Hip: Shopping
From Posh to Punk, Indie shops abound in Philadelphia
Looking for a one-of-a-kind hand-embroidered bag? Go see Matthew, Michael or Mark, 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.
Best Foot Forward
Look out, Sex and the City-ites. Danielle Scott boutique deals exclusively in drool-over Jimmy Choos, and Pollinis, while at nearby Joan Shepp, Prada and Miu Miu foot creations are displayed like the fine art that they are.
Because Philly’s all about equal rights, there’s an amazing market for men’s kicks, too. Those into rare reissues of sneaks (from basketball to skate boarding) can pay homage to Nike’s greatest hits and other classics at Rittenhouse Row’s Ubiq. Two doors down is a Puma Concept Store, displaying unique retro styles alongside their sleek modern brethren. South Street urban style is embodied in Rbk, Reebok’s first all-urban store inspired by the smart style of basketball great and the 76ers’ own Allen Iverson. Just down the block is an Adidas Originals store, one of only eight in the country.
Dressed To The Nines
Boys first: If you have to ask, you can’t afford the Randall Cunningham circa 1992 Eagles jersey at hip-hop fashion mecca Mitchell & Ness, the world’s foremost dealer in authentic vintage pro sports jerseys and jackets. (P. Diddy and Jay-Z are just two of the shop’s devoted celebrity clients.) When it comes to custom-tailored, first-interview-impressive Armani suits, Boyds is it. Steven Tyler, lead singer of the popular rock group Aerosmith, and other big-name stars get their custom leather and denim at rocker’s paradise Very Bad Horse, a Northern Liberties’ shop owned by designer Kim Montenegro. The aforementioned Ubiq also boasts some of the most impressive men’s clothing, from Rogan denim to …
The couture-conscious put their platinum cards to work at Joan Shepp, refined repository of Dries Van Noten and Yohji Yamamoto. Those who prefer jeans with their sequined halter tops won’t be disappointed by the selections at Plage Tahiti, Charlie’s Jeans, Smith Bros. and Matthew Izzo. For thoroughly original local designs, check out Old City’s Vagabond and ME & Blue, B3’s (that’s short for Blocks Below Broad) bShehu and Bryn Mawr boutique Yellow Cake (creator of custom tee-shirts, bucket hats and yoga pants for Jessica Simpson, Molly Sims and Tori Spelling).
All Mall, All The Time
Be prepared to be blown away at the consumer excess of King of Prussia Mall’s Court, Plaza and Pavilion, a have-it-all repository anchored by Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom, and poshly peppered with Hermès, Louis Vuitton, DKNY, Cartier and Tiffany.