FavAUrite
Photograph by Theresa Regan The trio of women who run this 10-month-old Chestnut Hill shop call it a collection of discoveries. And that it is, which you’ll see after you’ve finished ogling the ever-changing, elaborately themed window display (puffy clouds! stars and stripes!) and step inside the cozy space. Delicate jewelry (some made in-house) is artfully displayed amid the antiques and objects, like handmade candles by California’s Catherine Sieck (charms emerge as the wax burns) and cheery speckle-glazed ceramics from Sharland England. The shop is designed to feel like a home filled with someone’s treasures from journeys near and far — and you’ll never want to leave. 8409 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118
Ditto Vintage
Whenever Jessica Schuyler is in a fashion rut, she’ll Google “Bella Hadid street style” for inspiration. So it was a surreal moment when the supermodel walked into Schuyler’s boutique — which began as a pop-up operation in 2017, then went brick-and-mortar in 2023 — to buy an upcycled Nahui Ollin handbag, a leather jacket, and a pendant necklace. But perhaps it’s not surprising that Ditto has attracted celebrity attention. The store’s inventory — a mix of Y2K-era pieces (from the likes of Juicy Couture and Ed Hardy) and garments that date back to the ’60s, plus modern thrifted items — and Schuyler’s eye for styling will make everyone look (and feel) like a VIP. 20 West Bridge Street, New Hope, PA 18938
C.M. Neff Knife Shop
Philly chef Randy Rucker of River Twice is a fan of this East Passyunk knife shop, which opened in January and sells blades from top European, Japanese, and American makers (Zwilling, Wüsthof, Shun, Tojiro, and Chicago Cutlery). Rucker’s not alone: Line cooks and executive chefs from restaurants around the city now stop in before their shifts to see knife aficionado Drew Baker, whose sharpening service brings a professional-level edge to blunt kitchen tools. So, home cooks who want to sharpen or shop: Here’s your spot. 1613 Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19148
The Collective
Photograph by Theresa Regan Walk into this hilltop boutique overlooking Fayette Street and you’ll want to revamp your whole closet. Owner and Conshy native Victoria Totaro (pictured here) curates hard-to-find-elsewhere seasonal staples and elevated styles — hardware-studded rompers, breezy striped sets, wear-everywhere denim, and chic but playful accessories (like gold serpentine watches) — from brands such as Pistola and Amanda Uprichard. Totaro will even sell you the crisp linen shirt off her back, like she did for one of our staffers. 214 Fayette Street, Conshohocken, PA 19428
Casa Vida
This whimsical five-year-old boutique just moved from Old City to a brand-new Rittenhouse space, and shopping there will bring you pure joy. Expect vintage and curated clothing and accessories (because a scarf with cheese or sushi on it dresses up any outfit), jewelry, wellness items, and quirky decor (for example, an ashtray shaped like a hard-boiled egg) — plus in-store events like flower arranging and upcycling workshops. 2003 Walnut Street, Philadelphia , PA 19103
Spartan Made Quality Carry
Couple and creative duo Doug Reilly and Amy Gallop first began crafting these sustainably made bags, inspired by Japanese minimalism and American industrial design, while they were living off the grid in the Catskills. (It comes in handy to have durable leather log carriers and shoe holders.) But the bags also translate to their current life in Philly — and to yours. There are rucksacks for outdoor adventures, mini totes for a night out, and bucket bags with straps that can be worn three ways — for whatever you’re doing this afternoon. Find them at Moon + Arrow in Queen Village.
Liza Miller
Photograph by Theresa Regan Visiting Liza Miller’s massive showroom and design studio is like going on a treasure hunt for your home — and it has the best decor you’ll find anywhere. The pieces are sourced primarily from Hungary, Austria, and Romania — though you’ll also be knee-deep in pretty dishware and elegant glassware from the likes of Memphis-based Creative Co-Op. Says one dedicated shopper: “What I love about her store is that she sources so many pieces from Europe, some new, some vintage, so a lot of what she carries feels that much more special.” 403 York Road, New Hope, PA 18938
Printfresh
If you, like us, already loved Kensington-based Printfresh’s patterned PJs, then check out what they’re doing with tabletop items: Lobsters and chickens and bees (oh my!) dance across quilted place mats, linen cocktail napkins, and 100 percent cotton napkins, with patterns screen-printed by artisans in India. (More good news? Printfresh plans to open a boutique in Kensington later this year.)
