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Before Baltimore developed a style complex, we boasted world-class shopping. Stores like Hutzlers, Hanna’s and Kirk Silver brought the best European and American wares home to Baltimore. More recently Saks, Nan Duskin and John Sims folded, spreading the dreary theory that upscale shopping’s dead. Not true. The stores on our Radar this issue have delivered the goods to Baltimoreans for over 20 years. We can count on these classics…
Linens and Lingerie
The fine tablecloths, napkins, bedcovers and pillows at Linens and Lingerie bring to mind Pratesi and Frette. And the understated lingerie by Josie Natori and Oscar de la Renta, among others, is pretty and feminine (with a touch of sass if you want it). Made-to-order bed linens with monograms and trim are extra-special. The sachets, soaps and room sprays turn a house into a sweet-smelling well-appointed home. Don’t miss: Adorable smocked dresses for babies, smocked booties (at $27, a great gift) and exquisite throws. Gift Giving Inspiration (GGI): The luxurious silk damask down throw is a favorite, but we say get anything at L & L… there is always something there to love. 7625 Bellona Avenue, Ruxton.
Ruth Shaw
As founder of one of Baltimore’s few high-fashion boutiques, Ruth Shaw is a fashion icon herself. She set up shop in 1973 to make the clothes she wanted to wear available in Baltimore. Her passion for fashion is the secret to her store’s success thirty years later. The selection is one of the best in the region, relying heavily on European designers like Piazza Sempione, Blumarine and Etro. She and buyer Ray Mitchener are never afraid to try new designers and do so every season. The only boutique in Baltimore to do regular buying in Europe, they bring runway to the rack. GGI: Faux gold bangles and necklaces, scarves and wraps, evening bags, earrings. Don’t forget a knockout outfit for yourself. The Village of Cross Keys, 5100 Falls Road, Roland Park.
Greetings and Readings
Before Borders and Barnes and Noble launched the behemoth bookstore and coffee concept, Greetings and Readings featured an indie version. They sell just about everything, including books, cards, filofaxes, custom party supplies, gag gifts, crystal figurines, and more. The store, which has been on Taylor Avenue in Loch Raven since 1969, recently moved to the Hunt Valley Towne Centre. The 30,000-foot space retains the Bawlmer charm of the old space with large displays of University of Maryland, Ravens and Orioles paraphernalia. You won’t find that at the big chains. GGI: Books, candies, games and hard-to-find magazines. Take advantage of the free gift wrap (one less thing to do this holiday season). Hunt Valley Towne Centre, 118AA Shawan Road, Hunt Valley.
Eddie’s
You can’t catalogue the great stores of Baltimore without touting Eddie’s Market. The original Roland Park store opened in 1944, stacking the finest products in the region. The store has been providing customers with quality merchandise and services ever since. Catering, personal shopping, custom cut meats, produce, prepared gourmet goods, deli and bakery all seem like ordinary features at any grocery store chain nowadays, but Eddie’s was the first to deliver. GGI: Custom gift baskets, novelties from the candy department, accessories for teachers, hostesses. FYI: Eddie’s is named after Eddie Levy, the head of an independent grocers’ cooperative who organized independent grocers to join forces to compete with the mega chains years ago. 5113 Roland Avenue, Roland Park and 6213 N. Charles Street, Woodbrook.
Fields of Pikesville
Visiting Fields is like going back in time. The luncheonette serves up succulent chicken dinners, a salad bar, and creamy milkshakes packed with calories. They’ve got maybe the biggest greeting card selection in town. Hand-painted window art by Thea Osato changes by season, and it’s always exquisite. A books section features travel books, carefully chosen novels and nonfiction. Though the pharmacy is no more, the stellar makeup counter lives on. Makeup artist and department manager Leslye Romm, a 20-year vet, carries Clarin, B. Kamins, Darfin, Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, Ahava from Israel, Tina Earnshaw, Guerlain, and more. Vogue’s lipstick pick for fall is Chanel’s Metal Garnet, Fields stocks it for $23.50, an affordable holiday treat.
