Perfectly Perforated

Perforations are having a major moment this Spring, from the runways of top designers to local boutiques and family-owned businesses. Designers like Rebecca Taylor and Alexander Wang are showing off this trend in perforated leather ankle booties and punctured paneled tops. This is one of our favorite looks for the season, especially in footwear-- make a more covered style breathable for the warmer months ahead with punctured or laser cut details! Here is our take on perforated style from all your favorite designers here at Poppy & Stella, including Hobo the Original, Jeffrey Campbell, Me Too and more!

Me Too perforated bootie, $164 

Jeffrey Campbell lace up bootie, $185

Born mango flats, $90

Hobo mini cross body, $98

Whether you like to keep it neutral or prefer a bolder color palate, we can help you find your perfect perforated piece for Spring 2014! Even more styles to come!

Styled by Rebecca

Local artist and jewelry designer Rebecca Allen is a favorite of ours at Poppy & Stella! She creates unique jewelry that is beautiful and practical. All of her pieces are lead and nickle free and even gold plated!

We recently had the privilege of interviewing our favorite jewelry designer, Rebecca, to get to know a little more about her! We would like you to get to know a little more about her too!

Q: "What made you want to start designing jewelry and accessories?"  

A: "I went to Towson University for a degree in costume design and after an amazing couple of years I realized what I really loved doing was creating jewelry and accessories that were my own style, not necessarily of a certain time period.  So, I switched my career path and school to pursue my degree in Accessory Design. After school and a job designing shoes, I ventured out on my own to create pieces that I would love to wear and that I thought others would love too!"

Q: "What would you consider your inspiration for your designs?"  

Gem Dangle Earrings in Turquoise, $28

A: "I’m a huge animal lover, so each year I always come out with new little critter designs.  This year we introduced some adorable tropical birds, and underwater friends. Besides nature and animals, I’m also inspired by vintage gemstones, colors, and shapes. Each season I try and incorporate hand patina designs or vintage gemstones and components to my jewelry.  This year I was given  bright gold and orange gemstone clip on earrings from my grandmother, who has quite a collection of jewelry from the 50's and 60's.  I used this design to inspire my vintage gemstone pieces for our 2014 Spring/Summer collection!"

Q: "Our customers love that you are a local designer - Does Maryland play a role in your designs?"

A: "Being a born and raised Maryland girl does play a role in my designs.  I grew up right on the water and spent many days at the beach, biking or walking in downtown Annapolis.  I use my experiences to mold my designs into pieces that would work well for the girl who may spend her days on the water or at the farmers market to nights out in Fed Hill or Naptown!"

Q: "What items would you recommend for gifts?"

Flamingo Necklace in Gold, $28
"Love" Necklace in Gold, $26

A:  "I love to put together a few special pieces that I know the receiver will love plus something that they may have never thought of wearing. Our new Love Necklace-- I like to layer this with other necklaces especially our new Flamingo necklace! Of course I always include one of our gemstone earrings into the gift.  This is where I like to introduce my friends to new colors that they can include into their wardrobe, plus what girl doesn't want something sparkly dangling from their ear?!"

                                                         

Stop by either location of Poppy & Stella for a look at more of Rebecca's work! Pieces starting at $24.

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

Wedding season is fast approaching, which means showers, bachelorettes, rehearsal dinners, bridal luncheons, and of course weddings to attend. Each event requires a different look Do you have your go to outfits yet?

The Cure: Shower Style

Bridal showers can range in what is appropriate attire, but I feel as if a spring sundress can never steer your wrong.  Choose something with color, at all costs avoid white (it's probably what the bride to be will be wearing). Pair the dress with a cropped blazer, to layer in case it's chilly or to cover up in case it's more appropriate.  Finally a great basic pump pulls it all together. Keeping it simple will ensure a successful shower ensemble.

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Color blocking is still a major component this season and if you haven't tested the waters yet a great place to dip you toe into said waters is with shoes! Fendi has the perfect example of a great color block pump that you can easily work into your wardrobe and wear with confidence. The price might cause a few waves, at $695 those are expensive waters to explore.

