Five Cool Places to Shop ‘Till You Drop

by Carrie Havranek

Yeah, I just used a stupid cliché, but I got your attention, didn’t I?

This week’s installment of “Five Cool Places” looks at five businesses that you might want to consider if you’re looking for something a little outside the box to prepare your wardrobe and your home for the change of season and the start of the school year. I know that the stores tell you in early August that you have to start shopping for “back to school” things, but it’s hard to think about that when the temperatures are sweltering.

Oh, and please note: I should make a disclaimer about the order of my list, which in no way reflects my preferences. It’s simply alphabetical.

La Belle Cuisine, Emmaus. Remember when small towns used to have kitchenware shops? That’s La Belle Cuisine.  You’ll find Le Creuset (worth the splurge for fall stew, soup and chili), specialty baking pans, kitchen electrics and tools, cutlery, and more. Oh, and personal service—something that seems to be long gone these days when you shop.

The London Shop, Easton. It’s a 70-year-old downtown mainstay for the well-dressed gentleman, but don’t let its age fool you. The London Shop is full of classic pieces that are always in style from quality designers and materials (Burberry, Cole-Haan, Bill’s Khakis, etc.) One item from the London Shop, whether that means a trim sweater vest or great looking chapeau, will likely last you three times as long as a cheaper item of the same.

Milk and Honey, Bethlehem. Spotting a paucity of retailers for thoughtful, cute children’s clothing, thoughtful toys and sweet baby clothes, this new-ish shop recently opened in the former location of Chickadee’s off 512, near Panera. Brands such as Melissa and Doug, Skip Hop, and Tea Collection.

Sage, Saucon Valley. Yes, it used to be in Allentown, but Sage calls the Promenade Shops home. The shop sells designer duds for discriminating women. You’ll find the clean lines of Nicole Miller, trendy Seven for All Mankind jeans, and boho-chic Free People in terms of clothing, and brands such as Dansko, UGG, Jambu and Wolky for your feet.

Shuze, Bethlehem. This shoe shop, now with locations in both SouthSide Bethlehem and Main Street, humorously calls itself “the sole of Bethlehem.” They sell stuff that’s hard to find elsewhere: Hunter Boots, Not Your Daughter’s Jeans, and Fergie, just to name a few. Accessories—scarves, purses, bags—are also for sale here, in a unique array of choices, colors, and styles.

Where do you like to go that’s local and independently owned? We want to know!

Carrie Havranek is a writer in Easton who desperately needs to go shopping and desperately needs to hit the lottery in order to do so.

Other posts you should check out:

• Five Cool Ways to Break Your Kids’ Cabin Fever

• The Lehigh Valley Has a New Outlet for Shopping at the Sands

• Pop Goes the Kitchen: Chef Jason Hook Test the Waters at H2O Kitchen @ the Powder Valley Inn

• Put Your Mouth Where the Money Was: Eat at The Mint in Bethlehem

• Five Cool Places to Recycle

• Five Cool Places for a Slice of Pizza