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Catering to Both Men and Women, Jay Butler Shoes Are a Classic, Handmade Staple
Story by Jill Beckel, photos by Jay Butler Justin L. Jeffers, Founder & Creative Director of Jay Butler Shoes, thinks that shoes should be comfortable, stylish, made to last and affordable. According to their website, “Jay Butler is a brand that strives to provide men and women with classic, well-made footwear and leather goods. Jay Butler was established out of the desire to fill a void in a market for justly priced, direct to consumer footwear. By opting out of selling our shoes through wholesalers and brick and mortar stores, we are able to offer our shoes at an impost that is well below what is normally seen without compromising on…
- Culture, Dessert, Drink, Entertainment, Events, Explore with Cassie, Fashion, Food, Latest News, Music, Restaurants, Style
Mixing and Mingling at the Philadelphia Wine and Cocktail Festival at Sugarhouse Casino
Story, photos by Jill Beckel The Philadelphia Wine & Cocktail Festival was the perfect event for wine connoisseurs, mixologists and just about anyone who loves a great wine or cocktail. The event took place at the brand new Event Center at Sugarhouse Casino. General admission for $40 included dozens of wine and cocktail samples in a custom sampling glass. VIP admission tickets went for $60 and included unlimited wine and cocktail samples, extra VIP-only wines and cocktails, a custom sampling glass and also allowed an hour early entry to the event to beat the rush. All attendees also received $20 in free slot play (new rewards members, $10 current members) at SugarHouse Casino. Event-goers…
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Changing Lives One Haircut at a Time with Haircuts for the Homeless
Story by Jill Beckel, photos by Joseph Berardi Explore Philly recently got a chance to talk with Joseph Berardi, a local Philly hair stylist, about his amazing act of generosity that soon turned into much more. Joseph works with his dad and brother at Richard Nicholas Hair Studio and was born and raised in Philly. We think that the world could use more people like Joseph. What inspired you to first give haircuts to the homeless? “I have a client that runs SREHUP, a Student-Run Emergency Housing Unit of Philadelphia, in Center City. One day we were talking, it happened to be near the holidays, and I thought it would be nice to visit the shelter and give out haircuts. I…
- Celebrities, Drink, Entertainment, Events, Explore with Cassie, Food, Latest News, Music, Restaurants
With Burgers, Wings AND Tacos, No One Left Hungry at This Year’s Burger Brawl
Photos, story by Jill Beckel On a hot and humid Sunday, the 7th Annual Philadelphia Burger Brawl took over the parking lot of Xfinity Live. Over 60 local Philly area restaurants competed for the title of best burger, best taco and (for the first time ever), best chicken wing! This year, Explore Philly was excited to be a part of the judging panel! When it comes to food, we are always more than eager to help out. We got to judge the first burger round. Each burger sample was judged on its taste, look, bun, meat and originality. All restaurants were kept anonymous so that the burger tasting would be fair.…
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Simon’s Soiree, a Heartfelt Evening for a Great Cause at Sheraton Valley Forge Hotel
Story, photos by Jill Beckel This year’s Simon’s Soiree was an elegant, heartfelt affair. The soiree is held annually to benefit Simon’s Fund and this year’s 8th Simon’s Soiree was held at the Sheraton Valley Forge Hotel in February. Simon’s Fund aims to provide free heart screenings at schools and raise awareness for undiagnosed heart conditions. Per their website, “The organization provides free heart screenings to children, advocates for life-saving legislation, hosts awareness events, and promotes research. Its mission is to save a child’s life… and then another, by raising awareness of conditions that lead to sudden cardiac arrest and death.” The evening opened with a cocktail hour and open auction with all proceeds earned going…
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Spring Was in the Air (and the Food) at the Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival Preview Party
Story, photos By Jill Beckel The 2017 Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival Preview Party featured cuisine from Rittenhouse Row’s best restaurants, cocktails from their best bartenders, informal modeling of spring trends from Rittenhouse Row member boutiques and salons, and a silent auction with Rittenhouse Row experiences and merchandise. Located at the Hyatt at the Bellevue, food and beverages were provided by: 24 Wood Fired Fare, a.bar, a.kitchen, Alma de Cuba, Barclay Prime, Baril, Ben & Jerry’s, Butcher and Singer, CODA, The Dandelion, D’Angelo’s, Davio’s, Devon, Di Bruno Bros., Garces Restaurants, Lacroix, Marathon Grill, Metropolitan Bakery, Mission Taqueria, Parc, Rita’s Italian Ice, Rouge, Schweid & Sons, Termini Bros. Bakery, Verts, Bar Volver, Wrap…
- Comedy, Dessert, Drink, Entertainment, Events, Explore with Cassie, Food, Latest News, Music, Restaurants, Style, Suburbs
Sing Along and “Howl at the Moon” with Dueling Pianos at The Vault
Story by Jill Beckel / Photos by Cassie Hepler Do you love music, dancing, great cocktails and good grub? Then The Vault is where you should spend your next Saturday night! Located at Valley Forge Casino, The Vault is the area’s newest hot spot for live entertainment featuring Dueling Pianos every Saturday night from 8pm – 2am! Howl at the Moon (a national chain of music-oriented party bars that currently operates in nearly 20 locations throughout the U.S., including one here in Philadelphia) jump-started this weekly event with their opening night at The Vault on Saturday, January 14. With two pianos onstage, two singers kept the party going all night long with a high…
- Art, Beauty, Culture, Dessert, Drink, Explore with Cassie, Food, Latest News, Nature, Restaurants, Style, Suburbs
Autograph Brasserie in Wayne Celebrates Those Who Left Their Signature on American Culture and Cuisine
Story by Jill Beckel, photos by Cassie Hepler If you’re looking for a relaxing night out and an elegant meal you won’t soon forget, Autograph Brasserie is your answer. Their wonderful dishes and cocktails are inspired by France, Spain, Italy and America. The restaurant provides engaging, celebrity photo covered decor with stellar food and a creative cocktail menu coupled with an extensive curated wine and spirits list. Autograph is a modern American brasserie that celebrates those individuals from past and present, who left their signature on popular American culture. Located at 503 W. Lancaster Avenue in Wayne, PA, it first opened in May 2016. Vintage vinyl and signed celebrity photos cover the walls of…
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Stand Out in Rocked-Out Motorcycle Jackets, Vests and More from Vicious Vesture
Story by Jill Beckel, photos by Vicious Vesture Explore Philly first met Shelby Cobra of Vicious Vesture at the Punk Rock Flea market in Philly and knew right away that she was one cool chick! She makes and sells all her own unique clothing items that have a rocker edge. She started her business two years ago with the help of her mom and has been working side jobs as well to keep it running. As an independent designer, Shelby often gets frustrated by the fashion industry and wants to see change. Fashion corporations who mass produce items are making millions off the backs of children in China and underpaid women in Bangladesh.…
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Breaking Gender Stereotypes at the Philly Fashion Week Style Gala Kickoff Party
Story, photos by Jill Beckel This year’s Philadelphia Fashion Week Style Gala refreshingly broke traditional gender norms. The event was held at the Sugarhouse Casino on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2016. Located in the Grand Ballroom in the event center, guests started to arrive a little before 7 p.m. The event was free by invitation only. Compared to last year’s Style Gala, this year’s event definitely wasn’t as lavish. Last year’s featured an abundance of delicious hot appetizers, a buffet and desserts with complimentary cocktails. This year’s had a few passed appetizers, but the hungry crowd had to fight for them. A cash bar kept guests refreshed but mostly sober. Explore Philly enjoyed…