Documentaries To Lookout For!

Searching For Sugar Man (2012)

In the early 1970s, Sixto Rodriguez was a Detroit folksinger who had a short-lived recording career with only two well received but non-selling albums. Unknown to Rodriguez, his musical story continued in South Africa where he became a pop music icon and inspiration for generations. Long rumored there to be dead by suicide, a few fans in the 1990s decided to seek out the truth of their hero's fate. What follows is a bizarrely heartening story in which they found far more in their quest than they ever hoped, while a Detroit construction laborer discovered that his lost artistic dreams came true after all.

Grey Gardens (1975)
The Maysles brothers pay visits to Edith Bouvier Beale, nearing 80, and her daughter Edie. Reclusive, the pair live with cats and raccoons in Grey Gardens, a crumbling mansion in East Hampton. Edith is dry and quick-witted - a singer, married but later separated, a member of high society. Edie is voluble, dresses - as she puts it - for combat in tight ensembles that include scarves wrapped around her head. There are hints that Edie came home 24 years before to be cared for rather than to care for her mother. The women address the camera, talking over each other, moving from the present to events years before. They're odd, with flinty affection for each other.

Queen Of Versailles (2012)
In 2008, the Siegel family was top of the heap with the wealthy and politically influential David Siegel running the successful Westgate Resorts time-share business. To enjoy their good life, he and his engineer turned beauty queen trophy wife, Jackie, were building the largest single family private home in America. Suddenly, both the US economy and Westgate were rocked by the devastating sub-prime mortgage collapse. In the new economic reality with the business teetering on ruin, we follow the Siegels as they struggle to scale down their grotesquely ostentatious lifestyle. For this overprivileged family, accepting that situation proved a dispiriting struggle even as their unfinished dream home became a monument of their superficial values.


Enjoy!! xoxo Betsy

Arcadia's Annual Winter Attic Sale!

We're making room for super cute Spring arrivals. This is our big “warehouse style” clearance sale. Sale will include: 50% - 80% off all Fall & Winter styles, plus a clearance section of clothing & accessories that starts at $20. Sale will include amazing designer collections from Nicholas K, Pendleton’s Portland Collection, Dolce Vita, BB Dakota, Feral Childe, Lauren Moffatt, Prairie Underground and more! 

Also get a jump start on Spring shopping – with our Spring Pre-sale, we’ll be offering 15% off all new spring styles in both locations (Nolibs & Rittenhouse). 

Online customers can shop clearance items online & save an extra 15% off new items with code SPRINGFEVER. 

The sale will start Friday, February 1st at 11am, so come early to score the best stuff! 

Note: Attic Sale is in Rittenhouse only. 

A Little Motivation for the Week Ahead

I'll be honest, this week started out on a not-so-great note. A friend sent this to me knowing I could use a little pep-talk...and it was too good not to share. So from me to you, here's a little motivation to keep on keepin' on. 

xx Arielle

Outfit Envy

Dress: Bearchum Shift from Pendleton, now on SALE, Jacket: Shawl Jacket from Mono Reno, Necklace: Crystal Brass Bell from Sultana

I'm loving EVERYTHING about this outfit. Wear it now with tights and boots--and even later during Spring's more milder months. The perfect pieces to mix in with your wardrobe!

xx Arielle

Out & About: City Hall

Philadelphia is a city with a rich, and interesting history. While calling this place home, it may be a little easy to forget all the charm the city has to offer. I had a friend visit from out of town the other weekend, so we spent the day being "tourists". Exploring the city with a fresh pair of eyes reminded me of why I chose to stay here in the first place. 

We made our way over to City Hall, one of my favorite buildings in all of Philadelphia. It's hard to fully appreciate all the beauty until you get up close and see the extremely intricate relief sculptures, columns, and mosaics. 

