Inside Skirt’s New Rittenhouse Store
Skirt’s new city outpost. | Lauren McGrath.
Two weeks after its soft opening, Skirt’s new Rittenhouse location is gleaming-new and inviting. It’s a refreshing addition to South 17th Street, nestled next to Manor Home & Gifts and across the street from Papyrus in a bright, open space that formerly housed luxe bedding shop Duxiana.
While the shop’s footprint isn’t huge, the high ceilings make it feel expansive. And though the racks of clothing begged to be rifled through – more on those later – it was the fitting rooms that first caught my attention, as they’re awash in the most gorgeous pink wallpaper I’ve ever seen. (It’s by Brooklyn-based Flat Vernacular; I’ve already bookmarked the website for future powder room remodels.)
At left, a Chairloom chair; a shell-pink fitting room. | Lauren McGrath.
The thoughtful design continues to the gilt Sputnik chandeliers and the chair by the fitting rooms; the latter is a custom piece by Ardmore company Chairloom (again, you’ll want to bookmark this site). It all works to elevate what I’m actually here to check out: the clothes. And these, I know, will all be best-sellers in the city.
A clean, modern space. | Lauren McGrath.
The lines are well-known standbys for high-end contemporary womenswear: Milly (a blazing pink jacket is a standout); Rebecca Taylor (a fringe-y cream sweater is perfect for weekends); Smythe (a very professorial red windowpane-check blazer with leather elbow patches); ALC (a simple black sweater that will never go out of style); and Calypso (a gauzy boho dress with tassels).
Lauren McGrath.
A back corner holds shelves of denim: AG, Rag & Bone, Frame, skinny, flare, distressed, wax coated. A pair of suede leggings or corduroy cigarettes are worthy investments for the season. The accessories selection is good for gifts, if not exceedingly interesting (ubiquitous House of Harlow pieces; fur pom-pom topped beanies; well-priced Jenny Bird bangles), and is secondary to the two huge tables of tops and casual wear: paper-thin tees and tanks, graphic and plain, and cozy loungewear. You have no excuse to wear workout gear to the grocery store again.
Pretty details. | Lauren McGrath.
Oh, and about those tops? Now through Sunday, all t-shirts are buy one, get one free. Welcome to the neighborhood, Skirt!
The Details: Skirt, 212 South 17th Street, Rittenhouse; open Monday-Saturday, 10am-6pm, and Sunday, 12-4pm. (For details on its Bryn Mawr and Stone Harbor location, click here.)
