Thursday, February 28, 2013

First Friday Fun


Be sure to stop by Arcadia in Northern Liberties, this Friday (3/1) for discounts and drinks! Save 15% off STOREWIDE, and lucky for you, there will be plenty of time to shop since we'll be open until 8! Shop our Fall/Winter Clearance as well as our NEW Spring merchandise!  

While you're out and about, be sure to check out our amazing store window created by the talented Design & Merchandising students of Drexel University! Also, check out the other Drexel student designed windows of Once Worn, Duke & Winston, and Art Star!  


xx Arielle

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Fun Times @ Coterie




My job has many perks, one of them being that I get to attend fun trade shows like Coterie! Tuesday was both fun and exhausting as we made our way around, from booth to booth, in search of new and exciting brands and styles to bring back to our Arcadia customers! We picked up two new lines, which will be debuting this Summer and Fall, as well as some familiar favorites! 

Be sure to stop by and check out all the NEW Spring merchandise that's starting to roll in!

xx Arielle

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Full Moon...

Last night was the full moon for the month of February. Full Moon is the perfect time of the month for purging rituals to take place. The light of the full moon illuminates those things that are interfering with our spiritual advancements. Once we have become enlightened to ways that are blocking us, the easier to let go. The full moon ritual is for releasing or purging the things in our lives that no longer serve us such as addictions to food, drugs/alcohol, or involvement in hurtful relationships, self limiting beliefs, ect.
  The full moon completes the cycle, representing death, change, or tying up loose ends. The full moon symbolizes the end chapter, shedding light on the things that we no longer need to hold on to. So, whether you need to purge your closet full of clothes or that useless lover, let it go and make space for the new ...
Have a nice day!
Besos!
Becky

Monday, February 25, 2013

Oscars Fashion: Pales, Metallics, and Reds, oh my!

This past year has been incredibly for movies, so it's not surprise that so many people tuned in to watch the Oscars last night. With Seth MacFarlane hosting, the entire show seemed much more lighthearted than previous years-- but don't expect that to be echoed in the fashion on the red carpet. This year the fashion was fierce-- it was all about pale nude pallets, metallic hues, and the occasional pop of red for both the ceremony and the after parties.

Here are some of my favorites of the night!
Amanda Seyfried looked stunning on the red carpet in this high collared halter gown from Alexander McQueen. Her messy updo and minimal make up with her pop of purple for the eye shadow was perfect for the night!

I loved that Amanda kept the red Givenchy gown on following her Les Mis performance during the show. The pop of color was beautiful!
Olivia Munn added to the pop of red for the ceremony in this amazing Marchesa gown. Her minimal accesories and swept up up-do made her a stand-out on the carpet!
Olivia continued to stun at the Vanity Fair after party, joining the nude hue bandwagon in this amazing Atelier Versace number. Daring, but she pulls it off!

Naomi Watts had easily my most favorite look last night. This custom made sequined Giorgio Armani dress was a beautiful surprise to on the red carpet, and paired with her messy updo, she looked fresh and flawless.  
Naomi continued to AMAZE in her sequined metallic hues in this one sleeved Armani Prive gown at the Vanity Fair after party. Her soft make up and blonde messy updo, revamped from the earllier cermony, has me convinced we have a contender for best dressed on about every list out there!
I loved the hue of Anne Hathaway's Prada dress, and the necklace she chose was stunning, but it appears the dress isn't sized as well as it could have been, with the darting's hitting her at an unfortunate spot. Seems Oscar didn't care much though, as she walked away with the award for best supporting actress!
I wish Anne Hathway had kept this Giorgio Armani dress on for the entire show! The tiered skirt and jeweled silk mesh fabric was so stunning on stage.

Sally Field looked absolutely regal in this Valentino number
Although she may not have gone home with the gold, I'm sure Amy Adams will be showing up as a winner on a few Best Dressed lists! She was beautiful at both the ceremony and the after party, in two shimmering Oscar de la Renta gowns.

