Looking and feeling good

Taking the bronze

When too busy for the beach, but in desperate need of a glow, the pale head to Hollywood — Hollywood Tans, with spots at 2632 S. Broad St. and 1100 Columbus Blvd., that is.

After months of cabin fever and closed quarters, a visit to our readers favorite tanning salon can give much needed exposure to tanning booths and instant color via bronzers. The result is a sun-kissed look minus the sun and in just a few minutes.

Broad Street site Manager Ariana Seropian attributes the accolade to the locations’ top-notch machinery, including bulbs that speed up the process in getting that perfect-10 tan.

"We thank South Philly for this honor and will continue to try harder to make our customers look better," Seropian said.

Expresso O shined at second and Beach Tanning radiated at third.

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Leaving their mark

Some people use their bodies as a canvas. Locally, the place readers savor for the art forms of tattoos and piercings is Eddie’s Tattoo Haven, 621 S. Fourth St.

The man they call The Professor, whose real name is Joel Shipley, started out a T-shirt designer, but changed careers thanks to some tattoo-artist friends.

"What drew me to tattooing is that it’s a folk art. It’s art created by uneducated people and not fancy art done by people who don’t work for a living," Shipley, who co-owns Eddie’s with Troy Timpel, said.

He and the six other artists on site meet all walks of life looking to get ink, from pastors to prostitutes.

"We enjoy their stories and histories and always give them a tattoo to remember," he said.

Shipley recently inked three generations of women in one sitting at his shop, one of the first along what many consider Tattoo Row.

South Philly Tattoo imprinted second place, while Body Graphics Tattoo made an impression at third.

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Spa-licious

A person enjoying being pampered is not unique, but South Philly Day Spa is.

Readers’ favorite day spa at 2012 W. Oregon Ave. offers a wide variety of services to keep its clients serene, sane and looking good. Facials, waxings, massages, manicures, pedicures, tanning, hair coloring and styling are just a handful of its services for men and women.

"The staff was really nice and friendly. They accommodated my needs," customer Jennifer Ainlei of the 2300 block of South Woodstock Street said, adding the treatments also were reasonably priced.

John Paul of Philadelphia came in second, while various day spas tied for third.

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Sweet ride

Although public transportation abounds, many prefer their own wheels and want them to shine on a street of bumper-to-bumper lookalikes. For car detailing to make your ride head and shoulders above the rest, readers take a spin to Jo Jo’s Pro Auto Detailing, 1913 S. Bancroft St.

Owner Joseph Fuscellaro opened the shop in 1991 and has been polishing to perfection ever since. He once spent 10 hours on a job that included paint removal and wet sanding.

Fuscellaro said it’s great to be chosen the best.

"I have been doing cars since I was 14 years old. I have experience that no one else has," he said.

Foreign Fix Auto Center Inc. cruised into second, while Rocco’s parked at third.

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What a gem

Entering its 48th year, Telstar Jewelers prides itself on offering an excuse to splurge.

Continuing the store at 1410 Snyder Ave.’s tradition as a family operation, father Fred Ristagno Sr. and son Fred Jr. have selected a staff devoted to exceptional customer service, including providing superior repair work. On-site watchmaker Elias Lagos is always willing to help customers make good time.

"We love our customers and thank them for their support," Fred Jr. said of taking the honor of top jewelry store.

Pietro Jewelers shone in second, while D. Olivieri Jewelers held its luster for third place.

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Good hair day

Olga Lopez has been setting the style for residents for 25 years. While hopping around to different salons, she has gained a loyal following that simply know her as the best highlight/colorist around.

Lopez, currently at Headhunter’s Hair Designs, "is very reliable and dedicated to her work. She is always there when she says she will be," salon owner Nancy Melchiore said.

Lopez, who has worked at the salon at 1718 E. Passyunk Ave. for two years, said her magnetic appeal has a simple formula.

"I cater to my clients and give them a special experience," Lopez said.

There is no hairstyle to complicated or color too tricky for Lopez, who prefers working with short locks.

"I really want to thank everyone who voted for me. It really means a lot to me," she added.

Andrea Grecco from Heads Up came in a close second, with Salvi Messina from Studio 17 a highlight at third.

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The comfort kings

Having provided exceptional merchandise for 43 years, Interior Concepts at 1701 E. Passyunk Ave. has decorated the lives of many, so much so readers have dubbed it their favorite furniture store. Under owner Mark Leon and Manager Rick Weiner, the goal is to bring comfort to every shopper, especially through the store’s soft, buttery leather goods.

"Our leather comes from Italy and Germany and makes a great complement to our numerous accessories," Weiner said. "In tough economic times, customers look for comfort; we provide that comfort."

Ikea built a solid foundation for second, with LeDonne’s North Carolina Furniture designing a third-place win.

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A lot of patients

Seeing about 40 patients a day can wear out even the best physician. Thankfully, Dr. James Volpe has the stamina and dedication to tend to all calls earning the D.O. and his staff at 1337 S. Ninth St. the title of top doctor’s office.

On Ninth for nearly seven years, the Temple University School of Pharmacy and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine grad is a proud and popular throwback who still makes house calls each day.

"I thank my patients for this honor," the native of 15th and Jackson streets said. "I treat my patients like friends and family."

Dr. Joseph P. Badolato and his office placed second, while Dr. Marc Matozzo and his team came in third.

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Animal instincts

While dogs and cats are welcome at Simmons Animal Hospital, 1500 Wolf St., they may have to share Drs. Brian Anmuth and Leslie James with reptiles, birds, rats, rabbits and guinea pigs.

Seeing at least 100 animals a week, James and Anmuth, who were the readers’ pick for veterinarians, make great use of their resources, such as an ultrasound machine and video ear and mouth imaging. James, who has been at the facility for 18 months, loves serving the four-legged/feathered/reptilian community of South Philly.

"We know how much people love their pets. We love them too," James said.

Dr. Lawrence Rebbecchi took a bite out of second, while the Banfield The Pet Hospital lapped up third.