Shopping Spree

Fashion > Forward

by Monica Weymouth

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The Humane League of Philadelphia knows how to get our attention: Playboy models and baby rabbits. Meet Daniela V., who recently showed some skin for Hef's mag, and Nutmegan, one of 41 bunnies the organization rescued from cosmetic testing last fall. Daniela, who uses only cruelty-free products, will be swinging by Lush this Saturday to speak about the Compassion in Fashion Campaign, which promotes cosmetics that aren't tested on animals as well as fur-free wardrobes. Grab some samples and load up on Lush's scrubs, lip balms, bubble baths and shampoos — as always, no big brown eyes are harmed in the making.

Big Jar Books, there are plenty of people who will miss you, but this is not the space. You see, Shari Roulin has moved into your old home, and lady brought Reward with her. We know, we know — Old City has more boutiques than it has little girls with little dogs to dress at this point. But this one is different. Roulin, a former apparel buyer and merchandising manager at Urban Outfitters, went shopping in Paris for us. And she brought back some wild crocheted metal jewelry by Arielle de Pinto. And super-chic Vanessa Bruno pieces. She even has some stuff for the boys. Books are nice, but we're on a mission to be Carla Bruni over here.

August is tricky for shoe shopping. On one foot, it's still very much sandal season, and there are plenty of discounted open-toed lovelies to be snatched up. On the other, new boots are our big pile of crunchy orange leaves. As part of Fabric Row's 4th on 4th celebration, Bus Stop will be offering 40 percent off plenty of summer shoes and introducing new fall styles from Coclico, Corso Como and Faryl Robin. Problem solved. Additionally, jewelry designer Carly DiGiovanni will be coming down from NYC with her collection of chunky stone necklaces, which feature big colors and even bigger rocks.

Although the Philadelphia Independent Craft Market has officially come to an end, the series is getting back together for an encore at the Give Festival (Sat., Sept. 20, Liberty Lands Park, givefestival.org.) Now in its fourth year, the charitable local arts and music fest will benefit the Music and Mentorship Program — which offers music lessons and performance opportunities to youth in the Philadelphia School District — and the Grateful Dead's Rex Foundation, a support organization for grassroots campaigns. If you want to help out and sell your work, tables are still available for the Craft Market. The $25 vending fee will get you a 10-by-10-foot space, but you'll need to BYO table, canopy, Diet Coke, etc. Want to play? Hit up DIY queen bee Julie Raboczi at craftmarket@bigartshow.com.