Categories
Philadelphia

What To Wear: The Greater Philadelphia AFSP Gala Honoring Hugh E Dillon at the Loews 11/14/15

Although it’s called a gala, it’s really a fun cocktail dance party with dinner gala. So the dress is Cocktail Chic pr black tie optional. What’s that you wonder well

 It’s not this
 or this

 even if you’re fabulous Mariah Carey (BTW these are all my photos)
 You can wear this
 or this, even if you have a probation monitor on your ankle

 Always the best dress couple

 Denise Fike (l) will be on hand to do illustrations
 The little black dress is always a winner
 This is the night Courtney Love dubbed me the “Gentleman Paparazzo”
 Love this look by Monique Braxton

 Lindsay Lohan and Gary Marshall looking cocktail chic

 It’s not black tie but feel free to wear one if you like
And if you just want to be wild and free wear a gown and men definitely wear a suit.
Tickets still available and there’s a sponsor book if you can’t make it and want to support.
https://www.afsp.org/local-chapters/find-your-local-chapter/afsp-greater-philadelphia-chapter/upcoming-chapter-events/greater-philadelphia-afsp-gala
Contact Lynsie Solomon about the sponsor book
(We can’t accept anymore silent auction items as people were so very generous)
lynsiesolomon @ gmail.com
THANK YOU


Categories
Philadelphia

The Bellevue Got Engaged – Nicole Miller Wedding Fashion, and My Questions for the Bride

On Sunday, October 25th, the Bellevue hosted its 6th annual Bellevue Gets Engaged.
Mothers and daughters who were on hand to check out the wares of
local wedding vendors enjoyed Champagne and specialty cocktails while
nibbling on wedding cake from local bakers and hors d’oeuvre samples
provided by the catering staff of the Bellevue. There were also panels with info on event space, photography and ideas for potential brides.
 Gabe Fredericks, Owner Philip Gabriel Photographer, Mary K Dougherty, Owner, Nicole Miller Philadelphia, Jeffrey Acker, GM Williams Sonoma, Jill Asher, Philadelphia Weddings, and Jen Frederick, Fox 29 answered questions guests posed.
 Christine Litwim, is getting married next year. Her fiance Kevin popped the questions as they walked along the 6th Street beach in Avalon. He had planted a bottle there, with a message of “Will You Marry Me,”, and Kamna Gupta.
 Rachel Hodas (Ben Stango is her fiance. They dined at Little Fish, then stumbled into one of those cute small gardens in Society Hill. The walkway was lined with tea candles, which had been placed there by their friends. Ben got down on one knee and asked for her hand in marriage.), with her mom Barbara Hodas, future mother in law Deb Weinstein and Jenny Meier.
 Austin Keeler and Amanda Brady. The two met in high school. All the night when they got engaged Austin recreated their first day, then took her to her parents porch, where he had dropped her off that night, and proposed.

 Lynda Barness, I Do Wedding Consulting, holds her book “I Do. A Wedding Planner Tells Tales.”
 Brittany Carter, Becca Killion and Eilene Killion. Becca’s fiance popped the question after a sunset paddle board outing in Avalon. Eilene had hidden the ring in a flower pot, so as they were watching the sunset he got down on one knee, grabbed the ring and popped the question.
 Jeremy Lopez and Barbara Williams met on the job, Williams was Lopez’ boss. Now they’ll be equal in marriage.
 Modeling Nicole Miller bridemaids dresses are Beth Usic, Taylor Hudspeth, Alyssa Dugger and Julia Pauline.
 Grooms wearing Ventresca Ltd.: Christian O’Rourke, Michael Strickland, Kyle Stoudnour, Zach Gardner and Nahir Francis
 Brides and bridesmaids wearing Nicole Miller
 CTO performs
 Emily Cain, Gabi Barmettler, Leslie Owens and Lizzy Ashwood. Gabi and Leslie got engaged on top of a mountain overlooking Ashville, NC and plan a June 2017 wedding.

 A few of my favorite cake places were on hand including Classic Cakes, Sweet T’s and Bredenbeck’s Bakery

 It’s the 00’s and same sex marriage is legal through out the land. Here are two guys grooming on the catwalk.

