It’s gift guide time! Today I’m excited to be sharing some of the best gifts from our area, sure to please the Philly guy in your life. I’ve scoured the interwebs and consulted with some local men to put together the best of the best, with each gift coming from a local shop or location. And a tip before we jump in: if you see something you love, be sure to shop quick, as some of these babies are on sale for Cyber Monday! Click through for links, locations, and some of my much-needed commentary.
Your Guide to Philly’s Black Friday Weekend Deals
Black Friday shopping can be amazing, if you plan correctly. As most of my life revolves around shopping, I have no problem getting up early on Friday morning to hit all the sales, but I must go with a purpose. I have admittedly never done the post-Thanksgiving shopping binge in Philadelphia, but since I’ll be back in town this weekend, I will certainly be hitting up some of the Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday sales. I’ve gathered a few of my favorite deals to help you plan and achieve shopping bliss.
Philly Guy Gift Guide 2013
It’s that time of year again! I love shopping for my family & friends, always on a constant quest to find the perfect gift. While I don’t have a lot of men to buy for this year, I do find it’s hard to shop for the opposite sex on a whim. Whether it’s a nice new leather belt or a Mens Henleys or a crewneck, something that would make such a nice gift to give them, you get the classic, ‘buy themselves exactly what they told you they wanted’. They never give you a good idea of what to get them, usually they respond with a joke and that’s the end of it. Sometimes, a personal gift like similar to one of the custom photo wallets that you can buy are a real help, but you can’t do that for all of them, as you probably don’t have a good enough relationship too! That said, if you and your boyfriend are friends first, and lovers later (like every healthy relationship should be), you could opt for some quirky gifts for him. Like a figura personalizada or (custom figure bobblehead!) or customized socks! Overall, with any gift purchasing spree, you need research, planning & a good memory. Nonetheless, whatever you gift your significant other should be from the heart, otherwise it is not special anymore! Last year, I put together a Philadelphia gift guide for your man and a lot of people seemed to enjoy it. I wanted to bring it back this year with some awesome updated gifts your boyfriend, best friend, brother, or even really hip dad are sure to love this holiday.
1. The ol’ snapback trick. I like this Eagles snapback* because it looks good on a guy’s’ noggin, and you don’t have to know his fitted hat size.
2. Hook him up with gym bag or out-of-town business trip essentials from duross & langel*.
3. If your guy participates in Movember or sports facial hair year round (yes please), he’ll love these Phillies Facial Hair prints*.
4. I’m obsessed with guys in sweaters like this. This United by Blue sweater* is comfortable & helps a good cause.
5. Unique pillows make a big difference in a living room. Be warned, this famous Philly food inspired pillow* may make you hungry.
6. All Philly men love the Roots, right? This Questlove shirt is about as ‘City of Brotherly Love’ as it gets, folks.
7. These bicycle cuff links* are fun, quirky and perfect for a guy who likes to dress up.
8. The key to getting your man to go shopping with you? Take him to DiBruno Brothers* with a gift card in hand.
* = based in Philadelphia.
I hope these gifts gave you some ideas to get your holiday shopping rolling. Coming up next: my lady gift guide (we all know that’s the real fun one)! Happy shopping! xx
The Philadelphia Collection: Your Must Attend Events
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