Fendi, $695

Perhaps your boat is better suited for a calmer sea with a little more color and a little less money. If that's the case let me suggest to you a Pour la Victoire leather platform color blocked pump.  The "Neysa" has a vibrant suede and rich leather that will cause you to drop anchor.  At $228 this pair will put you on course for color blocking success.

PLV, $228

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

As we approach the weekend it's only right that I cap off this week's theme, "grown-up girly", with a simple "how to".  This is a look that's easy to pull off and is both casual and chic, not to mention suitable for a number of different occasions.  

The Cure: Refined Recreation

For me, this is a look that is built off of the shoe! Find a pair of your girliest pumps and go from there.  My go to line of girly goodness is Butter and this double bow, open toe pump is perfection.  Since the shoe is a neutral, I'd anchor the look with a pop of color, in this case the shorts, top it with a silk tee that has some kind of simple graphic or a bit of texture and then amp up the playful side of the look with accessories!

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

In keeping with the idea of a grown up girly look I stumbled upon the cutest pair of flats!  These Miu Miu ballerinas are a baby pink patent with grosgrain bow and Swarworvski embellishment are the perfect combo of girly and grown up. They also come with a very grown-up price, $650.

Miu Miu, $650

Lucky for us, Libby Edelman has a pair that captures the cute and the chic with a price that isn't so steep!

The "Alexis" comes in the same baby pink patent, but with a chiffon like bow and rhinestone accent. Fun, flirty, and totally affordable at just $86!

Libby Edelman, $86

Grown Up Girly

Do you ever get nostalgic for looks you used to wear when you were younger, looks that just aren't age appropriate anymore? Let's not kid ourselves, some of the things we used to wear were uber-cute, and you can get that girlhood look all grown-up.

This sprint color will of course play an important role and this is a look that incorporates it freely, when thinking about your old tee and shorts stand by make it more sophisticated in richer fabrics and silhouettes. Eyelet dresses is curve hugging cuts and flats with bows also add an air to this polished playground look.

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

Wanted: Chunky heeled leather platform sandal, with adjustable ankle strap and decorative stitching.  On my search for the perfect platform do you know what I found? This gorgeous sandal from Chloe.  My two favorite parts about this sandal...the studs on the toe and stitching up the heel, my least favorite part...the price, guess I should add in my ad that only shoes below $200 need apply.

Chloe, $695

Luckily enough I found another pair that meets my needs.  The Payton from Kork-Ease fits the bill with a thick chunky heel and wooden platform.  I lose the studs, but gain more decorative stitching and woven details for a bonus! Double bonus, only $174, a match made in Heaven!

Kork-Ease, $174

Nature Made

Spring is only days away and we've barely scratched the surface of fashionable possibilities for the season. Prints have had quite a presence on the runway, from mad and bold to soft and flowery, with so many options to choose from you can easily pick the one that fits your style.  Nature inspired prints are this weeks focus and they are positively precious.

There is more that just flowery fullness here, but nature-scapes including jungles, forests, landscapes, and horizons.  With so much going on in one of these prints, choose a fabric that is light and airy so the print doesn't weigh you down, but choose a shoe that's a little heavy to keep you grounded.

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

Color is coming on strong this season, with everything from super saturated colored denim, to the long lasting color-blocking trend.  Experimenting with such bold, bright, hues can be intimidating, but there are simple ways to introduce them to your wardrobe.

The Cure : Closet...meet Color!

As per my usual advice when trying anything new or trending, start small and adjust to find your comfort level.  Find one piece in a bright color you love. A blazer is a great place to start, as a layering piece it can easily be removed if you start to think that the look just isn't for you.  If you are feeling slightly bolder, add a statement necklace in a contrasting color, and once you are completely cool with the look, color block with a pair of colored denim.  Just make sure to keep a few things neutral, you don't need to reveal an entire rainbow of color in one look!

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Have you been looking for that perfect summer stunner sandal? Look no further because Jimmy Choo has the perfect sandal for you! Platform, check, strappy, check, ridiculously beautiful, check, totally affordable...well ok so maybe it's not so perfect but you have to admit that this $750 may be worth money.

