Talk Shop

Fashion Week

Hilary Geisbert — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:48:48 +0000

To help kick off New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2012, we got together with Ruth Shaw's Ray Mitchener to get the scoop on his current top picks, along with a few of his predictions for fall.

Ruth Shaw, located in The Village of Cross Keys, features

women's designer brands, such as rag & bone, Jason Wu,

Narcisco Rodriguez, Etro, Isabel Marant, Phillip Lim, just to

name a few. The seasoned boutique (with over thirty years

under its belt) has been recognized by Haper's Baazar as a

"Style Leader" in 2008 and 2009.

What are your top five trend picks for women this spring?

1. A printed pant

2. Bold color jacket

3. The (printed) shift dress

4. Patent leather shoes

5. Long dress or long skirt

What spring/summer trend can women transition into the fall?

Take the long skirt, and change the tee and sandal to a chunky sweater and boot.

What trends do you think we will see in Baltimore this coming fall?

These are what we would like to see...

1. Bold plaid pant

2. Tweed jackets

3. Peplum details

4. A red shoe

5. Printed scarves

What designer do you think we should have on our radar?

PETER PILOTTO....remember that name!

What colors do you predict to see for fall?

1. Greige (grey/beige)

2. Pale neutral

3. Red...of all kinds

What fashion app, blog, or website is essential for those who can't be seated front row at New York Fashion Week?

Our "go-to" is Style.com—it has everything you need to stay on top!

—Stephanie Voorhees, intern

New York Fashion Week F/W 2012 February 9-16, 2012.

(Image courtesy of Ruth Shaw.)

Missing Piece

Hilary Geisbert — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:43:49 +0000

"I should be the missing Baltimore Style Maker because...."

The American Craft Council Show in Baltimore (the largest juried indoor craft show in the nation), is introducing its new "Style Makers" campaign. The 2012 Style Makers group is made up of 10 handpicked crafters in Baltimore to tell a "rich, visual story that connects fine craft collectors to makers and their work." The ACC defines a Style Maker as a person with a connection to fine craft who possesses a strong sense of style and values and invests in beautiful handmade objects. If you are someone who exemplifies these qualities, now is your opportunity to be added to the list of the 2012 Style Makers, as the ACC is looking for a local individual to join its roster.

WHAT TO DO:

Submit a photo of yourself with your favorite craft object. Enter at facebook.com/CraftCouncil.

Beginning with, "I should be the missing Baltimore Style Maker because...." explain why you are the missing Baltimore Style Maker, in 25 words or less.

The deadline is February 8, 2012. The public voting will be held on Facebook from February 10-13.

The top three photos with the most "likes" will move on to the finalist round, where a panel of judges will select a winner on February 17, 2012.

The ACC Show will be held at Baltimore Convention Center, February 24-25, 2012.

(Image courtesy of the American Craft Council.)

Valentine's Day Gift Guide

Hilary Geisbert — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 22:49:28 +0000

1. Arik Kastan 14K rose gold fob & chain at Bijoux.

2. Elegant rose cut cognac diamonds & pearl ring at Bijoux.

(Images courtesy of Harry Connolly.)

3. Quilted tablet case ($46.95) at Double Dutch.

4. The ROPES Maine "Chubby" bracelet ($50) at Sassanova.

5. Fringe soap dish ($22.50) at The Pleasure of Your Company.

6. Earrings at Sassanova.

7. Brown Sugar perfume ($32) at South Moon Under.

8. In Bloom cami set ($52) at Lingerie Lingerie.

9. Dareen Hakim clutch ($145) at A Style Studio.

10. Perfume decanter ($42) at Nouveau.

11. Sweet Minerals makeup at Sweet Minerals.

12. Red Carpet lipstick ($20) and Hibiscus lip gloss ($24) at A Style Studio.

13. Spa set ($47) at The Pleasure of Your Company.

14. Butter nail polish ($14) at South Moon Under.

1. Psycho Bunny striped socks ($30) at J.S. Edwards.

2. MDG Wood Design money clip ($30) at Sixteen Tons.

3. Psycho Bunny cap ($35) at J.S. Edwards.

4. Hugh Parsons 'Traditional' Eau de Toilette Spray ($75) at J.S. Edwards.

5. MDG Wood Design razor set ($140) at Sixteen Tons.

6. Geo F. Trumper scented goods ($25-78) at Samuel Parker Clothier.

7. Buffalo Billfolds leather belt ($60) at Sixteen Tons.

8. RVCA "Magic" wallet ($22) at South Moon Under.

9. Military green watch* ($142) at Trohv.

*(Image courtesy of Trohv.)

The Baltimore Look

Hilary Geisbert — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:28:16 +0000

Stevie Boi, 22.....Kali's Court, Fells Point

What's your occupation?

Fashion designer.

What inspires you?

A lot of my inspiration comes from my environment.

Is there something that you are best known for?

DEFINITELY designing shades for Lady Gaga (the jewel-encrusted ones she wore on her Monster Ball tour). I'm also known for creating the first pair of fabricated sunglasses.

What are you working on now?

Currently working on my New York Fashion Week show, on Friday February 10th. I'm showing at Lincoln Center with Richie Rich and also at the club, Hanky Panky.

Any upcoming projects we should look out for?

