Shopping Spree

Fashion > Forward

by Monica Weymouth

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Holiday dress: In theory, this is a nice combination of words. Second helpings of pumpkin pie and long weekends are good; new clothes to do this in are good, too. But frantically searching for something semi-appropriate to wear to Christmas Eve at the airport GAP is not, even a little bit, good. Get a head start on at least some of your holiday shopping at TONY's Anjali Kumar trunk show. The NYC-based designer is stopping by for her third show at the Old City boutique to show off her new collection of November-through-January frocks. TONY owner Pamela Dollak is adding to the festivities with some new fall pieces and up to 50 percent off the summer clearance rack. Last time we stopped in, this lady was serving champagne and Tastykakes because it was Tuesday — in other words, find yourself on Third Street.

Glitterbugs Abby Kessler and Katie Loftus are extending their hot pink empire and including gifts and home items at Smak Parlour. The new nook, which was formerly a workspace, is still under construction but already full of trinkets that would be hard to give away. On-the-go hostess and house-warming gifts include retro plate sets, Sween candles (they're hand-poured here in Philly) and kitschy stationery. On the baby shower front, the ladies created a collection of embellished onesies using scraps from their previous collections. And, like the perfect last-minute gifts, everything is carefully packaged to look sincere and most come in at under $50.

We were psyched when Art Star acquired a giant gallery space in its move to Second Street. If any gallerytique deserves some proper walls, it's this one. But then again, that spacious back room wouldn't look so bad full of Plaid Pony Vintage goodies, either. For one very retro weekend, the online vintage store is teaming up with Art Star to showcase fall clothing and accessories for ladies and gents. Everything will be marked down from the Web site prices, and Art Star is throwing in 20 percent off all their clothing and bags. And, because one can not browse Plaid Pony without craving old-school snacks, they'll be serving up Rice Krispies treats, Tang and some mimosas for good measure.

After a change in venues, a couple of construction delays and endless weeks of creepy stalking, Reward is officially open for all of your French fashion cravings. You have no such cravings? Shari Roulin's new place packs plenty of labels, but slip yourself into a Vanessa Bruno dress and get back to us. You'll want a croissant. Johnny Depp could be yours. Vive la baguette! Oui, oui.