 Is black acceptable as a wedding gown, it definitely looks sleek.
 a few more choices

 The grand finale
 Hope Katz, Amanda Katz, Amanda Fishman and Sue Fishman. Amanda met her fiance, Kevin Fishman, at Opa’s in Philly. He popped the question this past summer in Longport by the bay under a gazebo, where the floor was sprinkled with rose petals. Afterwards both families went to dinner at Lamberti’s in Margate, NJ. Behind them is Society Hill Dance Academy demostration of a father/daughter dance.
Kali Janus and Kristi Kao. Kaili met her fiance in Grad School at Penn. He popped a question on a Tuesday when she arrived home from work. He had rose pedals on the floor and got down on one knee. That evening they met their friends and family at the Melting Pot on Fitler Street to celebrate.
Categories
Philadelphia

Election Day and The Best Dressed Election Night Party Ever

Crazy busy past couple days.

 Yesterday was election day, and I decided at the last minute to go check out 4th Street Deli, where for years it was traditional for politicians, those in office and those running for office, would break bread at noon. I had gone in the past and everyone went, this year it seemed to be more of the new guard, and the traditionalists.

I knew Allan Domb was going and to me he was a candidate I really wanted to win. I’ve known him for about a decade, much better in the past year or so, but I’ve always really liked him. I know a little bit about his story, rags to riches, and that doesn’t happen over night. It happens with a lot of hard work. A guy who’s known him a lot longer than I, is Mark Howard, former newsman from 6ABC. Seems he and Allan were once roommates in earlier years. Who’s writing that book?

David Cohen and George Norcross chatting
Although Kenney never showed, his big head did. Seems Kenney and the new/old guard headed to Relish, which was his fav spot during the primaries too. Some grumbled that this might be the last of the big time gatherings as it represents the old style of politics. I kinda like traditions, if you really wanted to get rid of some relics from the past how about that Rizzo statue at the MSB building, Anywho…
 Larry Platt, Buzz Bissinger Allan Domb chat with Michael E. Harris Executive Director South Street, Elliott Curson and others
Lynne Abraham greets an old friend

Lynne Abraham, former DA, Mark Segal, PGN, Jeff Guaracino, executive director Atlantic City Alliance chat with former mayor Bill Green, Sen Larry Farnese (far r)

 Alice Dubow arrives

David Maser greets Sen Larry Farnese

if this is the old guard politicians, I don’t want this tradition to end.
Buzz Bissinger, who last wrote the an extensive article in Vanity Fair on Caitlyn Jenner,  David Cohen, VP Comcast, South Jersey’s George E. Norcross III, The
chairman of Cooper University Healthcare, Larry Platt, The Philadelphia Citizen, former mayor Bill Green, at Neil Oxman’s table.


 That night I headed to Allan Domb’s Election Night Party, don’t call it Victory Party cause even during this “speech”, Allan wasn’t taking a chance to declare victory, although it was nearing 10PM.

The man who is the silent investor in Starr restaurants, held his party at the former Star Group’s headquarters, a building Allan Domb owns. You can rent the 18, 000 sq foot office yourself for $45,000 a month.

Dave Masar, Nina Tinari and Michael Schulson
 Schlessinger’s Deli

Carol Tinari, Paul Rosen and Nino Tinari

Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, John Colabelli and Bart Blatstein

 Vegan Chicken Sandwich from Hip City Veg

Jonathan Saidel, Larry Farnese and Allan Domb

Joe Sirbak, Matt Fontana, Kevin Brown, Steve Lutterill, Ready Set Go

Arielle Kerstein, Nicole Faux, Debbie Haltzman and Melissa Valenti

Dr, Harold Yaffe and Alan Epstein, Esq.

