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COVER STORY .

Greed & Generosity

Shopping and Style


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Published: Nov 1, 2006

BEST IKEA IMPRESSION, CLOTHING DIVISION

Just like its Swedish sister, H&M has invaded our cities aggressively, shilling accessories and clothing for yuppies still in training wheels. And nowhere has H&M's push been more strident than in Center City, where you can shop at the H&M on Chestnut Street, then walk three blocks, and shop at the new H&M on Walnut Street. I suspect they reproduce asexually. (1530 Chestnut St., 215-561-6178; 1725 Walnut St., 215-893-0847) —Zach Mortice

MOST VACUOUS ITEM CLOGGING YOUR INBOX

Yeah, I'm a hater. But what annoys me most about DailyCandy isn't the cutesy blurbs about clothes, shoes and massages I cannot afford. It's the drawings. Tall, skinny, fly-faced white chicks who are gonna trip over their shopping bags and drop their cell phones any second now. "Praise be to Sienna's skinny jeans." Guess what: Sienna Miller doesn't actually exist. It's all a big lie, the product of some Photoshopping. Now who's the "ultimate insider"? (www.dailycandy.com) —Rachel Frankford

Greed & Generosity

Illustration : Evan M. Lopez

BEST WOBBLY BOOKSTORE WITH QUESTION-AUTHORITY CONTENT

There are very few Wobbly (aka Industrial Workers of the World) bookstores left, but Bindlestiff Books sets itself apart by questioning authority in a classy, shabby-chic space crammed with thought-provoking, popularly priced books. (4530 Baltimore Ave., 215-222-2432, www.bindlestiffbooks.com) —Mary Armstrong

SHARPEST MEN'S CLOTHING STORE OUTSIDE THE GAYBORHOOD

Searching for a hip shirt to breathe new life into that dumpy, old suit? Kuhlman offers pastel-colored shirts with standard or French cuffs, and silk knots in place of cuff links. Who's the office hottie now? (1625 Chestnut St., 215-561-5638) —Rod L. Wilson

BEST SCREENPRINTED T-SHIRTS STRAIGHT OUTTA PORT RICHMOND

Two close pals custom screenprinting in pierogi territory is the kind of heartwarming backstory that makes a T-shirt connoisseur want to spend, spend, spend. The Outlaw Print Co. cranks out the freshest designs, sold exclusively at vint-boutique Grasshopper (727 Walnut St., 215-925-3959). Who needs a blank slate from American Apparel when you can edge out with local flava? (www.outlawprintco.com) —Kelly White

BEST LITERAL BARGAIN BASEMENT

Got a friend who insists on buying certain records for irony's sake? Repo Records is his enabler. The low prices of its downstairs selection will humor his search for Steve Perry solo albums while you score some legit LPs, all in a space with old posters, low ceilings and a mustiness that begs nostalgia for grandma's storm cellar. (538 South St., 215-627-3775, www.reporecords.com) —Nick Norlen

THE THANKS FOR PUTTING PHILLY ON THE DIY MAP AWARD

It's about time Philly got a branch of the Craft Mafia, the do-it-yourself collective that began in Austin and spread like crafty wildfire to more than 30 cities. The lovely ladies of the brand-spankin'-new Philadelphia Craft Mafia will use the group to host events and promote their jewelry, bags, stationery and other such accoutrements — the things we clumsy-fingered people would not be able to live without. (www.philacraftmafia.org) —Rachel Frankford

BEST PLACE TO FIND A NKOTB DOLL AND A COSBY SWEATER

Taking up the cause that was Thrift for AIDS, sales den extraordinaire Philly AIDS Thrift is the best place in town to find, well, just about anything. On any given visit, you may spot a collection of Marilyn Monroe videos, retro duds and collectible goodies for cheap. Watch for $2 sidewalk sales and kitschy kitchen accessories. Hell, picking through PAT's second-floor bargain bin is better than Henri David's closet. (514 Bainbridge St., 215-922-3186, www.phillyaidsthrift.blogspot.com) —Natalie Hope McDonald

