Web Original: Style Report: September 17, 2008

I’ve covered a bunch of new store openings here in the last few weeks, and last weekend, as promised, I checked them out to report back.

I attempted to stop by the opening of Gramercy on Friday, but I was too early. I missed the party but still got to scope out the store. It’s small but bright and located in Wayne’s (still rocking) Spread Eagle Village. It’s easy to navigate and has some really great lines like Thread Social, Julie Haus (we love their ability to be feminine but not fussy) and Twinkle by Wenlan. It’s definitely expensive, but worth blowing your monthly budget on just one piece.

I got back in my car and headed to the opening of Main Line Green Home in Berwyn. It was cheery despite the rainy day, mostly because of the friendly owner, who, among other green, recycled and good-for-society home stuff, will put together these really thoughtful gift baskets in different containers (like mini-suitcases, buckets and baskets) filled with stuff for people who are going on or coming home from a trip, for a new baby, for the hospital. She custom-makes each one, so you can choose your price point and what’s inside.

My last stop was Glen Eagle Square in Glen Mills to check out Vivi G., which besides having a lot of shoe, bag and accessory options, also stays open until 9 p.m. I really loved that the shop carries FS/NY flats (they are hard to find ’round these parts), and they had some really stellar boots for fall. Oh, and they have their own handbag line, made from nice Italian leather.

It was my first time to Glen Eagle Square and I couldn’t help but spy some other really cute stores in the center like Apricot Lane (sportier women’s wear, gifts), Annie Prue, Ltd (classic women’s apparel like Susanna Monaco and Lacoste) and Currie Hair, Skin and Nails, which is not only a full-service spa/salon, but also had an impressive beauty boutique with nail polish, bath stuff, hair stuff, skin care and makeup. And when you buy products there, you get reward points that go toward treatments. Sweet. (Check out all these places at gleneaglesquare.com. Note: It’s just down the street from Terrain, a must if you are in the area.)

Lastly, this article in last week’s Business Journal announced that APF Properties, a New York-based company that owns 1601 Market Street, has plans to build a two-story glass structure that will add 50,000 square feet of retail space on Market Street. Best of all, plans were already approved and it’s set to open in 2010. News of such things makes me all bright-eyed. A mall on the west side of City Hall is exciting (especially because my hopes for a Market East revival seem to be in the hands of the casinos), and I can only wish. Nordstroms? Niketown? Apple Store? Those are on my list … what stores would you like to see?