August 11, 2008 - New York City, NY—Store Adore (www.storeadore.com), a personalized web-based guide to the best boutique shopping around the country and online, expands shopping coverage to include Philadelphia.

“After a successful launch of Store Adore in other metropolitan areas, our users were demanding that we add Philadelphia as our next city. Everyone knows that the shopping scene there is emerging, but Philly is one of those towns with great boutiques sprinkled throughout, as opposed to in one central shopping area. Whether you’re visitor or a resident that’s only familiar with the same old haunts, it’s so difficult to figure out where to go. Cristina and I like to think Store Adore has come to the rescue with our editorial reviews, exclusive discounts and printable shopping guides to the stylish City of Brotherly Love.” —Meredith Barnett, Co-founder of Store Adore.

Store Adore was founded by Meredith Barnett, a former editor at Lucky magazine, and Cristina Miller, a former management consultant. The founders have been best friends since childhood and are both Harvard MBAs.

The site launched in February 2008 with coverage of boutiques and specialty stores in fashion, beauty, accessories and home in New York and Brooklyn; Boston; Los Angeles; Washington, DC and several hundred e-boutiques. With the addition of Philadelphia as well as The Hamptons, Chicago, and several new online stores in the summer of 2008, the site now boasts 2600+ boutiques, with new stores added every day. Store Adore is often described as a Zagat meets Citysearch meets Facebook—for boutique shopping.

Passionate shoppers log on to StoreAdore.com and search the site’s extensive database of thousands of editorially profiled boutiques and specialty stores around the country (including over 100 in Philadelphia) and online. Users can also create and download custom shopping maps of popular shopping neighborhoods like Rittenhouse Square, Washington Square West and Old City, and take advantage of exclusive discounts from dozens of stores.

“We believe in the power of the combined knowledge of passionate shoppers, so we encourage Store Adore shoppers to contribute to the site with their own store reviews” says Cristina Miller, Co-founder of Store Adore.

Read below for a roundup of some of Store Adore’s favorite Philadelphia area stores.

Store Adore Shops Philadelphia

Philadelphia is evolving sartorially, and today it is home to a host of cutting edge boutiques that run the gamut from high-end glamour to on-the-cusp, indie design. Nevertheless, the Philly fashion scene is still very much up-and-coming—meaning that the best stores are scattered throughout the city—and often very well-hidden—and intrepid shoppers must know where to look. Store Adore comes to the rescue with their guides and maps to the best boutique shopping in the stylish City of Brotherly Love.

BEST SPLURGE

Joan Shepp

1616 Walnut Street, Rittenhouse Square

Specializing in distinctive architectural pieces right off the runway, famous Philadelphia retailer Joan Shepp’s sleek shop provides exceptional designer selections fit for updating any wardrobe with the best of contemporary design. Fashion heavyweights such as Chloé, Yohji Yamamoto, Dries Van Noten and Jean-Paul Gaultier mingle with covetable shoe brands (Louboutin, Prada, Taryn Rose) in this splurge-inducing loft-like space.

BEST FOR NEW TALENT

Vagabond

37 North Third Street. Old City

One of the most fashion-forward shops in Philadelphia, Vagabond is the area’s best bet for emerging designers and cult indie brands. Wander in to find a balanced variety of well-styled, timeless basics; edgy, design-savvy garb; and vintage-inspired classics. At the rear of the store, a section that offers skeins of luscious yarns also serves as gallery space for monthly art shows.

COOLEST STORE AWARD

Sugarcube

124 North Third Street

Innovative new designers and unique vintage wares meet at Sugarcube, a rustic, industrial looking boutique in Old City. The only shop in Philly to stock edgy downtown labels like A.P.C., Doucette Duvall, Lyell and Bing Bang Jewelry, Sugarcube also plucks plum vintage pieces to complement the contemporary clothing—and the 70’s heel and boot collection can’t be beat.

