Welcome to Racked Philly, where we'll report on retail and fashion comings and goings around town. See a store open, close, or otherwise claim your attention? Hit the tipline, and we'll get right on it.
Ooh la la! Philadelphia will see the opening of a new lingerie boutique this fall, when Hope Chest Lingerie opens a store in Center City. The boutique, which already has a location in Haverford, specializes in high-end undergarments, from basic, everyday underwear, to sexy skivvies and lacy lingerie.
Jen Rosen, the owner of Hope Chest Center City (and longtime former manager of the Haverford location), tells Racked Philly that the new store signifies a return to the roots of the Hope Chest brand. The boutique first opened in Philadelphia 25 years ago, then shuttered its city location in 2006, in favor of new digs on the Main Line. "I listened when customers would tell me how much they miss the Hope Chest in Center City," says Rosen. "I realized we left loyal customers behind when we moved to the suburbs."
The Philly location will be reborn at 1937 Chestnut Street, and will be larger than the Haverford store. While both locations will stock the same line-up of brands (Wolford, Cosabella, Hanky Panky, and more), the inventory will be slightly different, with the Philly store offering more youthful, fashion-forward styles. When it comes to decor, Rosen tells us to expect a "French-inspired, shabby chic, bedroom-esque theme," complete with a warm color palette, crystal chandeliers and sconces, and warm lighting.
Hope Chest Center City will have a soft opening later this summer, with its grand opening event scheduled for mid-September, coinciding with The Philadelphia Collection's annual series of special retail and fashion events.
In more immediate news, you can get an early start on your weekend shopping with the Elements and Alloys jewelry pop-up shop, hosted by Kendra Designs at 234 Arch Street. Designed by husband and wife team Karen and James Moustafellos, Elements and Alloys' fine jewelry is architecturally-influenced with a contemporary edge, and features 18 karat gold, sterling silver, stainless steel, and gemstones. Handmade in Philly, the jewelry line will be complemented by Kendra Designs' locally-crafted apparel line, which consists of feminine-meets-edgy fashions for women. This four-day event begins Thursday, July 26 and ends Sunday, July 29.
The Olympic games kick off on Friday, July 27, and Bus Stop Boutique is giving shoppers a reason to celebrate with the Go for the Gold Sale. London-born store owner Elena Brennan will pay homage to her native city by offering savings of up to 15 percent on a number of shoe styles, like the women's "Union Jack" sneakers by Gola, and the men's "2012 Australian Olympic Team Wear Volleys," the official opening ceremony shoe of the 2012 Australian Olympic team. The one-day sale takes place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, July 27 and also promises complimentary ice-cold lemonade (score!)