A Fellas Style Guide to Philly

Sometimes riders embark on a spontaneous trip to explore America’s landscape. Other times, riders travel for a specific reason. And that reason is to go shopping.

While we’ve highlighted fashion bloggers in Amtrak cities in the past, we know shopping centric trips aren’t only for the ladies. The fellas like to scoop new gear too. That’s why we enlisted Philadelphia fashion, hospitality and lifestyle blogger, Ian Michael Crumm to give us the low down on where to go for a menswear shopping trip in his home base of Philadelphia.

Amtrak: How would you describe Philadelphia’s style and what makes it different from other fashion forward cities?
Ian Michael: Philadelphia is a city of neighborhoods. Every neighborhood commands a different style. For example, Rittenhouse Square is more upscale and chic, South Street, Fishtown, Midtown and Old City are more urban.  I like to incorporate my own personal style into the vibe of the neighborhood where I plan to be for the day.

Locals have the best recommendations. Tell us about a few shops in Philly that shoppers should definitely check out.
Men should definitely stop by Les Richards in The Shops at Liberty Place in Center City for formal wear. It’s located at 1625 Chestnut Street.  For casual wear stop by P’s & Q’s located at 820 South Street. The store has brands like American Trench, Naked and Famous, and Publish.

There’s a great shoe store at 25 South 19th Street called ToBox that has a wide selection of dress shoes and a few casual options. You can even design your own shoes with the store’s tablet app and have them delivered to you!

A few options for the ladies:  Bus Stop Boutique is great for shoes. Owner Elena Brennan recently launched her first shoe collaboration with All Black called BusStopX. There’s a great selection of women’s shoes and a cute selection for the fellas. The boutique is located at 727 South 4th Street. Knit Wit has a fabulous selection of knits and designer casual wear located at 1729 Chestnut Street. Right down the block is Joan Shepp, which has tons of high-end designer finds (think Lanvin and Rick Owens) located at 1811 Chestnut Street.

Is there a neighborhood or an area in Philadelphia that’s great for finding that one-of-a-kind item?
Travelers have to swing into Old City for the boutiques. From vintage finds to local designers to international brands such as Jonathan Adler, well merchandized stores are plentiful in Old City especially on 3rd street.

Do you have any tips for catching great budget-friendly shopping in friendly?
There’s a consignment chain called Greene Street (located at 700 South Street) that tends to have interesting finds from time to time. It’s very hit or miss, but worth a trip. However my absolute must go to is New York’s best kept secret turned Philadelphia’s best kept secret, Century 21 Department Stores. A wide selection of designer finds as great prices, the store even popped up with vintage Louis Vuitton, Hermes and Gucci recently. C21 is located at 821 Market Street.

Shopping, eating and drinking go hand in hand. What are a few of your favorite places you like go and recharge after a little shopping?
Oh there are so many options! I tend to stick around 13th street. Stephen Starr’s El Vez boasts great Mexican, Michael Schulson’s Sampan delivers Asian fusion to center city (the Pork Bow Buns are a must-try) and there’s even amazing Italian at Marcie Turney & Valerie Safran’s Little Nonna’s, which is in between 13th and 12th on Locust Street.

What else would you like our readers to know about planning a shopping trip to Philadelphia?
Pick a neighborhood and explore the shopping scene as well as the food! Philadelphia is very much a foodie city! If you’re going to be in Center City, be sure to swing by the Reading Terminal Market located at 12th and Filbert Streets. There are so many delicious eats at that Market – it’s a must-EAT!

Are you ready to plan your shopping spree to Philadelphia? Book early and you could save 25% on your trip.