Warm Weather Blast

This warm weather blast has not been very helpful in creating a winter wonderland just in time for Christmas. All the songs on the radio are singing of Frosty the Snowman and a White Christmas whereas all we're seeing are bare trees and half-dead grass from the recent snowfall. Think it will turn white before Christmas? We sure hope so! Either way, we're having a sale on sale items, which means you can take 20% off already marked down clothing. You can also take 15% off all party dresses AND sweaters, so whichever way the wind blows this week, we've got you covered!

Happy Holidays!

-The Arcadia Team

Realistic Resolutions

It's almost here but before we're all whisked away by the madness & splendor of the new year, let's take a step back and reevaluate our past new year's resolutions. If you're anything like me, you're probably guilty of making quite a few unrealistic resolutions impossible to keep up for a whole year. We've all tried at least a couple of the most popular resolutions and while some of us (obviously the more determined, I envy you) have succeeded, the rest of us have failed miserably and given up half way through February. If you've lasted until March I give you a lot of credit. So what's different about 2014? Why will this finally be the year we all make it through with our self-promises? Because they'll be realistic. Some of you may promise yourself to wake up at 5 am every morning to go on a jog, but in all honesty think of every single morning. Let me repeat that, every. single. morning. Even the ones after particularly enjoyable nights. Does that mean we'll see many more hungover joggers out there? I sure hope not, that's a safety hazard. This year, let's be real with ourselves and our loved ones. If you know you won't get up at 5 am every morning why even set that alarm? Try opting for an afternoon jog 3 days a week. Or hitting the gym for half an hour 4 times a week with plenty of resting time in between. Or instead of a no sugar diet, what about keeping desserts to a minimum? Some is still better than none. Small steps are always more efficient than large ones and you can eventually work up to that 5 am jog. Here's to 2014, the year of realistic promises and great achievements!

"I think in terms of the day's resolutions, not the years'." -Henry Moore

Until next time,

Lyssia

Lyssia's Wishlist!

Odette Jewelry: $94-$176, Kerisma Sweater: $62, Sultana Maria Necklace: $120, Melie Bianco Clutch: $55

Betsy's Arcadia Wishlist!

Prairie Underground Rain Blanket $264
Nirvanna Designs Hand warmers $29.50
Odette New York Atlas Cage Ring $132
Lucca Couture Horse Sweater $79

Odette Christmas!

We only have 5 styles left in our top selling jewelry designer Odette New York.  It was so nice to meet the designer Jennifer at the Capsule trade show and we are so happy that our customers have had such a great response to her jewelry. Need a last minute gift? Take our word for it and snag one of these Odette pieces!!

Odette New York is a Brooklyn-based jewelry line inspired by organic and industrial shapes, natural specimens, artifacts and primitive forms; made using ancient and modern wax carving techniques and hand fabrication. With an emphasis on artistry and craft, each design begins from a pencil sketch that is carefully translated by hand into wax like a small scale sculpture before being cast into materials as varied as recycled sterling silver, brass, bronze, diamonds, and 14K gold.

Founded in 2006 by artist Jennifer Sarkilahti, Odette jewelry is designed and crafted by hand in her Brooklyn studio. Sarkilahti studied fine arts, receiving her Master of Fine Arts in Painting from George Mason University and her hand-textured surfaces have become signature to the collection.

Odette New York jewelry is made in New York City.

Trendsetter Sweaters

Customers of Arcadia Spotlight: Lesley Grossberg

We haven't done one of our favorite blog segments in a while, Customers of Arcadia. So what better time to interview a lucky one of our lovely customers than when they're running around getting all their holiday shopping done? 

Recently, I was able to interview Lesley Grossberg. Lesley has been a good customer & friend of Arcadia for some time now and we think it's time to shine the spotlight on her. So without further ado, I present to you Lesley Grossberg!

Lesley rocking her Dolce Vita top and Seven Blooms skirt, in Rittenhouse

Q: Tell us about yourself; name, where you’re from, what you do.

A: I’m Lesley. I grew up in Lancaster, and moved to Philadelphia four years ago after spending most of my twenties in the South. I work as an attorney at an intellectual property boutique, focusing my practice on trademark and copyright litigation.

Q: Why do you love Arcadia?

A: The Rittenhouse location of Arcadia was just around the corner from my house. I think I stopped in for the first time after a run to Maxx’s Produce for vegetables. I’m heartbroken not to have that proximity to the store anymore!