Ren Valentine Studio
Consider trading your boring salad spoons for something with character — like those by Fishtown-based Ren Valentine Studio. Designer and artist Lauren Kim’s got a particular affinity for working in wood, and the utensils are really more like art — curvy salad spoons and literal salad hands made from scrap wood. Find them at Snail in Old City or connect on Instagram for a made-to-order set.
Red Gravy Goods
Photograph by Andre Rucker The city’s first hat patch bar has been a hit since debuting in December. During World Cup mania, fans from everywhere from Brazil to France to Mayfair lined up to create ball caps studded with Philly-centric embroidered patches. Doesn’t everyone need a hat featuring tiny emblems of Italian cheeses? 1335 Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia , PA 19147
InnerVision Fine Eyewear
This indie optometrist’s two locations — an Italianate facade and a bright South Philly office — are eye candy. Their selection of designer frames from brands like Tom Ford and ic! berlin is vast. And the staff? They’ll ensure you see clearly. Locations in East Passyunk and Rittenhouse, Philadelphia , PA
Holly’s Trinket Bar
Adorning your bag with bits and bobs, à la Jane Birkin, is very of the moment. So make an appointment to dig through artist Holly Simple’s collection (sourced over the past 20 years) of vintage charms and trinkets. She’ll take your picks and arrange them into an eye-catching purse chain. 1901 South 9th Street, Philadelphia , PA 19148
Mocalmo
Founded in 2020 by husband and wife duo Stefano Pierini and Diana Kattan, Brewerytown’s Mocalmo hand-makes (in Italy!) leather sneakers that will take you from the office to happy hour. (They’re crafted in Marche, the same region where Prada sources its leather.) It’ll take a week to break them in (they arrive with tips to save your toes, like cushioning up with thick socks), but after that, they’re, well, made for walking.
Hamid Holloman
The West Philly native’s menswear designs aren’t for everyone — and that’s exactly what makes his locally made, military-inspired collection so interesting. Holloman draws from a stockpile of repurposed materials (raw denim, vintage feed sacks, flea market finds) to create one-of-one button-downs, bomber jackets, and messenger bags, many featuring his signature patchwork — layering camouflage and traditional kantha fabric to make a style statement that is pointedly his own. 416 Cecil B. Moore Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19122
Jessie Husband Designs
Ardmore artist Jessie Husband’s playful line-drawing maps immortalize all the little corners of your neighborhood, whether you live in Queen Village or Germantown or on the Main Line. They’re printed on archival matte art paper (get yours framed and stick it on your wall) or, perfect for summer, on a beach towel. Want to make it personal? She’ll customize your print with an illustration of your home.
Lilypad Thrift
A group of moms, including Lilypad president Maria Hughes, opened this thrift shop a decade ago after lamenting the lack of kids consignment stores in a South Philly parents forum. Since moving to Passyunk Avenue in 2025, the nonprofit has become a destination for affordable, cute clothing for newborns through 12-year-olds — with labels like Carter’s, Hanna Andersson, and Ralph Lauren — plus toys, books, and gear. There’s even a playspace with tea and coffee. “They are hands down our favorite playspace in the city,” notes one relieved parent. 1841 Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19148
The Garb Collection
Caitlin Quirk, owner of South Jersey retailer The Garb Collection, is reimagining the secondhand shopping experience with a rental closet concept that puts sellers in control. A $25 online deposit secures a rack in the store for up to 80 items for 10 to 30 days. Sellers set their own prices (the staff will help) and can track sales in real time. Looking to buy? Coveted brands like Theory, Farm Rio, and Lilly Pulitzer have been spied at the Collingswood location. Locations in Collingswood and Ocean City, NJ
(and Plant Store for Book Lovers)
Plant Roots and The Bookery Coffee House
Photograph by Jeff Fusco If spending hours reading in nature with a cup of coffee appeals to you, you’ll find your happy place at Gina Ranieri’s plant shop and bookstore cafe. On one side, you’ll spot a botanical paradise filled with her handpicked plants — from philodendrons to begonias, all for sale — plus gift-worthy items such as refillable candles, mushroom-growing kits, and pretty stationery. On the other? A selection of top-selling fiction, including all the steamy hockey romance your heart desires. And the shelf of used books to read while sipping your matcha latte is a thoughtful touch. 19 Brookline Boulevard, Havertown, PA 19083
