Urban Chic

What happens when you combine edgy city basics with an element of class and sophistcation?  According to Haper's Bazaar you get a hybrid know as "Urban Chic"

By combining city dweller basic black with modern metallics your outfit goes from smart and sleek to elegant and exclusive.  If you wish to highlight a bit of rebellious spirit, and some glitz and glam with sparkly separates and posh accessories.

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

Are you worried that if you don't add color to your wardrobe this summer that you'll come off as a Plain Jane? Don't be afraid to go for a more subdued look.  Just because neutrals are muted doesn't mean they will make you look mousy.

The Cure: Summer Neutral Sophistication

While color will always have a role is summer styles, neutrals are easy to work with and impossible to screw up.  Ivory, gray, beige and blush are a complimentary color combo.  The trick to pulling off this look is to layer on the texture.  Pleating, sparkle, knits, lace, ruching, and crochet details will enhance the subtle hues.  Make the detailing work for you, have it highlight your best assets, an embellished neckline will draw attention upward.  Add interest to your look with edgy accessories that add shine and maybe the slightest pop of color.  This is surely a "can do" style that is subtle and sophisticated.

Memorial Day Weekend Sale!!!

Ladies Night!

Join us tonight at our Annapolis location for Ladies Night! Great deals at lots of retailers in Annapolis Towne Centre including Urban Chic, a al mode, Kindred Spirits, Origins, and of course Poppy and Stella! Discounts, champagne, and an overall good time will be had by all.

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Have I got a steal for you this week!  Let's start off with our fabulous fantasy pair.  While this designer may not be known to many, they are known enough to be copied! Paloma Barceló, a spanish footwear line who specializes in wedges, dreamt up this divine pair that retails for $295.  This leather and raffia combination is not in the same league as some of my other fantasy finds, but these are still a fairly pricey pair.

Paloma Barceló "Amaya", $295

Lucky for you, Poppy and Stella carries this luscious look-a-like from Naughty Monkey!  Same leather and raffia combo, with a strappy, knotted, open toe design, but with a price that is very nice.  At just $79 there is no excuse not to have these!  Pick yours up before they're gone!

Naughty Monkey, $79

Tangerine Tango

Bursting with sweetness, this hue is just as refreshing to wear as it is to eat.  This month's InStyle explains why,

"A staple of '60s Pop Art, tangerine is a brighter, more vibrant version of orange.  It projects confidence in an offbeat yet cheerful way.  Bonus: The punchy shade complements every complexion."

This shade can be paired with navy and gray for shocking appeal, or dashes of beige and hot pink for a subtler look.  It is easy to pull off as a separate, like a skirt with a simple white tee, or embrace it "full on" with an all over look.  "Layer with muted tones so the result doesn't come off as costumey".  This color is so full of vitality and energy wearing it is sure mood booster!

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

Lately I've been craving that beachy feel, the laid back, comfortable, effortless cool that is always acceptable while strolling the shores.  Believe it or not this style made its appearance on runways this season and is spreading beyond the sand.  So how can you pull it off when you're not at the beach?

The Cure: Baja Breeze

Many of the elements of this style are soft, washed out, and "artfully disheveled".  Look for woven and crocheted fabrics to communicate the comfortable, cool vibe of the look.  Maintain a neutral palate in your main pieces and add pops of punchy color with woven leather bracelets and colorful stone pendants.  Go easy on your feet with flats and sandals, but let them have a look of their own.  With a look like this, you'll be smelling the sea breeze in no time.

Side effects: Warning, this look is certainly not appropriate for the office, but is great for a weekend of lounging or running around.

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

In 1921 a craftsman named Guccio Gucci opened his store to sell leather goods, and a legend was born. I have been oohing and ahhing Guccio's work since before I could walk, so how could I resist this simple yet sophisticated design of the Miss Bamboo Sandal ?!?  This beautiful double leather strap high heel sandal, with simple ankle strap and trademark horsebit ring buckle is just one of Gucci's many fine pieces of craftsmanship.  So what will fine Gucci craftsmanship cost you? Oh just $625.

Gucci

Just $625 she says?!? I know, I know, I haven't totally lost it, I know you can still get fine craftsmanship for much much less.  For now I will pass on the Gucci's and focus my sights on a similar Bacio61 style. Lauched in 2010, Bacio61 fuses organic elements and modern influences to create a truly special style. The Vandois sandal features a similar double leather strap heel and the price is oh so nice, at $136.

Bacio61

Don't Forget to Vote!

It's that time again! Don't forget to vote for Poppy and Stella as your favorite women's shoe store in Balitmore!!! Thanks for the support!

Tropic Thunder

How many of you are dreaming of an island escape, lounging in a hammock on the beach, with a fruity frozen cocktail in your hand???  I know I am! But even if a vacation is just out of reach, it doesn't mean that the tropics can't be a part of your daily life.  Tropical prints and colors are on the rise, hot weather begs for some hot hues!

