Holly-go-quickly

Georgetown law student Gwen Long named her new Federal Hill shop, Holly-go-quickly, after Holly Golightly, Truman Capote’s stay-up-late, live-it-up character, who felt happiest when she visited Tiffany’s. Gwen, a Southern California native, buys colorful feminine party-ready clothing from Chicago, New York, and L.A. A fashion devotee since childhood, her goal is to bring unique designer clothing to Federal Hill, an area in need of more retail, in a variety of price ranges. She succeeds, with prices ranging from $20 tanks and $30 T-shirts to $300 dresses. She carries A. Cheng—the pink lace top is adorable ($176)—PD favorite Frankie B., Uluru, Johnny Was, Marie, Marie, and Eva Franco—a gorgeous blue suede tunic sells for $180—and jeans by Denim for Immortality, Red Engine and Rosher. Don’t overlook the ultra dainty lingerie in the back of the store. The shop is cozy and chic, sporting a soft settee. “At Holly G., everyone can feel like they are at Tiffany’s, but still afford to shop there,” Gwen says.
1018 S. Charles St. 410.962.1506.

The icing on the cupcakes

Store president Lisa Schatz’s spacious two-room boutique Cupcake is heavy on the glam shoe selection and Friday-night-club-ready couture. Prices run the gamut. Pop in for sexy cowboy boots ($300) or a devilish little black dress ($175). Dolce Vita heels ($115) in gold and silver are ideal third-date ammo. Cynthia Rowley shoes in green suede with pink bows ($215) are good for hopping from office to happy hour. The poet tee T-shirt line ($69 each) is quality hip. Cashmere dusters and tunics by Minnie Rose ($200) say easy elegance. Other best buys to keep in mind: corduroy straight legs by Union, dark skinny jeans by Genetic, and ballet flats in leopard print, faux crocodile, and taupe. Local art hangs in the store—another dazzling touch. 813-815 S. Broadway 410.522.0941.

Double your pleasure

Co-owners Leslie Jennings and Megan Luther met in a moms’ Internet chat group. Indie spirited Doubledutch Boutique was quickly born. The sunny shop charms the less chipper end of 36th Street. “Part of the concept was to make a place where we could afford to shop,” Megan says. Independent labels abound—the women favor creative prints and patterns and a retro-inspired style—and prices are extremely reasonable across the board. Girly clutch purses by Bake Sale with lightweight wooden handles ($40) look like art exhibits on the shelf. Megan, a MICA grad, makes gorgeous silkscreen shirts. Snowflake 66 stitches pretty reclaimed fabrics into tops with antique buttons ($68). Other handpicked designers include Dear Birthday, Kismet out of Colorado, and Snowflake out of Toronto, from whom shop owners have ordered the great “stewardess skirt” and “regulation romper.” In jewelry, local designer Michelle Hagewood hangs natural stones from delicate chains. So pretty.
3616 Falls Rd. 410.554.0055.

Luxury for less

Furniture mega-store Brandon opened in Hunt Valley six months ago. “We buy unique and eclectic items from all over the world,” owner Gianmichele Gennari explains. The 40,000-square-foot warehouse space features opulent living, dining and bedroom setups. Think Dynasty on a budget. Gennari buys hand-painted pieces from Italy, hand-carved items from India, and striking original oil paintings from unknown Latin American painters. New items arrive each week. A lovely dark wood buffet hand-carved in Italy is $4,500. A 12-foot leather couch stitched and built by hand sells for $4,700. Comfy armchairs, silk rugs, ornate lamps, you name it, they’ve got it. “We like to think of ourselves as the Home Depot of furniture—we’re one stop shopping for home decor,” Gennari says. Hunt Valley Towne Centre, 118 Shawan Road, Upper Level 410.771.9191.