Press Release

HIP TO HAUTE: PHILLY ABOUNDS WITH INDIE SHOPS
Owner-Operated Boutiques Reflect Singular Styles

PHILADELPHIA, September 27, 2007 - Philadelphia comes by its independent spirit naturally—and so do Philadelphia’s stylish independently owned and operated shops. Bustling Old City in Historic Philadelphia has become renowned for its chic boutiques and mod galleries. In industrial and hip Northern Liberties, it’s shelter shops and craft galleries. And in upscale Rittenhouse, refined and sophisticated rules. Even the city’s suburbs subvert sameness with shops owned and operated by independent individuals. Inside each store, owner-retailers are steadfast fixtures, offering customers the latest looks—and an old-fashioned level of personal service.

Third Street Habit

Photo by B. Krist for GPTMC

 

• Adresse – Classic chic is the look at this boutique for contemporary women’s fashions. Look for elegantly understated designs by Lanvin, Martin Grant and Peter Som, along side some of the world’s prettiest kicks and home accessories. 1706 Locust Street, (215) 985-3161
• Arcadia Boutique – Ali McCloud’s lovely Northern Liberties shop boasts the latest eco-friendly styles—think trendy organic cotton miniskirts and swingy recycled wool jackets. 819 N. 2^nd Street, (215) 667-8099, www.arcadiaboutique.com
  
• Ashley & Whitney – This cute clothing and home accessories stores is owned by two sisters with divergent tastes in dresses by Trina Turk and pieces by Plenty. 119 E. Market Street, West Chester, (610) 431-6851
• Blink – This fun, girly boutique sells T-shirts by C&C California and Splendid, sweats by Juicy Couture and jeans by Citizens of Humanity, J Brand, William Rast and 7 For All Man Kind. 136 W. Gay Street, West Chester, (610) 431-2212, www.shopblink.com
• Bus Stop – London-born, Philadelphia-dwelling Elena Brennan stocks hard-to-find and thoroughly irresistible shoes and bags by Terra Plana, Bolo, Marcello Toshi and others. 750 S. 4^th Street, (215) 627-2357, www.busstopboutique.com
• Closet Fever – This Northern Liberties hair salon doubles as a clothing and jewelry gallery—and, on occasion, triples as an impromptu DJ studio. 707 N. 2^nd Street, (215) 627-4600
• Distante – Owner and stylist Charlie Morrotta sells his bespoke dress shirts and suits for men and women exclusively at his Center City shop. 1510 Sansom Street, (215) 545-2850
• Joan Shepp – The eponymous boutique of local fashion doyenne Joan Shepp brings the catwalk to Walnut Street by offering clientele the latest from a who’s who of international fashion designers: Chloe, Dries Van Noten, Jean Paul Gaultier and Yohji Yamamoto. 1616 Walnut Street, (215) 735-2666, www.joanshepp.com
• Kimberly Boutique – This fun little clothing store feels like the closet of the prettiest girl in school, stocked with going-out Tibi dresses, Susana Monaco basics, Jeffrey Campbell ballet flats—and a fridge of bubbly. 123 S. 16^th Street, (215) 564-1066, www.kimberlyboutique.com
• Lost & Found – A superbly stylish, completely sensible mother-and-daughter duo runs this always-busy shop that specializes in great-for-the-wardrobe and easy-on-the-wallet fashions for men and women. 133 N. 3^rd Street, (215) 928-1311
• Mitchell and Ness – This old-time sporting goods store has developed a cult-like following. It is the multimillion-dollar world leader in creating and selling official reproductions of uniforms worn by professional baseball, basketball and football players. Regular customers include P. Diddy, Donovan McNabb, Chris Brown, Ryan Howard and Allen Iverson. 1318 Chestnut Street, (267) 765-0613, www.mitchellandness.com
