This tiny specialty shop is the perfect place to treat yourself to something unique, find a thoughtful gift for that hard-to-buy-for person or just browse and enjoy. The shop prides itself in finding items not available in larger chain stores, as well as items that just speak to the more creative and interesting side of life. When you're tired of looking at the same old types of items, this place is a refreshing shopping experience. Located in upscale Rittenhouse Square area, the shop fits the locale and the clientele, and is as individual and unique as its merchandise.
Recommended for Rittenhouse Square's Best Shopping because: Everyone needs a place where they can browse for a one-of-a-kind item. This is that place.
Sharon's expert tip: Don't be afraid to speak with the staff about what you're browsing for. They're sure to have some advice and steer you towards something lovely.
If you like to bike, are interested in getting started in the sport, consider yourself a good cyclist, or simply want to pick up a gift for the rider in your life, this is the place to go. The staff here is knowledgeable in all things bike, and sell some of the best brands in the world when it comes to cycling. Get sized up and speak with someone about finding the best bike for your kind of riding or find some terrific new equipment and clothing to make your rides even better. The store is also a training center and offers coaching services to help you ease into the sport more effectively, train for a specific event, or improve your overall performance.
Recommended for Rittenhouse Square's Best Shopping because: This shop is a great place to buy what you need for cycling, train for an upcoming event or talk with likeminded cyclers.
Sharon's expert tip: Give yourself some time to chat with the folks on staff here. letting them know your needs gives them the best opportunity to help you.
This location of DiBruno Brothers is their flagship locale, and offers the company's largest cheese cave, as well as a huge selection of meats and seafood. There is also a coffee bar here, as well as an upstairs cafe for dining on premises and for meeting friends for lunch. When it comes time for heading home, folks can enjoy the fact that this is a full-fledged European style marketplace offering all kinds of gourmet grocery items. Purchase what's needed for dinner tonight, or select a few new items to try. DiBruno Brothers is a well-known name in the city of Philadelphia for fresh, quality food products. Stop into this location and see for yourself how delicious the many options are.
Recommended for Rittenhouse Square's Best Shopping because: Does it get any better than great quality, fresh meats, cheeses, and gourmet grocery items to please your palate? Nope, it does't.
Sharon's expert tip: Bring along an insulated cooler if think you'll be buying some things for later on, and keep them fresh on your commute home.
For decades Joan Shepp has been clothing women (and now men) who refuse to be seen in anything less than the best. Featured in every fashion magazine you can think of, this boutique sells only the designer labels that cater to a discerning ladies-who-lunch crowd. Need a Givenchy Nightingale tote for tonight's corporate awards ceremony? It's on sale for $1211. You get the idea. If you want to wear what "they're" wearing, this is the place to find it. If adorning yourself in this fancy of a wardrobe is not your thing or not within your budget, feel free to stop by and plan for a day when you may want to go crazy and splurge.
Recommended for Rittenhouse Square's Best Shopping because: Sometimes an event just calls for a special designer, and shopping at Joan Sheep is a good place to find one to meet your needs.
Sharon's expert tip: Designers regularly stop here to meet their customers; call ahead to find out if your favorite designer will be in town.
Though we generally favor local shoppes over corporate chains here at 10Best, we unhesitatingly make an exception for this location of Anthropologie because it's the Philly-based company's flagship store. Housed in a restored four-story mansion topped with a stained-glass dome on a busy corner of Rittenhouse Row, the multi-level retailer is stocked with the latest and most fabulous women's and household items that Anthropologie carries. It may not be practical to buy a canopy bed while on vacation but it is definitely fun to buy a new Leifsdottir dress to make your fashionista friends back home jealous (whether you tell them you paid $398 for it is up to you!).
Recommended for Rittenhouse Square's Best Shopping because: One of the most fun and fabulous places to shop in the city, this shop is both fashionable as well as functional.
Sharon's expert tip: If the items on the main floors are too pricey, make your way to the basement for one of the city's best sale sections.
