POSH TO PUNK: PHILLY ABOUNDS WITH INDIE SHOPS
Owner-Operated Boutiques Reflect Singular Styles

Philadelphia, May 18, 2005 — If the spirit of Philadelphia is independence, then Philadelphia's independently operated shops reflect that spirit. In hip Old City, artsy boutiques and galleries line narrow streets. In refined Rittenhouse Square, luxe fashion and beauty houses pepper shaded blocks. In neighborhood pockets all over the city, dozens of indie stores attest to the unique sensibilities of their owners. These Philly retailers are steadfast fixtures in their shops, offering customers not just a sense of the latest styles, but also personal service that’s downright old-fashioned.

Looking for a one-of-a-kind hand-embroidered bag? Go see Matthew, Michael or Mark at owners of B3 boutique Matthew Izzo, where local designs mingle with the best of L.A. fashions. In the market for an over-the-top chandelier made from elegant flea market finds? Head to bahdeebahdu, the sleek Old City furnishings studio of interior designer RJ Thornburg and light sculptor Warren Muller. On the hunt for the perfect wedding gift or yet another cute little clutch? Look no further than the people behind the counters at Philadelphia's most unique shops. Chances are they own the place.

Clothing:

• Adresse – Classic chic is the look at this boutique for contemporary men’s and women’s fashions. Look for elegantly understated designs by Etro, Megan Park, Paul Smith and Katayone Adeli. 1706 Locust Street, (215) 985-3161
   

• Ashley & Whitney – One of West Chester’s cutest clothing-and-home accessories stores is owned by two sisters with divergent good taste in dresses by Trina Turk and pieces by Plenty. 119 E. Market Street, West Chester, (610) 431-6851
   

• Beyond Basics – Stacey Dobbins’ jewel box of a South Street boutique sets Philly fashion on its ear by offering coveted Frankie B cargo jeans, slouchy Tanu handbags and tons more colorful, adorable must-haves. 644 South Street, (215) 923-2990
   

• Bias – The brainchild of design-minded brothers Andre and Maurice Mitchell, this modern Manayunk boutique changes its look and offerings each season, featuring a new theme and color for its merchandise and store layout. The shop’s mainstays are feminine frocks, skirts and tops designed by Andre. 4442 Main Street, (215) 483-8340, www.biasfashion.com
   

• Blink – This fun, girly boutique feels like it was scooped up from LA and replanted in verdant West Chester. They sell tee-shirts by C & C California, sweats by Juicy Couture and jeans by James, paperdenim&cloth, Citizens of Humanity and Blue Cult. 136 W. Gay Street, West Chester, (610) 431-2212, www.shopblink.com
   

• Closet Fever – This Northern Liberties hair salon doubles as a clothing gallery — and, on occasion, triples as an impromptu DJ studio. Local designs include wrist bags by Lolo + Gretch Dahling and fun Frisk undies. 707 N. 2^nd Street, (215) 627-4600, www.closetfever.com
   

• Distante – Charlie Morrotta’s amazingly tailored men’s and women’s wear is available exclusively at Distante. In addition, Morrotta, who is also a tailor and stylist, fits clients with dress shirts, custom made to order. 1506 Walnut Street, (215) 545-2850
   

• Inguz – This small and friendly corner shop houses the collection of local designer and co-owner Jennifer Bare, who creates conservatively offbeat, easy-to-wear fashions for women. 1927 Walnut Street, (215) 564-2944, www.inguzonline.com
   

• 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
   

• Lele – Local designer and Drexel grad Lele Tran concocts stunningly simple going-out attire – such as bright sleeveless numbers for women and deftly tailored dress shirts for men. 207 S. 13^th Street, (215) 546-5975
   

• ME and Blue – Hard-to-find, amazing-fitting women’s clothes from Bodybag, Blujeanious, Rebecca Beeson, plus select vintage finds, including adorable A-line skirts (from the shop’s own line) make M.E. Ster’s funky Old City shop a must-stop for fashionistas of all shapes and sizes. 311 Market Street, 2^nd Floor, (215) 629-2347, www.meandblue.com
   

• Mitchell and Ness – This old-time sporting goods store has developed a cult-like following. 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, Jay-Z and Allen Iverson. 1318 Chestnut Street, (215) 592-6512, www.mitchellandness.com
   

• Molletta – This girly girl’s shop stocks feminine pieces by Susanna 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. 106 Gay Street, (215) 487-2762, www.paulahian.com  
   

• Petulia’s Folly – This well-appointed urban boutique offers an impeccable array of upscale designers such as Chaiken, Tahari and Katayone Adeli, plus plush home accents by Jonathan Adler, Middle Kingdom and Artel. 1710-1712 Sansom Street, (215) 569-1344
   

• Skirt – What's cocoa and pink and girly all over? This playfully chic Main Line boutique belonging to Coach alum Maureen Conallen, who specializes in culling the best of Nanette Lepore, Shoshanna and Tibi. 907 Lancaster Avenue, Bryn Mawr, (610) 520-0222
   

• Sparacino-Mens – Longtime local fashion force Anthony Sparacino adopts a low-pressure, high-style attitude at his men’s boutique. Offering labels such as Ben Sherman, Parke and Ronen and Verge, plus the shop’s own line, Sparacino is Philly’s premier indie boutique for men. 13^th & Sansom Streets, (215) 922-4211, www.sparacinomens.com
   

• Stitch – The latest addition from the men’s fashion revolution, this youthfully sophisticated Old City shop offers Sonia Rykiel Homme, Theory and Cecil + Reed, clothes for the man who might have everything, but could always use a new striped shirt. 229 Chestnut Street, (215) 923-3910
   

