Misopocky

Philly's Best Vintage Boutiques and Thrift Stores

2013-03-24T17:08:00.000-04:00

1. 1600 Below Vintage, 1600 E Passyunk Ave (267-974-8801)

2. Antiquarian’s Delight, 615 South Sixth Street (215-592-0256)

3. Bargain Thrift Center, 5261 Germantown Ave (215-849-3225); 4530 Germantown Ave (215-843-1300)

4. Briar Vintage, 62 North Third Street (215-627-1990)

5. Carousel Vintage, 234 Arch Street

6. Decades Vintage, 739 South Fourth Street (215-923-3135)

7. Jinxed, 1050 N Hancock St in The Piazza (215-978-5469); 611 South Fourth St (267-858-HELL)

8. Malena's Vintage, 145 West Gay Street, West Chester (610-738-9952)

9. Philly AIDS Thrift, 710 South Fifth St (215-922-3186)

10. Retrospect, 508 South Street (267-671-0116)

11. Sazz Vintage, 60 North Third Street (215-923-7299)

12. The Second Mile Center, 214 South 45th St (215-662-1663)

13. Wilbur Vintage, 716 South Fourth Street (215-413-5809)

14. Wistaria Vintage, 6375 Germantown Avenue (215-789-9953)

Inside Knit Wit's New, Chestnut Street Location

2013-03-24T12:45:00.003-04:00

A couple weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Knit Wit store owner Ann Gitter, who gave me a tour of her shop's new location at 1729 Chestnut Street.

The designer boutique was previously on Walnut Street, where Athleta is now located.

The shop is huge; Gitter uses the upstairs space to store and photograph apparel for online sales.

It's the only shop in the area where you can buy the women's line of Levi's Made & Crafted.

The back of the store is devoted to basics (jeans, tees, tanks) from contemporary labels like Michael Stars and J Brand.

You'll find the latest designs from Stella McCartney for Adidas, Alexander Wang, Blugirl, Jil Sander Navy, 3.1 Phillip Lim, A.L.C., and Paul Smith on the racks.

"Big deal. Feed me." —my daughter

Paul Smith dog tsotchkes.

Vintage jewelry.

Philly's Best Clothing Boutiques

2013-03-24T10:43:00.000-04:00

1. Adresse, 1706 Locust Street (215-985-3161)

2. Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction, 116 North Third Street (215-922-2600)

3. Joan Shepp, 1616 Walnut Street (215-735-2666)

4. Knit Wit, 1729 Chestnut Street (215-564-4760)

5. SA VA, 1700 Sansom Street (866-960-9800)

6. Smak Parlour, 219 Market Street (215-625-4551)

7. Sugarcube, 124 North Third Street (215-238-0825)

8. Third Street Habit, 153 North Third Street (215-925-5455)

9. Vagabond, 37 North Third Street (267-671-0737)

Duross & Langel Soapmakers Breaking into the Salon Biz

2013-02-12T11:44:00.000-05:00

If you stalk a store's FB page closely enough, you'll eventually get a lead on a good story. That's how I got the scoop on Duross & Langel's soon-to-open hair salons. Steve Duross will open two salons—one for men, one for women—ideally above Duross & Langel's current location in Midtown Village. The salons will provide hair services only (no spa/skincare) and will make use of the store's handmade bath and beauty products. Not sure of an opening date yet cuz the store's landlord has yet to green-light the project.

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas from Philly Boutiques

2013-02-12T11:29:00.003-05:00

Here's a sweet Valentine's Day gift guide I made for Racked Philly. Oh, I guess I should mention that Racked launched in Philly in December, with yours truly as the editor. Yay! Anyway, I'm a sucker for a good gift guide, so this was fun, and I actually bought myself the "Us" sign from Three Potato Four. Still, I don't know what to get my husband for Valentine's Day. This morning, I asked him what he wanted, and he was all, "Huh, what, I dunno, whatever," like a total butthead, so I'll probably just bake him something. Yeah, Jordan I know you're reading this! Tell me if you want banana bread or peanut butter cookies!