Anne Wakabayashi and Alex Rutter

Check out the profile for the former Star Group property HERE

Categories
Philadelphia

Creepy Fun Fabulous Friends Halloween Photos in Philly except for One or two

So many awesome costumes this year!!
 Nick Pytel and Bill Gerhman * sorry I bailed on the party friday, so tired. PS I did send a note.
Hope I still get in invite next year even though it’s twice now.
 Carla and Chris

Brianna, Ariel and Ian – Ian tells me more than one person bit him

 10 days in Key West for Fantasy Fest. These two really love Halloween.
 Way ahead of me I didn’t even buy a pumpkin this year
 Lives in California now
 Adorable
 Halloween on Delancy St

 Hostess with the mostess
 I thought you were a Corgie?

 Beyond sheepish about haunted houses
 Patti Smith at Phl Library 11/6 but completely sold out. Patti grew up in South Jersey. Before heading to NYC and fame, she stopped by St Joan of Arc pony statue at 25th and Kelly to say good bye to Philly.

Adam Joseph kills the internet with his hundreds of thousands of fans. This post had 23ks likes as of last night.
Categories
Philadelphia

Fox 29 Celebrates Halloween with Nikki Minaj, Kris Jenner, Tom Brady, Arianna Grande, Taylor Swift, Justin Beiber and Drake

A lot of ghoulish fun was happening over at the Fox 29 Studios yesterday

Not just with the zombies from Eastern State Pen, 
TMZ was on hand to capture the moment
I was there doing my thing – Paparazzi

 Kris Jenner
 Tom Brady
 Rihanna
 Justin Beiber. He didn’t show us his abs, but he did a little twerking
 Taylor Swift
 Drake
 Nikki Minaj
 The TMZ Bus
 OMG there’s Kim Davis
 Face painting
 dancing zombies
 a kids costume contest

 Megan, one of the producers signalling to wrap it up. Hope you caught my periscope behind the scenes video where I introduced you to all the planning producers, and all the elements that go into making the great Good Day show
 Megan prepping the ghouls and guests for the last shot

 oh and there’s Ariana Grande interviewing our producer Jessica Klein (c)
Diane the floor producer is unmic’ing Ariana Grande, as Kris Jenner and Jessica Klein pose for a shot.
http://www.fox29.com/good-day
Check out the video from the show above

Categories
Philadelphia

Closing: The Latham: One of the Most Historic Hotels in Philadelphia

 Built as apartments in 1915, then converted to the fancy 138-room Latham Hotel in the late 1960’s and once considered the Four Seasons and
Ritz-Carlton of its time, according to
sources in the industry in an article by Suzette Parmley, Inquirer Staff Writer 1/12/11 is closing on November 9 to return to apartments.

Back then the article was about how the Latham was undergoing a renovation to spruce up the place a bit as newer hotels had opened and were siphoning off business. Well it seems that event that didn’t help keep the hotel a float to the satisfaction of it’s owners as they have sold it right under the employees nose.

Employees were told on Wednesday that the hotel would be closed by November 9. The new owners are converting the grand old lady into Condominiums. I can’t imagine this coming at a worse time as we head into the holiday season, and as the City gears up for the DNC2016 in just over 8 months. Gone will be  Joe Broderick, who just celebrated his 45th year opening the front door, greeting guests and sending them to the hot spots around town.
Also on the chopping block is the restaurant urban enoteca,which never seem to catch on. Not since Jolly’s occupied this space nearly a decade ago, has any eatery done well on this prime corner of 17th and Walnut Streets. Hopefully the new owners will get something hot and happening there, and for gods sake hire a PR person and get the word out.

UPDATE: Philly Mag’s James Jennings has the scoop on the new owner. Pearl Properties. Those guys are buying up the City. You can read more on my nostaligia with the Latham, or click now to read more about the Latham’s new owner and plans.

 I have fond memories of the Latham, it’s where the forgettable “Dead Man Down’ was filmed and I grab a few shots of Terrence Howard as he filmed a scene outside.

