On behalf of the 3 Nerds, it is my pleasure to invite you to our re-launch of Reservation: Weekly VIP Party Style Brunch this Saturday afternoon at Valanni Social. The festivities kick off at 2pm and will go until 6pm
RSVP & Info Updates
Last Friday night folks were clamoring to get into one of the seasons most anticipated invite only parties held during The Philadelphia Collection – The Joan Shepp soiree.
Joan Shepp is an innovator, a trail blazer and one of the folks that can be tied back to the revitalization of shopping downtown 
Center City when she opened her boutique on Walnut St some 12 years ago. (She had a shop on the Mainline, then Elkins Park, finally bringing it all downtown in 1999.) Above: Joan Shepp with jeweler John Wind. I think both of their biggest client is Lynsie Solomon who is a walking Shepp/Wind testament to their good taste.
What’s most impressive of the clothing that Joan Shepp offers is that in addition to high-end designers, there are also offers high-quality basics—from traditional black trousers and the perfect little black dress to the most fabulous shoes, handbags, scarves and accessories, including being one of two stores that carries John Wind jewelery. Her shop is internationally known and most often when a celebrity, notable or tourist swings by Philadelphia, a stop at her store is on their itinerary.
I never miss the opportunity to photograph a Joan Shepp party. The guests range from the well heeled, to the student, to the chic to the I’m looking for a style and H&M is just not cutting it for me. Every women should have one beautiful piece of clothing to begin their collection, one pair of shoes that says I know what I’m doing, and I’m doing it with style. 
One of the nicest touches of shopping at Joan Shepp is the quality of service you will receive. From the moment you walk in, until the end of your shopping experience. I know first hand. I brought my mom in for a quick shop earlier that day, and after the initial greeting, which we acknowledge that we were just looking, the assistant allowed us to peruse the store without a bother until we asked a specific question, at which point she showed us several examples of fine quality items at various price points. Mom was looking for something more summery, as you may know she’s moving South Sunday and will no longer need mid-Atlantic weather clothing; the sales women was willing to go to the basement and see if they had anything there since Fall and Winter was currently on display. Two of her sales associates Elaine and Marlene flank a model.
Hats (Mia Colona)
shoes
scarves (Philadelphia Street Chic at it’s best)
and smiles is what I always find at Joan Shepp. I love little Ava’s style. She’s starting off on the right foot.
So it’s not hard to believe that nearly everyone who received an invite came out to support Joan and Ellen Shepp, and catch the latest styles
Styles by dressmaker Irina Sigal on right, with friend Ann Foote
Irina Sigal design (note the peeps clamoring for a peek outside?)
Philadelphia Style Publisher John Colabelli and fiance Lauren O’Dorisio
I was enjoying all the different kinds of shoes that walked into the party
and styles, which ran the gamut of high style, to business attire to personal style. It’s all personal style but I love to see a mix and match of elements of style like the lady in yellow, who is knows all too well what looks fabulous and isn’t afraid to be fashion forward.
I love a guy in a leather bomber (Alexander Oliver Hustin), clean cut hair and women who wear clothes that fit (Ilana Waber). I ran into Sheryl Lee Ralph this week, and she knows a thing about fashion. She told me if the clothes don’t look right on you, then take them off. I say, of course you need to have honest friends who will tell you, because sometimes people think they look fine, when in reality they look a mess and no one tells them and they end up in a twitter pix by me cause well I just want my readers to tell me if I’m wrong. I wanna know what good style is too, and am educating myself. ( I tweeted something like that that evening, and some person who follows me thought I meant Joan Shepp’s fashions were blah, and ran back to tell her. [Really, what’s that about. Maybe had she shown Joan the tweet that person’s reading comprehension might have been better?] 
Of course Joan Shepp found it hard to believe that I would say that about her or her store, and she was right. I was speaking about people, and specifically someone at the party. I think it’s always good to have a trusted stylist, friend or sales person help you in these cases. And of course when a handful of people say to you “You look great!” Well you just might be style talented in your own right and won’t show up on The Fashion Police Show.) You can follow me on Twitter @iPhillyChitChat
Blaire Baron and Alyse Bodine
Remy Berger and Alexandra Calukovic. Alexandra just celebrated her bday, and signed up for more classes at Koresh, which I hear is a kick butt class and enjoyable.
