A lifestyle blog for young women dining, shopping, playing & living in the city of Philadelphia.
Happy Tuesday, ladies! Let’s cut to the chase: you know I love the Eagles. Even though our Birds gave a bit of a disappointing performance against the Seahawks last weekend, we’re still 9-4 (and things are gonna be OK). If you believe, like I do, that one of the best ways to show support for our team is in green and white gear (with clever slogans, of course), today’s giveaway is for you.
Welcome to Her Philly! In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Emily, and I’m so glad you stopped by. Her Philly was founded back in November 2012 (on a 6 year old baby pink Dell Inspiron laptop that weighed about 25 lbs.). A brief history on how I got here: It began with me looking for a real estate agency similar to Main Line Homes so I could move out to Philadelphia. After moving to Philadelphia in June of 2011, I was on the hunt for an online resource for young women in the city like me – a place that talked about where to eat, affordable upcoming events, hidden shopping gems, and just general fun in my new city. After some searching, I decided it was time to find the answers to my own questions, and Her Philly was born.
My blog covers four main areas: dining, shopping, playing, and living (plus a chit chat section for all the other stuff, because I like to talk a lot). All of my posts are meant to be positive takes on things to do in the city. If I have a bad experience, I usually don’t talk about it here. That’s what review sites are for.
I love (read: LOVE) hearing from you. Whether you stop me while we’re both jamming out at a concert or about to sweat at spin class, leave a super sweet comment on my blog, or send me a note on social media – your words pretty much make my life. Here are a few of the nicest things you’ve all said about this lil ol’ blog:
“Emily is the BOSS when it comes to finding the best Philly has to offer.”
“You’re definitely my new fav blogger in Philly! Keep up the great work!”
“Emily, I am so excited to have stumbled upon this website. I am actually moving to Philly in the fall and all of my questions seemed like they will be answered from your blog.”
“I’m also a 20 something and have dedicated the last month to trying to find a job so I can move to Philly. I have been on your blog for about an hour now and you make me even more excited about the transition. Thanks for all your helpful posts!”
If you’re saying: OK, this sounds great, but where the heck do I go from here? . . . let me guide the way. I’ve gathered a few posts either pretty proud of, or that I feel give you a good sense of what I have going on on this blog.
Finding fun things to do in Philadelphia is pretty much the core of this blog. While a lot of my posts are about events that have come & gone, you can always learn how to tailgate like an Eagles fan, get some tips on what to bring to Made in America, or learn about how to have the best Diner en Blanc ever.
I’m a pretty big fan of eating, specifically pizza. I love dining at fancy restaurants during Philadelphia Restaurant Week, but when all else fails, I always return to my favorite: Little Pete’s.
I’m single (and I’ll remind you of that often), so I really appreciate our city’s hot Philadelphia athletes. But in case you’re just looking for how to get through your first OKCupid date unscathed, I’ve got some first date tips covered too.
I have a lot of Philly pride. Every year, I create a Philadelphia gift guide that is pretty handy if you’re looking for an awesome gift year-round. If you need to know how to get around in Philly, I’ve shed some light on that too.
Sometimes I get inspired, and write about things that don’t necessarily have to do with Philadelphia, like finding happiness as an adult, being the nice girl, and absolutely loving my body. And, sometimes I just decide to fly.
Have fun and explore. If you have any questions, shoot me an email. If you’re looking for more, I usually post events that don’t make the blog to Facebook, really pretty things on Instagram, and my general thoughts and attempts to be funny on Twitter.
My mom grew up in Ocean City, NJ, living the beach life you may imagine one would live. She and my dad raised us in Upper Township, NJ, just over the 34th Street Bridge. Saying I was “from the Jersey Shore (but not that Jersey Shore!)” was a fun talking point during sorority recruitment I once participated in (/endured). But I don’t think I really realized how wonderful of a place the South Jersey shore was to grow up until recent years. I went through a pretty long period after college where I didn’t appreciate going back home and taking in all this magical area had to offer.
But now that I’m dating a shoobie who really loves the shore, and had many different experiences in different towns than I did, we go down every chance we can. People say we should invest in a timeshare resort when they see how much we love traveling. At first, it might seem like a good idea, but you get to see so people investors trying to get rid of wyndham timeshare because of its high maintenance fees. Normal hotels are great anyway when we’re always discovering new places and showing each other our old faves. I am so thankful I was raised in a place that brings people joy, and I’m excited to share some of the places that have brought me the most joy at the shore.