Joan Shepp
Boutique founder and Philly fashion visionary Joan Shepp, along with her business partner and daughter, Ellen Shepp, decided a new address (they moved from Chestnut Street to Rittenhouse Square last September) called for a subtle shift to a more intimate, personalized retail experience focused on brand exclusives and emerging designers. “Our goal is to never have things that are available up and down the street or easily bought online,” says Ellen. “Everything should feel special.” French label Lemaire (a regional exclusive), celeb favorite Lizzie Fortunato, and Indian clothing brand Kartik Research are among the latest additions to a lineup that has long been considered the barometer of style in Philly. And don’t worry — Shepp staples like Rick Owens are still in the mix. 1905 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Greatest Hits Records & Books
This Media shop is stocked with everything from punk and jazz to Japanese vinyl imports. (They also pressed The Sounds of Delco, a collection of everyday moments like “Delco Man Calls Into WIP During Phillies Red October” and “Two Women Discover They Have a Mutual Friend From the Same Parish.”) The best finds are often the ones you didn’t come for — an album you’ve been hunting down for years or some obscure treasure you didn’t know existed until you spotted it in the bins, a reminder that in our age of algorithms, browsing still wins. 21 South Jackson Street, Media, PA 19063
Dilo
You know that scent wafting through a boutique hotel lobby that makes you briefly consider reinventing your entire life? Dilo bottles that feeling in candles, incense, and room sprays with fragrances like Hinoki Sesame and Yuzu Honey Blossom that manage to be sophisticated without being stuffy. Bonus: Everything is made locally, by hand, in the company’s recently opened Northern Liberties studio. 1016 New Market Street, Philadelphia , PA 19123
Good’s Vintage
This Italian Market gem has three shops all selling different items — decor, clothes, and (our favorite) jewelry, hand-selected by founder and antiques dealer Keith Allibone. The selection is rife with options for all genders, spans the centuries, and will ensure you sparkle. Chunky rings, slick necklaces, glitzy brooches — Good’s has it all. Jewelry, 1022 South 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Cadrae
For your own perfect fit, schedule a free consultation at this garment shop to get a sense of your suit’s shape, fabric, and price. Further appointments will be dedicated to measurements, ordering, and fittings — and before long you’ll have a one-of-a-kind piece. Pro tip: You can bring items from your own closet and get them tailored here. 72 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia , PA 19106
Retro Rewind Vintage & Thrift
Find bold pieces at Retro Rewind, which often stocks ’70s-era outerwear (faux fur, suede, corduroy). Owner Tia Whitfield and her staff also provide personal styling. 2804 West Girard Avenue, Philadelphia , PA 19130
Finley Catering
Photograph by Alessandra Lee If there were a Mount Rushmore of Philly wedding characters, Steve Finley’s face would be on it. His catering and events company has breathed new life into ballrooms (the Crystal Tea Room, Ballroom at the Ben, and the Ballroom at Ellis Preserve — all of which were recently refreshed) and a bank (Union Trust), built its own barn-like venue (the Ivy at Ellis Preserve, seen here), served three sitting presidents, and hosted thousands of weddings — including one this month at Union Trust, a giveaway to toast Finley’s 50 (!) years in business.
Lovehaus Events
If you happen to nab Andrea Petrucci and Laura Bonadonna for your big day, consider yourself lucky. The Bucks County duo, who founded their full-service luxury event planning and design firm in 2013, take on only about 10 weddings a year, and for good reason. Once they’re on board, they are all in — for the big stuff, like handling logistics and conceptualizing gorgeous design schemes, and for the small details, like helping bridesmaids choose their dresses and wrangling last-minute RSVPs. By the end of the wedding weekend (did we mention they plan your rehearsal dinner, after-party, and next-day brunch, too?), clients say they feel less like planners and more like family.
