Take a trip to Old City (and a short detour past South Street) to sample some of Philly's best vintage shopping. Going the vintage route beats dipping into your best buddy's closet because you can actually keep what you like without losing a friendship. Plus, your parents will approve of these wallet-friendly purchases. Sounds like a win-win shopping scenario to us.
Topstitch
311 Market St.
(267) 322-4057
Tue-Sun, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun, 12-5 p.m.
Popular stores (Babaooshka and Honeymilk) have played real estate musical chairs, combining to form one super shopping emporium: Topstitch. The light and airy second floor space showcases the two designers' creations beautifully, and a studio in the back even provides the opportunity to custom design a top or dress.
Sugarcube
48 S. Third St.
(215) 238-0825
Mon-Sat, 12-7 p.m.; Sun, 12-5 p.m.
At Sugarcube, dozens of vintage shoes, purses and belts surround rows upon rows of quality vintage clothing and hard-to-find brands (where else can you find Parisian APC?). One word of warning: don't shop with a friend who wears the same size shoe - a fight over those adorable Mary Janes is inevitable. Quirky jewelry and sunglasses are also among the highlights at this cute, spacious store.
Vagabond
37 N. Third St.
(267) 671-0737
Mon-Sat, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
You may find a hidden gem among Vagabond's stock of vintage shoes, bags and clothes, but this fun store primarily houses contemporary designers (think J Brand jeans). New clothing and jewelry arrive daily, thus inspiring many sessions of retail therapy and, subsequently, the inevitable retail remorse.
Lost + Found
133 N. Third Street
(215) 928-1311
Mon-Thu, 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri-Sat, 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun, 12-6 p.m.
More monochromatic basics than vibrant vintage, this store is the only one to offer accommodating boyfriends a chance to shop for themselves. Although the shoe and purse selection is somewhat limited, the relatively inexpensive jewelry may catch your eye. But don't expect to find a friendly staff or room to bargain on prices.
Decades Vintage
615 Bainbridge St.
(215) 923-3135
Knowledgeable staff run this traditional vintage store, our sole selection outside of Old City. For instance, did you know that heels from the '50s are placed further forward under the foot, thus providing added stability and creating a longer, more attractive calf profile? Now you know, all thanks to the Decades crew! Picking through the racks may be a chore, but it will allow you to learn the history of each piece, many of which are hand-picked from estate sales.
Forbidden Planett
10 N. Third Street
(215) 923-7399
Mon, by appt; Tue-Sat, 12-8 p.m.
If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Initially overwhelming, the chock-full basement is expertly navigated by staffing duo Johnny and Susan. While the personal shopping experience can be exhilarating, keep in mind that prices are never marked, store hours are tentative and trying to arrange an alteration requires a tiring game of phone tag. No one ever said being stylish was easy.
