The leaves are changing and nights are getting cooler. That means it’s Shop Girl’s favorite time of year: Wardrobe Replenishment Season. Fall shopping is a simple process. Step one – Send all sundresses to the cleaners before packing them away until next spring. Step two – Survey all those empty hangers. Step three – Grab wallet and get thee to a boutique. It’s time to shop. But not all shopping is created equal – and not all tastes are the same. Make the most of your time – and money – with our handy guide. See which fashion profile fits you and find the shops in Baltimore to satisfy your sense of style.
The Fashionista
Starts Her Day: At MEGABarre class
On her calendar: Meeting with her interior designer
Favorite Outfit: Changes every day (and always involves the latest look in jeans!) – but it’s never boring
Wouldn’t Be Caught Dead Wearing: Lilly Pulitzer sweater
Style Icon: Aerin Lauder
Where to Shop:
Alice Jane 1407 Clarkview Road #500; 410-296-2233; www.alicejanejewelry.com
Alice Jane’s ever-changing collection includes everything from trendy denim and leather leggings to downtown-friendly accessories.
Jean Pool 92 Village Square, Cross Keys; (410) 466-1177
Only best-selling jeans sold here. We’re talking AG, JBrand, Citizens and more.
JG Sassy 7701 Bellona Avenue, Ruxton; 410-321-8100; www.jgsassy.com
JG Sassy’s collection is “classic with a smack of attitude” – accessible designer goods that won’t go out of style in a year.
Panache 10751 Falls Road #103, Green Spring Station; 410-321-0110; www.youvegotpanache.com
The name says it all – Panache is all about the sophisticated side of fashion.
South Moon Under Multiple locations including 815 Aliceanna Street, Harbor East (410-685-7820) and 822 Kenilworth Drive, Kenilworth Mall (410-337-7484); www.southmoondunder.com
From bikinis to maxi-dresses, this grown-up surf shop is perfect for fashion followers on the younger side.
The Preppy Mom
Starts Her Day: In the carpool line
On Her Agenda: Volunteering at school until 2 p.m., then shuttling kids to games and practices until dinner
Favorite Outfit: A colorful tunic over jeans, ballet flats
Wouldn’t Be Caught Dead Wearing: A tattoo
Style Icon: Kate Middleton
Where to Shop:
J. McLaughlin 7623 Bellona Avenue, Ruxton; 410-825-5485; www.jmclaughlin.com
This well-appointed shop specializes in Ivy-style classics for parties, work and home.
Liza Byrd 10435 Stevenson Road, Stevenson Village; 410-215-2525; www.lizabyrd.com
Fun tunics, kicky accessories and plenty of pink and green make Liza Byrd prep heaven.
Sassanova 805 Aliceanna Street, Harbor East; 410-244-1114; www.sassanova.com
For the prep who doesn’t mind mixing in a little edge, Sassanova covers the bases. Only shop in town that carries Calypso.
Collections 870 Kenilworth Drive, The Shops at Kenilworth; (410) 823-7973; www.collectionstowson.com
Shoes, sweaters and accessories, casual to formal.
The Ladies Who Lunch
Starts Her Day: At fundraiser committee meeting
On Her Agenda: Botox, Restylane, laser peel, waxing.
Favorite Outfit: Gabardine slacks (no jeans!), a cashmere sweater, an Hermes scarf
Wouldn’t Be Caught Dead Wearing: Designer Knock-offs
Style Icon: Jackie O
Where to Shop:
Jones & Jones 84 Village Square, Cross Keys; 410-532-9645; www.jonesandjones1970.com
For Jones & Jones customers, fashion is classic but personal. Owner Florence Sokol stocks her store with items with lasting elegance – then she helps customers find the mix of clothes and accessories that best match their own personal styles.
Lori K. 10411 Stevenson Road, Stevenson Village; 410-580-0081; www.shoplorik.com
Famous for their trunk shows, Lori K. lets its discerning clientele get up close and personal with brands that are well-respected and well-made.
Ruth Shaw 68 Village Square, Cross Keys; 410-532-7886; www.ruthshawinc.com
Featuring designers known for their timeless looks, Ruth Shaw specializes in gorgeous, but understated looks with serious fashion bona fides, and it’s no wonder: Owner Ray Mitchner and his staff are long-time fashion industry pros. The only shop in Baltimore to be singled out by Harper’s Bazaar as a “fashion destination stand-out.”
Trillium 2360 West Joppa Road, Green Spring Station; 410-821-9696
Trillium customers are always chic but not afraid to experiment; they trust owner Sima Blue’s excellent eye for fashion.
The Station North Style Setter
Starts Day: Coffee at Spro
On Her Agenda: Finalizing her MICA thesis installation followed by an opening at The Windup Space
Favorite Outfit: Chunky shoes, a vintage t-shirt and a hat knitted by her roommate, who just launched a quirky accessories brand
Wouldn’t Be Caught Dead Wearing: Anything monogrammed
Style Icon: Lena Dunham
Where to Shop:
Hunting Ground 3649 Falls Road, Hampden; 410-243-0789; www.shophuntingground.com
This hard to miss spot – “in the old church” in Hampden – keeps hipsters outfitted with a seriously cool mix of vintage and local finds.
Doubledutch Boutique 1021 West 36th Street, Hampden; 410-554-0055; www.doubledutchboutique.com
With their loyal customers and love for indie designers, Doubledutch Boutique on The Avenue is the boutique for eccentric-but-sweet styles.
Brightside Boutique 1133 South Charles Street (410-244-1133) and 732 South Broadway (410-522-1337); www.brightsidebaltimore.com
One part boutique, one part art gallery, one part tattoo parlor, Brightside covers many bases for fashion-lovers who like to walk on the wild side.
The Academic
Starts Day: Teaching an 8 a.m. intro class to drowsy freshmen
On Her Agenda: Grading papers, a stop at Whole Foods
Favorite Outfit: Comfortable cardigan, ethnic jewelry, Dansko clogs
Wouldn’t Be Caught Dead Wearing: Anything plastered with logos
Style Icon: Hillary Clinton
Where to Shop:
The Bead 824 Kenilworth Drive, Kenilworth Mall; 410-821-8888; www.thebead.com
With clothes and accessories that are fun and unique, The Bead caters to customers who aren’t afraid of flair.
MAJA Collections 1744 Aliceanna Street, Fells Point; 410-327-9499; www.majacollections.com
MAJA’s clothing and accessories – think colorful scarves and handcrafted leather bags – exude international flair; the store carries goods from all over the world. The Store, Ltd. 5100 Falls Road; 410-323-2350 The Store, Ltd.’s selection is perfect for women who like their wardrobes – and their homes – just a little off-beat, filled with color and interesting patters.
The Store, Ltd., Village of Cross Keys, 5100 Falls Road; 410-323-2350
The Store, Ltd.’s selection is perfect for women who like their wardrobes – and their homes – just a little off-beat, filled with color and interesting patterns.