Thanks to COVID, a few of you have shared you’re looking to do a fall shore vacation. With schools being virtual, many shore spots are staying open to accomodate more flexible schedules. What started as a question from my friend Neil on Twitter has transformed to a loooong list of faves, with editing and contributions from my sister, my mom, and of course, Jim. It’s pretty Ocean City heavy because that’s my town, but we tried to share the love. 🙂
I hope this list gives you a starting point on the best shore bops, hidden gems, and places you really should add into your next Cape May County trip. Enjoy!
Continue Reading…If you’re anything like me, the Love Letters Tour is one of those Philly things you’ve heard about over and over, but maaaay have never gotten your act together for. So, after many years of that for me (I’ve even put it on lists in the past!), I finally crawled out of bed on a beautiful fall Philly morning to finally check out what all the talk was about.
You guys may loathe me, because I basically asked for this whole winter weather thing to hurry up and hit us already. However, I regret to inform you that I have actually been loving this weather. I can connect this feeling back to this: being able to put seasonally-appropriate ensembles together without checking DarkSky 500 times before I walk out the door. Imagine that!
That being said, there have been a few staples that have been consistently getting me through the cold weather season. And I think it’s only right to share some of my favs with you, for your online shopping pleasure. {Note: you will not find snowboots in this post, because, as much as I’d love for them to be a staple of mine, I’m still rocking rain boots in 20+ inches. SOS.}
Longwood Gardens is one of those Philly burbs staples that most of us have ventured to at some point in our lives, whether it was on a grade school class trip or a sorority sisterhood retreat (hey, DG!). I like to bop down there every once in a while just to walk through and take in the acres and acres of gorgeous plants and flowers (because seriously, it doesn’t get much prettier). When I heard about Nightscape, Longwood Gardens’ new “light and sound experience,” I knew I wanted to get back this summer.
Since it’s fall and the weather is lovely and getaways are really needed this time of year, I really wanted to go on a vacation with my friends. We left with modest goals: see good friends and eat good food. And for only a 48 hour stay, we certainly achieved those goals.
Continue Reading…
Looking at the event list for The Philadelphia Collection is both exciting and overwhelming. Exciting because, how cool is it that we as a city get to participate in over 75 fashion & style events in all of our neighborhoods right after NYFW? Overwhelming because, how are you supposed to sort through over 75 events to pick out the must-attends? Well, lucky for you, my Philly ladies, I’ve done it for you! I’ve sorted through each event (taking place Wednesday, September 18th through Wednesday, September 25th) and found the most interesting and relevant events that will give you the best bang for your buck. So let’s go . . .
Wednesday, 9/18
E-Entrepreneurs: Building Your Electronic Empire // 6:00 – 8:00 pm {Benjamin’s Desk: 1701 Walnut Street}
Panelists will share their unique and personal experiences on how they used the Internet as a platform to launch their careers and build their digital empires. Panelists include: Adam Rich (Thrillist.com and Jackthreads.com), Linda Lightman (Owner of “Linda’s Stuff”), and Michael Stalbaum (Director of Elite SEM). Moderator Natalie Nixon (Philadelphia University) will guide the panelists through topics such as how to launch a successful e-commerce and retail website, and alternative ways to retail over the Internet through the use of Instagram, Pinterest, personal blogs, etc.
Thursday, 9/19
Hope Chest Undressed // 4:00 – 7:00 pm {1937 Chestnut Street}
Hope Chest Philadelphia and the infamous SPANX invite you for an exclusive trunk show showcasing the newest in women’s shapewear and lingerie. Enjoy lite bites, cocktails, entertainment and a free gift with purchase!
Macy’s Fall Fashion Show // 5:30 pm {1300 Market Street}
Macy’s presents Fall’s Five Essentials- key pieces that say fall 2013! Grab a seat at our stage and our stylist will show you how easily these 5 essentials will update your wardrobe for fall. Learn all of the hottest fashion and beauty tips and tricks! Plus, get a sneak preview of the Philadelphia Fashion Incubator Spring 2014 Collections from the Desingers-In-Residence! Enjoy our DJ and sweet treats while you shop. Take home a special gift* with purchase when you spend $75 or more. Event subject to change or cancellation. *While supplies last, one per customer.
