Mini Menswear

Menswear still has an influence in women's fashion today but it seems to have taken on a more minor role as feminine silhouettes and flowy fabrics have taken center stage.  By incorporating one specific piece into an uber girly look you can give it a "girl meets boy" performance.

Add a vest to a super feminine dress of an unexpected look and  a blazer creates a sharp contrast with structure when paired with  a fluid dress.  When wearing lace and pumps a plaid hip-length coat hits the mark for balance and a grandpa cardigan can help tone down the attitude of a sexy leather skirt.  Finally a neck tie creates a playful yet preppy look.

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

It's sweater weather, but do you find it hard to make your comfy chunky knits chic and sophisticated?  The key is finding the right balance.

The Cure: Chunky Knit Kinship

The key to wearing any piece that has a lot of weight and volume is to offset it with a piece with little to no volume.  Take for example this great Chunky Jacquard sweater coat found at Stella-Mae, the only thing you should think of pairing it with is a pair of leggings.  If you want to up the ante make sure to pair with leather or faux leather leggings.  Add some femininity with a strappy wedge and you've taken this sweater from curl up on the couch comfy to strutting the city streets!

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Animal print is here to stay and one of my favorite ways of adding pop to an outfit is with an animal print flat.  This leopard print penny loafer from Prada is just the right amount of animal accent for any type of ensemble.  It's classically chic with it's simple design and bold print. The only thing not so attractive is the $790 price tag, in fact it doesn't even appeal to those with the necessary means.

Prada, $790

Kelsi Dagger has a fabulous alternative with their Frances flat, so fabulous that it's been seen on Nicky Hilton and Miley Cyrus.  This is a shoe that's asked about!

 Again, with the classic loafer design and bold print you can do wrong with the shoe.  At just $105 you better hurry up and get yours before they're all gone!

Kelsi Dagger, $105

Leather Look-see

The look of leather typically suggests getting in touch with your inner bad girl, biker chic, or rock diva, but adding just a hint of leather can really sophisticate a look.

" ...leather details add an edgy and intriguing element. In a tweed chemise with contrasting brown leather pockets, you can be office-appropriate yet also say, 'I'm a closet hipster'.  A goddess gown with a faux leather bodice? Elegant and sultry all at once."

               --InStyle, October 2011

Little bits of leather also call to mind equestrian connotations with piping that are classically chic.  However you choose to wear it, leather can say so much more than "I'm a rebel".

If you've typically don't gravitate to this style start small with accents of leather trim necklines and ease your way into the look.  Don't have the money to splurge? Faux options are just as acceptable, pleather pants give you that tight fitted look with more movement.  Accessorize with floppy hats and strong shoes, from booties to stilettos you can't go wrong.
 

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

Now that fall is in full swing are you finding that there are trends you want to try but may be too timid to try them?  This is something that happens a lot!  You see a great look in a fashion magazine and think " I wish I could pull that off".  Well guess what, you can!

The Cure: Peter Pan Collar

This innocent looking collar has been seen all around this season, typically in a contrasting color to stand out, but if you're not ready to go all Never Never Land, you can incorporate this trend into your look without it taking over.  By choosing a printed blouse in which the collar carries the print, the collar is slightly camouflaged.  Pair with a great trouser jean and striking accessories, things you know you are comfortable with.  Remember fashion magazines want to highlight trends, so they go over the top, you want to highlight style and a little trend goes a long way!

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

I think that every woman needs to have a pair of red high heel platforms.  While it can actually be utilized as a basic, there is definitely nothing boring about it!  Case in point, Christian Louboutin's  Rolando hidden platform pump. This shoe has a straightforward toe, lustrous shine, and a commanding height to keep your look exciting at both work and play.  This shoe also has a commanding price, at $695 it better draw some attention.

Christian Louboutin, $695

Now for those of us still looking for attention to be paid to our fabulous shoes, but don't want to spend so much money the Loelle from Pour la Victoire may be the answer for you.  This deep red patent pump with a classic pointy toe has a small platform for a little added lift.   At just $244 not only will you have a poignant pair of pumps, but enough leftover to go towards a killer outfit that will get you the attention you deserve!

Pour la Victoire, $244

Red Red Wine

InStyle is at it again with their Color Crash Course and this month's honorary hue is Wine.  The "rich and unmistakably luscious, full-bodied fall favorite exudes feminine sophistication.  Why do the editor's love it?

"Even a teetotaler can appreciate the beauty of a velvety Bordeaux.  Translated to your wardrobe , this surprisingly versatile red-tinged purple conveys romance, as seen on Nina Ricci's fall runway.  And for those who fear color, it's a hue that never feels too conspicuous."

