On Being Philadelphian: A (Belated) Recap of Philadelphia Fashion Week 2016

Maddie and I bundled up at 2300 Arena for Day 1 of Philadelphia Fashion Week.

Philadelphia Fashion Week ended weeks ago, but last week's Instagram photos of Paris Fashion Week had me thinking about my own #PFW. For the past few months, I've been paying a lot of attention to fashion in Paris, mostly because I'll be living there for most of the summer. I often find myself daydreaming about what it means to be "Parisian" and why I feel so drawn to lavender fields, baroque architecture and French artists, but I rarely stop and reflect on what it means to be Philadelphian.

Once I realized that Philadelphia Fashion Week probably wasn't being held at a family bowling alley, my Uber driver and I finally pulled up to 2300 Arena for the first event: PFW Collective's Streetwear Show presented by The Philadelphia 76ers.



The Wednesday night streetwear show on February 17 was unlike Philly fashion shows I'd attended in the past - the obvious differences being the industrial pro-wrestling arena venue, the sports-inspired lines and pre-show performances by the 76ers dance team and Phlight Squad. Even though I knew just from the fact that my ticket said "presented by The Philadelphia 76ers" that the show would mix sports and streetwear, I still wasn't expecting the unmistakable character of my city to manifest itself in every aspect of the show.

2300 Arena, wrestling arena-turned-new home of Philadelphia Fashion Week.

Philadelphia is gritty. We're known for our rowdy sports fan and attitude. If you don't know how to order your cheesesteak, stay out of the line. But since I've been a part of the Philly fashion scene, I've gotten to know a different side of the city - the sense of community.

Although Philly may not be the first place that comes to mind for high fashion and fine arts, the scene is growing and changing at a remarkable rate. Thanks to amazing support systems put in place for local designers, like the Philadelphia Fashion Incubator and Philadelphia Fashion Alliance, aspiring designers and brands find the tools necessary to build their empires right here at home.

Milano Di Rouge opened with a ballerina dancing down the runway.

We support each other in Philadelphia. Philadelphia artists thrive at the intersections of dance and fashion, music and visual art, even fashion and sports. Philly brand Milano Di Rouge sent a ballerina down the runway to Kanye's "Black Skinhead" before showing off streetwear-meets-couture styles. As a perfect finale, Mitchell & Ness closed the show with sportswear-inspired looks representing almost every Philly team. Models passed basketballs back and forth and showed off names like "Iverson" on the back of their jerseys.

Mitchell & Ness showed classic Philadelphia sportswear for the finale of Day 1.

Amelia and I on Day 1 of PFW. Photo taken by E.M. Ricchini for The Philly Voice.

It feels incredible to live in a city with such a rich art scene that mixes seamlessly with the more well-known sports culture. It feels incredible to be a part of such a strong community for artists, writers, fashion designers, dancers and even basketball players. It feels incredible to start my career as a journalist in a place where exciting things are happening everywhere, especially places I may have never looked, like 2300 Arena. 

The Nice List: Philly Bloggers Share Their Holiday Wishlists

All of your favorite Philly bloggers have been extra good this year. They each deserve a holiday surprise just for surviving Pope Weekend! Five of Philly's finest ladies shared the items they're hoping to find under the tree this Christmas.

Emily Tharp of Her Philly wants...

"This dress from Anthropologie, because I am loving patterned, midi long-sleeve dresses lately!" Winterflora Pencil Dress by Cynthia Rowley ($388), Anthropologie

"These shoes from Nike, because my running-around-the-city winter footwear options are extremely limited." Nike Air Max 90 Leather ($120), Nike

Lucy VanEllis of LHBlog wants...

"I did get a furry pom for my key chain from Top Shop but it broke within a week, so I think this one from Barneys looks too cute to pass by." Adrienne Landau Fur Pom-Pom Key Chain ($45), Barneys New York

"I’m in the process of redecorating my room at my parents house and I’m going for all white with a sheepish rug and really cool wall decor. Here are a few things I’ve been eyeing up." The Tolsby Large White Faux Elephant Head Wall Mount ($94.99), White Faux Taxidermy and Wire Script Sculpture ($48), Anthropologie

"Marble everything! A friend of mine and fellow blogger, Erika Fox (@retroflame) has been loving all things marble this season and I think I’m hopping on the bandwagon too." Real Marble iPhone Case by Grace ($35), Society6

Amelia Burns of The Amelia Burns wants...