Heather Baumgardner, Elaine Grabar, Patricia Benitez, Jamie Reibenbach, Aly Green, Biana DeMarco, Dana Farrell, 
Michelle Davis and Kenneth Granderson
The end. Two more days of the Fashion Collection. I thought it was TERRIFIC. I don’t think I’ll ever go back to Spring NYFW cause there’s a whole bunch of fun fashion events right here in Philadelphia in September. _ You can follow me on Twitter
Maria Papadakis gave the most amazing speech last night at the dedication of the Papadakis Integrated Science Building
Check out my photos on Philly Mag
http://blogs.phillymag.com/the_philly_post/2011/09/21/hughe-dillon-drexels-papadakis-integrated-sciences-building/
Nestled on beautiful Washington Square, sits an ornate bridal shop named Unveiled Philadelphia. Owned by Frannie and Michael Erace, the new shop specializes in intimate, one-on-one professional attention in a comfortable, friendly space and houses couture wedding gowns, headpieces, veils, and accessories from designer names like Lusan Mandongas, Anais Collezioni, Katerina Bocci, and Angel Rivera.
Last Sunday Unveiled Philadelphia held a bridal fashion show at Cescaphe Ballroom in Northern Liberties. Special guest appearances by world renowned designers, Katerina Bocci and Angel Rivera.
Opening the show was the beautiful, detailed Tika dress from Katerina Bocci, its available to try on until this Friday at Unveiled. Most of the other dresses are there all the time, but that one was flown in just for the show.
Katerina Bocci and her beautiful designs. Unique and beautiful wedding gowns, veils and accessories…unlike anything you’ve ever seen in Philly before! – Jimmy Contreras 
Angel Rivera and one of his beautiful wedding dresses. Wilhelmina Philadelphia models with hair by the Robert Buckley Salon and makeup by Carie Brescia.
back stage the accessories are ready for placement
The front row was packed with folks from the media (Alana Tosti, Philadelphia Wedding and Brooke Sigmon), industry and
brides to be. Charlotte Scornaienchi and Andrew Erace who are taking the plunge in April.
Devyn Braver, Tami Braver, Joy Eglin and Madeline Quintiliana
Tiffany Brower, Celeste Abrahams and Carie Brescia
Heather Turnbach and Will Ball, Wilhelmina Philadelphia
Frannie Erace prepares one of the models for the runway
I like the versatility of this dress.
I love this dress – the event was spectacular, entertaining and
even included pyrotechnics.
To see these and many other beautiful gowns at Unveiled Philadelphia contact:
The Offices at the St. James
200 West Washington Square
Courtyard Entrance
2nd Floor, Suite 250
Philadelphia, PA 19106 267–216–6339
frannie@unveiledphiladelphia.com
Jimmy Contreras, Vlahos Pr, Angel Rivera, Designer, Michael and Frannie Erace, Katerina Bocci, Designer, and Matthew Vlahos, Vlahos Pr
This is an official event of The Philadelphia Collection. Which ends this Saturday. Check out tonight’s Phasion Phest, $50 The kick off of FBH at Kimmel Center (invite only), and Thursday is the Rittenhouse Row Fashion Show. $35
Philadelphia was abuzz when it was announced that Kimpton’s had acquired Philadelphia’s historic Lafayette Building on Independence Mall with plans to convert the 11-story office building into a 271-room, four-star Hotel Monaco. 
Built in 1906, the Lafayette Building is located directly across from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell and once housed a favorite lunchtime eatery called Benny’s. This will be Kimpton’s 2nd property in the City where they’ve taken a empty office building and converted it into a hotel. The first property is the Hotel Palomar located at 17th and Samson Streets. 
The guests visiting the site were given a choice of wearing a Phillies hardhat or an Eagles hardhat. Above: James Cuorato – President & CEO – Independence Visitors Center, Michael Rosenzweig – President & CEO – National Museum of American Jewish History, Amy Needle – President & CEO – Historic Philadelphia
Last week VIPs, hospitality peeps and the media were invited out to the site for the “Official Ground Breaking” to kick off the start of the progression towards completion. When Mayor Michael Nutter rolled in he was given a choice between the two hardhats. He told the guys I can not choose, I love both teams. He opted to wear the Intech construction company hardhat.
