Shopping Spree

Fashion > Forward

by Julia West

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Published: Jul 7, 2010

It's not that Nicole Krecicki hates rainbows. She just doesn't see them as the sole way to promote gay pride. In 2008, the Rainbow Alternative founder experimented with stencils and spray paint and — voila! — fresh LGBTQ images were born. Using a street-tagging aesthetic, Krecicki creates tees, bags, ties, buttons and bottle openers that proudly proclaim "Don't Block the Box" and "Gay ≠ Punchline," plus images of Ellen DeGeneres, or girls kissing — ooh-la-la. Nothing against the rainbow connection, Krecicki is just providing other options. "The hope is that people will be more inclined to wear [the T-shirts] on a regular basis, and to everyday places, not just at a gay-pride parade," she says. "[It's] to make people think and make it clear that yeah, we really are everywhere."

This weekend marks the grand opening of the Piazza's weekly market, set to run year-round. How is this different from their flea market? Because this is an ongoing event, it provides a weekly space where local businesses can set up a shop, allowing online-only stores to entice passers-by without high rent constraints. More than 200 vendors will be hawking home goods, recycled items, crafts, cupcakes and antiques. And, of course, there will be fashion finds. Check out hair accessories from Lady Saint Couture, Philly Phaithful's sports apparel and ultra-swanky handbags from Elizabeth Bayu. There will be plenty to choose from; the question is, will you make the right choice when it comes to vintage tortoise shell shades vs. Brazilian leather flats?

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