 From top to bottom and day to night, this a a color that clearly surprises.   If you decide not to go with wine all over pair it with neutrals like dark brown or bark, or play it up with dark inks or teals.  Gold accessories add warmth and an extra taste of luxe.

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

Let's be real for a moment, we all have those days where we want nothing more than to sit on the couch, cozied up in our favorite sweats watching whatever we've dvr'ed for the week, without a care in the world. But, inevitably on those days something calls us to have to leave the house and rather than be seen in our sweats we change so as to look our best for whomever we may run in to.  Ladies it is possible to have loungewear in which going out only takes as much effort as throwing on a pair of shoes.

The Cure: Laid back Luxe

Leggings are still a go to basic for this fall, and in case you haven't noticed they're pretty comfortable as well.  Luxe them up with a sequined tank for a little sparkle and texture, then top with an uber cozy poncho sweater, perfect for cuddling up during the day and a great transition for leaving the house.  As far as the shoes go, you've got plenty of options, go for a bootie to add some sex appeal, pick a flat for running errands, or go for a boot if you want your look to fall somewhere in between.

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

I have to say I really do envy a woman who makes jeans and a tank top look like so much more than jeans and a tank top!  Jennifer Aniston has always made a "less is more" approach to fashion so trendy.  Here she is with boyfriend jeans, a white, tank, messenger bag and cute little lace up booties with socks that are so on trend.  Why am I going on and on about this look? Well once again I have spotted a celeb sporting a shoe that looks oh so familiar.

While I don't know the exact line Jen is wearing, I do know that you too can have this look if you stop in and purchase the "Water Row" bootie from Indigo by Clarks!  A classic shoe with a solid heel and double eyelet laces is perfect for throwing on with just about anything, case in point, see above!  Dress it up or down, but don't dress without it!

Indigo by Clarks "Water Row", $119

Golden Eye

In case you haven't noticed gold is lighting up the red-carpet this season.  Even if you don't have a red carpet event, this precious metal is something your wardrobe shouldn't be without!

From head to toe gold accents and accessories are on trend this season.  Add a touch with a bangle or a great pump like our Charles, by Charles David glitzy platform or go glam with a top, skirt, or all over gold ensemble.  Whatever your fancy you will surely shine like a star!

Boots Boots Boots!!!

Check out these beauties hitting our shelves.  With a range of colors and styles, surely there is is a pair for you!

$198 

$262

$259

$192 - Also available in black.

$192 

$396

$198

$312

$219 - Also available in black and tan.

$219

$219

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

It's Friday, YAY, and you are ready to hit up happy hour right after work.  Your friends want to meet up downtown, your office is in midtown, and your place in is uptown...no time to rush home and change out of the office attire and into something more weekend appropriate.  Never fear, I've got a cure for you!

The Cure : FriDAY to NIGHT:

By pre-packing a few strategic pieces it's easy to go from day to night.  Start with a simple black day dress.  Make it office appropriate by adding a cardigan, and give it some style with a belt and boots.  When it's time to leave the office, ditch the belt and cardigan and throw on your faux fur vest. By switching just one piece you have a totally different look that is great for going out!  If you want to take it one step further, don't forget a great pair of stiletto booties!

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

How many of you flip through fashion magazines, check out the looks of your favorite celebrities and say to yourself "I wish I had their budgets", or "I could totally rock an outfit like that", but chances are you don't have the same shopping options as celebrities do.  One of my favorite things is seeing a picture of a celebrity and KNOWING that the look is totally in reach.  That is in fact what happened when I saw this picture of Ashley Green.

Ashely's grunge chic airport style is made complete with the Lucille boot from Timberland, which we totally have in stock!!! The military inspired two toned look has that little bit of extra to give your look an edge.  For a luscious leather boot this is totally budget friendly, at just $297 you too can give your style some grunge chic!

Timberland "Lucille", $297

Charity Shopping Event!

Poppy and Stella's    2011 Charity Shopping Events benefiting CAF Triathlon Challenge  "Changing Lives, One Athlete at a Time"   Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) is an amazing organization that provides funding and opportunities for individuals with physical challenges to allow them to participate in sports and lead healthy, active lifestyles. In 2010, Poppy and Stella raised over $4,000 for   CAF Triathlon Challenge.   We intend to beat last year's success with   Five Days of Charity Shopping for CAF.    From Wednesday, Sept. 28 through Sunday, October 2: Donate $1 to $10, receive 10% off your entire purchase,     $11 to $20 donation....15% off, $21 to $30 donation....20% off,                $31 to $40 donation....25% off,    Anything over $41 donation....30% off!* Beat the weekend crowds & join us for bubbly on these special extended hour evenings!  **Wednesday, September 29th - Fells Point** 5 pm til 9 pm **Thursday, September 30th - Annapolis**    5 pm til 9 pm *Tax deductible donations can be made with cash, check or credit card.  Poppy and Stella - Fells Point 728 S Broadway Baltimore, Maryland 21231 410-522-1970 Poppy and Stella - Annapolis Towne Centre 1910 Towne Centre Blvd.  Suite 123 Annapolis, MD 21401 410-224-0157

Lovely Lace

Lace and ladylike are loving fall again this season! Whether it's a little or a lot you can't go wrong incorporating this staple into your wardrobe.  Pair with sequins and go glam or pair with leather and walk on the wild side.

