A fashion and lifestyle magazine and blog produced by Students in the Design and Merchandising program at Drexel University

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

An Unexpected Delight


Many of the great restaurants in Philadelphia are the ones hidden on small streets or behind unassuming facades that most people simply pass by but never enter. These restaurants don’t need any gimmicks or over-the-top attractions. Their food speaks for itself and foodies alike gravitate towards these types of restaurants for that reason. Han Dynasty is not one of these restaurants. It was, in fact, because of it’s grandiose exterior that I have walked past it on numerous occasions, tossing it aside as just another chain serving poor quality food at an unwarranted price.
Two Fridays ago, with no reservation and a two to three hour wait at most Center City restaurants, two of my friends and I decided to try Han Dynasty at 3711 Market Street. When they suggested this I wasn’t even sure where or what Han Dynasty was. I soon realized that it was the large restaurant just down the street from where I live and go to school. I was skeptical at first but quickly reassured by hearing of their numerous acclamations, including Best of Philly: Best Chinese Restaurant not in Chinatown, 3 Bells by Philadelphia Inquirer critic Craig Laban, as well as a feature on Anthony Bourdain’s The Layover on the Travel Channel.
Interior of Han Dynasty, 3711 Market Street
During our thirty-minute wait we each enjoyed an item from their Asian-inspired cocktail, wine, and beer menu. I would suggest the Chengdu Mule made with Lemongrass infused vodka, lime juice, and homemade ginger beer if you’re in the mood for something tart and refreshing. Our stomachs were growling but we knew thirty minutes was a very reasonable wait for 7:30 on a Friday evening. The restaurant was packed with college students and young professionals enjoying a fun night out. My friends were surprised that this was not a regular stop for me, let alone that I had never been there.
When we finally sat down at our table we did not waste time before ordering our meal. Dishes are served family style at Han Dynasty so we ordered a variety of items from each section of the menu to share, including Spicy Crispy Cucumbers, Pork Belly in Garlic Sauce, Dan Dan Noodles, String Beans with Minced Pork, Garlic Sauce Style Chicken, and Scallion Style Pork. We knew that this was a lot of food for three girls, but there were just too many delicious options to choose from. One important thing to note about the menu at Han Dynasty is that every item has a red number next to it to indicate its spice level on a scale from one to ten. Most of the items that we ordered were between a five and a ten, however we had heard that the spice levels were extremely high so we asked our waiter what he would suggest for a more spice-sensitive palette. He was very helpful and allowed us to lower the spice level of each dish down to a two or three. Our food came out in a matter of minutes and our mouths were on fire almost as soon as it hit our tongues. This did not slow us down. We ate until we were full and still had enough food for each of us to take something home for the next day. One of the best things about our meal was that the prices were so reasonable for the amount of food served. We left happy and satisfied with doggie bags in hand. I am looking forward to my next meal at Han Dynasty and would recommend it to any student looking for a great meal in a fun environment.
Dan Dan Noodles, $7.95


Tuesday, January 29, 2013

A Supreme Exhibit!


By Jessica McGuinn
Who:
A few months ago, I had the pleasure of meeting one of the leading ladies of Motown, Miss Mary Wilson of The Supremes. Wilson was in Philadelphia to announce her upcoming exhibit at the African American Museum of Philadelphia (AAMP), appropriately titled “Come See About Me: The Mary Wilson Supremes Collection.” If you are a vintage fashion vixen, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss. 
What:
The exhibit features a collection of over 30 of the group’s one-of-a-kind gowns as well as rarely seen video footage, gold records, album covers and historic photographs. Many of the gowns on display were collected (and some even hunted down) by Wilson herself. After the relocation of Motown Records to New York, she said, many of the group’s gowns simply “went missing.” However, she had maintained a personal collection and was able to get many of the others “back in her arms again” by tracking them down on eBay and paying for them herself. As curator of the collection, Wilson required members who were leaving the group to also leave their dresses behind. The extensive collection now includes the famous designs by Bob Mackie as well as many others by costume designer Michael Travis.

When & Where:
The collection is on display through June 30 at the African American Museum in Philadelphia in cooperation with Blair-Murrah Exhibitions.
Why:
Talent, beauty and style - the Supremes had it all. “Glamour was our signature,” said Wilson. “Even when we were 15 years old and auditioning for Motown Records, we were wearing pearls we bought from Woolworth. We were totally into dressing up.” However, the story behind this collection lies in much more than just sequins and beads. It is a story of how three young African American women used their talent and determination to garner well-deserved international success. The Supremes were style icons just as much as they were musical icons, and these gowns represent their monumental rise to the top.
 

