Moko Beauty Studio
It's known for its dry cuts and customized two-hour ayurvedic facials, but we also love the take-home treats: mango shea butter, lime body polish, Max Green Alchemy shampoo. 55 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, mokobeauty.com.
Wayne
The Main Line shopping scene has always been, if not exactly groundbreaking, doggedly solid. But recently, while no one was looking, a slew of amazing boutiques eco-conscious Element Six, date night go-to Jade's Closet, beachy-cool Eaves turned the prep-centric town into a high-style shopping destination.
Nordstrom
This is the rare store that still whips out the old heel-to-toe ruler and given size variations among the many brands Nordies carries (Natives, Nike, Stuart Weitzman), that's clutch. King of Prussia and Cherry Hill malls, shop.nordstrom.com.
Deconstructed Living
Being faced with a birthday party for a particularly persnickety co-worker is daunting. Finding him an inspired gift a chardonnay-scented candle in a reclaimed wine bottle at this cheery boutique is not. 201 East Lancaster Avenue, Wayne, PA 19087, deconstructedliving.com.
Breakaway Bikes
If getting kitted up and hitting the road is your chief cycling objective, the helpful (read: non-snooty) staffers here will get you outfitted, from frame to saddle to jersey. Sign up for the shops indoor training program to spin on your own bike while getting expert advice on technique and form. 1923 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, breakawaybikes.com.
Firth & Wilson Transport Cycles
If you just need to get from here to there—preferably with somewhere to stash your briefcase—this is where to gear up. The shop carries bikes in every color of the rainbow, fitted with racks and baskets for all your goods. Owners Simon and Victoria Firth and David Wilson, all decades-long city cyclists, are more than happy to get you cranking. 933 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, facebook.com/pages/Firth-Wilson-Transport-Cycles/405642462876479.
Erdon
On-the-go ladies who prefer to sport comfortable shoes that are also cute (not Crocs) should step on over to the city or suburban location of Erdon, where they'll find footwear that rivals the comfort level of Danskos, in the form of stylishly clunky Robert Clergerie sandals, Trippen booties and MM6 sneakers. Locations in Old City and the Moorestown Mall, erdon.co.
Rikumo
Champagne? Pfft. A glass of bubbly on arrival seems downright pedestrian stacked against the complimentary tea bar, aromatherapy, spa-like pond and library filled with art books housed inside this Über-Zen Japanese import shop. Plan ahead to hit monthly events; a recent bash offered charcoal-based beauty treatments on the cheap. 1216 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, rikumo.com.
Moon + Arrow
You won't find anything flashy here. That's the beauty of this flea-market-like store, which brims with handcrafted, low-key-cool treasures like fringed yarn wall hangings,unglazed earthenware air-plant slings and gorgeous jewelry, so you'll never have to scrape off a "Made in China" sticker before wrapping. 754 South 4th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, moonandarrow.com.
Addiction Studios
The labels are covetable (DVF, Chanel, Ala_ã¢a, Louboutin), the prices are fair (a $48 Dior scarf), and, thanks to a whip-quick weekly rotation, the selection never feels picked over. Follow the shop's Instagram for first crack at new arrivals. 1024 Pine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, addictionstudios.com.
Life's Patina
Imagine if Terrain and Restoration Hardware had a European baby and you've got Life's Patina,a 19th-century barn that's packed with a jaw-dropping spread of salvaged and restored furniture and home goods. While the barn is open by appointment year-round, the seasonal sales are what you really should go for, with ticketed, catered preview parties the night before so you can get first dibs. (Psst: There's one next month!). 1750 North Valley Road, Malvern, PA 19355, lifespatina.com.
Càphê Roasters
Càphê Roasters has everything you’d expect from a great coffee shop: caffeine, sun-soaked couches, strong wi-fi. But they also serve some of the best Vietnamese food in town, like fried chicken bánh mì and roasted tomato egg sandwiches. Not to mention coffee from barista and roaster Thu Pham that ranges from Viet drinks topped with sweet whipped egg custard to lattes inspired by Asian cereals. 3400 J Street, G1, Philadelphia, PA 19134, capheroasters.com.
Eye's Gallery
Famed Magic Gardens artist Isaiah Zagar and wife Julia established this Latin American folk-art epicenter on South Street in 1968, covering its ceilings and walls with his signature mosaics. Despite being around for decades, the gallery today remains fresh and exciting, and its three floors contain a one-of-a-kind mix of decor — paintings from Guerrero, Mexico-based La Familia Lorenzo, painted glass pieces from Peru, carved wooden statues from Guatemala. Say hello to Julia at the front when you visit. 402 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, eyesgallery.com.
Kinfolk Bride
The beauty of this appointment-only salon at the Bok Building is the care with which founder Mayana Carter curates her collection of independent labels and non-traditional looks. Each designer adds a layer to the fabric of her shop — whether it’s because the brand is run by a woman of color or made of recycled materials, whether it’s gender-and-size-inclusive (up to size 24 in-store and 32-plus via special order) or pays its workers a living wage. 821 Dudley Street, studio 513, Philadelphia, PA 19148, kinfolkbride.com.
Salt & Vinegar
The next time you’re looking for a gift for someone who loves food, beeline to Salt and Vinegar for small-batch coconut jam, local cheese CSA pickups, locally made masala spice packets, gluten-free pop-tarts and more. Jen Honovic Herczeg’s newly opened provisions shop has a mission to stock its shelves with products from women- and minority-owned businesses. This is exactly the kind of happy place where you can spend $50 without even realizing it. 905 Christian Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, salt-and-vinegar.com.