Philadelphia's Best of Shopping Locations

It’s perhaps no surprise that college-filled, athletics-obsessed Philadelphia is the birthplace of iconoclastic retailer Urban Outfitters (and stylish spawn Anthropologie, Free People, and Terrain) and throwback pro sports apparel phenom Mitchell & Ness. Also, not too surprising: The city’s recent surge of upscale boutiques and haberdasheries has followed Philly’s surge of stylish residents and visitors. Certainly pleasantly surprising to shoppers: Philadelphia levies no sales tax on apparel or shoes.

Here are some standout, sought-after, Philly-proud indie shops:

Philly-Made:

• Bario-Neal – Bella Vista atelier where skilled jewelers and a knowledgeable sales and design crew use ethically sourced materials and progressive manufacturing processes to create custom and collection-based fine jewelry with an artisan, modern feel. 700 S. 6^th Street, (215) 454-2164, bario-neal.com
• Commonwealth Proper – Men find modern suiting and outerwear, both custom and ready-to-wear, as envisioned by former attorney Craig Arthur von Schroeder, at this by-appointment-only showroom. 1839 Chestnut Street, 2^nd floor, (267) 319-1741, commonwealthproper.com
• Fason De Viv – Contemporary women’s boutique features local designers and a global feel, plus acoustic performances on First Fridays. 228 Arch Street, (267) 745-8231, fasondeviv.com
• Henry A. Davidsen – Absolute custom—no made-to-measure here—is the gentlemanly purpose of this studio for men’s suits, shirts, formal wear, accessories, and image makeovers. 1701 Spruce Street, 2^nd floor, (215) 253-5905, henrydavidsen.com
• M Concept Shop – Gallery-like retailer of local design-makers, including Damiano Collection, West Oak Design, and M Concept X by Ethan Nguyen, fosters slow, stylish shopping. 1540 South Street, (215) 839-9154, mconceptshop.com
• Moon + Arrow – With the tagline “Handmade + Vintage + Apothecary,” Fabric Row’s eco-conscious shop vends brass and copper jewelry, handmade leather bags, organic babywear, terrariums, and more. 754 S. 4^th Street, (215) 469-1448, moonandarrow.com
• NinoBrand – In her by-appointment-only atelier, Bela Shehu designs future classic, monochromatic street-to-opera wear for women. 333 S. 20^th Street, (267) 761-9388, ninobrand.com
• Philadelphia Independents – Adorable Old City shop for made-in-Philly totes, ceramics, buttons, cards, T-shirts, accessories, and home décor—the next level of souvenir sourcing. 35 N. 3^rd Street, (267) 773-7316, philadelphiaindependents.com

High-End Fashion:

• Boyd’s – Esteemed circa 1940 clothier carries Alexander McQueen to Ermenegildo Zegna of topline men’s and women’s fashion. Four polished floors display Trussini, Kiton, Paul Smith, Escada, Jil Sander, Brioni, and more alongside in-house tailors, custom valet parking, and personal shoppers. 1818 Chestnut Street, (215) 564-9000, boydsphila.com
• Erdon – Recherché international designers such as Ivan Grundahl, Closed, Jerome Dreyfuss, and Heyne Bogut mix in a spare space that feels right at home amid Old City’s art galleries. 162 N. 3^rd Street, (215) 923-0300, erdon.co
• Joan Shepp – Philadelphia staple serves as a reckoning force for avant-garde, eminently wearable women’s clothing, accessories and shoes by Maison Margiela, Urban Zen, Vetements, Yohji Yamamoto, Marni, Sonia Rykiel, Ann Demeulemeester, and others. 1811 Chestnut Street, (215) 735-2666, joanshepp.com
• Knit Wit – Trend and tradition combine in a stalwart boutique for connoisseurs of Theory, Cinq A Sept, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Raquel Allegra, and their contemporaries. (Additional location in Bryn Mawr.) 1729 Chestnut Street, (215) 564-4760, knitwitonline.com
• Shop Sixty Five – A Bucks County émigré serves up cosmopolitan denim, knitwear, dresses, bags, and jewelry via labels such as Mason by Michelle Mason, Burning Torch, Elizabeth & James, Haute Hippie, and more. 128 S. 17^th Street, (267) 239-5488, shopsixtyfive.com
• Skirt – Main Line mainstay brought a battalion of personal stylists to Rittenhouse Square to meet Philly’s demand for Tibi better, Missoni, Milly, Splendid, DVF, on-point denim, office and cocktail wear. 212 S. 17^th Street, (215) 309-8419, shop-skirt.com
• Sophy Curson – Elegant Rittenhouse Square boutique has serviced debutants and doyennes since 1929. Owners are the niece and great-nephew of the shop’s eponymous founder—the inventor of women’s petite. On decorous display: ball gowns to blue jeans. Shoppers here make requests rather than browse racks. 19^th & Sansom Streets, (215) 567-4662, sophycurson.com
• Third Street Habit – Old City forerunner of laid-back Haute-ness offers Boho-chic dresses, jumpsuits, separates, shoes, accessories, and jeans from Heidi Merrick, Ulla Johnson, Rodebjer, Mother Denim, and more. 153 S. 3^rd Street, (215) 925-5455, thirdstreethabit.com