Vintage Children's Encyclopedia Images: Ballet and Sports

2012-10-22T14:08:00.002-04:00

I'm the lucky recipient of a full set of 1959 Golden Book Encyclopedias, which in my opinion, have the BEST illustrations.

Click each image to download the full size, and check back soon for more!

Free Printables: Vintage Children's Tale Images, c. 1933

2012-10-20T13:25:00.000-04:00

Here's another one of my mom's childhood books, A Patchwork Quilt of Favorite Tales. This thing's been kickin' around for a while; it has a copyright date of 1933.

My mom is adamant that I point out she didn't receive the book until 1953, lest readers think she's older than she actually is. The title page is proof.

This illustration is on one of the first couple pages, but doesn't seem to go with any of the tales in the book. Anyone know what story it's from? Click each illustration for the full sized image.

One of my favorite stories, "Peter Rabbit."

The wildly offensive "Little Black Sambo" is also part of the story line-up.

Meow!

These pigs kind of look like something out of a nightmare.

Is it just me or did children's stories used to be a whole lot scarier?

Enjoy!

Free Printables: Pages from My Mom's Alice in Wonderland Book, c. 1947

2012-10-16T15:52:00.002-04:00

My mom was kind enough to give my daughter a couple of her childhood books.

This edition of Alice in Wonderland has a copyright date of 1947 and was given to my mom in 1952. (For the full-sized image--without the "old book" smell--click each picture.)

The above two images are from the inside cover.

The book also contains Through the Looking Glass.

From the back inside cover. Enjoy!

Free Printable: Yellow Lined Notebook Paper

2012-10-15T13:43:00.001-04:00

I've noticed a lot of people land on Misopocky when searching for notebook paper clip art, so here you go! Click the image to download and print.

Free Printables: Nursery Rhyme & Alphabet Posters from Mr Printables

2012-10-15T13:05:00.002-04:00

Y'know what's better than stumbling across an awesome new website? When that site offers free stuff! Peep these free posters from Mr Printables! Click the image to print, and be sure to visit the website for more! (I'm OBSESSING over the alphabet posters. They're going up in my daughter's room STAT!)

Free Printables: Halloween Projects and Clip Art from Martha Stewart

2012-10-15T10:44:00.000-04:00

Halloween is almost here, so per usual, I turn to Martha for craft inspiration. Here are some of my favorites for this year. The Clip Art Butterfly Specimens are really beautiful, and you could apply them to non-Halloween projects, as well. I'm thinking about using these to make a mobile for my daughter's nursery.

Click here, here, and here to download and print the butterfly clip art.

Loving the Insect Coaster Clip Art.

I think it would look cool if you printed the above coasters, as shown, onto cardstock then framed it. Click here to download and print the insect coaster clip art.

These Candy Artifact Display labels are straight out of Harry Potter.

Petrified insects. Yum! Click here for the candy artifact labels.

A must-have for any Halloween party: Eyeball Tableware and Blood Orange Cocktail Labels

Tape a couple of these on the underside of your toilet seat and surprise your party guests. Boo! Click here for the eyeball and drink label clip art.

A cute project for the kiddies: Candy Jar Treats

My husband loves gumdrops (barf). Click here for the candy jar labels.

All images and clip art credit Martha Stewart.

Free Printables: Vintage Botanical and Zoological Illustrations

2012-10-11T18:25:00.000-04:00

Well, it's been two years but I'm FINALLY sharing the illustrations I used for my wedding invitations and save-the-dates. (Whatever, shut up, I was ~~lazy~~ busy!) To refresh your memory, my invitations and STDs (ha) both had a vintage botanical theme. I bought the illustrations from a seller on Etsy; they're scraps from vintage children's primers. You can see my invites in all their glory—along with a tutorial—here and here. Of course, you don't have to use these illustrations for wedding invites; they'd be cool for any craft project, really. It's up to you! Click the pic to be taken to my Flickr page, where you can download and print the larger sizes. P.S. Feel free to use these for whatever not-for-profit use your heart desires, but please link back to Misopocky! xo

Free Printables: Vintage Crate & Food Labels

2012-10-11T16:51:00.002-04:00

For your viewing and crafting pleasure, here are some cool vintage crate and food labels. Click the label and you'll be taken to my Flickr, where you can download and print larger sizes. (My fave is the "Hart Brand Sweet Peas!") I think these would look cool decoupaged onto kitchen jars and tins. I have more that I still need to scan and upload, so check back soon!

