BEST OF THE GAYBORHOOD AND BEYOND: Shopping
Our choice for Best Men’s Boutique is the new Suitsupply in Rittenhouse. Photo by Jenna Stamm.
MEN’S BOUTIQUE: Suitsupply
You wouldn’t know it by the jersey-and-sweatpants-wearing slobs who meander among us (straight girls, please do something about your men!), but Philly is becoming a city for the stylish gent. Exhibit A: the opening earlier this year of this temple to male sartorial splendor — a dizzying, two-story repository of off-the-rack suits that look bespoke, elegant accessories, and the nattiest salesmen in town. 1601 Locust St., 215-383-1500, suitsupply.com.
GIFT STORE: (tie) stadler-Kahn/Open House
They call themselves “an exalted five and dime,” but that doesn’t give stadler-Kahn enough credit: From its owner’s gorgeous handmade scarves to oddities as perfect as a “no, they don’t have this already” gift, this basement boutique is as close to an old curiosity shop as the city can boast. Open House, smack in the middle of the Gayborhood shopping district and a more decorous cog in the Marcy and Val wheel, offers more traditional gifts and knick-knacks, but done with a twist of edgy style that will make you the star gift-giver among your pals. stadler-Kahn, 1724 Sansom St., 267-242-7154, stadler-kahn.com; Open House, 107 S. 13th St., 215-922-1415, openhouseliving.com.
BOOKSTORE: Giovanni’s Room
For 40 years, this book nook has doubled as a safe haven for both seekers of queer lit and gay writers looking to share their latest works with the fam. Fingers crossed the legacy continues now that the Gayborhood icon is being sold. 345 S. 12th St., 215-923-2960, giovannisroom.com.
THRIFT SHOP: Philly AIDS Thrift
Even the snootiest fashion hound can find something to treasure at this secondhand mecca in Queen Village. Plus, every purchase comes with that extra bit of gratitude: Since it opened in fall 2005, PAT has donated $676,000 to local HIV-fight orgs. 710 S. Fifth St., 215-922-3186, phillyaidsthrift.com.
PET SUPPLY: Doggie Style
With six locations in the area, this corner spot in Rittenhouse takes the cake for its browse-able selection of pet supplies and artisanal dog treats, and it has one of the best pet groomers in Philly. Next time poochie needs a trim, make an appointment with Denise. 1635 Spruce St., 215-545-5900, doggiestylepets.com.
