Top Shopping In Philadelphia's Center City Neighborhood
Discerning customers head to the stores of Philadelphia's Center City, drawn in by this historic neighborhood with a reputation for fine dining and shopping. Fashion-savvy shoppers will find the latest trends, and eco-conscious consumers will be delighted by a growing number of venues that embrace sustainability and green principals and have adopted environmentally-friendly practices. Whether you're shopping for that perfect outfit, home décor or a unique wedding gift for the couple who already has everything, Philly's Center City has it all.
Joan Shepp
1811 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 735-2666
www.joanshepp.com
Joan Shepp in Philadelphia's Rittenhouse Square area is a mecca of fabulous designer clothing and accessories. Amazing purses, clutches and handbags by world-renowned designers like Yves Saint Laurent, Issey Miyake, Chloe and Givenchy abound, and the shoes by designers including Walter Steiger, Philip Lim, Balenciaga and Saint Laurent will leave any footwear fanatic feeling faint at heart. Beginning in August, 2014, this venue's clients will be able to sample the wares of a few select up-and-coming designers as part of the Joan Shepp Emerging Designer Residency Program, where the next generation of apparel and accessory designers will introduce their wares to some of Philadelphia's most fashion-forward shoppers.
Buffalo Exchange
1713 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 557-9850
www.buffaloexchange.com
Not your run-of-the-mill thrift store, Buffalo Exchange is a well-known treasure trove of great deals and top-quality items. The shop offers up both new and vintage clothing, as well as accessories and shoes. Stock changes daily as the discerning staff adds new items to the rack throughout the day as they sift through items brought in by hopeful sellers. If you have quality, name brand or unique new or gently used items tucked away in your closet, Buffalo Exchange is happy to consider them for purchase or consignment.
Knit Wit
1729 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 564-4760
www.knitwitonline.com
Shoppers love the vibe of this high-style Center City boutique with cutting-edge, fashion-forward pieces by European and American designers. Knit Wit is a Philadelphia-area staple where outerwear is as fashionable as it is functional in the shop. Visitors with an eye for the latest looks will enjoy browsing through an assortment of urban-chic accessories and an array of trendy jackets from collections by 3.1 Phillip Lim and Gryphon.
Breakaway Bikes
1923 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 568-6002
www.breakawaybikes.com
Bike lovers, triathletes and recreational cyclists alike know they can turn to Breakaway Bikes in Center City for excellent customer service and professional advice. No ordinary bike shop, Breakaway Bikes is the go-to place for matching a bike to the individual's body, needs, riding style and budget. With its convenient location on Chestnut Street and its welcoming atmosphere, the shop houses experts who can take care of just about any repair or maintenance service in three days or less. In addition to selling bicycles, Breakaway Bikes also offers expert coaching services, performance training programs and biometric testing, as well as RPM indoor cycling sessions.
The Children's Boutique
1702 Walnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 732-2661
www.echildrensboutique.com
Tucked away in the Rittenhouse Square shopping district of Philadelphia, The Children's Boutique offers a blend of traditional styles and the most current trends. Luxury brands including Little Marc Jacobs, Juicy Couture and J Brand are staples, and even the most ordinary item like a blanket can be made extraordinary by personalizing it with a monogram. Oh, and let's not forget that children need to play. The Children's Boutique carries an assortment of books, stuffed animals and other toys that are sure to delight.
South Moon Under
1731 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 563-2298
www.southmoonunder.com
Since 1968, South Moon Under has served up its own special blend of style, with upscale clothing housed in an ambiance that is both free spirited and laid back. With new pieces arriving weekly, clients can partner with a personal stylist to make sure they don't miss that perfect piece or this season's new must-have accessory. South Moon Under holds fabulous finds for men as well as women, and in addition to a wide variety of shoes and accessories, shoppers will delight in the eye candy for the home as well, which includes wall art, drink ware, candles and more.
Coeur Lingerie
132 S. 17th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 972-0373
www.coeurlingerie.com
Coeur Lingerie, a small boutique tucked away on the second floor of its Rittenhouse Square address, specializes in luxury and hard-to-find brands. The knowledgeable staff confidently helps shoppers find the perfect fit and style. While bras of every color, material and style are the mainstay at Coeur, it is also well stocked with panties, sleepwear and a few specialty items including candles and tees from People Love World. If you're lucky, and many of this venue's regulars wouldn't have it any other way, you'll be helped by the store's owner, Mona, who is well known for her ability to find just the right bra that not only fits like a glove but prevents those unsightly "spillage" lines. While on the pricey side, many shoppers agree that the items they find at Coeur are well worth it.
Christy Ayala covers sports, recreation, the outdoors, and leisure activities in the Philadelphia area. She earned a masters degree in recreation administration from George Williams College and managed programs in the Midwest, Hawaii, and Pennsylvania. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