I adore Arcadia for the thoughtfulness of Ali’s buying and the ethos of the designers she carries. As a copyright attorney, the theft of fabric prints and clothing designs by cheap knockoff stores drives me crazy, so I appreciate being able to support designers like Feral Childe and Mary Meyer who are truly original and pour so much creativity into what they do. Also, I am lucky enough to have found a wonderful personal stylist in Betsy, who knows my wardrobe better than I do at this point!

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?

A: I run marathons, and travel. Sometimes I even get to combine the two. In the past few years I’ve visited Italy, Brazil, Argentina, and Spain. In a few months I’ll go to France to visit a friend in Lyon and run the Paris Marathon. I enjoy hiking, cooking, and trying all the great restaurants Philly has to offer. I’m also a “band wife” and frequently end up at Dobbs or the North Star Bar to see the progressive rock band my husband and brother are in, http://www.tungstenphilly.com. 

Q: How would you define your personal style?

A: I posed this question to my friends because I was having trouble answering it. They came up with "quirky sophisticated professional." I love color. Although I have plenty of black, gray, and navy pieces (including a bunch of black-and-brown Mary Meyer dresses that I wear interchangeably with chestnut boots and a great leather jacket I bought in Buenos Aires), I really enjoy being able to wear cute, colorful dresses instead of a staid suit most days. I like to incorporate edgy touches, like a coyote-tooth pendant or a tie-dye scarf, into otherwise fairly conservative outfits. When I’m going out, I’m not afraid to mix prints or textures.

Q: What are some of your favorite basics? (Jeans, sweaters, etc.)

A: Stewart & Brown dresses have been a lifesaver for me in terms of an effortless, classic, and work-ready look. Plus they’re super comfortable and the material holds up well; I hate to iron, so wrinkle-free jersey is a winner.  

After work or at home on the weekends, I’m more likely than not in a Prairie Underground dress or tunic. They’re the coziest thing to wear all winter.

Stewart & Brown black dress in Madrid.

Q: What is your favorite Arcadia piece or look?

A: One of my favorite lines carried by Arcadia is Seven Blooms. The pieces are so fun, almost whimsical, but thoughtfully made and appropriate for just about any event or situation: office, date, or party, depending on how you accessorize.

Speaking of which, I really love the turquoise drop earrings I bought at Arcadia last spring. They add a pop of color to an otherwise basic outfit, and I think they look great paired with a contrasting orange top as well.

And I’d be remiss if I didn’t pay homage to my red Prairie Underground rain jacket. It’s my favorite travel companion (other than my husband). While I don’t wear a ton of red, I love the way this color stands out on an overcast day. The hood is huge—pretty and functional. 

Lesley in her lovely Prairie Underground rain jacket, Uruguay

Thanks for being such a great interviewee, customer, & friend of Arcadia, Lesley!
Happy holidays to you & your family, looking forward to seeing you soon.

Until next time,

Lyssia

Need Ideas? Here's Our Gift Guide!

Need some gift ideas? Check out our guide for the perfect present! 

Fa La La La Fragrances

Does your home smell like the holidays yet? Are you stumped for gift ideas? Do you have a person on your list that's particularly hard to buy for? Candles are always the answer! 15% off of all candles in the store and 20% off of all sale items now through Monday December 16th! 

Rockin' Rail Park Benefit

In terms of busy, this past week was definitely a hectic one. But who ever said busy wasn't fun? A couple days before the Northern Liberties Shopping Spree, Arcadia Boutique participated in a benefit event aimed to raise money for the Philadelphia Rail Park. Several beautiful models walked the runway representing looks from Arcadia, Commonwelath Proper, Bus Stop Boutique, and others. The fashion show was a huge success followed by a rockin' concert with special performances by Spank Rock, Birdie Busch, and New Sound Brass, among others. The five gorgeous models from Arcadia can be seen above, each representing a unique look. The night was filled with good fashion, good music, and most importantly, good company.