Jimmy Choo, $750

Of course you can laugh and admit that $750 is absurd for a pair of shoes and I may just have to agree with you.  Which is why I bring you the Tifara from Pour La Victoire.  Instead of a buckle it has a zipper and one less criss cross than the Jimmy Choo, but it is by farm just as stunning for a summer sandal.  At only $199 you could by 3 pairs before paying as much as the Jimmy Choos. Platform, check, strappy, check, ridiculously beautiful, check, totally affordable...check!

Pour la Victoire, $199

High on High-Waists

Want to grow 6 inches overnight?  It's easy to do with the right cuts of clothing! Welcome to the age of high-waisted everything, pants, skirts, even shorts, and when paired with the right proportions you can look longer and leaner!

Proportion is key in the high-waisted world.  This is a waistline that's meant to be seen, so tuck those shirts in or chose a cropped look that hits just at the waistline.  Volume is important to keep in mind too, if you choose a wide-leg pant, your top should be slim.  A high-wasted pencil skirt should accompany a billowy blouse.  And when it comes to shoes, the taller the heel the better!

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

It's Casual Friday!!! Yay!!! Today is the day where you can finally let your hair down and relax a little while you work.  You can still dress to impress and be ready to hit happy hour right after work by combining a few key pieces!

The Cure: Dressed Down Duds

Pull out that femme tweed jacket, the one with Chanel like charm...too much you think? It's so easy to dress down.  Layer a silk embellished camisole under it and pair those pieces with your cuffed boyfriend jeans.  Finish with a soft shaded wedge and you're done! Once work is over, lose the blazer and you're ready for a night out!

Under Construction...Complete!

Our Fells Point location has re-opened with our BRAND NEW expanded space!!! Not only are we carrying the cutest in Spring shoes, jewelry and handbags...but now clothes as well!  Come check us out!

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

I'm not going to lie, I love me some gladiator sandals and I can't wait to rock a new pair!  Moschino Cheap and Chic has a glorious two tone leather sandal strappy enough to make a statement. They truly are chic, but the $495 price is not cheap.

Moschino, $495

How about Cheaper and Chic...does that exist? It does when you consider a less expensive version by Gentle Souls.  While the price is less these are definitely not "cheap" sandals.  The modified gladiator pattern adds an aire of femininity while special cushioned pods create contours of comfort. At $148 you'll be glad you made this choice!

Gentle Souls, $148

Avant Garde Glam

The romantic look of fashion isn't a reflection of the past this season, but of the future with it's more modern approach.  How is this being acheived?  According to InStyle,

"Take classic elements like ruffles, florals, lace, and peplums and apply them to shapes that are lean, geometric, and exaggerated.  It's a gutsy yet glorious idea.  The result is femininity that replaces dainty with drama."

photos courtesy of InStyle

Drama is definite and this is not a look for the faint of heart.  Even for the most daring of divas, one statement piece is all you need.  By combining so many elements into one, there is no need for added accessorizing.   Stick to neutrals with shoes and depending on how wild your wear, the simpler the better.

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

It's date night, or maybe just a low key night out and you are not feeling the love for denim this evening.  You're thinking you want to wear something a little extra special, but still keep things casual.  In the moment a dress feels too much, pants feel too office like, you need something that is just right...

The Cure: One Piece Wonder

One piece can do all the work for you! Take for example this fab skirt that combines two trends, you've got  a great bold Aztec print and sequins for that high gloss shine. This is a great piece because you can dress it up and down!  Dressed down for a casual night out, top it with a chambray button down, nude heels, and simple accessories.  By keeping everything else low key, the skirt can stand on it's own as that little bit of extra special, but not stick out like a sore thumb.  

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

Shine On!

All of the sparkly goodness from last night's Oscar awards reminded me of how much fun a little (or a lot) of shine can be! Alas, such things are not so ready-to-wear...or are they?!?  Perhaps not to the extent of being red carpet ready but designers from Chanel, Armani, Theory, and Reed Krakoff have exhibited a subtler sequin Spring look this season.

According to InStyle magazine the sea seems to be a major influence with an abundance of iridescent and opalescent fabrics, so take your cues from that, choosy pearly colors and simple, flowing lines.  Stick to the "less is more" mantra, one shiny piece is enough.  Most importantly,remember that while shimmer is acceptable 24/7, what you wear, where is still important.