Remix Living Showroom
Dominique Calhoun of Remix Living Showroom. Photograph by Jonathan Pushnik Prolific interior decorator Dominique Calhoun and her team are busy for a reason: They absolutely nail the mix of glam and function, fun and form. Every item they put into a home has something special, whether it’s the sexy curve of a powder pink settee, leopard-print club chairs, or a side table made up of gold and cream spheres and cones. And a whole lot of it is for sale at Calhoun’s Northeast showroom and on her Instagram feed. Look for the items that were used to stage homes — they’re sold at a nice discount. Globe Dye Works, 4500 Worth Street, Philadelphia, PA 19124
Shoppe Marché
Deanna Johnson threw out the rule book when she opened her Kennett Square spot. She filled the place with a bunch of random things she likes — original oil paintings, linen tunics, handcrafted cocktail bitters, leather throw pillows … and that’s really just the beginning. It’s all slightly French, slightly bohemian, slightly eccentric and slightly familiar. 123 East State Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348
AmberNoon
Erum Ilyas is a dermatologist, has her master’s degree in bioethics, and is a published author and mom of three. The last thing she needed to do was start a clothing line, but her desire to keep people safe in the sun led her to found AmberNoon anyway. The collection of chic maxi dresses, wide-leg pants and half-zip tops (there’s also stuff for kids and men) proves that SPF apparel can go well beyond the golf course and beach. 503 West Lancaster Avenue, suite 630, Wayne, PA 19087
Walter Pine
Queen Village plant shop Walter Pine. Photograph by Jauhien Sasnou This Queen Village newcomer has done all aspiring plant parents a favor by assembling a selection that’s special — heart-shaped hoya, kangaroo paw fern, burgundy ficus — but never overwhelming. Worth noting: This shop is equal parts plants, gifts and flowers. The small grab-and-go bouquets and full-size arrangements are stunning free-form groupings of color, shape and texture. 729 South 4th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
The Sable Collective
This Fashion District shop has two main missions: to be welcoming to Black women and women of color, and to showcase products made by artisans from Black and marginalized communities. How does that translate? Into a place that’s got a little mysticism (crystal kits), a little beauty (Zen in a Jar shea butters), a little fashion (stunning bronze hoop earrings), a little sass (“Take No Shit” totes), and a whole lot of authentic community. Shop online, too. 901 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Queen & Rook Game Cafe
Still playing Monopoly? Lame. The staff at this puzzle and game shop (which also has vegan eats and a full bar) will point you toward something new, whether your crew is competitive, all about quick thinking, into hours-long quests — or consists of many generations. 607 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Resting Gift Face
A Resting Gift Face care package. Photograph by Ian Shiver When coronavirus dried up their busy season, publicist Kylie Flett and event designer Donielle Powell pivoted to a new venture: rad gift boxes filled with ways to pass the time during the stay-at-home order. Their first run-through sold out, as did a second batch dedicated to moms, but the just-released ’90s kit (pictured here) is designed to make a Zoom or socially distant happy hour as fun as, well, the real thing.
Peco Energy
Yes, you read that right. For a modest fee, their experts will examine your at-home energy use, recommend ways you can reduce it, and even toss in free LED lights. If your income falls below their thresholds, you can get your checkup for free.
Philadelphia Community Corps
Instead of filling a dumpster with all your demo refuse, hire this nonprofit org to help you “deconstruct.” They’ll identify any building materials that can be reused by others — and help you get a tax break while they’re at it.
Rutabaga Toy Library
Rutabaga Toy Library in East Falls. Photograph by Krystal Cunillera The biz model at Krystal Cunillera’s cheery East Falls toy lending library is simple — and simply brilliant. Pay a $35 monthly membership fee, check out up to three toys at a time (options include everything from Kick & Play piano gyms to Frozen-themed scooters), then exchange whenever your kids get bored. Not only will you cut down on spending and clutter; you’ll also be doing your family’s part to cut down on waste. 3452 Conrad Street, C2, Philadelphia, PA 19129
Textile
The vintage goods in this Kennett Square shop form a well-curated collection — a Wynona Rider ’90s flowered dress, a Working Girl ’80s white blouse, a Michelle Pfeiffer puff-sleeve jumpsuit from the ’70s — that says, “I’m cultured and deep but never over-the-top.” 210 South Mill Road, suite 103, Kennett Square, PA 19348
Bulk Vintage
Bulk is the depot that sells vintage to vintage stores. Pre-COVID, they’d open up their warehouse to the public once a month. They’ve since pivoted, and smartly so: You can now shop their site and buy by the bundle — as in, a collection of 12 blouses from the 1970s for $60. 4324 Tackawanna Street, Philadelphia, PA 19124
Big Top Thrift
Even if Big Top didn’t have a huge charitable aspect — which it does — we’d still want to shop here for the many lighthearted and fun finds (cowboy boots, kitschy kitchen goods). But winking tees are definitely the centerpiece: Garfield, Hard Rock Osaka, Mrs. T’s Pierogies and Uncle Fester are only a few examples. Claim yours by sending a DM through Instagram. @bigtopthrift.