"Those who decide to use leisure as a means of mental development, who love good music, good books, good pictures, good plays, good company, good conversation - what are they? They are the happiest people in the world." -William Lyon Phelps 

Until next time,

Lyssia

Fashion Sensation, Fashion Inspiration

When you're trying to find some holiday party fashion inspiration, what better place than Arcadia Boutique? Recently my good friend Lindsey Thompson asked me for some ideas regarding an article she was writing for HerCampus Drexel. Since the first day of business class freshman year when I saw a petite, spunky, curly haired girl in an awesome outfit walk into the room, to the day we became friends and went shopping in center city, Lindsey has become a strong source of inspiration for my love of fashion. She makes her own clothes, studs her own sweaters, and can be spotted a mile away with those crazy curls bouncing on her head (which I will forever be insanely jealous of). Lindsey wanted to incorporate her love of 80's movies into a Holiday Fashion article encouraging girls to bring back the trends we all know and love. Immediately, I thought of all the great new & vintage items we have in the store, so obviously I suggested she come to Arcadia and allow her inspiration to roam free. Lindsey went above & beyond, showing up with an entourage of models (me included, see above, far right) and dressed us all with impeccable detail and an unwavering sense of style. Each outfit is a modern take on an 80's movie including Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Pretty in Pink, and her personal favorite, The Breakfast Club. The article just came out this past Monday and I thought I'd share it for everyone to see. This girl's got a vision we can all benefit from. So from the 80's to today, we learn that a cute pair of shoes and a dash of inspiration never go out of style.

Click here to read it.

“True friends are like diamonds – bright, beautiful, valuable, and always in style.” -Nicole Richie

Until next time,

Lyssia

The Lovely Sound of Winter

Well, it's finally here, winter has arrived and has made it's presence known with a couple inches of fluffy white snow. In the blink of an eye the sunshine we all love and crave has disappeared behind a layer of gray clouds and suddenly our ears and noses are stinging uncomfortably. And as inconvenient as it is to get out of bed, pick up the shovel, and trudge through inches of this strange, cold, white stuff, we have to keep some things in mind. First, as always, is be careful what you wish for. We spend weeks singing songs about Winter Wonderlands and White Christmases, children flip their pajamas inside out hoping for a snow day, and when it's finally here it seems like we're all sick of it within the first hour. Second of all, be careful in general. Snow can quickly turn into ice which can lead to slippery steps and icy roads. Please walk and drive carefully this winter, even if you're running to Arcadia for some awesome deals. And last, but certainly not least, remember to enjoy the beauty of each season. The flowers in springtime, the sunshine in summer, the leaves falling in autumn, and the lovely snow in winter. Although it may not be here for long, try not to be a Grinch and enjoy the season. After all, it is the most wonderful time of the year.

"Girls in a white dresses with blue satin sashes,

snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes,

silver white winters that melt into springs,

these are a few of my favorite things." -The Sound of Music

Until next time,

Lyssia

NoLibs Holiday Shopping Spree

It's finally here, the annual Northern Liberties Holiday Shopping Spree has arrived and we've got the perfect gift guide for you! Popping into Arcadia? Check out our warm hoodies, funky scarves, and unique jewelry. Stopping by some of the other participating stores? They've got some pretty awesome things too! With an abundance of cool shirts at Duke & Winston, cute accessories at ArtStar, delicious candles at Swag, and plenty of other stuff at all the other stores, you'll definitely be able to find something for everyone on your list. And remember, the more you shop the more you save!

Hope to see you then,

The Arcadia Team

P.S. We'll have hot apple cider & yummy cookies, now you have no excuse.

Just the Beginning..

The Black Friday shoppers have come and gone; racing through malls, snatching up deals, and checking names off of their scribbled lists. As the dust settles in all the retail stores throughout the nation, bells begin to clang reminding everyone that the holiday season is upon us yet again. Radio stations are playing Christmas music, fake snow is showing up in window displays, and the chilly weather is reminding us just how much we love hot cocoa by the fireplace. Whether you're a holiday fanatic or a grumpy Scrooge this time of year, we have some tips to help you get through the end of 2013 and start 2014 rather pleasantly.

1. Cherish time with family & friends
     During the year we all get so caught up with our own lives that we sometimes forget about the people who love us most. This time of year is perfect for putting aside our differences and enjoying the holidays.

2. Enjoy the food but don't go overboard
    Holiday parties, family dinners, office celebrations, and seasonal specials at your favorite bakery can take a toll on your mood, not to mention your waistline. Self control and willpower is key around Christmas cookies and apple cider. Limit yourself and you won't feel guilty.

3. Relax!
   The holidays can be stressful but there's no reason to get your pantyhose in a knot over the wrong pie or mismatched gift wrap. Do your best to let the small things go and focus on enjoying the most wonderful time of year.

