This weekend I was in sunny Philadelphia to celebrate 25 years with friends. We kicked off the first night at Fergies, a bar in center city, for a free show featuring Philadelphia's own, Chang Chang, and Faux Slang. Chang Chang, is a talented emcee on the rise. Since introducing us to his music project a few months ago he has played numerous shows in Philly, SXSW, and stays on his grind by going to NYC to participate in open mics whenever he gets a chance. As a friend I can honestly say that I am so proud of homeboy! Expect big things from him.
"FAUX SLANG is three piece outfit that has been active in the Philadelphia area since late 2006. Their beer-battered sound blends post-punk with space-rock while drawing a heavy influence from 60's pop." (via Myspace) The band consists of Rick Hass on lead vocals and keyboards, Ian Nauroth on guitar and backup vocals, and Adam Herndon on drums. Definitely a fun band to watch, their songs are catchy, and they put a lot of energy into their performance. Just give me indie rock!
I can't talk about a trip to the city without reppin' my crew from Omoi. Much love to Liz, Grace, Remi, and Bogdan. I've had my eye on this jacket from Hellz Bellz Renegades of Funk collection:
The overlapping collar is removable and it also unfolds into a fierce hood. So versatile, love it. The best part, like most things, is on the inside.
There is dynamite and underneath it reads: Hipster Killer. Come correct ladies, cop this jacket and many other goodies at Omoi today! Lots of new Shinzi Katoh items as well!
In other shop news, the boys from Fresh Melt Water have done it again. They opened their first retail outlet in the Northern Liberties section of Philadelphia. Affectionately dubbed, No Libs, like 90% of everything in Philly, is an up and coming area filled with an interesting range of shops, restaurants, bars, and most recently, a beautiful Piazza. The Piazza is located in the center of the art deco condos around 2nd and Poplar. New independent stores are being added and it looks promising. I mean if the Jumbotron on the wall facing all of the Piazza doesn't do it for you, then stick to Rittenhouse. (Boring) Here is Andrew, Brooks, and Joey, reppin' their set at the new shop. Keep up with them at The Drip for more information on merchandise, releases, events, etc.
Philadelphia is full of crafty and interesting people. On Sunday, my lovely friend Amanda sent me a text to come out to the Independent Craft Fair that she was participating in with fellow artist, Kat Gun. I had a blast with them. The free PBR offered with the $2 entry was certainly a score. Also notable, I ran into a former instructor I had at the Art Institute, Gretchen Diehl. Her jewelry was so incredible that before I could get 20ft into the venue my friend, Lauren, and I were buying necklaces from her Birdqueen collection. I got this one:
Simply irresistible and affordable! Shop her collection!
All in all a fantastic weekend, rooftops, parties, dance offs, the best clams ever at North Third, best dive ever, Bob and Barbara's, and the best friends. I think I gave you enough links, no? Ah perhaps this one, download Chang Chang's full ep, "While You Were Out" right here, for FREE!
Peace y'all. As always, Have Fun.
Speaking of having fun, I am going to re host this video of Gabriella and Liz from M.I.S.S showin' us what they got on the dance floor in honor of International Dance Day. Now, I have never heard of it, but I'm taking their word because it is too funny and I love it. Get yer dance on!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Always On The Lookout
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Labels: 215, Bands, Bob and Barbs, clothing, Culture, friends, Handcrafted, hipster police, Hood, Jenessa, music, omoi, Philly Natives Doin' Tings, SPFLD, Style Inspiration, travel
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Vote Omoi in Nooka Nooka!
Omoi is competing in a contest for Nooka watches! The stores that were involved each submitted a vinyl toy and Omoi is representing Philadelphia with their Garbage Pail Kids style Sumo wrestler! Ya see, the toy was designed and painted by artist Mark Pingitore, who is a concept artist at Topps, Inc. (hence the GPK connection). The detail is amazing, from the bun in his hair to the movement on his face and body.
You can vote HERE!
You can pick one or three faves after which you enter your email address. You may vote only once per email address, so perhaps you could give a second vote with a work email? They will ask you to check your inbox to confirm your vote, but you won't be signed up on any mailing lists unless you choose to.
Check him out!
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Labels: 215, art, Awards, friends, Handcrafted, Phillies Phinest, rife choices
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Fresh In The Street
The Stussy and Hellz Bellz "Ladies First" collection is slated to hit Stussy stores and fine streetwear retailers Saturday, March 7th. Expect to see it at Philadelphia's premier Stussy shop on Walnut street. The collab will include tees, tops, and accessories. For more Hellz Bellz items and accessories check out the fam at, Omoi, around the corner from Ubiq at 1608 Pine street. My girl, Liz, has been stockin' Hellz for awhile now and always has the hottest merchandise.