Amy Needle and Meryl Levitz, president and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation, greet the mayor.
Brett Coppol and Kristina Jenkins from Where Magazine see a lot of potential in the future.
Nick Gregory, General Manager Hotel Palomar Philadelphia – Director of
Operations at Kimpton Hotels, greets the guests in what will be the lobby of the Monaco Hotel.
A few of the guests that gathered to hear about Monaco Hotel, the first hotel built in Old City since the 2000 Hyatt at Penns Landing.
The hotel is anticipated to open in the summer of 2012, with 268 guest rooms, and will feature 12,000 square feet of meeting space, a 3,200 square foot ballroom overlooking Independence Mall, a restaurant, and a rooftop bar overlooking the most historic block in the country.
The honorable Mayor Nutter and Kimpton’s President and COO, Niki Leondakis do the honors at the ground breaking of the new Monaco Hotel in Old City. I can’t wait for the rooftop bar with the unobstructed views of Independence Hall and the City skyline.
“check in regularly with Monaco Hotel Philadelphia on Facebook for contests, prizes and more in our Spot The Monacans” (ie mannequins) Spot the Monacans around town and you can be eligible to win a variety of prizes.
Here’s a link to the Facebook Page to find hints about where the Monacans can be spotted in the future, around center City:
https://www.facebook.com/HotelMonacoPhiladelphia 
And the QR Code
Sunday night, is the
Eagles After Party vs Giants Edition::G Lounge:: 9.25.11 // Birthday Bashes for #28 Dion Lewis & #26 Jaiquawn Jarrett
Last week, and by that I mean Sunday a week ago, I braved the wicked weather to head out to G Lounge and a special appearance by the Philadelphia Eagles who did play away in St Louis earlier in the day, but flew back to kick off their Official Tail Gate after the game bi weekly home game party.
Joselio Hanson, Steve Smith, Jamar Chaney and guest arrive at the Philadelphia Eagles Opening Game Party at G Lounge in Philadelphia, Pa. Although this was an away game the guys made an exception and flew home in time to make the party. They arrived at the airport around 8PM, at which time I heard some of them got together and reviewed the game they just won, others caught the Dallas game, then arrived at the club at midnite dodging the raindrops.
Where the Eagles hang the ladies won’t be too far behind. It was also Stephanie Morrison’s birthday party. She’s looking fierce in her leopard outfit.
As I said in my coverage of this party last Wednesday, and by last Wednesday I mean 9/14 on Fox 29 Philadelphia: If you are Kijafa Frink and have that body, you can rock a white pants suit after Labor Day; here she is with fiance Mike Vick. Sure hope I can cover their nups.
Jasmine Webb and her girls rocking it out
Kijafa Frink, Carmena Ayo-Davies,Phila Eagles LeSean “Shady” McCoy and Steph Morrison (My thoughts are with the Vick family this week. Hoping for a speedy recover for Mike.)
Reggie Berry, Jeremy Maclin, Marcus Harris and Jackiem Wright (Happy Birthday Jacky) Reggie & Jacky are THE 400 PTM, a full service management team catering to the needs of high powered clients.
Drew “The Mayor” Carballo, manger at Del Frisco’s. I asked the mayor if it the story I heard about him was true. Did you hear the story about how one news channel stopped by Del Frisco’s a few weeks back. Seems they read on Twitter that the mayor was working that Wednesday night, and they jumped to the conclusion that Mayor Nutter was maybe doing that show “Undercover Boss” or something like that. They pulled up in their truck and waited outside. When a manager came out to inquire what was up, the news station asked if the mayor was inside working. Finally after a few moments the Del Frisco’s manager realized what was happening and explained that their manager Drew’s nickname was “The Mayor”.
Last Tuesday the Philadelphia Airport aLOFT hotel hosted Vince Young’s first charity event in Philadelphia for his foundation, The Vince Young Foundation. The Vince Young Foundation is committed to providing the support students need to be successful and productive leaders.
For $25 fans got to meet several sports celebrities including Michael Vick, Vince Young, LeSean McCoy, and Brent Celek, win prizes, meet Eagle’s Swoop, enjoy live music by No Question and 
enjoy delicious food prepared by Executive Chef Tim Jones, including Vince Young’s own BBQ. 
