Buddha Babe
Kids’ clothes can often look so, well, childish. Tina Dixon Spence’s Buddha Babe appeals to style-conscious moms like NBC 10 meteorologist Brittney Shipp with deliciously soft baby essentials that pack plenty of personality, from the newly redesigned “Philly LOVE” theme to anything splashed with “Lil Jawn.” The store’s new sewing classes are some of the hottest tickets in town, with summer camp for kids and Sip and Sew sessions for parents quickly selling out. 7101 Emlen Street, Philadelphia, PA 19119
Krysset
Now more than ever, the old saying is true: When you support a small business, you support a dream. At Bucks County’s new Krysset, shoppers support the dreams of many. The female-owned lifestyle store from Jessica Gebauer is filled with feel-good wares sourced from indie makers and sustainable businesses across North America. Head here for hostess and housewarming gifts that double as instant conversation starters. 6 South Main Street, Yardley, PA 19067
Family Piano
These graphic black-and-white blankets deserve a place on your sofa, hanging in your living room — wherever. They’re the brainchild of Merchantville artist, designer and musician Joe Kusy, who wanted to share his art in a functional way. “Everyone can use them,” he says. “There’s no sizing like with apparel.” Each 100 percent jacquard cotton woven piece is inspired by abstract natural landscapes and makes a statement, whether as your summer picnic blanket or a new foyer rug.
Maggie Mae Clay Co.
One of our coolest Philly Mag colleagues has purchased at least five pairs of these earrings, made from nontoxic polymer clay and featuring designs that range from too-cute (daisies!) to artistic shapes and patterns (half-moons and dots). The latest styles get snapped up quickly, though the staples are solid. Keep an eye on Maggie Mae’s Instagram for new additions, like beaded baubles that add an effortless layer of chic to a breezy sundress.
Madison Chamberlain
With its whimsical French toile patterns and romantic peplum and bow details, the semi- custom Rococo top begs to be your warm-weather uniform, making a perfect pairing with denim shorts for a casual look or a flowy skirt for a night out. Even better? The top is made from repurposed upholstery and deadstock fabric — part of the Fishtown designer’s commitment to (stylish!) sustainable fashion.
Angela Monaco Jewelry
Okay, if you use a pair of pliers, you can remove the permanent bracelets — but why would you want to? They come in various price points, metals (sterling silver, rose gold) and links (hearts, paper clips), and charms can be added. Bring your bestie to your appointment for a modern kind of friendship bracelet — one that’s welded by a laser onto your wrist. 2001 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Bus Stop Shoe Boutique
Not going to lie: We snapped up a pair of the bright green Peridot mules as soon as they launched this summer as part of designer and boutique owner Elena Brennan’s new 15th anniversary Bus Stop X Loud collection. The collab with All Black includes Brennan’s first toe-baring creations in fresh colors and styles that sing of summer — like a kicky pink topaz sandal with suede, gold recycled fish skin, and a pearl metallic patent heel. We painted our nails a magenta hue and sported them around Portugal and Spain in June. 727 South 4th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Racysuits
Photograph by Asa Steiners Punch up your après-ski attire with a retro snowsuit. “Our suits hit their peak in spring, when the sun’s out and everyone’s on the mountain,” says Fishtown’s Marina Barnes, who launched the seasonal biz in 2016, inspired by her downhill-ski-racer grandfather’s bright custom suits. The gear has a moisture-wicking brushed jersey lining and four-way stretch. Wear it as a base layer or on its own in warmer temps; folks have even inquired about donning it for skydiving. Four prints are released each ski season; pre-order one in September.