Also at the Ubiq store, this Friday night
Check it y'all! My girl, Gillian will be in the house with Ease DaMan and Greg from Mishka. Yo, wanna hear Ease rap? You know you do...hysteric.
Miskha Hallelujah Spring 09 Lookbook
I need to get my hands on the Keep Watch leggings! Alright. Spring is comin! Let's get it!
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Labels: 215, clothing, events, fashion, friends, Limited Edition, omoi, Party, Philadelphia, Phillies Phinest, retail, rife choices
Friday, February 20, 2009
Heart to Heart Charity Fashion Event
For years, the Children' s Hospital of Philadelphia has been saving the lives of ailing, vulnerable children in need of specialized care. The Cardiac Center at CHOP is a world leader in reconstructive heart surgery, heart catheterization, specialized anesthesia and nursing for children and young adults with heart disease. Performing more specialized interventions- both surgical and noninvasive - than nearly any other hospital in the world and serving more than 24, 000 outpatient s each year, their success rate is among the best in the U.S. The significance of this cannot be under estimated, as children are not only an important segment of our population but also are, quite literally, our future. In light of this and the fact that CHOP needs help from outside funding, Topstitch Boutique and Fuel Gallery will host a truly unique citywide charity event in hopes to raise money for the cardiac care unit of the Children' s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Click on flyer for more details!
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Labels: Awareness, fashion, friends, Philadelphia, Phillies Phinest, retail, rife choices
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Tonight!
Celebrate the Inaguration at Silk City with a performance from Chang Chang!
www.myspace.com/changchangmusic
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Labels: awesome, friends, music, Phillies Phinest, rife choices
Friday, December 19, 2008
Ready For The Floor
Alright y'all. I haven't been posting because in true form I forgot the power cord for my computer in another state and didn't have much access to computers for the past few days. Also, I shut off the internet in my place since I'm moving outta Philly at the beginning of January and haven't been there lately. So, the blog will still stay true to the content, but as the primary writer, I will be comin' at ya based in a different area. Plenty of visits will follow, for sure. New year, new moves, same love. So, the past week has been jam packed with friends, holiday parties, Sparks sake bombs, dancing in the best clubs, arm wrestling, and engagements with whisky. Tis the season! So, let's get it in.
FADED
This Friday, December 19, 2008
@ The Green Warehouse
941 N Front Street (Front & Poplar)
BYOB, Late Night, Warehouse Jawn
Doors at 11 PM, $10 Cover before 2AM
Special guests CSS! For just $2!
9pm-3:30am
Transit Nightclub
600 SpringGarden St.
Philadelphia, PA
Both of these parties go pretty late and the rain is going to slow down by nine. Trust. HAVE FUN, BE SAFE!
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Labels: events, friends, music, Parties, Philadelphia, Phillies Phinest, Rambling, rife choices, shows, WTF
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
LAST BINGO OF THE YEAR!
Bob and Barb's. America's finest dive bar. Home of the Special. Land of the Specialists. Tonight, the host of the best game of Bingo in the city of Philadelphia.
As always:
The red wall is down! So there is plenty of room for yourself and friends to congregate and fight over raunchy porn, brown bag prizes, and if your lucky, Bob Dix artwork. Ah, and lets not forget the food of Chef Lucky. The man puts together a fine mac and cheese.
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Labels: Bob and Barbs, friends, Philadelphia, Phillies Phinest, rife choices
It's 4AM
Check out Dirty's latest 4am mix!
An Exploration in Space Disco
4am mixed Live 11.07.08
Dj Dirty
Just click the link to download,Enjoy
Click to download
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Labels: friends, music, Phillies Phinest
Deuce Deuce!
OMOI TURNS TWO!
PARTY TIME, EXCELLENT! (Air guitar Wayne and Garth)
This year the celebration with commence with a Gothic Lolita fashion show, from our own, Toni Turner. She's responsible for all of the headbands and hair clips on the main table. This holiday we took inspiration from Yoyogi Park and the Harajuku neighborhood were girls basically just sit pretty and pose for photographs. Ambitious in execution yet delicate and doll-like. A perfect combination for killin' it! Omoi is now carrying Kera magazine! Much more punk, goth, loli than the mags already in stock. Extreme hairstyles, makeup, nails, shoes! A kaleidoscope of fashion!
