A Mod Shopping Guide to Philadelphia

I consider Philly one of the top cities to visit in the United States. I was first acquainted with The City of Brotherly Love years back when my parents moved for work into a small flat near Rittenhouse Square. On a couple of occasions I got to extensively explore the city but my wife had never been. So a quick road trip was in order.

Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were signed.

Aside from the incredible architecture, abundant historical significant sites, rich musical heritage, museums and tasty Philly cheese steaks, there's plenty of Mod shopping to be done. This guide should help you spend that vacation money in no time. Make sure to keep a few bills aside for some records! I'll tell you where to find some in the next post.

Philadelphia City Hall

You may want to start your spending spree on South Street.

South Street has a young, hip, urban, trendy, artsy vibe to it with its many shops, art galleries, cafes, restaurants and clubs. Most shops aren't worth a second glance, unless you're looking for some bling or a pair of neon trainers. Hopefully these addresses will narrow your browsing time.

Ants in your pants?

I wasn't in town to have my hair cut neat but if I were, I would probably start with the Modish Hair Salon.

A must stop on your stroll down South Street is Greene Street Consignment.

Consignment shops seem to have picked up in popularity lately. I may not be aware of any in my own town but the concept seems to have taken root in many major North American cities. It makes sense. It's socially responsible and promotes green living. Whether you adhere to those principles or not, chances are you'll find a few nice pieces in the place. My wife sure did! You can find a cool retro dress for the price of a couple of Latte Ventis at the Starbucks down the road.

Your next destination should be Retrospect. As they advertise on their website, it's "vintage through and through"and "is the cure for the chain-store shopping blues". Couldn't agree more. If you're looking for a vintage couch or a simple silk scarf, then search no more.

It certainly chased the blues away as soon as I put my hands on a stunning green glen check 60s jacket. My mood quickly changed from blues free to utter excitement when I saw the price tag of 18$.

At that silly price, I managed to score a few extra slim ties. Hard to say no at 5$ a pop.

Looking for a hard to find short brimmed trilby or a classic driver's cap? Then you should head over to the Hat Shop, 524 South St. I think the name of the place is pretty self-explanatory.

A good fifteen minute walk from South Street is Metro Mens Clothing in the rapidly developing neighbourhood along Passyunk Avenue. If you don't like taking the vintage route, this place will meet all your Mod clothing needs.

You'll find all the Mod friendly brands like Fred Perry, Ben Sherman, Original Penguin all under one roof. According to the very friendly owner, his shop has the exclusivity for all the Fred Perry products in Philly. True or not, the impeccable customer service is worth the detour. Just a couple days before, I had received an email announcing the new Fred Perry Northern Soul - Twisted Wheel collection and he already had it in stock.

Of course, I kept the best for last. A street away from our hotel, in the Old City, is the exquisite Briar Vintage. A bit more expensive then your average second hand shop, the selection is carefully hand picked. You'll only find the finest examples of vintage clothing from the 20s to the 60s. 

The only reason why I didn't leave with half of the inventory is because I didn't find anything that fit well. But it wasn't from a lack of trying!

So I had to settle for a couple of pocket squares and a few ties. Don't hesitate to strike a conversation with the manager David, a very swell gentleman. He knows a thing or two about clothes and if you're as passionate about the subject as I am, the next thing you'll know half an hour will have passed.

What would I give to have a vintage tie clip display case like this.

While in the neighbourhood, might as well visit Sazz Vintage next door. You might just end up finding something you like.

All that shopping will certainly make you hungry. The perfect way to end an intense day of shop hopping is to walk a few blocks South to the National Mechanics Pub & Restaurant. The place, set in an old bank, offers a selection of 33 different beers and a menu of savoury pub grub. Believe me, you won't be disappointed.

