Some shoes inspire outfits, others inspire stories and, in the case of artist Aubrie Costello, shoes have been the muse for an entire art installation. This week, the Moore College of Art & Design graduate presents her latest work, "For the Love of Shoes," at Queen Village shoe boutique Bus Stop. It's a holy matrimony of fashion and art; a hybrid of short stories reverberated on the walls in two-dimensional work; and a window installation of fabulous footwear and silk graffiti. Costello accomplishes this feat by shredding silk and hanging it to form text, balancing bold block letters with delicate fibers. These strips drip from the edges of each character to create an authentic — if not richly enhanced — version of the writing on the walls. "The drawings and paintings are a nod to things happening in the story," she says. With phrases like "Clack went the little twig heels," the viewer gets pulled into this story before even reading it.

Costello sees her exhibition as a slight departure from her typical medium, but she can trace its evolution. "I've always kind of been writing," she says. "My drawings are narratives themselves, almost like stills from a movie." It seems a natural progression, then, that she would pick up a pen to write a story. But one told through the soles of three different pairs of kicks? That's natural, too. Like any good Shopping Spree'er, Costello allows herself the indulgent pleasure of shoe obsession. "I've always loved shoes. When I was at Moore I was drawing naked ladies under piles of stilettos." In other words, prepare yourself for a lip-biting, shoe-lusting art rush.

Opening reception Fri., Feb. 25, 5:30-8:30 p.m., free, through April 1, Bus Stop, 750 S. Fourth St., 215-627-2357, busstopboutique.com.

(julia.west@citypaper.net)

Unless you've been living under a rock, you're already privy to the ever-evolving Ave that is East Passyunk. Splashed with boutique grocers, coveted vintage boutiques and edgy hair salons, this enclave has become hipster paradise. Part of the crew, gift boutique Nice Things Handmade, is a floodgate of goodies plucked from artists all over the city.

On Second Saturday, owner Elisa Kara kicks off the store's first anniversary celebration with a cuter-than-cute selection of upcycled bottle-cap jewelry and cuff links from Rotorcaps; Philly-repping necklaces from Masters of None mama Sharif Pendleton; and surprise pieces from Eddie's Tattoo.

What does Kara say about surviving her first 365 days? "It's amazing. I don't even know what word can encompass the amount of joy I feel seeing something I am so proud of and love so much be open for a year." Aw. Happy Valentine's Day to you, too, boo. Opening reception Sat., Feb. 12, 7-10 p.m., free, through March 12, Nice Things Handmade, 1731 E. Passyunk Ave., nicethingshandmade.com.

Stitch 'N Bitch Circle at Square Peg Artery

If all this handcrafted business makes your fingers twinge with excitement, you'll be pleased to learn that Square Peg Artery has begun its very own monthly Stitch 'N Bitch circle. Inspired by the series of knitting books by Debbie Stoller, this free gathering is meant to teach and inspire knitters of all skill levels. So whether you're a needle-wielding pro or a fumbling newbie, drop in and gab with like-minded crafters while getting a firm handle on the handmade. Third Thursdays, 6-8 p.m., free, Square Peg Artery, 108 S. 20th St., 215-360-5548, squarepegartery.com.

(julia.west@citypaper.net)

If anything can top off a perfect day of shopping, it's hitting up a happy hour surrounded by the overflowing bags of merch you just scored. And if you're really lucky, you won't be drowning your sorrows from the hurting you just put on your credit card. This duo of happy hours should ensure you're not only enjoying that drink for the right reasons, but you'll be sipping it in style, too.

Puss in Boots, a slightly-under-the-radar boutique in the south end of the Italian Market, has brilliantly taken the concept of happy hour and turned it into a sale that runs until the first day of spring. From 5 to 7 p.m. every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, everything in the store — including their coveted collection of sharp pumps and oversize blazers — will be 15 percent off.

Puss in Boots' buyers have impeccable taste and an innate sense for curating a cohesive mix of wearable vintage treasures that — unlike the name suggests — can dress you from head to toe. Besides fancy footwear, the store carries handbags and clutches, dresses, blouses and accessories that combine outdated charm with gently worn character.

But let's mosey back to the kicks, shall we? The shoes available are far from threadbare, regardless of the miles they may have walked. Each pair is well-restored and cared for, which means your feet will stay snug and sassy all winter long.