Indie Clothiers:

• Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction – Shoppers find heritage-label clothing and precision-handmade goods—bar goods, apothecary items, homewares, and original art—here. It also doubles as a Warby Parker showroom and a tasting room for its owner’s line of artisan spirits (Snap, Root, Rhubarb, Sage). 116 N. 3^rd Street, (215) 922-2600, artintheage.com
• Charlie’s Jeans – At this one-stop-shop for designer men’s and women’s denim, the employees are fit experts. Exclusive carrier of owner’s U.S.A.-made Sebastian McCall jeans. 233 Market Street, (215) 923-9681, charliesjeans.net
• Lapstone & Hammer – Showpiece gallery shop for sneakerheads and city gents, offers Philly-made jeans, leather jackets, hand-destructed T-shirts, limited-edition sneakers—and serious style cred. 1106 Chestnut Street, (215) 592-9166, lapstoneandhammer.com
• Metro Men’s – South Philly shop offers menswear by Fred Sherman and Penguin, plus colorful socks and beer koozies. 1600 E. Passyunk Avenue, (267) 324-5172, metromensclothing.com
• Nutz & Boltz – Clients frequent this Gayborhood newcomer for fancy underwear, loungewear, T-shirts, swimsuits, and more. 1220 Spruce Street, (267) 639-5958, nutzandboltzfashion.com
• Ps & Qs – Heritage brands Herschel Supply Co. and Pendleton, on-trend Norse Projects, Penfield and Victory Press—and, more recently, women’s wear. Also on offer: classic Tretorns, rugged candles, kids’ style essentials. 820 South Street, (215) 592-0888, psandqs.com
• Shibe Vintage – Busy, hip find sells vintage Philly sports-inspired duds and gear for diehards—in a store named after an old Philadelphia stadium, naturally. 137 S. 13^th Street,
  (215) 566-2511, shibevintagesports.com
• Sugarcube – Old City stalwart is known for its thoughtful collection of men’s and women’s clothing and accessories, especially U.S.A.-sewn denim, American-milled socks, vintage finds, and after-dark styles. 124 N. 3^rd Street, (215) 238-0825, sugarcube.us
• Totem Brand Co. – Totem stocks outdoorsy, made-in-the-U.S.A. men’s clothing and shoes by Wolverine, Danner, Rogue Territory, Steven Alan, Red Wing, Filson, and more. 535 South Street, (215) 440-9922, totembrandco.com
• United By Blue (UBB) – Eco-conscious clothier and coffee house serves as a flagship for sustainable men’s and women’s fashions and accessories. For every product sold, UBB removes one pound of trash from oceans and waterways. 144 N. 2^nd Street, (215) 278-7746, unitedbyblue.com
• Vagabond – A pioneering Old City women’s boutique, Vagabond draws regulars for its Philly-knit sweaters and on-point, affordable to splurge-worthy clothing by Rachel Comey, Black Crane, Brandy Melville, Ace & Jig, plus shoes, jewelry, and gifts. 37 N. 3^rd Street, (267) 671-0737, vagabondboutique.com

Gifts:

• Egan Rittenhouse – This refined offshoot of an esteemed jeweler (see Egan Day in jewelry section) offers a good taste for the whole family: classic shaving brushes and bowls, pretty clutches, cool balance bikes for chic city children. Rittenhouse Hotel, 210 W. Rittenhouse Square, (215) 433-1632, eganrittenhouse.com
• Occasionette – Etsy darling Sara Villari, creator of Girls Can Tell, runs this Pinterest-worthy emporium of note-perfect crafts and gifts, including hand-drawn silkscreened tea towels and bags, plus loads of card wrapping paper, baby presents, costume jewelry, and tabletop beauty. 1825 E. Passyunk Avenue, (215) 465-1704, occasionette.com
• Omoi Zakka – Shoppers hit this fun, Japan-inspired lifestyle shop for impeccably current planners, soaps, and desk supplies. 1608 Pine Street, (215) 545-0963, omoionline.com
• Open House – Packed with merchandise, this popular Midtown Village shop specializes in casually modern homewares, furnishings, jewelry, baby goods—and great Philly-splashed gifts. 107 S. 13^th Street, (215) 922-1415, openhouseliving.com
• Portfolio – Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts store offers artist- and artisan-made textiles, jewelry, and gifts inspired by the museum. 128 N. Broad Street, (215) 972-7600, pafa.org/store
• Rikumo – Kaz and Yuka Morihata’s serene Midtown Village serves as a destination for Japanese craft and design: ceramic matcha bowls, charcoal towels, beech baby toys, gauze bedding, kitchen, and office wares, jewelry, and more. 1216 Walnut Street, (215) 609-4972, rikumo.com
• Scarlett Alley – Old City’s pre-occasion destination stocks elegant, approachable tableware, candles, costume jewels, cozy clothing and accessories, personalized gifts, shower gifts, and wedding gifts. (215) 592-7898, 241 Race Street, scarlettalley.com
• Select Shop 215 – Twice the size of sibling Omoi Zakka (see above); this neat, colorful Old City choice carries thoughtful, useful home goods, including coffee and kitchen wares, stationery, backpacks, wall art, jewelry, and more. 41 S. 3^rd Street, (215) 454-6910, selectshop215.com
• South Fellini – South Philly newcomer offering Philly-themed gear like T-shirts, pins, and accessories that rep city neighborhoods, commemorate bygone landmarks, and play on regional brands. 1507 E. Passyunk Avenue, (267) 751-3667, southfellini.com
• Verde – Open House’s younger sister and neighbor carries colorful jewelry and accessories—and site-made Marcie Blaine Artisanal Chocolates. 108 S. 13^th Street, (215) 546-8700, verdephiladelphia.com