MOST WELL-HIDDEN

Halloween

1329 Pine Street, Washington Square West

Just finding Halloween can be a challenge. A mere business card in a window is the only marker of what lies within the unassuming building. Once inside—boo!—you’ll need to give yourself a moment to adjust to this enchanted oddity of a shop. Vaulted ceilings, a carved ivory staircase, ostentatious chandeliers and Egyptian statues set the tone for the over-the-top, glittering gemstone and semi-precious jewelry that cover every inch of wall space.

MOST POPULAR

Knit Wit

1718 Walnut Street, Rittenhouse Square

The solution to any fashion emergency lies within the stylish walls of this neighborhood staple. Philadelphia and the surrounding area’s best-dressed girls come here to snag the latest and most eye-catching contemporary pieces from brands that are equal parts tried-and-true (Diane von Furstenberg, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Miu Miu and Citizens of Humanity) and lesser-known (Rozae Nichols, Notte by Marchesa and Il Bisonte). The shop lives up to its name by providing endless choices of knitwear.

MOST ECLECTIC

Petulia’s Folly

1710 Sansom Street, Rittenhouse Square

A shop that merges globally influenced home design with the best in trendy fashion means you can look like you’ve traveled the world without ever kicking off your designer heels. Folly is a one-stop shopper’s paradise, where worldly finds like Indian pashminas, Japanese glassware and antique Italian picture frames can be found alongside contemporary finds like Rebecca Minkoff bags and Nicholas K sweaters. While you try on a structured 3.1 Phillip Lim cocoon coat, you can browse Moroccan embroidered pillows and pick up an Assouline style book and French Laundry soaps for your friends. Grab an empty suitcase and head on over.

BRING YOUR BOYFRIEND

Leehe Fai

133 South 18th Street, Rittenhouse Square

Although the space itself is tiny, what Leehe Fai lacks in physical size, it more than compensates for in variety, with a revolving door of ladylike pieces from brands like Trina Turk, Nanette Lepore, Betsey Johnson and Anna Sui. Too offset the shop’s ultra-girly vibe, Leehe Fai (a self-proclaimed “boyfriend-friendly” boutique) provides magazines and “man chairs” at the front of the store for your patient shopping companion.

Store Adore Philadelphia Launches August 1, 2008

Read Store Adore’s complete listing of Philadelphia stores, find exclusive discounts, contribute store reviews, and make and download shopping maps at www.storeadore.com.

Other Store Adore Featured Areas:

New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Washington D.C., Chicago, The Hamptons

They say that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but we also like to be closely acquainted with gold, silver, leather and precious gems. Check out Store Adore’s latest newsletter and shop for accessories that will sparkle year-round—at an exclusive discount, naturally!

Above: Giving Tree Jewelry in East Sandwhich and Online.

If there’s one thing we’re jealous of, it’s our friends who always manage to throw together effortless-looking yet totally unique outfits—a scarf from here, an antique appliquéd sweater from there, a pair of jeans, and still look impossibly chic. Well, their secret is out. We know where they shop.

Just-opened e-commerce and catalog shopping mecca Peruvian Connection has launched its flagship store smack dab in the middle of downtown DC. Housed in an elegant corner location and across from both fun shopping (Zara, West Elm and H&M) and prime tourist destinations, (Madam Tussuad’s, the Spy Museum) Peruvian Connection’s first full-line store stocks everything from laid-back pima cotton tees to hand-woven floor rugs.

When you enter the shop, floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light, highlighting the warm wood of the floor, reclaimed from an 18th century barn. Soft olive tones coat the walls, and antique furnishings are scattered across the store’s two floors. Clothing (think hand-embroidered sweaters, delicately be-ribboned skirts, and luxuriously soft knit dresses) are artfully draped throughout, providing a vibrant mix of colors that “pop” amidst priceless antique vases, plates and bowls collected during the owner’s many trips to Peru.

Venture downstairs to explore a selection of super-soft sleepwear as well as colorfully embroidered pillows, throws and rugs, each handmade by Peruvian artisans.

Sales help is outgoing and engaging, willing to explain the story behind each piece or negotiate prices on any of the antiques throughout the store. Everything is for sale… if you name the correct price!

