Bellevue Salon and Spa
The last haircut I got was here at the Phoenix. The staff was incredibly friendly and I never behaved snooty at any moment- something my friends and I have noticed about certain upscale spas and salons in the Center City area. It is great to know that top quality service doesn't need to come with an attitude and sense of superiority. My stylist was fabulous, although I cannot recall her name and the shampoo/conditioner gals made me so incredibly relaxed while washing my hair which is probably the best part of getting a cut.
Philadelphia Flower Market
In a pinch en route to a dinner party and having missed my first train I was wandering around Suburban station and came across this flower shop which is a true diamond in the rough amid guady jewelery shops and fried chicken eateries. I picked up a lovely bouquet of sunflowers that the staff handpicked for me after inquiring what occasion I was looking for a bouquet for. Reasonably priced, this flower shop is a must for anyone seeking a quick gift or pick-me-up surprise for your loved one. They have a few plants, but not many.
Taws Presentation Plus
Without the ever affordable A.C.Moore within walking distance, I have had to find other means of gaining the supplies to express my creativity. Taws has a large selection of arts and crafts supplies, as well as staionary and they also offer framing services. They have gorgeous, chic paper stock for invitations and letters and other professional looking paper for resumes and busines related documents. They have a pretty big supply of paints, although I thought some of the name brand paints to be overpriced above regular value. However, they do offer a line of generic type paints. When I went I was in need of canvases and I found them to be slightly pricey as well.
International Salon
I have searched high and low for a moderately priced Brazillian waxing place here in Center City. My search was over when I was alerted to the International Salon. They women who work here are extremely friendly and you can get a wax for $35.00! The only downfall is that they do not take appointments so sometimes you may have to wait. I have found it best to try later in the day as opposed to lunchtime or weekends.
Campus Copy Ctr
I have visited this University City store nestled across from Penn's campus numerous times. They have several high tech machines that can copy rapidly. They also do brochure and invitation printing and have a wide array of stock and colored paper to choose from. They also have a mail center in the store which makes speedy copying and sending melded into one swift process. They also sell binded books for university classes here for the professors. The staff is also very great with tips and advice on how to copy what you need with the best possible paper.
Joseph's Tailor Shop
When the hem fell out of my only clean skirt suit and I had a meeting at 9:00AM the next morning. I rushed over to Josephs right before they were about to close and begged them to please repair my faulty hem. Despite closing, they agreed and I was so incredibly pleased with their willingness to serve me, if it ran over their store hours. I have had things tailored before at cleaners and they have been acceptable, but Joseph's did it with precision. I have always recommended this tailor to friends who have expensive clothes and want the utmost care to be taken with them.
Lagos-The Store
I love looking longingly at the displays in the window that are promptly removed when the store closes- they always have lovely pendants with simple precious gemstones. I have only actually entered this store once and I have a feeling the clientle that shops in here usually spends big money on the gorgeous jewelery. They have designer collections, vibrant gemstones and metals that have a truly unique look. If you are looking for a gift that is hands-down the most exquisite- check out Lagos.
Brandis World
When I still drove I visited Brandi's after seeing a client on Lancaster Avenue. My breath was taken away by the lovely display. I abosolutely adore tropical flowers and arrangements and Brandi's had an overabundance of these. They also had lovely gifts- which although slightly pricey- were not the corny, sentimental selection I was use to from local shops. They had tasteful stuffed animals and cute balloons which were not overpriced I am happy to say. So I was able to get a gorgeous bouquet of tropical flowers, as well as a few balloons for a birthday party.
Cleaner's 21
Because I am short, I always have a number of dress pants that need hemming. I was reluctant about trying a new tailor, as I had just found one by my place of employment that was convenient and inexpensive. I was very pleased by Cleaner's 21's hemming techniques. I even took a dress that I needed taken in to them and after a little bit of over-explaining, the woman working there understood what I wanted and I was pleased. However, I had a few shirts cleaned there and although they looked good though the plastic- when I took them out, they were wrinkled at the bottom.
Philadelphia Museum
The Art Museum steps are the setting for the famous Rocky run - marked by a statue on the actual museum steps that many of my visitors have loved to take photographs with. This Museum is world class and is a definite must for any art lover of any age. Their Salvador Dali exhibit was by far my favorite. The best thing about the museum is that every Sunday it is free admission- or pay what you can. I usually give a small donation when I do the Sunday visit because it can get a bit crowded. It is a building of amazing architecture and just as lovely inside.
