Midtown Village Shopping: The Stylish Person’s Guide to the Neighborhood
Midtown Village shopping guide: Inside Lapstone & Hammer’s sneaker heaven. | Image via Lapstone & Hammer.
If you’re headed to Midtown Village for the food alone, we won’t blame you (El Vez! Barbuzzo! Opa! Double Knot! Graffiti Bar!) — in fact, we’ll probably be right behind you, on our way to happy hour. However, don’t let all that imbibing cloud your vision — Midtown Village shopping is some of the best in the city, with indie boutiques that boast small-batch beauty products, one-of-a-kind baubles from far, far away, and home stores that will take your place from Ikea to “I can’t believe I live here!” Get to know the neighborhood in a whole new way with the stylish person’s guide to shopping in Midtown Village.
#1. Duross + Langel // 117 South 13th Street, 215-592-7627.
Bar soaps, bath bombs, pomades and candles — this place has got it all, except it’s nothing like Bath & Body Works (thank heavens). Everything is formulated, tested and developed in-house, so you know it’s good. Plus, there’s a full-blown hair salon on the second floor, as well as a perfume apothecary and herbary on the third floor, opening to the public for hands-on classes this fall.
#2. Bella Turka // 113 South 13th Street, 215-560-8733.
Looking for jewelry that’s a little different than the dainty chains you’re seeing everywhere? This place is the city’s top spot for globally-sourced jewelry that you definitely won’t see anyone else wearing. They’ve got necklaces stringing together hunks of turquoise, gem-studded arm cuffs fit for a warrior queen, and bracelets featuring teeny evil eyes to keep you safe from harm.
Inside Lapstone & Hammer. Image via Lapstone & Hammer.
#3. Lapstone & Hammer // 1106 Chestnut Street, 215-592-9166.
Sneakerheads, beware: You’ll probably never want to leave this store. It’s like the Smithsonian and a space ship had a streetwear baby, and all you can do is wander around in awe at the sweet kicks, dope tees and leather accessories. Want to snag some Jordan Metallic 5s? Check back in July. In the meantime, go here for owner Brian Nadav’s destructed designs, like the Guns N’ Roses-inspired hand-bleached tee line that just released. Andav tells us the second wave of the destructed denim hat collab with Mitchell & Ness is coming soon — and this time, it’s all black.
#4. Open House // 107 South 13th Street, 215-922-1415.
As if Marcie Turney and Val Safran needed another venture to convince us of their greatness, the foodie visionaries opened this fantastic home atelier on 13th that’s packed with the coolest, quirkiest desk accessories, greeting cards, graphic throw pillows, and tiny succulents you could dream up.
#5. Verde // 108 South 13th Street, 215-546-8700.
Also adding to the Marcie Turney/Val Safran empire is this gift shop, conveniently nestled in between cult favorites Barbuzzo and Lolita. Head here for the Marcie Blaine chocolates (pistachio and olive oil truffles) that Turney handcrafts in-house, and leave with a few add-ons, like cute bracelets and calming candles.
Inside Cella Luxuria. | Image via Cella Luxuria.
#6. Cella Luxuria // 1214 Chestnut Street, 215-923-0784.
Twenty-two-thousand square feet of design await at this destination for all things stylish and cool. From midcentury-modern , ’50s-inspired sofas to industrial, bare-bulb lighting fixtures, this place has the merchandise and design team to make your home look the way you’ve always wanted it to.
#7. Luxe Home // 1308 Chestnut Street, 215-732-2001.
From dainty Jonathan Adler tables with metallic accents to grungy street art photography prints, this store has the accoutrements to outfit your home’s one-of-a-kind style. They also offer interior design services, gift registry, and home staging and rentals.
#8. Modern Eye // 145 South 13th Street #1, 215-922-3300.
Stop here for an updated pair of lenses or for your next eye exam, with a full-service optometrist’s office attached. Here, you’ll find fashion-forward frames (RetroSpecs & Co, Drift Eyewear, Rolf Spectacles), as well as prescription swimming goggles, customizable sunnies, and contact lenses for even the toughest astigmatism.
Outside Paper on Pine. | Image via Paper on Pine.
#9. Paper on Pine // 115 South 13th Street, 215-625-0100.
Whether you’re looking to dream up the perfect wedding invitation or simply grab some cute thank-you cards, this place has of-the-moment designs. Shop greeting cards designed in-house or designer-brand stationery, like Rifle Paper Co. notebooks (my favorite).
#10. I Goldberg Army & Navy // 1300 Chestnut Street, 215-925-9393.
This store has been a Philadelphia mainstay for almost a century, providing military apparel, workout gear and camp supplies at super-competitive prices. Stop here for military-grade hiking boots, rucksacks, foot lockers and head-to-toe gear before your next adventure.