Jewelry Shops:

• Bella Turka – A rainbow of on-trend and fine pieces from all ends of the earth occupy this colorful store. The Rittenhouse location also carries global home goods and gifts. 113 S. 13^th Street, (215) 560-8733; 1700 Sansom Street, (215) 560-8733, bellaturka.com
• Craiger Drake – Second-generation supplier of precious gems and metals opens the showroom by appointment for collection and custom pieces. 1701 Walnut Street, 5^th floor, (215) 253-6507, craigerdrake.com
• Egan Day – Kate Egan’s inimitable gallery of ethereal wearable and displayable art is a must-see and must-shop. 260 S. 16^th Street, (267) 773-8833, eganday.com
• Halloween – In this hidden lair, repurposed altar boxes display pearls, silver, gold—heirlooms, and original pieces by bon vivant owner and metalsmith Henri David. An orange business card serves as signage. 1329 Pine Street, (215) 732-7711
• Jewelers’ Row – Some 300 wholesalers, repair shops, and vendors of engagement rings, estate pieces, and other glittering investments make up the nation’s oldest diamond district.
  Between 7^th & 9^th Streets and Walnut & Chestnut Streets
• Ritual Ritual – A rotating roster of indie artists and six in-house designers furnish and burnish the wares at this glamorously Goth Northern Liberties destination. 819 N. 2^nd Street, (267) 606-6082, ritualritual.com

Children’s Goods:

• Born Yesterday – This Rittenhouse Square boutique outfits newborns through tweens in Lili Gaufrette, Deux par Deux, Eliane et Lena, Appaman, Splendid—and sells haute toys, too. 1901 Walnut Street, (215) 568-6556, bornyesterdaykids.com
• The Children’s Boutique – Divine layette, knit-to-order rollneck letter sweaters, more upscale togs plus toys, and music time aim to please discerning parents and their kiddos. The Shops at Liberty Place, 1625 Chestnut Street, (215) 732-2661, shopsatliberty.com
• Cloth – Natural parenting store offers supplies for cloth diapering, babywearing, breastfeeding, bathing, playing, and dressing. 1605 E. Passyunk Avenue, (215) 755-1575, shopatcloth.com
• Happily Ever After – Antique Row’s friendly, neighborhood toy and doll store specializes in the classics. 1010 Pine Street, (215) 627-5790, happily.com
• Minnow Lane – Organic and sustainable form the credo of this Fishtown apothecary and boutique of hip clothing and toys. 2029 Frankford Avenue, (215) 291-1875, minnowlane.com
• Momo’s Tree House – Old City’s answer to Toys R Us offers smart playthings, from baby’s first sensory toy to big-kid arts and crafts. 205 Arch Street, (267) 457-2803, momostreehouse.com
• Tillie's Toy Box – South Philly newbie opens early on Saturdays for the pre-birthday party rush on smaller-maker goodies: first scooters, soft puppets, smart games, and more creative playthings. 1829 E. Passyunk Avenue, (215) 334-9831, tildiestoybox.com

Shoes:

• Benjamin Lovell – Two stylish walking shoe shops for a city of walkers offer Fitflops, Birkenstocks, Naot, Mephisto, Arche, Dansko, and more comfortably chic choices for men and women. 119 S. 18^th Street, (215) 564-4655; 318 South Street, (215) 238-1969, blshoes.com
• Bus Stop – Brit-born Elena Brennan sources on-point kicks and bags at this Fabric Row shop. She designs some of them, too. 727 S. 4^th Street, (215) 627-2357, busstopboutique.com
• Head Start Shoes – This shoe haven stops many Rittenhouse passersby who peer through windows at modern marvels of leather as the fashion for women’s feet. Coveted brands include Officine Creative, Roberto Del Carlo, Prima Base, and more. 126 S. 17^th Street, (215) 567-3247, headsartshoes.com
• ToBox – Scarpe di Bianco, John Lobb, Rancourt, and other elite makers fill Tung To’s homage to men’s footwear. Shines available. 25 S. 19^th Street, (215) 644-9435, toboxshoes.tumblr.com
• UBIQ – At this former mansion, sneakerheads line up before limited-edition releases. The shop also stocks men’s jackets, jeans by Yeezy, Converse, and Han Kjobenhavn. 1509 Walnut Street, (215) 988-0194, ubiqlife.com