For Little Fashionistas
Looking for fashion-forward gifts for loved ones? The Main Line Co-Op Pop-Up Shop in Wayne has jewelry, clothing, accessories and artwork from several of the region’s best boutiques, including 12 West, Chilcote & Richards, Bowerbird Garden and the Blue Béret. “We opened in May as a three-week pop-up, but we did so well that we’re staying through the holiday season,” says Melissa Sinni, owner of the Blue Béret, which specializes in upscale children’s clothing and toys.
Sinni’s hot picks for kids include Dinkum Dolls created by eco-friendly company Olli Ella, and Glitter Dough made with organic ingredients by Norristown-based Land of Dough. Britain’s Prince George has been spotted wearing Petite Plume Christmas pajamas. The Blue Béret has an selection of twhese in burgundy, hunter green and plaids.
122 E. Lancaster Ave., Wayne
The Wild Side
In the heart of historic Kennett Square’s shopping district, Heather Vinton Robitzer’s No. 109 offers a curated selection of gorgeous apparel, shoes and accessories. “This season’s must-haves are animal print and camo,” the owner says.
One of Robitzer’s favorites is a leopard- print long-sleeve boyfriend cardigan by Rails. Her advice: Wear it casually with jeans and a T-shirt or dressed up with faux leather leggings and a sleeveless blouse. While there, snag a pair of Band Of Gypsies’ ankle booties or Golden Goose sneakers.
109 W. State St., Kennett Square, (610) 925-0109
Red leopard is another must-have print for winter and West Chester’s Tish Boutique has great options, like a Zadig & Voltaire’s blouse. Pair it with cropped pants and heels for a great look suited to the office or a holiday party. Bonus: Shop stylists can help you curate the perfect look. “We can help dress you from daytime to work to evening,” says owner Ashley Tischler Darlington.
138 E. Gay St., West Chester, (610) 692-7500
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Domestic Bliss
For housewares and hostess gifts, head to Trace, Ardmore’s newest art gallery and gift shop. It’s filled with artwork from a rotating roster of local artists like Philadelphia’s Jean Mason, a Lily Pulitzer textile designer. Display cases hold MoMA-worthy housewares, many of them from Europe.
“We love hunting for unique art, home décor and jewelry that will be treasured,” says owner Marny Baxt. “It’s my hope that Trace acts as a conduit to help the Main Line learn about and support new and emerging artists.”
Among them are Italy’s Carlo Contin, who designed a serving bowl made of lacquered wooden spikes. Splatter-painted serving platters and pinch pots were handmade in Spain, while a Mondri flower vase was inspired by the Netherlands’ De Stijl art movement.
80 Rittenhouse Place, Ardmore​ (484) 413-2793
Photo Courtesy of Trace.
Fashion Forward
Main Line Pop-Up’s neighbor, Christine Shirley, carries jewelry, candles and home décor made by local artisans, but the true must-haves are apparel and accessories created by the shop’s owner, fashion designer Paige Sullivan. She honed her style at Anthropologie and now creates couture and ready-to-wear pieces for Main Line mavens. “Try one of our cozy faux-fur neck wraps or a couture crossbody bag with mixed media fabric,” says Sullivan.
And Christine Shirley’s fashion design camps make perfect experiential gifts.
104 E. Lancaster Ave., Wayne (610) 999-1090
In the Bag
Trendy picks share space with traditional looks at Newtown Square’s Stile by Per Lei and its parent boutique, Per Lei in Media. Find a “beautiful mix of trusted classics and emerging labels,” says owner Candice Caprice. Vegan leather totes make great gifts for eco-minded women. Belt bags are another fun choice.
Per Lei Boutique, 2 E. State St., Media, (610) 566-1254
Stile by Per Lei, 3555 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, (610) 356-3635.
Style savvy backpacks are all the rage, especially among on-the-go moms. BSWANKY’s backpacks, created by Radnor native Gretchen Bauer, are emerging as a Main Line must-have. “Everyone from classmates to former design clients to former Radnor teachers have purchased BSWANKY bags,” Bauer reports.
Manufactured in Bauer’s Florida studio, BSWANKY is sold online, at ViVi G. Shoes in Wayne and Rick’s Heritage Saddlery in West Chester. Thanks to clasps and grommets, the backpacks easily convert to totes. BSWANKY comes in fun colors and patterns, including silver skulls with copper metallic alligator, blond almond leather, and ostrich leather with python sourced from the Florida Everglades.
