The Penn Piper

You are a customer of Alessandra Coffenberg, the owner of Penn’s latest boutique. You’ve got style and, since you’re at Penn, you’re probably busy. Piper’s obscenely convenient location right off of Walnut on 34th means there’s no excuse not to at least peruse the boutique’s collection. Bombing that Econ exam might be exactly what you need for a little post–Van Pelt marathon shopping escape.

As you enter Piper, a friendly salesperson and a standard boutique set–up will greet you. The store is arranged in a typically minimalist manner. A nature–themed jewelry display with necklaces laid atop branches lies in the center of the small space. Racks of brightly–colored clothes line the walls. Unlike many of the other campus clothing stores, where dozens of duplicates await like–minded customers, Piper carries only a few of each item. So while the convenient location may mean everyone knows where you got that cute top from, you may be one of the only lucky girls to have snagged it.

Though small, Piper carries a variety of colors, styles and cuts of dresses, skirts, sweaters, jeans and shirts, which makes for a versatility that allows for a broader customer base, but it also detracts from the boutique’s personality.  The clothing is “Penn affordable,” with tops in the $40 range, skirts at about $60 and denim just topping $100. If that doesn’t suit your style, a 40%–off sale rack neatly graces a side wall.

The real disappointment comes in quality. An undeniably synthetic spectrum, from polyester to rayon and blends in between, inundate the racks of otherwise decent fashions. And honestly, for the prices and boutique labels, one can’t help but notice the made–in–the–third–world tags. In the end it’s up to you as you eye that reasonably–priced, vivid yellow crocheted sweater whether to take the plunge or not. And honestly, since it’s right on campus, you have the gift of time to mull it over; just don’t wait too long or it could be gone.

A safe alternative to dime–a–dozen chain stores, Piper is a pleasant and hassle–free shopping experience that caters to just about all of the Penn ladies.

PIPER
140 S. 34th St.
facebook.com/piperboutique
What you’ll find there: On–trend but unremarkable women’s wear
Bottom line: Just close enough to be worth going to