In this column’s past, Critical Mass immersed itself in one neighborhood each week and found its most stylish inhabitants. We’re switching things up. Now, this will be a space for us to find fashionable folk all across the city. But we’re still keeping the hood theme — kinda, sorta — by asking our subjects where they’re from and therefore trying to glean which trends are specific to which neighborhoods.

Photos | Nicole Saylor

I’m likin’ those love eyes, playa.

Both from South Philly, Nashia T. (33) and Dustin K. (27) mostly shop at the Old City boutique Lost+Found. She also recommends Etsy for good finds, though she doesn’t always stick with handmade goods and vintage. “I do shop at Urban,” says Nashia. “I am guilty of that.” He’s honest, too. “She bought my this shirt,” says Dustin.

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Every Wednesday, Critical Mass pops into a neighborhood and finds its most stylish residents.

This week I traveled south of South Street and checked out shops around Bainbridge and Fabric Row. With unique stores and treasure troves like Passional and Philly AIDS Thrift, I hoped to find more fearless fashion mavens. Many of these Queen Village dwellers looked to their favorite thrift store, Philly AIDS, for clothing. Others constructed their own pieces, like Najee G., who customizes pieces with paint, and Virginia H., who designs her own historically inspired pieces. Sadly, Virginia wasn’t rocking her usual skirts and bloomers because she just came from a job interview, but she and her friend Miriam L. showed off chic all-black ensembles accessorized with funky bags.

Virginia H., 20, from Northeast Philly, and Miriam L., 18, from the South Street area:

Photos | Nicole Saylor

Victoria S., 16, from Mount Airy:

This student found her peacock feather dress at Forever 21, and paired it with a great pair of ballet flats with zipper detail from DSW.

Photos | Nicole Saylor

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Every Wednesday, Critical Mass pops into a neighborhood and finds its most stylish residents.

This week I moseyed around Chestnut and Walnut streets in Center City West. Stores like Buffalo Exchange and Urban Outfitters were havens for effortless weekend style, where equestrian-inspired boots remained a constant among the women, who paired them with tights and a dress or tucked-in denim.

Natasha P., 17, student

Favorite Places to Shop: “Urban Outfitters and H&M.”

Nicole Saylor

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Every Wednesday, Critical Mass pops into a neighborhood and finds its most stylish residents.

This week I took a stroll down to the Piazza to explore this favorite Northern Liberties hangout. I didn’t bump into Tony Danza, but I did find a few great examples of NoLibs style. Tights, sweaters and tough-girl boots were definite wardrobe staples. This first chic lady donned a gold off-the-shoulder sweater with opaque black tights and suede pumps.

Gabriella H., 19, student
Personal Style: “Comfortable but chic.”

Nicole Saylor

Olivia L., 29, candle-maker
Favorite Philly Store: “Anthropologie.”

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Photos | Josh Middleton and Scott Yorko

Every Wednesday, Critical Mass pops into a neighborhood and finds its most stylish residents.

This week, we explored Center City’s Chinatown, that world within another world just a few blocks away from Critical Mass headquarters. Edgy asymmetrical hairdos, pashmina shawls and high-top boots over skinny jeans were all the rage. And while the language barrier was sometimes hard to maneuver, the residents’ classy styles read loud and clear. Lucy C. was our first catch, and boy do we wish she would’ve kept that precious parasol over her head for a second longer … before we could ask her any questions, a bird crapped on her head.

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Every Wednesday, Critical Mass pops into a neighborhood and finds its most stylish residents.

This week I took a step out into City Paper’s backyard, between Second and Third and Market and Chestnut streets, in search of fashionable Philadelphians. As the temperature dropped, I found these Old City dwellers accessorizing with colorful scarves, tights and hats. This first stylish dude, David B., made his own jewelry with recycled forks and a finger cymbal called a “zill.”

David B., 37, artist/musician

Favorite Way to Accessorize: “Jewelry made from recycled items such as forks and finger cymbals.”

Photo | Nicole Saylor

Angela O., 22, student

Favorite Brands: “Urban Renewal and Steve Madden.”

Photo | Nicole Saylor

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Every Wednesday, Critical Mass pops into a neighborhood and finds its most stylish residents.

I went in search of vintage finds on South Street this week — but instead of a new dress, I discovered lots of cute South Philly dwellers. Unfortunately, all the punks were camera-shy, but I did encounter a few fellow vintage fans. First up is Tiara G., who’s snagged herself a classy gray pea coat that’s just the right length for autumn.

Tiara G., 19, student
Personal style: “Comfy yet different.”

Nicole Saylor

Alexis D., 20, sales associate
Fashion philosophy: “I don’t spend money on clothes. I get everything from hand-me-downs and thrift stores.”

Nicole Saylor

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Every Wednesday, Critical Mass pops into a neighborhood and finds its most stylish residents.

For my first week writing this brand-new street style column, I hit up Temple University. The people who impressed me most knew how to dress for the changing weather/seasons, mixing warm-weather items like sundresses and shorts with more autumnal pieces like scarves and boots. First up is Sara L., who wore a simple black, white and grey ensemble:

Sara L., 20, student
Favorite place to shop: “Joyce Leslie and H&M.”

Nicole Saylor

Ben H., 18, student
Pieces you won’t leave home without: “A purple hoodie and Ray-Ban Wayfarer glasses.”

Nicole Saylor

Click the jump to see three more stylish kids.

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