• Third Street Habit – Shop owner January Bartle opened this upscale women’s clothing boutique in the heart of Old City’s burgeoning shopping district. Find here looks by Millie, Alice + Olivia, Plenty by Tracy Reese and Nanette Lepore. 153 N. 3^rd Street, (215) 925-5455, www.thirdstreethabit.com
   

• Ubiq – Poised to become what Fred Segal is to LA and Barney’s is to New York City, this hipper-than-thou Philly-owned emporium stocks hard-to-score men’s and women’s clothing by Silas & Maria, Rag and Bone, Christian Dior and Marc Jacobs. 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 designer labels, handmade vintage and modern designs, the shop’s own line of fashion-forward skirts, scarves, dresses, sweaters, coats and a wall full of yarn and knitting supplies, this little shop has big ambitions. 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
   

• Yellow Cake – Like a more stylish version of a paint-your-own pottery place, this Main Line boutique lets its customers customize soft tee-shirts, yoga pants and hoodies — and offers a side of adorable accessories, clothes, plus things for baby and doggie. 823 W. Lancaster Avenue, Bryn Mawr, (610) 520-0685, www.yellowcake.info
   

• Zipperhead – South Street’s long-running punk boutique is now owned and run by Rob and Stefanie Windfelder, who staffed the shop when it first opened in 1980. Expect the same outrageous Sid ‘n’ Nancy styles that burst onto the scene decades ago, with taller platforms and fiercer body jewelry. 407 South Street, (215) 928-1123, www.simplyfiendish.com

Home and Gift Stores

• bahdeebahdu – This interiors gallery is almost as fun to say as it is to explore. 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) 627-5003
   

• 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, creating an atmosphere that sets the tone for this developing retail district. 1002 Pine Street, (215) 351-9260
   

• Foster’s Urban Homeware – This ultimate party-thrower’s store offers everything bright and beautiful for tabletop, bath and beyond, including cocktail party music, Quirk Books and wrapping paper. 124 N. 3^rd Street, (267) 671-0588, www.shopfosters.com
   

• Hello World – Not your average corner stores, Hello World’s two little locations are the quintessential neighborhood gift shops. Owner Jay Lamancuso carries everything from funky Bakelite jewelry to handbags from local and international designers to splashy throw pillows for the beach house. 1201 Pine Street, (215) 545-7060; 2056 Locust Street, (215) 545-5207
   

• Matthew Izzo – Artist Matthew Izzo and partner Michael Anderer offer Antique Row and B3 shoppers a decidedly contemporary option with these gallery-like shops, the former which showcases works by emerging local artists and modern furnishings, the latter with contemporary apparel and accessories. 928 Pine Street, (215) 922-2570; 117 S. 13^th Street, (215) 629-1240
   

• 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 – Janet Kalter and Joe Schiavo’s gallery-like lighting and furnishings shop was pivotal in setting the tone that transformed the surrounding Old City neighborhood into the city’s coolest spot for art galleries and nightlife. Don't miss furnishings by Cassina and B & B Italia and high-design lighting by Ingo Mauer and Artemide. 152-154 N. 3^rd Street, (215) 923-6085
   

• Open House – Loft living takes center stage at this sleek, friendly store for dwelling supplies. Owners Marcey Turney and Valerie Safran offer elegantly understated options for furnishing the contemporary living space. 107 S. 13^th Street, (215) 922-1415
   

• 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, 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 socially-minded proprietor Dana Bank. Choose from cashmere throws, glass serving pieces, even 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 – Global and modern furniture and home accessories — from minimal black Italian dining table and chairs to lush, hand-blown Belgian glass bowls — fill this cutting-edge Rittenhouse-area showroom. 113 S. 16^th Street, (215) 351-9160, www.usonahome.com

Jewelry

• Caleb Meyer Studio – This Chestnut Hill 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.
  8520 Germantown Avenue, (215) 248-9250, www.cmshandmade.com
   

• Linde Meyer – Jewelry doesn’t get any classier than the chic stock at Linde Meyer’s eponymous Liberty Place shop, where delicate, decadent modern designs are displayed alongside the glittery diamonds and rubies of estate pieces. One Liberty Place, (215) 851-8555
   

• Halloween – Henri David’s Pine Street shop is a veritable lair of shining treasures, some hidden in empty grandfather clocks, others draped inside 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 Scriven. 1602 Spruce Street, (215) 545-8820
   

• Tselaine Jewelry Design – Local designer Elaine Tse has set up a small showroom in front of her Old City studio, where she produces an organic palette of gemstone and pearl-flecked necklaces, tiaras and other jewels. 132A Chestnut Street, (215) 923-1810, www.tselaine.com

Personal Care Boutiques

• A Beautiful Life – Jen and Tony Artur’s awesome cosmetics closet offers a best of beauty where T. LeClerc powders, Bumble & Bumble hair products and Astara Skin Care are just the tip of the iceberg — and Betsey Johnson dresses and Buzz by Jane Fox bags are the icing on the cake.
  9 W. Bridge Street, New Hope, (866) 862-8838, www.abeautifullife.com
   

• Francis Jerome – Locally owned and internationally stocked, this Rittenhouse beauty boutique stocks the best of the best for skin and cosmetics, from Chantecaille to B. Kamins. 124 S. 19^th Street, (215) 988-0440, www.fjbeauty.com
   

• 3000 B.C. – Holistic Chestnut Hill day spa and boutique offers a serene environment for browsing a full line of facial and body care products created by the practice of aromatherapy. 7946 Germantown Avenue, (215) 247-6020, www.3000bc.com

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The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) builds the region’s economy and image through destination marketing to increase the number of visitors, the number of nights they stay and the number of things they do in the five-county region. For more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit www.gophila.com or call the Independence Visitor Center, located in Independence National Historical Park, at (800) 537-7676

2005

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