"All of the fierce women that I follow on social media have been raving about this book. I love reading about inspiring and successful women so I'm dying to get my hands on a copy." #GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso ($9.60)

"I smelled this once in a Sephora and fell in love with it. Unfortunately, I didn't buy it when I had the chance (and the cash). I recently found out the brand is by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, which of course only makes me want it a thousand times more." Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black Body Oil ($60), Sephora

Madeline Archambault of 25th&Lewis wants...

"I am totally embracing the faux fur trend. I love being able to be warm, but still look stylish. I’ve wanted a faux fur vest for a long time, but just haven’t gotten around to buying one for myself. This is at the top of my wish list this year." Shaggy Faux Fur Vest ($23.99), Forever 21

"Since Philly is basically the rainy city, I kind of need a pair of rain boots. I know it’s weird to ask for rain boots for Christmas since most people are probably asking for snow boots, but I already own snow boots so I would really like a nice pair of rain boots for the spring. Maybe if we’re lucky we won’t have to switch to snow boots this winter!" Wellie Rain Boots ($79), L.L.Bean

E.M. Ricchini of lark & lace wants...

"A trip to Croatia - my husband and I love traveling and instead of buying each other gifts, we plan trips. (I'll take memories over "things" any day.) We got married in Iceland, then went to Belgium and France. We're still deciding where we want to go next but this is one of our top choices!"
Photography courtesy of: Zicasso

"I love me a simple cross-body bag. This will probably be one of those "treat yo'self" kinda gifts... since I'd feel really bad if anybody actually bought this for me." Chloé Drew Mini Bicolor Crossbody Bag ($1850), Saks Fifth Avenue

"You can never have too many blankets laying around and these are for a great cause. For every blanket sold, you'll be providing one blanket to a homeless shelter. Bonus: they're available from local shop United by Blue, who, for every blanket sold, will remove a pound of trash from oceans and waterways around the world." Sackcloth & Ashes Socality Blanket ($98), United By Blue

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2015: for the homebody

So thanks to my last Holiday Gift Guide, I'm sure you've found the perfect gifts for all the lovely hostesses in your life. But what about the people you love, but can never seem to drag out of the house? Everyone knows a homebody: they love curling up with a good book or relaxing in a bubble bath. They invented "Netflix and chill." But what do you get for the girl who would rather stay in bed under a blanket than go out in heels? Pick any of these cozy gifts, perfect for the homebody in your life! 

Gifts for the homebody:

1. Kate Spade June Lane Lidded Tea Pot ($270) - Perfect for pouring a cup of your favorite tea on a snowy day (if they ever come!).
2. UGG Australia Oversize Knit Pillow ($145) - This cozy throw pillow is perfect for snuggling up on the couch.
3. Crate&Barrel Birthday Cake Scented Candle ($19.95) - For when you want your home to smell delicious without actually baking.
4. Antique Map Printed Italian Leather Journal ($34.95) - When your favorite homebody finally puts down that book she's reading, she can use this to write down all of her own stories.
5. CeeCee & Bee Tub Truffle Bath Soak Assortment ($22) - Hand-crafted bath bombs made with moisturizing cocoa butter and kaolin clay. So cute you'll want to eat them up (but I recommend using them in your bath instead)!
6. One Kings Lane Cashmere Socks ($55) - Like your favorite sweater, but for your feet. Need I say more?
7. Modcloth Coffee Wings Mug ($14.99) - The perfect mug for daydreaming about springtime.
8. fresh Rose Face Mask ($62) - My personal favorite hydrating face mask, infused with real rose petals.
9. fresh Cocoa Exfoliating Body Soap ($16.50) - Cocoa bath soap? This one doesn't need explaining.
10. Make + Model "Cabin Friends" Eye Mask ($19) - This adorable eye mask is sure to attract soft, silly dreams (and keep you in the dark even when your neighbor's Christmas lights are shining through your window!).

Check out my previous gift guide for your favorite hostess here and look out for more to come!

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2015: for the hostess

Thanksgiving is next week, which means it's officially the holiday season! Even if you're not one to brave the mall on Black Friday (or if you'll be working amongst the madness, like me), you can still get a head start on Christmas shopping over the next few weeks! It's time to start hunting, so I'll be posting a series of gift guides to help you find the perfect present for everyone on your list.