Did you know the new Philadelphia Eagles back up quarterback, Vince Young has his own line of smoked sausage, brisket, and ribs. You can check out his site, Vince Young Meats. I tried his Bawling Brisket and it was the best. Currently Vince has a restaurant in his home state of Texas, but I’d like to see one open up in Philly. Delicious!! Maybe Percy’s BBQ could carry it? Above Vince Young is interviewed by Live 97.5 The Fanatic on The Mike Missanelli Show (2pm – 6pm).
The event came about because of the long friendship of Nina Timani Director of Sales and Marketing/Six Sigma Greenbelt/Sheraton Hotels and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, Michael Vick. (Our thoughts are with the Vick family. Hoping for a speedy recover for Mike.)
Another fan of Mike Vick’s was staying at the hotel, and that was Cuba Gooding Sr. He was in town with his group The Main Ingredient, (you know the song “Everybody Plays The Fool” right, that’s them!) When Cuba approached Vick he said, “When my son was in Jerry McGuire and he said ‘Show Me The Money’, he was talking about you Michael Vick!!”
6ABC’s Sports Anchor Jamie Apody and Frank Burton.
Moms Sue O’Donnell and Eileen Mastrogiovanna are pinch hitters for their sons who they just moved into Drexel University for the semester and said they would go to the aLOFT event and get graphs from their favorite quarterback Mike Vick.
Nina Timani holds up the newly issued Mike Vick plus doll, which is NFL approved states Vick after he inspected it, cause if it’s not NFL approved he’s not signing it. We sometimes forget that the NFL is a business and contracts rule. Vick is studying the doll intensely.
Stating that it looked pretty good, almost like looking in a mirror, not.
Brent Celek was in the house signing for fans too. Keleigh Nelligan was excited to meet him.
Earlier this summer Phillies Shane Victorino and aloft and Sheraton Suites Philadelphia airport teamed up to promote the Flyin Hawaiian room package. Aloft Philadelphia Airport and Sheraton Suites Philadelphia announced that the Shane Victorino Foundation will benefit from a new program being offered at both hotels. Beginning on June 8 and running throughout the remainder of the Major League Baseball (MLB) season, as well as the playoffs and World Series, the hotels will offer guests the “Flyin’ Hawaiian Room Package,” which includes free high-speed Internet, free parking, and, the highlight of the special, an autographed baseball by Shane Victorino with a letter of authenticity. Some proceeds from the room rate will go towards the Shane Victorino foundation.
Coverage on Fox 29 Philadelphia of the aLOFT event as well as the Bi-Weekly G Lounge Eagles Game After Party. Every home game the players and their friends will party at G Lounge Sunday’s night.
Friday Kisses for Kyle Foundation and Philadelphia Eagles Brent Celek and Todd Herremans have teamed up for an evening of fun on 9/23 at the 879 Lounge in the heart of Old City Philadelphia! Kisses for Kyle celebrity representative LeSean “Shady” McCoy will also be on hand for the 8 – 11PM event. $35 pre purchased.
Summer suddenly, or in some folks opinions, finally turned into Fall last night after a few thunderstorms raced through the region. Then we were all treated to a wonderful sunset 
and double rainbow. 
Hope you saw it. I then did a quick run thru of the Menzfit Celebrity Fashion show at the Dockside Condo’s 
and just want to touch on what a great organization it is. Rhonda E. Willingham, the President and Founder of MenzFit and many board members were in attendance like Brian Lipstein, Henry A. Davidsen Custom Clothier, who PHILLYCHITCHAT readers have met before at the many Menzfit donation cocktail parties that he holds through out the year.
A few of the volunteers from Menzfit, an organization that like my buds over at Career Wardrobe, outfits men who are entering into the workforce after trying times.
Helping out is CBS 3’s Ukee Washington, who participated in the fashion show featuring clothes from Brooks Brothers
I think Dancing with the Philadelphia Stars is up next for Ukee Washington
Actor Anthony Horton appearing in the movie “Rélasumé (The Relationship Résumé)” being filmed in Philadelphia now, walking the runway.
