Joan Shepp

I enjoy looking at imaginative, oh-wait-slow-down window displays, but they’re in short supply in metal gate-obsessed Philadelphia.  However, one store’s window is always cool – Joan Shepp.  This high end boutique near Rittenhouse Square carries the best designers: Balenciaga, Chloe, Ann Demeulemeester, Christian Louboutin, Yohji Yamamoto, as well as hot new labels like Elizabeth and James and Opening Ceremony, among others.  I’ve traditionally admired this boutique only from the outside—it’s a bit too rich for my slim wallet.

So imagine my surprise when a friend and I stopped at Joan’s window one evening and I spotted this gorgeous Beracamy Paris bag at 50% off!  Half-price made it affordable!  Other bags available at the store include a leather backpack by Johnny Frank ($1,245), leather tote from Ann Demeulemeester ($2,216), and one of the store’s favorites, a large leather tote from Givenchy ($1,660).  Half-price for these items for most of us still means choosing between groceries for a few weeks or the admiration of other fashionistas.

The next day I stopped in to confirm the discounted price.  I still doubted that the marked down price ($200) was correct—it’s a steal for high quality leather.  Well, the price was correct so I bought the bag.  The afro puff-soft leather is a dark camel color.  The spacious interior is fully lined with pockets for my cell phone, mp3 music player and keys.  I’m in love!

Here’s what else I loved--the staff at Joan Shepp is helpful, patient and friendly to everyone who comes in.  They don’t annoy shoppers by helicoptering, but you don’t have to wander far to find someone to answer questions, offer advice or search for a smaller size.  A wonderful sales consultant, Yoko Arayama, assisted me.  She was pleasant and accommodating.  While I waited to make my purchase we struck up a conversation about buying quality items.  She advised me that all merchandise at Joan Shepp is not out of reach, and to consider revisiting the store. 

Usually I walk out of a store relieved that I don’t work there.  I get an attitude brought on by stalled lines, self-absorbed clerks chatting among themselves instead of waiting on customers, loud music.  My experience at Joan Shepp was classy and civilized.  The courtesy Ms. Arayama showed was mirrored by all of the boutique staff.

Everyday courtesy is in short supply right now—it’s 95 degrees and everyone is in meltdown mode.  But you know what?  I’ll save up and treat myself to another visit to Joan Shepp (when they're having a sale).