A Mod's Shopping Guide To Las Vegas - Part I

If you're a Mod visiting Las Vegas on vacation, that Lady Luck has smiled at you at the craps table, that you have some extra cash burning a hole in your pocket and that you have a day to spare, then this is the guide for you! Forget about the Lonely Planet, Parka Avenue will reveal all the Mod friendly places you must visit. You'll find out where you can stretch your dollar and pack your suitcase full of goodies. You will also learn about the places you should avoid like the plague.

Rarely do I visit an American city without leaving with a record or two. Well, this will be the exception. It's still hard to believe that I didn't manage to put my hands on a single 45. In this desert oasis, you basically have two options: Record City and Wax Trax.

I didn't even bother visiting Wax Trax. The place has such a bad reputation for having a crazy owner, that will charge you 5 times the going price for a record, that I didn't waste my time. I was thinking of going just to have a good story for this blog but I had more important ground to cover. All you need to do is check the Yelp reviews and you'll understand why he has the lowest possible score of 1 out of 5 stars.

So that left me with Record City. The place is central and easily accessible. It's clean, well organised and has a decent selection of LPs and 45s.

Like most record shops I visit, the more interesting records are behind the counter. After a quick search through the $1 to $20 rows, I asked if I could have a look at the more valuable records. 

As soon as the owner saw me with my portable Sound Burger record player, he quickly stated:

- You can't use that here.

- Oh... I see. I'm usually extremely careful...

- It doesn't matter. Those are expensive records.

- I understand. I'm here to buy. If I'm going to spend good money for a record, I would like hear it before I purchase it. Do you have a turntable?

- No. I had one but it's broken.

Well, that started on a chilly note. One of the first singles I pulled out was Darrell Banks - Open The Door To You Heart, with the B side - Our Love (Is In The Pocket) - being my favorite track. I gasped when I saw $100 on it with a grading of G+ on the paper sleeve.

I noticed that the owner had seen my reaction.

- I'm sorry. I'm just taken aback by the prices.

- These are rare records, you know.

- Well then I must have been lucky because I paid no more then $20 for this Darrell Banks record.

- No, that's what it goes for. Most of these records came from Wax Trax.

That explains a lot! While I was going through the rest of the boxes, he actually went on the net to verify if what I was saying was true. He later confirmed that there was a copy on eBay for $30. When I stumbled on The Whatusi by The Orlons for $20, I had enough. I see copies at $2 on a regular basis. What a disapointment.

Fortunately, there are bargains to be found in Vegas. Every cloud has a silver lining and that place is Glam Factory Vintage. Owner and Vespa rider Stephanie is the sweetest gal you'll come accross in Vegas. Her husband is a Lambretta rider himself so they make it hard not to want to spend your casino earnings there. And you won't leave broke because her prices are the best odds in town and the selection is second to none.

What I like about the shop, aside from the onwer's charming personnality, is that every piece of clothing has been sourced locally. Who knows, you might just leave with a cardigan that was owned by Frank or Sammy at one point.

Eric, proudly wearing his vintage threads, welcoming you with a smile.

She confided in me that a good portion of her clientele are burlesque dancers. Maybe if I hang around long enough...

A vintage 60s black and white dress that I bought as a gift for my wife.

Stephanie had set up a booth at the High Rollers rally site and although I arrived Friday night, I still managed to put my hands on some great pieces for less then a few turns at the black jack table. I got a light weight navy mac, made by Boston Harbor, will be perfect for scooter outings on chilly summer nights. And so will this Lee early 70s polyester burgundy jacket.

Another similar 70s light blue jacket had my name on it. I must be the jacket wisperer because I swear I could hear it say: "Take me... Take me..." What about this 60s v-neck sweater? If this doesn't scream Mod then I don't know what will.

Yes Mr. President...

Not to far from Glam Factory Vintage is Electric Lemonade. This other vintage clothing shop might hide a few treasures but as hard as I looked, I didn't find anything that met Parka Avenue standards. The clothes were not as prestine and the prices were a bit higher. Like any vintage shop, it pays to go on a regular basis. But if you're an out of town visitor with a limited amount of time, go directly to Glam Factory Vintage.

You have to admit that the blue dress on the mannequin is quite nice.

