>> Apologies for the lack of posting recently. It seems I'm destined NOT to be settled for the rest of the year as I'll be in and out of the country like some kind of crazed convict on the run. I'm off to Philadelphia for a week and then New York for four days. It's that time of year again when I leave for a randomised place in USA and it's fallen on Philadelphia where once again, I'll be with the Arts of Fashion organisation, conducting yet-another embarrassing talk on a podium about god knows what. The Arts of Fashion competition is conducted at Drexel University this time around and so hopefully I'll be in for some good portfolio viewing…
Other than that, I'll be cramming in as much thrifting time as possible because a) that's all I can afford and b) I get to use the verb 'to thrift' in posting context (that said, I think this vernacular is catching on in the UK… )
I did do a call out for recommendations on Twitter but hey-ho, not everyone is onboard the Twitter train so by all means, if you do have any good recommendations for Philly; food, shoppping or otherwise… in the name of lost/wack tourists from London, please say so now…
The really great shopping is on 3rd street in the old city neighborhood between Market and Arch St, it’s a great combination of vintage stores and boutiques. Also, if you’re going to be in Philly, you should probably get a cheese steak! The best one is at Johns Roast Pork, in my opinion. Have fun and enjoy my home town!!
ahhh good luck 🙂
Don’t be nervous 🙂
Agree with Cally, but make sure to cross Arch as well. IMO the shops between Arch and Race are the best. And most of the boutiques mix vintage into all their inventory. Sugar Cube is great, Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction features local designers, Vagabond is great as well, and don’t miss Arcadia on 2nd between Market and Arch, although I don’t think they have vintage. For food, head north- there are lots of great food places in Northern Liberties (2nd north of Spring Garden)- be sure to get breakfast at Honey’s Sit & Eat at 4th and Brown. Near Drexel, White Dog Cafe is famous for starting the Philly movement of linking Pennsylvania farmers with Philly restaurants(34 and Sansom) and across the street is a really great little magazine shop with a really diverse inventory.
Oh, and of course check out the flagship Anthropologie in a converted townhouse right on Rittenhouse Square.
I have always wanted to go to the mutter museum.
any steven starr restaurant….barclay prime, buddakhan, continental enjoy!
for thrifting, definitely go to the AIDS thrift in south Philly, 5th and bainbridge. and BUS STOP shoes around the corner on 4th and fitzwater. Have fun and bring your umbrella!!
suzy! come stop by topstitch when you are here! we are located in old city on third between market and arch..come get sized for a rabid fox ring! there are so many new styles!! xoxo
While you’re in the Drexel area, I would highly recommend Avril50 at 34th and sansom streets– the absolute best magazine selection in the city, and the proprietor is adorable too! Walnut street, between 19th and 15th is the main drag for chain stores (H&M, Urban Outfitters, Anthro, Barneys coop, Lush, etc.), but Joan Shepp is there too with a stock of designer clothes. That whole area is nice to roam, specifically down the side streets where you’re sure to find a treasure. Would also agree with everyone about 3rd street. When you’re in the area you absolutely have to go to the Franklin Fountain at 116 Market St. It is an old-time soda fountain with the best ice cream. Just a few shops away is Shane’s Candies at 110 Market St. This is an old time candy shop with heaps of homemade sweets. I would also recommend Morning Glory for breakfast at 735 S 10th St, in addition to the aforementioned Honeys. You should also try to visit the reading terminal market at 51 N 12th St. It’s an indoor market that has been around for ages and you can get the absolute best homemade Amish pretzels dripping in butter (optional) here… among other things. Oh gosh, there’s so much! Would also recommend Decades Vintage at 615 Bainbridge St. That area has a bunch of shops if you wander down Bainbridge Street, and it’s near the AIDS Thrift which someone has mentioned in another comment. Sorry if I’ve overwhelmed you. Feel free to email if you have any questions. I grew up and am still living in Philly, and I’ll probably see you at the Arts of Fashion.
hands down best vintage collection in the city is forbidden planet
10 N. 3rd Street – between arch & race, downstairs. high end labels, thousands of pieces, fun owner.
enjoy!
hey susie! for cheap eats, i say skip the cheesesteak and check out the mexican restaurants in the italian market area…the al pastor tacos at los taquitos de puebla on 9th and ellsworth are to die for. also, there’s a great sandwich place called sarcone’s on 9th and bainbridge. if you’re hanging out near drexel, distrito is worth checking out for their margaritas, ceviches, and other small plates. white dog (near drexel as well) is pretty great as well.
“conducting yet-another embarrassing talk on a podium about god knows what” – that’s annoying, isn’t it? if you think you’re not up to it, why are you invited?
Thanks thanks THANKS for all the tips…. REALLY really useful…. I gather 3rd street is the place to go…. I’m loving the architecture around old town….
White Dog Cafe is a good recommendation too since we ended up having lunch at STARBUCKS yesterday… doh!
Vicky: Good question! I have no idea… would have to ask the organisers?
I agree to check out any of the Stephen Starr restaurants in particular Pod where you can sit in a capsule and change the colors of your pod or El Vez for Mexican.
If you can, I strongly encourage a visit to the Lace Exhibit at Philadelphia University. You will definitely be inspired.
Good Luck! I’m from Philly originally but live in London now. Skip the whole Geno’s/Pat’s cheesesteak tourist trap, stick to Stephen Starr for amazing food. Continental midtown is asian fusion- love it, but the downtown version is good for going out. Definitely visit Rittenhouse Square and the original Anthropologie, gorgeous tree-lined streets in the city too. Olde City- down around 2nd, along the water is fun for going out. Tons of fabric shops around 4th (I think?). Have fun!
fashionforlunch.com
While you’re in old city, hop over to 55 N. 2nd st and hit up REWARD. It’s the best boutique in the city. Tsumori Chisato, Bibi Ghost, Vibskov, Complex Geometries…you get the idea. They have select vintage and indie jewelry, too.
during the 4 years I spent in Princeton I went to Philly a few times.. can’t say I know too much of it, but I do highly recommend:
http://www.continentalmartinibar.com/
yum! yum! you want to go with a few people if possible, order more dishes than you are diners, and pass them round…
Imagine my surprise to see a thread titled Philly!
i choose not to comment on the shops here in my city, but i can comment on the food!
Tria for cheese and wine. All cheeses come from the classic Murray’s in Manhattan.
Iron Chef. Morimoto is a must if you haven’t already done the NY one yet. Get the Sake flight. All made exclusively for Morimoto.
Possible up and coming Iron Chef: Jose Garces. He owns tapas restaurants Amada, Tinto, Village Whiskey, Distrito and Chifa.
There are fantastic Byobs as well. Tons of them actually. Modo Mio and Little Fish are recommended.
Luxury mixology drink spots for amazing cocktails: Apothecary and Franklin Mortgage & Investment.
If you want to try things local, kitschy, and awesomely Philadelphian. Check out the Italian open air market and the bakery nearby, Isgro.
Plenty more suggestions if you need them. All of these can be found on yelp.com. Hope you enjoy your stay!!
Ditto on most of the suggestions, Old City is the best. Definitely check out my favourite thrift store, Wilbur Vintage, if you have time to spare! It’s on 716 S. 4th Street.
Excited that I’m in the same city as you! Will see you at the Tandem event, if all goes well.
x
If you can get across the river, there is a giant thrift store called Village thrift in Camden.
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