Shopping Spree

Fashion > Forward

by Monica Weymouth

(CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VERSION)

Pretty soon — it might only be days away, actually — the novelty of boot-and-sweater season is going to wear off. Hard. And you'll be faced with a choice: Give up and wait it out in a lump of North Face or embrace cold-weather accessories. For all those who believe in the power of some cute knits, Art Star is hosting a trunk show this weekend with Sue Eggen, the local artist behind Giant Dwarf. She'll have her adorable signature fleurette cloche hats (pictured) on hand, as well as a new design incorporating mini origami rosettes. All of her hats are made from recycled sweaters, and you'll be able to choose from her giant collection (as well as a variety of felts and vintage buttons) to customize your own. Additionally, Eggen will have a selection of fingerless "glovettes," headbands, neckwarmers and "duncette caps," which are gnome-inspired and have built in ear flaps. Away with you, bulky fleece!

After three years of lacing it up and pushing it out, Delicious Boutique still knows how to get our attention. Their anniversary party will benefit the Hero Thrill Show, a program that provides assistance for children of Philadelphia fire fighters and police officers who lost their lives. The evening includes plenty of food and raffle prizes donated by NoLibs neighbors as well as performances by the Peek-A-Boo girls. All good stuff. But what are we going for? The fashion show, featuring models from Engine 29. Hot, hot and hot.

Make no mistake — there's nothing subtle about Zivile Pupinyte's latest collection. But you could, depending on your family, wear some of her new work to Thanksgiving and free yourself up to eat pumpkin pie in peace. "I think it's a bit more elegant," says the local jewelry designer, who is known for her conversation pieces involving lots of leather, stones and lace. "They're still very big," she quickly adds. She'll debut the new line — which will include plenty of amber she brought back from a trip to Lithuania — at Castle in the Air, a runway show at Lakshmi salon.

Emily Conroy and Sean Dorn are in the middle of a little West Philly fairy tale. As VIX — their 50th and Baltimore handmade boutique — turns one, they're preparing for the birth of their daughter and have just finished settlement on a big old Victorian house with a big old Victorian porch. Damn right we're trying to share some of these vibes — Old City is even lonelier in November. Stop by their AnniVIXary party next Saturday for live blues music with Shakey Lyman, work by more than 200 artists and crafters and possibly some new West Philly merch. Happily ever after? We'll take it.