The best local handicrafts and artisanal items, from our online worldwide Authentic Shopping Guide.
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Desserts
Head to Brown Betty Dessert Boutique for scrumptious cupcakes, red velvet with cream cheese icing, chocolate on yellow cake. “About $2.50 a piece but they’re sooooo worth it.”—Jenice Armstrong, columnist, Philadelphia Daily News. Bonbon of a bakeshop in Northern Liberties turns out its namesake apple treat, as well as dreamy cakes and pies. 1030 North Second Street; tel. +1 215 629 0999. www.brownbettydesserts.com
Handcrafted Designer Wares
Conspiracy Showroom is a co-op with more than 30 designers offering wares from handmade jewelry to silk-screened ensembles for lap dogs. “Lots of local independent designers, so you can’t help but come away with something unique.”—Kate Kilpatrick, senior arts and entertainment editor, Philadelphia Weekly. 910 North Second S.; tel. +1 215 925 2153. www.conspiracyshowroom.com
Local produce and baked goods
Reading Terminal Market is a Saturday morning ritual for a lot of Philadelphians. Stalls of locally grown produce run mainly by Amish merchants. “Buy fresh bread, fresh salmon and then go to Delilah’s, a soul-food stand that sells sweet potato pie, black-eyed peas, fried fish, and other down-home delicacies.”—Jenice Armstrong. 12th and Arch streets; tel. +1 215 922 2317. www.readingterminalmarket.org
Designer Originals
Visit Topstitch Boutique for sassy, one-of-a-kind originals, reconstructed garments, and signature feather earrings by three local designers. “The owners have a great sense of style, and a huge, friendly dog that roams the place.”—Alexis Simpson, education director, Philadelphia Improv Theater. 311 Market Street, second floor; tel. +1 215 238 8877. www.topstitchboutique.com
Custom Bags
“A go-to place for purses. You custom design your bag.”—Jenice Armstrong. At Viv Pickle Custom Handbags, patrons pick the fabrics, handles, and trims for purses, totes, and diaper bags, and backpacks and the Pickle people put them together, typically for less than $100. 21 North Third Street; tel. + 1 215 922 5904. www.vivpickle.com
