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Philadelphia

Second Look at Chestnut Street’s New UNIQLO – The Grand Opening This Morning

At 10 AM today Uniqlo opened at 1608 Chestnut Street, the old Philadelphia Art Institute annex, and before that the old Filene’s Basement store.

The line was nearly a block long as Philadelphian’s waited patiently for the doors to open at 10AM

There was entertainment
and dignitaries.
The Ribbon Cutting

A ceremony with few words, just thanks and how exciting it was for Uniqlo to be here in Philly and for the City to be excited they were here.
And they’re off….



Stop by today to check out the store. In the meantime Philly Mag’s Shoppist has the

The First Look at Uniqlo

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Philadelphia

Saks Fifth Avenue Fete’s Elizabeth Wellington on her new Column: Trendlots

A few Sunday’s ago friends, family and readers gathered at Saks 5th Avenue on City Avenue

to celebrate
our friend, Elizabeth Wellington, fashion writer at Philadelphia Inquirer. Elizabeth already writes a compelling, informative column on fashion in the Wednesday edition of the Philadelphia Inquirer
and now has a new fun, vibrant column called “Trendlots” in the Sunday issue. Trendlets, its part of the new Live, life love section in the Inquirer.
Bruce Segal and Charisse Nelson
Katie Zackon, Sue Mills and Tracey Leinin – The Griffin Gives Foundation
Jennifer Pineda, Olivia Pineda, Lucas Pineda and aunt Elizabeth Wellington

Toni Crawford and David Rose
Margaret Wellington and Eileen Tognini
Delicious parfaits
Charisse Nelson, Taylor Augustine, Elena Safin and Ursala Augustine

Gorgeous Terri Matthews, Jaden’s Dream Foundation. (She’s rumored to be on the new Philly Real Housewives show)
Guy on the scene Garrett Snider was spotted at the shindig, next to him Terri Matthews, Jamie Young Joffe and Hope Cohen.
Jamie Young Joffe
Spotted in the crowd fashionista Anthony Henderson.
Anne Marie Green (CBS This Morning) and Elizabeth Wellington.

Also today, Michael Klein from Philly.com has a new column in Philly Daily News, he’s has a long time column in Philly Inquirer. For the 3 years my photos appeared in his now retired “Inglings” column in Philly Inquirer. Congrats to Mike.


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Philadelphia

MeltKraft Grilled Cheese & South Street Bagels moving to 17th And Chestnut Street

Finally this will be history…

Our favorite grilled cheese sandwich place, MeltKraft is planning to open a 2nd location here at 17th and Chesnut Streets (46 S. 17th Street, next to my other fav sandwich place Jimmy John’s), across from Shops of Liberty Place. They currently have one at the Reading Terminal. 

  Meltkraft went before the art commission this morning to get their new sign approved. I have no idea how that CashWell sign every got approved I’ve always cringed when I saw it.

Michael Klein  Philly Insider Philly.com fills us in about the MeltKraft move and history.

 

BTW Destination Maternity is leaving Walnut Street and heading to the Shops of Liberty Place in the old Joan Shepp location.
Also going in at my old fav sushi place Miya is Chestnut Street Bagel (These guys also own South Street Bagel).
Nordstrom Rack has put the signs up. 
They open on 10/24/14
Forever 21 is going between Nordstrom Rack and Sephora. Sephora told me they’re excited, even though Forever 21 sells make-up, “it’s not the same” a sales person told me.
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Philadelphia

Red Bull Curates – Canvas Cooler Project 2014 – Philadelphia

Red Bull Curates: The Canvas Cooler Project hosted an energy-packed gallery event at Arch
Enemy Arts 
 in Philly last
night, Thursday , September 25th, to a packed crowd of partygoers who
came to view the coolers that were customized by 20 different
established and emerging artists from the Philly area.  

Handpicked and curated by Arts Fund, the artists included street artist Kid Hazo,
painter/sketcher Dessie Jackson, neo-pop painter Thomas Buildmore,
and portrait artist Caryn Kunkle.  All were tasked earlier in the week to transform blank, canvas wrapped Red Bull
coolers into pieces of art that were inspired by their own style.

