New Hope’s West Bridge Street gaining momentum as fashion center

Shopping | By Charlie Sahner 

 

In modern times, anchor fashionistas Savioni at West Bridge and South Main streets have dominated for years, opposite Love Saves the Day, known for its vintage clothing section. Then came the trendy Bliss jewelry/accessory emporium up the hill on West Bridge Street, followed sometime later by Angel Hearts and its take on high-end classic ladies’ wear at No. 12.

Now, another shop is on the way for women with room in their closet and cash to burn: The Sharon C. Boutique at 6 W. Bridge St., former home to sex store Sweet Escape.

Sharon C. bills itself as a formal boutique, with a half-finished front window exploding with sequins, and a phone call to the owner yielding a flustered associate at the Bag Ladies on South Main Street. Opening date is uncertain, but movement is apparent.

And word on the street is that the former Burch & Jones Jewelers location around the corner at 9 N. Main St. will also soon go the way of women’s wear and accessories.

All of which seems promising, as vacancies get filled with related but distinct variations on women’s wear, and New Hope potentially gains its own “fashion avenue.”

9 N. Main St. in New Hope

 
Bliss

My My boutique hits New Hope

My My, what a funky boutique in New Hope (photo: Charlie Sahner)

By Charlie Sahner

Maureen Ferguson has moved her retail showcase of independent artists, crafters, and vintage clothing from Doylestown to New Hope, and West Ferry Street may never be the same.

In fact, the retail-challenged street once known as "Antiques Row" has shown signs of life lately, not only with the opening of My My, but also the advent of Little Barn Antiques next door and the expansion of Sally Goodman Antiques further up the hill.

Ferguson seems charming, intelligent and understated, as are her offerings. She believes that her tagline speaks for itself: "handmade. vintage. awesome."

Prices start at around $6 for a bar of handmade soap. Of note were the vintage fabrics, radio collection, and newsprint flower sculptures. The space is airy and inviting.

My My is located at 15 W. Ferry St.; 215-693-1318.

Scenes with Gene Ween at New Hope's God Save the Qweens

By Charlie Sahner

We spent some video time with co-founder and lead vocalist Gene Ween (a.k.a. Aaron Freeman) of alternative rock band Ween at their New Hope headquarters, God Save the Qweens, 13. W. Mechanic St.

Features acoustic version of Birthday Boy.

A good time was had by all!

Friendly Mohan from House of India in New Hope PA tries to sell me a dress...I love this guy!

Edgy New Hope PA Clothing Store Thirteen Celebrates Fifth Anniversary

By Molly Sahner

Owners Dave and Kevin provide a unique boutique experience in their tiny bohemian shop, located at 11A West Mechanic Street in downtown New Hope PA.

I walked in to find them serving hot cider to customers on a dreary Saturday afternoon. They were busy finding the most flattering size for a customer in the dressing room, followed by an alternate style. It's much like getting dressed to hit the town in your best friend's closet, with that invaluable second opinion -- honest, but kind. Their eyes light up when the right outfit has been found and the approval is contagious among other customers in the shop. "Oh yes! That's it" everyone agrees.

But the pair offer not only fashion advice, but also an eclectic, moderately priced collection of 70s and 80s inspired hats, sunglasses, rock n' roll tees, belts and earrings hanging from every conceivable spot. Vintage toys, lunchboxes, action figures, and kitschy gifts fill every other available cranny. Co-owner Kevin handcrafts a line of headbands and hair fasteners combining colorful flowers and feathers with miniature skulls -- a la the Mexican Day Of the Dead.

Small wonder Thirteen has survived and thrived these past five years. It has a trendy but friendly boutique feel with an eclectic fashion mix -- fabulous dresses and accessories for an evening out, funky knit hats in every color of the rainbow, cute animal-inspired knit head wear and gloves, and usually an Alf or Pee Wee Herman doll peering out from the depths of the store.

Thirteen is located at 11A West Mechanic Street, New Hope PA; phone 267-266-9737 or visit www.thirteenvintage.com.

Thirteen. Another New Hope original.

Superkind Woman and Parrot on West Mechanic Street, New Hope PA