Puss in Boots has been sure to remind everyone, that the Italian Market's other go-to stop, Teri's Diner and Bar, is having a Can-Can Happy Hour at roughly the same time as Puss in Boots' sale. At 1126 S. Ninth St., Teri's is close enough that after a successful shop you can strut over for a sip in your newly purchased boots. They were, after all, made for walking.

Every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday through March 21, Puss in Boots, 1134 S. Ninth St., 215-225-7877, pussinbootsboutique.com.

(julia.west@citypaper.net)

If you're a vintage junkie, you're probably already a star customer of Sazz Vintage, Old City purveyor of days-gone-by gems. This place is packed with tons of men's clothing — including swanky rockabilly button-downs and frilly pastel tux attire — but don't be fooled by all the disco-days masculinity. The shop carries racks full of treasures for girls, too, like adorable dresses and perfectly-worn-in jersey tees.

While the prices here are reasonable year-round, there's no reason not to take advantage of Sazz's second annual blowout sale to snatch up those wingtip shoes, bulky leather belts and darling prairie frocks. The six-day sale works like this: From Jan. 11 through the end of the day today (Thu., Jan. 13), everything in the store is half-off; Jan. 14-15 it all drops to $5; and on the 16th you can fill an entire bag for a measly $10. This is prime vintage shopping, people.

"It won't be the dregs, either," says Sazz owner Amanda Saslow. "We'll keep restocking during the sale." In her massive 6,000-square-foot warehouse, Saslow carries vintage by the truckload that's sold wholesale. "It's not like at a thrift store where you need to rummage through everything for five vintage shirts," says Saslow. "We have 500 vintage shirts." If the idea of vintage in bulk gives you a semi, take heed: The warehouse (2438 Coral St., bulkvintage.com) is open to the public every Monday and Saturday, so you can be up to your elbows in blazers, Western shirts and ruffled sundresses before you know it. It's like a little slice of hipster heaven. Tue., Jan. 11-Sun., Jan. 16, Sazz Vintage, 38 N. Third St., 215-923-7299, sazzvintage.com.

(julia.west@citypaper.net)

The backbone of Bela Shehu's new line, NINO, is shape. Or maybe it's versatility, or perhaps function. The point is that it's nearly impossible to pinpoint one aspect as the most dominate thread in her work.

The forces that come through in her designs are like some animated trifecta of superheroes, each with its own special badass power — and together they create something unstoppable.

Partially inspired by the stylings of Joan Shepp, NINO is a juxtaposition of boxy and sleek. Curved spines bend the silhouette and push out the back of a jacket or dress. And tubular sleeves — a favorite of Shehu's — make an appearance on many of her tops, boleros and her famous cape, which comes in three different lengths, creating three dramatic stand-alone statements. Try the longer one for ladylike, timeless appeal; the shorter one comes across as casual and youthful; and the teeny, tiny one is playful and sprightly.

"I really wanted to make a few pieces that show how we view apparel, how we view pattern-making," says the local designer. And that's what this line reflects, a bold stance against boring clothes and dull shapes. Oh, and the "we" Shehu is referring to is herself, two interns and a handful of seamstresses. That's the entire team. That's all it takes to make a line of 45 pieces and styles that are cohesive, sexy and strong. So keep your eyes peeled for boutiques stocking duds from the NINO line. My hunch? It won't be long before you see Philadelphians decorating the sidewalks draped in capes, like Jackie Os for the modern millennium. For more information, visit shehu.net.

(julia.west@citypaper.net)

It's that time of year again — when a barrage of commercials insist that the best presents come from phone companies or electronic warehouses. Fortunately, VIX Emporium and the West Philadelphia Crafters Network have teamed up to snap us out of it by reminding us that an extraordinary handmade gift is equally pleasing. And if you're trying to play by the rules of our gift guide, this holiday craft fair will host 30 local vendors, including screen-printed tees from Communitea Graphics, soaps from Mamoucha and lavishly illustrated playing cards by Corina Dross (pictured). You can show support for each neighborhood all under one roof. Think of it as the crafters' mall of the millennium.

Start with art: Snag one of the rich gouache paintings and linoleum block prints from Puppet Uprising's Suzanne Francis, who offers colorful depictions of our city's streets and rowhomes.

If you're after décor that doesn't hang on the wall, peep the terrariums made by Felt & Kept. These tiny worlds sometimes look like leafy layer cakes with their dense soil, grainy sand and smooth rocks lining the glass jars.

Biking, recycling and jewelry are brought together by Maggie Machledt. She reuses done-for bike tubes by carving them into delicate earrings. And you thought you'd never find the perfect gift for your anarchist girlfriend.