The holidays will come and go as fast as those Black Friday shoppers so make the most of them before they fly past.

Wishing you and your family a wonderful Hanukkah, a lovely Christmas, a fantastic Kwanzaa, and a phenomenal New Year!

-The Arcadia Team

A Weekend of Shopping

Didn't get all your shopping done on Black Friday? Never fear, Arcadia is here! Take 20% off all clothes and shoes starting Small Business Saturday and continuing throughout the weekend. Then, check out our website on Cyber Monday and save 30% off of everything. These are some deals you definitely don't want to miss. Happy Shopping!

Healthy Before the Holidays!

Healthy Holiday Tips from Boston Magazine:

Watch the toppings: “Gravy, sauces, dressings, and dips can add up quickly. Be mindful and don’t overdo it on the toppings. When it comes to dressings try to stick to the vinaigrettes and avoid anything that looks creamy,” Hefez says.

Wear something form fitting: “Not only will you show off your body, but it will help prevent you from taking seconds,” she says.

Order on the rocks: “Adding ice to your cocktail or liquor will encourage you to drink more slowly,” she says. “When the ice melts it will create more liquid and make you feel as though you are drinking more.”

Go for the real dessert: “Homemade dessert are best. Avoid the store bought cookies and cakes or low fat/fat free desserts which can contain a lot of fillers, preservatives, and fake ingredients. Go for the homemade treats which will be more satisfying and leave you more content with a smaller serving,” she says.

I always go on Pinterest to get inspiration for healthy meals, here are a few of my favorite :) We only have 33 days until Christmas let us help you with gifts! Eliminate stress eating around the holidays get started on your shopping early!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Odette NY styles coming soon!

We have had such a good response with the Odette NY jewelry line we just started carrying that we ordered more pieces for the holidays! I will keep you posted on when they arrive, here is a little sneak peak! :)

 

This picture just keeps me wanting more Odette, you can never have enough! 

Have a great weekend, see ya soon! Betsy

Save The Date: December 4th Fashion Show

Click the picture to be redirected to the ticket purchasing page

What's better than an awesome fashion show featuring clothes from our boutique? An awesome fashion show featuring clothes from our boutique and live entertainment by The Walkmen, Sun Ra Arkestra, Sharon Van Etten, and several others. This event will take place at Union Transfer, will be hosted by WXPN's Michaela Majoun, and will be catered by 13th Street Kitchens. So get your tickets, mark your calendars, and join us at the show!

Hope to see you there,

Arcadia Team

Melie Bianco Bags

Super versatile and just in time of the holidays, these Melie Bianco bags have just been restocked in our store! Any special lady in your life would love to receive one of these purses to show off her true style. Come by and check them out before they're all gone! Now you'll have no excuse to get your holiday shopping done early...

Inspiration Station: Park Stroll Edition

Whether you're out walking the dog or simply enjoying the beautiful transition of seasons, fall is a perfect time to take a stroll outside & feel the leaves crunching beneath your feet. Our second biweekly Inspiration Station focuses on enjoying the outdoors while still staying warm. This outfit features an extremely stylish and versatile American Apparel cowl tunic. We suggest it paired over leggings and boots for a cute and comfortable look. As we near Thanksgiving the weather gets chillier and the outerwear comes out to play. The first necessity is a trusty scarf, warm & functional doesn't have to be sacrificed for cute & casual with this red and black printed scarf. A warm head is also a must and this cozy hat does just the trick. You also don't want frozen fingers, these cutoff mittens are perfect for texting and keeping your hands warm at the same time. As far as accessories go you definitely don't want to go overboard, especially with a scarf and cowl neckline. These sweet and simple crystal and bottle necklaces add just a touch of bling. Paired with small stud earrings and a stylish bracelet that doesn't scream overkill. And last, but certainly not least, is this casual black wristlet with an optional shoulder strap. You don't want to be carrying a heavy tote on your stroll, instead opt for a more simple purse just for the necessities.

As always, everything featured on Inspiration Station is currently available at the store.

I hope this post inspired you, now close that laptop, turn off the ipad, click off the tv, and go get some fresh fall air. It won't be here for long so enjoy it while it lasts!

"Autumn...the year's last, loveliest smile." -William Cullen Bryant

Until next time,

Lyssia

Jewelry Under $40!!

