Style/Shopping

The Gold Digger: "Leopard print is the new Lycra, baby!"

Michael T. Regan The Gold Digger: "Leopard print is the new Lycra, baby!"

Michael T. Regan FROM THE KHYBER WITH LOVE: Anti-bacterial hand gel won't help you now. (CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VERSION)

Our main man Jason Giballo rolled in to work with a little light-blue number that read "Khyber Bathrooms are for Lovers" a couple of weeks back. He's right: It's long been an amorous locale, but ever since that new paint job, let's just say Baby Boom II is on! Don't believe me? Ralph and Shakey at Awesome Dudes Printing found their inspiration in the fact that Jason recently had to break up a midcoital, naked-to-their-toes couple in the upstairs WC. Just don't try to buy one of the shirts; the awesome dudes made one, and one alone. Which sucks. Because we want one. Badly. —H

Local artist and monster enthusiast Todd Marrone has created quite the creature. Ghosticorn, the star of his new line of T-shirts, is a lovable unicorn-ghost hybrid. Whether flashing a goofy, toothy grin or bloodied and ready for battle, the little guy is the most huggable beastie since gremlins. Printed on American Apparel fine jersey, the limited-edition designs are as comfortable as they are charmingly awkward. www.ghosticorn.com. —MW

Big girls do cry. Especially since Old Navy's Gallery store is no longer carrying sizes over 16. In a city famous for its curvaceous citizens, it's surprising that the chain's bidding farewell to its plus-size department. Old Navy's Web site, however, will continue to carry full-figured women's wear. The Gallery, Ninth and Market streets, 215-413-7012, www.oldnavy.com. —NHM

When you're a plus-size gal in Philly, shopping for clothes is no walk in the park. Neither is walking in the park for that matter — damn skinny chicks are everywhere. Between not wanting something too tight and something reminiscent of a down comforter, shopping is frustrating. Luckily, boutiques have stepped up and are offering some wearable and cute clothes. Evangeline (8517 Germantown Ave., 215-242-0404) carries sizes 14 and up, and the just-opened Fresh Ayer (100 E. Lancaster Ave., Wayne, 610-688-4933, www.freshayer.com) starts things at size 12. In other words, up yours, Old Navy. —AMS

The cuddly kitties in the storefront window at the Fairmount Pet Shoppe are enough to make you stop in your tracks. While you're gawking, take comfort in the fact that the animals come from shelters and rescue groups. Frequent special adoption events feature cats, dogs and bunnies. 2024 Fairmount Ave., 215-236-6080, www.fairmountpetshoppe.com. —MP

Time Zone is gone forever, but UBIQ is bigger and better than ever. The refurbished sneaker mecca is sleek and modern, yet down-home and not totally intimidating if you don't know your Keds from your Twelve Bar. The toys for sale certainly help the playful atmosphere. 1509 Walnut St., 215-988-0194, www.ubiqlife.com. —MP

Urban houseware gods Foster's now have 10,000 square feet to fill with everything from novelty salt and pepper shakers to high-tech trash cans. The new store incorporates goods from both Foster's Urban Homeware and Foster's Gourmet Cookware, making impulse buys nearly unavoidable. A loft-style space, Apartment 399, functions as a furniture showroom and a cooking school. 399 Market St., 215-925-0950, www.shopfosters.com. —GMK

This is not an award to be taken lightly — Brown Betty has tough cookies to beat, and we like us some corsets. But Art Star's reliable sale rack and steady stream of work from artists and crafters makes it block captain. Current must-haves include "I Have Just A Cactus, So I'll Hurt You," a high-end, sinister plushie by Jaeran Won, and pendant necklaces by Seattle-based artist Jenna Colby. This, of course, is subject to change next week. 1030 N. Second St., unit 301, 215-238-1557, www.artstarphilly.com. —MW

Dale Earnhardt was a place-kicker for the Eagles. At least I assume he was, judging from the football (yes, I said football) jersey I saw someone sporting recently. According to other jerseys I've spotted, Flyers star Danny Briere moonlights as a linebacker for the Birds and Jim Thome was a cornerback in the off-season during his tenure with the Phillies. Is it really that hard to get the team right on your jersey, let alone the sport? You'd think the higher price of a custom-made design would cause sports fans to reconsider before buying that Pat Burrell KiXX jersey they've been vying for. —JD

