After Art in the Age, I went a couple doors down to Sugarcube. Another gem, though different in character. This shop on North 3rd offers a selection of contemporary indie designers and affordable vintage wear for men and women. In other words, Sugarcube is my happy place!!
Owner and longtime Philly res Elisa Buratto could not have been cooler. And she has an eye for the goods. I immediately fell in love with the graphic black and white long cardi by Left on Houston in the window. There were some fierce coats from Danish brand Gestuz, flattering holiday dresses by Tracy Reese, and ridonkulously cool round Spitfire sunnies (hello $41.00!).
The menswear was top-notch, too. So where is the brotherly love?! Every dude in Philly should be shopping here! Levi’s Vintage Clothing, J.W. Hulme Co., Dunderdon…the list goes on. Buratto and I had an interesting convo about Pendleton, the centuries-old American heritage, Native American-inspired brand that’s blown up so big, their reps aren’t even sure how to make sense of it. Opening Ceremony created a mad cool collection with them…that rang in at $1000 for a jacket. Cray cray. And then of course Urban Outfitters copped their game. I think the look will hit mass mainstream by summer, but how this will ultimately affect the old school company remains to be seen. It may simply be a look of the moment. But the Pendleton phenomenon is an intriguing glimpse at the cultural zeitgeist for sure.
But enough about that. Get thee to Sugarcube if you’re in town! I was browsing their goods for over 2 hours. Their vintage hits the sweet spot: unique, great condition, priced to move. I settled on an unusual plaid poncho featuring a slight collar – literally wore it out of the store.
Sugarcube exterior photo via Flickr/stellabella