Finally, Cabin Fever Hula Hoops will be in attendance with an array of colorful, fabric-covered hoops for the exercise junkie or kid-at-heart. The real challenge, however, is wrapping them. We suggest throwing on a bow.

(julia.west@citypaper.net)

Sat., Dec. 11, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., free, Rotunda, 4014 Walnut St., 215-573-3234, therotunda.org.

Not interested in getting up before the sun rises on Black Friday to fight bargain-eyed mothers for the last remaining Snuggle Me Fido? Forfeit the fuss of mall parking lots and the disappointment of soggy food-court fare for a leisurely stroll through the shopping mecca that is NoLibs instead.

The Northern Liberties Business Owners Association's second annual Holiday Shopping Spree — great name, BTW — breaks down as follows: Buy at any participating store and automatically receive a 10 percent discount and shopping card. For every subsequent boutique you visit and make purchases from, you'll get additional savings — 5 percent more for every store till you reach the top discount: 25 percent off. (To play your card right, save your favorite place for last.)

Where to begin? Pick up handmade jewelry for the sophisticated bohemian on your list at Adorn; stuff the stockings of a toy collector at Jinxed; and pick up a little something for yourself at Art Star, full of gems in the jewelry, clothing, accessory and artwork departments.

Spending builds the appetite, so once you get two stickers slapped on your shopping card, refuel with specials at A Full Plate or Home Slice, or go for a mid-spree cocktail at Yards, 700 Club or Darling's Diner. To add to the mix — or confusion — stores including Art Star, Once Worn Consignment and Millesime will have free cookies with corresponding recipe cards.

To recap: The more you shop, the more you save and your savings also transfer over to food and booze, not to mention a treasure map of free cookies. Black Friday who?

Sat.-Sun., Dec. 4-5, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Northern Liberties, 215-238-1557, nolibs.com.

(julia.west@citypaper.net)

Witness a meeting of the stuff that makes our world go 'round: crafts and charity ... and beer. The Can-Can Craft Show — thrown by Elissa Kara of Nice Things Handmade and artist collective Cohoquinoque Crew — works like this: Bring two cans of food, and in return you'll get one can of beer — or soda, if that's how you roll. Then, enjoy your libations while cruising the goods that make up the final tier of the trinity. Don't worry, no cat face appliqué sweatshirts here — this isn't that kind of craft fair. It's the kind with beer, remember?

A notable native on the roster, Nicole Rae Styer, creates dense textures in her designs with vintage and recycled fabrics. The framework of her dresses is sexy femme with a lingerie delicacy, but the mashup of fabrics gives them a rag-doll edge. Styer's line, which includes earrings and clutches, is mysterious and lavish — the kind that makes you want to run your fingers over each piece.

Equally fun accessory makers Party in My Pocket (P.I.M.P.) will be selling fingerless spandex gloves (pictured) in neon tiger prints, metallic glitter and a more subdued two-tone. P.I.M.P. began as a way to stave off boredom for David Laverdure, a costume designer for dance squad Club Lyfestile. "I made a pair on a whim and wore them to Cantina for happy-hour margaritas as their maiden voyage," he says. "They were such a hit that three ladies fought over who could buy them off me right then and there." Don't fret — P.I.M.P. should have enough product on hand that brawls won't be necessary to get your paws on these lovelies.

Sun., Nov. 14, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., free with food donation, Jamaican Jerk Hut, 1436 South St., 215-545-8644, cohophiladelphia.wordpress.com.

(julia.west@citypaper.net)

Mad Tea Party at Bus Stop

I saw more shoes at Bus Stop's Philadelphia Fashion Week runway show than one person should ever own. Most bewitching were the quirky designs of London brand Irregular Choice. Bus Stop Boutique owner Elena Brennan is throwing a shoe/makeup/tea-tini shindig to give customers a sneak peek at Irregular Choice's winter line, and to give fellow fashion followers a chance to mingle while taking advantage of the brand's 10-percent-off sale. This is the only place in Philadelphia that carries Irregular Choice, so it's safe to say the party will indeed be mad. Fri., Oct. 22, 5:30-8:30 p.m., free, Bus Stop Boutique, 750 S. Fourth St., 215-627-2357, busstopboutique.com.