For those who can’t make the in-person trip, scour the store’s well-known website for your own must-have merch… just don’t expect next day delivery. Since each piece is handmade, that sometimes means long waits while things are manufactured. So really, it’s in your best interest to book that trip to DC today… we promise you don’t want to wait for this stuff!

Sure, I love the summer sunshine and strappy dresses that come along with it. But when it’s been 90+ degrees for a week straight (let’s not forget that lovely Midwest humidity!), Chicago begins to feel a little, um, suffocating. White-hot heat bounces between buildings and sears the concrete, the beaches along Lake Michigan are too packed to unwrap a towel and the lines at every Dairy Queen in the city are wrapped around the block. When even a delicious frozen daiquiri stops doing the cool-down trick, I know it’s time for an escape. So last week, I trekked up north six hours, through gorgeous green countryside, up to Mackinac Island, Michigan. Pronounced MACK-in-aw, this tiny island, located between the mainland and upper peninsula of Michigan, is a common destination for Chicagoans who want to experience small-town life, extra greenery and tons o’ relaxation. No cars are allowed on this island (transportation is provided by bike or horse-drawn buggy), which is chock full of adorable inns, lake breezes, quaint taverns, outdoor athletics and historical tours–but once Old Man Winter rolls in, the island shuts down, meaning you have until October to get up there for a visit.

Fudge is the primary commodity up there (it’s legendary for a reason–I still can’t stop thinking about my chunk of Turtle Fudge), followed closely by Mackinac Island t-shirts, but there is still a smattering of shops where you can pick up some stylish duds that you won’t find back in the sweltering city. I hit them all up, of course, so here’s a rundown of a few of my faves:

(FYI: the island is small enough that many of the stores don’t use street numbers. Cute, huh?)

Nadia’s Fashion Shop (Fort Street, 906-847-3709)

Immediately after disembarking the ferry, I made a beeline down Main Street and found Nadia’s. See, my brain had been warped by the constant heat and humidity and my suitcase was filled with strapless dresses, sleeveless tops, leg-baring bottoms and sandals of all shapes and sizes. But Mackinac is blessed with a gorgeous lakefront breeze, so a sweater was necessary. Thankfully, the super-sweet owners of Nadia’s helped me, outfitting me in a big-buttoned white sweater from a little line called Lisa. I lived in it. Nadia’s is full of tops, dresses, shoes and accessories from lines like Lacoste, Ugg, Brighton, Columbia and Tommy Bahama, as well as lesser-known (yet no less stylish) lines as well. Whether you’re looking for something to take out sailing or something to wear to dinner at a local pub, Nadia’s can outfit both you and your man.

Decked Out (Main Street, 906-847-3901)

Packed with color and filled with fab sales, I made repeated stops into Decked Out to scope its shoe selection, unique jewelry,\ and lines for both men and women, without the enormous sales tax that you’d find in Chicago. Kensie, Kensie Girl, Neon Buddha, Samuel Dong and Matt & Nat were all represented, as was outdoor hiking and sailing gear from Sperry and Terrasoles. I bopped as I shopped along to the old school soul playing in the background, and picked up a pair of Terrasoles sneaks when my man mentioned a bike ride around the island (highly recommended).

Nephew’s of Mackinac (Main Street, 906-847-3462)

When I walked into Nephew’s of Mackinac, my first thought was “I want some watermelon.” That’s because so much of the store was coated in bright pink and green clothing that I suddenly craved the luscious summer fruit. But once I quelled my craving, it became clear that Nephew’s stocks attire that would be suitable for a lovely afternoon on a sailboat, then would transition easily to one of Mackinac’s many restaurants or pubs for dinner (or perhaps a cocktail at the Grand Hotel?). Here, you’ll find brightly patterned summer dresses from Unyx and Sangria, Polo Ralph Lauren shirts and flip-flops by Tommy Hilfiger. I spent a significant amount of time here, not just because I was diggin’ the 90’s pop music, but the clothing displays were interspersed with jewelry and bags that begged my attention.

