i have a love/hate relationship with first fridays in philly. i live in old city…so when i leave my place to go out on the first friday of the month i have to wade through the sea of people blocking the sidewalks, and every place i go is packed. but once it gets nice out, i find myself warming up- literally – to the idea. the streets of old city come alive with all types of creative folk who line the sidewalks with their art, craft and music. i’ll wander around perusing the treasures, stopping every once in a while to talk with sellers, all the while soaking in the energy that is first friday in philadelphia.
fridays are always a little tough at work this time of year, with it being so nice out and so close to the weekend, so what better way to help pass the day than a lunchtime concert? we snuck out today at noon, hopped in the car and made the quick drive over to WXPN for the local natives free at noon show – something the station does every friday at world café live. we were instantly transported from work mode to music mode as we took our seats up in the mezzanine level (thanks xpn!) and let the tunes take over. this band blows me away- they sound better live than on the album and the songs “airplanes” and “who knows who cares” gave me chills. i knew “sun hands” would be amazing live as well and it sure was- they put everything into that song no matter how many times they have played it. this was my first time seeing them live and it definitely will not be the last- i have already got tickets to see them at first unitarian church in philly this august!
happy thursday! for today’s poll let’s take a look at our hat collection – when our girls were down at coachella they saw hats everywhere, and we have some great ones for festival wear. they also just happen to be one of my favorite accessories… which one do you like best??
celebrate mother’s day this saturday at free people upper east side! they will be taking personal mother/daughter shopping appointments all day long, so just call or show up with your mom – and you might be photographed for the blog!
plus, there will be a special surprise at checkout for your mom, and of course, refreshments!
1319 3rd ave, nyc
(212) 744-0379
sounds like so much fun! the same store had a girls night out event a couple of weeks ago, where they styled customers in head-to-toe night out looks – perfect for a night out on the town or a special date! their sales manager melissa gave the girls makeup tips to help them complete their look, and of course no free people event would be complete without lemonade and cupcakes :)
check out some of the cute pics from the event, and if you’re in the area take your mom out for a day of free people fun on saturday!
i love these colorful rings from seven ply’s etsy shop and the fact that they’re made out of recycled skateboards makes them even cooler! i could definitely see lou rocking one of these couldn’t you?
they also make really cool earrings, necklaces and belt buckles:
how adorable are these wall decals? one of our soho employees sent these photos, which are of a craft project she and her sister did for her sister’s new baby’s room. they found vintage sheets and cool textile fabrics and cut out the shapes. they then corn starched them and attached them to the walls of his bedroom. this is something you can do with any fabric and it adheres really well, plus they peel right off if you ever want to take them down or change them up! i love this idea, and there are so many things you could do. here are a few more examples i found to stir the creative juices:
there’s also a full tutorial to show you how to do it right here!
lately i am completely obsessed with lace curtains…ever since i went to our creative director’s home and saw her bathroom, which is draped with lace instead of walls, i have been wanting to get some for my place. they add such a soft touch to a room, and i love the way light looks when it streams through, creating patterns on the floor. my place is a big open studio sort of like hers, so there are lots of opportunities to try this – the beaded curtain in my bedroom doorway is looking like it will be replaced pretty soon…
meet kristen! she’s a sales associate at our soho store and a dj in her spare time. read on as she answers our free people questionnaire and check out some pics of her rocking fp as she djs and travels around japan!
what is your theme song?
“ice cream” by the australian band muscles has been my theme song ever since i heard it a few years ago. it’s all about my favorite things: having a good time and frozen treats!
if you could go anywhere in the world, free of cost, where would you go?
japan! i have a lot of family there, but i barely get to see them because it’s such an expensive trip. plus, tokyo is the capital of cuteness and the shopping there is incredible! too bad they don’t sell shoes big enough to fit my size 10 feet…
out and about in kyoto, japan – wearing the blank jeggings every day!
if you were stranded on an island, what three things would you want with you?
moby-dick, a magical fruit tree that grows every type of fruit and SPF 30.
what is your biggest fear?
space! have you SEEN “total recall”??
winter, spring, summer or fall?
living in my own invincible summer!
what color are you?
tie-dye what is your motto?
always hungry.
what is your favorite hobby?
definitely cooking. i love to host huge sunday meals for my friends so that we can chat and eat all day long. i’ve always been a baker but am currently trying to teach myself french cuisine.
if you could spend a day with anyone – dead or alive – who would it be?
bea arthur! who’s funnier than her?
when she’s not working at our free people soho store you can catch kristen dj-ing at the knitting factory in brooklyn, every thursday from 10pm-2am, with her partner in crime emilia (top left).
how would you describe your personal style? what are your favorite items from free people right now?
i was a little bit of a metal-head growing up and never let go of my ripped jeans, studded jackets and loose tees, but now that i’m older, i’ve learned to incorporate floral patterns, bright colors and textures into my outfits. i LOVE the we the free solid swept away tunic in pink… it’s the exact color of raspberry sherbert and looks amazing with my marbled cross necklace.
i’ve also learned that my into the mystic dress is SO versatile — perfect layered under an a-line skirt or sheer dolman top.
she’s a dreamer, a soul-searcher and a wanderer. drifting along, deep in thought, her eyes tell tales of mysterious adventures. meadow is our bohemian girl who wears loose, flowing tops and dresses that catch the breeze as she roams the earth in search of inspiration. she mixes patterns and prints and piles on jewelry with a handmade, natural touch. on her feet are moccasins or sandals but she’d rather be barefoot. she hears music wherever she goes – at one with nature, she’ll often pause to smell a flower, pet an animal or just to take in the beauty that surrounds her. little trinkets and memorabilia like leaves, stones, a matchbook with thoughts strewn across it, fill her pockets and then the pages of her journals when she eventually returns home.
here are some picks that I could see meadow wearing:
another place where you’re likely to see a ton of meadow girls running around? music festivals! shop our featival picks, which meadow would surely love, here.