Internal-Combustion Excellence




Internal-Combustion Excellence
Ashley Whitlock

Wood grain, leather, and steel dominated the 630,000 square foot Pennsylvania Convention Center from January 19-27. Recognized by the industry as one of the top shows in the country, the Philadelphia Auto Show put more than 700 vehicles on display for auto and design enthusiasts alike. The annual show featured dozens of manufacturers and included a variety of classic, luxury, pre-production and exotic models. If you didn’t leave the show itching to get behind the wheel, you probably don’t have a pulse.
        Not glamorous enough for you? Think again. The show kicked-off with the annual “Black Tie Tailgate” event, where ritzy and glitzy high-rollers paid big bucks to scope out this year’s models. The menu? Designed by renowned restaurateur Stephen Starr. Starr knows how to wine and dine his clientele.  Even better yet, the “Black Tie Tailgate” benefitted a good cause. Proceeds from the event were donated to The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia through the Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation.
            While the Philadelphia Auto Show has been welcoming car-lovers since 1902, it still manages to bring something new to the table every single year. This year, Ford and General Motors went head-to-head in the first ever “Face-off Challenge.” Mustang lovers and die-hard Camaro fans got to battle it out to become the 2013 champion. With hundreds of thousands of visitors, the Ford Mustang took home the trophy and lead by just 345 votes.
            Not a car person? That’s O.K., you don’t have to be. Anyone with an interest in design can appreciate the ideal balance of form and function. And who knows, you might just change your mind.

Short is Back!



 

Short Is Back!

By Faith Stoveld
In Christian Dior’s Spring 2013 couture runway show we were able to see that the pixie hair cut is back and stronger then ever. Paired with the feminine, strapless, tulle dresses, the look is classic and elegant.
The hairstyle itself is said to have been resurrected from the 1960s, but it looks fabulous with any style, especially runway and especially Dior. It turns the outfit into something unusual, something more classic, almost instantly. This is such a refreshing change from the boring and safe long, straight hair or fancy up-do. It’s a perfect way to add an element of freshness, and the feeling of being lightweight to the clothes.
            While the clothes themselves do not look lightweight, the feathered pixie cut perfectly balances out each look. It brought femininity and youthfulness to a classic, household fashion name, Christian Dior.

Monday, January 28, 2013

Don’t Neglect the Animals, Save a Life



During Fall term I decided to foster a cat, never having owned a cat before I was a bit nervous to be the primary caregiver for one but I figured I would give it a try, fostering is not a longtime commitment. So, I drove to the PSPCA on East Erie Avenue and waited to meet the cats able to be fostered.  Entering the PSPCA with the mindset this would strictly be a foster cat, I wanted to get an older one, set in his/her ways and easy to take care of.  The first cat they handed to me was a 6 week old kitten. OY! No way, I would never be able to bring the cat back after a few weeks.  The next they handed me was a very skinny, shy tan domestic cat named Clementine.  She is 13 years old and over the summer she and about 30 others were rescued from a hoarders house.  I figured she would be perfect because she seemed to do her own thing and just need a loving home for a little bit. It was an instant connection and I knew Clementine was the perfect match. Over the winter break, Clementine lived at my aunt and uncle’s house down the street from my parents, I visited her everyday and realized I would not be able to give her back. Against all my previous thoughts, on January 18, I adopted Clementine. She is officially mine and I could not be happier.

Having a pet in college is not the easiest of tasks, always worrying about feeding them, caring for them and just being responsible for another mammal.  At the end of the day, a pet is the best medicine for a college students stress and anxiety. And knowing that you are saving an animals life is the best feeling.  As I started to get involved with the PSPCA, I realized how many college students are fostering dogs and cats - it’s not permanent and the reward affects both parties. The PSPCA told me that college students are the best candidates for fostering animals, they are full of love, have awkward free time and looking to somehow make a difference in the world. Most animals are available to foster because they are not medically or socially ready to permanently enter a home, for example, my Clementine had an ear infection and an upper respiratory infection, she was still under close care of the veterinarian. Fostering an animal is simple and rewarding, food is provided, healthcare is provided and an extra space in the PSPCA opens for another animal to be rescued. Most of the animals up for fostering just need a little TLC, many have been abused and neglected, they need a little pick me up and a warm home and of course, to be reminded that there are people in the world who care about them.

