Tucked in the heart of Northern Liberties, Arcadia feels like a fashion oasis. Owner and Penn grad Ali McCloud stocks the eclectic boutique with trendy eco-friendly items. Favorites include the vintage and vegan women’s shoes selection, locally-made jewelry, reconstructed flannel blouses and purses made from recycled plastic bottles.
Like other boutiques, the store houses designer jeans, party dresses, tank tops, belts and more. Arcadia combines classic vintage items with new sustainable merchandise, making it easy to create outfits worth splurging on. With brands like Stuart and Brown, Kelly Lane, Rebe and Olsen Haus, being environmentally conscious can come with an expensive price tag (dresses start at $120). However, the real gems of Arcadia are its quirkier products and its great sales. Vintage Manolo Blahniks, lotions, water bottles, candles and stationery made from recycled materials will leave you with money to spare.
Only two years old, the bright and funky store has made a lot of noise in the neighborhood and has a large following of dedicated customers. The homey boutique doubles as a rotating art gallery promoting local artists through parties and publicity, and a bulletin board in the entrance boasts flyers for different events in Philadelphia. Local newspapers like Icon are strewn about the store, making Arcadia a true neighborhood destination.
The salespeople are warm and welcoming, eager to talk about the different goings-on of the store or to help you find that purse made from bamboo you didn’t know you needed. The in-house travel agent will even help customers book their own sustainable travel adventures.
Arcadia lets shoppers be environmentally conscious, while maintaining a Philly chic style. Plus, Arcadia’s website makes purchasing trendy green items from the comfort of your home fantastically convenient.
Arcadia
819 N. 2nd St.
(215) 667-8099
The Goods: Nature vs. Future, Matt and Nat, Preloved
The Bottom Line: Eco-chic looks for all occasions.
