I have wanted to buy a striking piece of art to compliment my exposed brick wall, but having been disappointed by seeing the same unoriginal or overpriced pieces everywhere, I kept putting it off until now. While wandering the city, I recently fell upon Absolute Abstract, which offers custom, high quality, frameless art - exactly what I’ve been eager to find!

Open just over a year now, what enticed me was their extensive selection of LoftArt. They have binders full of paintings and photographs to choose from. Ranging in size, style and finishing, each giclee print is personalized to your liking. The finished canvas, which takes approximately 4 weeks to produce, is lightweight, affordably priced and timeless. From oversized pieces to smaller-scale prints, as well as some original paintings by local talent and even some sculptures, Absolute Abstract offers several options to add diverse interest to your home.

During my visit, I met owner James and artist Nora who were both extremely friendly and knowledgeable. Their enthusiasm for fine art and the city itself was contagious.

Not only do they provide amazing art, they give back to the community. On the second Saturday of each month, Absolute Abstract holds “Work in Progress”, a live art event. Chosen artists complete a new piece live in the storefront window, which is later auctioned off to benefit local charities. Absolute Abstract is also heavily involved in “Midtown Village”, which focuses on raising awareness and bringing in business to this evolving section of the city.

As a result of their much-deserved success, they have just expanded their showroom this month. Stop by Absolute Abstract for their grand re-opening soiree this Saturday night, April 21 (6-9pm) and order your own custom piece while you’re there. What better way to celebrate!

Absolute Abstract
141 S. 13th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215.733.0190

Scene Girl, Shop Girl | Email | Print | //

There are plenty of great coffee shops in the city, however Bonte is one that not only serves up a variety of delicious lattes, but also is best known for their Belgian sugar waffles.

With an authentic recipe straight from Brussels and specific ingredients imported weekly from overseas, their waffles are a little piece of heaven. Worth the sometimes fifteen minute wait, the waffles are served hot and perfectly prepared with crisp edges and flavorful throughout. In addition to the traditional waffle, add blueberry, pecan, banana, chocolate or strawberry for more zest - all are equally divine. You can taste the savory sugar and chosen fruit grilled in with each bite. Bonte also serves an array of appealing sandwiches and salads when you’re craving something less sweet.

Bonte is usually buzzing with folks and typical coffeehouse scenes - people sipping cappuccino, talking, reading a newspaper or simply relaxing. The decor softens the commotion, in tones of sky blue and chocolate brown. Muted Miles Davis style of jazz plays and black and white photos adorn the walls.

The idea for Bonte was inspired by a trip overseas. As a traveler myself, I truly appreciate bringing another culture’s traditional favorites back to our city, almost as much as I love their waffles!

Bonte Waffles
130 S. 17th Street - Philadelphia, PA 19103
215.557.8510

922 Walnut Street - Philadelphia, PA 19107
215.238.7407

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With an already established designer clothing store, Matthew Izzo later expanded his empire to also include Matthew Izzo Lifestyle.

Lifestyle has an emphasis on home furnishings and accessories, most of it modern with touches of fun and quirky and bright hints of color thrown in. Everything is slightly mismatched, yet all blends perfectly and stylishly together. Izzo has an uncanny eye for spotting the latest trends and making anyone or any home feel more elegant and up-to-date.

One of my many dreams has been to open my own boutique; the style of this store is one that inspires this in me again. It is a long and vast open space, with an industrial, almost unfinished feel - very urban chic. Lifestyle has a cool and relaxed atmosphere, with Madonna or similar music playing in the background. They carry everything from furnishings and pottery, to lighting, home accessories, jewelry and even some clothing makes its way in. Wander toward the back and you’ll stumble upon HeaD AreA, an edgy hair salon conveniently located within Izzo’s Lifestyle shop.

What I like most is how Matthew Izzo’s stores remind me of something I would find in New York or Los Angeles, but he keeps it real in Philly, helping to emerge our own stylish city.

A city girl’s complete Saturday in one place. With clothing, household items, and a hair salon, Matthew Izzo Lifestyle is seriously one-stop shopping. All he has to do now is open a lounge so his clientele can display all of their newly bought fabulousness over some delicious cocktails!

Matthew Izzo
Lifestyle -1109 Walnut Street
215.829.0606
Clothing - 117 S. 13th Street
215.629.1240
Philadelphia PA 19107

Fancy Girl, Pretty Girl, Shop Girl | Email | Print | //