Whole Foods
Sure, it’s not quite as luxurious a shopping experience when you’re tossing your BB cream into a cart alongside butter and bananas, but consider this: While the FDA has pretty strict standards for the food we eat, it’s way more lax about the stuff we put on our skin. (Go figure.) This means the beauty market is flooded with products containing phthalates and formaldehyde – both no-no’s for their potential links to cancer. Whole Foods, however, has banned more than 100 such ingredients from its shelves, and it prioritizes plant-based and naturally sourced ingredients, so its serums, masks, cleansers and cosmetics are practically pure enough to eat. So yeah, the brands WF carries may not be designer, but I’ll take a clean ingredient list – and, fine, the free food samples – over a luxe lipstick any day. – Caroline Cunningham wholefoodsmarket.com.
Herman's
There’s something to be said about a tiny cafe and micro-roastery that can look a seething global pandemic right in the eye and not so much as flinch at the idea of going toe-to-toe with it. There’s even more to be said about the creativity it takes to completely transform, to wholly rebrand, to expand in ways nobody expects, at a time when fear and tragedy can be so debilitating. Herman’s did both. Owners Matt Falco and Amy Strauss were able to turn their converted-auto-repair-shop cafe into a pop-up hub for aspiring chefs and business owners in need of a home, a retail pop-up outlet for vintage brands and plant shops, and a boutique market with an enviable collection of imported pastas, tinned seafood, chocolates, and more food-things you never knew you ever wanted, let alone needed. When the pandemic forced so much of Philly to become less, Herman’s became more, for the neighborhood it’s in and for all of us who needed some inspiration, hope and delicious things in especially trying times. 1313 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, hermanscoffee.com.
Paikoro Botanicals & Boutique
Everything in this wellness enclave has a story, like natural deodorants introduced after the maker’s mother was diagnosed with cancer. Or the clean-burning coconut-blended candles made by integrated-wellness-certified owner Zaje Richardson, who has run the brick-and-mortar with husband Seafus since February. Even the name has a tale, honoring Richardson’s South African heritage. 202 West Baltimore Avenue, Media, PA 19063, paikoro.com.
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.
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.
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.
David J. Witchell
Remember the montage from Pretty Woman where Vivian goes from gaudy to glam in a Beverly Hills minute? Had she been in Newtown instead, she could have come here for a soothing scrub in the grotto-like spa, a conditioning treatment and blowout in the bustling salon (if David's booked and he always is request Jack), a whirl through the lovely makeup bar, and a twirl into the super-secret upstairs boutique, which she'd find stocked with essentials from Theory and James Perse, plus the show--stopping frock required for her night at the opera. 25 South State Street, Newtown, PA 18940, davidjwitchell.com.
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.