Forget the big–box stores and cookie–cutter chains: Philly’s shopping gems are for those with a little grit and a lot of personality. For too long, this city has been treated like New York’s scrappier little sister or Los Angeles’ moody East Coast cousin, but anyone paying attention knows Philly has always had an edge. It’s found in the thrifted leather jackets on South Street, the minimalist–chic boutiques in Old City, the streetwear hubs in Fishtown, and the avant–garde designers quietly building cult followings. Philly style is less about chasing trends and more about confidence—pulling off the unexpected, mixing grit with glamour, and never trying too hard. So, if you’re looking for places that get that, start here: a roundup of the best spots proving that Philly is, and always has been, fashion–forward in its own way.
Richmond Street Flea and Big Top Vintage
The best thrift stores exist outside of University City, West Philly, and Center City—they’re often not in stores at all. To some, the idea of taking SEPTA beyond Girard Avenue is absurd. But for those of us with a bargain–hunting addiction and an individuality complex, venturing beyond the usual spots is a thrill. The Richmond Street Flea, on—you guessed it—Richmond Street in Port Richmond, is a monthly flea market that is a treasure trove of unique clothes and tchotchkes from small businesses. I miss home a lot—the vast array of flea markets (hi, Silverlake Flea) and Goodwill bins—but something I can’t get in Los Angeles is the intimate collection of vintage stores owned by local Philadelphians. Beloved storefronts in Port Richmond, like Big Top Vintage and Launderette Records, bring their goods outside during the flea, alongside traveling vendors. Richmond has some of the best finds—one time, I scored the perfect pair of jorts and stumbled upon Justice’s self–titled album, sitting right next to the Trainspotting soundtrack and Richard D. James album—all without having to battle a 5–foot—7 Echo Park bro with patchwork tattoos, like I would in Los Angeles. And at actual reasonable prices.
—Hannah Sung, Digital Managing Editor
Tucked away just off of South Street is the electric collection of vintage Eagles merch, collectors’ VHS tapes, prom dresses, and all the bizarre little trinkets your heart could desire. A Philly staple, this nonprofit thrives on donations and volunteers, with all proceeds supporting local HIV/AIDS organizations. With the store’s dedication to all things zany, wacky, and weird, entering the two–story building feels akin to walking into Philly’s own wonderland. Curated collections of paintings, denim jackets, and any kind of tangible media make it easy to find that perfect piece you’re looking for (plus, there’s a new kitchen section in a room that, you guessed it, looks like a kitchen). For the dedicated thrifter, a whole day can be spent digging for gold in the dollar bins—bootcut Levi’s jeans, graphic baby tees, victorian–inspired peacoats: You name it, and it’s in those bins.
—Jules Lingenfelter, Print Managing Editor
Boyds is where you go to experience (and maybe cry over) the kind of fashion that rarely makes it past New York or Tokyo. Yes, it’s pricey—but if you’re going to splurge, at least do it somewhere that gets style. Case in point: a powder blue Moncler puffer so beautiful it stopped me in my tracks, the first of its kind I’ve ever seen in the wild. Or the upcoming Oscar de la Renta trunk show in March, which frankly makes me foam at the mouth. This family–owned institution has been dressing Philly’s best dressed for decades, offering the kind of old–school luxury that comes with actual service—like in–house tailors who can make even the most stubborn dress pants short–girl friendly. But even if you’re just window shopping, there’s something deeply joyful about wandering through racks of Brunello Cucinelli and vintage Balmain (back when it was still chic), letting yourself dream a little.
—Kate Cho, Style Editor
The best thrift stores are stumbled upon serendipitously. Settled between an Argentine bakery and around the corner from Green Line Cafe, the Second Mile Center begs to be found by wayward wanderers. Within walking distance of Penn’s campus, I’d argue Second Mile Center is the best thrift spot in West Philly—not for an abundance of niche clothes that will impress even the coolest of campus, but rather for its persistent charm. The staff of Second Mile Center kindly remind you of their Friday student discounts and peer down at you from their slightly elevated cash register with warm smiles. Most who enter the shop will spend at least an hour perusing racks of abandoned Hey Day shirts and flannel button downs in search of treasure. On the best of days at Second Mile Center, I’ve plucked from the racks a sleek vintage pinstripe suit, black and red polka dot mini shorts, and a pleated denim skirt. Beyond clothing, the store boasts a wide selection of kitchen and homeware alongside a collection of furniture that I’d snap up in an instant if I were furnishing a West Philly home. Though I can’t promise that you’ll strike gold on every visit, the prices are always reasonable and the pieces are of increasingly rare quality to find when thrifting. My expert recommendation is to make an afternoon or a morning out of your trip to Second Mile Center, fuel up with artisan baked goods next door at Jezabel’s, and later venture into the shop with an open heart and a discerning eye. After all, the best things are worth searching for.
—Natalia Castillo, former Editor–in–Chief
Clark Park in West Philly is a must–visit for those who love treasure hunting for unique fashion finds. Every weekend, the park transforms into a vibrant marketplace filled with vintage resellers, local creatives, and West Philly residents clearing out their closets. I’ve found Arctic fleeces for just $5, delicately embroidered vintage Victoria’s Secret tops for $8, and intricately engraved pendant necklaces for $10. The variety and affordability is unbeatable. Nearly all compliments I get on campus for my wardrobe are sourced from the varying vendors of Clark Park.
But the shopping doesn’t stop at secondhand gems—Clark Park also features vendors selling beautiful handmade goods, from West African jewelry to modern–day, chunky Sanrio charm necklaces. And if fresh food is more your style, you’re in luck. The park is also home to an abundance of fresh produce, along with crusty artisan bread, and, in the fall, you can watch apple cider donuts emerge plump and fresh–to–order from a long line of other hungry customers.
My perfect Saturday morning begins with an everything rye bagel with smoked whitefish salad from Bart’s Bagels, then a stroll through the market to support local vendors while discovering one–of–a–kind pieces. Whether you’re into thrifting, handmade accessories, or seasonal treats, Clark Park is the place to be.
—Fiona Herzog, Assignments Editor
While there are only so many vintage and thrift stores one magazine can recommend before their audience revolts in search of something shiny and new, I remain utterly convinced that Retrospect Vintage deserves to be on every Penn student’s bucket list. Best explored with an open mind and a curious friend by your side, this veritable institution of South Street has everything from crates of vintage sex manuals to ‘80s prom dresses. The store is organized by color and only vaguely curated, making it genuinely rewarding to stumble on that perfect piece. It’s even pretty reasonably priced, with most of the excellent shoe collection priced around $35, a $15 tank section, and a 50% discount on anything older than a month. With a constantly changing inventory and an Etsy storefront, it’s also impossible to get bored of Retrospect’s lineup. If I somehow still haven’t convinced you to drop by, it’s worth adding that store profits go to support Goodwills throughout southern New Jersey and Philadelphia. Could your hard–earned cash be going to a better (and more entertaining) institution? I think not!
—Catherine Sorrentino, senior staff writer and former Print Managing Editor