We have so many great jewelry options under $40 right now! If you aren't in the market for new clothes drop by and add new accessories to older clothing.  We have great statement pieces that can change the look of your whole outfit. See you soon!! Betsy

 

 

Menswear Madness

A large box of men's clothing just arrived from Alternative Apparel and had all of us girls in the store swooning. Why, you ask? Simple. Not only are the fabrics used by Alternative Apparel the absolute softest greatest fabrics ever, BUT the new styles are so great even women will want to wear them. Baseball shirts, cozy hoodies, and soft long sleeves are taking over our store and they won't be here for long. So take advantage of this gross weather as a reason to bundle up in Alternative Apparel men's clothing or buy it for your significant other and wear it yourself. Either way it's a win win!

"And when it rains on your parade, look up rather than down. Without the rain, there would be no rainbow."
-Gilbert K. Chesterton

Until next time,

Lyssia

Beautiful, Simple, Odette

A new jewelry line has arrived at Arcadia, just in time for the holidays. Odette is a Brooklyn-based company with jewelry inspired by organic & industrial shapes, natural specimens, artifacts, and primitive forms. Each design begins from a pencil sketch, is sculpted by hand into wax, and is then cast into various materials including sterling silver, brass, and bronze. We love Odette jewelry because of its simplicity and versatility. Come into the store, try it on, fall in love, repeat.

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." -Leonardo da Vinci

Until next time,

Lyssia

National Picnic

Eco friendly & 100% cotton, this burgundy fine corduroy dress just came in! Made by National Picnic, a local manufacturer of women's contemporary dresses, this piece is just as cozy as it looks. National Picnic is an awesome brand described by many as "accidentally sexy". Everything from the material to the cut is perfect for looking cute on a casual day. Made by local designer Betsy Cook, this dress is sure to fly off the racks so come try it on for yourself soon!

Name That Organization!

Here at Arcadia we like to have fun, that's why we created a new blog segment called Name That Organization! Every month we will be featuring a different organization dedicated to helping make their community a better place. Maybe we'll inspire you, who knows? 

There's going to be a short quiz followed by a brief description of the particular organization and why we love them!

Name That Organization!  

October edition 

     1. What organization started in 1995 as a grassroots company run solely by volunteers and quickly grew into the nation's largest community-based organization?

a. Women in Need
b. Boys & Girls club
c. Career Wardrobe
d. Habitat for Humanity

     2. What organization was started by a group of Philadelphia women looking to make a positive difference in the lives of other women entering the workplace?

a. Center for Economic and Workforce Development
b. Career Wardrobe
c. Street Project
d. Women in Need

     3. What organization makes its mission to empower women in transition by providing programs that inspire the confidence necessary to achieve self-sufficiency and pursue a productive career?
Note: This organization has helped nearly 75,000 women!

a. Heart of America Foundations
b. Women in Need
c. Ronald McDonald House
d. Career Wardrobe

 ..So did you figure it out yet? The answer to all of the above is Career Wardrobe! Besides for all of the facts above, Career Wardrobe provides professional work attire, networking tools, and various opportunities to women in the the community looking to transition into the workforce. The wide array of programs offered are designed to increase levels of self-confidence, professionalism, and preparedness for work. Each appointment is used as an opportunity to educate women about the importance of professional appearance, personal responsibility, and business etiquette. To top it all off, Career Wardrobe is having its 3rd Annual Tea & Fashion Show this Sunday November 3rd at the Bellevue. The annual event welcomes women from all generations to support Career Wardrobe while enjoying an afternoon including tea and a designer fashion show. Arcadia will be participating in the fashion show and we wanted to show you a sneak peek of some of the looks to be featured at the show. Above are two lovely models transitioned into the workforce with the help of Career Boutique. Come see Isis, Mel, and more great looks while celebrating for a wonderful cause. 

Cozy Clothes

These Alternative Apparel leggings are so cozy! They are perfect for laying under a tunic dress or just lounging around the house with a hoodie. Soft and flattering in Modal Spandex Jersey, they also come in black.