A roster of local Philly artists and critics, such as artist Gabe
Tiberino
 and his father James Tiberino, a famed visual artist in his own right, street art aficionado RJ Rushmore, the co-founders
of Arch Enemy Arts, along with all the gallery attendees voted on the best two coolers on-site. 

 Street artists AirRat and Distort received
the honors
last week with their distinctive designs and will get the opportunity
to show their art during the Scope Art Show during Art Basel Week in
Miami in December this year.  As an additional perk to support the
artists in their career, all of the coolers
will be donated to various venues in the Philadelphia area (per below)
as works of art to support the artists who took part in this project.

 Connor Benner
Hannah Taylor

Artist Venue
AirRat Ortliebs
Ticky Kung Fu Necktie
Jason Andrew Turner Buffalo Billiards
FlyGirrl iCandy
Conrad Benner Electric Factory
Bob Will Rein Raven Lounge
Thomas Buildmore Lucha Cartel
Ryan Beck Milkboy
Tim McFarlane Tango
Maritza Ranero Garage
Kid Hazo South Bowl
Distort Underground Arts
Pete Zembley Sugar House
Jon Krause Bottle Bar East
Caryn Kunkle Fringe Arts Building
Hannah Taylor Dolphin
Monique Ligons Silk City
Dessie Jackson Union Transfer
Jae Martin Handle Bar
American Queen TJD Bob and Barbaras
Photos provided by Red Bull
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Philadelphia

Frontier Airlines Flies Out of Philadelphia Airport Just in Time For the Holiday

Frontier Airlines today announced that it is expanding again with

new low fare non-stop service between Philadelphia (PHL) and seven destinations beginning

Dec. 20. The airline also reinforced its commitment to ‘Low Fares Done Right’ by announcing a

one-day only sale from Philadelphia to destinations Cancun, Mexico (CUN); Miami (MIA);

Orlando, Fla. (MCO); and Tampa, Fla. (TPA) with incredibly low fares from $14.99 one-way only

at FlyFrontier.com. Introductory fares of $59 – $99 one-way will be available for purchase

“From South Philly to Kensington, we’re excited to offer Philadelphia fliers a bit of freedom from

high fares,” said Frontier Airlines Vice President – Marketing, Tyri Squyres. “Frontier is the

home of ‘Low Fares Done Right’ which means delivering not only an outstanding travel value

but a reliable and friendly experience.”

“We are very excited thatFrontier Airlines t is expanding its presence at Philadelphia

International Airport,” said Airport CEO Mark Gale. “This added service gives travelers in the

region access to more low-fare flights to some of the most popular destinations. More choices

mean more competition, which is good for the consumer.”

Flights will take off from Philadelphia International Airport to Miami (MIA), Orlando, Fla. (MCO),

and Tampa, Fla. (TPA), beginning Dec. 20, to Cancun, Mexico (CUN) on Dec. 21 and to Atlanta

(ATL), Charlotte, N.C. (CLT), and Chicago (ORD) in spring 2015.

PHL to/from MIA TPA MCO CUN

ORD to/from MIA TPA LAS

MIA to/from DEN LGA

Tickets must be purchased by 11:59 pm Eastern time on Oct. 6, 2014 for nonstop travel Jan. 5, 2015

through Apr. 29, 2015. The following blackout dates apply: Feb. 13, 2015; Feb. 16, 2015; Mar. 6-8, 2015;

Mar. 13-15, 2015; Mar. 20-22, 2015; Mar. 27-29, 2015; Apr. 2-4, 2015; Apr. 6, 2015; Apr. 10-12, 2015.

Fares are one way and do not require roundtrip purchase.

Fare(s) shown includes all transportation fees, surcharges and taxes, and are subject to change without

notice. Seats are limited at these fares and certain flights and/or days of travel may be unavailable.

Depending on the fare type purchased, nonrefundable tickets may be transferred for a fee of up to

$50, or reissued for alternate flights for a fee of up to $75, as well as a possible fare increase. The name

change fee and itinerary change fee are not exclusive of each other. Previously purchased tickets may

not be exchanged for these special fare tickets. Flight segment(s) must be cancelled prior to scheduled

departure time or the ticket(s) and all monies will be forfeited.