Hungry after all that shopping? Do I have a great local family owned restaurant for you! A stone's throw from Electric Lemonade is Simpo Sandwiches. You can't get more authentic then that and above all it's DELICIOUS! It's the best thing since sliced bread! Well... You get the picture.

Any place that has the XM radio set to 60s Soul is already OK in my book. Plus the small shrine dedicated to the first black President makes it all the more inviting.

But the mouth watering, fresh sandwiches is the icing on the cake. Well... You get the picture.

I had the Tuscan Italiano and it was heavenly. They make their own blend of spices that can be added to pretty much anything you fancy and with a name like Soul D'licious, I had to leave with a bottle.

Finally, if your shopping bag isn't full just yet, you might want to head over to the Las Vegas Premium Outlets. A good 15 minutes walk from the Downtown Arts District, you'll find all your Mod approved brands like Brooks Brothers, G.H. Bass & Co., Clarks and Levi's. I'm not big on shopping malls but when you can get a pair genuine Bass Weejuns or Clarks desert boots at 50% off, it might be worth the walk over there.

If you plan a trip to Las Vesgas any time soon, don't forget to leave some room in your suitcase. You'll thank me later.

The Boating Blazer - How Mods made the striped jacket a fashion statement

The Australian group The Easybeats in 1967

Mod fashion has taken its cues from a variety of sources and searched for inspiration from a myriad of different places. Basically, if it was cool, Mods sought to adapt it and make it their own. Musicians on Jazz albums were copied and actors in French film were imitated. A tennis polo shirt became a Mod icon, a US army parka became a second skin on scooter outings, wearing a cycling shirt became a fashion staple and even bowling shoes were considered perfect for the dance floor.

Carnaby Street 1967 - Photo by Dezo Hoffmann

Billy Gibbons in The Moving Sidewalks

One undeniable influence was the American Ivy League look. When it comes to looking smart and cool, 60s American university students with their cardigans, merino sweaters, button-down Brooks Brothers shirts and Bass Weejuns penny loafers had mastered the look. Add to that the uniform of the time honored sport of rowing and you have a recipe for some colorful Mod fashion.

From the book The Ivy Look

Ah… the famous boating blazer. The combination of multi colored stripes, golden buttons, college crest on the breast pocket all make for a rather bold statement when out at a Soul all-nighter. Like many pieces of clothing that became part of the Mod wardrobe, it has seen its share of modifications and adaptations. 

Scan from The Modern Man catalog based on Carnaby Street in the 60s

"Henley - A dashing blazer - gay Maroon and Yellow stripes on Light Grey. For the brave only."

For one, most of the Mod boating blazers have 3 buttons when the authentic ones from the 50s and 60s are more than likely to sport two. The contemporary version will see some covered buttons instead of the traditionnal gold ones and the extra ticket pocket on the right hand side makes it all the more Mod.

Eric Clapton in 1963 when in was in The Yardbirds

The Who's John Entwistle looking dapper in his boating blazer

Keith Moon sporting a daring 4-button number

Mod Revival band Squire

It is hard to tell at what point the boating blazer simply became a striped jacket but gone are the patch breast pockets with the university crest or the yacht club name on it. The contrast piping often seen on the edge of the lapel has been left to the past decades. But that doesn’t mean that a prime vintage example should lay dormant in a closet!

Boating Blazer display from vintage clothing store Bobby From Boston

Original Mod Peter Daltrey in 1965

During the Mod Revival, the boating blazer was still part of the uniforn. No matter where you stand on Quadrophenia's contribution to the resurgence of the Mod mouvement in the 80s and its equivocal  depiction of Mods in the 60s, we can't deny that it influenced many of us. Take this iconic image of Jimmy riding his Lambretta with his cocky attitude wearing a beautiful example of the blazer in question. How many of us wished we had a Leslie Ash holding on to us on the seat behind us?

And this photo of Dave (actor Mark Wingett) who made us all wish we could look this suave and stylish.

