All Black Everything

It's THURSDAY and this morning, I'll be heading to New York to check out the Levo League's Office Hours featuring Kelly Cutrone! I'm super excited! Kelly Cutrone is a major PR maven who is the Founder and CEO of People's Revolution. Not only has she made appearances on reality shows like The Hills, The City, and America's Next Top Model, but is also the author of two best-selling books, If You Have to Cry Go Outside and Normal Gets You Nowhere. I'm sure I'll be tweeting and instagraming all types of pics so make sure you're following. In honor of Kelly Cutrone (and me looking for inspiration on what to wear) here's a Pinterest board I appropriately entitled All Black Everything. Look out for a post next week with footage from the meeting! Have a great day everyone!

Brooklyn Industries Spring '13

Crescent Blazer & Milena Batwing Top

Brooklyn Industries keeps it gritty in their latest photo shoot for their Spring 2013 campaign. The brand believes in sticking to their roots of simplicity and not the fancy bells and whistles. Also by not allowing a high advertising budget, it forces them to stay creative and re-create, which is also the name of the Spring Collection. When the background isn't so busy, it feels like the clothes speak louder. My favorites: The Oracle Bomber Jacket and the Archer Handbag, perfect for spring! What do you think?

Oracle Bomber Jacket

Kembrel's New Location

Picutre from Kembrel.com

Kembrel opens its newest location today in Wayne, PA! Join them for a Grand Opening Party beginning at 5 p.m. The night will be filled with music, hor d'oeuvres, signature drinks made with Root, compliments of Art in the Age and of course, shopping! Click here to RSVP! Can't make it? Shop online at Kembrel.com and use code "KEMFASHPHILLY" and get 30% off your purchase! Happy Shopping!

Mani Monday

OPI's "The Man with the Golden Gun" layered over
OPI's "Suzi & The 7 Dusseldorfs"

Mani Monday was delayed due to two of my nails breaking way to short, but I'm excited to post it again! I've been waiting so long to try out my OPI 18 Karat Gold Top Coat, so here it is. At first, I wanted to layer it over a black polish, but I thought that might have been too expected so I went with a deep purple instead. Do you like?

HSN ReModeled

I know we've all seen the Home Shopping Network at some point in our lives, but not like this. The Home Shopping Network has had a little work done in the digital world. The new look and feel of HSN.com has been redesigned to grow and enhance your shopping experience to a more fun and interactive one. Where ever you go, you can take HSN with you as the new interface is even more compatible with your tablet or smartphone. It is now easier than ever to share the products you love via Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. You can also follow the HSN's Instagram and YouTube accounts with the click of a button (or tap of the finger).

Interact and get rewarded with "The 20", a list of 20 curated products on the site, from which customers and fans can vote for their favorite item. At midnight, HSN will tally the votes and those who voted for the winning product will be entitled to a discount on their purchase of the that product.

At the top of every page you'll find Today's Special which highlights the best value of the day. Also there's a HSN TV tab where you can watch HSN live, view the last 15 items aired and check the program guide for what's next. 

Any makeover this fun requires a little celebration. To kick off the celebration HSN's running the Super (Re)Model Sweepstakes with weekly & daily winners. Click here to enter to win a grand prize valued at $3,000!!! Right here on Fashion of Philly, we're giving away 2 gift cards valued at $10 each to use towards your purchase. So what are you waiting for? Enter Today!

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A "Gorgeous" Benefit

This Sunday, Zayas Events Present Gorgeous, a showcase of fashion, music, photography, and art to benefit City of Hope. The City of Hope Foundation is an innovative bio-medical research, treatment  educational institution, dedicated to the prevention and cure of cancer and other life-threatening diseases, guided by a compassionate patient-centered philosophy.

So what can you expect at the Gorgeous Benefit?

• Some Philadelphia fashion showcased by: Boyd's, Nicole Miller, Joan Shepp, 611, Simply Adeline Jewelry, Gregory Taylor, Intermix, Priscilla Costa, Caramelita Couture, and Metro Men among others.
• Marcos Matos, a highly skilled Latin hair stylist specializing in cut and style, bridal hair, special events styling, updos, and photo shoots will be doing hair demos.
• One of the East Coast's Top Freelance Makeup Artist, Swan Sorrell, will be demonstrating her refined makeup techniques.
• Jewelry will be presented by Philadelphia designer Jennifer Boyle and her collection, Simply Adeline. 
• Enjoy Local Artists Denise Fike, Victor Atkins and others who be exhibiting their pieces.

The event takes place at the Ritz Carlton on the Avenue of the Arts from 7 to 10 pm. Admission is available at the door for $25 and goes towards the City of Hope Foundation. Hope everyone enjoys their weekend and I hope to see you there!

H&M Spring/Summer 2013

I don't know about you, but all this talk about a snowstorm this weekend has me really dreaming about spring. So on a warm note, I want to share with you this H&M Spring/Summer Trend Video for 2013 to give you a sneak peek on what's ahead. Until then bundle up and stay warm!

The Levo League

Doesn't it sound like a name for a group of cool super heroes? I guess in a way it is. Well, let me explain. Last week, I attended a dinner to learn more about the Levo League, a league of young professionals, role models, and innovative companies in the global network that is taking Generation Y by storm.

