Designer to Watch: Duke & Winston

'God Save the Duke'.

Duke & Winston was founded by designer Seun Olubodun in 2009. The Philadelphia-based clothing line (and limited dog line) provides casual, sustainable clothing for guys who favor substance, refinement, and practicality above the flashy styles that have flooded the men's market of recent. Inspired by the designer's upbringing in various parts of the world, Duke & Winston strives to create products that meet the expectations for quality and style that their customers have come to expect.

As a featured designer in the upcoming DesignPhiladelphia fashion show, I decided to interview the man behind Duke & Winston to find out more about the brand's unique designs:

Arcadia Boutique: From what part of the world do you draw the most inspiration?

Duke & Winston: I moved here from England when I was much younger and a lot of my graphic and brand inspiration comes from old British themes.

Arcadia Boutique: What got you interested in sustainable fashion?

Duke & Winston: My reasons are purely from a business standpoint - as a small company, I want to be aware of where all of my products are made, so it is better to keep production as close to home as possible. Not only is it easier to manage, but it saves me time to know that my printing is being done down the road and that my shirts come from a few states away.

You can check out more of Duke & Winston's products at their website http://www.duke-winston.com/, and look forward to seeing some of their fall/winter pieces at the DesignPhiladelphia fashion show on October 10th! http://www.facebook.com/events/410760185655756/

xo Alex

Coterie 2012

I met up with Ali & Elise yesterday in NYC for Coterie, Fall 2012.  We got to see a few of our favorite lines (Lauren Moffatt, Heather, Skunkfunk, etc) showing their Fall/Winter collections, and even a few summer collections!  Take a peek at a few of the photos I snapped in the madness of the day!




Left on Houston - notice the cape - an update on our best selling styles!





BLANK jeans - high waisted skinnies, colorful cords, and deep saturated colors!



Greylin



More Left on Houston



Ali & Elise's bags filled with lookbooks!!





Melissa Plastic Dreams!!



Doce Vita clothing



Entrance to Coterie



Dolce Vita boots - Fall and some current styles



Favorite Lauren Moffatt dress!



Ali & Elise pulling some Skunkfunk looks



Skunkfunk mannies



Lauren Moffatt Booth



Skunkfunk accessories



More BLANK



colorfulness at Dolce Vita!







Hello colorful heels..


Cheers,
Alex

Sage & Lilac - Spring 2012

I am so loving the presence of sage & lilac colored apparel.  Both colors are refreshing, yet not too overpowering for this transition period from winter.  Take a peek at a few our our newest arrivals, from Heather, new line TBA and more!

Elise Trench

TBA 

  $224.00

Hi Waist Palazzo Pant - Black!

Heather

 $134.00

Couture Straight Jean

James Jeans 

  $196.00

Debby Dress

TBA 

  $188.00

Clemence Blouse

TBA  

$148.00

Long Sleeve Raglan Tee

Heather

 $118.00

Jude Pants

TBA 

 $126.00

Double V Chiffon Top

Heather 

$94.00

Dorothy Dress

TBA 

 $218.00

cheers,
alex

Iosselliani Markdowns!

We just received Iosselliani's Spring 2012 collection, and need to make room for all of the mind-blowing, super amazing creations. Sooooo, that means new markdowns on past-season jewels! Take a peek! Plus, visit Rittenhouse for other sale styles!

Brass Pendant Necklace With Colorful Stones C55711AW

ON SALE: $298.00 

Multiwire Brass Bracelet with  Rhinestones & Studs B44911SS , $278

Rock Crystal, Skull & Tigerseye Necklace, $118

Mother of Pearl Chain Fringe Earrings O47611SS

ON SALE: $186.00 

Eagle & Stone Ring, $158

Attic Clearance Sale at Rittenhouse this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday!

Join us for our first annual Winter Attic Clearance Sale
upstairs at Arcadia Rittenhouse. Find Fall & Winter styles for
 up to 85% off on our 2nd floor, plus 15% store-wide on all full priced merchandise, including all new "pre-spring" styles in both store locations!

Guys, don't think we forgot about you! We are bringing our
men's clearance items to Rittenhouse for the first time ever. Styles from Penguin, Crate, SkunkFunk & Alternative Apparel
will be marked down 40% to 60%.
You can also shop select men's clearance items online.

The sale will run Friday, January 27th through Sunday, January 29th.

Can't wait to see you there!

xo,

Arcadia Babes

Can't make it to the shop? Use code SPRAYTAN to receive 15% off site-wide this weekend only!

Start Shopping

 

James Jeans Couture Straights

After months of waiting, our newest addition to our denim department has arrived!  Behold, the James Jeans Couture Collection, formulated by special denim-scientists to enhance fit  perfectly. What makes these jeans so spectacular? 

• Contoured waistband lays against your waist to smooth and shape and leaves no room for gaps between you and your jeans (peace-out peek-a-boo panties!)
• Trimmed inner thigh combined with specially constructed power denim suctions thighs
• Gentle inner lining and lifted behind helps mold your booty into it's perfect version
•  Uniquely angled belt loops

It may seem unthinkable, but I've tried these jeans on, and they really do work wonders. My thighs were thinner (and they weren't touching!), my butt looked better and higher.  I've never seen anything like this before, and I must get a pair for myself!

Couture Straight in Vesper Wash $196

Couture Straight in Vesper Wash $196

Cheers,
Alex

Chilli Lime Kale Chips

I saw this yummy (and healthy) recipe online the other day.  Kale is in season right now - so I think I will try and make this some time this week.  These baked kale chips are a really great snack loaded with calcium, Vitamin A, C and many other important nutrients. 

Recipe and Images via Inspiredtaste.net

Chili Lime Kale Chips

Baked kale chips are so easy and fast. You can season kale chips with many flavorings, in this case we lift the flavor of earthy kale with bright lime and smoky chili powder.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

Yield: serves 2-4

Ingredients

• 1 bunch Kale
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (the finer the better)
• zest of 1 lime
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• additional salt to taste

Method

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Remove the thick ribs from kale leaves then wash them thoroughly. Once washed, use a salad spinner to dry them completely (hand or paper towels will also work). If the kale leaves are not dry, they will steam instead of becoming crisp.
3. Tear the kale leaves into bite sized pieces then add them to a large bowl. Add olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon of salt then use tongs or your hands to toss the kale so the oil and salt distributes evenly.
4. Add the kale in one layer to a large baking sheet (you may need to work in batches). Then, bake in the oven until crisp, 10-12 minutes. If after 10-12 minutes the kale is not yet crisp, bake another 2-3 minutes, however, stay close to watch for the kale becoming overcooked/browned.
5. Remove the kale and while it is still hot, sprinkle with the lime zest and chili powder. Enjoy immediately.

I will be trying this soon!
Cheers,
Alex