1401 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville.
Octavia
Ninety-year-old Octavia Dugan opened her fashionable boutique in 1965 at Cross Keys. Grandson Jay and his wife, former Ford model Betsy, now run the store and have taken it from its classic designer roots to its hip reincarnation today. Although dressing Baltimore’s mothers-of-the-bride and finding gowns for those on the fund raising event circuit is still a big part of the business, the Dugans have added sportswear from Tory Burch and Diane von Furstenberg, bags from Marc Jacobs and designer jeans to the mix. This makes the store, now in Pikesville, more accessible to the under-40 crowd. The sportswear and formal wear, along with furs, suits and accessories mean there is something for everyone. GGI: Handbags, costume jewelry, cashmere sweaters and something for yourself. 1848 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville.
Cohen’s
Located in a nondescript mall, Cohen’s is a happy mismatch in a wasteland of chains. It’s best known for its healthy selection of boys’ clothing and a back-to-school trip is a ritual for most Baltimore County future businessmen. Still run by the Cohen family, which launched the business in 1904, the store is committed to carrying the best lines for that clean-cut look. Think button-downs and polos, ribbon belts and rep ties. They have cornered the market on preppy with Ralph Lauren shirts, Lacoste polos, Vineyard Vines ties, madras and pastel pants. Roxy and Quicksilver also line the shelves for the cool kids. GGI: Belts, wallets, key chains and colorful ties that your teenager will actually like.
Yorktowne Plaza, 64 Cranbrook Road, Cockeysville.
Radcliffe Jewelers
Radcliffe made its mark 25 years ago with beautiful jewelry lines like Bulgari, David Yurman, Elizabeth Locke and Baume and Mercier. But don’t overlook its beautiful decorative accessories. The space on Reisterstown Road in Pikesville reminds us of Gumps, the venerable San Francisco store, with its fine crystal, china and silver flatware. Vases, bowls, clocks and frames by lines like Buccellati, Christolfe and Herend make it a favorite for wedding registries, but we like to stop in just to enjoy the feast for the eyes. Don’t miss the Steuben glass boutique, the only one in the state. GGI: Champagne glasses, baubles, an exquisite watch. 1848 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville and Towson Town Center.
The Store Ltd.
The Store Ltd. offers that rare find usually discovered at out-of-the-way specialty shops. Owner Bill Steinmetz opened the store in 1965 and divided it into two shops last year. Both stores—one featuring housewares, the other clothing and jewelry—are filled with work by artisans who cherish good design. Glass vases, wooden boxes and original ornaments give the home store a museum shop quality. The clothing store features handcrafted jewelry by renowned local artist Betty Cooke, wearable art, and bags and coats by Marimekko. Both stores feel like they could be set in a tonier shopping mecca. GGI: Carved wooden bowls, Betty Cooke silver and pearl chokers, colorful suede or knit gloves. The Village of Cross Keys, 5100 Falls Road, Roland Park.
The Pied Piper
The Pied Piper has been the must-stop shop for fine children’s clothing since it opened in 1965. The wool and velvet coats, party dresses, and soft knit baby gear are our favorites, but customers will find a full array of play clothes, PJs, undergarments and accessories, up to size 16. The dress selection for ages 8–12 is especially strong. Not to be missed: The luscious baby section with exquisite blankets and quilts, christening gowns and silver baby accessories. GGI: Madame Alexander dolls (get a collection started and you’ll never be stymied for a gift), luxe pajamas and robes, knit gloves and caps. The Village of Cross Keys, 5100 Falls Road, Roland Park.
Also Noteworthy: Joanna Gray of London for shoes, Mano Swartz for furs, Nelson Coleman Jewelers for classic jewels, Graul’s Market for service, prepared food and the bakery, Smyth Jewelers for selection, Jones and Jones for cute bags and suits, Panache for dresses and separates; J. Brown Jewelers, Towson Bootery, Trillium. See Black Book for details.