Staffed by a team from Friends of the Free Library, The Book Corner carries not only very affordable used books (classics, contemporary and first-edition titles, including a $1 book section), but also a collection of vinyl. You could spend hours flipping through the show tunes, pop, classical and disco albums. Also look for monthly sales on CDs, videos and DVDs. 311 N. 20th St., 215-567-4562, www.libraryfriends.info. —NHM

Since opening JuJu Salon and Organics in the heart of Fabric Row, Juliene Ebner's been treating Philly's follicles to healthy, nontoxic maintenance. Now your pores can get in on the enviro-friendly action. Her new Juju Spa & Organics offers shiatsu massage, Ayurvedic treatments, waxing, makeup and nails. The low-key, Moroccan-inspired outpost features peace and quiet (no cell phones!) and a slew of indulgent products such as locally made Aromabliss by Lilavati (a yogini in South Jersey) and Zoya nail polish. 728 S. Fourth St., 215-922-3235, www.jujusalon.com. —NHM

Unless you want to day-trip it to Boston or Richmond, Deep Sleep is the only place you'll catch a Johnny Cupcakes T-shirt live. The Old City boutique is one of the few outlets that carries the sweet limited-edition designs, which are usually available only online (www.johnnycupcakes.com). On First Fridays they occasionally break out a batch of 'cakes, so be sure to drop by between sips of boxed wine. 54 N. Third St., 215-351-9124, www.deepsleepphilly.com. —MW

PHAG's new location on Walnut Street is chock-full of funky, retro house wares — everything from furniture and lighting to bar gadgets and gifts. A highlight in the bigger, better shop: the framed, original Interview magazine covers signed by Andy Warhol and featuring cover divas Bette Midler and Dolly Parton. The mags are being sold to raise money for AIDS research, and 100 percent of the proceeds go toward the cause. 1225 Walnut St., 215-627-0461, www.thephagshop.com. —NHM

It's about damn time you moved on from IKEA furniture, and there's no better place to start than P.A.D.'s mod dining room sets, elegant couches and oh-so-grown-up porcelain coffee presses. But the real deal is hiding behind the home furnishings. The back room is stocked with an eclectic mix of vintage finds, from '60s muumuus to your mom's prom dress to a small-but-satisfying collection of pumps and boots. 804 N. Second St., 215-925-4005, www.pad-home.com. —MW

MONSTER MASHUP: Ghosticorn is a horse of many colors. (CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VERSION

Floor-to-ceiling shelves at Bookhaven are overstuffed with pre-cherished books from the likes of Mailer, Roth and Updike. The tiny neighborhood shop in the shadow of the Philadelphia Art Museum features two floors of well-organized tomes at affordable prices. Of course the real star is Holly, the very affectionate resident feline. Show her some love before digging into that Sontag. 2202 Fairmount Ave., 215-235-3226. —NHM

Gallery, clothing boutique, jewelry shop, bookstore: Jinxed is quite the chameleon. But our favorite role has to be toy store. Limited-edition playthings by artists such as Glenn Barr and Dave Kinsey line the shelves along with irreverent bunnies from Kidrobot and Gorillaz figurines. Local artist Steff Bomb's (www.steffbomb.com) grotesque yet lovable stuffed vegetables and, um, poo are reason enough to stop by. "Turd with Corn Bits" has a menacing set of fangs, as does Mr. Lertchman, a stalk of asparagus complete with a detachable can of spray paint. 620 S. Fourth St., 215-978-JINX, www.jinxedclothing.com. —MW

Some of these we get. Leg warmers in the summer? OK, kind of zany-cute. Two belts? Judge not lest ye be judged. But glow-in-the-dark sunglasses took it too far. Unless you're Corey Hart, you have no business wearing your sunglasses past 4 p.m. We spotted these mind-numbing specs at Imagine on South Street and at one too many dance parties. Hey — at least they're not aviators. —KF

