. at Drexel’s Leonard Pearlstein Gallery (3215 Market sts. 215-895-2548), there will be an opening reception of the exhibit “Traces: Installation and Memory Clothes by Aurore Thibout.” The collection will feature ghostly garments that Thibout refers to as a “wardrobe ballet between life and death.”On Tue., Oct. 27 at 8 p.m. in the Mitchell Auditorium (3128 Market St.), the CineToile Series will present two films from director Loic Prigent’s The Day Before series. The documentaries follow fashion design icons a day before their major shows at NYC Fashion Week. The first highlights Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton, while the second goes behind the scenes at Fendi with Karl Lagerfeld. Closing the festivities on Wed. Oct. 28 at 8 p.m. is the Grand Finale Fashion Show at the Philadelphia Museum of Art (2600 Ben Franklin Parkway). During the event, models will grace the catwalk adorned in the designs of 50 top students from around the world. Stay around for the after-show party at 11 p.m. How often do you get a chance to dance in the Art Museum? Tickets for the whole five day shebang go for $150 to $350.
— Having a good time is always better when there’s a good cause attached to it. On Mon., Oct. 26 at 8 p.m., Valanni (1229 Spruce St., 215-790-9494) is hosting the Art Loves Animals party to benefit the S.P.C.A. There will be artwork displayed by gay artists Dennis Flynn and Raven, and live performances by poet Vincent John Ancona and comedian Tim Stevens. DJ Mike Mesa will also be on site providing the tunes. Valanni is a great place to wind down with a few cocktails after work, so come by and have some fun to help the critters.
Every Wednesday, Critical Mass pops into a neighborhood and finds its most stylish residents.
This week, we explored Center City’s Chinatown, that world within another world just a few blocks away from Critical Mass headquarters. Edgy asymmetrical hairdos, pashmina shawls and high-top boots over skinny jeans were all the rage. And while the language barrier was sometimes hard to maneuver, the residents’ classy styles read loud and clear. Lucy C. was our first catch, and boy do we wish she would’ve kept that precious parasol over her head for a second longer … before we could ask her any questions, a bird crapped on her head.
Every Tuesday, Critical Mass sifts through the art blog world so you don’t have to.
— PW Styledivulged some neat fashion savors — such as high-heeled galoshes and a DIY recipe for Chanel’s yet-to-be-released Particulière nail color — in its “Over the Top” roundup. But what got me was their coverage of inappropriate costumes. Gentlemen, it’s true: Mangina costume = going home alone.
— Most people think of U2 as the music industry’s front-runner in the saving-the-planet, d0-gooder contest, but Green Phillyis quick to out the Bono-fronted group for “emitting carbon like it’s their job.” Conversely, take the green band members of Cake, who not only run their recording studio on 100 percent solar energy, but also promote carpooling to their concerts.
— In celebration of Quirktober, Irreference is providing helpful tips to put you in a quirky, sorta spooky mood. Unreported by both Cosmo and Shmitten Kitten, the “How to Tell if Your Boyfriend is a Time Traveler from the Past” post will help you identify and address quandaries that come from any Kate & Leopold situation.
— When it comes to music, I’m usually the last to know. Take the fact that I thought Electric Six was the name of another whiny pop-punk band (minus Pete Wentz). When it’s more like … The Darkness or The Scissor Sisters. (My attempt at comparison ends there.) Anywho, the E6 is playing tonight at 9.m. at Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave., 215-739-9684), for $13-$15. Check out Phillyist’s coverage of the band, complete with one of the most entertaining music videos I’ve seen in a while. (Anyone else notice the Rocky Horror influence?)
— It’s a good thing the funny bone isn’t located in your head, as local comedian Spins Nitely was one of the victims of Shane Victorino’s wayward flying bat on Sunday. Hawaii’s 5-0 is the generous sort, as he gave autographed bats to those he whacked. Nitely told The Insiderhe passed the gift on to his son, who the comedian identified as “Two Shows.” Two Shows? I don’t get it. Perhaps it’s an inside joke? Or maybe the funny bone is in your head. Wah wah.
When Sue Eggen started Giant Dwarf in 2003, it was just a hobby. She made a cloche hat for herself out of a recycled sweater, felt flower embellishment and buttons. The compliments ensued, and Giant Dwarf was born. “I breathe, eat, sleep and dream of this business 24/7,” says Eggen.
When it was too warm to wear her cloche hats, Eggen fastened one of her trademark embellishments onto a headband, and voilĂ : The rosette hair fascinator was born. Each rosette is made out of eco-friendly, wool-blend felt, which Eggen cuts and stitches into a bouquet pattern. The hair fascinators come in a variety of colors and can also be custom ordered. It’s a crafty way to add color and nature to any outfit — and it’ll never wilt.
Every Wednesday, Critical Mass pops into a neighborhood and finds its most stylish residents.
This week I took a step out into City Paper’s backyard, between Second and Third and Market and Chestnut streets, in search of fashionable Philadelphians. As the temperature dropped, I found these Old City dwellers accessorizing with colorful scarves, tights and hats. This first stylish dude, David B., made his own jewelry with recycled forks and a finger cymbal called a “zill.”
David B., 37, artist/musician
Favorite Way to Accessorize: “Jewelry made from recycled items such as forks and finger cymbals.”
Photo | Nicole Saylor
Angela O., 22, student
Favorite Brands: “Urban Renewal and Steve Madden.”
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