Calling all Philly Fashionistas and beyond. There’s an event that needs to be on your radar and it’s happening soon. Lots of the coolest local retailers will be under one roof and offering up to 40% off, plus lunch, lounging areas, and beauty treatments. Philadelphia Magazine hosts The Philly Mag Shops, Philly’s ultimate designer-warehouse sale, Oct. 5th from 12-3pm. Philadelphia Magazine Lifestyle & Shoppist Editor Emily Goulet answers all our burning questions – from what to wear, to what to keep an eye out for.
I missed the last one and a friend made me so jealous once I saw all the amazing styles she left with. What can we expect to see this time around?
We have over 30 boutiques and designers this time, ranging from well-known shops (Knit Wit, Third Street Habit, Vagabond) to some new shops that have just opened in the past year or two (Element Six, Jade’s Closet, Style Camp). Also, we noticed that shoppers last year loved to grab some smaller gift-y goods like candles, frames, etc, so we’ve brought in a handful of great home shops this year, like Omoi Zakka Shop and Occasionette.
This is a pretty special event. It’s not everyday that so many boutiques and shops are under one roof. For those of us not familiar with all the shops, what can you recommend?
I’m really excited to see what Style Camp brings. They carry incredible pieces that are under-the-radar luxe; many of their pieces are wear-forever classics, with a few crazy standout pieces. I love them. If you’re a shopper who gravitates towards very classic, preppier styles, Mettlers has a sort of Ralph Lauren, Ivy-prep aesthetic, but with just enough dashes of trend-focused stuff. I got an amazing wool coat with leather sleeves there last year. It has that handcrafted, American heritage appeal to it. For trendy, girly pieces, Geisha House is perfection. Last year, they killed it with accessories, too. For a breezy, more bohemian look, head straight to Third Street Habit. And for every cocktail dress you could ever want, go to Nicole Miller’s space — they’ll be set up in their fashion truck! The modern, androgynous girl should definitely stop at NINObrand’s shop. She’s a local designer who makes total standout pieces. She’s one of my favorite designers, and I’m so happy she’s a part of it.
As if sale shopping couldn’t get better, there will also be food and bubbly. What will shoppers be snacking on? Do you recommend shopping first before partaking in the other activities or will there be enough styles to go around?
The great part about this event is that shops restock their merchandise all day, so there’s no need to rush in and shop. Take your time, enjoy the lounge areas (these are going to be FANTASTICALLY cool), and definitely enjoy the food. We’ll be serving up champagne and cocktails, made-to-order paninis (think: prosciutto and smoked mozz, roasted turkey, or fire-roasted veggies), a bunch of salad options and sparkling beverages.
What kinds of beauty treatments will be available?
The beauty treatments were such a hit last year! We’re bringing in even more beauty people so that everyone can enjoy them. Lacquer Lounge will be doing nail art (these girls are so good at what they do), Verde Salon will be doing braids and buns (my tip: sleep in your braid and wear it to work the next day), and the amazing Beke Beau will be doing makeup. She does the perfect smoky eye.
Love that tip! It sounds like the perfect girl’s day. What do you recommend wearing?
Be comfortable! Wear things you can easily change in and out of (a button-up shirt over a tank is great—you can quickly take off the top and wear the tank to try on pants, skirts, etc). If it’s chilly out, feel free to bring a coat — we’ll have a coat rack so you don’t have to lug it around all day.
Good to know. Any designers or items in particular you think will go fast or budget-friendly items to keep an eye out for?
I’m super-excited for The Atelier, a e-shop of a local fashion illustrator. She makes these adorable fashion-focused prints, stationery (think: cards with tiny Valentino Rockstud flats painted on them) and mugs (seriously, the cutest things ever), and they’re all so well-priced. You can buy the whole lot. I’ve already bought a few prints for my home and office, and I plan on getting more. I think people will go nuts for her stuff. Project Runway’s Dom Streater will be there with her collection — and it’s so good. Also, surprisingly inexpensive! Eaves has really great jewelry and shoes, and Knit Wit is where you’ll score high designers for crazy prices. (Last year, I got a 3.1 Phillip Lim long wool moto-esque vest for a crazy-low price.) Aoki’s pieces are extraordinarily low priced. You can really stock up here!
And I see this event has a philanthropic component and will be taking clothing donations for Career Wardrobe. What kinds of items can guests bring to help?
Guests can bring any sort of gently worn professional clothing. Matching business suits (you know, the plain gray Banana Republic suit you bought for your first job interview and never wore again?), skirts, pants, blouses, button-ups, scrubs without logos, coats, shoes, bags and jewelry. Really, it’s the best reason to finally purge your closet.
Thanks Emily for all the details on this event. Can’t wait to check it out for myself!
Click to buy tickets and for more details. Or try to win! Shoppist is giving away two tickets to The Philly Mag Shops.