Philly Vintage Bazaar
Photograph by Jeff Fusco Located in Queen Village, this year’s best vintage shop is run by Tracy Feldman, Jen Zimmerman and Abby Codrea, who have been peddling groovy pieces from the ’60s through Y2K since opening last fall. 744 South 4th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Plant & People
Mother-daughter duo Cherron Perry-Thomas and Amma Thomas have a combined 53 years of experience in the plant-focused lifestyle, and it shows in the multi-faceted nature of their colorful indoor/outdoor space, which functions as an educational oasis, a wellness center and a nursery. Stop by the Black-owned spot for all your greenery needs as well as hemp-derived goods and free clippings, like Swedish ivy, that you can propagate in water or soil to create your own plant pals. 1431 North 52nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19131
Madalynne Intimates
Photograph by Maddie Kulig; Model: Sakura Allure Beloved local lingerie designer Madalynne Intimates has a new bra-and-panty set for trans women. There’s one underwire bra, with a full band and scalloped lace edges, and two panty options: a high-waisted silhouette with a wide gusset for tucking, and one with an extended gusset for not tucking. 3101 West Glenwood Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19121
Historic Burlington Antiques and Art Emporium
With more than 65 businesses and dealers, Jersey’s biggest and most eclectic antiques showroom is a treasure hunter’s dream — not to mention an architectural marvel, with a 30-foot-high arched pine ceiling atop the 15,000-square-foot space. Browse the classic offerings in furniture and pottery as well as rare novelties like Depression-era glass and signed memorabilia. 424 High Street, Burlington, NJ 08016
Herbiary
In the past year, this cute little apothecary packed up its shop in the southwest corner of Reading Terminal Market and moved to a much bigger stall in the northeast corner, with twice as much space for well-priced herbs, teas, essential oils, crystals, candles, books, and other spiritual and self-care goods. 1136 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Anima Iris
Photograph by Hanspeter Boakye-Ansah Last August, start-up accessories designer and recent Wharton grad Wilglory Tanjong opened Instagram and spotted a familiar item in Beyoncé’s latest post: her very own raspberry Zaza bag. And with that, a new must-have handbag brand was born.
Jeantrix
Photograph by Sik Harlan Philly design duo Deric “Nyce” Crawley and Muhammad “Homm” Abdul-Basit’s wearable works of art were featured in Beyoncé’s Black Is King visual album. 160 North Gulph Road, King of Prussia, PA 19406
Grant Blvd
Photograph courtesy of Grant Blvd Kimberly McGlonn’s sustainable and ethical fashion brand on a mission to give back was honored in 2021 with a coveted $10,000 grant from Beyoncé’s BeyGood impact fund. 3605 Lancaster Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Loyalty Leather
Talk about fancy footwork: This Black-and-LGBTQIA-owned South Philly business dresses up full-grain leather loafers and Chelsea boots with a few well-placed strokes of colorful paint, creating one-of-a-kind pieces of walking art. Cheryl Ellzysmith and wife Kyra started the brand with bags in 2018, then expanded to shoes when a Spanish cobbler reached out after seeing their pieces on Instagram. A potential new addition? Hand-painted heels, for next-level style.
Clover Event Co.
This seven-year-old planning and design firm handles just about every detail. Want someone to tackle your to-do list? No problem. Have a vision but don’t know where to start? The no-nonsense team will tell you what works (or doesn’t) and style a modern, approachable Big Day, from the stationery to the after-party. They’ve also worked COVID miracles: In about a month, they transformed a tractor-storage barn into a romantic venue for an elopement on NYE. 660 West Washington Street, Norristown, PA 19401
W Philadelphia
A tour with catering director Nicole Trotter will have you sipping a cocktail and signing your contract before you’ve seen the ballroom. The W lets you take over its spaces (within reason) if you host your wedding on-site — think an intimate gathering in the swanky Stevens’ Prophecy hidden in the lobby (it has one-way windows) and a post-wedding breakfast in the sleek Wet Deck Bar. And the 230-person-capacity Great Room has a built-in LED wall and sound system, to immerse your guests in a damn good time. 1439 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
BDK Mint
This family-run biz has a legacy that spans three generations, beginning in South Korea in the 1950s, expanding to Philly in the ’80s, and still going strong today. Mother-daughter team Jeoung and Jessica Kim operate the local studio, where the former handcrafts each of their custom 100 percent silk garments, traditionally worn for formal events. The fabric is often sent to Korea to be embroidered. Despite the arduous process, Jeoung still creates close to 130 hanboks a year. 7300 Old York Road, suite 215, Elkins Park, PA 19027
Bianca De Pietro
It took this formally trained designer six years — and yards of tulle — to hand-make her first bridal line, but it was worth every stitch. The 13-piece Euro-inspired collection offers gowns of silk duchesse satin, organza, chiffon and tulle. Every look is customizable: Removable skirts snap on and off, and there are detachable sleeves and trains and various colors. Beaded lace florets add a romantic air to skirts, and sweetheart backs bring an exquisite touch to your last look. 234 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Fête Urbane
This Drew Barrymore-approved business (the star featured the floral studio on her program thanks to its work with the Philadelphia Flower Show) run by a trio of women — sisters Angela Rayfield and Elizabeth Barrella and mom Maggie Ferrante-Barrella — has a knack for gorgeous installations. By that, we mean greenery-filled creations that seem to grow from the ceiling and bloom-clad entryways that make you feel as if you’ve stepped into a magical oasis.
