Pack Smart, Look Fabulous

Headed somewhere for a summer vaycay? Let us help you pack smart! You can seriously cut down on baggage with a few key picks, and we’ve got all of them!

#1: Compact Crossbody Bag

A style like the Hobo “Mara” will hold all of your essentials, but will leave your hands free for dashing through the airport, perusing shops, or attending a festival! Pick a neutral color like Hobo’s newest shade “Doe” so your bag will go with everything you pack! Play up the silver hardware in your jewelry to make a more polished look for night.

Hobo The Original crossbody bag, $138

#2: Day to Night Sandal

If you pick a sleek sandal with fun details, it can easily carry you from daytime on the boardwalk to a night out on the town. Pick something easy to walk in all day, yet dressy enough to throw on with a maxi dress at dinner. We’ve got styles at every price point that will go with everything in your suitcase!

Left to Right:

Kork-Ease metallic slides - Full price $124, now $99 at 20% off

Dolce Vita black nubuck slides - Full price $58, now $41 at 30% off

Restricted cut out lace ups - Full price $44, now $44 at 20% off

#3: Simple Costume Jewelry

With the exception of the precious pieces you never take off, it’s probably a good idea to pack mostly inexpensive costume jewelry on a trip. That way if your bag gets lost, you won’t be pacing around the airport stressing about grandma’s necklace, or that bracelet your hubby got you last Christmas. Choose one long and one short necklace that can be worn alone or layered together—that way no matter what neckline you’re wearing you’ll have just the right length.  Add a small pair of studs that can stand alone or complement either necklace and you’re set!

Sunglasses - $14 a pair

Bar stud earrings - $7 a pair

Rebecca gold plated feather necklace - $32

Two-tone stone pendant - $22

#4: Cheap ‘n Chic Sunnies

The idea of scratching your pricey polarized sunnies in the sand or (even worse) watching them sink down into the ocean can be heartbreaking. Bring a cute and versatile pair of sunglasses that you won’t mind getting down and dirty with—all of ours are just $14 a pair!

#5: The Everything Scarf

We obviously love a sheer gauzy scarf for layering on a summer night, but these beauties can do so much more than that! Bring it on the plane to drape over your shoulders when you get chilly, knot it around your waist for an instant beach wrap, and tie it into a vest (see how-to below) to make a plain outfit pop!

Step 1: Open scarf long-ways

Step 2: Fold in half

Step 3: Holding the open corners in one hand and the folded corner in the other, tie ends into small knot

Step 4: Unfold and slip over shoulders with knot at back

Tie dye scarf - $24

#6: The Optional Carry On/Emergency Checked Bag

Ok, so we’ve all been there. You hit the shops a little too hard on vacation, and before you know it your bag is overweight! Pack a soft, lightweight duffel that can fold up compactly inside your bag, and fill it with all of the overflow! If you pick one with good enough closures, it can even be checked in a pinch! Not only does our quilted tote by Lani have strong zippers, but it also features a hidden loop for attaching to your rolling suitcase.

Lani quilted tote, $68

Follow these tips and tricks to take the stress out of packing and enjoy your trip! And be sure to tag us in your summer travel pics for a chance to be featured on our Instagram! @poppyandstella

the fashionista's guide to packing

Now that Summer is upon us, it's time to start thinking about what you are going to need for those upcoming vacations. Whether you're headed to the beach house for the weekend or on your way to an exotic getaway, these six summer vacation essentials will be a great starting point for all your summer packing needs!

1. Pack-able sun hats 

Protect your face from sun while looking sassy for your summer vacation. All San Diego Hat Co. hats have a UPF 50 rating, which protects your face from harmful UV rays. These hats bounce back to their original shape when crushed, making them the perfect travel companions as well.

San Diego Hat Co. pack-able hat, $45.

2.  Tinted lip balm and sheer gloss

Keep your lips moisturized during the warm summer weather and add a little lip color to your nighttime vacation looks. Go for a more sheer look with the lippy gloss or try out the tinted balm for more color coverage.

butter LONDON lippy and tinted balm, $18-$20 each.

3. Crease-less hair ties 

Keep your hair out of your face for daytime activities without leaving a crease in your hair. Kitsch hair ties also double as a fashion bracelet!

Kitsch hair ties, $14-16 per pack.

4. Crossbody bag

Store all your small vacation necessities like you butter LONDON lippy and Kitsch hair ties in a convenient crossbody . Crossbody bags are great for keeping your hands free while you're on the move! 

Street Level woven crossbody, $48.

5. Pack-able sandals 

Everyone needs a great pair of sandals to take with them on vacation. Pack a lightweight pair that is versatile enough to wear with various outfits, but comfortable and durable enough for all day wear. We chose a leather thong style sandal that would look great with everything from shorts to maxi dresses.

Miz Mooz Inuovo thong style leather sandal, $69.

6. Colorful nail polish 

Show off those toes with a freshly painted pedicure in a tropical inspired color. Bright colors will perfectly compliment your summer tan!

butter LONDON nail polish, $15 each.

