Shopping Spree

Fashion > Forward

by Monica Weymouth

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Published: Oct 14, 2008

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What you're about to read is in no way an endorsement of '80s theme parties. There are, however, rare occasions when it is appropriate to invoke all that is neon, acid-washed and feathered. Your friend is playing his iPod in Fishtown? Not even a little bit OK. A domestic drag diva agrees to host your giant Gayborhood fashion show? Go for it — you earned the Wayfarers. The fabulous Brini Maxwell will be presiding over this year's runway show at Valanni, appropriately titled "Big Time." Working under the assumption that bigger is, indeed, better, the show will feature bold pieces from Kimberly Boutique, Club Monaco, Bus Stop, Un de Six, Crash Bang Boom and Zivile Pupinyte. The runway extends outside (they're closing down Spruce Street) and may even feature some touches by Brini, who just came out with her new line of kitschy home accessories, Felix Populi.

In honor of one full year of retro dresses and throwback clutches, Vintage Connection owner Heather Waity is throwing her Queens Village boutique a first birthday party that grownups will appreciate. In addition to an assorted candy bar and age-appropriate decorations, the night will feature champagne cocktails, raffles and, naturally, shopping — guests will take home all vintage pieces and K. Louise Designs jewelry at 20 percent off. The store will be packed with new fall merch for the party, which includes plenty of jumpers, boots, blazers, dresses and coats for the months ahead. Can't make it? Sign up for Heather's newsletter on the Web site for weekly or so updates on her latest finds.

From the looks of it, the average Philly boy buys shoes once every five years on the way to a funeral in Jersey while recovering from a hangover. No more. For one night and one night only, Bus Stop is bringing in men's shoes by Jump to help the cause. (Cheer up, ladies — you score 10 percent off any purchase when you bring a scrub-with-potential.) Originally available only in Hong Kong, Jump shoes recently made their way stateside with a New York boutique. Slight risks such as oversize buckles, patterns and splashes of texture make the sleek designs interesting, but not too intimidating for your average jeans-and-tee boyfriend. Hand him over to Bus Stop owner Elena Brennan — a London native, she's got good shoe-sense in her blood. And a really adorable accent. Nice hair, too. On second thought, do your own consulting.

In the most dangerous form of window shopping, Third Street Habit has just launched Habitude (habitude.typepad.com), their new blog full of inventory previews and announcements. You can't order directly from the site (which is a good thing considering that Dolce Vita post), but you can check it out in person Wednesday evenings. Along with plenty of neighboring boutiques, they're open until 8 p.m. for Shop Old City Wednesdays.

Have an upcoming shopping event? Give it here. E-mail monica@citypaper.net.

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