eBay Mobile Boutique: Philadelphia Street Style

By The Inside Source
November 13, 2009

The eBay mobile boutique is stopping in the City of Brotherly Love on November 15^th and 16^th, so why not hit the streets of Philadelphia looking like a local? From the classically elegant patrician looks beloved by the blue-blooded horsey set to the funky urban garb favored by the Center City crowd, Philadelphia’s style runs the sartorial gambit.

But there are a few common threads this season: denim is an absolute fave, with the girls citing dark skinny jeans as their ultimate go-to wardrobe staple. Some pair their denim with flowy boho shirts, while others button themselves up with trim little blazers and tailored shirts. Guys are showing their individuality through a heavy reliance on accessories, with aviator-style glasses still reigning supreme, and sneakers of all patterns and colors coming in a close second. Here, we’ve brought you a few fashion-forward citizens—find out what the city’s style means to them.

PS. Click here for more information on the eBay mobile boutique.

Joe Petrusky, strength and conditioning coach, 29

Where: On his way to meet with a client about nutritional planning.

Favorite Thing He’s Wearing: “I like this vintage blue oxford and wool skinny tie by J. Crew, but the hoodie and khakis by RVCA really make the look. RVCA is so cool because it’s made for surfers and skaters, but it’s also great streetwear. It’s more of a West Coast type of thing, so you don’t see a lot of people wearing it in Philly.”

Style: “It totally depends on my mood. Right now it’s about being classic with a trendy urban feel.”

Current Obsession: “I’m obsessed with sneakers. I just got 10 new pairs. I like low-, mid- and high-tops in every color like green, red and blue. They’ve got to fit my personality. It’s all about having sneakers that no one else has.”

Holiday Wish List: “A tan, cashmere, hooded ski jacket by Bogner.”

Jen Abrams, lifestyle consultant, 35

Where: In Fitler Square on her way to perform a closet consultation for a client.

What She’s Wearing: “This outfit totally personifies my classic style: Michael Kors riding boots, Hudson jeans, Theory shirt, Ralph Lauren jacket and Hammitt bag. I like timeless clothes and accessories that will never go out of style.”

Style Secret: “I’m all about finding unique vintage pieces. Recently, I scored an impossible-to-find blue satchel Fendi bag from the ’70s, a Gucci belt from the ’60s and a pair of dainty pink Prada shoes—they’re sweet and feminine.”

What She Covets: “I’m dying for a crocodile Ricky bag by Ralph Lauren. It’s the kind of bag you can just as easily wear with jeans as with a black cashmere dress. But it’s $17,000, so that’s a big wish! More realistically, I’m hoping to get a pair of Jimmy Choo croc wellies.”

Shaina Robinson, graphic designer, music maker and hostess at Amada, 21

Where: About to enter a launch party for the special-edition Puma/Philadelphia Eagles sneaker.

What She’s Wearing: “My boots and silk secretary skirt are from Urban Outfitters; the sparkle tights are from American Apparel; the dress, scarf and hat are H&M and the jacket is Arden B.”

Why She’s Unique: “I like to be really bright and I like mixing patterns and colors. I’m kinda crazy when it comes to how bright I can go. I like to go brighter than most people probably ever would.

Best Trend of the Season: “Over-the-knee boots. It’s imperative that I get them. They look good with so many things and you can wear them with matte lame liquid leggings and a soft cozy sweater. Yum.”

Style Inspiration: “Rihanna. I feel like everything she puts on she stole out of my closet!”

Anita Ligambi, realtor for Prudential Fox Roach, 36

Where: Window-shopping on Walnut Street and Rittenhouse Row with her husband and two-year-old son.

What She’s Wearing: “I broke out the cowboy boots, which I haven’t worn in a long while, and a casual comfortable blazer for a nice walk in the city.”

Style Evolution: “I’m a mom now, so I like to keep it comfortable and stylish at the same time. I’ve given up my devotion to high heels and have bought a lot of flats.”

Wish List: “I can always use another pair of Uggs—they’re just too perfect for supermarket runs. That and a trendy leather biker jacket.”

Philly’s Best Shopping Secret: Passyunk Avenue in South Philly is becoming a great place to shop, with tons of eclectic boutiques and restaurants. It’s totally turning around.”

Shane Dodd, musician and bartender, 38

Where: On his way to work.

Style Ideology: “I’m obsessed with buying expensive clothes very cheaply. I won’t buy anything unless it’s at least 60 percent off. I’m all about the coupons, the store cards and the discounts.”

His Look: “I have a very specific style. There are only certain things that look good on me, so if you look in my closet, most of the things look the same as what I have on now. It’s almost like a uniform.”

Where He Shops: “Kenneth Cole and Macy’s. They have the best deals around.”

What He Can’t Live Without: “A tailored pinstripe jacket that I can wear with anything, and a nice pair of big and chunky military-style winter boots.”

Roland Kassis, real estate developer, 39

Where: Taking his dogs out for a walk through Center City.

Style: “I create my own style. I just buy things I like and put them together later on. It also depends on where I’m going. I have my casual clothes and my meeting clothes.”

Must-Have Items: “I’m obsessed with glasses, like these Cartiers I have on now. And a really well-made and tailored suit.”

Holiday Wish List: “I don’t need anyone to buy me anything. Whatever I want, I buy myself. It’s Christmas for me everyday.”

Favorite Designers: “Hugo Boss, Paul Smith, Puma, Lacoste.”

Elizabeth Moore, student, 22

Where: Hanging out with friends in Rittenhouse Square.

Style: “I like being laid-back, chill and very comfortable—like this Virgo jumpsuit I have on now. I love how comfy sweats can be.”

Style Icon: “Keira Knightly, because she’s so thin and everything she puts on looks so good on her. She’s like a mannequin.”

Can’t Live Without Item: “Jeans, definitely. I really am only brand conscious when it comes to jeans. I like Sevens and True Religions.”

Hottest Trend: “I love the spandex look. Right now, dark spandex jeans with a loose, light-colored shirt is so cool.”

Best Place for People Watching: “South Street. There are just so many cultures in that area of Philly, and the people there really express themselves by what they wear.”

Marni Prichard Manko is a Philadelphia-based magazine editor who has helmed myriad regional publications, such as Philadelphia Style, MAINLINE and BUCKS magazines.

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