Tickets purchased at FlyFrontier.com or by calling Frontier’s reservations centers must be paid for

at the time the reservation is made, but may be cancelled for a full refund without penalty up to 24

hours after the time of purchase. Additional travel services, such as baggage (

customer-service/travel-support/baggage) and advance seat assignments (www.flyfrontier.com/flight-
info/seating-options) are available for purchase separately at an additional charge. Some markets do

not offer daily service. Schedules are subject to change without notice. Flights are operated by Frontier

Airlines. Other restrictions may apply.

ALL-IN

FARE

ORG DST

PHL to/from MIA $69

PHL to/from TPA $59

PHL to/from MCO $59

PHL to/from CUN $99

ORD to/from MIA $59

ORD to/from TPA $59

ORD to/from LAS $69

MIA to/from DEN $99

MIA to/from LGA $59

MIA to/from ORD $59

MIA to/from PHL $69

(Sponsored)
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Philadelphia

South Street’s Headhouse Square Throws a Fashion Show

On September 23, 2014, The Head House Square Shambles was transformed for the Fashion Under Shambles Event to celebrate the Philadelphia Collection
 Bru and U-Bahn Owner Teddy Sorias, Lauren Resotka and Kory Aversa

Twenty-one of South Street Headhouse Square Districts top boutiques came out to
take a spin on the catwalk in The Shambles . Clothing Armour Philadelphia

 I don’t think I recall a fashion show ever being here, and I love it!!  Clothing by Eyes Gallery

 Clothing by Helena Boutique
 Clothing by Helena Boutique
 Clothing by Helena Boutique
 Clothing by Passional
 Clothing by Passional
 Make Up by Crash Bang Boom
 Fashion Conrad Booker
 Fashion Conrad Booker
 Mike Jerrick and Jeremy Hugo
 Clothing by Passional
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Philadelphia

Photos: 52nd anniversary, the annual Puerto Rican Day Parade

Celebrating its 52nd anniversary, the annual Puerto Rican Day Parade took place on Sunday. Spectators enjoyed a day of
music, dancing and fabulous floats during the annual Puerto Rican Day
Parade.

Hundreds of performers, local celebrities, youth groups, marched up
the Benjamin Franklin Parkway during the annual parade before ending at
the Eakins Oval near the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

 The annual parade is organized by the Council of Spanish Speaking Organizations of Philadelphia (Concilio).

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Philadelphia

Finley Catering Opens in Union Trust

Not too long ago there was a beautiful steakhouse that opening in Old City called Union Trust.

And then the economy dropped, then partners ate too much into the profits and the jeweled dwelling closed.

Earlier this year I broke the story that Finley Catering would be taking over the space.

The oyster bar is gone and now serves a different kind of  aphrodisiac – spirits.

Recently I photographed the JAM Event there, one of the first to occur in the new space.
Gone are the large supper club booths that lined the wall, the awkward bar on the first floor and the walls that divided the dining tables.
Now it’s more of an open plan, and I like it.
Upstairs there’s still a nice bar.
Gone are the tables on the Mezz level, and instead is replaced with a great area for a cocktail party.
There’s still a second floor private dining area.
The space is versatile to hold many different kinds of events.

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Philadelphia

Will there really be a Real Housewives of Philly?

The Gilmore Girls are coming to Netfliks on Oct 1. Now that’s a must see.

Take Vulture’s Gilmore Girls Superfan Quiz

Over the past few weeks the lovely ladies of Philadelphia have been telling me that “The Real Housewives” franchise has been contacting them to see if they would audition for the show. This has happened several times before and nothing came to fruition, but this time there might be something to it as I would discover.

It turns out that the maybe the Philadelphia franchise won’t be a real housewives project per se, more of a women in business reality TV. So if you’re self employed, independently wealthy, making things happen, just getting started and willing to put your life on display, this is your show.
I have a little advice for the ladies….(some of whom have been asked, some haven’t, some I’ve left off as they just can’t do it cause there’s no deleting a gotcha statement on TV.)