“Relasume,” actor Keith Sgrillo
“Relasume,” Director David Powell III also strutting his stuff
Then it was on to the next event, which was conveniently located next door at the Moshulu. The Children’s Crisis Treatment Center (CcTC) had a night at sea on The Moshulu at the 11th Annual “Cruise for the Kids!” Hosted by co-chairs Michelle Zou and Michael Ianni, the Cruise for the Kids will raise money for CcTC’s efforts to provide high quality, comprehensive mental and behavioral health services for Philadelphia’s children and their families. It was a regular
Love Boat, the only thing missing was Charo, but folks did dance to the live Caribbean-themed sounds of Verdict and DJ Francisco, as he spins in between Verdict’s sets.
Ori Feibush, OCF Realty and also the creator of the fun site Naked Philly (remember him showing up in a fox outfit at the Geek Awards – 31st pix) and Elise LeMay
Jessiva Cantlin and Wilbur Andrews.
Natalia Gamarra, Tony Valdes, Chief Executive Officer of CCTC and Stacy Jorgensen; Natalia is says it’s so great to see some of my girlfriends so in love and glowing by their man cos they make them happy. 
Noah Hoffman (Say good bye to Mr Hoffman as he’s moving to LA within weeks. Don’t worry he’ll still be keeping a place here for bi-coastal living.), Monique Crawford, Chris Saunders and Danielle Krupa
Cashman Girls were acting as Julie your cruise director aboard the Moshulu
Rachel Branson and David Dix, National Co-Chair at Generation Forty Four (Gen44)
CcTC is a private non-profit agency that specializes in providing behavioral health services to Philadelphia’s children and their families. CcTC’s staff is dedicated to guiding children, along with their parents and/or caregivers, to assist them in experiencing life to the fullest by addressing the impact of childhood abuse, neglect, traumatic events and other challenges that can affect childhood development.
Rachel Bisccia and Michael Pomerantz, Pomerantz Financial Associates.
I’m so far behind this week with events I might throw some up this weekend, like more Feastival photos. Also Thank you and big hugs to my Advertisers – CTO Entertainment, Secrets Limo’s, Del Frisco’s, Chris Gabello, Anne Nikolaus, RECESS, Phasion Phest, (Which is Wed 9/21), Chambord, According to Sherman, Skin Palette (Mention PCC for 25% off your first Spray Tan) Bellevue Sporting Club and the American Cancer Society, Their big event is 10/16/11.
Check out Today’s Philly Mag HughE Dillon: One Shot Today – One Shot is where I take one fun shot of something and it goes in my column in PhillyMag. These photos don’t always make it in PCC as they might not be at an event, they might be you eating at Rouge, or walking through the park, random things. Plus
Where will I be this weekend: Street Games 2011 11AM ParkWest Town Center; Free
Saturday Night: Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation at Trust 7PM $$
Sunday: Unveiled Philadelphia Bridal Fashion Show at Cescaphe Northern Liberties 2PM
Mention: PhillyChitChat in an email by Saturday nite 8PM to unveiled@vlahospr.com and get in for free.
Tuesday night at Arrow Swim Club the Philadelphia Fashion Collection Official Kick Off Party happened. Guests included Mayor Nutter, Melanie Johnson, City Representative and Margaret Hughes, Deputy City Representative, as well as Rakia Reynolds, and Nicole Cashman and plenty of model ready Cashman girls. Wednesday night began in full earnest with a Macy’s Fashion Show and then at 10 O’Clock the 3rd Annual Valanni’s Fashion Show at Vlanni’s 1229 Spruce Street. This year the show was called Project Vlanni
and as you can see the turnout was fabulous. Models wore many of the latest styles from Irina Sigal, Duke and Winston, Denim Habit, 611 Life Style and Paula Hian. 
The stylish and the
beautiful lined Spruce Street to catch the fashion forward models, including Jason Cichonski, Courtney Grant and Matt Bishop
Arthur Kade doing the MC honors.
eye candy
611, find it at Matthew Izzo
Kharisma McIlwaine and Anthony Henderson
Mike Jerrick and Donald Carter. Thursday night Mike is walking in a show himself for Menzfit at the Dockside Apartments along with NBC10’s Justin Pizzi.
NBC10’s Dave Warren, Ali Warren and Brendan Walsh. Brendan says come on out to and enjoy the final weeks of Brandywine Polo in Kennett Square any Sunday afternoon til October.