Peach Picking at Linvilla Orchards!

2012-08-21T15:16:00.000-04:00

Now that Wynn is getting a little older (close to two months old now), Jordan and I are gaining confidence in our ability to deal with her outside the house. This past weekend, we decided to test our parenting skills with a trip to Linvilla Orchards.

I didn't take ton of pics cuz I wasn't planning on blogging about the excursion, so these are just cell phone photos. Here's a pic of Jordan and Wynn among the grapevines. Anyway, I'm really into wholesome family-oriented activities like this, but Linvilla is Stroller Central. You'd think they're growing a crop of babies somewhere, Cabbage Patch-style. "Pick your own babies!" Not the place to go if you hate screaming children; I can't believe that my family unit now qualifies as one that others will probably want to avoid.

Nice hat.

There exists maybe two decent photos of my husband. He delights in ruining a photo.

Case in point.

This is probably the best pic from the entire trip and is currently my phone wallpaper!

For $30, you get a sizable cardboard box to fill with all-you-can-fit produce. The box gets heavy pretty quickly, so by the end of the day, we had resorted to using Wynn's carrier as temporary storage for cherry tomatoes. All in all, it was a successful day, and Wynn didn't have a meltdown until right before we got in the car to leave!

Baby Wynn!

2012-08-21T14:08:00.001-04:00

I haven't posted in a while, but I have a good excuse: I was pregnant and lazy. Wynn was born June 28, 2012, weighing in at 7 lbs 7 oz!

Special Coupon to Laila Rowe, Chestnut Street, Philadelphia

2012-05-10T13:29:00.000-04:00

I almost forgot! I came across a sweet coupon to the new Laila Rowe store on Chestnut Street, courtesy of the Center City District. The coupon entitles you to 10 percent off your purchase at the women's accessories boutique, plus a free charm necklace with a $35 purchase, or a fashion bag with a $50 purchase. Click here for the coupon, but don't dilly-dally; it expires May 31.

Laila Rowe stocks budget-friendly jewelry, accessories, and footwear. I spotted a super-cute pair of striped, peep-toe wedges in there last week!

Can't Miss: Mother's Day Event at Free People King of Prussia

2012-05-10T12:08:00.000-04:00

Bring Mom to the King of Prussia Free People store this Sunday, May 13, for a special Mother's Day celebration! Enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, and other refreshments while you shop FP's latest collection. Better still, every mother will receive a complimentary flower, and with a purchase of $200 or more, customers will take home a soy candle made by Candles with Love! You'll find Free People on the second level of the Court. The event takes place from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.. Don't miss out!

Racked in Philadelphia!

2012-05-10T11:44:00.000-04:00

The Feast is dunzo (R.I.P.) but never fear: I'm now blogging about Philly retail for Curbed Philly; you can expect a new post from me every Thursday! And if all goes well, we may just get Racked in Philly full time! (Right now, it's only local in LA, Chicago, and NYC.) Fingers crossed!

My first post was last week, about multi-brand fashion retailer Intermix coming to Walnut Street. And today, I wrote about renovations at Pine Street's Omoi, plus a couple new mall additions. Give them a read!

Sweet Deal: Exclusive Coupon to Philly's Adorn Boutique!

2012-03-06T17:48:00.001-05:00

I just did a post for Uwishunu about Philly boutiques' spring shipments. One of the store owners, Sarah Lewis of Adorn Boutique, was kind enough to include a coupon code in her info.

Here she is, busily soldering a ring. Anyway, enter coupon code Uwishunu for 10% off your online purchase at adornbysarahlewis.com!

Lewis' Fishtown boutique specializes in handcrafted jewelry -- made by the boutique owner herself -- plus globally-inspired accessories.

Love the Rock Candy Ring, $298! My personal fave.

Silver Crystal Points Necklace, $178.

Pink Plume Necklace, $98.