Halle Berry looked amazing in this metallic Versace dress. The angular shoulders look great with her hair light and teased up!
Charlize Theron was flawless in this white Dior Haute Couture gown. The deep v and peplum accented waist is  stunning and so classy and sophisticated. 
Jennifer started it off right, looking like a princess in this amazing fit and flare Christian Dior couture gown
Jennifer Lawrence gave her new statue a run for it's money in this amazing silver Calvin Klein Dress at the Vanity Fair after party

Jessica Chastains Armani Prive gown was a beautiful modern take on old Hollywood glam. Paired with her Veronica Lake inspired waves, this look was perfect for the awards!

xo Bonnie

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Church of Assumption +++



The church of assumption is located here in Philadelphia on Spring Garden Street. You can't miss it. Unfortunately, it may come face to face with a wrecking ball. Why someone would want to tear down this beautiful structure is beyond me. This church was built in 1849. This is part of Philadelphia's history. They just don't build ornate beautiful structures like this any more. Please be smart and recycled this into something else. Maybe a museum, cultural center, art studios, dance club or even a super duper cool home. I only say dance club because there is a super cool dance club in Denver, Co inside an old church. It's pretty rad. Please, someone with disposable income save this amazing piece of Philadelphia!
Have a nice day!
Besos!
Becky


Saturday, February 23, 2013

Daytrippin'

Last weekend I made a short day trip to New York, just on a whim. It's nice to get a change of scenery every once in awhile. While in NYC we stopped at one of my favorite restaurants Becco for amazing Italian food, and later we made our way over to MOMA to check out an amazing exhibit on Japanese contemporary art from 1955-1970. I highly  recommend checking it out if you get the chance (and if not, here are some of my favorites from the exhibition).

Nakamura Hiroshi, Circular Train A (Telescope Train). 1968.
Akasegawa Genpei, Ambivalent Sea B (Aimai na umi B). 1961. 
Miki Tomio, Rose-Decorated Ear (Bara no mimi). 1962.

Akasegawa Genpei, Maria of Waterdrops (Suiteki no Maria). 1966. 
xx Arielle

Friday, February 22, 2013

Get Your Green On For St. Patty's!

With St. Patty's Day coming up, stop by Arcadia and check out some of our new spring merchandise along with our selection of green tops and accessories that are sure to shamROCK your holiday wardrobe!

Heron and Lamb Moss Orb Necklace - $45.
BB Dakota Talli Palm Print Top - $72.
Toggery Cold Shoulder Dress - $70.

Only a few more weeks until Philadelphia (and every other city for that matter) is turned into one giant Irish pub, with four leaf clovers and Kelly green covering everything in sight! Get your green gear from Arcadia before it runs out!

xo Alex

Take 20% off ALL iosselliani!


From now until Sunday, take 20% off ALL iosselliani! Don't miss out on a chance to save on what's sure to be your new favorite statement piece! Stop by our Rittenhouse location and check out what we have in store!

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Philadelphia Flower Show 2013


The Philadelphia Flower Show is just around the corner, kicking off March 2nd and going until March 10th, it's an annual event that you shouldn't miss! This year's show, titled "Brilliant!", is all about culture and horticulture of the United Kingdom. 
The PHS Philadelphia Flower Show is an annual event at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in March. It is the world’s oldest and largest indoor flower show, attracting more than 260,000 people annually. The Show features large-scale gardens, elaborate landscapes, and over-the-top floral creations.
Visitors to the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show are treated to fabulous design, live entertainment, culinary demonstrations, gardening how-to workshops, and lectures by experts. Show week begins with an exclusive black-tie Preview Party and After Party, one of Philadelphia’s premier events.
Proceeds from the Show support PHS, particularly the City Harvest program, which feeds more than 1,000 families each week during the growing season.

Another event coinciding with the Philadelphia Flower Show, is the window contest! Shops all around Philadelphia (including Arcadia!) decorate their windows with the Flower Show's theme. Also, the public has a chance to vote on their favorite window displays!

For a second year, PHS also encourages Philadelphia residents and visitors to judge by voting in the “Crowd Favorite” category. Become a fan of the Flower Show Facebook page, check out the Window & Lobby Decorating photo album – with photos from each of the participants – and vote for your favorite. The photo with the most “likes” will win the coveted award. Photo album will go live on February 21.  
Be sure to like the Philadelphia Flower Show page on Facebook and vote for your favorite (Arcadia, naturally)!

xx Arielle 

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

The Oscars are coming, the Oscars are coming!

This Sunday, February 24th at 8:00 pm, the award show of all awards shows begins! The 85th annual Academy Awards will be hosted by first-timer Seth MacFarlane and will honor the best and the brightest actors and movies of the past year. With nominees ranging from 85 year old French actress Emmanuelle Riva for her work in Amour, to the wonderfully handsome Bradley Cooper and his part in Silver Linings Playbook, and every amazing film and movie star in between, this years show is sure to be a goodie! In honor of this incredible night full of talent and glamour, I've collected a few pictures of my favorite moments of Oscars past... enjoy!

1998: Ben Affleck & Matt Damon winning the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for their film "Good Will Hunting."  
2009: Heath Ledger's family accepting the late star's award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "The Dark Knight."
2001: Singer Bjork wore this insane swan-inspired dress to the award show, which has since topped the worst-ever Oscar style list. 
1954: Audrey Hepburn winning her first Oscar for Best Actress for her role in "Roman Holiday."

