eBay Mobile Boutique: 10 To-Dos in Philadelphia This Season

By Marni Manko
November 16, 2009

Philadelphia is not only home to the Liberty Bell, the Rocky statue and the most deliciously fattening cheesesteaks on the planet, but it also offers a host of cultural activities and shopping experiences that belie its old-school rough-and-tumble reputation—especially during the holiday season. From the twinkling colored balls hanging high on Rittenhouse Square’s treetops to the quaint, present-filled boutiques lining Old City’s cobblestone streets, Philly embraces this festive time of year. Along with the eBay mobile boutique, which stops in the city on November 15^th and 16^th, here are ten things to do right now to get the real Philadelphia story.

1. LAGOS Sample Sale

441 N. Fifth Street, 215-925-1693 www.lagos.com, November 15^th from 12 pm to 5 pm

We know that you’ve never seen a sample sale that you wouldn’t bare all for, but how about one where you can actually keep your clothes on? Philly’s own LAGOS—designer of totally affordable luxury silver and gold jewelry and chunky baubles—is holding its annual Holiday Sample sale this weekend. Expect half-off deals and massive discounts on everything from one-of-a-kind samples and prototypes to discontinued pieces. But be sure to put on your game face. With an estimated 2,000 people trying to score that $800 blue topaz ring for less than $400, it’s time to put all seasonal niceties aside. Or you could just get in line early.

2. Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show

1101 Arch Street, 215-418-4700 www.pmacraftshow.com, through November 15^th from 10 am to 5 pm

Considered one of the finest contemporary shows in the country, PMA’s 33rd annual Art Craft Show, held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, includes work from 195 of the finest craft artists around. Wander the aisles and you’ll find items in at about every price-point, from sumptuous hand-knit scarves and gold-leaf necklaces to delicate hand-blown glasswork and large-scale pieces of furniture. Last year, we scored a totally toasty shearling coat and cashmere-lined angora mittens. And for those who just can’t pass up the opportunity to make a deal, there will also be an auction of 68 specialty items, including necklaces, handbags and wall art.

3. Diana: A Celebration at the National Constitution Center

525 Arch Street, Independence Mall, 215-409-6700 www.consitutioncenter.org, through December 31

As far as style icons go, not many hold a candle to Princess Di. Honoring her extraordinary life, the National Constitution Center is holding Diana: A Celebration, a 10,000-square-foot exhibition exploring Princess Diana’s childhood, her mad love for her kids, her tumultuous relationship with Prince Charles and her selfless humanitarianism. Of course, no retrospective would be complete without an inside peek into the her wardrobe. Check out 28 of Diana’s most well-known gowns (Chanel, Versace), her diamond-studded tiara, and the mother of all wedding dresses—her unmistakable silk taffeta, lace and sequined gown, replete with 10,000 pearls and a 25-foot long train.

4. Fairmount Art Center

2501 Olive Street, 215-765-ARTS, 215-765-2787 www.fairmountartcenter.com

One-upping your friend’s holiday cards has become a bloodsport in some circles. Show them how a real original does it by creating your own couture cards at the Creative Cards: Handmade for the Holidays workshop. Bring the kids seven and older to this totally adorable art center (located right behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Rocky statue, natch!) and work with paper collage, ink applications, stamps and heat emboss to whip up holiday greeting cards that will make your friends green (and red) with envy. And while you’re there, check out some of the age-defying work in the Children’s Gallery. You can’t help but be inspired by these mini Picassos- and Calders-in-training.

5. Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival at the Academy of Natural Sciences

1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 215-299-1000 www.ansp.org, November 15^th from 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Yes, we too loathe engaging in any holiday activity that doesn’t end with a rather large shopping bag. But when the environment calls, we heed. The Academy of Natural Sciences has teamed up with local environmental groups to show eight films from Patagonia’s Wild and Scenic Film Program, with the hopes that they can inspire eco-consciousness in everyday life. But even if green isn’t your favorite color, there are tons of other things at the festival to keep you interested. Can you say cash bar and popcorn stations with yummy toppings? And be sure to check out the Academy’s unbelievable exhibit of live butterflies while you’re there.

6. Vagabond Boutique

37 North Third Street, 267-671-0737 www.vagabondboutique.com

Pioneers in the transformation of Old City’s Third Street into a super-cool shopping destination, this totally laid-back shop offers a mix of trendy new urban/boho pieces and vintage wares, plus a dose of crafts created by local artisans. Some of our faves include J Brand jeans, Dolce Vita shoes and dresses by Twinkle by Wenlan, but on a recent trip, we picked up some to-die-for vintage crushed-velvet blazers and ruffled shrunken shirts—perfect for holiday party circuit. And be sure to head around the corner afterwards to pick up one of Brown Betty’s utterly scrumptious red velvet cupcakes.

7. The Women of Philly Beer @ Fork

306 Market Street, 215-625-9425 www.forkrestaurant.com, November 16^th at 6:30 pm

Who says that girls can’t enjoy a cold one after a long day of bargain hunting? Authors Christina Perozzi and Hallie Beaune are launching their new book, The Naked Pint, by joining gastronomic forces with Philly’s finest female brewers and chefs for a night of delectable food and beer pairings. With offerings like spicy tuna confit with capers on focaccia toasts ·paired with an American Pale Ale, or chocolate caramel tarts with lemon-thyme chantilly cream paired with a Chocolate Stout, Old City’s beloved Fork restaurant will be the place to kick back with a few brewskies—female style.

8. Meditation: Free Weekend Urban Retreat at the Sri Chinmoy Centre

1515 Brandywine Street, 215-425-3300 www.srichinmoycentr.org, November 15^th from

11 am to 4 pm

Sometimes even the most intrepid shopper needs to take a breather and allow herself some time to regroup. Stop by the Sri Chinmoy Centre during this free (!) retreat and let the masters guide you to complete relaxation. Geared towards both the beginner and the practically-pro, the retreat incorporates yoga techniques with music and guided visualizations to help you focus on the things that really matter. After all, you’re going to need a clear mind when braving the lines at Rittenhouse Square’s Barney’s Co-Op later that day.

9. PHAG

1225 Walnut Street, 215-627-0461 www.thephagshop.com

With wares as cheeky as its name, PHAG (Philadelphias Home and Garden) has hands-down become the city’s schizophrenic go-to place for all things beautiful, kitschy or downright dirty. With everything from fabulous hand-woven mod rugs, gorgeous Venetian mirrors and eco-friendly soy candles, to Wall Street action figures and cinema classics shower curtains (Psycho anyone?), you can get lost for hours wandering the store and picking out gifts for literally everyone on your list. Be sure to head upstairs and check out the brand-new Men’s Mezz level. But maybe you should think twice about those Ginch Gonch “Tiger’s Wood” low-rise briefs you picked out for your man.

10. Reading Terminal Market

51 N. 12th Street 215-922-2317 www.readingterminalmarket.org

Nothing quite embodies the cultural melting pot that is Philadelphia like the Reading Terminal Market, a public market housed in a historic railroad shed in the heart of downtown Philadelphia (right next to the massive Convention Center). Pick up some imported table linens from Provence at Contessa’s French Linens or an out-of-print book from Miscellanea Libri used bookstore. Then reward yourself with an authentic Amish whoopee pie from Beiler’s Bakery (you haven’t tasted heaven until you’ve indulged in this chocolate yumminess) or a 15-year-old nutty hunk of gouda from Salumeria. And be sure to stop by Center Court on November 15^th from 12 pm to 2 pm to be serenaded by the Bill Noren Jazz Trio.

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