Best of Philly 2005: Style

Things to wear with your favorite jeans: Six Clothing Yes, they’ve got the blues (a wall of James), but it’s the cool clutches, coral necklaces, rhinestone belt buckles, and tissue-soft Ella Moss tees that make this little nook off Haddonfield’s main strip a standout (6 Mechanic Street, Haddonfield; 856-216-0666).

Upscale Evening Wear: Antoinette Gabrielle No itty-bitty camis or other things-you-can’t-wear-a-bra-with here. While the airy, comfy year-old boutique has a fashionable collection that includes retro Milly trenches and Ruth shifts, it also carries separates by Eileen Fisher that signal cachet with a sophisticated crowd. Go here for the relaxed shopping as much as for the season’s must-haves (802 Haddon Avenue, Collings-wood; 856-833-0606).

Little black (maternity) dresses Oh, Baby! Maternity + Nursery Long, short, two-piece, slinky or swingy, this year-old maternity shop offers an unbeatable selection of formal dresses by the brands hip moms-to-be demand: Cadeau, Liz Lange and Olian, among others (109 North High Street, West Chester; 610-918-4655).

Maternity jeans: Belly Maternity As in, that trendy Citizens of Humanity line favored by celebrities. This fun-to-shop boutique is also the resource for maternity thongs, and chic and inconspicuous diaper bags (1600 Pine Street; 215-985-1169).

Socialite wardrobe: Christa’s Christa Badger Schmidt’s updated classics (Trina Turk dresses, Jon trousers, Max Mara suits, Caractere blazers) remind us — amidst a season of bohemian excess — of the power of looking pulled together. She also offers a salon of Academy Ball-ready gowns (503 West Lancaster Avenue, Wayne; 610-687-8825).

New Old City boutique: Third Street Habit January Bartle, owner of this year-old Old City find (and Stephen Starr’s girlfriend), is a brilliant buyer, picking the choicest pieces from lines like Anna Sui, Cynthia Rowley and Blue Cult Denim. Head to the rear of the store for a small but standout collection of vintage dresses that provide insight into the roots of the current yen for tunics, disco dresses and dropped waists (153 North 3rd Street; 215-925-5455).

Place to buy a million-dollar wardrobe (without spending a million dollars):
Fashion Forward Because that society-lady-in-tweed look won’t die, and Chanel ain’t cheap, you need to know about Ayana Mitchell’s two upscale secondhand shops. Mitchell’s band of consigners stretches from the Main Line to Los Angeles, and needs to frequently unload Pucci, Prada, even the occasional Courrèges or Schiaparelli (7906 Germantown Avenue, 215-247-3868; 104 South 13th Street, 215-772-0217).

Costume jewelry: Bshehu An eclectic mix of baubles fit for any occasion, from a casual latte to a museum gala. Owner Bela Shehu handpicks each one-of-a-kind piece, like coral-and-­python bangles ($162) by Erickson Beamon, or wood cuffs by Victoria Hayman ($56) (113 South 13th Street; 215-574-1300).

Vintage accessories: Sugarcube Owner Elisa Buratto’s new funky-yet-minimalist Old City boutique carries contemporary, independent-minded designers like Unis and Saja. But our heart belongs to her expertly curated collection of timeless extras: beaded or silk clutches, wide slung belts, and well-preserved metallic pumps and heels (48 South 3rd Street; 215-238-0825).