A new eyewear and accessories line for major retailers.

Favorite Baltimore neighborhood?

I love Fells Point and Mt. Vernon. You want to see the old city refurbished, in an elegant way.

How would you describe Baltimore style?

It's eclectic and very cultural. It defines urban meets chic.

Favorite piece in your closet?

My shades and fur coats.

Style advice for others?

A smart shopper is a stylish shopper. One hundred dollars can get you an entire outfit—it's about styling, not brands.

What are you wearing?

Most of this is vintage. I'm wearing my shades (of course), and the scarf is made from fabric that Prada sent me.

Olivia Obineme is the contributing photographer.

Fest-of-All

Hilary Geisbert — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:45:33 +0000

Enjoy a night of fashion, food, drinks, and live music with some of your favorite local restaurants and boutiques.

Fest-of-All is a perfect opportunity to help celebrate and support one of Baltimore's best neighborhoods. There will be plenty to eat and drink, with over 30 restaurants providing the goods, live music brought to you by The Real Geniuses (who were such a big hit last year), a silent auction, and a fabulous fashion show that involves several of Federal Hill's boutiques and businesses (listed below). The proceeds benefit FEDERAL HILL MAIN STREET, an award-winning nonprofit organization, which promotes the business district of Federal Hill.

Purple Friday

Hilary Geisbert — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:52:13 +0000

If you're wondering who is responsible for the beautiful floral arrangements in the lobby of the new Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore in Harbor East, the answer is JJ Cummings Floral Co. The florist is one of the oldest in Baltimore, and are best known for their "traditional-with-a-modern-twist" style. We especially love this week's arrangement (in honor of the Ravens), which includes calla lilies, lavender roses, quince branches, and purple dendrobium orchids.

Lafayette 148 New York Spring 2012 Trunk Show

Hilary Geisbert — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:43:34 +0000

WHAT: Lafayette 148 New York Trunk Show

WHEN: January 26th-February 4th

WHERE: Lori K, located at 10411 Stevenson Road

Join Lori K, along with Lafayette representative Angela Koster (January 26th & 27th), to place special orders from the Spring 2012 collection, which includes missy, petites, and women's sizes.

LAmade Trunk Show

Hilary Geisbert — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 18:10:07 +0000

Sorry ladies, but this one is just for the wee ones. Being one of the hippest (baby) boutiques around, it shouldn't surprise you that Wee Chic is hosting the only LAmade Kids Trunk Show in the country. "Embodying the lifestyle of Southern California, the LAmade Kids collection is both unique and understated," says Stephenie Higgins, Sales Manager for the Los Angeles-based line. Visit Wee Chic, located in Green Spring Station, to preview and preorder the LAmade 2012 Spring Collection from this Thursday, January 12-Saturday, January 14. There will be over 40 styles available in sizes 3/6 months- size 14.

(Image courtesy of LAmade.)

Gear for NYE

Hilary Geisbert — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 16:23:52 +0000

Green one shoulder sequin dress ($120) at FRESH! Boutique.

Drape dress ($360) at FRESH! Boutique.

Gold beaded dress ($60) at doubledutch Boutique.

Clockwise from top left: Black suede sling back with gold bow ($253) platform pump in metallic gold ($75) grey suede heel with peep toe ($131) Mary Jane silver stiletto ($59) all at Poppy and Stella.

Clockwise from top left: Platform pump in gold with black ($98) sling back platform bootie ($78) both at Poppy and Stella. Gold clutch ($40.95) at doubledutch Boutique. Platform peep toe heel in black ($143) at Poppy and Stella.

From top: Assorted earrings ($14 each) at Poppy and Stella. Wrap bracelet ($20) and ring ($28) both at Cupcake.

Open back dress ($330) at Cupcake.

One shoulder black dress ($259) and flame dress ($349) both at Cupcake.

Sequin top ($194) at FRESH! Boutique.

Clockwise from top left: Earrings ($40) blue top ($98) gold necklace ($39.50) fuchsia dress ($129) multi-stone necklace ($45) purple dress ($148.40) all at South Moon Under.

Clockwise from top left: Strapless dress in champagne and silver ($375) necklace ($35) strapless Libby gold dress ($360) all at Urban Chic.

Clockwise from top left: Fringe gem necklace ($32) Sling back with sequin bow ($228) Gem bib necklace ($199) all at Sassanova.

Speckle leather clutch ($250) and sparkle peep toe ($193) both at Sassanova.

31 Days of Gift Giving—Day 30/31

Hilary Geisbert — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 22:54:52 +0000

Thought it may be helpful to give the last few gift ideas a day or two early—you still have time to pick up some great gifts! I stopped by FORM today to drop off some items we borrowed for a shoot and to say hi to my friend, Aimee Bracken, who owns the Clipper Mill-based shop. If you didn't know already, the boutique has an amazing jewelry line that is designed and handcrafted by Aimee herself. This necklace ($110) is one of my favorite pieces—14kt. gold plated leaf pendant with citrine.

Great stocking stuffers! Tokyo Milk, by Margot Elena, offers a great mix of perfumes, cosmetics, candles, and body products. Many local stores carry this line, including Hanger Alley, In Watermelon Sugar, and South Moon Under, just to name a few.

(Images courtesy of Tokyo Milk.)