• Molletta – This petite girly girl’s shop stocks feminine pieces by Susana Monaco, Ruth and local designers. 55 N. 3^rd Street, (215) 925-7733, www.molletta.net
• Paula Hian Designs – Stylish day and evening attire is available at this award-winning designer’s Manayunk showroom. Although Hian sells her merchandise to specialty shops around the country, her design and production operations are based in Philadelphia and France. 106 Gay Street, (215) 487-3067, www.paulahian.com
• Petulia’s Folly – This well-appointed urban boutique offers an impeccable array of contemporary designs by 3.1 Phillip Lim, Catherine Malandrino, Jovovich Hawk, Mint and Nicole Farhi, plus plush home accents. 1710-1712 Sansom Street, (215) 569-1344, www.petuliasfolly.com
• Sailor Jerry – The flagship for this internationally renowned line of tattoo-inspired fashion for the hipster family resides in a chic corner location in Midtown Village. 116-118 S. 13^th Street, (215) 531-6380, www.sailorjerry.com
• Skirt – This playfully chic Main Line boutique belongs to Coach alum Maureen Conallen-Doron, who specializes in culling the best of Nanette Lepore, Shoshanna, Milly, Diane von Furstenberg, Chaiken, Tracey Reese and Tory Burch. 931 Lancaster Avenue, Bryn Mawr, (610) 520-0222, www.shop-skirt.com
• Smak Parlour – Adorable friends Abby Kessler and Katie Loftus design every piece of fresh apparel in their rosy boudoir boutique. 219 Market Street, (215) 625-4551, www.smakparlour.com
• State of Grace – Amanda Barton’s pale and pretty shop caters to a discerning set of indie fashionistas with bags by Matt & Nat, frocks by Rachel Pally and separates by Kensie. 1029 W. Lancaster Avenue, Bryn Mawr, (610) 525-0100, www.stateofgraceboutique.com
• Sugarcube – A.P.C., Steven Alan and labels about to make it big supply the highly coveted dresses, jeans and tops to this magazine-worthy vintage-meets-new women’s and men’s boutique, owned by trendsetting, down-to-earth Elisa Buratto. 124 N. 3^rd Street, (215) 238-0825, www.sugarcube.us
• Third Street Habit – Fashion girl January Bartle stocks her oh-so-cool boutique with perfect basics by C & C, Velvet and Splendid, along with pretty pieces from Cynthia Rowley, Betsey Johnson and Gentle Fawn. 153 N. 3^rd Street, (215) 925-5455, www.thirdstreethabit.com
• Topstitch – This second-floor shop boasts the city’s freshest clothing—most of it made on the premises—plus locally made (and found) jewelry and bags, mixed in with the edgiest of vintage duds. 311 Market Street, 2^nd floor, (267) 322-4057, www.topstitchboutique.com
• Ubiq – This hipper-than-thou Philly-owned sneaker gallery—built inside a Victorian-era townhouse—stocks couture-level Nikes and classic to cutting-edge Vans. 1509 Walnut Street, (215) 988-0194, www.ubiqlife.com
• Vagabond – Mary Clark and Megan Murphy’s boutique just may be the hippest of the hip. With a generous smattering of indie labels, handmade vintage and modern designs; the shop’s own line of fashion-forward skirts, scarves, dresses, sweaters and coats; and a wall full of yarn and knitting supplies, this little shop has a seriously big following. 37 N. 3^rd Street, (267) 671-0737
• Very Bad Horse – This Northern Liberties spot is home to the designs of Kim Montenegro, creator of Motor Montenegro, a line of low-riding, formfitting jeans wear and custom leather apparel for men and women. 606 N. 2^nd Street, (215) 627-6989, www.verybadhorse.com
• Viv Pickle – Handbag designer Susan Murphy is the brains behind this fun Old City shop, where customers choose from 150 new and vintage fabrics to create custom bags that are fashionable and affordable. 21 N. 3^rd Street, (215) 922-5904, www.vivpickle.com

