13 Vintage Shops You Can’t Live Without

Vintage Shops As cooler weather approaches and you’re ready to switch over your wardrobe, you can find everything you need at Philadelphia’s growing cadre of vintage shops. A more sustainable choice than a run for cheap goods at a national chain, you’ll find handmade sweaters, fall boots, fancy holiday dresses and all the flair you

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2 mins read

Bold Prints: Smak Parlour celebrates 10 years

Fan Dancers dress with print by street artist Joe Boruchow
by Claire Margheim
Abby Kessler and Katie Lubieski of Smak Parlour debuted their street art-inspired The Cut & Sew Collection on March 20 at their Old City storefront. It’s their first collection of originals since 2010, but that isn’t because they’ve been slacking off.
In addition to keeping

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1 min read

Local Ties

 
"Everybody eats!” is a rallying cry of food and environmental activists eager to grow a broad-based movement. With the exception of the Philly Naked Bike Ride, everybody wears clothes, too. Can our daily routine of tucking in and buttoning up lead us to a sustainable future?

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2 mins read
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WHEN IT RAINS: Local designer Taryn Zychal gives broken umbrellas new life

Umbrellas—designed as a convenient solution to getting caught in the rain—can be surprisingly unwieldy. On a stormy day, Philly sidewalks are filled with all shapes, sizes and varieties. But, when the wind is strong, the flimsy shields often can’t withstand the pressure, acquiring that all-too-familiar inside-out look. At that point, the city becomes an umbrella

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1 min read
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Cover Story: Upstairs Downstairs

Sa Va Fashion Brings buying local to a new levelby Lee Stabert
Upstairs from a posh center city boutique is a small garment factory. There is a hefty metal cutting table along the right wall and a couple rows of sewing machines. There is a machine that folds collars, and one that attaches clasps to pants.

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5 mins read