Let's start with your favorite hostess. You know, the one with the picture-perfect apartment where you've spent countless long evenings clinking glasses and laughing around the table. She could be your mom, your best friend, that one extra cool co-worker -- whoever she is, she's sure to be thrilled when you show up to her holiday party with one of these gifts.

Gifts for the hostess:

1. Modcloth Pizzazz Good as Gold Pot Holder Set ($21.99) - As glam as pot holders can get. Your favorite hostess will love using these to take those hors d'oeuvres our of the oven!
2. Kate Spade "Drink Me" Wine Tote ($20.00) - Don't show up empty handed -- bring your host's favorite bottle in this festive canvas wine tote.
3. Modcloth Long Overdue Notecard Set by Chronicle Books ($19.99) - Perfect for thank yous, invites and recipes!
4. Kate Spade Malmo Rose Gold 4-Piece Hostess Set ($105) - Rose gold isn't just for jewelry and iPhones!
5. Kate Spade Gold Dot Cocktail Shaker ($50) - Hey, those hors d'oeuvres are bound to make you thirsty...
6. Charbonnel et Walker Pink Marc De Champagne Truffles ($28) - Who wouldn't want someone to show up to their door with these? These truffles by London-based chocolatier Charbonnel et Walker are almost too cute to eat! (They're also on my list, if anyone is looking for ideas...)
7. Vera Wang for Wedgwood Set of 2 Love Knots Toasting Flutes ($75) - For those of you who are already thinking about ringing in the New Year!
8. Michael Aram Butterfly & Ginkgo Wine Stopper ($89) - Maybe you've never seen your favorite hostess with the mostess put a bottle of wine away unfinished, but just in case...
9. L'Objet Aegean Coffee Pot ($415) - Coffee, anyone?
10. Royal Albert Polka Blue Vintage 2-Tier Cake Stand ($50) - This cake stand makes an adorable dessert display all year round. Bring on the Christmas cookies and cake pops!

Stay tuned for more holiday gift guides coming soon, and happy hunting!

Introducing BABY TEETH MAG

For the past several months, I've been working on a huge dream of mine: to start my own literary magazine. Now, thanks to contributors from all over the world, I can finally release Issue I of BABY TEETH MAG. I am thrilled to finally share this collection of poetry, prose, visual artwork, and photography with you. Visit babyteethmag.com to learn more about us and the submission process for Issue II!

Walt Disney World Trip - May 2015

Last week, I was lucky enough to go to my favorite place, Disney World, with my family and my boyfriend (it was his first time there!). Here is a little video I put together of some of my favorite moments from the trip, complete with cheesy PowerPoint-style transitions. 

Met Gala Round-Up

One of the most awaited nights in fashion, the Met Gala, celebrated its 69th anniversary early this month. The theme, China: Through the Looking Glass, allowed some stars to shine on the red carpet. Here are some of my favorites from this year's ball.

Starting with my favorite, and maybe the most talked about look of the night: Rihanna pulled off this gown handmade (it took two whole years!) by Chinese designer Guo Pei flawlessly. I'll be impatiently waiting for more from Guo Pei, a Chinese woman sure to shake up the white male-dominated fashion scene.

In stark contrast to Rihanna's over-the-top ballgown and cape, some of my favorite looks of the night were relatively simple, with traditional fabrics, sophisticated silhouettes, and clean cuts. Stella McCartney, wearing her own design, captured the glamour of both Chinese royalty and old Hollywood in a tasteful, effortless way. Deep red lips were a staple for both Emma Roberts, in custom Ralph Lauren, and Carey Mulligan, wearing custom Balenciaga, while Reese Witherspoon, in Jason Wu, flawlessly pulled off a clean, simple silhouette.

On the other hand, some stars rocked looks that were a little more out-there. Beyonce bared it all in Givenchy, with Lorraine Schwartz jewels and walked the red carpet with Jay-Z by her side. Keri Russell showed some extra skin as well, in Altuzarra. Contrasting Beyonce and Keri's ultra-sexy gowns, Lily Collins, in Chanel Haute Couture, and Kerry Washington, in Prada, went for more sweet, girly looks.

Which Met Gala look was your favorite? Do you favor the more traditional looks, or the risk-takers?