Cynthia Gouw
Attention fellow beauty bargain-istas: Friday, June 18th, is the grand opening of the new ULTA Beauty store in Horsham, and if you're one of the first one hundred customers to show up at the store, you'll get a gift certificate ranging from five dollars to one hundred bucks! The store is also offering all sorts of freebies all weekend long, including makeovers, hair consultations, and Dermalogica Face Mapping (a process that uses the past and present condition of your skin to prescribe a personalized at-home skin care regimen).
Cynthia Gouw
Memorial Day weekend marks the official start to summer—at least in my book—and with the sweltering temperatures we’ve been having here in Philly lately, I’m ready to break free of my beauty routine and embrace the old saying “less is more.” Less make-up, less products, and yes, less clothing (hey, it’s hot!).
So I’m excited to hear about some new products from Walnut Street’s purveyor of all-natural, not tested on animals, 100% vegetarian cosmetics, LUSH. The self-professed “cosmetic-deli” just debuted lighter-than-moisturizer solid facial serums (one for oily or acne-prone skin and one for sensitive or aging skin), as well as four new make-up color bases (called Colour Supplements) that can be custom-blended with any of their facial moisturizers to make—voila!—tinted moisturizer. Goodbye, three- or four- product ritual; hello, make-up simplicity.
Cynthia Gouw
Sizzling sunshine, beckoning beaches, and sexy cocktails in the city! It’s pedicure weather and we got the style report for this summer’s hottest shoe trends. Check out all the looks at SnapGlow.TV’s “Sexy Summer Shoes” photo gallery.
Cynthia Gouw
Attention, All Fashionistas -- Trunk show alert this Sunday!!
"3 by Three," made up of up-and-coming Philadelphia designers Melissa D'Agostino, Rachel Sherman, and Janell Wysock, hosts a collaborative trunk show to celebrate wearable art and to provide fashion-conscious women an innovative approach to expressing their own individual style. The dynamic designing trio, all of whom studied at Moore College of Art and Design, has an intelligent take on textiles, focusing on the fabric and how it best works to flatter and fit the body. Oh lala!
Melissa D'Agostino of D'Agostino, boasts an comfort-chic aesthetic, mixing shibori prints and abstract patterns on a range of lush materials. Her use of draping is particularly swoon-worthy, juxtaposing organic layering with a tailored form.
Rachel Sherman of Malagueta, concentrates on the movement in her collection, featuring a fabulous series of vibrant colors and fluid lines. Sherman's colorful creations are especially enticing for spring and summer, as they sizzle to elicit a bold statement that is funky yet feminine.
Janell Wysock of Wysock's Wearables, takes a micro-approach in her designs, making fine art within the fibers of her material. Wysock has a knack for using obsolete media in textile -- such as weaving audiocassette tape into her creations! - establishing a signature style that is both environmentally sustainable and artistic.
The "3 by Three" Trunk Show will be held Sunday, May 23rd, 11am to 5pm, at Material Culture, located in the Philadelphia Design & Distribution Center. The trunk show will showcase current collections from each of the fab designers, while offering handcrafted, custom-order pieces and samples for purchase. And of course, like any trunk show worth visiting, there will be light refreshments served at the event!
So set your alarm clocks this Sunday, ladies and don't miss out on this wardrobe-inspiring opportunity!
For more information on the "3 by Three" Trunk Show and the featured designers, visit www.3bythree.com.
Cynthia Gouw
Now that you've taken the first steps towards making your own dreams come true - and if you haven't, you should really read our last blog post and get on that, sister! - it's time to celebrate other Philly phemales who have accomplished theirs. On Thursday, May 20th, from 11am-2pm, the Women's Resource Center's fourth annual Leadership Luncheon is being held at the Union League, and it's sure to be inspirational!
For four reasons why, see this year's WRC leadership award winners, who are being honored not just for their own success, but for the difference they've made in the lives of other women:
There's Andrea A. Agnew, who is the Director of Diversity and Inclusion for Comcast Cable Communications in Philadelphia, and the President of the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Association of Multi-ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC), but who also finds time to lead her daughter's Girl Scout Junior troop for special needs and volunteer with numerous Philly organizations. Then there's Natalie de Vane, Vice President of Communications for Pfizer's Specialty Care Business Unit; Mary Schafer, a dedicated mentor; and Mildred E. Bell, who is a founding member of the Coatesville Cultural Society, a member of the Terri Lynn Lokoff Foundation, The Women's Referral Network, advisory board member of Chester County Domestic Violence and board member of the Women's Resource Center, and who also established an award for other women, the SHS "Women of Beauty and Dignity" award, which honors those who have taken the time to help others during their own struggles for success. Talk about impressive!
After supporting (and being awed by!) your fellow Philly sisters, there will be time to network with some of the three-hundred-plus business leaders and decision makers slated to attend the event. And, of course, you can treat yourself for being a fabulous, inspirational, and proactive woman in your own right with some shopping at one of the many vendors selling their wares at the event, or by putting your name in the pool for any or all of the beautiful themed baskets that will be raffled off at the luncheon. So there you have it, the WRC Leadership Luncheon: step two on the road to fulfilling your dreams!
Website: www.womensresourcecenter.net
Phone: (610) 687 - 6415 .