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!

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.

Spring Style Preview!

There may be six more weeks of winter, but we are celebrating Spring early, previewing our new arrivals exclusively to you! From fun floppy hats to strappy sandals, we have just what you need this Spring. These styles are perfect for a winter getaway, or just for those dreaming of warmer weather!

One of our favorite reemerging trends this season is the maxi dress, done in fun prints! Wear your maxis with casual sandals, or dress them up with wedges and a contrasting necklace. Add a fun hat to any Spring outfit for a pop of color and to shield your skin while outdoors.

Another trend we love for the upcoming season (and for any season!) is comfort shoes, whether they are flats or heels. The Born leather wedge featured below has a padded footbed and adjustable slingback strap, making it perfect for all day wear. The Bed Stu woven leather sandal below is also a great everyday shoe, absolutely made for walking with its leather lining and rubber outer sole!

Here's to SPRING and all it holds for fun and fashion!

Shop this look:

Olive & Oak striped maxi, $89

Born leather wedge, $115

San Diego Hat Co. ombre floppy, $28

Sunburst necklace, $32

Shop this look:

Olive & Oak chevron maxi, $84

Bed Stu leather woven sandal, $119

San Diego Hat Co. woven fedora, $22

Introducing: Johnston & Murphy

We are so excited to announce the arrival of our newest collection, Johnston & Murphy! Not only do they make impeccably crafted leather shoes for men, but as of 2008, they started a new line of Women’s shoes, and naturally we have to carry it!

It all started in 1850, when shoemaker William J. Dudley established Dudley Shoe Company in his New Jersey home.  The company gained notoriety for crafting shoes for each President, from President Fillmore to our current President, Obama. The company went through many adjustments and three name changes, but finally emerged with the name we all know today. Through all the changes, Johnston & Murphy still holds to the same level of craftsmanship in their shoes as they did in 1850.

Over 150 years after the start of the company, Johnston and Murphy decided to add women’s shoes and accessories to the mix, including everything from drivers, to oxfords, to heels.  What makes them unique is their attention to quality. Each flat is cushioned with memory foam insoles and constructed with leather soles.  The “Claire” penny driver is even cut from one piece of suede and is lined in sheepskin!

We are now carrying three styles, in both our Annapolis and Baltimore stores, and are awaiting the arrival of another.

Stay tuned for more Johnston and Murphy to come!

Summer Scorcher

Summer certainly is making a grand entrance at the party this week. Walking outside is like stepping into a very warm bath, and if you're like me, you feel like you're just barely keeping your head above water. In the heat, your energy wanes and you feel overwhelmed by all the activity that summer demands. It's hard to keep moving with that sun beating down and the humidity rising. You just want to curl up in front of the AC and take a nap.

What a great time to remember to take good care of our bodies. Drink gallons of water and take advantage of all the fresh, cheap fruits and vegetables that are in season right now. Keep your feet happy with some airy espadrilles or flats. Put on your most breezy maxi dress. Wear sunscreen.  Rock a great hat. I got my first wide-brimmed chapeaux this year, and what a joy it is to have instant shade no matter where I'm wandering.

But summertime traditionally is also a time when our soul health is in peril. Self-hate is just as pernicious as the heat. We hate our arms in sundresses, we hate our thighs in swimsuits, we hate our toes in sandals. We tell ourselves lies about how we compare to the next girl. And no amount of buying and outward fixing can really take away that self-hate. 

I try to encourage all the ladies who come into Poppy to be kind to themselves, body and soul--not because of what they have or don't have, but because they've been beautifully made from the inside out. It's a message I share because I need to hear it too, again and again.

One of my favorite parts of working at Poppy and Stella is meeting all the wonderful people who walk through our doors. Our fabulous customers are beautiful inwardly first, loving themselves and others well. And that inward beauty radiates out into a loveliness that goes beyond their great fashion sense. 

So to all my Poppy ladies--be kind to yourself this summer! Drink your water and take care of your skin, but also teach your soul to forgive your faults. I think you're just beautiful.

-Charlotte, Poppy & Stella ATC

Staff Picks: Victoria

I'm Victoria, from Poppy & Stella in Fells Point! I wanted to give some background on the fabulous butter LONDON line of cosmetics, and how I plan to incorporate my favorite shades of nail lacquer and lippy into my summer wardrobe.

butter LONDON nail lacquer and liquid lipsticks allow you to achieve perfectly polished  looks reminiscent of those found on any high-fashion runway. The polishes are 3-Free, meaning that they are made without the use of the harmful carcinogens that are found in common drugstore brands--  Formaldehyde, Toluene and DBP.

We carry over forty different shades of butter LONDON’s vivid polishes and ten different shades of their coveted Lippy lip color, so you’ll have a wide range of color, texture, and opacity to work with when creating your custom style.

I love to use the Nail Foundation for a pretty, natural buffed finish. I’d complete this ethereal daytime spring look with a blousy white top, tailored khaki shorts, blush colored patent flats, and the sheer iridescent Hen Party lippy.