So, if you’re feeling generous and want to give back to the community and save a life, foster a pet.  A foster can last anywhere from two weeks to three months and if you fall in love, like I did, you could save a life and find a friendly companion.  And lets be honest, who doesn’t want to have a pet to play with for a few weeks?

By Emily Farrara

Thursday, January 24, 2013



 

Trouser-less Travels

By: Ashley Whitlock

Ask any true fashionista out there, and she will tell you that New York City is the fashion capital of the world. At the forefront of style, glamour and innovation, New York City symbolizes American fashion. New York City is where everything in fashion is happening – and happening first.
    Depending on how you pose the question to said “fashionista,” she might also tell you that New York City is equally famous for being unconventional, in your face and downright crazy. To put it plainly, one should never be afraid to expect the unexpected.
    In one of my late night “I-really-don’t-want-to-start-my-homework-so-I-will-spend-my-time-trolling-facebook” sessions, I blindly stumbled upon the unexpected. I came across a photograph of my friends visiting the Big Apple…only they weren’t wearing pants. Not a typo – literally pantsless. As I bowed my head and began to question my faith in humanity, I noticed that other people in the picture were down to their skivvies too! “…Is this a thing?” I asked myself. Well ladies and gentlemen, as it turns out, this pantsless parade is indeed a “thing.” An annual “thing.”
    January 14th proved chillier than most for the New Yorkers who chose to ride the MTA subway in their undies. This “No Pants Subway Ride” drew thousands of people willing to strip down to their unmentionables, and left even more people scraping their jaws off the floor. “For what?” you ask. Some might express interest in a grand social experiment, while others probably just enjoy showing off their goods. Time Magazine says that this scandalous stunt has had New Yorkers stripping their pants for 12 consecutive years. In fact, this annual commando commute has since spread to 60 cities in 25 countries, on 5 continents.
    Whether you’re a high fashion model diva or just a “Plain Jane,” an important lesson can be learned from these brave New Yorkers. Toss those Granny Panties in the rubbish bin and buy yourself something sassy - you never know what the day will hold and you don’t want to get caught dead in ugly “tighty whities.”



Wednesday, January 23, 2013

The L Word

          In the world of fashion, collaborations are constantly changing. Standing out from previous collaborations is what makes a collection memorable, which is easier said than done. However, the marriage of two iconic brands from across the ocean, Britain's iconic florals and America's class blue jeans, is a huge deal. The line will first be available at Liberty's London shop in April before heading stateside in May on Levi’s website.
         This 15 piece collection, ranging in price from $90 to $200, combines an exclusively designed Liberty print with Levi's denim, giving the capsule collection a fresh take on the floral denim trend that was seen everywhere last season. The arrangement of fabric pieces stitched on top of jeans and inside of vests and jackets allows for a more playful look which is a little easier to wear than a full-floral look. Be on the lookout for this collection, because it marks the first time Liberty has veered away from its signature tiny blossoms, instead creating what looks like a laser print in a white floral-dot pattern.



Monday, January 21, 2013

Consciously Curated Design


Consciously Curated Design
by Naomi Izen

                                                       Rock Soap, $20 each                 Hui Hui Scarf, $280

I’m not a shopper. That sounds like the start to a funny joke, since I am a design major and have been in love with fashion and interiors since I can remember. Seriously though, I do not like to shop. I find consumerism leads to excessiveness and eventually much waste, which our environment is not equipped to deal with. We are overusing our resources and we need to consciously think about the goods that we buy and where and how they are made. Many people my age tell me they are sick of hearing about the eco-chic trend. I’d like to inform them that this is not a trend, rather a necessity for all companies who produce and manufacture goods. A paradigm shift needs to occur if we want to keep producing at the rate we are producing and consuming at the rate we are consuming.
             Luckily, there are many stores, online as well as brick and mortar stores that feel a strong calling towards being a partner with nature instead of a destroyer of it. My favorite of these eco-chic boutiques is the online store, Beklina. Founded in 2006, it was the first ever online green boutique. According to Beklina they focus on, “emphasizing USA made, well crafted heirloom wares with sustainable ideals.” With a highly curated collection of clothing, jewelry, accessories, shoes and home goods, Beklina is host to artistry and sustainability in all areas of one’s lifestyle. Beklina has a strong desire to promote lesser-known designers who are not only creating but also changing the way that people view design and consumption. 
If I were to spend my precious dollars, I would want to spend it at a store like Beklina, where design and sustainability go hand in hand and where words like fair-trade and organic are not just thrown around aimlessly but rather knowledgably celebrated. Check out Beklina here, educate yourself about your consumption habits and when you do shop, shop smart and shop consciously.