Carriage Trade Cleaners
Got dirt on your hem while taking portraits outside? Someone spilled red wine on your gown at the reception? This Bucks County biz will come to your rescue with a soup-to-nuts wedding dress cleaning and preservation service. Your gown will be assessed and cleaned by the shop’s staff (prices range from $325 to $575). It’ll then be preserved on an acid-free dress bust to prevent discoloration and either placed in a vacuum-sealed bag or wrapped in muslin (in case you want to pull the dress out for anniversary photos). In six to eight weeks, your dress will be a true heirloom. Plus, says one happy customer, “The box they packaged my dress in is so, so cute!” 1108 Bustleton Pike, Feasterville-Trevose, PA 19053
Madison Chamberlain
This Fishtown designer caught our eye back in 2022, mostly for her cute tops. Since then, she’s created a viral line of fanciful accessories, like fingerless tulle gloves speckled with jewels and colorful tulle veils spangled with metallic hearts, sequins, and iridescent ruffles. No wonder her own stylish vows made it into our wedding magazine — and Vogue.
The Cake Vault
Photograph by Somascape A gluten-free cake with black sesame ganache and salted caramel. A honey lavender and lemon confection with lavender buttercream and lemon curd. And an old-fashioned spiced apple cake with brown butter cream cheese buttercream. Those are among the flavors Esy Arthur layers into her gorgeous (and delicious) nontraditional wedding cakes, which can range from a pretty oval design with a mix of dainty and vintage piping to a structural sweet complete with a disco ball that holds up two of the three tiers. A recent addition to her pastry prowess: a 17-pound tiramisu, because big desserts are now a thing. 5401 Tacony Street, Philadelphia , PA 19137
Glass Canary Vintage
Photograph by Emilie Krause Emilie Krause had a problem. She’s getting married in September, and she couldn’t find the perfect vintage gown — nor could she find a place that gave her bridal salon vibes: feeling special, wandering through a room full of beautiful retro dresses that would fit her. (Most vintage wedding dresses are notoriously tiny.) As she searched, she collected and then began selling online. Her first in-person client tried on the looks in Krause’s kitchen and living room. Krause opened a storefront in October, then promptly moved into a bigger space, to house the hundreds of pieces (from the 1920s to Y2K) she carries at a time. (She reorganizes the dresses for each client, so you’ll shop only from styles in your size.) And, of course, she solved her own problem — and has the dress of her dreams. But you’ll have to wait till next month to see what it is. 128 Leverington Avenue, Philadelphia , PA 19127
Andrea Levine Artists
Sometimes Levine — who’s taken the stage with everyone from the Roots to Andrea Bocelli — goes solo, setting the scene at your cocktail hour with her electric violin and classical renditions of pop favorites. (Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” is always a hit.) Other times, a duo, trio, or quartet will perform during your ceremony. (“Rainbow Connection,” from The Muppet Movie, is an underrated aisle song, says Levine: “It carries such a lovely message about hope and wonder.”) Their repertoire spans 1,000-plus songs, so you can pick and choose what music best fits your love story — they’ll also learn something new should your favorite tune not be on their list.
Shindig Bespoke
Jill Ryder keeps her client list small — she takes on 12 to 15 clients a year — but her design work is big and bold, incorporating different textures, shapes, and objects to create eye-catching save-the-dates, invitations, menus, and all the other printed details of your day. Her favorite material to work with other than, well, paper? Wood veneer. “It’s so versatile,” says Ryder, who started the biz back in 2004. “Paint it, stain it, engrave it, or leave the beautiful grains alone.” That’s a lot of restraint for someone who can turn a tennis ball into an escort card and who loves a destination wedding — so she can research the location and pack the colors and customs of that place into an envelope. As for her Philly weddings? “They feel like a homecoming.”
Sheronda Seawright
Some wedding photos look like the pretty-if-rote sort that come with picture frames; others look like they could be on the cover of magazines. For the latter, there’s Philly-based Sheronda and Derrick Seawright, a married duo who have been capturing uber-glamorous, editorial-style engagement and wedding images for 13 years — making everyday couples look like superstars.
Margaux St. Ledger Luxury Floral Design
Photograph by Courtney Apple, with styling by Natalie Norman-Kehe St. Ledger — a former model whose father was a Strawbridge & Clothier exec — has an eye for what looks good, whether it’s a floral runner that drapes off the table or the meadowscapes of moss, ferns, and blooms like hellebores she created for the dino displays at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University for one prehistory-themed wedding. “Her florals are beyond words,” says bride Rachel Kinney.