When I first got the invitation, I was thinking... This sounds like one of those networking events where everyone stands around talking to people they already know until the boozes kick in. Even though there was wine, it was more of an intimate setting around a table of great food and interesting people.

Fine Featherheads Giveaway!

Fine Featherheads, the company that first created the original feather hair extensions in 2010, has now expanded to include even more hair and fashion accessories. One of their products, Fly Ties, I had the privilege to receive at the Philly FABB kick-off event. I packed them in my bag for my Florida vacation and loved them! These wide elastic bands are made from material that won't tug or damage your hair and have angled and bonded ends that won't fray.

Fly Ties packs come with 4 bright, vivid colors that are fun and trendy! Not only did they look great in my hair, but also on my wrist. When stacked with other bracelets, the Fly Ties make a great piece of arm candy. You can find Fly Ties on finefeatherheads.com or in over 30,000 salons worldwide for $7.95 or you could enter the giveaway below to win a pack for yourself! Two winners will be selected. The more you do, the better your chances of winning! The giveaway ends on Friday, January 25, 2013 so have fun and I can't wait to see who wins!


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Let's Shop Philly: Indique

Indique is one of Philadelphia's newest hair boutiques. This new concept offers a fun environment with knowledgeable employees who want to help you look your best. Indique specializes in high quality 100% virgin human hair extensions that last for a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 3 years with proper care and maintenance.

Customers are provided with a hair consultation, color matching and if you need assistance finding a stylist, they can suggest someone from their network of partner stylists. Also if you're a professional stylist, you can apply to become one of their partner stylist to earn extra money, boost your business, and gain exposure. (Click here to find more information on how to join.) With five other boutiques spanning from South Orange, NJ to Boston, Indique has gained many fans include celebrities like Lady Gaga, Ciara and Philadelphia's own Jill Scott.

Products range from bangs, crowns, clip-in sets, fusion pieces and kits, and a whole line of products to help care for your hair. With prices ranging from $100 to $300 depending on length and texture, you can truly customize a new look for you.

Local Designer Spotlight: Duke &Winston

Philly based designer, Seun Olubodun, launched Duke & Winston in 2009 to create causal clothing for guys who favor substance, refinement, and practically. Each season the brand reflects those qualities through their fashions contrary to your usual menswear brand. Duke & Winston's newest T-shirt collection is inspired from Benjamin Franklin's 13 Virtues to Live By. How fitting, since Franklin contributes to a major part of Philadelphia's history. The tees are perfect to pair with a blazer during the spring or in its own glory. Available in light navy, heather grey, white or cranberry and priced at $32, they're a great piece for any guys closet. Shop these styles now at Duke-Winston.com or stop by their flagship location at 633 N. 2nd Street in Philadelphia.

Goldfinger

I recently purchased The Man with the Golden Gun OPI top coat, but it's not just any top coat. It's pretty much like a clear coat of glitter, but instead it contains real 18 Karat Gold Flakes! I can't wait to try it out for next weeks Mani Monday post. I'm thinking about layering over black polish, which I think would look really nice. What do you think?

Calling All Foodies

Source: Uploaded by user via Brittiny on Pinterest

I'm a big foodie at heart and even though I've always known about Philadelphia's Restaurant Week, I honestly have never participated  (Shocking, I know.) Well this year, I'm getting serious! The dates are as follows: January 20 to January 25 and January 27 to February 1st. I already scouted 3 locations I would love to try out and at $35 for a 3-course dinner ($20 for a 3 course lunch), it's kind of a no brainer. Here's my 3 picks in no particular order:

• Devon Seafood Grill (devonseafood.com)
1. First course: Lobster Bisque - four words: cream, sherry, tomato, lobster 
2. Second course: Jumbo crab cakes with creole remoulade, mango tartar sauce, whipped yukon gold potatoes and grilled asparagus
3. Third course: Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee

• Fuji Mountain Japanese Restaurant (2030 Chestnut St.) <--- Instead of getting 3 courses, you get 5!
1. Seafood Miso Soup
2. Seaweed Salad
3. Dynamite Wontons
4. Fuji Premium Sushi Set
5. Green Tea Ice Cream

• Amuse at Le Meridien Hotel (1421 Arch St.)
1. Butter Lettuce with New England apples, house lardons, pomegranate arils and buttermilk dressings
2. Duck with sweet potato croquette, cider tokyo turnips, baked apples, pomegranate and albufera sauce
3. Pumpkin cheesecake made with gingerbread, chantilly, caramel and candied pumpkin seeds

If you just can't wait until the 20th, stop by The Market & Shops at the Comcast Center today, Thursday, January 10 at 12:15 p.m. to check out a cooking demo from Executive Chief Bennett Holberg from Davio's. Do you plan on restaurant hopping during restaurant week? If so, which restaurants do you plan on checking out? 

For up to the minute news follow Philadelphia's Restaurant Week on Twitter @PhilaRestWeek or click here to see a list of participating restaurants.