At one point peeps at The Latham let me hang out in a hotel room, and I was able to grab this shot of Terrence Howard getting selfies with fans, back in 2012.
Categories
Philadelphia

Boo: Eastern State Penn – Terror Behind The Walls News, Fairmount Fun and Celebrities Out and About

Good Friday morning to you. So crazy busy this week I am tardy on so many entries. I’m in a slight hurry this morning as I am headed to Fox 29 for the annual Halloween Show. Today they’re going to chat about their visit to Terror Behind the Walls a few days ago. I went last night, which was the latest in the season I’d ever had gone. It was as great as ever, with guests optioning again whether to wear the glow necklace which allows the ghouls to actually touch you, and they do. I love that place, it’s so fun and scary. I was there earlier this week as the cast from the Broadway show

Bullets Over Broadway stopped in for a tour. Bullets Over Broadway is the story of a young playwright who, in
desperate need of financial backing for his next show, accepts an offer
he can’t refuse from a mobster looking to please his showgirl
girlfriend. Here they are in Al Capone’s Cell.

Tickets are still available: INFO here
Saturday after the Rock and Roll Marathon, stop by Bishop’s Collar beer garden
 That afternoon bring the kids to Fairmount’s Fall Festival at Eastern State Penitentiary

 That night stop by La Calaca Feliz for Fright Night Fiesta. I’ll be at the Henri David Ball with Mike. It’ll be our 18th time.  So fun.

   And of course you can stop by Eastern State Penitentiary for Terror Behind The Walls

 
Waiting in line can be fun, see the ghoul who scared her?
 

 From this point it’s a 35 minute wait, but it’s #Tradition.
 
 This year it’s as fun as ever PS Sorry to the girls behind me who had to endure my screaming.
 This year they have a speakeasy. Only $10, gets you a drink, access to a fortune teller, a trickster, 
entertainment, and 
fun with friends.

 ****************************

 Friends and Romans
Actor  Michael Rispoli and director  Christopher Kublan from Friends and Romans stopped by for a screening at Riverview on Wednesday. It was a funny movie. Go see it. Check out these reviews to see what your in for.
http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/movies/20151030_Review___Sopranos__alum_tries_his_hand_at_Shakespeare_in__Friends_and_Romans_.html
Bada bing: Goodfellas
 staging Shakespeare
*********************

What are you doing Monday night?
Join #Eagles Safety Malcolm Jenkins at his 2nd Annual Fundraiser; Blitz, Bow-Ties & Bourbon! Tickets: http://bit.ly/1L3z4JZ
 
Categories
Philadelphia

Photos: Hopeworks 15th Anniversary Celebration at the Downtown Club

Hopeworks celebrated . Hopeworks ‘N Camden is a youth organization which utilizing an advanced
training curriculum in web design/development, GIS and Sales force, and
works with youth 14­-23 to get back in school and find a safe pathway to
their future.

 Marlene Olshan, City of Philadelphia, Department of Human Services, Sherby Diaz, Youth Trainer
Hopeworks ‘N Camden, and Dan Rhoton, Executive Director at Hopeworks ‘N Camden
 Luis and Hetty Olivieri

 Del Giannotti and Toni Vielehr
 Betsy Messina, Korn/Ferry International, Agata Clevenger, Destination Maternity Corporation, Ruben Reyes, Lyquix and Tom Macphee

 Naomi Maldonado and Lamar Thompson
 Lynn and Morris Bullen
 LeaunDra McCullough and Donna McCullough

 Nancy Uffner, William Uffner, MD and Dr. Giampaolo Gallo, MD
  Lee Carson and Boris Tikhonov
Rev Kevin Mohan and Kathleen Duffy
Dan Rhoton. Executive Director
 Naomi Maldonado thanked Hopeworks for it’s guidance which allowed her to reach her goals. She thanked her mom, her inspiration. She raised three kids, working and going to school. She was a great role model for Naomi; who has gone on to get an MBA from St. Joes and follow her dream. Now she’s back to Hopeworks as a board member and is glad to help youth navigate their lives.
Dinner was served
Hopeworks ‘N Camden is a nonprofit that has been working for over 11 years with Camden youth. Utilizing
an advanced training curriculum in web site design/development, GIS and
Salesforce, Hopeworks works with youth 14-23 to get back in school (the
estimated high school dropout rate in Camden is close to 70%). To read
more about Hopeworks, visit www.hopeworks.org.

