going once! going twice.......

Last night I attended the Diamond Divas event at ye olde Freeman's Auction house. This is a preview party for their new vintage clothing & accessories auctions that will be starting June 9th. It's a twice a year event that is not to be missed that is run in part by my very good friend, Olivia. Tons of gorgeous vintage couture eye candy, an elegantly decorated room, an excellent open bar and super snazzy snacks. I was about to go alone when at the last minute my good buddy Jason called me and I dragged him along. I was happy to have a date and impressed that he was willing to go up against a room full of wacky ladies squealing over fashion. It must have been the promise of an open bar.
My eyes were first drawn to a dress showcased on the wall with a wild print and feather trim. I had to go get a closer look.

But while over there I got crazy for the vintage folding screen that was on the floor in front of the dress. It is going on auction in the fall and I may have to empty the bank account for it.


Here are some more gowns:







The cases of treasures:






One woman's brooch collection with a serious turtle obsession and some poodles thrown in for good measure:





And then I fell in love.
With a vest.

A jeweled velvet 70's vest from Philadelphia's own Nan Duskin. I seriously almost walked out the front door in it. I don't think anyone would have noticed because it looked so natural on me. I know you must agree. But alas my affair with a vest ended when I saw the bidding starting at $200.00. Oh well, I will always have the picture.


Olivia-

Her assistant-


The after party consisted of me, Jay & Livy boozin' it up over at Oscar's, a great little dive on Sansom Street. We watched the Philly's win, rubbed elbows with hipsters, Jay broke his beer glass and Livy was asked if she was taken. On the way home I danced with umbrella man, and then we jumped into a cab! Good night!

feelin' it

I am a big fan of Bardot. It fascinates me that one of the most beautiful celebrities in the world dropped out of the limelight and found another life away from the camera where she grew old naturally and quietly with grace. This babe had a lot of looks that she went through over her film and music career. Right now I am obsessed & inspired by her look in the 70's. It was a time in her life where she was making a transition from movie-making to animal activism and was spending more & more time alone and with her animals at her beach front bungalow in St. Tropez. Her style was laid back, effortless-a natural beach beauty. Her natural dark blonde hair grew in and she over plucked her eyebrows which only accented her constant deep tan. In 1973, just before her fortieth birthday, Bardot announced her retirement. After appearing in more than fifty motion pictures and recording several albums, she chose to use her fame to promote animal rights and still does to this day. This summer I will channel my boho Bardot beach bunny.

weekend warrior

It started on Friday and ended last night. This was a long, fun weekend. After closing shop for the day I went out to dinner at one of my favorite spots-Radicchio Cafe tucked away at 4th & Wood in Old City. Sidewalk seating with the sun setting while drinking an excellent red wine-you can't beat it. After dinner, on our way to hail a cab, my date and I found a great plaque in the sidewalk that was a map of Center City. I love these kinds of things-historical markers, fun facts, old maps.

Once we got a taxi we headed to Atlantis-The Lost Bar at Frankford Avenue & Hagert Street to see a friend and celebrate her birthday. I was way too busy socializing and didn't take any pictures. Wish that I did though. This bar not only boasts a pool table and cozy dark wood decor it also houses a huge fishtank behind the bar. And it's pretty dive-y and under the radar.
Saturday I recovered from Friday and spent the day and night working. On Sunday Tracy & I met up with some lady friends and made a pilgrimage to the Roxy Theater to see the Sex & The City movie. I enjoyed the movie and being out for a night in Center City even more. It was also fun to see the line up outside the theater full of girls in their version of a Sex in the City outfit. I even recall hearing some squealing before they let us in. Strange & funny.





Last night was ladies' night. Oh boy. Tracy & I started the day early and grabbed breakfast at the Down Home Diner in the Reading Terminal Market. Afterwards we bought up some fresh veggies, fish, cheese and local wine from Blue Mountain Vineyard. Later we prepared the food at Tracy's and set up the deck for the night's festivities with a little help from Tiny dog.




The ladies arrived around 7pm and came with plenty of wine. We dinned as sun went down on the most delicious buttery sea bass, grilled asparagus & baked potatoes. The wine flowed as freely as the conversation. It was great to see the girls all at once and to catch up. So many laughs!

new at grasshopper

We just got in our new summer postcard and Fall '08 hangtags. We are really happy with the way they look. Now all that's left to do is punch and string the tags and distribute the cards! The postcards are for advertising our new online shopping site which should be going up within a week....so look out!
We also just got in a small batch of goodies from one of our favorite artisans, Amy Woodruff. We have had similar pieces in from her in the past and they always sell out. This batch is 7 one of a kind, hand made necklaces that could surely pass for unisex jewelry. We are very happy to support Amy and her wares as she travels America this summer with her teepee visiting festivals and craft fairs selling her goods to support herself. To read more about Amy and her adventures visit her blog.