Being fairly wealthy or having a sugar daddy (I’m looking at you so many housewives but Nene comes to mind) might help, you have to go to all those parties and wear so many outfits.
Maria Papadakis and Sabrina Tamburino are two of the young Real Housewives always mentioned when these show’s come to town. Neither one are going to do it, but should. I remember going to NYC to pick out a dress for Maria and she could have been on that dress show hot or not or something like that, but she was not willing to have a public disagreement with her mom or friends for TV.
 It’s not a good idea to take loans out to pretend your rich, or skip on paying your taxes like say the alleged charges against Teresa Giudice, but after she gets out of jail she can reinvent her life. (I took this shot at a wedding expo last year of all places.) 
 
Gogo Morrow is perfect for the show – she’s on the brink of stardom and this will get her over the hill quicker than say Danity Kane.

Flair: Sarah Doheny, YUBr , she knows a thing about reality tv after working with Bam Margera on his wedding for MTV.

Maybe your a beautiful model, spokesperson like Kharisma McIlwaine.

Jill Rizen, stylish, confident and says what’s on her mind in the nicest way.
Erin Elmore, lives in a penthouse overlooking the square and her son’s name is Royce. She’s a QVC personality, and she was on Donald Trump’s Apprentice show. Her friends are the socialites of Rittenhouse Square. I’d have to add Kristin Foote (r) as a potential castmate. She’s in real estate with an office on Rittenhouse Square. She knows where the skeleton’s are buried. She holds court at Rouge.

 Susan Helfich, she runs celebrity cruises, no really with celebrities. She also goes to Sundance and Cannes film festivals.
 Amber G. stylish, hot husband, married in Newport RI and sweet with an iron fist successful.

 Christie Honigman, The Honigman Group. Successful, beautiful, well connected and tough as nails. “Don’t Mess With Me Fellas.”

Lisa Moreno-Dickinson,C.A.I.D Foundation and Jen Groover, entrepeneur. These two are succeeding in a man’s world. They played to win, you’ll never see them sweat.

PHILLY’S FORMER “Mob Wives” star, Alicia DiMichele, owns two clothing stores and runs in a colorful crowd – here she is with  Natalie Merlino. I’d like to see her back on TV with her take no prisoners attitude, and popular personality. She has a lot of engagement with her fans.
Dana Spain, founder of the Pennsylvania Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). Recently she’s been delving into real estate as a developer. She’s a no nonsense, straight to the point lady, reasonable but pulls no punches. We’d learn a lot about life and business from her.

Tim Adams, co owner of Penn 6 (r), everyone needs a gay best friend and he’s hysterical.

Atlanta born Amber Hikes, founder of Philly’s Stimulus parties, the hot monthly lesbian soirees. She’s also chair of the William Way Center‘s resource development committee, a member of the Philly Dyke March planning committee, and in 2013 was honored after being named grand marshall of Philly’s Pride parade.

Beth Shak (L): We’d finally get a chance to check out those shoes worth a million bucks.
Everyone in this photo. I’ve been to parties where men fight over each of these girls and chairs have gone flying and it wasn’t even Mercury Retrograde. Kim Perri, Megan Heaton and Lindsay Furman and Allison LaValla

 

Kathryn Roberson (r), business women, well connected, and able to handle any nitpicking nit wit.
Jamie Reibenbach (L) – Her FB Page yesterday:
Rosh Hashanah Dinner part deux…. ‪#‎jelloshots‬ ‪#‎yummy‬ ‪#‎reibenbachsinthecity‬ ‪#‎jewishnewyear‬ ‪#‎tofulltomove‬ ‪#‎shanatova‬ ‪#‎muchneededstomachpump‬
and who doesn’t love her 
#‎jamieism‬ Everyone can’t go where you’re going in life. As you mature, change comes. As you make changes some friendships will come to an end……

Oh wait there’s Erin Elmore (r) again, have these two ever had a cat fight?

Reality Show alumni Dom Streater  the winner of Project Runway season 12, she’s making her way up the velvet ladder. She just presented at NYFW Spring 2015, and is working on her Fall 2015. She’s a chameleon, every time I see her it’s a different look, personality, she’s finding her way. She’d be perfect for a reality show, maybe one of her own too.
I hear Will Smith’s sister Ellen Smith, (c) and Terri Matthews, Jaden’s Voice (r) might be on this show. Here the two women are at Nicole Miller’s XIX Most Fashionable Women. If you click on the title it will take you to the column on Philly Mag where you will find another women who will be on the show. The first person to guess right in the comments I will give you a pair of tickets to Mike Jerrick’s Ya Gotta Try this event on October 2.