Categories
Philadelphia

Puuurrfect: Uber Will Deliver Adorable Kittens To You For National Cat Day

The Pennsylvania SPCA is teaming up with Uber
to celebrate National Cat Day, TODAY: Thursday, October 29, by bringing
playdates back, this time providing offices throughout Philadelphia with
the opportunity to book kitten playdates by using the Uber smartphone app.

 Beginning at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Uber users in Philadelphia (including Center City, Old City, the Navy Yard, University City and more) can open the Uber
app, slide over to KITTENS and request 15 minutes of “purrfect”
playtime for $30, delivered from a car that will be carrying adoptable
kittens. Every dollar earned from the event will be directly donated to
the Pennsylvania SPCA and their lifesaving mission.

 “After the success of UberPUPPIES this
summer, we decided to target cat enthusiasts for our second promotion,
introducing UberKITTENS,” said Jon Feldman, general manager of Uber
Philadelphia. “These kitten playdates are a fun and engaging way to
raise money and awareness for a worthy cause, and we’re excited to once
again use the power of our platform to connect pet lovers to kittens in
need of a forever home.”

Here’s how it works:
1.       Open the app from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, October 29
2.       Request the KITTENS option. Please note: Kittens can only be delivered to offices, no private residences will be accepted
3.       Once
the kittens arrive, requesters will get to enjoy 15 minutes of kitten
cuteness. PRO TIP: Make sure to have an enclosed space ready for kitten
playtime and make sure no other animals are in the area
4.       Found
your new furry family member? All kittens are eligible for adoption at
the Pennsylvania SPCA Fishtown location, 1546 Frankford Avenue, from 3-7
p.m.
At 9:45 a.m. on Thursday, October 29, the kittens will be loaded into the Uber cars in the side lot at the Pennsylvania SPCA’s headquarters at 350. E. Erie Avenue. 
or those unable to partake in the Uber
playdates, the Pennsylvania SPCA will host a series of Halloween-themed
events at all three locations on Saturday, October 31, 2015. Along with
family-friendly activities, a select cast of characters will be
available for discounted adoption fees. For more information, visit www.pspca.org. All pixs provided by Uber.
Categories
Philadelphia

Last Night Amber Rose Brought Her Bad Bitch Self and Grandfather to Center City Barnes & Noble

The newly minted author, Amber Rose, who is promoting the launch of her debut read “How To Be a Bad Bitch, made a stop in her hometown of Philly last night.

Bringing the fans out in droves, including
 Paul Roysdon and Matthew Paisley

Amber’s next door neighbors growing up. Mrs G (r) tells me that she was there was Amber was born, beautiful out of the womb she said. A cheeky young girl as nice as can be. She knew she be something big, always a dreamer with a drive to make it.


 Looking gorgeous, its been nearly 6 years ago since her star elevated, getting a national break by meeting Kanye West

It was 6 years since I photographed her at the Spaghetti Warehouse in Spring Garden at her friend Congo Green’s birthday party. 

The curvaceous model put both her boobs and her backside on show in the loose-fitting corduroy onesie with plunging back and a low V-neck.
A British tabloid called this back shot a wardrobe malfunction, I think they were just going for hits with that title.
Since rocketing on to the celebrity scene, Amber has attracted the media. The guys last night were excited she showed up in an attractive tan jumpsuit, as the previous night she was in NYC wearing blah black.

Amber Rose’s grandfather Poppy Sonny Rose sat in for her book signing. Many of Amber’s family members and friends were in line to see her. She told me she was excited to see them, and it really was the only time she had as she was finishing up her book tour and was eager to pick up her son and go home.

 

Wearing a smile that could light up a room, Amber took the opportunity to promote her own sunglass line Amber Rose Eyewear as well.This pair is called Elton Gold Shades.


I’m sure it was a welcomed site to be home after her stint on Watch What Happens Live Sunday when Andy Cohen declared Amber Rose the worst guest on his show after she refused to
answer any of his questions regarding her ex Kanye West or the
Kardashian-Jenner family on the show. I watched it and she declined in the nicest way. I don’t blame Andy either, even though it’s in the past, he is definitely the guy that cracked opened the door for her before her booty busted it open.