There will also be light refreshments and 20% off your entire purchase! Perfect time to treat yourself to that Nooka watch you've been eyeing or a pair of handcrafted earrings straight from Japan. There are plenty of items for both men and women, even though Omoi tends to get reputation of being a super girl store. Despite the rep, all of the girls in the store definitely have a tomboy streak in them and therefore stock some BOSS merchandise.Check the Barbary Coast series by SuperFishal for Upper Playground. Jeremy Fish put together a collection inspired by the hoodlums, harlots and heroes of the Bay Area. It features a sturdy metal cigarette case, a brushed gold lighter, sketchbook, leather belt with brass buckle, and a soft felt fedora. Recently Fish and the illustrious Miss Van co headlined a show at the Fifty24SF Gallery in the Lower Haight section of San Fransisco. Check out pictures from the jam packed show, HERE.
Another dope item for the gift giving folk, Liz calls these, "professional shot ware." HEARD!
So far the bear seems to be the most popular. Personally, I think the rhino needs to come home with me. They retail for $28, and are basically indestructible.
Plenty of rad items. The only way you will know is if ya come in and let us show you around!
A short message from Miss Liz:
Thank you, customers and friends, for a great time! We've learned so much, jammed tons of stuff into a tiny space, featured talented local artists, fought crime, been featured in magazines, stocked ultra-rare collector items without even knowing it (remember the Alex&Chloe Coco Chanel necklace collection and Le Magnifique's "Le Chat" tee?), and best of all - met tons of new people along the way.
DETAILS
Who- OMOI! Hosted by Liz and crew
What- Birthday Party and Fashion Show
When- Thursday December 11th 5-9pm
Where- 1608 Pine Street, Philadelphia, PA
Also, don't forget to keep yourself updated by checking out the BLOG. Add Omoi on Myspace!
Remember when?
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Labels: events, fashion, friends, omoi, Party, Philadelphia, Phillies Phinest, retail, rife choices, sale, wishlist
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Stretch Ya Game Out
Friday Nite! My boy Dre put it togetha the best.
Yo! this friday just got a bit more interesting. So, you know this friday is Lil' Stevie Bloodbaths party send-off. If you didnt know, don't feel bad. Its just one of the better parties yer gonna go to this season. Anywho. The pot just got a lil more spicy cuz Friday nite is also gonna be a TOWN JEWELERZ reunion. See, not too long ago (before you were "into" dance music) Ol' Bloodbath was apart of a trio that bashed up dancehalls on a regular basis. Him, Ian St. Laurent, and MUTHAFUCKIN OPALROCK were crushin shit when most kids were still crossin the bridge to go to "hardcore" shows (yeah you motherfucker. I seen you at the TLA lined up for that shitty show. Aint no future in ya frontin). For me, i was comin down the DNB mountain and finally startin' to give proper respect to the other dj's in this town. And they were among the first to get my respect. They're my kinda dj's; no rockstar bullshit. Just beat-slangin. Dancefloor rockin business. Thats it.
So yeah its gonna be a roadblock come friday. The line up was crazy before; Excel, Jay Yo, Diamond Girl, Bloodbath himself. Now with the JEWELERZ steppin on deck its goin down as a 2008 classic. we're definitely gonna send steven off to la la land already homesick. I couldn't be anymore stoked, amped, AND excited. And if you make it home before 7am yer a fuckin puritan.
Your party is weak and i will inform you of this fact.
Mind ya P's and Q's on this one. Gonna be a lot of camera flashes.
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9:30 AM
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Labels: friends, music, Parties, Philadelphia, Phillies Phinest, rife choices
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Happy New Year
Mad birthdays this week and weekend. I'm so excited, birthdays are your own personal new year! Much love to all the people that keep it real. From me to you! A classic banger.
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Labels: friends
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Gimmie More
Photos from the San Francisco trip
My host, Huwayda. Gorgeous. Love her.
Knob Creek, I'm on a Mission.
Sarah, made her dress, bag, and is a photographer
This bag is fucking phenomenal. After three seperate occasions meeting up with this girl, I finally had to ask if I could snap a picture of this dino bag. I loved it. She painted the claws red! it's got a sequin strap, AND the jaws of death! That is the only one in existence which I was bummed to hear. The bag is TIGHT. I suggested a fanny pack type deal. I personally don't love fannies, but don't you think something like this with a strap around your waist would be hot?
Apparently the top guy is a Quetzalcoatlus and the bottom one with the teeth is a Anhanguera. I need these in my life.
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Labels: friends