We’ve given you best-of-year lists on everything from music to theater to food, but now it’s time to pay homage to the Philly fashion peeps who kept us looking good (and over budget) all year long.
Best Craft Fair: Go West! Craft Fest
In 2011, this modest affair began in West Philly’s quaint Cedar Park with a handful of vendors and live music. This year, it grew immensely, moving to the Woodlands in the spring and fall, and then heading indoors for a holiday bash at the Rotunda.
Best Pop-Up Shop: Fair & Square
There were two things about this all-too-brief Rittenhouse shop that made it memorable. First, the setup was hella cutesy, just girly enough and exploding with spring-fever-induced florals. Second is how it coincided with the opening of Rittenhouse Tavern, giving us the chance to shop and get our first peek at chef Nicholas Elmi’s cozy new digs.
Best Shopping Event: Fashion’s Night Out
Are we bummed that this jawn took four years to finally make it to Philly? Of course. Did we take to the streets anyway, staying out late to mingle and shop at Kembrel, SA VA and Joan Shepp? You bet your sweet ass we did. And we’ll do it again next year, Lord willing.
Best New Addition to Old City: Never Too Spoiled
We told you about them in our 2012 Gift Guide, and if you’re wise you took heed. No disrespect to its Old City neighbors, but Never Too Spoiled is one of the most welcoming, alluring and visually stunning shopping venues we’ve seen in a minute.
Best Jewelry: Concrete Polish
We’ve been crushing on owner Angela Monaco’s collection for a while now. We lust over the rough-cut metals and the precious woodland-creature rings, but here’s where she totally makes us wet: The girl knows how to have a sale. Whether it’s Black Friday, Groupon or the coveted NoLibs Holiday Shopping Spree, Monaco’s jewelry consistently works with our budget.
Designers of the Year: KNO Clothing Co.
This ain’t your typical clothing company. “To date we have provided over 1,500 brand-new articles of clothing to people in need,” says KNO co-founder Anthony Thomas. This is a company that gives 50 percent of its profits to help house and clothe the homeless. Thomas and co-founder/college chum Stephen Caldwell (pictured) are working to give back to their community with sweet duds and sweeter ambitions.