Mackinac Outfitters (Main Street, 906-847-6100)

Yes, it’s easy to spend your time cruising up and down Main Street, scooping up fudge and hanging out at the park near the base of Fort Mackinac. But there’s plenty of outdoors-y activities too, that are that much more fun to partake in, thanks to the fresh air. Rent a bike and roll 6 miles around the island. Hike through the big forest. Hop onto a sailboat and explore the waters of Lake Huron. And if any of this is on your agenda (and, like me, you didn’t pack for it) you’ll need the proper attire from Mackinac Outfitter. The names on their roster are the best in the outdoors biz: North Face, Sperry, Columbia, Teva, Merrill, Ray Ban, Patagonia–the list goes on and on. Even if you came to Mackinac with no plans at all, stop by the Outfitter. The stylishly functional goods might just inspire you to find your inner adventurer.

My closest friends (and anyone who has crossed my path the morning after a Bachelor finale) know that the only thing that rivals my passion for fashion is my obsession with reality TV. Thus, it’s no surprise that I was inspired by last week’s Project Runway challenge of designing a cocktail dress from eco-friendly materials. In true P.R. fashion (there’s always a catch!), the contestants were hindered by the fact that their inexperienced models had to do the fabric shopping for them, resulting in whiny designers and only a few dresses capable of pleasing the judges. In the real world, the following forward-thinking designers have created party-perfect looks that will keep Mother Earth rockin’ as well.

Devoted to the green lifestyle, Portland-based e-commerce site Greenloop strives to keep its customers chic from head-to-toe with earth-friendly dresses, shoes, jewelry, denim and more. This trendy one-shoulder dress by EcoSkin (regularly $158, Store Adore price $127 with 20% discount) combines one of the season’s hottest looks (a ruffled one-shoulder style) and an eco-friendly fabric (bamboo and tencel knit), packing a big style punch with a minimal effect on the environment…and your wallet!

Fans of the ultra-flattering wrap dress will rejoice in this chic Beau Soleil frock from Green With Glamour (on sale for $238.50, Store Adore price $191.50 with 20% discount). Made of 100% sustainable bamboo with a recycled leather wrap belt, this versatile dress can go from the cubicle to cocktails with ease by swapping your daytime tote for a clutch and adding some eye-catching jewelry.

Shoppers looking to show off their summer glow with a vibrant color will love this Toggery dress on Modify (regularly $66, Store Adore price $57 with 15% discount). The organic supima cotton dress is the perfect shade of Hawaiian hibiscus pink for a beach party or backyard BBQ.

Loyal fans of longtime e-commerce hot spot Shopbop.com will be thrilled to see that they’ve added an “Earth Friendly” category to make eco-shopping a snap. We were instantly drawn to this LBD from Larsen Grey ($260.00). Made of an earth-friendly jersey, this strapless tube dress is destined to become a wardrobe classic…there’s nothing like an old reliable!

Save 20% online and in stores at Shvitz!

The classic Yiddish word may suggest old men sweating in bathhouse steam rooms, but step into the tiny Thompson Street leisurewear shop and it takes on a whole new meaning. And for good reason: Owner Leslie Hall wanted to sell workout wear and comfy clothes (the kind of stuff you shvitz in) with a glam edge and without the utilitarian overtones of a sportswear shop. The result? A sweetly girlie salon done up in white, silver and pink—right down to the neo-rococo wallpaper and lacy chandelier—that frankly looks straight out of Los Angeles. The clothes themselves are a comfort-lover’s dream: Pile after fruity-colored pile of plush terry-cloth hoodies, super-soft tees, animal-print thermal knits and sweatpants from designers like Joystick, Juicy Couture, Primp and Rebel Yell will make you actually want to go to the gym—or at least seriously consider it from the comfort of your couch. Check out the e-commerce website for a decent selection of what’s available in-store complemented by inspirational pics of celebs sporting the latest styles in sweats.

Visit the Shvitz profile for your 20 percent coupon!

This week, Store Adore sat down with Janelle Okwodu, editor of Sans Artifice, a must-read blog for news on cool breakthrough designers, artists and trends–usually just before they’re buzzed about everywhere else. Read on for the scoop from Janelle!