Check it out for yourself!

xx Arielle

Must See Movie: Silver Linings Playbook

Silver Linings Playbook is by far the best movie I've seen in a while. Set in Philadelphia, this hysterically entertaining and equally sincere film follows the story of Pat Solitano, a former teacher who loses everything due to an outburst following the discovery of his wife's infidelity. He now finds himself living back with his overly paranoid mother and Philadelphia Eagles-obsessed father after spending eight months in a state institution on a plea bargain. Determined to rebuild his life, remain positive, and reunite with his wife, Pat begins his road to recovery. This mission is interrupted when he meets Tiffany, a mysterious girl with problems of her own. Tiffany offers to help Pat reconnect with his wife, but only if he'll do something important for her in return. As their deal plays out, an unexpected bond begins to form between them, and silver linings appear in both of their lives.

Adding to this beautiful story is the incredible cast - Bradley Cooper as Pat, Jennifer Lawrence as Tiffany, Robert DeNiro as Pat's father, and many more. Even the critics agreed, as Silver Linings Playbook is nominated in all acting categories at the Oscars!

If you haven't seen this movie yet, I suggest buy your tickets before it's too late!

Happy Saturday!
xo Alex

Don't Waste Time

Must Have Trench Coat!

I love the trench coat we are carrying at Arcadia Boutique right now by BB Dakota. The classic drapes in the front remind me of style icon Jackie O. It is timeless and will never go out of style. A great piece for layering with sweater in the winter, and light enough to wear in the Spring.  xoxo Betsy 

Street Style 

BB Dakota Augustine Trench: $98

Talli Palm Print Shirt

This chilly weather has me day dreaming of all the tropical places I want to visit!

Michael Kors

BB Dakota

BB Dakota Talli Print Shirt: This palm printed button front blouse has slit cap sleeves and a relaxed boxy cut, making it a chic take on the Hawaian shirt. Very 60s Polynesian! The Talli top is 24 1/2" long from the highpoint of the shoulder.

Price: $72

SHOP NOW!

                                     xoxo Betsy

Bright Young Things

Our Spring merchandise is starting to trickle in...and these bright, bold colors are warming up the store nicely! Stop by and add a little pop to your wardrobe! 

Poppy and Grey Jade stand out among the dark.

Dusk Blue, Monaco Blue, and African Violet look great next to Linen and other neutrals!

Check back for new arrivals!

Here's to a short winter!!

xx Arielle

Earth Tones

Gretchen Jones winning Project Runway collection in 2011. I am in love with each piece in this collection! Here are a few of my favorite earth tone pieces we have at Arcadia right now.

Ace and Jig Pleated Mini

Nicholas K Miley Sweatshirt

Nicholas K Miley Sweatershirt Original Price: $318 Sale Price: $254 30% off Sale Promo: $177

The Miley sweatshirt is a stylists dream, featuring a double button front closure, asymmetrical hemline, exagerrated collar, and a contrast trim. Two front pockets and ribbed cuffs complete a new take on an old favorite. I have owned this sweatshirt for a month and wear it almost everyday!

Ace and Jig Pleated Mini Dress Original Price: $178 Sale Price: $124 30% off Sale Promo: $86

Extremely soft yarn-dyed cotton woven in Ace & Jig heritage stripes, styled in an easy-fit mini-length pullover. Features boatneck with dropped shoulders, three-quarter length sleeves, natural waist, and side seam pockets.

xoxo Betsy

BB Dakota Adara Blouse

Trend Alert: Dramatic Spring Florals  BB Dakota Adara Rose-Print shirt made in a light chiffon is a perfect transition top from winter to spring! The cuffed 3/4 sleeves can also be worn as long sleeves, and would be a great choice if you were going out dancing or to a show. The shirttail hem is a nice length to be worn with leggings and boots. Our Snug bralette has a little more coverage than a bandeau and can be worn with high waisted jeans with the blouse open.     xoxo Betsy                                           

 

 

Snug Bralette $18

Adara blouse $72

Favorite Sale on Sale Items!

Kai-aakmann's funnel neck coat has modern contrast sleeves, a zip front closure, and an asymmetric hem. Three coats in one, featuring a removeable sleeveless vest and contrast-sleeved crop bomber jacket that can be zipped into the vest's interior to create a signel coat.

Original Price: $398
Sale Price: $318
Sale Price with extra 30% off Promo: $222

(1 Medium left at our Northern Liberties location)

Stand tall with our Gee Wa Wa Fashion-Foward Flora Wedge in black features a claw-like shaped wedge with peep-toe and buckled strap. 