Anthropologie and Free People sell some of Lewis' designs, like the Terrarium Necklace ($98, above). I watched her put one together. It was quite a process!

Happy shopping!

(Photos via Adorn Boutique & Misopocky)

Free People Opens in Center City Philadelphia!

2012-01-27T15:13:00.000-05:00

Free People opened a store at 1625 Walnut Street today, January 27, 2012. The label already has two Philly-area locations: King of Prussia and Ardmore.

The loft-style space measures in at 3,956 square feet, and is directly next door to sister store Urban Outfitters, for your shopping convenience. Oh and Anthropologie is just down the street. URBN, Inc. retail takeover.

Color explosions via embroidered textiles and artwork.

Looks pretty swanky. Love the mobiles.

I'd love to have my own private dressing room, complete with a chaise, and WITHOUT Jordan's dirty socks all over the floor. That'd be sweet.

Local artists painted murals in the dressing rooms. Stop by and say hello, or visit Free People Walnut's Facebook page...

P.S. All photos courtesy of Free People.

My picks: Philly's Top Spots for Valentine's Day Cards

2012-01-23T11:43:00.000-05:00

My Valentine's Day article for Uwishunu was posted today. Follow this link for the best local spots to pick up a Valentine's Day card this year. My personal faves: The Little Apple, Square Peg, and Paper Source, and online via Black Heart Letterpress and Something's Hiding in Here. (P.S. The cards pictured above are from Square Peg and Black Heart Letterpress.)

40% Off Sale at J.Crew!

2012-01-23T10:42:00.000-05:00

Epic sale at J.Crew! Forty percent off sale, in stores and online! If shopping online, use code OURTREAT. Ends Wednesday, January 25.

Free Printable Downloads: Valentine's Day Clip Art From Ms. Martha Stewart

2012-01-13T13:38:00.001-05:00

I have a confession: I LOVE VALENTINE'S DAY! What's not to like about a holiday that involves flowers, crafts, cutesy gifts, romantic dinner with my husband, and CHOCOLATE! I'm into it. And as expected, Martha Stewart has some awesome Valentine's Day clip art this year.

How cool is this vintage locomotive? (Click each image to print out the PDF.)

This vintage-style postman's hand would be cool for other, non-V-Day-specific crafts, as well.

I bet you could incorporate the mailbox into a Save the Date somehow. (Follow this link for Martha's instructions for using the above images.)

These Romantic Banner Cards are cool, too.

Again, the clip art is versatile. (Click image to print PDF.)

You could probably just print this heart and banner image out onto card stock, decorate it, cut it out, and call it a day. (I'd recommend using lots of glitter and making a mess.)

Here's the link to using the above two images: http://www.marthastewart.com/how-to/sign-of-love-and-love-multiplies-valentines-day-cards. Happy crafting! Oh and follow this link to download Martha Stewart clip art from last year's Valentine's Day.

Opening Soon: Free People on Walnut Street, Philadelphia

2012-01-13T11:33:00.001-05:00

In case you haven't heard, Free People is opening a new store location on Walnut Street, in Center City Philadelphia. (I posted about this on The Feast last year but I can't link to the story anymore, booo. Stupid site just redirects to Thread NY.) The new shop will be right next door to sister store Urban Outfitters, in the space formerly occupied by Newman Galleries. Looks like it's scheduled to open on Friday, February 27. P.S. The above photo is from Free People Walnut Street's Facebook page.

LOVE!!! Valentine's Day Cards by Philly's Black Heart Letterpress

2012-01-12T14:24:00.000-05:00

Love is in the air, bee-yotches! I have an assignment for Uwishunu coming up about where to buy awesome Valentine's Day cards, so I've become hyper-sensitive to cute stationery. I happily stumbled upon Black Heart Letterpress' website today; I'll have to include these guys in my guide.

HA! The "Let's Screw" card ($5) is my favorite. It's funny, yet sweet and romantic in a way that doesn't make me wanna vom.

Love the assorted typefaces on the "I Love You" card ($5). They also have a bunch of super cool, Philly-centric cards. Anyway, if you have a moment, stop by their site. P.S. If anyone knows about any Valentine's Day crafts workshops coming up, email me.