You know that feeling. That feeling you get when you wear that new sweater wrap, and everyone keeps asking where you got it, and you simply don't want to tell? You feel selfish and snobby because that store was supposed to be your own little secret -- a haven where you could shop, free of suspicion that you'll be walking down Locust and pass a fellow Quaker wearing the same thing. But then you break, and it's like sharing your best friend's secret when you finally whisper in her ear: Vagabond.
But you know what? The secret's out, and it has been for quite a while.
What began as an "alternative surf shop" in Cape May, New Jersey, back in 1996, Vagabond opened its second store in Philadelphia in 2000 and is now one of downtown Philly's most recognized women's clothing stores. Featured in national magazines such as Lucky and Woman's Wear Daily, this store appeals to those who love having unique pieces without burning a hole in their wallet (read $15-$400).
With its funky-yet-wearable selection from the likes of Ella Moss and Free People to the lesser-known designers like Nisa and Karoo, Vagabond also mixes vintage pieces into its racks. "We strive to find lines that people haven't heard of," said co-founder Mary Clark. "We're not trend-driven, we just buy things that we would like to wear -- and that's worked really well for us."
The store prides itself on the return-rate of its customers, who venture not only from this city, but New York, as well. "Our New York customers love buying our pieces," Clark said. And by 'our' pieces, she could have been referring to any of Vagabond's sales associates, all of whom (including the co-founders) sell their own creations in the store, whether it be earrings, embroidered vintage clothing, tweed jackets or hand-knit sweaters.
Because of Vagabond's spacious interior and support for handmade designs, it would only make sense that a back portion of the store was recently transformed into a yarn shop, where you'll find wooden boxes filled with a wide array of variegated yarn. (Knitting classes are available, if you're not already involved in 250 campus activities.) Additionally, the very back of the store called EmmaLuv opened two years ago and is all handmade clothing.
So the next time you're itching for something that isn't consumed by the entire Penn population, you'll know where to go.