Sometimes Shopping Spree likes to indulge in the finer, artsy-fartsier facets of fashion. A recent hunt for such things led directly to Frank Agostino's exhibition of sharp angles and frilly cuts. If you're not familiar with his clothing, take advantage of this opportunity to gawk at four decades' worth of fashion. Agostino makes luxurious evening wear and sensible suits for women, but it's his gutsy construction of couture that makes us salivate. The exhibit title — "The Architecture of Style" — reflects the lines of his extravagant, unconventional dresses. Some are rigid from the shoulders to the waist, with excessive puffing at the skirt. Others are sleek the whole way through, with details of embroidery and lace. If hyperbole were something you could wear — and wear tactfully — Agostino has figured out how. Opening reception Thu., Oct. 28, 6:30-7:30 p.m., free; through Dec. 11, Levy Gallery for the Arts at Moore College of Art & Design, 1916 Race St., 215-965-4027, the...]]> http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2010/10/07/amaresinh-fashion-art-social http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2010/10/07/amaresinh-fashion-art-social

Every small business starts somewhere, and it's usually not anywhere particularly glamorous. You can almost see Huyen Tran's story on a commercial for small-business credit cards: She'd be toiling away in an East Oak Lane basement, surrounded by legal papers and last-minute garment embellishments like sequins and studs. Then the camera would shoot to a Skype conversation she's having with her brother and business partner, Fashion Institute of Technology grad Huy Tran, who lives in Shanghai. In other words, all the elements are present for the siblings' fashion line, AmareSinh, to become a tale of humble beginnings and big success.

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AmareSinh's underdog appeal blew up earlier this year when the Tran siblings entered the nationwide Chamber of Commerce competition I Am Free Enterprise. They received nearly 6,000 votes in a mere two weeks, only to be defeated in the end by fitness entrepreneur Carlos Sanchez. Motivated by the grandiose response from friends and strangers alike, the sister-brother duo chose to continue with their fashion aspirations.

"I thought initially we could start by just selling stuff online," says Huyen. "And then I realized that's impossible because people are not going to buy stuff if they can't touch and feel it." To bring the product to the people, Huyen will be showing off her line in a fashion show, where shoppers can eye up AmareSinh's bold blend of masculine and feminine looks. Check out the khaki shorts with detachable suspenders, or the sheer tops mixed with toned-down, solid black Hammer pants and a slender studded belt. If you like what you see, Tran says you can leave the event with ready-to-wear pieces they'll have for sale after the show.

Wed., Oct. 20, 7-10 p.m., free, AxD Gallery, 265 S. 10th St., 215-627-6250,

The Philadelphia Collection 2010

Style prophets, rejoice: The Center City District has helped organize this week's Philadelphia Collection 2010 (thephiladelphiacollection.org), a 10-day, 70-plus-event celebration that puts the spotlight on local designers and shop owners. For the fashion faithful, these are some seriously righteous threads.

Shopping With An Objective

Kim Balaschak will conduct a workshop to help shoppers be smart, savvy and conscious of what goes in and out of the closet. Learn all about the MACK system: mend/alter, consign or keep. Now you'll have no excuse for holding on to that too-big-in-the-boobies granny dress. Thu., Sept. 23, 6 p.m., free, Second Time Around, 1728 Chestnut St., 215-988-9903, secondtimearound.net.

1600 Below Vintage Open House

Feel frilly while browsing 1600 Below Vintage's ber-cute vintage clothing, jewelry and furniture at this open house, one of several taking place at boutiques throughout the city. Scoop up complimentary cupcakes and Prosecco, too. Mahvelous. Sat., Sept. 25, 5-9 p.m., free, 1600 Below Vintage, 1600 E. Passyunk Ave., 267-974-8801.

Taking the Streets

If you're not burned out on the entire city telling you what's "in" this fall, then finish this week of style mayhem with a blow-out party. Celebrate the official ribbon-cutting of Fashion Lab, designer Ron Wilch's learning space that teaches low-income students about the fashion industry. And it wouldn't be a party without a fashion show, DJs and Mayor Michael Nutter (pictured). That's right: M-Nutt cares about duds, too. Sat., Oct. 2, noon-9 p.m., free, Fashion Lab, 6143 Germantown Ave., 215-621-6783, phillylab.com.

(julia.west@citypaper...]]> http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2010/09/09/greenfest-philly http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2010/09/09/greenfest-philly

You've read about GreenFest Philly here before, so you might think you know the drill. Hell, maybe you've even attended the annual good-to-be-green street fair in Septembers past, perusing vendor stations for the best organic burlap to use as a biodegradable, chemical-free weeding system for your garden. But this year's a bit different; this year, the hippie-fest is broadening its environmental efforts to include a field we don't often think of as naturally green: fashion.