It is hard for me to get motivated to leave the house after the sun goes down! This cozy crisp weather makes me just want to snuggle up with the blanket and drink hot apple cider :) Have a great weekend, see you soon! Betsy

Halloween Happy Hour

What do you do when the magic of Halloween has faded away? Those days when you ran back from school, put on your brand new costume, lugged a pillowcase full of candy through the streets of your neighborhood, and spent the rest of the night marveling in the beauty of all your treats sitting in one big pile? Yeah, they're all gone now. And honestly, most of us have long lost the desire to eat our weight in candy. Some for health reasons, others for aesthetics. Regardless, Halloween remains to be one of the biggest holidays in America, it's practically impossible to miss. Stores overflow with candy aisles and costumes while your extremely spirited (and sometimes crazy) neighbors set up a graveyard right on their front lawn. It's all so redundant, is Halloween overrated? Well, it doesn't have to be. Now you're older, more sophisticated, and hopefully realize there are more exciting holidays on the calendar. Nevertheless, Halloween is among us and I've compiled a cool list of things you can do to celebrate the end of fall while still maintaining a touch of spirit.

Fondue is always a good idea, especially in this festive pumpkin bowl

 Syringe shots make everything fun

 Invite friends and throw back with some Pumpkin Ale

The more spirit the better (please tell me you got that)

Whether out collecting candy or inside getting reasonably tipsy off of syringe shots and pumpkin beer, I hope you enjoy your Halloween however you choose to spend it.

Until next time,

Lyssia

Fair Trade Fashion

Two sparks of faith in humanity in one week? It can't be. Earlier this week we blogged about Alternative Apparel & their determination to use sustainable fabrics as well as focus on good working conditions and fair trade for producers. Today, I will attempt to maintain those good vibrations by writing about Made By, an awesome company with values similar to those of Alternative Apparel. Made By is a company dedicated to practice fair trade as a strategy for poverty alleviation and sustainable development; they also acknowledge the virtues of Alpaca, the noble fiber, for its softness, thermal insulation, and range of natural shades. On a cold day in Philly, much like today, anyone and everyone wishes to have a pair of chunky alpaca fur gloves to keep their frozen fingers from falling off. Besides for the fingerless foldover mittens, right now at the store we have a great selection of Made By sweaters and scarves. You'll notice a similar chunky warmth throughout the various styles so you can be assured you're getting a genuine Made By piece. The cherry on top? Each tag has a picture and short bio of the person who knit it for you, now you'll know exactly who to thank for your newfound warmth on a cold winter day.

In honor of Nelida Paricahuna Pacori (pictured above), the knitter of this beautiful pair of gloves, here's a Andean Proverb:

"Llaqtakunaq atipayninwan, teqrimuyuta kuyuchisunchis."
When the villages work together, we will turn this world around

It takes more than one person to change the world, together we can make a difference.

Until next time,

Lyssia

Inspiration Station: Rock Chic Edition

In need of some quality fashion inspiration? Look no further.

Welcome to our new blog segment called Inspiration Station. Every other week, one of us will be putting together an outfit from the store and providing you with that much needed inspiration for the upcoming week. This week we're focusing on Rock Chic. Living in Philadelphia, there are always concerts and events going on around the city. As a music lover, you'll need just the right outfit for that upcoming concert because nobody wants to look like a tourist in their own town. Here we have an Alternative Apparel semi-faded tee perfect for not looking too garish. Paired with some dark wash jeans, you'll get that laid back concert connoisseur vibe going. Flats are always a good idea for concerts because odds are you won't be sitting in your seat for very long. Also, a lot of concerts don't even have seating, all the more reason to wear flats! This pair of blush Dolce Vitas with a metal tip will keep your toes from getting stepped on all night. Since it's nearing November the weather is inevitably cooling down. No more tanks & shorts like you may have worn to Made in America at the end of August. This cute yet functional BB Dakota jacket has just the right amount of studs to add a bit of an edge to your casual style. Much like the studs on your jacket, you'll have studs on your wrist with some cool bracelets we paired up. In order to avoid going overboard on studs, keep it to a minimum with one or two statement pieces. Adding some hardware jewelry will make you blend right in; a key necklace, a crystal on a chain, and a coin ring will do the job. Once again, its chilly so this braided scarf is perfect for staying warm, especially at an outdoor concert. Last but certainly not least is a trusty bag by your side for your wallet, cell phone, a bottle of water, and keys. This black leather Collina Strada purse is great since it has both magnets and a zipper. Nothing will fall out and you won't have to worry about pickpockets.

Well, that wraps up our first edition of Inspiration Station, hope your inspiration meter is satisfied. Now go throw on that VIP pass and enjoy the show!

