We’re streetwalkers. Although, thankfully not in the traditional sense, which would require us to don incredibly uncomfortable shoes. More in the way that we like nothing more than to wander our city’s avenues on foot in search of the latest and greatest in culture and style. (We’ve found many a cute café and boutique this way. It’s how we found Juju spa, a gift from the heavens.) It helps us to keep our cupcake habit from manifesting itself in the form of a muffin top and it helps you, the reader, because we then use all our information to compile Best Of lists from time to time, like the one below.
THIS WEEK: Favorites in Style.
Favorite Splurge: Vagabond
Philly fashionistas know that our fair city is lacking in upscale designer department stores, but Vagabond boutique founder Mary Clark has cut out the middleman. Vagabond’s racks hang Clark’s personal line, StellaPop, as sold at Barney’s and Fred Segal, along with duds from a ton of designers both local and international. The Olde City spot has all their style bases covered, including J. Brand skinnies, Dolce Vita footwear, Twinkle dresses, a carefully selected vintage section and even a yarn selection in the back for craftier customers. Their offerings are stand-out for day or night and encourage the sort of old and new mixing that takes you from a fashion follower to style icon.
Favorite Bargain: Temptation
We can’t tell you how many times we’ve donned some Plastic by Gly jeans (perfect Antik duplicates) or a cashmere-soft cardigan from Temptation and been envied by Joan Sheep and Leehe Fai regulars. The best part? No one knows our fashionable threads saved us big bucks. Our favorite buy here are the dark, double-stitched designer-replica jeans–thick and sturdy, way too well made for their $70 price tag.
Favorite Vintage Jewelry: Vintage Connection
The majority of costume jewelry being sold out there looks just as it sounds: like a costume. Not so at this Queen Village vintage stop where they hand select consignment from all of Philly’s thrift haunts and beyond. Essentially, they sift through everything, everywhere, so you don’t have to. Their recent spring trunk sale proved owner Heather Waity has got the magic. Discovered among tables of covetable and dainty charms? A vintage star necklace channeling Yves Saint Laurent’s inspired and celebrated collection for Fall 2008. Oh, and did we mention cupcakes? Endless cupcakes.
Favorite Office Wear: Anthropologie
Anthropologie is the perfect mix of bohemian and business that adds some interest to your office style. Still conservative enough to pass for business casual but fun enough to be worn to the after-work happy hours, the racks upon racks of the four-floor Philadelphia location will make shopping for work clothes as much fun as any other shopping excursion. While they don’t carry traditional suits, a charming Anna suit dress and sophisticated cardigan duo seem like a laudable replacement.
Favorite Shoe Store: Stiletto
While we tend to chuckle at any shopping destination that makes a promise to “keep the sexiness in this city,” we can’t help but give Stiletto some slack. The selection of shoes in the renovated fish market, which includes Cavalli (the only store in Philadelphia that carries the brand), actually does have the most seductive medley available in our fair city. From pumps to stilettos (obvi), this is where we would purchase all of our shoes if we had decided to major in investment banking instead of journalism.
Favorite Outerwear: H&M
Most of the merchandise at H&M could be likened to a condom: it certainly comes in handy for a night out and we’re glad we have it, but you can kind of only use it once. The outerwear, however, is the exception. Their trenches ($59.90) are timeless and the three-quarter-length sleeve jackets they debut during fall (in a bevy of different shades) will never stop looking sharp when paired with long, leather gloves. While the offerings of other local boutiques are also aesthetically enticing, no one can over-adorable at H&M’s affordable price point.
Favorite Reason To Stay In Bed: Kellijane sheets
You scrimp on what’s important and spend your paycheck on overpriced jewelry and soft leather bags. But it’s not your fault. How were you to know you should be saving those bucks for extra-soft 500-plus thread count bed sheets (imported silk from Germany, Giza 45 Egyptian cotton, the list of things you are missing out on goes on). Think about it: you spend half your life in bed (and only a few hours in those Jimmy Choos). Smarten up and head over to Kellijane for the softest sheets your body has ever felt. And yes, your wallet may feel it too, but just remember this purchase will be there to comfort you every night after a hard day’s work.
Favorite Nightlife Garb: Smak Parlor
When we think about going out clothes, lycra, spandex and midriff baring never top our list of what we’re looking for. That’s why we go to Old City’s pink palace, Smak Parlor. Their clothes, designed in store, are smart, sexy and sophisticated. The allure of the pieces, just like with us, is in the details. We’re women of mystery, damnit and we’re going to dress like it. Super femme ruffles, back cut outs and vintage inspired buttons add subtle charm to each piece. Plus, with most things running around $100 give or take it works with our budget as well.
Favorite Artwork: Abstract Artwork
Yes we know you want that Stango original print (who can pass up Speed Racer?), but let’s be realistic. Just because you’re not a CEO doesn’t mean you need to settle on hackneyed IKEA prints. Abstract has a few hidden gems such as a sage-colored canvas covered in white bird silhouettes, perfect for a modern loft. Our favorites, however, are the colorful, Miami-esce vector girls of Reinmuth.
Favorite Jewelry: Ethnics Jewelry at J. Karma Boutique
We always receive compliments on our accessories when wearing a piece of Ethnics Jewelry. Their unique and crafty necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets are the perfect accent to any outfit. The sterling silver rings adorned with colorful Amethyst or natural red coral are our favorite part of this collection. Any piece you choose to wear will certainly turn heads.
Favorite Flattering Tee: American Apparel
With American’s vast selection of all things cotton (tee shirts, dresses, tights, pants- you name it), American Apparel manages to change our ideas about donning mass-produced garments. No matter what we find, our personal style and body type mold the generic-looking items and ensure that we wear the outfit, not the other way around. However, if their glittery leotards strike fear, just stop in to quickly by one of American’s tri-blend tees; positively the most flattering cuts we’ve seen.
AroundPhilly Staff