Like many questionable fashion choices made in the 80s, some women (not many that I knew) borrowed from their boyfriend's closet, evident by this catalog ad from Carnaby Street's Mod emporium The Carvern. 

"The Boating blazer - for blokes really, but girls wear them too!"

Personally, I like boating blazers… a lot. The trick is, pulling off the daring look without passing for a circus ring leader. It is also fair to ask yourself if there is one point in your life when you should simply avoid the look altogether.  Granted, when you hit 40, it’s not a look that is easy to pull off. You don’t always have that college state rowing champion figure that you used to have. Nonetheless, there are a few occasions, when well-coordinated, that you can still look sharp and stand out.

My good friend Christophe wearing a stunning green and blue number. The pocket square is a nice touch too.

I consider the boating jacket more part of semi-formal wear. I rarely wear mine with a tie but that's the beauty of the boating blazer, you can dress it up a notch by wearing one. I usually substitute the tie for a nice knit polo à la John Smedley, an open button-down shirt, a turtleneck or a plain Fred Perry polo.

From the book The Ivy Look

The jacket offers a wide range of possibilities of trousers to wear. Neatly pressed pants, chinos or even Levis all go well with it. I like to wear pants that will match one of the colors seen in the jacket. You can go with a lighter shade or a darker one, depending on what you have on hand. White Levis are a favorite of mine. They give the stripes of the jacket the attention they deserve. The same goes for the shoes. Loafers, saddle shoes, top siders, desert boots, Chelsea boots or brogues are all acceptable in my opinion.

Light summer jacket by La Rocka - England

Instead of  wearing men's clothing with its rather square lines, today's savy Mod lady can parade in her own striped blazer, the cut being much more flattering to the figure. My wife bought this short jacket from Canadian retailer Tristan & Iseult. The retro influence is undeniable and it looks great with a skirt or part of a more relaxed and casual look with a simple pair of jeans.

Many Mod friendly retailers like Merc, Fred Perry, Gabicci and Pretty Green have come up with their take on the classic blazer. If budget and big celebrity hyped brand names are not a concern to you then you might want to consider Pretty Green. Does the quality warrent a £450 price tag? That's debatable. I have to admit that my mate Dominic does look quite debonaire in his.

One of my favorite internet one-stop shops is by far Atom Retro. They carry two quality brands that offer the desirable blazer. The first is Gibson of London. The quality is apparent and can rival any of the previously named international renowned brands. This is not the type of garment that will have the seems split while you're doing the shing-a-ling on the dance floor and you don't need to worry about losing buttons in a dark club. 

The attention to detail is what sets it apart from the cheap copies you might find in large surface stores. The working cuffs, the covered buttons, the slim lapels and the ticket pocket are all there.

  The lastest arrival at Atom Retro is this Madcap England jacket. I've written about UK based Madcap in this post about cycling shirts and in this one about jumpers, so you know I'm partial to the brand. Well, fellow readers, I don't think you'll be disapointed with this one. This 3-button jacket, with the top button really high, sixties style, could have been taken straight off a young Steve Marriott's back.

If you never had the opportunity to own one, here’s your chance. The good folks at Atom Retro have provided this Madcap looker as a raffle prize to the Parka Avenue readers. The jacket looked so good that I had to buy one for myself! So I can personally attest to the quality and fit. Trust me, you want this one!

But that’s not all! Two additional prizes of two £20 vouchers at Atom Retro are also up for grabs! The contest will be held until November 1st 2012. You have more than one way you can enter the contest. One, go and like the Parka Avenue Facebook page. If you’re already a member, simply share the Boating Blazer post off the Parka Avenue page.  Follow me on Twitter and you have yet another chance of winning. Already following me on Twitter? Then simply retweet this post or mention the contest and add the #parkaavenue ashtag. Finally, leave a comment below and you’re in!

If you don’t believe that Lady Luck is on your side and you can’t stand the suspense, by all means, visit the good folks at Atom Retro and buy yourself one right now!