John Hardy/ Philadelphia

I had trouble concentrating on a theme today; maybe it's because my normal Friday favorites (unlike this past Friday) act as a purge---nothing has to fall in a category. Or maybe it's because we went to Philadelphia this past weekend, just for a look, and my brain is still reeling from the little shops and cafes and the knowledge of future decisions that need to be made. Since I didn't have any photos of Philly, and I only purchased presents, I couldn't really justify a whole post about the trip. I am, however, sticking a couple of thoughts at the end of today's post if you decide to stick around after the pretty pictures.

Today is all John Hardy. One of the benefits of writing this blog is that I am exposed to about a million new artists a day as I wade my way through bookmarked favorites and google searches.

I noticed not too long ago that I kept going back to Mr. Hardy, who surely deserves his own post. I saved up some of my favorites (though I love about 95% of his jewelry) and here they are...


Silver Hinged Kali Bangle, $495





Dot Gold Nuansa Drop Earrings, $695




Vine Cuff Bracelet, $995




Kali Lavafire Ring, $1000





Bib Necklace, $1495






Yellow Gold and Silver Flag Ring, $525

Now, about Philly...

We took an impromptu trip to Philadelphia this weekend, more a fact-finding mission for future moves. It's a cute little city with some interesting neighborhoods; Northern Liberties is supposed to be the next Williamsburg, which, depending on your point of view, can either be a great or horrible thing.

I loved Brooklyn's aura, with the harried and lazy rubbing shoulders. The rich and the poor both scrambling for miniature one-bedrooms. I loved watching old women leaning out of their windows, spying on the world below. But I grew to hate the posing, the jostling, the marked up boutiques.

Northern Liberties is still very industrial: abandoned warehouses nestle up against old townhouses and one or two luxury condos. We didn't see a soul for blocks and then suddenly came upon a town, real and tiny, but life existed. A hipster bowling alley and some great little shops.

We never got to the Mütter Museum (my dream vacation for several years running now), but I extracted a promise from the bf that we will go again soon.


I think I could see myself living there. ($950 for a two bedroom certainly doesn't hurt...)