Of Course Philadelphia Has It's Own Sense of Style.

I was perusing Philly.com  this morning and came across this well-written, but not very interesting opinion piece by Temple University associate professor, Peshe C. Kuriloff. Kurlioff  is a "self-confessed Philadelphia fashionista."  I think the writer is trying to say, what many claim, that Philadelphia doesn't have it's own personal style. It's hard for us because we are in New York's shadow. Big news there.

The writer also adds that as Philadelphians, "We disdain snobbishness, and for the most part eschew brand names. Carrying a Louis Vuitton bag or wearing a Burberry plaid trench coat makes you stand out in Philadelphia, not fit in." And then goes on to say, the brands Philadelphians value most are their "sports teams and wearing Phillies, Eagles or Flyers jerseys is not only a pervasive style but also a mandatory expression of civic pride."

I disagree.

First of all - although juvenile -  sports jerseys can be very stylish.

But more importantly, just because Philadelphia's style is eclectic doesn't mean the city is lacking style. The great thing about Philly is that you do see people in Burberry trenches walking down the street next to folks who are wearing all black and are pierced. A name brand does not a style make. There are a bevy of boutiques - like Joan Shepp - and designers - especially Bela Shehu -  in Philadelphia that make the city a great place to shop, too. Just ask my colleague at the Daily News Big Rube, whose photo column street gazing focuses on Philadelphia Style.

There are well dressed people here in Philly - and a lot of them shop at Daffy's. Philly is fashionable we just need to internalize it. Period.

P.S. That July GQ article talked particularly about men and New York was pretty high up on that list, too.

What do you think? Is Philly stylish?