Philly Phavorites: Part III

shopping is very difficult to do when you have no money, so this is actually going to be the shortest post ever. if you're a good window shopper (ie someone who can window shop without becoming extremely depressed about how many cool things you'll never be able to afford) there's an abundance of cute boutiques and shopping streets to browse. i recommend old city, particularly the market and 3rd/market and 4th area- there's some cute vintage spots and tons of awesome (albeit overpriced) boutiques. they also have a nice record store and a lot of cute coffee places. if you're looking to hit up some major chain stores, the walnut/chestnut area is your deal. lush, h&m, express, urban outfitters- it's pretty much all present. the following are a list of stores that, when i do decide to spend money on things other than food, are places i frequent:

phavorite philly shopping spots:

1. Philly Aids Thrift
   why it's baller: this is essentially a two-story junk shop. everything is super cramped which is ideal for those who like the hunting/gathering aspect of thrifting. it's fairly cheap and the selection, though sometimes miss, often produces a hit somewhere along the line. they have a ton of old national geographics and the back of the second floor is their 'vintage' area. there's also boxes of free stuff outside- always interesting to go through...
   neighborhood: south philly (right off of south street)
   cost on a scale of rags to riches: your beat up adidas sneakers from middle school.
2. Buffalo Exchange
   why it's baller: do you guys have these? i'm not sure if it's exclusive to philly but it's still worth checking out. it's a consignment shop, and though it can get a bit pricey ($20 for a dress?!? who am i- captain moneypants?), the selection is well-chosen and there are those hidden gems that make it all worthwhile.
   neighborhood: center city (near rittenhouse, di bruno brothers, and naked chocolate!)
   cost on a scale of plastic to plantinum: a nice sturdy, wood. generally in the $7-30 range depending on what you're looking at . . .
3. Antiquarian's Delight
   why it's baller: it's literally a fest for the eyes. you could spend hours in this neat hidden away building off of south street, checking out merch from a wide variety of vendors. along with antique furniture and paintings, they also have a plethora of cute vintage clothes, purses, hats, and jewelry to admire. the one woman even sells vintage glasses frames that can be fitted with your prescription at a local optometrists! it's a little on the pricey side, but worth browsing. wonderful eye candy.
   neighborhood: south philly (right off of south street)
   cost on a scale of cinderella to cruella de ville: wayyy more cruella. there's the occasional sale but expect to drop close to $15 on that brooch you're eying up.
4. Anthropologie
   why it's baller: i know, i know. i said this would be a list of places for the empty-pocketed folks out there. and i know you all have anthropologies where you come from. but seriously, this one is beautiful. i could spend hours in there. it's in a gorgeous old building across the street from rittenhouse and has four floor of immaculately decorating, swoon-worthy anthro goodness. the clearance section is decent (though i still do not count a $70 dress as a 'steal') but it's really just great for looking around and getting inspiration. the picture at the top is from a visit to anthropologie earlier this year- a giant ostrich made out of old national geographics. visiting anthropology is like going to an art museum. and gawking is totally free.
   neighborhood: center city
   cost on a scale of- no seriously. you guys know how expensive that place is. you have to be a serious millionaire to shop there.
5. South Street
   why it's baller: though it is one of the more 'tourist-y' spots in town, south street is lined with shops- mostly trashy stripper clothes and plastic jewelry but there are a few golden nuggets in there. repo records is cute and has a decent selection of new and used vinyl. right next store is retrospect, featuring an awesome selection of vintage clothes, shoes, and housewares. it's moderately priced ($10-20 for a dress) and pretty much always has some sale stuff. you'll probably have to go to condom kingdom just because of the ridiculous name- and don't worry, the store definitely lives up to it. i'm not going to describe all the crazy stuff they have in there but if you're like me and have the sense of humor of a twelve-year old boy, then you'll enjoy stopping by. phileo yogurt is always a stop for my friends and i on the street- it's a do-it-yo'self yogurt place, where you serve out your own frozen yogurt and heap on the toppings from blackberries to cookie dough. just don't go overboard- you pay by the ounce. (apparently gummy bears are pretty heavy because i always end up spending a fortune . . . ) oh! and the magic garden is also on south street- super cool walk through art space covered in mirrors and mosaics. the small admission fee is well worth it from what i've heard.
   neighborhood: south philly
   cost on a scale of tramp to lady: fran from the nanny. not exactly the queen of england, but she's no lo-class broad. expect to pay a moderate rate for things on the famous shopping street.
6. Spool and Loop
   why it's baller: should you choose to go down west south street (the less popular direction), you'll stumble upon spool and loop- sisters shops selling high-end fabric and yarn (respectively.) and while it's not priced for the paupers, it is fun to browse through and day dream about how much better your life would be with a yard of bright blue wood grain cotton.
   neighborhood: south philly
   cost on a scale of pleather to suede: velvet.

so that's it! my philly phavorites more or less! i'm sure i'm forgetting some and i'll come running back with an extra post next week. but for now, that's all folks. so hop in yer cars or catch a train and come to philly! the subway is easy to use (only two lines!) and it's easily walkable. gimme a call if you decide to hit up south philly and i'll probably meet up with you and talk your ear off about things i love in philly. now doesn't that sound nice? eh?