SA: What is your personal style uniform?

JO: I like to be a little quirky but at heart I’m all about keeping things simple–all I really need is a great dress, a nice pair of flats and an amazing bag. I like to look put together but never overdone. I’m allergic to anything too contrived and as such I tend to avoid full-scale looks. Even when I’m being trendy I don’t like to go overboard. That said, I love statement pieces and clothing with unusual embellishments. Clothes are a means of expressing oneself, so you might as well say something interesting with your outfit.

SA: Which trends are you ready to say goodbye to?

JO: The eighties–stepping into some stores is like entering a time capsule. Urban Outfitters I’m looking at you. I hope to never see another pair of ironically worn leg warmers again. Or those god-awful neon venetian blind sunglasses I see all the time now.

SA: What is your favorite Store Adore boutique?

JO: I love Kirna Zabete. No matter what you’re looking for you can always go there and find something impeccable that isn’t being worn by everyone else.

SA: Prove that you’re a shopping insider What’s your favorite “off-the-beaten path” shop in your city?

JO: I keep telling people to go to Matta in New York, and I’m not going to stop telling them. Its just a great little store–I love the textiles used on everything. I’ve found so many great little housewarming gifts there, it’s not even funny. Another store I’m really excited about is True Boutique, a great store with sizes from 00 to 16–a rarity in Manhattan boutique shopping–and an in-house tailor.

You’ve seen Sam’s orange bedroom and Jacob’s turquoise bedroom. This is the violet guest room (there’s a green one too, but let’s save that for another day). The ceiling is violet, and so are many of the accents. Yes, the quilt is pretty darn orange, but there actually is a lot of violet in it as well. Bet you’d like a pretty violet room. Scroll down to get the look.

The bed in my guest room is the Low Metal Headboard from West Elm. I think they’re being discontinued, because they’ve been on sale for a while now. The Alpine Bed, $599, from CB2, Crate & Barrel’s answer to the sleek and contemporary aesthetic, is also constructed of steel, though this one is powder-coated, available in gunmetal or a hi-gloss white. Plus, there’s a 8-inch deep integrated shelf along the top of the headboard, great for little clocks, lights, iPods, whatever. I love that!

The bright, patterned, reversible comforter in the guest room is from Anthropologie. Below are some very pretty violet sheets, shams and duvets, along with a couple of decorative pillows and a blanket.

The anthropomorphic designs in a soothing grey offer just a hint of violet on this Flow Duvet and Sham by Area, $59-$171, available at Design Public. C’est tres jolie. Pair it with Martin Lilac Sheeting by Unison, $142 for queen fitted and flat, available at Auto, a West Village boutique.

Decorate your newly purple place of passion with throw pillows of the same shade, by Walter Swoop, $180, at Design Public (left), and Cutwork Pillow, on sale for $38 at Calypso Home (middle). For a handmade touch, add a Rillis Quilt by Soof Designs. They are free stitched by Pakistani women and of heirloom quality. Available at Auto.

Each side of the bed in the violet guest room has a bedside table. One is acrylic, a bargain from Target. The other is a set from CB2 — Peekaboo Clear Nesting Tables, $199. If you have a loftier design sense and budget, consider this Marcel Breuer Bauhaus Sofa Table, on sale for $995, at Nova 68.

My guest room is a bit on the small side for such a chair, but what a chair this is. It’s the Panton Amoebe Chair, the ultimate ’70s era lounger, designed by Verner Panton and re-issued and produced by Vitra. Available at Hive Modern.

The curlicue light fixture with floral glass bulb covers that hangs from the violet beadboard ceiling was ordered from Neena’s Lighting in Boston. Check out this funky violet pendant, the Supernova Suspension Lamp, made in Italy by Foscarini, $2,031, from Hive Modern. It is constructed of a series of parallel disks and multicolored lacquered aluminum, and apparently it glows from every angle. A cost-conscious alternative is the versatile, but no less stunning, and instantly iconic Garland Light by Tord Boontje, $72, available at A+R.