Cynthia Gouw
Ever picture yourself at the helm of a successful business, gazing out the window of your corner office at a sweeping view of the city? Us too. Unfortunately, you're not getting any younger sister, and it's time to make that dream a reality!Enter chic Philly-based (and women run!) branding agency, letter27. In a three-part crash course on branding basics, co-founders and business partners Staci Katz and Nicole McGann will show you everything you need to know about marketing the most important resources you've got: yourself and your ideas. Tickets run a budget-friendly $30 per session in advance or $35 at the door, and seventy-five bucks gets you into all three. In addition to a q and a session and one-on-one advice from a letter27 partner, there will be time to chat it up with your fellow ambitious Philly chicks. And did we mention that the workshops are being held at one of our fav Philly dens of decadence, the Naked Chocolate Cafe, on 18th street, and that there will be plenty of hors d'oeuvres? Yum!
So show up on Tue, May 18th, for the first workshop, "Who Are You (As a Brand)?", which runs from 5:30pm-7:30pm. Bring your dreams and your appetite. Because it's time to get that cafe-cum-bookstore-cum-doggie playland you've been dying to open off the ground...and there will be chocolate.
More info is at http://letter27agency.com or call 267-519-9407.
Cynthia Gouw
Spring is finally here! Let the search begin for the perfect pair of puddle-splashing galoshes, the ever-functional-yet-trendy trench coat, and colorful cardigans that would make a bag of Skittles jealous. To help satisfy your inner shopaholic without having to worry about next month's credit card statement. We've been waiting to peruse through the spring bargains at the Third Annual Old City Sidewalk Sale & Stroll!
From Front to Sixth Streets and Vine to Walnut Streets, the always fashionable Old City will be celebrating spring this coming Saturday and Sunday, 11am-6pm, for a two-day bargain-shopping, art gallery-hopping, and live music-bopping event! Over 50 merchants are participating at the Sidewalk Sale & Stroll, so be prepared to indulge in coveted discounts!
Third Street Habit, located at 134 North Third Street, will be offering 25% off beachwear, sandals and summer vintage. Down the street at Sazz Vintage, shoppers can enjoy a discount rack of men's and women's clothing priced at an irresistible five dollars! Meanwhile, the fabulous Three Sirens Boutique will be hosting a trunk show of locally designed jewelry.
In addition to spring acquisitions for your wardrobe, the Sidewalk Sale & Stroll also presents the perfect opportunity to stock up on other necessities for spring. The Papery, which SnapGlow.tv visited for Mothers' Day gift ideas, is presenting shoppers with 50% merchandise outside and 10% off all personalized stationary orders made during the event! Moko, the organically-inclined salon and spa located at 55 North 3rd Street, is offering a sale on European Skin Care Line Brown Earth products as well as 50-70% off an assortment of their eco-friendly soaps and bath oils. And, for that special pup in your life, be sure to stop by Bonejour for 25% off all nonfood pet items, as well as storewide clearance.
All in all, the Old City Sidewalk Sale & Stroll looks to be the perfect way to kick off spring (-- and hopefully in a fabulous new pair of shoes from one of the vendors)!
For more information, visit www.oldcitybusinesscollective.org/concrete5/index.php/visit-old-city/.
Cynthia Gouw
We settled in for a little chat with one of the hottest moms in Hollywood. Jessica Denay, celebrity mom and author of "The Hot Mom to Be Handbook," not only has hosted star-studded baby showers for dozens of celebrities including, Trista Sutter, Alison Sweeney, Angie Everhart and Brooke and Charlie Sheen, she also has some hot ideas for gifts for the hip mom in your life.
"Giving Mom time to herself, is the greatest gift you can give to a mother," says Jessica. Because moms are always constantly changing diapers and kissing boo-boos, they rarely find a moment to lavish time and energy on themselves. This Mothers' Day, the best gift to give a Mom is to watch the kids so she can have time to pamper herself instead of shopping for Pampers!
Gift certificates for an afternoon at the spa are always popular, as are restaurant certificates for a night out on the town with her girlfriends. Offering mom a few hours to herself, or drawing her a luxurious, uninterrupted bath (-- recommended with lavender candles) also make for great gift ideas. For the little ones, crafting a coupon booklet for Mommy, featuring coupons for free massages, room-cleaning sessions and quiet time, which is sure to be received with lots of hugs and kisses! After all, Jessica reminds us, "Little things go a long way."
Cynthia Gouw
Get thee to thy private jet and head to a private island for a kick-off to summer! Ya, ummm, right. For most of us, who could only long for that kind of travel, a little addition to one's wardrobe may be at hand as a fitting, yet more down-to-earth substitute.
Our video shoot at Piazza Sempione satisfied a bit of the jet-set longings, and thankfully it cost only a couple of bucks of gas to get me to the King of Prussia Mall. Their new store just opened next to Neiman Marcus, and this international Italian brand makes you feel like you've headed to a little resort with its crystal chandeliers, bumping music and clothing crafted with care.
Our SnapGlow.TV team filmed the top looks for the season. Reviewing the collection of stunning colors and casual-luxe styles, I felt myself transported to the Amalfi coast; aquas of the Mediterranean sea splashed onto breezy silks, while effervescent greens of tree leaves painted themselves onto cotton tunics and linen sheath dresses. Prices were on the higher side, thanks to the euro-dollar conversion (which is thankfully coming down a tad).
Kelly Van Zant of Piazza Sempione told me that African safari-inspired palettes are also a key trend this season. Laden with warm yellows, smoky browns, and vivid oranges reminiscent of sunsets over the Zambezi, the dresses transported you to your own personal safari.
The shoot went off without a hitch. However, afterwards, one of the models discovered she had lost her car keys and wandered around the mall looking for them. She came back with four men in tow who were quite happy to help out our damsel-in-distress. With the help of her manly-man team, she found the keys on the ground near the elevator and then jumped into her car and headed off into the sunset.