BEST CHEAP-BUT-NOT-TRASHY BEAUTY FINDS

Want to peruse the best selection of nail polish, or find that hot-pink lipstick you saw Scarlett wearing? Forget department stores. At Yo! Beauty Supply , the merchandise is glam and the prices are wholesale. For $2.99, you can get a four-color lip gloss palette, or glittery nail polish that would cost $14 at Sephora. Human hair extensions start at $9.99 — wigs, just $27. Fittings feel professional, yet loving. (902 Washington Ave.) —Alex Richmond

TRASHY AND CHEAP FINDS FROM A FLY-BY-NIGHT FLEA MARKET

Looking to make a little cash? Neighbors, friends and any ol' body can trot out their unwanted "treasures" at the open flea markets under I-95 at Snyder Avenue and around Oregon Avenue and Ninth Street . You'll find everything from gym shorts to vintage dresses, and maybe even Dolly Parton limited edition vinyl. —Deesha Dyer

AWESOMEST THRIFT STORE IN THE SKETCHIEST NEIGHBORHOOD

Sometimes you have to forgo personal safety and roll deep into the 'hood for a great selection of cowboy shirts and grandma sweaters. American Thrift Store in South Philly may be surrounded by shattered glass and graffiti, but the wares are top-notch. Whether it's vintage clothing, Sega Genesis games or $1 LPs, this cheapie haven is worth the dangerous foray. (747 Wolf St., 215-336-6626) —James Saul

PHILLY FEMALE KEEPIN' IT REAL-EST

Never one to let size determine her flyness, 2006's Miss Pennsylvania Plus Fatimah Lane is representing for the everyday girls. She struts around Philly rockin' the latest gear and music, and uses her home ties (South Philly) to teach teens confidence and self-love. Get down girl, go 'head get down! —Deesha Dyer

SWANKEST NEW-SCHOOL TAILOR

Door to door, appointment by appointment, Rick Ackourey of Ackourey Clothiers offers a keen insight on fabric, fit and fashion. He won't name names, but his savvy and successful client list includes senior executives, athletes and heirs to great American fortunes. His custom suits are most popular, but his comprehensive wardrobe literally covers a man from head to toe. He offers wardrobe consultation, closet organization, repairs and alterations, too. (866-209-5590, www.ackourey.com) —J.F. Pirro

TACKIEST STORE SIGN THESE JADED EYES O' MINE HAVE EVER SEEN

When I saw the huge sign above South Philly's King of Jeans , it was sensory overload at first sight: the shirtless, muscular (jeans-clad) guy bending to kiss the long-haired, lissome (scantily clad) girl. On second thought, it's kinda fun. (1843 E. Passyunk Ave., 215-271-5104) —Rachel Frankford

BEST WEB SITE FOR JUNK COLLECTORS

Got a fax machine you need to unload? Looking for a bike lock? Coupon clippers and sales junkies will wet their pants over Freecycle , a Web site that lets people give and get stuff for free. That's right: No money is exchanged. And unlike Craigslist, when you meet up to give that girl in Fishtown your old guitar picks, she won't turn out to be a three-toothed hooker. (www.phillyfreecycle.org) —Natalie Hope McDonald

BEST PLACE TO BUY PARTY GAMES LIKE "PIN THE JUNK ON THE HUNK"

Tiny Gayborhood haunt PHAG (aka Philadelphia Home and Garden) takes its name seriously by offering a slew of cheeky, gay-friendly gifts for any occasion, whether your best friend's guy took up with a new gent or you're celebrating a birthday with the adult version of Pin the Tail on the Donkey. (252 S. 12th St., 215-545-5645, www.thephagshop.com) —Natalie Hope McDonald

BEST REASON TO HIT THE SHOWERS

The bath and beauty products at Euro-import Lush are ridiculously fun — fun to buy, fun to smell and fun to use. The no-frills packaging ensures that each item is made-before-your-eyes fresh, and with a variety of natural ingredients (olive oil, figs, cocoa, ginger, etc.). The rainbow of scrubs, gels and jellies feel so damn good against naked skin, you'll find reasons to shower three times a day. (1428 Walnut St., 215-546-5874, www.lush.com) —Gary M. Kramer