Thunderbird Salvage
The tchotchkes here — German handbemalt candles, a Mork & Mindy doll, a taxidermied raccoon, a ceramic turtle ashtray — may be a random mishmash, but they’ll add gravitas to your bookshelves in a way nothing from Target ever could. 2441 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Common Ground
How to be a style setter and do your part for the planet in one step: Shop here. On a recent scroll through their site, we spotted basically mint-condition Nike LeBron 9s from 2011, unworn Yeezys from 2018, and nearly new, hard-to-find green Rick Owens for Adidas sneaks for $230. 134 South 11th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Cultured Couture’s Honesty Collection
Erik Honesty of Cultured Couture. Photograph by Ken McFarlane If you only know Erik Honesty because of the choice vintage finds (hi, 1980s Gucci loafers) at his Cultured Couture shop in Brewerytown, you’re missing half the story. His true talent lies in his creative vision, which includes a line of museum-worthy whimsical-but-throwback capes and coats, all of which are hand-sewn from historic fabrics (some a century old) and feature cornucopias of color. Find the full collection online. 2639 Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131
Virtual Classes
If being at home with your kids 24/7 has changed your attitude toward screen time, it’s okay. We know you love those little rascals, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need some “me” time now and then. Allay your guilt (if you still have any) by registering for one of the many local kids’ classes that have popped up on YouTube and across social media. Settlement Music School is offering Settlement Kids Live (settlementmusic.org), with free music and dance classes for children streamed live on Facebook every Tuesday and Thursday. If your offspring have energy to burn, InMovement Gymnastics Education (phillyinmovement.com) has online tumbling, karate and dance classes. Pick the one that’s right for your little one, and you may actually get the chance to use the bathroom without being interrupted. And the Philly Zoo at 2 (philadelphiazoo.org) introduces kids to all kinds of creatures every weekday at 2 p.m. via Facebook Live — and keeps an archive of past videos for hours of educational streaming.
Stoop and Stank
A Stoop and Stank tee. Photograph by Picman Media “Black Dads Are Dope.” “A Black Girl Will Save the World.” “Not Today, Gentrifier.” “Black Boys Deserve To Grow Up, Too.” This well-designed, powerful line of tees, sweatshirts and more — created by Philadelphian Brianna Downing — is inspired by Black pop culture and rooted in empowerment.
The Pink Lapel
April Burks has one of those awesome “It’s so obvious!” stories: She made a tie for her husband in 2014, everyone flipped out about how amazing it was, and an entire line was born. Burks now turns upbeat patterned fabrics into ties, pocket squares, scrunchies and face masks, all by hand, from her West Philly studio.
Omoi Zakka Shop
Some of the office accessories at Omoi Zakka Shop. Photograph courtesy Omoi Zakka Shop The supplies here are often ingenious (pen holders that clip onto notebooks, an ergonomic package cutter), clearly high-quality (Blackwing pencils, a goat-leather all-purpose carrying sleeve), and always display-worthy (brass rulers, soft leather journals). But mostly, they’re fun (see: cat-shaped paper clips, Pac-Man sticky notes). Because if you haven’t embraced the fact that your home office is possibly your permanent office, it’s time. 41 South 3rd Street; 1608 Pine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106; 19103
Vestige
When the novelty of wearing sweats 24/7 wears off, head to this shop, where casual-comfy-chic dressing was being elevated to an art form well before the pandemic. Everything here — from the cream-colored elastic-waist pants to the gauzy maxi dresses to the dusty blue foam-soled leather slides — is breezy, loose, and insanely wearable. 2041 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Printfresh
The short sets, robes, sleep shirts and separates are soft but breathable, sustainably produced, and sexy without being revealing. But the real appeal is that these items were created by a printmaker, not a pajama maker, so the patterns and colorways — pink cheetahs, navy moons and stars, flamingos and elephants hidden in a vine design — are like wearable works of art.
K9 Resorts
Dogs at K9 Resorts. Photograph courtesy K9 Resorts. At New Jersey-based K9 Resorts (which has locations in Cherry Hill, Horsham and Malvern), the luxury suites are eight-by-eight-foot sound-resistant rooms equipped with premium Kuranda dog beds, dog-themed artwork, and even televisions (tuned to Animal Planet or DogTV, obviously).
Whole Animal Gym
Founded in 2010, Whole Animal Gym (WAG) is a go-to for massage and physical therapy, rehab from injuries, recovery from surgeries, arthritis management, and even acupuncture. For your dog. 611 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Stylish Pooch
A fan-favorite “hero” on the recent season of Queer Eye: Philadelphia, Stylish Pooch owner and mobile groomer Rahanna Gray specializes in brightly colored ponytails, ears and paws, plus mohawks for dogs — and, of course, impeccable trims.
Amelie’s Bark Shop
At Amelie’s Bark Shop, the customizable coconut flour birthday cakes are almost too pretty to eat, but that didn’t stop our taste-tester from diving face-first into the icing. (Bonus: They deliver!) 1544 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19147
The People Who Run Businesses
They already put themselves on the line. Then came a catastrophe. Read the full write up here.