Retiring… or graduating… or throwing in the towel… however you’d like to call it, I’m doing it. For now, anyway. See, here’s the thing. Sailor Jerry Rum has been sending me ’round the country to throw events & scope out the scene in Honolulu, New York, Chicago, LA, San Diego, San Fran, Miami, Austin, Milwaukee, Seattle, Portland, Denver…

Yeah, kinda crazy. And kinda awesome. I’ve been traveling much of the last few months and I’ll be traveling most of the next year. So, what the hell do I do with my site? It’s kinda hard to do both… I haven’t really been in town… and I’m just… not…….. feelin’ it right now.

So, rather than keep this site going half-assed, I’m going to step away from it for a moment. I want to ride this wave and see where it takes me. I’m up for anything! And I’m sure I’ll be back.

In the meantime, I’ll be representin’ Philly to the fullest ’round the ol U S of A. (This time on someone else’s dime!)

See you soon…

- Rachel

Yeah, so, with the help of Kelly Turso (photographer), Charles Churchill (hair stylist) & Marni Simon (make-up), they transformed me into a awesomely-tacky-slightly-crazy-overly-exuberant- 1960’s- psychadelic-Barbie to celebrate the start of summer (all inspired by that amazing psychadelic one-piece. HOT!!!) In this “Rachel’s Guide to Summer“, enjoy my picks for summer… from favorite summer looks to margarita madness to great outdoor spots to dine & hang and of course, all things summer vintage. These are purely editorial picks - my take on summer in the city and living it up. There will be more stories to come throughout the next few weeks, including picks from some other fabulous Philly gals and photos all along the way. Have fun, Happy Summer!

Aww, I found these old school vintage Atlantic City postcards from the 1950s and I got all nostalgic. Just thought I’d share. Makes me love summer even more…

My friend Mama Lou always brings some of her Southern Hospitality to summer BBQs with her infamous shot station. It’s infamous because we barely remember the outcome of the night, but always the life of the party indeed. Here’s the trick: Cut the top off of an empty square milk or orange juice carton. Fill it with water, slices of lemon/lime and a bottle of vodka in the middle (I like citrus flavored vodka.) Stick it in the freezer so the water & lemons freeze around the bottle. When it’s totally frozen (overnight), rip off the carton and you have a perfect block of ice to keep your liquor chilled for shots. For the station, put shot glasses, fruit & a bowl of sugar on a tray. Wrap a towel around the ice to pour, then have your guests take a shot, bite the fruit & lick the sugar! (Dancing on the coffee table optional.)

Bar Ferdinand is a sexy Spanish tapas restaurant on Liberties Walk in Northern Liberties with the casual feel of a neighborhood hang-out. So pretty much, it’s everything you want: good food, sexy decor, cool vibe and drinks o’ plenty. Hang for hours and try everything on the menu at their outdoor piazza. Stop by during happy hour for great specials (umm, half-off Sangria pitchers!) from 4:30-7pm. (Also a great brunch!) Rumor has it Owen Kamihira (the owner) will be reopening Deuce as well…

Bar Ferdinand | 1030 N. 2nd Street (Just South of Girard) www.barferdinand.com

Ahh, what would summer time be without a lil vintage Hawaiian fashion? I am LOVING this look, especially as a onsie (umm, can it get any cuter? a onsie?) Miss Nikki Moose, being as fabulous as she is, rocked this look the other week at the Making Time party, and I found this 80’s number at a vintage store in LA. SO summer of ‘82! And ‘08!

Ever since someone near & dear to me gave me a Fischer Price record player… my life has been significantly more pimp. (In fact, I’m not even sure he gave it to me, but I’m certainly not giving it back!) I take that sh*t in the bathroom with me, on the roof deck, camping in my Airstream… seriously, BEST THING EVER!!! SO incredibly more pimp than a sissy iPod station. Go on EBAY & search “Portable Record Player.” You can thank me later.

I kinda can’t get enough of terrycloth. Particularly onesies. Specifically high-waisted ones from the 80’s. I kinda can’t stop buying them on Ebay. They’re essential for hanging on the roof-deck and so much cuter than sweats. Let’s bring ‘em back. (But if you see RachelLovesVintage bidding on Ebay, back off b*tches!!! hahaha)

Capagiro’s slogan is “Taste no Evil” and I would expect nothing less in gelato heaven. Their “Gelato Artisans” whip you up scoops of flavors like Mascarpone & Fig or Rosemary Honey Goat’s Milk made from fresh local ingredients. Have a taste on a hot summer day at one of two Rittenhouse locations: 13th & Sansom or 17th & Sansom. It’s the sophisticated foodie’s ice-cream truck!

Capagiro | Midtown Village: 119 S. 13th Street | Rittenhouse Square: 117 S. 20th Street | www.capogirogelato.com

The allure of Cantina is that it’s laid back like your favorite neighborhood bar (they also own Royal Tavern & Khyber) but the food is freakin’ fabulous like a restaurant. The outdoor seating is the perfect place to hang for hours of margaritas in South Philly (we heart Passyunk Ave!) Add some pulled pork tacos and call it a drunken summer day!

Cantina | 1651 E. Passyunk Ave | www.cantinaloscaballitos.com