Pax Flora Goods
Photograph by Jeff Fusco An ultrasuede Halston jacket and a 1970s-era fringe vest are among the finds we snapped up from this boutique. (We would’ve snatched the Burberry jacket, but we have some restraint.) The beauty of this place is in the thoughtful sourcing of a bit of everything — well-preserved but reasonably priced vintage, dreamy antique lockets, sustainable modern apparel. Even cutesy socks are available, and we may have purchased a few of those, too. 6622 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19119
Civil Stock General Store
Whitney Bennett’s year-old general store feels like it’s always been there, welcoming you in to pick up functional but fun goods — a folding shovel, a brass fox-head letter opener, Victorian stocking-leg tweezers. She’s got the must-haves, too (tampons, shelf-stable groceries). Bennett — who sourced the wood furnishings, switched out the lighting to make it more rustic, and exposed a brick wall — says she wants it to feel like a mercantile of the 1800s. We say, well done. 1912 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Lagos
Founder Steven Lagos’s aesthetic pedigree dates back to his childhood classes at the Art Museum. And his signature Caviar design has become so iconic we often forget it’s a Philly brand. So when he set out to make its first men’s line, he knew he needed something bold — and landed on rock ’n’ roll. The collection gets its name from a Grateful Dead record (Anthem of the Sun), and features skulls, daggers, and even an edgy rabbit named Krunch. 1735 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
American Grammar
Is it a bookstore? A coffee shop? A community space for discussions and events? It’s all those things and more. So stop in for your daily java, then browse the collection of works focused on social, cultural and environmental themes, including memoirs, fiction, historical accounts and even children’s books (try Rosie Rocks! by author Sarah Gulish). And after that? Stay for an author talk or poetry-writing class. 2046 North Front Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122
Ruby Mountain Goods
Headed to a housewarming or birthday party empty-handed? Stop by Ruby Mountain Goods, which focuses on indie brands and handmade items ranging from stationery and kitchen linens to jewelry and beauty products. There are frequent pop-ups from Philly creators — Made by Hank recently showcased her modern quilt-inspired bags — and even a wish-list you can fill out at the store, so someone can treat you, too. 6782 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19119
The Flower Mama
Photograph by Jeff Fusco As soon as Elkins Park florist Maeve Gavin’s pearlescent green 1959 Volkswagen flower truck, Rosebud, rolled into town, it became the centerpiece of festivals, markets and private parties. (You may have seen it at the 2024 Flower Show.) Like all the best things in Philly, Rosebud blends quirk and quality. Gavin stocks her mobile flower bar with luscious — often homegrown — blooms ready to be combined into custom bouquets that thrive for weeks. Follow @the.flower.mama on Instagram to see where she’ll be next.
Yowie
At South Street’s buzzy Yowie, interior design stans know that it’s Shannon Maldonado’s world and we’re just lucky to be living in it. The creative director’s singular contemporary aesthetic informs the property’s year-old invisible-service hotel, cafe and lifestyle boutique. Here, the 11 suites double as mini showrooms for colorful, quirky goods from local indie makers like Liz Colyar and Cloud 9 Clay. Scout out your favorites during your stay, then find the smaller items in the shop — or have the staff put in a custom furniture order, just for you. 226 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Paopaobao
We can’t get enough of this Philly designer’s whimsical puffy bags made from deadstock and upcycled fabrics. The exaggerated, unexpected yet practical shape easily holds your essentials and instantly makes your ’fit — and, by extension, you — more interesting. Get ready for compliments.
Stump
This plant shop may have gotten its start in Ohio, but it’s put down firm roots in Philly. Since opening its first area location in NoLibs in 2018, Stump’s footprint has grown exponentially: A University City shop opened in 2021, followed a year later by outposts in Bella Vista and Devon, each one chicer than the last. Visit any one of these for houseplants, vessels, repotting services, and all the green-thumb know-how you’ll need — or just stop in for pure inspiration.
Swaddle
Megan Sabia’s charming shop brims with baby clothes, accessories, nursery decor and toys, and is a beloved destination for parents in Montco. Kids love the friendly atmosphere (and the rubber ducky they get when they visit), while parents appreciate the first-rate customer service and selection. 18 East Butler Avenue, Ambler, PA 19002
Maison Braun
Photograph by Jeff Fusco Take notice of the Center City lunch crowd on a random Wednesday, and it’s plain to see that return-to-office orders have also signaled a return to men’s suiting. Darryl Brown was clearly reading the fashion tea leaves when he debuted Maison Braun in Rittenhouse this past spring. As the concept’s founder and director of design, Brown is turning out custom and made-to-order fits that are sure to impress when the clock strikes noon. 1721 Spruce Street, 1st floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Knobs ‘N Knockers
Look past the hilariously X-rated-sounding name, and you’ll find a treasure trove of high-end hardware for interior and exterior doors, cabinets, drawers, and, well, anything else that you might need to open in your house. You can also find gorgeous mailboxes, along with house address plaques, pretty switch plates, and all the other little details that’ll make your house feel way more luxe. Shop 22, Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA 18931
KIN Apparel
This Pharrell-approved brand from haircare content creator and Fishtown resident Philomina Kane specializes in a twist on a basic piece of apparel: hoodies. They’re lined with high-thread-count, heavyweight satin for optimal hair protection. This lining is also featured in the recently dropped collection of stylish windbreakers.