Fash Bash


Fash Bash

It’s award season, and there is nothing more exciting then getting to watch the new fashionable trends strut down the red carpet.  I don’t know which is better though, the actual award show or the Fashion Police television show on E! that picks apart the stars and their sometimes-outrageous style choices.  Now the starts have great fashion sense too, which the Fashion Police do not dare fail to mention, but the worst dressed nominees are always the best to watch get knocked, for their terrible choices and Joan Rivers is the Queen of hysterically criticizing the stars.

To start with the best is usually not the way to go, but in this case that is exactly what I am going to do.  It was agreed that Kate Hudson, Taylor Swift, Claire Danes and Hayden Panattiere were all dressed beautifully. Hudson in McQueen, Swift in Donna Karan, Danes in Versace and Panettiere in Cavali all did it right this award show.  Rivers dubbed Miss Taylor Swift the Best Dressed star at the 70th annual Golden Globes.  Now moving onto the worst dressed stars of the evening.  The Fashion Police each had their own idea of who was the worst according to their preferences, Lucy Liu in a Carolina Herrera ball gown, Jessica Chastain in Calvin Klein, Halle Berry in Versace, and Lena Dunham in Zac Posen.  There was a toss up with Lucy Liu being a Best Dressed nominee, but Joan Rivers naming Jessica Chastain the worst dressed over ruled all the other nominees.  I would have to agree completely, although the color of the dress was beautiful with its turquoise blue hue, the silhouette made her boobs look saggy and very unflattering for her body. 

Being nominated as a worst dressed star is not wanted by anyone, so maybe next award show these stars should consider watching a Fashion Police re-run to get themselves up to date on trends that work.  Joan Rivers is not afraid to tell you how she really feels!






Monday, January 14, 2013

Pizza and Ice Cream...With a Twist

by Emily Stall

Let me start by saying I’m not a huge pizza person. This statement usually elicits a response of some combination of confusion and disgust, but honestly, the idea of a greasy pizza from the local pizzeria just doesn’t excite me. That being said, I am not easily impressed when it comes to pizza.  But when I heard about Pizza Brain--”the world’s first pizza museum--with an artisan pizzeria attached”--I knew I had to check it out. If that wasn’t enough, it’s also located right next door to Little Baby’s Ice Cream, which serves up unique flavors with vegan and non-dairy options.

My "Jane" and "Granny Divjack" slices at Pizza Brain
Located at 2313 Frankford Ave, Pizza Brain holds the Guinness World Record for the largest collection of pizza-memorabilia. Pizza Brain is not really what I expected of a “Pizza Museum”--but then again this is apparently the world’s first pizza museum, so maybe I shouldn’t have had any expectations. Despite being small and not so museum-like, there’s something endearing about this quirky space. The walls are covered with “pizza-memorabilia,” my favorite being a portrait of a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle eating a slice. My friends and I were warmly welcomed by the equally quirky and endearing manager, Brian. His excitement was apparent as he described the pizza options and offered suggestions, and checked in with us to make sure everything was okay.  

While I wasn’t overly impressed with the “museum” aspect of the trip, the pizza is what really counts. And the pizza did not disappoint. First I had a slice of the “Jane,” the equivalent of a “plain” pizza, though there was nothing plain about this one. Mozzarella, aged provolone, grana padana, fresh basil  with hand-crushed tomato sauce on the most perfect crust I’ve ever tasted.  Thin but not too crispy. The kind of crust even a non-crust-eater would be happy to eat. Now I was impressed. Next, I tried something totally different. A white pizza, the “Granny Divjack” had mozzarella, shaved almonds, caramelized onions, blue cheese, and incredibly thin slices of granny smith apple. An unexpected combination, the apple slices gave the perfect hint of sweetness to this cheesy pizza. 

Though I wouldn’t recommend Pizza Brain for a cultural museum experience, I would strongly encourage anyone--pizza lover or not--to head over to Frankford Ave for a  freshly made pie. This is pizza worth getting excited about. While you’re there, make sure to stop by their neighbors and partners at Little Baby’s Ice Cream for some Chipotle Chocolate or Balsamic Banana ice cream. Both dining establishments are community-driven and offer vegan options, while putting a fresh twist on old classics. Who knew pizza and ice cream could be so exciting?