Set aside enough time to wander through more than 200 vending stations, which include not only the regulars — home and garden, health and beauty — but plenty of purveyors of eco-friendly wearables that fit in with this year's clothes-minded theme. (We also hear state Rep. Babette Josephs will be manning her own booth, though we're not sure fashion's one of her talking points.)

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Don't be fooled into thinking GreenFest is selling out by focusing on fashion; the clothing sold will be greener than a drunk leprechaun on St. Patty's Day. You'll find duds made from recycled or organic fabrics (check out SewKind's sustainable messenger bags); environmentally conscious companies such as Denise Shardlow Designs (which uses fibers like hemp and soy to create simple, flowing dresses); and even vendors who donate a portion of their proceeds to Earthly causes, like clothing designer Daughter Earth. For all the eco-cheapskates in the house (I'm in that club, too, don't worry), a GreenPhilly clothing swap will be Mecca for those who want to leave only a teeny little carbon footprint on the day.

If you want to get schooled, check out the workshop on mending old garments — it'll teach even the most craft-impaired attendees how to sew a button on a busted pair of jeans. Or if you just want to ogle the goods, plant yourself at the fashion show. It's ...]]> http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2010/08/26/shopping-spree http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2010/08/26/shopping-spree

SA VA Open Call for Jewelry and Accessory Designers

SA VA, a boutique already dedicated to putting check marks in local, sustainable, handmade and fair trade boxes, is hosting an open call for artists within 200 miles of Philly. Owner Sarah Van Aken wants to support area crafters while expanding SA VA's jewelry and accessory merch. "It is very difficult for us to find goods that fill our requirements, which are A) socially conscious or sustainable in at least one way, B) at midprice points but high quality and design, [and] C) fit our brand aesthetic," says Van Aken. Interested? If you're not familiar with the SA VA brand, get yourself over to the store and check out what they've got; Van Aken is looking for pieces that express the individual stylings of her boutique and fit with her socially conscious attitude. Check rules and deets on the SA VA website; may the best designers win. Fri., Aug. 27, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., SA VA, 1700 Sansom St., 215-587-0004, savafashion.com.

DailyCandy's "Start Small, Go Big" Contest

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If it's fame you seamstresses and seamsters are after, check out DailyCandy, which is out to give some free exposure to three deserving unknowns in honor of the website's 10th birthday. Editors will select 12 finalists from three categories — food, fashion and fun — who will be further whittled down by DailyCandy readers. The three ultimate victors in each category will receive $10,000, a trip to New York City to learn from bigwigs in their field, a celebratory bash and a write-up that will be distributed to all 3.3 million e-newsletter subscribers. Expect one hell of a stiff competition: The site received more than 2,100 submissions in less than a week. No...]]> http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2010/08/12/recycling-zychal http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2010/08/12/recycling-zychal

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It's called upcycling because, let's be honest, sometimes recycling just ain't enough. Major greenie Taryn Zychal is well-practiced in the art of flipping unwanted materials into wearable accessories to keep you and poochie dry. She turns busted and abandoned umbrellas into vibrant tailored hoods and dog raincoats. The hood-sans-raincoat look is a bold one, but worn with the right attitude it's a practical and adorable addition to your wardrobe.

Zychal, who graduated from the Art Institute of Philadelphia with a degree in industrial design, has long felt the urge to do right by her planet. "For as long as I can remember I was interested in the environment. I can remember my mother and I having more fun driving around the Hill Section of Scranton looking for cool things people might have thrown out than [we'd have] when we'd go on vacation," she says. A dedicated follower of the eco-friendly movement, Zychal lines all hoods and coats with vintage fabric or Eco-fi felt, which is made from 100 percent post-consumer plastics. It's all about details, though, isn't it? This girl goes so far as to use inside out cereal boxes for shipping. The only thing greener would be if the damn things sprouted straight from the ground.

To make puppy poncho shopping foolproof, Zychal provides a doggie measuring chart for online purchases on her site recyclingzychal.com, but the coats can also be found at Just Dogs! Gourmet (1804 Chestnut St., 215-988-9876, justdogsgourmet.com). Hoods and cat toys are currently online-only. What else can you expect to see Zychal create with her upcycling magic? Baby bibs, aprons and man-hoods are all on the horizon.

(julia.west@citypaper.net)

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