• Art Star – Crafty locals Megan Brewster and Erin Waxman curate a collection of colorful, accessible and anything-but-earthy hand-hewn jewelry, ceramics, silkscreened under garmets, messenger bags, prints and fine art. And they throw one of the nation’s coolest indie craft shows every summer. Liberties Walk, 1030 N. 2^nd Street, (215) 238-1557, www.artstarphilly.com
• bahdeebahdu – Featuring the elegant arrangements of designer R.J. Thornburg and the amazing sculptural lighting designs of Warren Muller, the artsy space is a gasp a minute. 309 Cherry Street, (215) 627-5002, www.bahdeebahdu.com
• Blendo – Fun to the core, Mary Ann Cardellino’s trendsetting Antique Row shop mixes vintage art, furnishings and kitchen accessories with funky handbags and bright gifts. 1002 Pine Street, (215) 351-9260
• Bruges Home – Ed Gray’s stunning Old City shelter shop channels Belgium’s nature-meets-modern design aesthetic with twig candelabras, boxy canvas couches, embroidered Turkish pillows and leaf-patterned dinnerware. 323A Race Street, (215) 922-6041, www.brugeshome.com
• Conspiracy Showroom – The (thoroughly peaceful) Philadelphia Craft Mafia finds and makes the one-of-a-kind wristbands, aprons, handbags, pillows and baubles in this fun, funky Northern Liberties shop. 910 N. 2^nd Street, (215) 925-2153, www.conspiracyshowroom.com
• Couture – Only the coolest, prettiest and comfiest pieces by Cynthia Steffe, Robert Rodriguez, Habitual and other L.A.-minded designers find their way into this sleek Manayunk boutique. 4319 Main Street, (215) 483-1946, www.couturephillyonline.com
• Foster’s Homeware – This ultimate apartment-dweller’s store—all 10,000 square feet of it—offers everything bright and brilliant for kitchen, bath, bed, dining room and well beyond, including wall decals, Chilewich placemats, Bottina dishware, Josh Owen lamps and Denyse Schmidt quilts. 399 Market Street, (215) 925-0950, www.shopfosters.com
• Grasshopper – Easy to miss (but not to be missed), this unisex walk-up boutique caters to a post-Urban crowd with avant-mode clothing by Grey Ant, Spring & Clifton, Paul Frank and Philly’s own Outlaw Print Co. 727 Walnut Street, (215) 925-3959, www.grasshopperproject.com
• Hello World – Two quintessential neighborhood gift shops stock owner Jay Lamancuso’s handpicked vintage funky Bakelite jewelry, locally sewn and internationally renowned handbags, splashy throw pillows, essential cocktail gear and retooled vintage furnishings. 1201 Pine Street, (215) 545-7060; 257 S. 20^th Street, (215) 545-5207, www.shophelloworld.com
• Matthew Izzo – This boxy all-in-one modern shelter shop and clothing boutique (with a full hair salon in back) belongs to interior designer Matthew Izzo, who keeps a full supply of Blomus vent-less fireplaces, Acne jeans, Jonathan Adler pottery, Filippa K. dresses, Adam + Eve drawers and Izzo’s own line of beds, tables and chairs. 1109 Walnut Street, (215) 829-0606, www.matthewizzo.com
• Mew Gallery – Around the corner from the Italian Market, this stylishly rustic craft-filled art gallery sells handmade baby clothes, jewelry, journals and way more—and hosts regular crafting sessions. 906 Christian Street, (215) 625-2424, www.mewgallery.org
• Minima – With its glossy white vinyl flooring and reflective Plexiglas walls, this glamorous modern furnishings gallery belonging to Eugenie Perret offers works from a who’s who of cutting-edge designers. 118 N. 3^rd Street, (215) 922-2002, www.minima.us
• OLC – Old City’s first modern lighting and furnishings shop still stocks some of the best pieces in town, including furnishings by Cassina and B & B Italia and high-design lighting by Ingo Maurer, Flos and Artemide. 152-154 N. 3^rd Street, (215) 923-6085, www.olc152.com
• Open House – Loft living takes center stage at this sunny, friendly store, where owners Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran (who also own nearby Lolita, Grocery and Bindi) offer elegantly understated options—think Thomas Paul pillows, Roost paper vases and Wry Baby T-shirts for style-setting nesters. 107 S. 13^th Street, (215) 922-1415, www.openhouseliving.com
• P.A.D. – Tucked along a boulevard-like Northern Liberties strip, this shelter shop feels like a funky studio apartment furnished with mid-century modern finds, original art and tabletop essentials—plus pretty bags, jewelry and vintage clothing. 804 N. 2^nd Street, (215) 925-4005
• Scarlett Alley – Liz Scarlett’s homey Old City boutique is the soup-to-nuts of home stores, offering everything from hot pink flatware to cuddly plush toys and from earthy tea sets to delicate cordial glasses. 241 Race Street, (215) 592-7898, www.scarlettalley.com
• Town Home – This Rittenhouse boutique has home luxury down to a science, thanks to sassy socialite proprietor Dana Bank. Choose from cashmere throws, glass serving pieces and plush accessories for pugs and poodles. 126 S. 19^th Street, (215) 972-5100, www.townhomephila.com
• Twist – Eclectic and affordably luxurious, this designer-owned Pine Street shop blends antique finds with handcrafted tables, pillows and home accents. 1134 Pine Street, (215) 925-1415
• Usona – Haute global and modern furniture and home accessories—from minimal black Italian dining tables and chairs to lush, hand-blown Belgian glass bowls—fill this cutting-edge Rittenhouse-area showroom. 113 S. 16^th Street, (215) 496-0440, www.usonahome.com

• Caleb Meyer Studio – This American crafts gallery specializes in exquisite pieces of jewelry handcrafted in gold and platinum by local artist and shop owner Caleb Meyer, who creates one-of-a-kind and custom pieces in addition to his signature collection. 1112 Locust Street, (215) 627-2531; 8520 Germantown Avenue, (215) 248-9250, www.calebmeyer.com
• Linde Meyer – Jewelry doesn’t get any classier than the chic stock at Linde Meyer’s eponymous Liberty Place shop, where modern statement pieces share space with glittery diamonds and rubies of estate pieces. One Liberty Place, 16^th & Chestnut Streets, (215) 851-8555
• Halloween – Henri David’s quirky hideaway shop is a veritable lair of wearable treasures, some tucked in grandfather clocks, others draped in tabernacles. 1329 Pine Street, (215) 732-7711
• Scriven Signature Jewelry & Metalworks – This well-appointed shop features sculptural adornments in gold, platinum and precious stones by acclaimed designer Keith M. Scriven. 1602 Spruce Street, (215) 545-8820, www.scrivenjewelry.com

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CONTACT:

Caroline Bean, GPTMC
(215) 599-7433, caroline@gptmc.com

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