For an edgier night life look, I’d use the bold teal Slapper lacquer with a chevron stripe in neutral Crumpet, or even a French tip with the ever cool Matte Finish top coat. Pair with sky-high black wedges, high-wasted shorts, and a chic cropped top, and finish the whole look with a pop of lip color: Macbeth lippy will give your outfit that perfect punch of neon attitude. 

Whichever color, shimmer, or finish you choose from the butter LONDON collection, your sleek, well-executed look and rocking demeanor will be sure to turn heads wherever you go.

Nail Foundation, $19.

Nail Lacquer in "Slapper" and "Crumpet," $15 each.

Lippy in "Macbeth," $18.

Staff Picks: Charlotte

Our staff is as diverse as our merchandise, but we all have one thing in common: a MAJOR obsession with shoes and style! This week we introduce a new series of posts featuring the shoes, accessories, apparel, and trends most loved by the ladies of Poppy & Stella. Charlotte from our ATC location starts us off with a little background on her love of Gentle Souls and her Okey Dokey sandal.

Hi everyone! I'm Charlotte, and this will be my very first sandal season spent at Poppy & Stella!

My new obsession is the Okey Dokey in taupe by Gentle Souls. Its sleek birdcage design makes this a shoe that can be a statement piece, adding interest to any outfit, or a unique summer neutral. Its classic, feminine shape wraps around your foot as delicately as lace. But the best thing about this shoe is its feel. Deerskin, ranked the 3rd strongest leather, forms the lining and contours to the shape of your foot over time. Flaxseeds under the footbed provide a dynamic environment for your feet, similar to the sensation of walking on sand, so that at the end of the day your feet still feel happy and alive.

Okey Dokey by Gentle Souls, $187.

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!

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Rich, grained calfskin leather, rounded toe, minimalist chic, all with a 3 inch wedge heel...sounds like the perfect bootie that can easily transition from day to night! Of course I'm describing Lanvin's wedge ankle boot, but the $850 price tag makes them far from perfect.

Lanvin

Lucky for you, I could also be describing the "Lexy" by Corso Como. Sleek and stylish with a round toe and rich coffee hued leather, but with a 4 inch wedge for a little extra lift. What's even luckier is that they are only $142! Now that's what I call perfect!

Corso Como

Blazing Blues

While you may be used to red as THE statement making color, blues are coming out in full force. Lapis is a hue with a bright, stunning electricity that is sure to shock a few.

This is a great color for color-blocking, keep in mind the blue/black trend, or for wearing solo.  It plays well with neutrals, and brights like oranges and reds.  So instead of turning up the heat in a blazing red number, play it cool with a striking streak of blue.

SALE!

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

The calendar still says fall but it feels an awful lot like winter outside so, maybe you're planning a weekend curled up in front of a fire watching movies and football with your love.  If that's the case, not leaving the house in not an excuse for not making an effort.  You can be cute and comfy just incase there is a need to run out for take-out or a last minute change in plans!

The Cure: Luxe Lounge

In these cases I feel like simple black leggings are a great way to start, this basic is comfortable, practical, and can easily adapt to any situation.  On top, layer a patterned blanket sweater over a silk cami and pair the outfit with a cute pair of moccasins or ballet flats.  With a cami and leggings as your base you can always switch out the shoes and sweater easily to fit wherever you might find yourself.

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Do you have booties on the brain? Black ankle booties? Black, platform, ankle booties with buckle details?  I guess you know what's on my brain!  It's hard to resist the stunning statement appeal of Burberry Prorsum's leather ankle boots.  With a five inch stilettlo heel and one inch platforms this sleek and sophisticated pair gets any fashionista's stamp of approval.  The only thing not hard to resist is the $795 sticker.

Burberry Prorsum

Thankfully Sam Edelman has an equally statement worthy sidekick!  This bootie has a four and a half inch heel with a one inch platform and what it lacks in height it makes up for in details with dual buckles at the collar.  The price is just right at only $148.  Stamp of approval?  SOLD!

Sam Edelman

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.

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Holiday adds have already started and it's not even Thanksgiving, have you started your shopping?  Maybe at this point you are more involved with those little things you get for yourself, like your holiday wardrobe, in which case I have the perfect party shoes for you! This shimmery and shiny glitter peep-toe platform adds the perfect pinch of pizazz to any holiday ensemble and they can be yours for only $745!

Jimmy Choo

Like the look, but don't like the price?!? Perhaps an alternative, the "Stilla" pump from Madeline girl packs the same punch at a fraction of the cost.  At only $88 you will still steal the show in this sequined platform peep-toe!

Madeline Girl

Black and Blue

How many times have you been warned against wearing black and blue together? Major fashion faux pas right?  Well this year designers from Carolina Herrara to Marc Jacobs decided to challenge that notion.

This is apparently the "it" color combo of the season.  Seen used together in stripes and patterns.  Try color-blocking with the two shades, or create an entirely new work uniform by layering the two together.  Black layered under navy is really a striking combination.