Robin Lynette
The South Jersey-based expert behind Recharge Beauty & Wellness has whipped out her makeup brushes, mascaras and lipsticks for marriers throughout the Philly area. A 13-year industry veteran, Lynette has a subtly glam aesthetic and also offers skin-care services, such as a highly requested hour-long CBD facial. 67 Cooper Street, suite 4, Woodbury, NJ 08096
Sofia Serrano
As a beauty expert and photographer, this Ukrainian-born professional has an eye for visually striking looks. A Philly Schwarzkopf Beauty Institute grad, she’s open to experimentation and has a modern, clean style with a dash of romance: Old Hollywood waves, flowers threaded through gently tousled locks, and fresh, dewy makeup. 2424 East York Street, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Afrik Armando
The Manayunk expert believes in “really seeing people and making them feel seen,” and his approach speaks to that. He has an airy, painterly style and relies on natural lighting to snap the chic IRL moments that make up your Big Day. Armando’s warm, playful personality makes you feel comfortable in front of the cam, so it’s no wonder he’s been tapped by the likes of über-glam Flyers host Andrea Helfrich for her wedding.
Charming Garlands
In 2022, balloon installations are just as ubiquitous as floral arrangements. Demand for these larger-than-life creations has been so keen in the region that Ali Kahan was able to turn her pandemic side hustle into a successful business. Her two-year-old company uses biodegradable organic balloons for Insta-worthy garland installations that float like colorful clouds around chuppahs.
Bernie Robbins Jewelers
It’s only fitting that the Year of the Wedding have a worthy engagement ring. Now celebrating its 60th anniversary, this jeweler is home to a ring so stunning that it may draw attention away from your partner walking down the aisle. A nearly five-carat center diamond from the namesake collection is accented by colorless step-cut trapezoid diamonds on either side and set in a handmade platinum mounting. To have and to hold, indeed. Multiple locations,
Sea Philly
Charter the Argonaut, a 1961 picnic boat, and pop the question while you’re floating along the Delaware. Then surprise your S.O. with a river-side engagement party attended by 38 of your friends and family members at the Estuary, the intimate new event venue from Sea Philly’s Georgette Luna and Chris Stock that offers lounges, a firepit, and food and drink from partners like Cape May Salt Oyster Farm and Mural City Cellars. 215 South Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Eye’s Gallery
Photograph by Jeff Fusco Famed Magic Gardens artist Isaiah Zagar and wife Julia established this Latin American folk-art epicenter on South Street in 1968, covering its ceilings and walls with his signature mosaics. Despite being around for decades, the gallery today remains fresh and exciting, and its three floors contain a one-of-a-kind mix of decor — paintings from Guerrero, Mexico-based La Familia Lorenzo, painted glass pieces from Peru, carved wooden statues from Guatemala. Say hello to Julia at the front when you visit. 402 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Thanks to the city’s long- awaited ban on plastic bags, the hottest accessory in Philly right now is the humble reusable tote. So it’s time to invest in a bag that’s worth keeping tabs on. The PMA’s collection features the obligatory famous works of art but also Philly-themed designs from local makers. We’re certain the Basquiat print of colorful skulls will turn heads in any checkout aisle. 2600 Ben Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19130
SuitShop
There’s nothing more anxiety-inducing than walking into the average suit store and feeling like you’re standing trial before a court of stuffy, three-piece-wearing macho men. Not here, where the looks are size- and gender-inclusive and, now, sustainable. The eco-stretch fabric is made of nearly 40 percent recycled materials — that’s about 25 plastic bottles in each suit! Book a one-on-one fitting with your choice of stylist (they’re all chill people like yourself) to try one on. 65 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Rebel
In a post-pandemic world, cotton truly is the fabric of our lives. (Cue the maudlin ’90s jingle.) You’ll find a growing collection of finely fabricated threads from cool-girl labels like Stateside and Perfect White Tee at this store’s new Rittenhouse address. (It was previously located in Chestnut Hill.) Owner Sue Pinto still offers the same stellar sportswear brands that first put Rebel on the retail map in 2016: Splits59, PE Nation and Year of Ours. 116 South 19th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Rescue Spa
When Rescue Spa’s Danuta Mieloch speaks, Philly beauty devotees listen. We were all ears when the celebrity facialist with a visage like a Renoir painting encouraged us to invest in Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 more than a decade ago. And we’re still scooping up the luxury lotions and potions — think Byredo fragrance, Chantecaille beauty, and just-in skin-care range Forll’ed — that win Mieloch’s stringent approval. 1601 Walnut Street, third floor, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Damari Savile
