Trending: Spring Booties

It's finally Spring!! Well, that's what the calender says anyway.  It's that time of the year where you aren't really sure whether to put on your tall boots or t-strap sandals. Spring/Summer booties are great to have in your closet for those days that are teetering on the line between warm and cold. Or maybe you have just waited far too long to get a pedicure and are not ready to show off your toes. If any of this sounds like your current self, a good pair of transitional booties is just what you need! Wear them with your summer dresses instead of sandals to give your outfit a whole new vibe. This is a perfect option for festivals and other outdoor events when you want a little more coverage and support, without sacrificing any style. Another look we love for early Spring is booties with jeans. Pair western inspired booties like the Frye boots featured with cuffed boyfriend jeans for a tomboy look.   

Frye Reina bootie, $258
Adam Tucker by Me too, $166
Bed Stu, $220

You can also dress your booties up! Try these perforated Me Too booties with your LBD for a evening date or night put with your girlfriends!

Me Too perforated stacked heel bootie, $164

6 Years of SHOES!

This month marks the 6 year anniversary of Poppy & Stella! We still cannot believe it has been this long since we first opened our doors in 2008! For the last 6 years, we have striven to provide the Baltimore girl with fabulous footwear and stunning accessories, and added the Annapolis girl to our radar along the way. In celebration of 6 years of shoes, let's take a trip down memory lane to see how we've grown!

Poppy & Stella started off as a modest sized store in the heart of Fells Point, closely located to other locally-owned small businesses.  The shop quickly became known for having a great selection of beautiful, high-quality shoes, including styles from well known brands such as Frye, Miz Mooz, and Poetic Licence.  

 In November of 2009, we made our first expansion by adding a second store in the Annapolis Towne Center. Having both locations allows us to carry even more stylish shoes, and reach even more amazing women!  Customers love that we can transfer items from store to store with ease for a broader selection. We emphasize customer service in our small store atmosphere-- we value our close relationships with our customers more than anything! Whether this relationship lasts an hour with an out-of-towner, or years with our locals, we love helping people find their new favorite pair of shoes!

In 2012, the space next door to our Baltimore location became available and we jumped at the opportunity to double our floor space. The expansion included adding clothing to the mix as well as more amazing shoes. Poppy & Stella is still know for carrying our customers' favorite brands, but now we are able to truly have something for everyone! Whether you are looking for a practical flat, pointed toe stiletto, or a casual day dress, we've got it! Still a favorite brand of our customers (and staff!) is FRYE. Our Frye bar currently holds the largest selection of Frye handbags, shoes, and boots in Baltimore with over 40 styles to choose from! We now also carry over 40 additional shoe brands including Clarks, Jeffrey Campbell, Kelsi Dagger, Kork-Ease and more!

Our most recent venture was acquiring a neighborhood favorite in Fells Point called Babe. (a boutique), which carries fashion forward brands like Charlie Jade, Splendid, and Ella Moss. Babe has been open since 2007, with a great selection of unique merchandise from casual Splendid tops to elegant floor length BCBG dresses.  In the last year we've brought in brands like Olive + Oak and Knot Sisters, only adding to the eclectic and stylish (yet wearable) vibe of the store. Have the hottest outfit in Baltimore by pairing a Babe ensemble with stunning shoes from Poppy & Stella!

Our original location in Fells Point

Inside our original Fells Point location

Chie Mihara, Spring 2010

Inside our Annapolis store

Our 2012 expansion of our Fells Point location

Pour La Victoire, Spring 2014

Our newest addition to the family, Babe. (a boutique)

Thank you to all of our customers who have had made these last 6 years a blast!  We love you guys as much as we love SHOES!

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

Thanksgiving is less than a week away and whether you're dining with friends or family this year you know you're looking forward to turkey and pie.  Of course such a meal does not lend itself well to skinny jeans, or uber fitted silhouettes.  The key is finding something comfortable and still looking pulled together. How can you pull this off?

The Cure: Sweater dress Savior

This year look chic and cozy in a simple sweater dress.  Accessorize with a festive scarf and simple jewelry and pair the sweater with a classic pair of riding boots.  It's just enough without being too much.  Hmm just enough but not too much, something to also keep in mind when filling your plate too!

