Shopping Spree

Fashion > Forward

by Felicia D'Ambrosio

Navigating the King of Prussia Mall this time of year is an object lesson in anarchy, so the holiday edition of the Punk Rock Flea Market should be absolutely balmy in comparison. Picking up gifts here, helps keep all-ages shows happening at the First Unitarian Church. And the ultimate XXX-mas gift to the young-heads: the freedom to thrash each other to death in a sweaty church basement. Punk lives!

Got a thing for Japanese cuteness, or crafting your own Lolita look? Then you've already been hitting up Omoi. For the adorable-challenged, visit the store's second anniversary party and fashion show by Toni Turner for a Harajuku lesson. Petite refreshments will be available, and your entire purchase will be 20 percent off. Wry giftables like tabi socks, Fafi stationery and a menagerie of imaginary monsters should bring out the giggling schoolgirl in everyone on your list.

The greenest boutique in the city is not only debuting the organic cotton clothing line Toggery by Kate D'Arcy and recycled fashions by Andrew Dyer, but sharing the spirit with Project H.O.M.E. Bringing in toiletries and linens to help families in need gets you 25 percent off your purchase. Even the grinchiest won't be able to maintain a sneer when faced with heaps of holiday cheer ... and owner Ali McCloud's brilliantly chosen vintage collection.

Emerging from the El, one encounters a veritable holiday miracle: a European medieval holiday village, complete with vendors hawking German bratwurst and pretzels. Fifty booths house all the Christmas old-timey ephemera you can stand, including hand-blown glass ornaments, whimsical wooden toys and a chance to have your picture taken with Old St. Nick.

The best-kept secret in craft shows is certainly Traveling Wares, now in its 15th year. Originated by bartender and artist Jody Sweitzer of Dirty Frank's bar, the moveable show features jewelry, screen-printing, handmade soaps, original art, glassware and other locally made creations. Sweitzer herself is the originator of shopping while drinking — dangerous and fun for gift giver and receiver. Grandma really needs that condom-cozy this year. Check out the wares on Sat., Dec. 13 (Sugar Mom's, noon-6 p.m., 225 Church St.); Sun., Dec. 14 (Dirty Frank's, 2-7 p.m., 347 S. 13th St.); Sat., Dec. 20 (700 Club, 1-6 p.m., 700 N. Second St.); and Sun., Dec. 21 (Tattooed Mom, noon-6 p.m., 530 South St.).