Breakfast at Tiffany's

When I was extended an invitation to the Second Annual Breakfast at Tiffany's in Philadelphia, the first thing I thought about was Audrey Hepburn, followed by "What am I going to wear?". As much as I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I have never seen the movie, I did recall that iconic look. The classic black dress, those elegant gloves, and that beautiful necklace. So I decided to go with one of my favorite black dresses from Michael Kors, a white blazer and a silver body chain to add a little edge. The event was refined and full of class. The breakfast was delis and champagne was just right. Guest were encouraged to try on pieces from any of their gorgeous collections and after mixing and mingling, we all left with a very special piece to take home. It's was an experience I will always remember!

 

Giving Tuesday

Okay so I know everyone's familiar with Black Friday, Small Biz Saturday and Cyber Monday, but what about Giving Tuesday? Starting this year, Giving Tuesday is an opportunity to include alternative gifts that are simply about giving and giving back. By purchasing a gift through Heifer International, you can help combat hunger and poverty among families in dire need. You can choose from things like a flock of ducks ($20), a family farm care package ($72) or even help someone launch their own business ($365).

The charity reaches 42 countries including China, Nepal, Brazil, Rwanda, Armenia, and the USA. Based on the simple idea of giving families a source of food rather than short-term relief, Heifer has given millions of families the gift of self reliance and hope. This concept really puts a true meaning to the saying, "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime."

For more information on Giving Tuesday or Heifer.org, go to heifer.org/givingtuesday!

J'adore Minnie Mouse

Check out this adorable video, Electric Holiday featuring one of my favorite characters Minnie Mouse! I'm a huge Disney freak and when I heard about the movie, I just knew I had to see it, but thanks to one of my favorite bloggers, Garance Dore, who posted a link to the movie, I don't have to run to NYC right away. There are more than a dozen cameos in the short film so test your knowledge to see if you know who's who.


Check out the Electric Holiday Collection now available at Barney's and online here.

Love Thy Boots

Boot season is in full affect. It doesn't matter if you're wearing Ugg's or Frye's taking care of your boots is very important. Here's five tips to help your boots look and feel great all season long!

1. Protect! - Whether you're wearing leather or suede protecting your investment is highly recommended. For suede, I suggest using a water and stain repellent from Penguin. Spray your boots prior to wearing them and let them sit over night. A bottle usually cost $5 which is cheaper  when compared to buying most protecting sprays made especially for shoe brands.
2. Keep Them Fresh! - Poo-Pourri makes an awesome shoe odor eliminator called Shoe-Pourri ($12.95) that has been scientifically proven to de-stink smelly shoes. They're so confident in their product that they offer an unconditional money-back guarantee if you're not completely satisfied!
3. Shape It Up! - Don't get rid of those 300 page September issues just yet. Use them to stuff and shape your boots. Simply roll the magazine and stuff inside to lose those folding ceases. Of course, you could also keep them in their boxes if you have enough room in your closet.
4. Revive Your Favs! - Everyone has that one pair of boots you just can't get rid of. So what if you've worn the heel down to the core, find a local shoemaker and replace the heel. This way you get to hold on to the boots you know and love a little bit longer.
5. Brush & Polish! - Give your suede boots a good brushing every once in a while to loosen the dirt from the surface. For leather boots, buy a polish to keep them looking shiny and new. If you'll be on the go this season, check out La Fresh Travel Lite Shoe Shine Wipes. These wipes are small enough to fit in your wallet, airline carry-on friendly, and require no dry time!

What are your favorite tips for taking care of your boots? Share them in a comment below or on our Facebook page!

Hey Shoppers!!!

Black Friday is here an some shopping centers are opening earlier than usual this year! Limerick outlet center will be opening at 8pm! I'll be hitting up the outlets tonight so make sure you follow Fashion of Philly on Twitter for up to the second details!

King of Prussia will be opening at midnight and offering you 22 hours of straight shopping. Mall personnel will walk around the mall and provide you with real time updates on the best deals, gift ideas, and helpful shopping tips for shoppers!

Many of the other malls in the area are offering exclusive discounts, refreshments, entertainment, and giveaways. To get more details on what shopping malls have to offer follow us on twitter @fashionofphilly or visit the malls website!

H&M Grand Opening at King of Prussia Mall

If you have shopped H&M at the King of Prussia Mall in the past, you may know that they had two different locations: one in the Plaza and one in the Court, but that's all about to change! H&M is set to open it's brand new two level store in The Plaza section of the King of Prussia Mall just in time for Black Friday!

H&M's Grand Opening Events are something not to be missed! On November 29, the first 250 shoppers in line will receive a H&M t-shirt and an Access to Fashion Pass, valued from $10 to $300. Shoppers may also enjoy extended holiday shopping hours and great fashion finds for the entire family starting at just $5. H&M K.O.P. will offer collections for ladies, men, young ladies and young men, with separate "store within store" sections for accessories, lingerie, sports apparel and maternity. It's a one stop shop for all your shopping needs and what better way to celebrate then with a contest to win a $50 gift card to H&M!