Rittenhouse Row Fall Fashion Crawl // 6:00 – 8:00 pm {Starts at Sephora: 1714 Chestnut Street}
A roving event highlighting the best of fall fashion and mixology. Numerous Rittenhouse Row retailers will host simultaneous in-store events. Each event will feature a cocktail competition station from one of Rittenhouse Row’s top mixologists. Wristbands available now at rittenhouserow.org for $25 or at Sephora (1714 Chestnut Street) on the night of the event for $30. Attendees should pick up their wristbands and maps at Sephora on the evening of the event between 6:00PM and 7:30PM.
Saturday, 9/21
Philadelphia Designers Market // 11:00 am – 6:00 pm {First Unitarian Church: 2125 Chestnut Street}
Philadelphia’s independent designers marketplace. Shop independent and emerging designers of clothing and accessories.
Saree Soiree // 12:00 – 2:00 pm {1126 Walnut Street}
Sarees are the most fashionable, elegant, & breath-takingly feminine piece worn by ladies in India. Join us to learn how to style these complex garments in a fun evening out with friends at anjuthreads. Capacity is limited.
Shopping Day Out // 12:00 – 6:00 pm {26th Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway}
The Oval will be hosting a ‘Shopping Day Out’ featuring local apparel and accessory retailers. Retailers will be able to accept cash, credit or checks. Guest will have the joy of shopping Philadelphia’s best retailers, all in one location! Food & beverage will be on sale through food trucks and local DJs will perform one-hour sets throughout the event to keep the energy up!
Monday, 9/23
Passion for Profit: Turning Your Interests Into a Business // 4:00 – 6:00 pm {3rd Ward: 1227 North 4th Street}
This think tank will feature a group of industry experts who will provide advice on how to successfully take your passion and turn it into a business. Industry experts will provide valuable advice and inspiration to aspiring business owners and entrepreneurs by sharing their personal story and path to success. This think tank will address the hiccups and roadblocks that people face when attempting to start their own business or brand, while discussing entrepreneurship and how it relates to today’s generation. Experts include: Brandon Davis (Editor-In-Chief of American Dreaming Magazine and Executive Director/Founder of The R.I.C.K. Foundation), Jacquiline Jenkings (Director of Wharton Small Business Development Center), Brian Linton (Founder of United by Blue), Brittany DeShields (Founder of B.Des), and Chris Baeza (Director of the Fashion Merchandising Program at Immaculata University).
Tuesday, 9/24
Laundrea Trunk Show // 6:00 – 8:00 pm {222 Vine Street}
Get a fresh face for fall with Laundrea’s machine washable and bra-friendly dresses and dermatologist-developed skin care products from Rodan + Fields. Shop the new fall line of career-to-everyday wear, and representatives from Rodan + Fields and Stella + Dot will be on hand to help you accessorize your wash + wear look with glowing skin and trendy jewels.
Wednesday, 9/25
United By Blue Grand Opening Celebration // 6:00 – 9:00 pm {144 North 2nd Street}
Join United By Blue for food, drinks and festivities at its brand new Old City Coffeehouse and Clothier at 144 N. 2nd Street. RSVP here: http://bit.ly/1cktajx
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So there you have it, my favorite events of The Philadelphia Collection 2013! I know my blog has been super event-focused lately, but there is just SO MUCH going on in September! If you end up attending any of the events above and have never used Uber, make sure you download the app & use the code TPC2013 for a free ride. Hope to see you all out & about this week! xx
It’s wedding season, and who deserves a pick-me-up more than the #1 man in your life? Whether that man is your hubby, father, brother, BF or BFF, I bet you know someone who is in need of a new look. Maybe he has been talking about picking up a new suit forever or wants to break out of his fashion rut. Well lucky for him, you are a well educated Philly lady and know just the place to take him! But hurry & make plans quick – you’ve only got one week! If you’re a woman looking for a suit, take a look at this guide to tailored women’s suits and creating your own custom suit experience.
Meet Indochino, the traveling tailor pop-up shop, here in Philly (1518 Walnut Street) now through May 27th.