All-American Ode

Sportsmanship has taken on a different tone this season with influences from All-American hunting style taking the stage.  According to Haper's Bazaar,

"The Fair Isle sweaters, tweeds and knits of American heritage brands got the high-fashion treatment on fall’s runways. From hunting-gear reds and oranges at Rodarte and Michael Kors to earthy hues built for blending into the wilderness — but standing out on the streets — at Wang and Ralph Lauren, fashion girls are getting a lesson in the great outdoors."

Wear a little bit or a lot, mix your plaid with tweed, add cable knit if you so choose.  Keep the color palette earthy and be sure not to forget your riding boots!

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

We are well into fall and football season now that November has arrived.  What are you wearing to the game this weekend???

The Cure: Tasteful Tailgate

While some show school spirit with painted faces and crazy wigs, your style philosophy is a bit more refined.  It is totally possible to present your pride without painting any part of your body.  Choose one item that clearly states who you are rooting for, your best bet is probably a fitted tee.  Pair it with dark wash skinny jeans, knee high boots and layer over it with a fitted, solid colored blazer. If you're feeling a bit more spirited, accessorize with a scarf in the appropriate colors. Voila, team spirit and tastefully so.

Do Your Fashion Duty

What do uniforms, utility, and unwavering stamina have in common? A fall comeback! Hilfiger, Burberry, and Ferragamo have all embraced a nod to utilitarian style.  According to InStyle,

"The hallmarks of sharp tailoring, a dash of androgyny, and the buttoned-up air of danger result in a formidable balance of eyes-right polish and unspoken tease that's hard to conquer. "

It's important to note that in pulling off this trend balance is beneficial.  With such strict lines and conforming silhouettes a feminine frill will soften the look.  

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Hello Moto, yes a slight motorcycle edge contrasted with a full, feminine skirt is a look that is still on trend these days.  So what is a better way to add that edge than with a pair of Maison Martin Margiela Line 22 Distressed Motorcycle boots? The distressed suede gives them that "already broken in" look, while the classic harness in silver-tone rings and studs adds that little touch of "kick-ass" edge everyone looks for.  What everyone doesn't look for is the $855 price tag.

Of course if you're willing to spend a little more than normal and invest in a classic edgy boot I would recommend the Frye Harness ankle boot.  This built-to-last classic is made with sturdy leather and comes complete with a fixed harness accent.  This is a choice that won't steer you wrong, and at just $220 it's a bargain compared to it's competitor!

Leather

Leather isn't just for boots and bikers this season, so how can a material with such a tough skin be soft and feminine?  According to InStyle,

"Though it's easy to play toughie, skins boast a newfound suppleness that gives you versatility.  Treated more like a fabric than ever before, leather appears feminine, even practical, and wearable by all."

Clothing courtesy of Instyle

By using more flattering silhouettes and shapes, leather transforms full skirts and blazers, but can still make a bold statement with a coat or studded dress. Keep your leather pieces neutral or choose a rich color like burgundy. With this trend you can embrace your inner bad girl and still be a lady!

Fall Collection: Frye

If there is one this you must have in your closet this fall it has to be a pair of Frye's.  Their classic, timeless look, and superb craftsmanship stand the test of time and their versatility makes them the quintessential go to shoe.

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

I'm very excited to start showing off our new fall collection, but I've got one more transition look to take you from summer to fall in a breeze.  Speaking of breeze, wouldn't you want to make your breezy bohemian chic blouse last another season? Here's how.

The Cure: Boho bonus

Blouses like these are perfect for summer with their light airy flow, but add a few layers and it's fit for fall! For now topping those high-waisted cutoffs and adding a great pair of sandals is perfect for your favorite late summer music fest, but if you're thinking about ahead, layering can probably make a lot of your pieces last longer.  In this case grab a pair of black leggings and your favorite Frye's and you have extended the life of your wardrobe!

