Street Style by City: How They Dress in Philadelphia

In the city of brotherly love, fashionistas live, mix and match

 

Ysolt Usigan

I work in Manhattan and live in North Jersey. I know about the style offerings in both locales -- where style mavens and non-fashionistas coexist in harmony. But now it's time for me to venture out into unknown territory. My first stop: the city of brotherly love...

After one weekend of shopping in Philly's trendy neighborhoods, I've come to realize Philadelphia is hot. From vintage shops to lux salons, even vast department stores with plenty of preppy and chic options to boot, there's no question -- Philly knows style. I had picked the best time to visit the city, too, with the Philadelphia Collection 2010 series underway. Last month, the city's many boutiques, stylists, designers and modeling agencies hosted various independently produced events. From fashion shows to trunk shows, glamazons and enthusiasts alike walked the city discovering (and shopping) this season's hottest, new looks. Nicole Miller, Boutique 77, Margot & Camille Optique, Honest Denim, Zinnis, Three Sirens and Carmelita Couture were some of the brands and retailers who participated.

During my stay, I also ran into three fabulous ladies, each with her own sense of style and a fashion lesson to boot. What I learned from them:

• You can never wear too much black... But, a touch of color provided by a lightweight scarf will add some sass to your look.

• Don't be afraid to pull together hard with soft. A pair of rustic combat boots with a lace dress totally works! Add some vintage necklaces, and your look will be complete.

• Boho-chic is alive and well. Stay true to the eclectic mix by wearing pants with dresses and staying every bit natural.

If you're ever in the area and into high-end fashions, you should live inside Boyds, probably one of the most breathtaking department stores I've seen. If you have an eclectic style, visit Old City, which boasts some funky clothing boutiques and accessory stores. That's where I scored myself some edgy cuffs -- perfect for fall and winter.

What do you think of Philly style? Chime in below!

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