Bodie
Photograph by Nell Hoving Dixon If your space bends more toward the colorful and kitschy, this modern general store has what you need, from candles shaped like pretzels and tinned fish to stunning Parisian flatware in pastel shades to branded tote bags to take it all home in. But don’t leave without a produce pillow. Who’s to say the pièce de résistance of your living room can’t be a giant fleece strawberry? Locations in Queen Village and Fairmount, Philadelphia, PA
Florian Francis
Some rugs are just too special to live out their days on the floor, being trampled and spilled upon. No, handmade tufted fiber art like that by Florian Francis earns a place on the wall. Francis’s pieces are often pop-culture referential (like the popular customizable TV dinner designs). Our favorites, though, are the hoagie and the Cheez Whiz. They’re both contenders for our kitchen decor.
Sidewalk Press
South Philly illustrator and designer Sarah Beahm translates the imperfections and idiosyncrasies of our great city into profoundly lovable art — prints like a Phillies helmet filled with flowers, paintings of bygone icons (the Melrose Diner!), and a series of rowhome portraits. (She takes on commissions if you want your home memorialized.) She also makes odes to iconic Philly objects — SEPTA buses, Arctic Splash — in the form of stickers and keychains.
Pilot / Powell
Photograph courtesy of Pilot Powell This new luxury fashion concept has been flying high since swinging open its doors this past March. Wielding a coveted brand list and Vogue-approved sartorial cred, the sister location of the New Orleans flagship won us over with designers like Christian Wijnants and Marie Lichtenberg. As for denim? Expect styles from Agolde that throw it back to the past, with a relaxed fit, ripped knees or cargo pockets. (Take a look at other denim winners throughout Best of Philly’s 50 years here.) 32 Parking Plaza, Ardmore, PA 19003
Kylie Kelce
From the moment Delco’s own Kylie Kelce (née McDevitt) came on screen in the Kelce documentary, describing her and Jason’s first Tinder date without an air of pretension, we knew we had a legend on our hands. Kylie’s rise has been meteoric, but the mother of three keeps it refreshingly real, with laid-back game-day outfits (black athleisure, jean shorts) and a makeup routine that can even be accomplished on the edge of a hotel bed (IYKYK). Of course, she can also glam it up at Milan Fashion Week and help sell out a vintage-style Eagles jacket (yes, the same kind Princess Di wore, naturally) — and raise $100k for the Eagles Autism Foundation in the process simply by signing and modeling it. But she doesn’t have to. And that kind of confidence never goes out of style.
Designer Bag Even More Luxe
Kaitlyn Riccardi
Photograph by Nell Hoving Dixon Luxury leather goods are the canvas of choice for Riccardi. The former in-house artist at King of Prussia’s Louis Vuitton store packed up her paintbrushes and struck out on her own in early 2024 — and that’s when the private commissions began to pour in. Give Riccardi a few weeks, and she can transform a beloved Birkin into a fashionable family heirloom with one of her exquisitely detailed pet portraits.
American Trench
This brand first earned our praise in 2017 for their namesake Ventile fabric trench, but since broadening their horizons with even more menswear items — plus a few things for women — such as hats, heavyweight hoodies, and socks seen on the likes of Bad Bunny, and opening a brick-and-mortar in Ardmore, the company has garnered our attention yet again. We’re fans of its transparent sourcing practices (all of its products are made in America, though materials may be sourced elsewhere) and attention to quality, like that 100 percent cotton Panama cloth shirt we’ll be wearing the rest of summer. 15 East Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore, PA 19003
Reclectic
Yes, it's in the depressing Philadelphia Mills mall. But trust us — this year-old “concept store” (basically an outlet) from URBN is worth the trip. You’ll find countless racks of steeply discounted clothes from Urban Outfitters, Free People, Nuuly and Anthropologie; thrifted and vintage pieces URBN’s design team uses for inspiration; and decor and furniture. Be warned: Everything is final sale, samples may not be perfect, and you’re technically not allowed to try on clothes. That said, if we see you crouching behind racks to see if a sweater fits, we won’t tell. (We’ve done the same.) 1455 Franklin Mills Circle, Philadelphia, PA 19154
Boot Barn
If you’re searching for Beyoncé-worthy Western wear, then Boot Barn is your best bet. True to its name, the two-year-old Cherry Hill outpost of the veteran national retailer has a dizzying display of cowboy boots from Dan Post, Durango and Laredo. And don’t miss the in-store hat bar. Even Bey would say that no look is complete without a classic Stetson. 2232 Route 70 West, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
The Big Favorite
We’re picky about our underthings, so when this Yardley-based sustainable basics brand (it launched in the 1930s but was reborn in 2020) released a sports bra, we had to make sure it, you know, worked. The bra provides low-impact support and is made of synthetic-free pima cotton knitwear. It’s reversible, too, with a V- or scoop neck in the front or back, depending on how you wear it. We’re loving it for yoga, long walks with our dog, easy jogs, lounging — or even pairing with jeans for a laid-back summer look.
