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