Vintage
We wanted this subterranean shop to stay our own little tucked-away secret. But then it moved its digs aboveground, dashing our hopes that we could keep the huge explosion of vintage clothes (and baubles and bags and housewares) to ourselves. 63 West State Street, Doylestown, PA 18901, Vintage-doylestown.com.
Nina's Waffles and Sweets
Something fantastic usually comes from a shop that's committed to doing just one thing really well. Anything off the hot presses at Nina's Waffles and Sweets in New Hope and Doylestown proves just that get a Belgian waffle topped with salted caramel ice cream. 31 West Mechanic Street, New Hope, PA 18938, ninaswaffles.com.
Sugarcube
Each pair of jeans here has a little something special. Asbury Park Clothing Company’s options have Springsteen-rocker flair (Alice Cooper’s a fan); Williamsburg Garment Company’s raw versions are exclusive to this shop; and the ones from DU/ER are stretchy and breathable — bike commuters, take note. 124 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, sugarcube.us.
Addison Bay
Ready to look beyond Lulu? Local gal Marguerite Adzick’s e-comm shop carries cheery sweats, capris, sports bras and travel apparel from brands like Spiritual Gangster, Sundry and Michi, and her own line of AB leggings, too. addisonbay.com.
Read & Return Program at Heritage Books
You can get a 50 percent refund on the paperback you picked up by returning it to this bookstore (or any of the other 850-plus Paradies Lagardère-owned airport shops throughout North America) within six months of purchase. Terminal B/C Connector. heritagebooks.com.
A. Brandt + Son
People all over the world shop A. Brandt online, but we’re lucky enough to get to browse its extensive collection of museum-quality jewelry – an antique Tiffany zodiac pendant, a $19,000 pair of Victorian teardrop earrings – in person. 223 Haverford Avenue, Narberth, PA 19072, abrandtandson.com.
2nd Swing
Those worn-down grips, that scuffed driver, the irons that need grinding down and cleaning up ... this new shop has experts on hand to give your clubs a tune-up (even while you wait), because they know that at all costs, you don’t want to toss a lucky set. 3626 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803, 2ndswing.com.
Moore Vintage Archive
At this shop in the Bok Building, you can level-up your wardrobe with vintage women’s wear from Issey Miyake and John Paul Gaultier and expand your mind with rare books from writers of color like Sonia Sanchez and Toni Morrison. 1901 South 9th Street #1H, Philadelphia, PA 19148, instagram.com/moorevintagearchive.
Zahav
It's not that we've never had a drink that tastes like what it claims to be (peanut-butter-and-jelly shot, anyone?), but this grainy concoction mixed with pumpernickel-and-caraway-infused rye and celery soda truly tastes like a fresh loaf of yummy, anise-y bread. Only better, 'cause it has booze. 237 St. James Place, Philadelphia, PA 19106, zahavrestaurant.com.
Reconsidered Home
Natalie Rettinger scours flea markets and estate sales to keep her shop flush with low-slung couches, teak consoles, oversize lamps and anything else Mad Men-worthy. And for a $50 fee, she'll deliver to almost anywhere in the region. 29 West Jasper Street, Media, PA 19063, reconsideredhome.com.
Menagerie
Everything at this jam-packed shop looks very "Kate Middleton in Mustique" but it's all laid-back enough to work for the Lombard Swim Club, too. There are bohemian silk tunics, pastel striped rompers and gauzy shifts, plus the totes and sandals that will keep you gorgeously accessorized. Eagle Village Shops 503 West Lancaster Avenue, Wayne, PA 19087, ajeweledmenagerie.com.
Barbara Blau Collectables
This vintage ephemera shop, clandestinely tucked into the back of Jules Goldman Books, is a discovery all on its own. But the collection of vintage eyeglass frames most from the '50s and '60s is truly special, as is Blau's uncanny knack for matching your face to the perfect style. 29 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, facebook.com/pages/Barbara-Blau-Collectables/163207340400897.
Dylanlex
The jewelry at online shop Dylanlex (crafted by Drexel grad Drew Ginsburg) comes in the form of rings, bracelets and chunky multi-layered collars, made from mixed metals and Swarovski crystals, that have earned a cult following among style-blazers. (Rihanna's a fan.) Dylanlex.com.
Damari Savile
Here’s your chance to cop the style of a professional athlete. Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins teamed up with business partner Jay Amin on a new men’s shop where they stock immaculate ready-to-wear pieces alongside expertly tailored custom suits. 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, damarisavile.com.
Preservation Fine Goods
We’ll admit: Not everything in this sparsely furnished shop is the most practical. (Really, who needs an artisanal dinner bell?) But its tabletop goods are so refined, so unassumingly cool, we can’t leave without an heirloom-quality cheeseboard or a gilded candlestick. 9 Church Street, Lambertville, NJ 08530, preservationfinegoods.com.