Speaking of Tord Boontje, I hung his self-sticking, mirror-polished stainless steel Puddles Appliques on the wall, on either side of the bed, for decoration (left). I bought them at th4 innovative home furnishings boutique Koo de Kir in Boston, but they’re available online at Unica Home (a site I really must profile for Store Adore.) Other decorative options include Walter Butterfly Wall Applications, $64, which are especially cute for a little girl’s room. For a more mod approach, design a pattern with a set of nine Mirror Discs, $19.95, from CB2 (right).

If you’ve been reading “My Truro House” decor series, you’ll have figured out by now that every bedroom has rechargeable Candela/Candeloo lights. They are ingenious, practical and cute, and were designed by Vessel, a Boston-based company (and another store that needs a write up.) I’m also in love with the ceramic Egg Night Light, $135, available at Nova 68, though I’ve yet to purchase one.

Finally, don’t forget to provide a pretty carafe filled with filtered water for your guests. The Cristal Carafe, $60, available at Matter, comes with four plastic cups that stack neatly on top. If you’re in Boston, mid-century modern home furnishing shop Abodeon in Cambridge, also carries it.

I’m not sure why, but ever since I was in high school, I thought that when I was a “grown up” I’d have my own place and spend Sunday mornings drinking coffee, reading the New York Times and lounging in my uber chic pajama-robe combo. I’m not quite sure why, because the majority of my loungewear consists of old sorority tee shirts and gym shorts and, to be quite honest, I sleep in my underwear.

Still, something motivated me this weekend as I determinedly shopped for something, anything, to buy amidst the “last call” clearance racks of area boutiques. And, like the girls who come home with bags and shoes and random kitchenwares, (yes, I do that too) … I decided it was time.

I, McLean Robbins, would finally own adult lounge wear.

And thus, the quest began.

I can’t help but want this “Fishes” chemise ($42.99) by Scanty from the online compendium of all things under-related, Bare Necessities. It’s covered enough that I won’t feel awkward in front of my roommate, but whimsical enough to satisfy my childhood desire. Plus, it’s cotton. What’s up with these dry-clean only lounge wear fabrics I keep finding??

If there’s one thing I need to get a good night’s sleep, it’s complete darkness. But when blackout shades just can’t be found, I’d turn to this “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” eye mask from Figleaves.com ($33).

My boyfriend and I once stayed in a Kimpton hotel during a romantic weekend away. Not only was the boutique vibe totally up our alleys, but the hotel robes ($120 each) were utterly hilarious. I’ve been meaning to buy them for us ever since. Much better than monogrammed “his” and “hers,” no? (Also available in Giraffe print.)

Ever since buying this Lily Pulitzer number ($64) earlier this spring, I’ve practically lived in it… it’s cotton, oh-so-comfortable, and yet not so short that I’d feel weird wearing it around my family. (With the matching robe ($125), of course!). My little sister even got the towel wrap ($78) as a birthday gift… perfect for when she lives in her sorority house come fall. (Available at Tickled Pink in Bethesda.)

But of course, no outfit is complete without the perfect matching accessories: a coffee cup for morning and a relaxing candle for off-to-bed and post bubble bath dreaming. My mugs are pretty standard–-I don’t like things to match too much, so I collect oversized Starbucks mugs from every city I visit. My favorite says “Hawaii” and is emblazoned with pink orchids.

(Photo courtesy of Ebay.)

If I had my druthers, I’d grab one of these candles (my absolute favorites) in every scent from Candles off Main.

I burn this “Walk of Shame” candle in my bathroom as I shower each morning. I’m pretty much obsessed with the Scent of Scandal brand as a whole… they’re the perfect hostess gifts. At $15 each, the price point is right. Plus it’s soy, and the metal-free, all cotton wick not only burns for 30-35 hours, it’s good for the environment too!

This busy, burgeoning shopping scene has something for everyone: preppy basics at the new Erin Snow for sunning on the yacht, hot young designers at Norahs (where Store Adore Shoppers save 10 percent!) , Alissa Smith’s delicate hand-made frocks and a rainbow of Jack Rogers Navajo sandals at Jildor.

Get the complete Southampton shopping tour here!