Here's how to enter;

1. CREATE a style collage using polyvore, a creative collage making site, featuring your favorite H&M looks of the season. 
2. Once you have created your collage, SHARE it via Twitter and make sure to MENTION @HMUSA and @FashionofPhilly with the hashtag #HMKOP
3. Collages will then be posted on the Fashion of Philly Facebook Page!
4. In order to win, you must "LIKE" both the H&M and Fashion of Philly Facebook pages!
5. Style collages that receive the most "Likes" once posted on the Fashion of Philly Facebook page will win a Gift Card!
6. Three winners will be chosen! Contest ends Sunday, November 25 so enter now!
7. Winners will be contacted via Twitter and/or Facebook!

Have Fun & Be Creative! 

If You Missed It

During my vacation I instagram'd some Jewelry of the Day photos of some of my favorite accessories some new, some old, but still much loved. If you missed it here's a recap. I would love to see your Jewels of the Day! Feel free to share your Jewelry of the Day pics with me @fashionofphilly on Instagram with the hashtag #JewelryoftheDay! Some of your pics maybe posted on Fashion of Philly's Facebook page!

Designer Spotlight: Conrad Booker

The Chain Hobo by Conrad Booker

Architect, artist and designer, Conrad Booker, recently debuted his new handbag brand at Bus Stop Boutique. This season's collection, "Hardwear", is all about contrast; Mixing metal chains with soft leather, silky tassels with silver rings and black exterior with brightly patterned linings. All items are handmade in Philadelphia and feature bold shapes, beautiful finishings,  and those little touches we all love like interior pockets, peek-a-boo linings, and self-locking clasps. With this collection, Booker transforms unexpected materials into elegant and edgy accessories. I especially love the "Chain Hobo", sleek, roomy, and classic.

You can find more on Conrad Booker on ConradBooker.tumblr.com and shop his collection at Bus Stop Boutique, 727 South 4th Street, Phila. PA.

Philly FABB Event

Before heading out on my vaca to sunny Florida, I got to attend a very lovely evening celebrating the first get together of the Philly FABB Members. Philly FABB is a premiere network of fashion and beauty bloggers of the Philadelphia area. Each member is personally hand picked by Lauren Mantilla of The Style Darling and Jessie Holeva of TrendHungry.com. I must say that I feel so privileged to have been chosen among the other fabulous bloggers and I had a great time getting to know them. Also this event couldn't have come at a better time because Sandy took out my power for a week, which explains the "bad hair day" hat.

Spanx Grand Opening in King of Prussia Mall

Spanx, the reshaping phenomenon is now about to take over the retail world by opening their second in a series of three stores on the East Coast in the King of Prussia Mall, Friday, November 9. The shop is located on the upper level, near Lord & Taylor and offers fans an interactive way to shop the brand. Founder, Sara Blakely, who will be making a personal appearance, says, "The Spanx store at King of Prussia will be a place where everybody knows your name ... and bra size!"

The celebration starts at 10 A.M. with a hosiery ribbon cutting, special remarks and a check presentation to Women's Way, a non-profit organization in Philadelphia that helps tackle the region’s most pressing problems by leveraging grantmaking, public education, and advocacy initiatives to respond directly to community needs. The first 100 fans to arrive at the store on opening day, November 9, will receive a complimentary Spanx product from the Tower of Power, which houses packaged Spanx products from shapers to pantyhose ranging from $26 to $38. Spanx Brand Ambassadors will be handing out Shaping Spree Cards ranging from $10 to $100 throughout. (While supplies last.) If you would like to receive a Transformation consultation from their Transformation Team call (610) 337-1068 to schedule ahead. I hope you'll be able to check out this fun, unique event.

Get on the Bus

I got to stop by the Warby Parker Class Trip Bus while it was in town on Market Street. I loved the way the inside of the bus was designed almost as if I was in a really cool traveling library. People got to hop on, try out different frames, and get to know more about the brand. Taylor, Samantha and the rest of the team were there to answer any questions passers-by might have. My son had tagged along and entertained himself by trying on a few pairs himself and acting as the Tiny Professor (check out his page on the Warby Parker Class Trip Blog here). My favorite pair was the Webb in Crystal Matte which I plan on ordering as soon as I get back from vaca. To learn more about the Warby Parker check out my previous post here and, of course, on WarbyParker.com

Let's Get Networking

Before the craziness of Hurricane Sandy, I got to attend a networking event hosted by Philly PR Girl, Kate Marlys. It was nice to meet people from all different industries talking and exchanging business cards as well as ideas. It was hosted at Xfinity Live, which was an awesome location for a networking party. The place is huge with get drinks, good food (if you go try the rock shrimp) and great people. Have you been you before? If so, what did you think?

First Friday Event

Hey guys! I am currently blogging from my iPhone because there still isn't any power at my house thanks to Sandy, but I wanted you to know about this fashionable First Friday event. It will be held at the James Oliver Gallery at 723 Chestnut Street in Philadelphia, PA. Check out fashion by Tay Gaye of the Modisch brand, art provided by an art exhibition from the Linda Creed Breast Cancer Foundation, yummy cupcakes courtesy of Treats by Hilary Banks and complimentary X-Rated cocktails, sangria and wine. Enjoy!

To RSVP go to:
www.FirstFridayJOG.eventbrite.com