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Philadelphia

Gay-Bashing Victims’ Beautiful Statement Read at the Rally on Thursday by Caryn Kunkle

I attended the Brian Sims’ rally, held to support the victims and to call for the passage of hate crime legislation, it was held at
2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25 in LOVE Park. Over 300 people from all walks of life came out to support the rally. Caryn Kunkle, friend and spokesperson for the
victims spoke on their behalf. She gave me what she read at the rally, as well as the official statement from the two victims below.

My name is Caryn Kunkle: I’m going to paraphrase here. 9/11 always meant something to her, especially as a volunteer fireman in Abington, Pa. where she met Friend A who also volunteered there and is an artist like Caryn. Friend B, is a culinary artist and the two of them are adorable together. She goes on to talk about what 9/11 means to her today after her two friends were beat up by a group of young people who came to the City to have a good time, and ended up shouting gay slurs at them while they beat them up. Caryn was equally appalled that the PA Hate Crime Law doesn’t currently protect gay people. Soon after finding out she started a petition on Change.org to raise awareness of the transgression….It is a privileged to read the following statement from her two friends.

We, like everyone else in this world, would never want nor welcome being attacked for who we are. But, if we had to pick one city to be beat up for being gay, it’s Philadelphia. More importantly, if there is one city where this will never happened again, it’s Philadelphia.

To everyone who has reached out to us during this time, thank you. Thank you so much. Your care, concern, encouragement and support have not gone unnoticed. And while this has been an overwhelming and tragic experience, we’ve been touched by genuine brotherly love- the foundation of this beautiful city- expressed to us by so many.

Everyone keeps saying that they are sorry this happened to us. But the truth is, we’re sorry. We feel sorry for out attackers – people who believed it was ok, cool, maybe even funny to use two innvocent individuals as their punching bags,  and not even have the decency to apologise. Words are powerful. A simple “I’m sorry,” would have went a long way for us. But at this point, the only words we’ve heard from you are “Dirty Faggot!”

You butchered my boyfriend’s beautiful face. You violated our rights, You jeopardized our healthy and safety, in a city that we love and during a time where so much progress around human rights has been made.

Despite the pain and disappointment we are doing ok. Black eyes, broken jaws and brusied bodies heal. Plus we have some very good doctors that know what it means to look good and are getting us back to that status! We are undoubtedly in good hands and are on the road to recovery.

We returned home in shock. Our door was constantly swinging, news stations camped out in front of our home while detectives and police officers became regular visitors. It has been very difficult. We are merely two hard working, successful and private young men who look forward to returning to their normal lives.

We didn’t feel the need to share our sexual orientation, because it doesn’t define us, it’s a part of us. We are two everyday guys that happened to fall in love with each other. It shouldn’t be a big deal. You can’t help who you love, so why not be proud of and delight in the love that surrounds you every day. Senator Ferlo thank you, We’re gay too…so get over it – everyone!

We are also determined to do everything in our power to make sure this doesn’t happen to anyone else again. We have chosen to keep our names and faces out of the press because this isn’t about us. It’s about everyone who came before us and everyone who is standing next to us. For the gay citizens of Philadelphia so they don’t have to fear walking the streets to get a piece of pizz. Also for all the kids who get called a fag in high school by bullies, and for all of the guys and girls who are afraid to come out and be who they are because of jerks like this.  If we can teach or inspire anything please don’t be afraid to be yourself.

A personal friend of ours who is a closeted gay guy recently shared taht he has been afraid to come out because he is petrified somethign like this will happen to him. We will carry this torch for him, and everyone else in his position. No one should be ashamed of who they are. No one should be scared to love who you love. No one should live in fear. Be who you are. Love who you love, and be proud of it!

By adding sexual orientation to the Pa hate crimes bill this will add protection for the LGBT community in this wonderful city. We wated this bill passed yesterday, but  we will settle for today.! We urge lawmakers to pass this bill to protect the LGBT people of this city. Everyone in Philadelphia deserves equal rights, including equal protection. It stops here. It stops today. It stops now.

Check out more photos from the rally over at G Philly