The ballots poured in and the readers have selected their favorites in 40 categories ranging from wings to cannolis and from happy hour to tradition. The votes have been tallied, so here are the best of South Philly in 2011:
Alexis Allegretto, owner of Fashionably Ever After, helps 23-month-old Vienna Nicodemo try on a pair of shoes.
In September 2009, Alexis Fiordimondo Allegretto opened a boutique at 2403 S. Broad St., and, in less than two years, Fashionably Ever After, moved up to become the best shop for kids’ clothing.
The former pharmaceutical sales representative always had a dream of one day owning and operating her own business. It was just a matter of taking that leap of faith. After noticing the number of charming boutiques popping up in New Jersey, the fashion aficionado wanted to bring a similar concept closer to home.
“They were more fashion-forward and we needed that in our community,” she said.
In April ’09, she did just that. A little behind on purchasing for the next season, she hustled to finish the paperwork, scoped out locations and had a designer draft the store’s layout all with the intent of opening at the start of one of retail’s busiest seasons — back to school.
With a “good mix of traditional and trendy,” Allegretto said of her pint-sized boutique that has something for everyone. Carrying some of fashion’s most recognizable brands and styles for each upcoming season and with a plethora of little girl options, the shop even uniquely caters to boys.
As the only authorized retailer of Ugg boots in South Philadelphia, the owner prides herself in supplying a variety while also presenting a friendly store with welcoming “face out” displays. This vast selection has made the store a one-stop shop for customers.
“We can dress a child from head to toe,” she said. “It’s simple shopping for people and for moms that are busy.”
Allegretto travels up to New York four times a year to attend trade shows and purchase new product to help the chic shop stand out among its clients.
“We have a unique mix and we carved out our own niche,” Allegretto, a La Salle University graduate, said. “I’m excited and flattered that the customers like us.”
Little Beth Boutique took home second while A Star Is Born grabbed third.
Specialized age-appropriate centers where children learn to explore their surroundings in an interactive and creative environment describes Alphabet Academy’s four sites that span about a three-block radius along East Passyunk Avenue.
Since opening in 1998, owner and operator Roe Gallo and her 40-person staff have been dedicated to providing hands on attention and education in a variety of settings earning it the top spot for day care. Each classroom comes equipped with a teacher and several aides.
The Alphabet Station, 1510 E. Passyunk, separated into several classrooms caters to infants, toddlers and preschool age children providing them with the opportunity to learn about the solar system. Stepping into forest- and safari-infused atmosphere at The Treehouse, 1506 E. Passyunk, the older preschool and prekindergarten children enjoy loads of adventure while improving motor functions at the same time.
While these rooms help infants and toddlers strengthen their developmental skills, the enhanced curriculum at Alphabet Garden, 1631 E. Passyunk, filled with computers, focuses on preparing older children for their move into kindergarten.
The Aquarium, 1720 E. Passyunk Avenue, presents a final option for parents who would rather have their child remain in the same location during their time at Alphabet Academy.
“Parents know their kids are in good hands and will be prepared to go into kindergarten,” Gallo said.
Open 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, the overall instruction at all sites concentrates on aiding children’s mental, physical, emotional and social abilities mainly through play. Gallo, who worked in a day care setting since she was a teenager, stresses the importance of maintaining constant communication with parents on a daily basis begets success. The child care center distributes a monthly calendar and newsletter to keep parents up-to-date.
The ballots poured in and the readers have selected their favorites in 40 categories ranging from wings to cannolis and from happy hour to tradition. The votes have been tallied, so here are the best of South Philly in 2011:
The ballots poured in and the readers have selected their favorites in 40 categories ranging from wings to cannolis and from happy hour to tradition. The votes have been tallied, so here are the best of South Philly in 2011:
The ballots poured in and the readers have selected their favorites in 40 categories ranging from wings to cannolis and from happy hour to tradition. The votes have been tallied, so here are the best of South Philly in 2011:
The ballots poured in and the readers have selected their favorites in 40 categories ranging from wings to cannolis and from happy hour to tradition. The votes have been tallied, so here are the best of South Philly in 2011:
The ballots poured in and the readers have selected their favorites in 40 categories ranging from wings to cannolis and from happy hour to tradition. The votes have been tallied, so here are the best of South Philly in 2011:
Article:
65th Anniversary Issue: The time machine
Article:
The Pre-1900s
Article:
The 1900s
Article:
The 1910s
Article:
The 1920s
Article:
The 1930s
Article:
The 1940s
Article:
The 1950s and '60s
Share this Story: