Shop Talk: Shopping Day Trip: Powder Mill Square

Yes, it’s a strip mall. But this handful of independently owned upscale boutiques (plus Delaware’s no-tax policy, quirky museums and gorgeous old homes) make it a welcome afternoon escape

Peter Kate Shoes With a carefully edited collection including flats by Tory Burch, stacked heels by Marc Jacobs and wedges by BCBG, plus dangly earrings, trendy necklaces and oversize designer handbags, Peter Kate Shoes is sort of like your cool best friend’s always-tempting accessory closet. 3830 Kennett Pike, Powder Mill Square, Greenville, 302-656-7463; peterkate.com.

Oranges & Lemons Your biological clock can’t help but tick as you browse the racks of toddler dresses by Sophie & Lili, floral-patterned winter onesies from Patagonia, and angel-wing-and-tutu sets, plus the wonderful mix of high-style toys and shoes. 3828 Kennett Pike, Powder Mill Square; 302-427-0323.

Somethings Unique Somethings Unique’s two-storied space feels like a perfectly styled showroom, filled as it is with imported antique furniture, reproductions, pottery, soaps, serving pieces and more, from Italy, France, Spain and Sweden — but everything on the floor is for sale and ready for speedy delivery. 3834 Kennett Pike, Powder Mill Square, 302-426-1950; somethings-unique.com.

Houppette Houppette stocks the kinds of designer cosmetics and fragrances you’d expect to find at Neiman’s, like the full line of Bliss at-home spa products, Darphin creams and potions, and staggering collections of Diptyque candles and Fresh bath goodies. 3842 Kennett Pike, Powder Mill Square; 302-421-9036.

A.R. Morris Jewelers The selection is small, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in brand names: Handcrafted John Hardy pieces sit in cases beside Judith Ripka’s signature gems, Breitling watches, and Roberto Coin’s necklaces, earrings and more. 3832 Kennett Pike, Powder Mill Square, 302-777-4367; armorrisjewelers.com.

One Last Trip Tip
Check out Delaware Running Company across the street (3801 Kennett Pike, 302-655-7463; delawarerunning.com) for an impressive selection of sneakers and gear, and advice from the so-knowledgeable staff. And to really get the most out of your drive down I-95, add a stop at the nearby Hagley Museum and Library (298 Buck Road, 302-658-2400; hagley.lib.de.us), a unique American enterprise museum housed inside one of the du Pont family’s 19th-century homes.