The ground floor of this historic and attractive building houses a variety of upscale and stylish shops. Stop by such stores as Nicole Miller, Polo Ralph Lauren, Williams Sonoma, The Walking Company and other top retail outlets to cure your shopping needs, find something lovely to wear to an upcoming event, or pick out a special gift. The building also offers dining options should the need to eat come into play while you're here. There are casual choices, as well as several upscale eateries located here that are perfect for either lunch or dinner. So shop, dine and leave feeling pretty good about a day spent here.
Recommended for Rittenhouse Square's Best Shopping because: What better way to spend some shopping time than in a beautiful building with great shops and fine restaurants?
Sharon's expert tip: Make a reservation at a nearby restaurant for dinner to complete your day in style.
Founded as a sneaker boutique for those who absolutely must have the latest and rarest cult kicks, Ubiq has matured into a place for unique casual men's clothes and shoes. Partnering with brands like Vans and Puma to create special lines of sneaks, it is still THE destination for footwear you literally won't find anywhere else, though now you can buy an everyday pair of Chinos, or a Crooks and Castles baseball jacket. There's a deep selection of vintage sports shoes and Ubiq's own line of (mostly preppy) sneakers. Fun to try on a variety of their offerings, this place is also perfect for anyone looking to finish off an outfit (or start one).
Recommended for Rittenhouse Square's Best Shopping because: This city sports shop is as helpful to experts as it is to novices, and over such a wide variety of activities.
Sharon's expert tip: Don't be intimidated if your streetwear lingo and knowledge aren't up-to-the-second — Ubiq scores top marks for its attentive and friendly customer service.
This Northern Liberties shop offers customers attractive attire and accessories with a local Philadelphia flair. There's even doggie-wear as well for the well-dressed pooch. The shop prides itself on its approach to casual clothing that also sports some personality as well as local allegiance. It's breezy and comfy, casual but not trashy, presentable but not stuffy. There are clothing options for women as well, and plenty of options for gals to shop and bring a few options home for their men. The shirts are well made with attention to detail and are not your average boxy tops. These are doggone good!
Recommended for Rittenhouse Square's Best Shopping because: A casual clothing shop that's got some personality and local ties, as well as a cute bulldog mascot is a win-win.
Sharon's expert tip: Stop in to browse and you may just surprise yourself with a gift or two for your favorite pals.
Located between the Liberty Place towers in Center City's hotel district, this sleek shopping complex offers an impressive array of over 60 retail tenants, including Fire & Ice, J. Crew, Godiva Chocolatier, Les Richards, Victoria's Secret, Loft and Aveda. Completely enclosed, the center is a pleasant escape from the weather outside (especially in the winter or the heat of summer), and helps its popularity by hosting a wide slate of special events each season. Perfect for a little (or big) treat for yourself, a loved one, or to grab a necessity, Liberty Place is clean and convenient. There's also a food court should you find yourself in need of some afternoon sustenance. Parking is available in the four-level complex located under Liberty Place.
Recommended for Rittenhouse Square's Best Shopping because: With a plethora of shops available for browsing or buying, this venue is great for all kinds of shopping needs.
Sharon's expert tip: In the mood for some fun? Stop by the customer service desk to find out if there are any prize give-aways taking place.
A landmark in the men's fashion world, the family-owned Boyds has been the clothier of choice for well-heeled men since 1938. The third (and current) generation of owners brought women's fashions to the four-story boutique, and now handbags and high-heels hang not far from the tuxes, European dress shirts and cufflinks. Personal attention is de rigeur here, so don't be surprised if a formally-dressed sales person stays with you through your entire visit. Special requests and sizes are no trouble here. If you've got a special event, this is the place to guarantee your look will be top-shelf. If you get hungry, there's a sushi bar on the mezzanine.
Recommended for Rittenhouse Square's Best Shopping because: When it comes to quality, upscale menswear in the Philadelphia area, this venue leads the pack.
Sharon's expert tip: Don't worry about parking, pull up to the front and a valet will do it for free.