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- Architecture, Culture, Dessert, Drink, Events, Explore with Cassie, Fashion, Food, Latest News, Restaurants, Style
A Night of Fashion Muses at French Bistro aMuse at Le Méridien Hotel in Philadelphia
Story, photos by Jeni Ferrell On one of the many cold days of the winter season, we ventured out decked out in my finest sweater dress and high boots to view the collection from Naveda Couture at Amuse restaurant in the elegant Le Meridien Hotel. I brought my gal pal date, Alana Jones, to enjoy the fine food and drink while listening to the DJ spin hyper hits. Against the soft periwinkle glow, the restaurant created an energetic yet calm vibe that served to be a perfect way to wind down on a chilly Friday. We nestled in a small dining room off of the main area where the show…
- Architecture, Culture, Dessert, Drink, Entertainment, Explore with Cassie, Food, Latest News, Restaurants, Style, Travel
Philadelphia International Airport Lands American Express’s Prestigious Centurion Lounge
Story, photos by Sharon Kozden “To the great city of Philadelphia, I am so grateful to bring this back home to you.” – Chef Michael Solomonov, on being named best chef in the country at the James Beard Foundation Awards in Chicago, 2017. AMEX’s Centurion Lounge tapped Mike as its menu man. The City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection was recently honored in becoming one of only nine airports in the world to offer travelers a uniquely unique and unforgettable way to hang before, between or after flights. On October 19th (prior to an official October 31st opening), media were invited to preview American Express’s Centurion Lounge and to witness what was in store exclusively for AMEX…
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American Boho Boutique Giving Vintage Jewelry New Life
Story, photos by Jill Beckel Explore recently had the pleasure of meeting and talking with Haley Waugh on a warm January Sunday morning. Haley is the owner of American Boho, a small Philadelphia-based jewelry boutique. According to her website, “American Boho is a small boutique with original designs from repurposed pieces. This shop is dedicated to providing customers with affordable, one-of-a-kind accessories including hand-selected vintage items. As this small business grows, American Boho can be seen in small consignment boutiques or pop-up shops in Philadelphia.” Originally from Maine, Haley went to college in Massachusetts where she studied public relations and minored in fine art. She then moved to Philly to pursue museum studies…
- Architecture, Day Trips, Dessert, Drink, Education, Explore with Cassie, Food, Latest News, Restaurants, Style, Travel
University City Gets Smart with Chic, Sleek Study Hotel and Unique Co-Op Restaurant
Story, photos by Cassie Hepler University City in Philadelphia, Pa. is going through a sort of revival of its own. Once only home to college students, it is now becoming a go-to space for business, a thriving foodie scene and even nightlife on the other side of the river. Without having to schlep over the bridge to Center City and much of it becoming walkable, it’s a nice self-contained fun unit. Enter Study Hotels. Located close to Drexel and Penn, it’s a great space for scholars, families, business travelers and students alike. With a very obvious studious theme going on (oversized, Instagram-worthy glasses sculpture outside) to books galore as well…
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The Inn at Villanova: Brainstorm and Stay the Nova Way at New Hotel
Story, photos by Sharon Kozden I’m no architect, but am I “Wright” in vibing something “Frank Lloydian” at the eye-catching entrance? Arrows point the way. There’s a new kid in town – a new kid on the Main Line’s block. Erstwhile Villanova Conference Center, previously run by Aramark, closed in November, 2016. Fast forward to July 1, when The Inn at Villanova set out its welcome mat to public and community alike, proudly presenting a sleek, ultramodern and fully renovated 56-roomed hotel and conference center situated on the 32-acre site of the former Montrose Estate, home to its historic Montrose Mansion. Moreover, Villanova University is now firmly entrenched in the owner-operator seat. Boasting 14 innovative meeting rooms and a ballroom…
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Philadelphia Real Estate Agent Handles All Her Sales Herself
Story by Explore, submitted photos We caught up with Nicole Carter to do a Q&A who is a rare species of realtor in Philadelphia – a true DIY maven. She uses a professional yet friendly approach, which help clients feel comfortable about a possibly stressful decision. Trust is hard to come by in today’s fiercely competitive real estate market, especially in the city. “I am here to provide you with the professionalism and integrity needed to ensure that you feel secure in what can be one of the biggest decisions of your life,” said Carter. Q: Please state your name, age, location and title. A: My name is Nicole Carter. I’m…
- Celebrities, Charity, Culture, Drink, Education, Entertainment, Events, Explore with Cassie, Fashion, Food, Latest News, Style
Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus Stages American Bandstand Themed Fall Ball
“The whole American pop culture started in Philadelphia with ‘American Bandstand’ and the music that came out of the city.” — Daryl Hall Story, photos by Sharon Kozden I’m old enough to remember “American Bandstand.” Dick Clark emceed a bunch of kids dancing around and rating records. It was then how we discovered the cultural zeitgeist of music, fashion trends, hair styles–you name it. That the program originated in Philadelphia meant little to me then, as the radius of my existence was probably ten miles in circumference. Now that I live in Philadelphia’s suburbs, it’s a point of pride and a great factoid with which to impress a random stranger…
- Architecture, Culture, Drink, Education, Entertainment, Explore with Cassie, Food, Latest News, Restaurants, Style
Behind the Scenes Tour at The Divine Lorraine Where People are Already Living
Story, photos by Cassie Hepler Have you ever noticed the old background photo on the Explore-Philly website? Well, it is not from the top of the Divine Lorraine but the brother building down the street, the Beury Building (also known as the boner building because of the graffiti words sprayed on it). That same day, another adventurous photographer and I attempted to enter the then-abandoned Divine Lorraine. However, it was a concrete fortress. “We learned people were sneaking in through the Annex building in the back,” said Christopher R. Cordaro, Vice President of EB Realty Management Corp. There was one guy who did – and broke so many bones falling down an elevator shaft…
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Style With A Purpose – Mim and Ray Handbags Featured at Joan Shepp Philadelphia
Handbag company Mim & Ray feature unique style, fashion, and function all for an amazing purpose. They pride themselves on not only offering the finest Italian leather and wool panel detailing, but also employing over 35 senior adult artisan knitters. Not only can you find their designs and learn more about their company via their online store, but you can see the new fall collection in person at one of Philadelphia’s trendiest boutiques Joan Shepp. During a VIP event, Co-Designers Toby Strogatz and Jennifer Strogatz chatted with Entertainment Reporter Whitney Ullman about the designs, their background and more. Check it out below….
- Charity, Culture, Dessert, Drink, Entertainment, Events, Explore with Cassie, Fashion, Latest News, Style
Cultivating Leadership: Union League of Philadelpia Hosts The Germination Project’s 2017 Draft Day Gala
“People always say that I have all of these projects, but I really only have one project, and that’s our region.” – Ajay Raju Story, photos by Sharon Kozden The Union League‘s Lincoln Hall was the place to be, where The Germination Project‘s 3rd Annual Draft Day Gala was held. The assemblage included an impressive roster of notable community members as well as an equally diverse lineup of awards, inductions, presentations, performances and more. The gala, chaired by Executive VP and Provost JoAnne Epps of Temple University, introduced (in athletic-draft fashion) the 17 most recent inductees to 2017’s Germination Project’s Fellowship Class as well as the presentation (by Craig Snyder, President and CEO, World Affairs…