Brighten everyones day by incorporating a few small elements.  Bold floral prints in a range of bold colors is the quickest way to inform the world of your island fever.  Not feeling as adventurous? Spice up your outfit with your accessories, coral and turquoise jewelry go great with just about everything.  If you feel like just dipping your toes in the water, a great pair of shoes can take you from the street to the sand.  Color block heels and tie-dye printed wedges can give you just enough without overdoing.

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

So you've been trying to come up with that quintessential effortless looking outfit, you know the one you've been putting more effort into than you should?!? Somewhere between the California Cool, and East Coast Prep it hides in your closet just waiting to be discovered.  How do you find that easy going look without looking like you've stressed over it?

The Cure: Effortless with Ease

You're going to kick yourself when you hear about the things you should keep in mind when creating this gem.  Basics and neutrals! They pretty much go with everything and are your never fail options, just try something different with them.  Choose a darker neutral bottom and layer a neutral print under a lighter neutral crocheted top.  Glam the out fit up with a shoe that is neutral in color, but bold in design and go for a darker accessory to balance the look out.  See easy as 1,2,3.  Imagine the endless possibilities of effortless looks that wait in your wardrobe.

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Why is it that Yves Saint Laurent always seems to have a perfectly polished pump.  This platform peep-toe has the ability to put you on a pedestal.  With the softly sculptured heel and a clean, classic look, there is nothing you can't wear with this shoe. Quite possibly the ultimate power pump. Alas, the $720 price isn't very practical.

YSL, $720

However Me Too has a pump that can rival this seemingly sublime shoe.  With a similarly sculpted heel, this shoe is sans platform but has a lightly cushioned footbed for comfort.  Still clean and classic and cost effective around $100.

Me Too

Sporty and Spicy

So we've talked about lace, and florals, and uber-girly trends, but what about the girl who wants to break away from her tracksuit, but still maintain a sporty style?  InStyle magazine reports,

"Racing stripes, primary colors, weightless ease.  All the best parts of athletic wear have been crafted into shapes much hipper than any tracksuit jogging down the street.  The comfort level can't be better in these relaxed looks that are just right for spring."

How do you pull it off?

"Take advantage of sporty separates or dresses that offer body-conscious flexibility in fabrics like satin or cashmere that feel a bit luxe.  Use white as your base color, and don't weight yourself down with accessories--aviators or a bright watch are all you need to score. One surefire tip to keep it street-smart: Never wear any of it with sneakers."

--InStyle Magazine

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

Are you getting tired of all things mini? Trying to think of ways to awaken your wardrobe? Put those sleepy mini's to bed and enliven your look with a new trend this season.

The Cure: Max out the Maxi

This season adding a  maxi skirt to the mix is an instant revival for your closet.  Choose a bold, bright color, and bare your shoulders to show some skin.  Can be dressed up or down with the right accessories.  Perfect for an afternoon outing, or a midday treat.

Mother's Day Sale!!!

Mother's Day Sale This four day sale is for you, Mom.

Happy Mother's Day! Celebrate the woman who taught you the importance of good shoes.  From now until Sunday  enjoy 15% off everything!* Donate new or gently usedclothing, shoes or handbags to either store and receive 20% off!**  Clearance items included.     As an added treat on Sunday, we'll be serving mimosas and giving away a small gift with purchase, while supplies last.

And, come check out our Sidewalk Sale  at the Annapolis Towne Centre's Momfest.  This Saturday and Sunday only!  *Sorry, no price adjustments. **All clothing and shoe donations will be given to Light House, a homeless prevention support center in Annapolis. Handbags are being collected for Project Plase, an organization that provides transitional and permanent housing as well as supportive services in Baltimore.

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

How easy is it to be resort ready?  It can be as easy as packing a powerful punch with the perfect pump.  Right now Dolce & Gabbana's Woven Crochet Flower Pump has an argyle-esque pattern that is carefree and classic.  Neutral colors and natural textures help bring out the pattern that is particularly pleasing.  What isn't so pleasant is the $545 price.

Dolce & Gabbana, $545

Perhaps you're looking more for a TKO than just a punch, in which case the "Picnic Ready" by Poetic Licence is your ringer.  With a woven heel and soft rosette accent this pump is similar to D&G's, but the bolder pattern is sure to beat it.  And if that doesn't convince you that you have a winner I bet the $99 price can.

Poetic Licence, $99

Ode to Audrey

One cannot prep for warmer weather without considering Audrey's gamine yet lady like look!  Her simplistic style with a kooky, quirky edge has been inspiring wardrobes since the 1960's.  Off beat punches of color, perfectly placed panels of feminine floral embroidery, pointed toe flats, and the quintessential silk scarf are all characteristic of this iconic style idol.

Classic pieces with a punch, think cropped cigarette pants in a light neutral, full, yet mini, skirts with bold accessories,  tailored gingham and metallic embellished woven totes give the "Audrey" a modern spin.  Embrace your inner Holly, Sabrina, or Princess Ann this summer.