The boyfriend called with exciting news. There was this strange place that sold sneakers and T-shirts and had art on the walls. How novel! There were skateboard decks and people who would listen to him talk about bikes. Exit has been sneakily making shopping palatable to our lesser halves for six years now. At the new Fishtown location, owner Steve Miller continues to stock the shelves with limited-edition tees, sneaks and work by local artists. 440 E. Girard Ave., 215-425-2450, www.exitphiladelphia.com. —MW

You know the onesies rules: Pink for girls, blue for boys, yellow ducks are unisex and clowns are fucking scary. Kooky-cute Manayunk boutique Latitudes gives stylish babies and their hot mamas plenty of choices. Li'l punk rockers can get cozy in Ramones onesies while retro tykes can sport Elvis. Our personal fave is the creepy sock-puppet-monkey design by Morfs — clowns got nothin' on this guy. 4325 Main St., 215-482-0417. —AMS

Sugarcube isn't just a girls club anymore. The new and improved boutique is three times its original size and carries jeans to make boy booties go smack. Styles by French label A.P.C. flatter tushes and the trimmest of waists with raw, nontreated denim. You hear that, fellas? No more excuses for girl jeans. 124 N. Third St., 215-238-0825, www.sugarcube.us. —MW

Down-to-earth Queen Village treasure chest Funhouse is packed with art, home wares and clothing that even you can afford. Collectors will find pinups and Bakelite mingling with taxidermy and vintage lingerie. Not into antiques? Check out the costume jewelry, postcards and Rockabilly wear. The browser-friendly shop offers a wide assortment of 20th-century pop ranging from the quirky to the sublime. Visit often — new merchandise is added every day. 720 S. Fifth St., 215-238-8873, www.phillyfunhouse.com. —NHM

Foster's is a valuable tool, but it is not to be abused. The Curiosity Shoppe has the same overwhelming variety without the holiday trivets. The off-South shop carries work by local designers usually found only on Etsy or MySpace, such as Loth and Volta soaps and Pin-Up Girl vintage linen pillows. Stationery by local artists, T-shirts, bumper stickers and a healthy collection of vintage clothing add to the funky mix. Then there's the waffle irons, antique toasters, Halloween costumes, magnets, shot glasses ... 529 S. Fourth St., 215-413-2301. —MW

A collaboration between Babooshka and Honeymilk, Topstitch has become our go-to shop for, well, everything. The second-floor space has plenty of reasons to take off your pumps and climb on up: Reconstructed vintage and feather earrings, smock dresses, feathered hair combs and screen-printed onesies only begin the list. It's already functioning as a gallery, design and retail space; a men's clothing section is next on the busy boutique's agenda. 311 Market St., second floor, 215-238-8877, www.topstitchboutique.com. —AS

June didn't just bake perfect cupcakes from scratch. Ms. Cleaver baked perfect cupcakes from scratch while looking fierce. Fishtown-based Web site Plaid Pony Vintage has a collection of lace-trimmed, crocheted, gingham and otherwise precious aprons that would make Ward think twice before staying late at the office. If vacuuming is on your to-do list, check out their oversize pearl chokers. www.plaidponyvintage.com. —MW

Origins at the Bellevue has a deal you can't refuse. Make an appointment for a facial, and one of the store's charming guides will pull out a lounge chair, make you comfy and treat your lucky pores to facial scrubs, exfoliants, moisturizers and toners. Best part? The service, which can last up to an hour, is free. Second best part? They might showcase a mask product in your session. While you're under no obligation to buy anything, you'll definitely want to. 200 S. Broad St., 215-772-9441, www.origins.com. —GMK

Here's the thing, American Apparel: We like your T-shirts, and we can appreciate some skin. But your dirty hipster models and their dirty hipster crotches don't make us want to buy your leggings. Maybe it's hot not to brush your teeth on the West Coast, but we like our ladies showered in Philly. If girlfriend can't even put on some mascara before showing us the goods, we're buying our overpriced cotton elsewhere. —MW

Local designer Melissa Yerkes put her rubber stamp collection to good use. Her line of re-imagined thrift store finds, Little Red Vintage, features shoes, belts, bags and necklaces inked with bumblebees, floral patterns and paw prints. Each piece is unique, so you might have to lose a couple of toes for those tiny blue pumps. Oh, come on — you don't need all 10. Available at Topstitch. —MW