Stitch Central
If knitting, crocheting, quilting, embroidery or sewing is on your list of hobbies, this shop is an absolute paradise for fabrics, tools, and every possible variety of yarn. Originally located in tiny digs in Huntingdon Valley, the store recently debuted in a newly renovated building that allows for even more stuff you’ll want to buy. No clue what you’re doing? Classes start at $12. 128 Glenside Avenue, Glenside, PA 19038
Bardot Bridal Hair
Photograph by Anna Panutsa Portraits Alexandra Archibald’s petite retro-pink salon combines two of her biggest loves — doing your hair for your Big Day and sharing her collection of vintage event wear with you. There are just two chairs, allowing for an intimate experience with the hair stylist (who has moonlighted as, well, a stylist on TV shows like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel). Throwback looks line the back wall, with everything from a sweet satin wedding gown circa the 1920s to a 1960s floral number perfect for your maid of honor. Bring your bestie along to play dress up. 1135 Pine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
DJ Lady FX
Marlene Bell, a longtime Philly DJ, describes herself as a “vibe curator.” She customizes her set to the couple, the venue, the theme — she’ll even dress the part for your soiree — and the crowd. (And she’ll keep your guests on the dance floor till the wee hours.) Want more vibes? She has a floral DJ booth for your garden-party wedding and an LED display photo booth so you can preserve all the fun.
The Law Bridal
Photograph by Laura Rae Photography Megan Lawrence has been quietly designing her sophisticated wedding styles in Philly since 2018, but a recent move into a studio at the Bok Building — and having her line sold at Kinfolk Bride, right next door — puts her into the spotlight of local fashion lovers. Her separates are meant to be mixed and matched, so you can team a bandeau top with a high-waisted skirt for the ceremony, then trade the latter for a pair of silk Mikado Bermuda shorts for a playful after-party look. 1901 South 9th Street, suite 514, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Clara’s Groovy Deliciousness
There are cakes, and then there are cakes, like the ones crafted by Brookhaven baker Samirah Williams. She’ll take your initial idea and run with it, layering buttercream, ganache, hand-shaped petals, sugar leaves — a little dash of everything sweet — to create a tiered confection that will draw almost as much attention as you will on your wedding day. For favors? Her LoveCrunch caramel corn in one of her limited-edition flavors — like honey-candied rosemary.
Cescaphe
Calling this luxury event management company a Philly institution barely scrapes the surface. Joe Volpe and wife Andrea have spent two decades turning landmarks throughout the region into stellar venues that couples dream of. In recent months, Cescaphe has taken over the iconic ballroom at the Bellevue Hotel and helped transform the former PECO plant on the Delaware into a multiuse destination complete with its Switch House venue. Then there’s The Lucy, Water Works — we could go on.
Lindley Gray
Photograph by Alain Simic This Kensington-based jewelry brand features genderless designs handcrafted from recycled metals, Fairmined gold and ethically sourced diamonds, often reclaimed from vintage pieces. The namesake designer’s aesthetic combines traditional craftsmanship, Art Deco influence, and a focus on the subtlety of natural materials. We’d say “I do” to those black-diamond stacking rings any day.
Emily Wren Photography
A photographer since 2008 with a focus on luxury weddings since 2012, Wren is known for her eye for detail and her commitment to each couple. Her laid-back aura leads to photos that feel warm and real, whether it’s a snap of a duo right after sharing their first newlywed kiss or a picture of a richly colorful bouquet. Wren, based out of Narberth, also offers a staff of assistant and associate photographers, plus videography via her husband, Gregg — if that’s not a perfect pairing, we don’t know what is.
Belovely Floral Co.
Photograph by Afrik Armando While this Ambler floral studio can create just about any kind of arrangement for your Big Day, we’re particularly enamored of the hanging installations crafted by owner Lauren Weintraub and her team — colorful poofs of baby’s breath that float above a dance floor or greenery that winds its way among the rafters, forming a leafy canopy under which you’ll say “I do.”
Shannon Wellington Weddings & Events
A maximalist tablescape that melds punchy colors, textures and patterns that shouldn’t work together but do. A place-card flower garden from which guests pluck their reception seating assignments. A cake suspended in a macramé hanger. These are a few of the ways the Chadds Ford-based boutique planning studio ensures that you (and your guests) are delighted by every aspect of your celebration. We’ve seen couples’ reactions to the results — you’ll be impressed, too.
Kristyn Kennedy Makeup Artistry
A decade ago, Kristyn Kennedy launched bridal makeup brand Shimmer and Spice, which has been enhancing the natural looks of soon-to-be-weds ever since. But this year, Kennedy added her namesake luxury makeup artistry brand. Book her, and you’ll get the exclusive treatment: a two-hour preview appointment at the Doylestown studio complete with lashes and a custom lipstick made in studio, on-location makeup application — and the prettiest lips for your first kiss.