COOLEST STORE TO CINCH YOURSELF

Amy Schmitz and Psydde Delicious, corset makers and co-owners of NoLibs' new Delicious Boutique and Corseteria , were in biz 10 years before they opened their own retail boutique. Now the Marc Brodzik-appointed Delicious space is made to look like a burned-out carnival thoroughfare — knife-toss hanger fixtures and all. Though they sell everything from leather goods to Mark Kozik dolls, go for the burlesque floor show; some of Delicious' best customers are members of Peek-a-Boo and Hellcat. (1040 N. American St., Liberties Walk, 215-413-0375, www.deliciouscorsets.com) —A.D. Amorosi

TOP BOUTIQUE FOR BORN-AGAIN HEPBURNS

So sweet it could give you a toothache, Smak Parlour offers all the fashionista essentials one needs to pull off that classic '60s look, albeit with a modernist twist. From black ballet flats to button-neck jackets to boxy cowl-neck knits, Smak has designed its line with you (and Audrey) in mind. Bonus: The limited edition creations are designed in house by young entrepreneurs Abby Kessler and Katie Loftus, which means few others will be able to cramp your Breakfast at Tiff's style. (219 Market St., 215-625-4551, www.smakparlour.com) —Amy Strauss

TOP BOUTIQUE FOR BORN-AGAIN CRAWFORDS

If you're looking for campy old T-shirts or an outfit for Sex Dwarf, go elsewhere. Decades Vintage has cornered the market on slightly pre-worn haute couture. Gals will find great shoes and the perfect little cocktail dress, while guys can wrangle a handsome collection of jackets and boots. You won't pay Goodwill prices, but you also won't smell like mothballs. (615 Bainbridge St., 215-923-3135) —Natalie Hope McDonald

MOST AFFORDABLE CLOVE CIGARETTES

Djarums are delicious, aromatic and so freakin' expensive. Most stores in the city sell the popular cigs for between $7 and $10 a pack. However, BnB International Cigars and Accessories in Chestnut Hill is smart and knocks the price tag under $6, which is much less of a strain on the clove-scented wallet. They've also got an amusing assortment of flasks, cigar paraphernalia and a friendly staff that always seems curious about how your day is going. Now for the downside: Their great price on Djarums is about the same as their not-so-great price on American Spirits. Oh well, nobody's perfect. (7920 Germantown Ave., 215-242-6776, www.bnbcigars.com) —John Vettese

BEST PLACE TO COUPLES-SHOP

Sandy and Jenny Martin, the mother/daughter team behind Old City boutique Lost & Found, boast something few other stores can: an incredible selection of clothing and accessories for both sexes. (So stop sulking/benchwarming.) Their racks runneth over with the latest looks from Triple 5 Soul, Penguin, Reserved and more. Prices are reasonable, but if you're really slumming it, go for broke on the vintage racks in the back. (133 N. Third St., 215-928-1311) —Andrew Parks

MOST SOON-TO-BE-MISSED CLOTHING DESIGNER

Shopping sucks. Standing in line for a skirt that you only half like and that won't do a thing for your assets sucks. All that changed the day I was strong-armed into Lele Design . When your clothes are custom-cut, they'll look it. The lovely Lele and her charming husband Peter will size you up and fit you out just right. They're closing shop in February, though, so get in line ASAP. (207 S. 13th St., 215-546-5975) —Char Vandermeer

CLEVEREST WAY TO SELL YOUR KNITTED SCARVES/BIKE PUMPS/SKATEBOARDS/COFFEE CAKES, ETC.

Cafe, restaurant, bar and clothing boutique owners have discovered a new way to lure new customers into their dens o' marked-up wares: Front as an art gallery . Honeymilk, Jinxed, Minnow, Café Habana, Bicycle Revolutions, Esque Eyeware, Darling's, Ten Stone, Art Star, Chapterhouse, InFusion and Double Shots have all jumped on the art-first, buy-later bandwagon, and we think it's a hell of a way to pretty up our little consumer-based world. Wouldn't it be nice if King of Jeans could only take the hint? —Ashlea Halpern

FIT TO BE TIED: A customer at Amy Schmitz and Psydde Delicious' Delicious Boutique and Corseteria in Liberties Walk gets cinched up circus-style.

photo by: Michael M. Koehler

RECYCLING TRENDSETTERS, CLOTHING DIVISION

Recycled, upcycled and organic, the clothes at Satya Boutique are chic and socially conscious. Following the trend toward sustainability in food marketing, Satya sells shoes made from hemp, belts made from old tires and T-shirts upcycled from a dozen throwaways. As soon as the shop becomes profitable, it plans to donate proceeds from each sale to local, like-minded organizations. (701 S. Ninth St., 215-627-3440, www.satyaboutique.com) —Megan M. Erwin

BEST MOUSTACHE WORN BY A BANDIE BARISTA

Ever wonder who the freak with the carnie/Charles Bronson moustache working the counter at Last Drop is? Why, it's Man Man mastermind Honus Honus , boasting a rare example of hipsterati facial hair that looks natural rather than really fucking stupid. —Andrew Parks

BEST UNDISCLOSED LOCATION FROM WHICH YOU CAN GET YOUR CHEAP ON

An online bulletin board run from some secret place in the 'burbs, Michael Glozman's Cheap Stingy Bargains lists hundreds of discounts — free stuff, too — on everything from housewares to food to luggage to clothing, but the best deals are on computers and electronics. (www.cheapstingybargains.com) —Jenna Portnoy

BEST SELF-INFLICTED OTHERWORLDLY HEALING

Djuna Wojton describes her new book, Karmic Healing, as her legacy, but aren't the riches usually disbursed after the generous person is deceased? Wojton is still very much alive, belly dancing and leading private sessions in the very thing that her book teaches you to do for yourself. (www.djunaverse.com) —Mary Armstrong

MOST MISSED INDIE MUSIC STORE

So long, Sam Goody. Ta ta, Tower Records. We hardly knew ya. But man, Spaceboy Music ? For 10 years until closing in September, this record shop provided music geeks with constant happiness and obscure indie-pop. Remember those cute little pickle bags they wrapped your CDs in? Now there's no reason to ever visit South Street again. (The good news: We hear Spaceboy sold its entire remaining catalog to The Marvelous comics/record shop on 40th Street. See you in West Philly?) —Tami Fertig

BEST PLACE TO BUY A GENUINE VOODOO FLAG

Toys made from tin cans, sculpture comprising tightly twisted pieces of plastic bags and artwork that renders magical realism in paint rather than words — these are all things that make Indigo Arts a cool place. Last year, the gallery hosted a trunk show of authentic voodoo flags, religious symbols paved in colorful sequins. It was presented by artist/singer Nancy Josephson, a serious student of the Afro-Haitian traditional worship. (151 N. Third St., 215-922-4041, www.indigoarts.com) —Mary Armstrong

WINDOW DISPLAY MOST IN NEED OF A MAKEOVER

For the love of God, will somebody please throw an honor box through the window at Daffy 's ? The severely deformed, Cabbage Patch-like mannequins they've got modeling turtlenecks and fleece vests are a 'shroom tripper's worst nightmare: Are they laughing, or are they screaming? Are they jolly, or just insane? Best not to ask questions. Best to run. (1700 Chestnut St., 215-963-9996, www.daffys.com) —Andrew Parks

WORST LOCAL COMMERCIAL EVER

You've seen the ad for Signatures Hair Salon at least once during Project Runway: Some beat Rittenhouse memo slinger meets her equally white-bread friends for cosmos on the square, but something about her is... different. It's the coif, girls! Vivacious lady proceeds to swing 'n' toss around her unremarkable mane, attracting the attention of some sports-car-driving douchebag who feels the need to double park by their table and gawk like some just-released creep. It's so ridiculous it makes milk come out of my nose, even when I'm not drinking milk. Weird. (116 S. 19th St., 215-567-1456) —Drew Lazor

BEST RESOURCE FOR BUDDING FASHIONISTAS

In the neverending quest for Philadelphia to prove itself just as hip as New York (well, OK, half as hip), the Broad&Market blog stops thrift-store geeks and rummage-sale queens dead in their tracks, snaps their pics, then interviews them about who or what inspired their particular outfit. The looks are definitely hot, and a handful may even be original. Our own little FRUiT! (www.cyborgmemoirs.com/street) —Ashlea Halpern