MANAYUNK

By Caitlin Maloney

Photography by Alexa Nahas Photography

Threads on Main hasn’t even been open for a full year, but local ladies are already falling in love with their threads, which is why it’s no surprise the women’s apparel store won Best Place To Shop - For Her in this year’s Best of Manayunk competition.

It was a little over a year ago when owner Anna Purcell, who was living in Manayunk at the time, was getting her nails done with a friend at Christie’s Nail Salon on Main Street. Anna overheard Brandy, owner of The Little Apple, talking about her plan to move her store a few doors down into a building she was purchasing. Anna chimed in, asking Brandy about the soon-to-be open space and telling her about her desire to open a women's clothing boutique. With encouragement from Brandy, Anna called the landlord the next day and a month later, in January 2016, Anna had signed the lease. That summer, she opened her doors in the old location of The Little Apple at 4353 Main Street.

Before opening the boutique, Anna had experience working in the fashion industry after graduating from St. Joseph's University. She worked as a clothing representative, did public relations for a designer, and managed another boutique. She quickly realized that the 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. life was not for her, and that she had energy for something other than sitting behind a computer all day.

In the meantime, she fueled her creativity by starting a blog, “Thoughts on Threads,” which focused on finding quality fashion pieces and affordable trends on a post-graduate budget. As for the name, it has more meaning to Anna than just clothing. As most college graduates struggle with, Anna felt like she wasn’t finding her place and, as she described it, she felt like she was “hanging by a thread.”

So when it came to the store, Anna wanted to keep with the “threads” theme and named her store Threads on Main, with the idea that she could change the “on Main” piece to other locations if she were to ever expand.

When it came time to buy inventory, Anna wanted to focus on the store being a one-stop shop with pieces to fill a woman’s entire wardrobe—from great denim and classic white t-shirts to party dresses and cashmere sweaters.

“I really want every woman to come in and get a great piece to add to their wardrobe, and feel really comfortable and confident,” she said.

Anna also looks for modern, but timeless pieces and focuses on what women are wearing now.

“I don’t want someone to feel like they bought something they will never wear again,” she said. “When I buy, I look for timeless pieces mixed with indulging in seasonal trends.”

Offering pieces in a variety of price points is also something important to Anna, but she stresses that quality over quantity is how to grow a strong wardrobe that will last.

“Maybe you will spend more on a high quality piece of cashmere or a really great black dress, but those pieces will last years,” she said. “If you go out of your comfort zone price wise and it’s a splurge, make sure it’s in black and in a simple silhouette so it can be timeless.”

Some of the key brands she carries are DL 1961, Hudson and AG jeans, Splendid, Michael Stars, Parker NY, Pam and Gela, and Alo Yoga. For spring, she's bringing in Zadig and Voltaire, a line for the person who understands fashion and wants an edge.

Speaking of spring, Anna said uneven hems and fringe will be huge for Spring 2017. Designers are going back to the 80’s and early 90’s with high-waisted and cropped flares, and are featuring tops with cold shoulders, ruffles and embroidery.

“Spring is such a great time in Manayunk, so I can’t wait for the transition on the street and to transition the store,” Anna said.

Because Main Street is a destination, Anna said she gets customers from all over. Connecting with them and finding them the perfect pair of jeans or styling them from head to toe is what fuels her.

Check out their online collection here.