Local Designer Spotlight: Lobo Mau Spring/Summer 2013

If you're looking for some fresh designs for spring, Brazilian-American designer Nicole Haddad, of Lobo Mau, uses unique digital printing, silk screening and bleaching techniques to create a new approach to textile prints. After graduating from Drexel University in 2008 with a Master's Degree in Fashion Design, Haddad launched Lobo Mau, which means the Big Bad Wolf in Portuguese, to creatively inspire woman to boldly express themselves through clothing. The spring/summer collection of 2013 consist of made-you-look textile designs printing on comfortable leggings and kimonos. You'll also find the signature howling wolf logo, which is right on trend with animal faces gracing the cover of sweatshirts and tees from Kenzo to Givenchy. Prices for these one of a kind pieces run from $50 to $150 and you can find them online at www.lobomau.com or specialty boutiques nationwide. Catch the collection in the Philadelphia area at Arcadia Boutique and U.S.*U.S. in Old City and also available this upcoming spring in Vagabond.

Emerald City

Even though I dubbed Chartreuse as my color of the year, Pantone named Emerald as the Official Color of 2013. This rich jewel toned color gives us the sense of elegance and beauty. Last year at the Breakfast at Tiffany's Event, I was gifted an Elsa Pertetti Color by the Yard Emerald necklace to welcome in the new year! If you're thinking about rockin' some emerald in 2013, here are some ideas suitable for any budget. Also check out my pinterest board for more inspiration!

Cole Haan Bow Leather Glove $98 now $48.95

Elsa Peretti Color by the Yard Bracelet in Sterling Silver with a tsavorite for Tiffany's $175

Chloe Paraty Medium Leather Shoulder Bag with Military Strap $2,295

Nasty Gal Disco Nights Dress $98

Zoya Nail Polish "Logan" $8

Dorothy Perkins Emerald Green Dip Hem Skirt $45 now $35

Opening Ceremony Emerald Dot Brocade Trousers $295 now $147

Mani Monday

Top Left: My Pointe Exactly by OPI & Kaleidoscope by Wet n Wild
Top Right: Tutti Frutti Tonga by OPI
Bottom Left: All Hail the Queen by Butter London
Bottom Right: Suzi & The 7 Dusselldorfs by OPI

If you've been following Fashion of Philly on Instagram, you'll notice that almost every week I love to change up my nails. Every since I was in middle school, I always had to have my nails done. At first it was all about acrylics, now I'm good with a natural manicure done by yours truly. I find that I enjoy it just as much and save myself tons of money in the long run. This week, I chose My Pointe Exactly by OPI, which from the bottle appeared to by a light grey color, but when first applied, went on almost transparent. After applying another coat, I noticed a slight cloudy grey hue. To add some sparkle, I topped it off with Kaleidoscope by Wet n Wild, then I was even more satisfied. Check back next week to see what the new color will be and follow us on Instagram @fashionofphilly!

Candles for a Cause

Sweet Grace & Snow Day Scents by Bridgewater Candle Company

Last month, I received these candles from Bridgewater Candle Company that not only smell absolutely amazing, but also support a great cause! I've only lit the Sweet Grace scent so far and I love the pure and fresh fragrance it brings to the entire room, without it becoming too over powering. The candles are made in Spartanburg, South Carolina and is committed to sharing warmth and hospitality with the world through their Light a Candle, Feed a Child program. For each jar candle sold, Bridgewater donates a portion of that sale to Rice Bowls, a non-profit organization whose mission is to feed orphaned children around the world. Each candle comes with a hangtag that opens to reveal a photo of an orphaned child being supported by the organization. My Sweet Grace candle carries a picture of Vanessa, a 4 year old in Haiti, who is described as playful, friendly, and spunky. Bridgewater Candles can be purchased online or use their store locator to find a shop that carries Bridgewater nearest you!

If you want to find out more information on the Bridgewater Candle Company and/or the Light a Candle, Feed a Child Program, check out their website at www.bridgewatercandles.com.

Aglini S/S 2013

Now that January is here, I'm already thinking spring and nothing says springtime like a beautiful, light spring top! Aglini, an luxury Italian shirting brand launches in the US with their Spring/Summer '13 Collection which includes tunics, blouses, and dresses. This father and son duo truly understands what it means to be dedicated to construction offering the highest quality of textiles from Italian mills at a great value. Prices range from $225-$295 for the majority of core blouses and shirts, including silks. Well tunics and dresses range from $250 to $395 with specialty fabrics found at $495.

My New Favorite Color

When people ask me, "What's your favorite color?" I can't say that I have one because it changes so often. It all depends, on the year, the season, and of course my mood. However, so far my favorite color for 2013 is Chartreuse! (Thanks, @IanMCrumm, lol) I almost feel like it's stalking me! It first started when I took a trip to Nordstrom Rack and spotted these Steve Madden Taxxi shoes. Not only were they super cool, but the price was unbelievable, but I decided to pass. After going home and noticing how many things in my closet actually would look good with those shoes, I went back to Nordstrom the next week and the shoes were still there waiting for me. That's how you know it was meant to be! Check out my Pinterest board of other lovely neon yellow-greenish goodness I want to get my hands on!

Get the deets on my Pinterest board!