Winterfell Dessert
While the rest of the city is rolling ice-cream roses with paint scrapers, Winterfell went with a Game of Thrones-themed Taiwanese shaved ice shop. For the uninitiated: Shaved Thai ice is what happens when ice cream and cotton candy fool around together. 32 South 40th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, facebook.com/winterfelldessert.
Saté Kampar
This BYOB has an adorably illustrated (kopitiam) menu that’s true to the street-side coffee shops in Malaysia; rare imported brews—hot or cold—are mixed with condensed milk, citrus and more to create all sorts of tasty concoctions. So join us while we yawn at all the cappuccinos in Philly. 1837 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19148, facebook.com/SateKampar.
Wellington Square Bookshop
Wedged in a generic shopping center, Wellington ticks off all our literary essentials: a coffee bar; squishy wingbacks; sympatico shopkeeps; used, new and rare books. (A signed first edition isn't out of the question.) It also hosts book clubs and regular writing workshops. 549 Wellington Square, Exton, PA 19341, wellingtonsquarebooks.com.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bella Turka
If you like it when people say, “Ooooh, where did you get that?” — shop here. The rainbow beaded necklaces, amethyst rings and chandelier earrings are handmade and hand-sourced by owner Koray Avci here and overseas. Additional location in Rittenhouse. 113 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, .
United Upholstery
After being quoted almost $900 in the city, a Philly Mag staffer drove the 30 minutes to Au Nguyen’s shop in Delco and got her great-aunt’s scallop-back chair meticulously re-covered in luxe raspberry velvet for a cool $395. 201 North Springfield Road, Clifton Heights, PA 19018, Unitedupholsterypa.com.
Vernick Coffee Bar
Vernick Coffee Bar. Photograph by Stuart Goldenberg It presents like a coffee shop, but don’t be fooled: This second-floor oasis — hidden behind a grove of trees — in the new Comcast Technology Center serves an excellent wild mushroom grain bowl, a fancy porchetta sandwich, and an elegant chicken ballotine. 1800 Arch Street, 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103, vernickcoffeebar.com.
Leroy Mapp
Considering Mapp’s humor, versatility, and infectious energy, it’s no surprise he was named one of the two top Philly instructors by ClassPass users for the second year running. Find him calling shots at Rumble Boxing or on Instagram @fitliferoy.
Franklin & Poe
For the stylish and the wannabe-stylish, this men’s (and women’s!) shop stocks wares both hipster (Fishtown t-shirts) and rugged (jeans from Swedish brand Indigo-fera Prima and Iron Heart jackets). The overall look: quietly – but completely – cool. 1817 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125, franklinandpoe.com.
ReDecor Home Consignment
If all of the Main Line got together and had a communal yard sale, it’d look something like this shop, where very gently used French marble sideboards, antique claw-foot dressers and rich leather love seats find fresh life in new – equally fabulous – homes. 880 West Lancaster Ave, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010, redecorhome.com.