Original Price: $178

Sale Price: $99

Sale Price with extra 30% off promo: $69 

xoxo Betsy 

Monday Motivation

Here are some words of wisdom to jump start your week right :) Happy Monday everyone!

xx Arielle

What's Playing Inside Arcadia

I can't get enough of the Jack White radio station on Spotify--it just keeps cranking out all my favorites!

Jack White's new hit I'm Shakin' from his Album BLUNDERBUSS tops my list of favorites. 

Sinister Kid from The Black Keys

Comeback Kid from Sleigh Bells

Poison and Wine from The Civil Wars

And just when I feel my coffee start to wear off--they throw in some Beastie Boys for good measure. 

Ch-check it Out

xx Arielle

Local Designer to Watch: Elaine Lai of Tough Luv Clothing

Elaine Lai, the mind behind the clothing brand Tough Luv, is an inventive, eclectic, and cutting edge designer who fuses edgy street looks with feminine touches to produce pieces that are both beautiful and functional. Her line, which is proudly made in the USA, is sold in hundreds of stores throughout Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and New York. In an effort to find out more about Elaine and the Tough Luv brand, I asked her a few questions:

Me: What got you interested in sustainable fashion?

Elaine: When I began working in the Los Angeles fashion industry over 12 years ago, I could not believe the amount of waste that went into manufacturing a single clothing line. Containers of fabric and barrels of dyes and chemicals all being tossed in the trash or down the drain into the water system. It was frightening really! When I started working for Splendid in 2007 they had just launched their first Eco-friendly collection. The Eco-fashion movement was just taking off at that point. I knew it was going to be HUGE and I believe in what it stands for.

Me: What are some of the perks to being a Philadelphia-based designer?

Elaine: The manufacturing facilities that I use here are so supportive of small, local businesses. In LA, it’s hard to get a factory to take your production when they are faced with thousands of units every month for larger companies. In Philly, I get great quality, friendly service, and quick turn times when I manufacture. Also, I feel like I’m part of something with a history.... Years ago, garment manufacturing was Pennsylvania’s second largest industry. Only agriculture was bigger in PA than fashion. I like knowing that history.

Me: How does your background and where your family came from inspire your work?

Elaine: I come from a family who’s history is a melting pot of culture and inspiration. My parents immigrated to America from Hong Kong and brought with them a passion for designing and making their own clothing, while my maternal grandmother came to the United States in the 1940’s from Scotland, believe it or not. It is this combination of cultures that defines me as a designer, fusing old world European traditions with the functionality that fast-paced, technology-driven, metropolitan life demands.

Me: What do the words 'tough luv' mean to you?

Elaine: Yeah, ok, that’s a funny one. It has to do with my dog, and best friend, at the time that I started the brand. She was a rather large pitbull terrier that all my neighbors were deathly afraid of. But she was the biggest, sweetest creature ever. My Tough Luv :)

To read Elaine's bio and see her wonderfully unique designs, go to:

http://www.toughluvclothing.com/

- Alex

Feeling Blue

Blue has been a dominating presence amongst our racks here at Arcadia! Looking ahead to Spring/Summer...this hue is here to stay.

Blue is the overwhelming "favorite color." Blue is seen as trustworthy, dependable and committed. The color of sky and the ocean, blue is perceived as a constant in our lives.

As the collective color of the spirit, it invokes rest and can cause the body to produce chemicals that are calming; however not all blues are serene and sedate. Electric or brilliant blues become dynamic and dramatic, an engaging color that expresses exhilaration.

Some shades or the overuse of blue may come across as cold or uncaring. Blue is the least "gender specific" color, having equal appeal to both men and women.

How the color blue affects us physically and mentally

* Calming and sedate

* Cooling

* Aids intuition

Blue Stone Fringe Earrings from iosselliani

Elvira Dress from Rodebjer...now on SALE!

xx Arielle

Red & White, Black & Blue

What's black, white, and red all over? Last night at the Golden Globes three colors seemed to dominate (with a little blue mixed in for good measure). 

 

 Jessica Alba, Taylor Swift, and Kristen Bell stuck out for going against the trend--they were high on my list of favorites!

 xx Arielle