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: Drink & Dine

Favorite Mojito: Pearl (UPDATE: Pearl is now closed!)
Despite particularly privative reviews in a particular Philly Magazine article, Pearl has yet to disappoint us, gustatorily and aesthetically. We've had our fair share of mojitos, and up until now Cuba Libre was always on the top of our list for the refreshingly sweet beverage. Pearl's mojito is made with Shochu, Ten cane, soho lychee, calpico, shiso (a type of Japanese milk) and lime. Don't be put off by its milky white appearance; it is pure genius.

Favorite Mexican Meal: Al Pastor Sopes at La Lupe (right)
We just got back from an extended vaca to Cabo San Lucas. Seven hours of traveling, one lost shoe and about 30000 pesos later we've come to the conclusion that La Lupe is better than the real Mexican fare, and quite a bit closer. Although some Mexican foodies will argue over other Washington Avenue staples, La Lupe's al pastor (pork and pineapple) sopes are incontestable winners. Three small disks hold the right amount of tender pork, juicy pineapple, crumbly queso fresco and beans. Just don't forget a napkin.

Favorite French Toast: Banana-stuffed Croissant French Toast at Café Ole
The title says it all, right? And with competitors like Orlieb's Grand Marnier French toast and Valanni's coconut and walnut variety, you know this winner must pack a mean punch. The conclusive detail was the croissant: curious at first reading, but after the first bite it was apparent croissants are the only things French toast should be made out of. Flakey, soft, buttery and filled with banana goo, we couldn't bear to leave even one last bite on our plate. You will feel the same.  

Favorite Burbs Cheesesteaks: Larry's
Although this fine establishment lacks the street cred of Pat’s and Geno’s, Larry’s greasy (but not too greasy) steaks and real American cheese set it apart from its more well-known South Philly competitors. Open as late (or as early) as 3:30am and located next to St. Joseph’s University’s campus, Larry’s is a sanctuary for post-bar hoppers. In fact, this hoagie haven is busiest after midnight. It’s also the preferred lunch break of several Philly A-listers; Larry’s is the official caterer for the 76ers, and Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant are frequent customers of the self-proclaimed, “home of the belly filler” (an 18-inch cheesesteak). I wouldn’t normally use Kobe to set an example, but trust me: he has excellent taste in cheesesteaks.

Favorite Exotic Ice Cream: Scoop Deville
Scoop Deville is probably the only ice cream parlor you’ll encounter that describes itself as “exotic.” But once you visit and indulge, you’ll agree that the description fits. Captain Ethan’s Erotica is a must-have. We originally tried it for its name, but fell in love with it for its perfect blend of chocolate ice cream, bananas, walnuts and Cap’n Crunch cereal. Snicker Doodle Dough (vanilla ice cream, sugar cookie dough and Snickers) and Wasasbi Coconut Banana (vanilla ice cream, coconut, bananas and wasabi mustard powder) are other delicious options, but you'll need another excuse to visit, so do one at a time.

Favorite Roof Top Drink: Apothecary (left)
Apothecary's code of conduct aside (no sleaze? Good luck with that in Philadelphia), we are junkies for the $10 Booty Collins. Served in a tall chilled glass, this Collins is an elixir of green-tea-infused gin, passionfruit, agave nectar, lemon bits, cayenne pepper, brandied cherries, housemade seltzer (natch), root of valerian and something called yohimbe. We're not sure what those last two things are, but we'll take another.

Favorite Way To Meet Friends: Drinker's Tavern
From the outside, Drinker’s Tavern blends in perfectly with the abundance of Old City bars. Fortunately its laid-back atmosphere is a refreshing break from its trendy, uptight and wallet-denting neighbors. Shotgun a beer or two or treat yourself to a 40 ounce (yes, they sell 40’s) at this low-key jukebox haven. If you’re feeling generous you can buy the entire bar a round of shots for just $30. Now that’s a great way to guarantee a friendly atmosphere.

Favorite Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurant: El Vez
There are very few restaurants that allot for more than one or two meat-free options for Philly’s vegetarians. Your carnivore boyfriend is sick of falafel and your friends don’t want faux chicken, so what’s a vegetarian gal to do? Mexican hot spot El Vez gives us more than just a few ways to maintain our self-righteous eating habits. From the cheesy bean enchiladas to the huarache de vegetal (black bean corn cakes), we always leave with a clear conscience and a full stomach while our social circle gets to satiate their desire for all things meaty.


 

PAST EDITIONS:

FAVORITES: Style Edition

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.
 

FAVORITES: Do-Gooder Edition

With everything from a hectic schedule to a needy boyfriend keeping us busy, it's easy to forget about those who really need our help. Luckily, these local organizations make it less challenging (and more enjoyable) than ever. Think of it as your guide to appeasing the Karma police--in style, of course.

Favorite Place to Volunteer: Philly PAWS
Let’s face it: as much as you’d like to spend your days feeding the needy or rescuing injured animals, there’s no way to land such a gig and still keep your day job. Lucky for you, PAWS (Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society) runs numerous weekend events in every Philly neighborhood, making it easy to spend a few hours with some lonely pooches or felines in the market for a new home. Your efforts never feel like work, and you’ll quickly learn why the shelter is so heavily staffed by volunteers. The hours are flexible, the people are nice and the animals are ridiculously cute. What more could you ask for?

Favorite Selfish Way To Be Charitable: AIDS Thrift
This two-story thrift shop is packed to the brim with books, homewares and used duds spanning the generations. The prices are awesome, with a sizeable $1 rack and most of the garments are in superior condition. Tags often have messages scrawled across them about how much of the proceeds go to charity. When you’re sauntering about town in a new outfit for under $10, you’ll realize the organizations being supported aren’t the only ones benefiting.

Favorite Way To Do Good For Mother Earth: Arcadia Boutique
Arcadia has gotten a tremendous amount of positive press since it opened in the fall of 2007, and it’s not just ramblings of our city’s greenest citizens. With shirts crafted of bamboo and glammed up with sequins, of-the-moment recycled accessories and a denim wall as covetable as Imelda Marcos’ shoe collection, Arcadia has all its bases covered. Granola garb is a thing of the past; environmentally conscience folks are no longer prisoners of their Birkenstocks, Arcadia has arrived in Northern Liberties to act as their style salvation.