A community of empowered fashionistas gathered this weekend in The Wardrobe Boutique, a consignment shop located on the corner of 19th and Spring Garden streets. They met for an event sponsored by Philadelphia Style Bloggers, a group hoping to create a hub of local bloggers for companies and brands to reach out to.
The event was first annual Sip Shop Swap and offered a panel of four bloggers who gave attendees tips on how to find recycled clothes to fit their personal styles. If shoppers brought five clothing items to trade, they could enter the discussion for $5 to $10. This entrance fee also included a 30 percent discount on all store items and refreshments during the discussion.
Karima Renee, the founder of Skinny Minority fashion blog and creative mind behind the event, said it marks the one year anniversary of Philly Style Blog.
“This a great way to celebrate that and for me to kind of test the market for shopping events in Philly,” Renee said.
The decision to house the first Sip Shop Swap at The Wardrobe Boutique was based on Spring Garden’s up and coming shopping district for young people, Renee said.
“It’s just such a hub and a centralized area, but you still have parking,” she said. “It still has a neighborhood feel to it.”
An integral theme of the event was to show women of all sizes how they can dress fashionably regardless of their shape and budget. One of the panelists, Georgette Niles of the Grown and Curvy Woman blog, offered personal advice for the audience.
“I started my blog to help women feel good about their bodies,” Niles said. “I was feeling good about mine and I wanted to share that. I want to let you know that style doesn’t have any age and it doesn’t have any size.”
The panel also discussed tips on how women can choose an affordable wardrobe.
In addition to being in a prime shopping location, The Wardrobe Boutique was also chosen by the bloggers for its charitable ties. When the shop sells its recycled clothing, all proceeds go to The Career Wardrobe. This non-profit organization provides professional clothing, skills and advice for women transitioning into the workforce.
To become a member of Philadelphia Style Bloggers or keep track of the group’s upcoming events, you can join its Meetup.com page.
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