Until next time,

Lyssia

Giveaway Alert! Warning: Extreme Social Media Anxiety May Occur

Is it true? Is it for real? Am I awake right now? Is this really happening? We have one answer to quench all your thirsty questions about our recent instagram post. YES. We, at Arcadia, have decided to give away a beautifully unique Iosselliani ring, retail price valued at $312. What's the catch, you ask? The rules are simple:

1. Follow us on instagram @arcadia_boutique
2. Repost (regram) your favorite one of our pics with #ArcadiaBoutique
3. Tag us in the picture!
4. Do this all before October 31st at midnight & keep an eye out for a winner announced on November 1st, hopefully it's you!

Good luck & we hope to see you in the store claiming your prize soon!

-Arcadia Team

Burgundy, Oxblood, Maroon, Oh My!

This fall's hottest color is really working up some excitement in our store. Maroon, burgundy, or oxblood if you will, is proving to be the most versatile & trendy touch to any outfit. The secret to rocking oxblood? As the old saying goes, everything in moderation. If you're planning on wearing our burgundy velvet sheer Line & Dot dress, fully stocked at the moment (run!), be sure to mix it up with different colored shoes & accessories. Black heels paired with a strand of cream pearls and you're set for an awesome night out. So bring out your inner trendsetter and get to this color before all your friends, because once the secret is out you'll be seeing oxblood everywhere!

"Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman." -Coco Chanel

Until next time,

Lyssia

Alternative Mindset, Alternative Apparel

Today, "social responsibility" seems to be the hottest phrase in retail marketing. We've all heard about companies (Nike anyone?) who are infamous for unreasonably low wages, awful working conditions, and practically no benefits for their laborers in overseas sweatshops. Not to put a damper on this beautiful fall day, but we're all aware of the treatment and inequality of workers in countless countries around the world. Although, here's where the positive spin comes in! Companies like Alternative Apparel revive our faith in humanity. On their website, Alternative Apparel explains what they stand for and how they function. They clearly state that they are dedicated to providing premium merchandise to their clients, however, refuse to sacrifice working conditions of their faithful employees. They are committed to upholding labor standards and choose to partner only with vendors who share the same values. On their website you can find a long list of Vendor Guidelines & Principles along with a promise to remain eco-friendly through specific wash & dye methods as well as organic fabrics and materials. Besides for their ultimate social awareness and commitment to bettering our environment, Alternative Apparel has among the softest garments ever! So we feel good buying them, feel good wearing them, and feel good representing the brand? Yup, pretty much. We tip our hats to you, Alternative Apparel, and join you in the pledge to make this world a better place, one trendy outfit at a time.

"Our environment, the world in which we live and work, is a mirror of our attitudes and expectations."        -Earl Nightingale

Until next time,

Lyssia

                             

Curator Creations

These three Curator pieces have arrived at our boutique just in time for the chilly weather! Curator is a unique clothing line designed and produced in San Francisco, California. They strive to use organic fabrics whenever possible and minimize waste in the production of their quality items. We're featuring them this week because we love not only the cozy sweaters and cute skirts, but the company name & what they stand for. Here at Arcadia, we strive to be as eco-friendly as possible and always think of the environment in our daily tasks. As the fall paints the trees in beautiful colors this year, as it does every year, let's think of what we can do to preserve the natural beauty of our planet for centuries to come.

"Nature always wears the colors of the spirit." Ralph Waldo Emerson

Until next time,

Lyssia

Happy Birthday Arcadia!

The graffiti in NoLibs is perfect for photo shoots 

 Morghan and Maris pose by the store

 Three looks, endless posibilities

 Fabulous fall styles

Never too serious

This past Tuesday was a very special day on Arcadia's calendar, it was our 6th birthday! That's right folks, we've been making you look fabulous for six years now and hopefully many more to come. In honor of our anniversary and the introduction of the Design6 studio space in our store, we had an awesome event which included cupcakes, wine, & lovely models. Maris, Morghan, Aviva, and I walked through Northern Liberties modeling some wonderful fall trends and taking fun snapshots. Every outfit you see in the pictures above is currently available at the boutique. Stop by this week and try them on for yourself! These specific looks are perfect for fall and look great on every size and shape, they're also easily dressed up or down. So what are you waiting for? Get them now before they disappear!

"A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous." -Coco Chanel

Until next time,

Lyssia