Lindsay Furman below Broad Street
ICandy boyz
Hacina Saadi and SHIRLEEN ALLICOT is the co-anchor of Action News at 4pm
Philly Daily News ‘ Philly Gossip Dan Gross, above with PR Princess Kate Ryan (Valanni’s PR), acted as judge, along with PGN’S Mark Segal and
The Feast’s Julia Davis and husband Jordan Czaska.
Enza DePalma, Mark Bolen and Rosie Stovall – Thanks for supporting PCC. If you want to be on the pages of PCC, just catch my attention, tell me you read me and you get priority to be in the next entry.
Tre Rios and Mohamed
Lucky Dog Studios owners Wayne and Donielle, did the set up and the decor.
Nigel Richards, DJ and clothing designer of 611, with Nicole Cashman (Philadelphia Fashion Collection PR) and DJ Eddie Tully. Until tomorrow night and a few more fashion shows. Oh one last thing, Hunter Pence came to Valanni’s Fashion Show to pick up girlfriend Shannon James, after landing in Philly from their 1-0 victory over the Houston Astros.
Monday was Nicole Miller Day in Philadelphia. First up
Was the XIX Most Fashionable Women in Philadelphia Party at XIX restaurant.
This year’s winners included:
Alana Tosti – Philadelphia Wedding
Beka Rendell – Style Creative
Dr. Bhavna Shymalan – The M Night Shymalan Foundation
Dr. DaCarla Albright
Holly Kinser – Executive VP SR Wojdak & Associates
Joan & Ellen Shepp – Fashion Shop
Karen Buccholz – VP of Admin Comcast
Lauren Pronger – Flyers Wives Charities
Lilliana Vazquez – Nate Berkus Show
Lisa Nutter – First Lady of Philadelphia
Nicole Cashman – Cashman & Assocs
Norrinda Brown – Brown Betty Founder
Nydia Han – 6ABC
Rakia Reynolds – Skai Blue PR
Randee Janiszewski – President of Randee Janiszewski Insurance
Risa Vetri Furman – DA of Montgomery County
Sabrina Tamburino Thorne – Finance and Budget Coordinator of GPTMC
Sharon Quick – Secretary of Rotary Club
Tina Wells – CEO & Founder of Buzz Marketing
Carol Drumsta, Brown Forman and Company, made an appearance in her stunning Nicole Miller outfit from this season. With her is Sam Milakofsky, Capital Wine and Spirits
Abby Siegel-Greenberg, Phila Business Journal and Donna Coghlan, Advance Staging Productions. More info from this event can be found on my Philly Mag column yesterday.
Then it was on to The Palm restaurant for the Philly Style Magazine party and unveiling of Nicole Miller and the magazine’s portrait. Above the NBC Girls Carie Brescia, Dawn Timmeney, Camille Cwienkala and Melissa LaLiberte
Karen Buccholz – VP of Admin Comcast, Ian and Linda Swain
Aly Green, Lindsay Kravitz
Megan Heaton and Kelly Burah
Internationally acclaimed designer Nicole Miller, wearing Nicole Miller with multi-business owner Mary K Dougherty as John Colabelli, Publisher of Philadelphia Style looks on.
Ann Catania, Ten Pennies Florist and Susie Celek
Chris DiGeorge, Heather Lee and Photographer Chris Gabello
BFF’s and co-workers at Capital Wine and Spirits: Kristin Conrad and Mackenzie Parker
Great place to have a party
Patricia Benitez, Laini Bianculli, Your Color Palette, and Bianca Dimarco, Your PhillyPhasionista
David and Jenine Neff
Steve Thorne and John Westrum
Don and Renee Freeman, with Glen and Marisa Stevens
Lynsi and Evan Solomon and Erin Elmore. When are we going to see Erin on QVC again?
Sharon Coia, Mary Dougherty, Sabrina Tamburino-Thorne, Carol Tamburino and Jim Haney, General Manager of The Palm
The Next Generation of Ones to Watch: Jesse Rendell, Nicole Paloux, Beka Rendell, Lilliana Vazquez, Patrick McGrath and Charles Paloux
Not a Bachelor much longer: Reid Rosenthal
Former Miss Philadelphia 2009, Ryann Richardson.