Damari Savile has outfitted many of the Eagles’ top players since debuting in 2017, and if anything is a testament to the high level of tailoring here, it’s tending to the startling measurements of professional athletes. The Old City menswear and women’s-wear destination owned by former Eagle Malcolm Jenkins is known for its more fashion-forward ’fits, with three-piece suits and bold colorways dominating the style conversation in 2022. 72 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Habitat for Humanity Restore
Would you be surprised if we told you that some well-known Philadelphians can be found scavenging for cast-off decor treasures at the new Warminster warehouse? Whether you’re intent on saving the planet or your wallet, ReStore’s blink-and-you’ll-miss-it selection of new and gently used furnishings is diverse and eclectic. A single shopping haul could yield a low-slung velvet couch, a Sub-Zero stainless steel refrigerator, and enough decorative baskets to populate Pinterest. 539 Jacksonville Road, Warminster, PA 18974
The Story Coffee & Bookstore
With its whimsical wall installation made out of books and a cozy coffee-shop ambience (try a cortado), this new shop feels more like a work of fiction than a place that sells it. While the shop has a spiritual bent (it specializes in nonfiction focusing on history, faith and culture), it also houses new and used tomes from the likes of James Patterson and Robert Louis Stevenson. Proceeds benefit the Helping Hand Rescue Mission. 45 East Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore, PA 19003
Head House Books
As Philly’s local bookshop scene shrinks — Shakespeare and Co. and Joseph Fox Bookshop both shuttered this year — Head House Books is turning the page on 17 years in business. Owner Richard De Wyngaert’s self-proclaimed “fiercely curated” selection resonates with his fiercely loyal customers, who line up for the latest thought-provoking titles and author events from the likes of Jennifer Weiner. 619 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
70Six Boutique
With more than 15 businesses set to debut through 2022, NoLibs is in the midst of a neighborhood renaissance. 70Six, a trend-focused women’s-wear shop with a Cali-cool slant and affordable prices, was among the earliest to open its doors, in May. The first retail concept of its kind in the area is already a fast favorite for best-friend birthday gifts, self-care essentials (read: candles), and vacation-worthy going-out tops. 215 West Laurel Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Suplex Vintage
Before there was concert merch, as the kids call it, there were just plain old concert tees. There’s nothing plain or old about the retro t-shirts here, where a random mix of sports, music and Harley-Davidson tops from across the decades lines the racks. The authenticity of the goods is in the hearty cotton fabrics, the Made in USA tags, and, most of all, the single-stitch construction that characterized clothing until the mid-’90s. 720 South 5th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Prajjé Oscar Jean-Baptiste
The Haitian-born, Fishtown-based women’s fashion designer — who stole the TV world’s most stylish hearts on Season 19 of Project Runway — produces gorgeously intricate, brilliantly colorful ready-to-wear and custom gowns, dresses and matching sets influenced by his former home. Don one for your next gala or wedding or simply for going to the grocery store — any way you wear it, you’ll demand attention.
Joan Shepp
Joan Shepp — both the store and the woman behind it — has dominated the Philly fashion conversation since 1971. Whether filling the racks with unknown labels on the edge of global greatness (Maison Margiela) or launching a Y-3 shop-in-shop (a collab between Adidas and Yohji Yamamoto) years before the concept would go mainstream, Shepp, along with daughter Ellen, seems to always be consulting a couture crystal ball. 1811 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Kevin O’Brien Studio and Parisa Rugs & Decor
While Kevin O’Brien Studio and Parisa Rugs & Décor aren’t producing a shared collection just yet (fingers crossed), these interior-design powerhouses known for their luxurious handmade textiles are now sharing a 3,000-square-foot showroom. The street-level first floor is stocked with Parisa’s notable assortment of rugs and arguably the city’s best collection of quirky-chic objects. On the lower level, KOB has bedding, throws, and one-of-a-kind velvet kimonos. 33 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Crown & Feather Tattoo Co.
Since opening in 2019, Andrew Robinson and Dylan Carr’s private studio specializing in fine-line and Japanese styles has earned some two million likes on TikTok and recognition at both local and international tattoo conventions. There’s a cozy area for consultations, and the team is always welcoming — and constantly booked. Can’t snag an appointment? One of their wildly cool totes or tees will suffice till you can. 2628 Martha Street, Philadelphia, PA 19125
John Wind
From scouring flea markets to frequenting auctions, this South Philly jewelry designer and artist has always been inspired by found objects. His commissioned portraits celebrate such treasures by turning personal keepsakes into works of art. Favorite books, faded ticket stubs, old perfume bottles, and other sentimental curiosities are all artfully arranged as wall reliefs or within other, larger objects — Wind used a leather suitcase for a recent work.