  This season it's been given a slight more Victorian feel with higher collars and is present in everything from stockings to skirts and blouses.  It's sexy, feminine, and elegant and a must have for the season.

A thousand thank you's to City Paper...and to all our loyal customers who've shown us so much love these past 3 and half years!  P.S. Have you seen the shoes City Paper is referring to?

Best Women’s Shoe Store  

Poppy and Stella

PUBLISHED: SEPTEMBER 21, 2011

28 S. Broadway, (410) 522-1970, poppyandstella.com

Made with leather, suede, canvas, cork, wood, buckles, satin, patent, and bows, shoes are covetable by most women, right? We adore $300 leather Frye boots like we eat salad—it’s stupid simple—and Frye’s super-high clogs in the sweetest gray leather are on our fall desire list. There are all sorts of giant places to buy shoes at a discount, but to shop the latest and local is totes fun, so we hit up little Poppy and Stella for the prettiest, toughest, flattest, highest, cutest, and most wearable shoes for the season—whatever season—and for whatever occasion. It always carries the nicest tall boots, chic booties, comfy ballet flats, strappy sandals, and sexy heels along with a tight collection of cool work-worthy loafers and stacked heels. Plus, the sales rack is meant to move shoes.

-Courtesy of City Paper

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

It's fall festival time. Apple picking, hayrides, pumpkin patches, so many of the things that make fall great, but what is a girl to wear! On one had you want to be practical, but let's face it, how often does function win out over fashion?

The Cure: Hayride Hottie

Gingham patterns might be farm favorites, but instead of putting it on under overalls, pair it with a pair of your favorite skinny jeans.  Layer it with a cardigan with a pleasing pop of color and add contrasting accessories with a skinny belt and necklace.  Then of course, the quintessential fall must have, a pair of Frye boots.  Talk about farmhouse chic!

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

So boot season is finally here!!! I kicked it off by wearing a pair last weekend as I was on the hunt for a brand new pair. Shopoholics anonymous here I come.  On my quest I did find an absolutely astounding pair of Prada riding boots.  This slip on style with a round toe and ankle buckle in gold that compliments the warm brown leather was like butter and I was ready to slather it all over my feet until I saw that these beautiful riding boots cost $1,350. The hunt continues...

Prada, $1,350

I did not lose hope for I found another great riding boot with a price that leaves me with cash to spare!

Timberland's Bethel Buckle is a bit more rugged in its styling but the added bonus is that this shoe is made to be environmentally friendly.  I just love the buckle around the ankle (the key accent) and the notched strap at the top.  Gold and brown blend together beautifully making this a great affordable choice, just $186!

Timberland, $186

Baroque Bohemian

Do you ever have those days where you want your darker side to show but you don't want to dress in all black?  Lucky Magazine might have a look for you to try.  Pucci, Anna Sui, and Tory Birch showed off this opulent style on the runway. Baroque Bohemian is a look drenched in "flamboyant shades and rich textures...decadent fabrics" with a slight 70's influence and rocker flare.

Key pieces to pull this look off include stretch velvet pants, velvet blazers, embellished blouses, and over the top, voluminous coats.  Keep it consistent with wide-brim hats, antique jewelry, vibrant and interesting shoes, and chain strap bags.  Wearing this look might feel like eating a piece of the richest dessert you've ever had, it's ok to take just ONE piece to go Baroque!

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

Cooler temps are creeping closer and your autumn apparel is arriving!  While fall fashion is easily embraced outside the office is it possible to warm your workspace with fall fashion flavor?  You bet, let me show you how to spice things up!

The Cure: Office Chic

One of falls hottest trends is the midi length skirt, which is totally appropriate for the work place.  Find a pattern that is pleasing and maybe a little provocative, spicing it up with the wonderfully warm shades of fall.  Go neutral with your top, accentuate your waist with a belt, and instead of sexy stilettos, choose a more appropriate oxford style bootie. Work your cubicle as if it were a runway! You are definitely dressed to impress!

Caution: Runway walks in the office may lead to unwanted distractions and side effects.