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

There are so many things I love about Spring, the warmer weather, the scent of flowers blooming in the air, an overall feeling of renewal, and of course new clothes!  Some of this years trends are a perfect way to say hello to Spring.  How quickly can you put a springy look together?

The Cure: Spring Fling

Maxi skirts are still very much on trend, go for a pleated style in a pastel shade to really show your springy love.  Top with an embellished tank (no need for a necklace) and add a spring staple with a wedge.  If you're feeling adventurous compliment the look with a nature inspired bangle and you are set for Spring!

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Menswear influences have not only touched clothing, but shoes as well this season as the driving loafer is on the up and up.  Soft leather or suede with a mocassin stitched round toe create a cool, casual, and comfortable vibe for your feet. This rediscovered classic has numerous designers backing it from Manolo Blahnik to Prada, to Bottega Venetta, to Brunello Cucinelli, but big names means big prices, you could be looking anywhere from $450 to $830.

Brunello, Manolo, Prada, Bottega

I do have one more big name that just might surprise and excite you.  Frye has their own version of the driving loafer and it is the epitome of cool, casual, and comfortable!  The Reagan Campus Driver is made with a buttery soft leather and is a timeless must have.  Fear not, you can drive away with a pair of these for only $148!!! Just remember to buckle up!

Frye, $148

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

If you're anything like me than you're already thinking about transitioning your wardrobe to shorter sleeves, shorter dresses, and well just about anything shorter in length.  It might not be warm enough to loose all that length but that doesn't mean you should skimp on style.  Loosing a little goes a long way, so how do you transition and stay on trend?

The Cure: The Short and Long of it...

A short-sleeved striped maxi dress is a great way to loose a little length and still dress for the weather.  A light weight jacket provides a layer of warmth if needed.  Add a statement pendant to add interest and a great casual leather loafer to nod to nautical stylings.

First-Class Flats

While strutting your stuff and showing your glam gams may be all you can think about when it comes to Spring/Summer, don't forget sometimes your feet need as much R&R as you do.  Give them a break in any one of these pairs of fabulous and flirty flats!

"You can do anything you want, but don't step on my blue suede shoes"

"Chain Chain Chain" no way you could be a fool with flats!

"Chain Chain Chain" no way you could be a fool with flats!

Must have moccasins!

Bold buckles bring out simple style savvy

Bold buckles bring out simple style savvy

Wild about Wedges

My favorite style for Spring and Summer is coming to you full force this season.  Let yourself be bowled over with these options.  I'm sure you'll strike a perfect 10 in any of them!

This Mary Jane inspired wedge is anything but prim and proper, but this look puts you on a pedestal!

Vintage vamp adds va-va voom! 

Classically cool, the quintessential summer shoe!

Get the best of both worlds with a woven textured wedge and leather upper!

Wowza! What a statement wedge!

Charming cut-outs give this wedge a coquettish quality.

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

I love me some riding boots, especially a pair with a bit of a heel! They are great for winter and a great transition piece to spring. Who am I kidding, I wear a riding boot all year long, so of course I'm willing to shell out a bit of extra cash to invest in a fabulous pair! Jil Sander has a beautiful Italian made leather boot with back-zip and snap button.  The snap buttons get me every time, but they dont convince me to spend $1253 on a pair of boots.

Jil Sander, $1253

Luckily my favorite boot company Frye satiates my craving for those simple details.  The Jackie Button boot just oozes commitment to classic.  A pull-on style with decorative buttons on the pull on tabs make this boot workable, wearable, no muss no fuss.  I'm more than willing to shell out $347 for them, but won't even have to do that, if you're lucky you may find them still on sale for $295!

Frye

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Celebrities love Frye, it is a love that is undeniable, with their numerous styles, there is a fit for everyone! Now while I know Frye boots are expensive, they are still more affordable than any Gucci or Prada boot and are a great investment.

Their versatile styling maintains their classic look as they stand the test of time.  Currently trending are Frye harness boots, great for wearing with jeans, skirts, or dresses. The three straps joined with a ring rings true of their authentic styling. If there is one pair of boots you should have in your closet it should be a pair of Frye's! Hurry in and grab yours before they're all gone.