The Philly Fashion Lover’s Summer Shopping Bucket List

Because you can only hit the beach so many times.

Woman-summer-shop

Swap out a beach weekend for pop-ups by the river. | Shutterstock.

Summer brings with it a host of outdoor fleas, festivals and pop-ups, and it’s also the perfect time to ramble through some of our best shopping towns. Here are seven of the top shopping trips you need to take this summer, from must-visit Shore-town stops and outdoor art markets to the best places to spend a whole shopping day. Consider it your Summer To-Do List, and prepare to make room in your closet. Happy shopping!

1. Buy something handmade (and lounge on hammocks).
Because if you haven’t seen or shopped the curated mix of artists and artisans at the weekly Art Star Pop Up at Spruce Street Harbor Park, you’re missing out. The vendors change each week, so there’s always a new sampling of cool handmade goods to check out. Plus: Hammocks! Food trucks! Ice cream! Every Saturday through September 26th, 11am-4pm at Spruce Street Harbor Park. 

2. Invest in some art — or at least explore artists you might not know.
Because galleries can be intimidating. At the Manayunk Arts Festival (which happens to the the largest outdoor juried art festival in the tri-state area) , you’ll be able to peruse the work of nearly 300 artists. Expect glass, ceramics, jewelry, wearables, paintings, drawings, photography, sculpture and more. Be sure to check out the ’emerging artists tent’ for the work of fledgling local artists.
Saturday, June 20th, 11am-7pm, and Sunday, June 21st, 11am-6pm; along Main Street.

3. Shop your way through Lambertville.
Because even the Shore can get boring. One weekend, head to Jersey’s other sweet spot, this charming town just across the Delaware River from New Hope. Make sure to stop at Zinc Home + Garden (salvaged, repurposed and vintage home goods), Bucks County Dry Goods (clothes, vintage furniture, accessories), Bons Rêves (upscale linens, bath and body goods), The People’s Store Antiques Center (four levels of every antique and vintage item you could imagine). A tip: Stop at The Boat House for a pre-dinner drink.

4. Hit up the flea market (city).
Because most fleas are outdoors, so you can still get a tan. I recommend visiting Franklin Flea, which is partnering with South Street Headhouse District for 12 markets through October. You’ll find up to 60 vendors (and an amazing selection of vintage home goods), plus an occasional food and beer hall under the Shambles.
The second and fourth Saturdays of each month, 10am-5pm. Headhouse Plaza on 2nd Street, between Lombard and South streets (use 550 South 2nd Street for directions).

5. Hit up the flea market (‘burbs).
Because The Golden Nugget in Lambertville is king. You’ll find treasures you always wanted, never knew you needed, and absolutely have to have. Get there early. Looking for something to do afterwards? See #2.
Open every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, 6am to 4pm; 1850 River Road/Route 29,  Lambertville, New Jersey.

6. Do a shopping tour of Wayne.
Because the Main Line town is brimming with awesome local boutiques, and summer is the prime time to check them out (so many sales). Here are the spots you need to hit: Eaves (owner Susan Ahn’s airy, modern selection is perfection), Deconstructed Living (cute home accessories) and Jade’s Closet (great go-out clothes). Then work your way around Eagle Village Shops, stopping in Menagerie (everything you’d ever want to wear on vacation), Element Six (eco-friendly but not hippie-dippy duds) and The Little House Shop (every gift you’d ever want or need to give). End at Valley Forge Flowers, where you can shop their newer barn addition and get bite to eat.

7. Go treasure-hunting in Cape May.
Because sometimes it rains. And when it does, you’ll want to head to West End Garage, a vast indoor market featuring stalls of goods from over 50 different vendors. You’ll find some kitsch, some vintage, some crafts, some beachy accessories, and enough crazy-cool selection to make an afternoon of it.
484 Perry Street.