Best of Gay Philly 2012
Best of Gay Philly: Where to Shop in Midtown Village
Best Men’s store
Sport designer styles from Barney’s Co-Op, a taste of New York City on Philly’s Rittenhouse Square. To learn more about the Best Men’s Store in Gay Philly: Barney’s Co-Op, 1811 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, 215-563-5333.
Best Handmade Gifts
Where else will you find hand-painted cards, fancy hairpins and original prints? Yep, that’s why we love Art Star. To learn more about the Best Handmade Gifts in Gay Philly: Art Star, 623 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, 215-238-1557.
Best Kitchen Goods
We sure do miss Foster’s, but we love the new Kitchenette, the ultimate cook’s paradise. There’s even a gift registry in this big and beautiful Gayborhood shop. To learn more about the Best Kitchen Goods in Gay Philly: Kitchenette, 117 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, 215-829-4949.
Best Accessories
Gay-owned Hello World has you covered for bags, jewelry and creative accessories. To learn more about the Best Accessories in Gay Philly: Hello World, 257 South 20th Street, Philadelphia, 215-545-5207.
Best Women’s Store
Sugarcube—it’s for girls who dress like boys (sometimes). The men’s department is very unisex-friendly, with stylish brands like Pendleton, Big Star and Levi’s Vintage. To learn more about the Best Women’s Store in Gay Philly: 124 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, 215-238-0825.
Best Kids’ Fashions
Gay moms and dads have a new place to shop for adorable outfits for the kiddies, and the play area at Nest is a great alternative to (gasp) Chuck E. Cheese’s. To learn more about the Best Kids’ Fashions in Gay Philly: Nest, 1301 Locust Street, Philadelphia, 215-545-6378.
Best Pet Shop
Pet parents can rest assured that Fido is being groomed to the nines at Doggie Style. The independent chain also has super-stylish duds for man’s best friend (and fabulous felines, too). To learn more about the Best Pet Shop in Gay Philly: Doggie Style, 1700 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, 215-271-5200.
Best Charity
Philly AIDS Thrift is getting bigger and better every year since it opened in 2005. The new nonprofit space in South Philly has huge preowned-clothing and music departments. Plus, proceeds benefit the AIDS Fund. To learn more about the Best Charity in Gay Philly: Philly AIDS Thrift, 710 South 5th Street, Philadelphia, 215-922-3186.
Best Florist
There’s a reason MODA Botanica wins prizes each year at the Philadelphia Flower Show. The designs range from all-out lush to completely cutting-edge. Hire Armas Koehler (right) for your gay wedding—now. To learn more about the Best Florist in Gay Philly: MODA Botanica, Modabotanica.com.
Best Gift Shop
We don’t know which we like more at Verde: the Marcie Blaine chocolates or the stylish “I Heart Philly” jewelry and accessories. Either way, no one will return these giftable goodies. To learn more about the Best Gift Shop in Gay Philly: Verde, 108 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, 215-546-8700.
Best Home Store
Jonathan Adler’s whimsical homewares make us want to redecorate every season—or at least spruce up our sofa with some new pillows. To learn more about the Best Home Store in Gay Philly: Jonathan Adler, 33 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, 215-574-1999.
Best Custom Suits
This Philly bespoke tailor caught the eye of Hollywood royalty thanks to his custom suits, all hand-sewn in Philly. Commonwealth Proper even has a showroom in Los Angeles now. To learn more about the Best Custom Suits in Gay Philly: Commonwealth Proper, 1732 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, 215-435-0809.
Best Books
Giovanni’s Room is the oldest operating gay bookstore in the country—and for good reason. Many famous authors read here. And longtime owner Ed Hermance will order anything for you—he even has Google eBooks now. To learn more about the Best Books in Gay Philly: Giovanni’s Room, 345 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, 215-923-2960.
Best Gadgets
Need a sleeve for your new MacBook Air? A stylus for that new iPad? The folks at Springboard Media are smart and friendly—and you don’t even have to make an appointment. (We’re looking at you, Apple Store.) To learn more about the Best Gadgets in Gay Philly: Springboard Media, 116 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, 215-599-9000.
Best Most Unique Shop
Yes, Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction has a store. And we love it for things like the Garrison Bag, Root Soap and Baron Wells Cufflinks. To learn more about the Best Most Unique Shop in Gay Philly: Art in the Age, 116 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, 215-922-2600.