Can't wait to see what this year's Academy Awards show has in store!

xo Alex 

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Fighting frizz...

Another rainy day here in Philadelphia. Not good weather if you have to fight with frizzy hair. Here is one of my favorite hair products to fight frizz. I swear by this stuff. Its perfect for fighting frizz. Priced just right at an obtainable $14 a bottle. A little goes a long way. One tube usually last me 6 months. The product helps control fly aways, adds amazing shine/smoothness, and hides splits ends. The best part it is light weight. It doesn't feel oily like so many shine serums. I discovered this product while working at a hair salon in San Diego, CA. I've been hooked ever since. The gals I worked with called it "hair crack" need I say more?
Cheers to better hair days!
Besos!
Becky

Rusk - deep shine lustre $14

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Spring is getting closer...

  I don't know about you, but I am looking forward to spring! The days are slowly getting longer and brighter! Hope everyone has a great Sunday!
Enjoy the sunshine!

Healthy Snaking

There are some days where I feel like a bottomless pit, and all I want to do is eat everything. This can be dangerous, especially during the winter months and around holidays like Valentine's Day (the worst). So, I've found yummy, alternative treats to snack on when hunger strikes that fill me up without adding to the scale.



Baked Parmesan Kale Chips



Ingredients:

1 bunch kale (12 oz after removed from stems)
1 tsp olive oil (spray)
a sprinkle of sea salt or kosher
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese


Directions:


Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray two large baking sheets with oil.


Wash and thoroughly dry kale. Remove the leaves from the thick stems and tear into bite sized pieces. 

Place on baking sheets, spray with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.


Bake about 10-12 minutes, turning and moving them around as they shrink to make sure they evenly crisp up.  





Baked Spiced Chickpeas
Ingredients
2 cans (14 oz each) Chickpeas
1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
3 tsp spice mix (recipe below)

Spice Mix
2 tsp sugar
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 1/2 tsp sweet paprika 
1 tsp cayenne pepper 
1/2 tsp garlic powder 
1/2 tsp ground allspice (optional)
1/2 tsp salt

Directions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

Drain and wash the chickpeas. Place the clean chickpeas on a layer of paper towels and gently rub the tops of them with another paper towels. Some of the skins will peel away. 
*You can trash them, or bake them for an extra crispy little treat. I love burnt foods, so I liekd the burnt skins along with the toasted chickpeas.

You want to get the chickpeas as dry as possible.
While the chickpeas are air drying further, make the spice mix. Pour all of the spices into a bowl and mix well. 
*This recipe will not use all of the mix, so reserve the excess for later.


Place the clean and dry chickpeas in a bowl and toss them with the olive oil. Once coated with oil, sprinkle on the spice mix to taste.
Place the seasoned chickpeas on a lined cookie sheet (I used a Silpat) and put the sheet in the oven for 40-60 minutes. Mix them around about half way through.
Carefully watch the chickpeas at the end as they can quickly burn. Once done, the chickpeas will be browned and crunchy. As the chickpeas cool they will become even crunchier. 



*I took them out of the oven when they were firm, and almost crunchy while still hot. Once they cooled they because SUPER crunchy.

Enjoy! 
xx Arielle

Friday, February 15, 2013

Trend Alert: Printed Scarves

I know, I know, this isn't exactly a NEW trend, but as the weather starts getting a little more bearable and the sun starts shining, all I can think about are great winter to spring transitional pieces, and printed scarves are PERFECT for that. Wrap them around a few times to keep you warm and add some color to a boring winter coat, pair it with a leather jacket for going out, or wear them loose and open over a maxi dress during spring! It's the perfect way to spruce up some basics from now all the way into the summer!


Love how Jessica Alba pairs her printed scarf with a blazer
Use your printed scarf to shield yourself from the paparazzi too!
Nicole Richie uses her scarf and hat combo to spice up a plain white tee

Check out these awesome new printed scarfs in Arcadia now!



Love these Melissa D'agostino scarves paired with our new Mary Meyer maxi dress


Happy shopping!
xo Bonnie

Thursday, February 14, 2013

February Favorites

Spring merchandise has finally started rolling in! Here are some favorites that will hopefully find a new home in my closet...

The Lyric Jumpsuit from BB Dakota
The Magda Top, also from BB Dakota
Today is the last day to treat your favorite Valentine (yourself) to anything** in Arcadia at 15% less! Shop in store or online with promo code BEMINE!

<3<3 Happy Valentine's Day <3<3

xx Arielle


**excluding vintage