The slip dress wasn't the best of ideas, but it was the '90s. You were sporting a plaid NIN T-shirt and an eyebrow piercing, so it's only fair to give the ladylike garment another chance. Conspiracy Showroom co-owner Suzie Morris embellishes skirt and full-length vintage slips with muted paintings of stars and flowers for some girly elegance. Go ahead — wear one with chunky Mary Janes for old times' sake. 910 N. Second St., 215-925-2153, www.conspiracyshowroom.com. —MW

You can show your puppy some love with a new designer chew toy, bejeweled collar, cushy bed or "Looties" dog socks (yes, dog socks) at one of three Doggie Style stores in Center City. Each posh pet shop is stocked with creative gear for your best bud, who is invited in to browse. Sure, you'll spend plenty of dough on a haute harness and gourmet treats, but it's nothing but the best for baby. 114 S. 13th St., 215-545-4100; 1635 Spruce St., 215-545-5900; 315 Market St., 215-923-4333, www.doggiestyle2.com. —NHM

It's Friday night on South Street, and all you want to do is grab a slice of Lorenzo's and get out of there. Then Guacamole sneaks up, hits on your girl and hijacks your credit card. You try to distract her, but the window of cheap shoes is too powerful. Next thing you know, you're talking handbags and weeding through the sale rack. Maybe it's the abundance of Junk Food merchandise, but I suspect they're pumping pheromones into the air. 422 South St., 215-923-6174. —PG

You'll never go wrong with a sweet pair of ballet flats, but sometimes you need to step it up. Smak Parlour's collection of vampy, trampy, come-and-get me footwear adds sexy spice from head to peeping toe. Flirty plaid wedges by Volatile are just high enough to warrant a second look, while there's nothing subtle about Miz Mooz's red, bow-bedecked pumps. As with everything at the retro-chic boutique, your grandma would still approve. 219 Market St., 215-625-4551, www.smakparlour.com. —MW

The gallery/boutique merge is nothing new, but Bambi pulls off the combo with grace. Without forgetting its artistic mission (past shows include Mark Mothersbaugh, and work by Dominic Episcopo is currently on display), the Fishtown space devotes just enough attention to a bookcase stocked with crafts and wares by local designers. Irreverent decoupage belt buckles by owner, artist and Philly-native Candace Karch are a must grab, as are T-shirts by Jeff Kilpatrick and jewelry by Aileen Abercrombie. 1817 Frankford Ave., 215-423-2668, www.bambiproject.com. —MW

Once tucked safely away in suburban malls, makeup megastore Sephora has invaded Chestnut Street. And this bitch didn't bring $5 lip gloss you can afford to binge on. She packed shelves of Bare Escentuals, cases of Hard Candy and aisles of Philosophy body butter. Wait, what the Bonne Bell is body butter? Never mind — I want two of every flavor. 1714 Chestnut St., 215-563-6112, www.sephora.com. —MW

Melanie C. Brandon came up with a fashionable way to get guns off the street: Make them into jewelry. The local designer creates rings, necklaces and cuff bracelets from guns confiscated by the Philadelphia Sheriff's Department. This spring she's working the re-imagined weapons into her clothing line, Melani Von Alexandria, in the form of belts and metallic details. Ready, aim, accessorize! www.melanivonalexandria.com. —KF

Ever since Fergie got in the biz, we've suspected handbags aren't too difficult to design. Founded by a group of designers including Philadelphia University graduate Gregory Thomas, Freddy&Ma lets you have a try from the comfort of your desk. Select one of the templates on the Web site, then choose your color, size and patterns. The sleek designs will leave you looking posh and sophisticated, which is more than we can say for most DIY projects. Yeah, we're talking to you, Ms. My-Unfortunate-Skirt-Used-to-Be-a-Pair-of-Cords. www.freddyandma.com. —KF

Be it a custom wheel build or just a blown tube, Trophy Bike Garage on Liberties Walk provides down-to-earth customer service with a smile. It's refreshing to feel welcomed in a bike shop when so many have an air of pretentious bike hipsterati. Trophy makes you feel like we're all in this together, reducing emissions and battlin' traffic every day. Trophy Bike Garage, 1040 N. American St., 215-592-1234, www.trophybikegarage.com. —JS