Turning japanese

As a MICA undergrad, Oliver Jones took off to Tokyo for five years, befriended skateboarding stylists, freelanced, and learned to design men’s clothing that sells. He recently brought his casual line, SLYANDROBBY, home to Baltimore. Oliver’s shop in Mount Vernon, Gentei, which means first edition, sells mostly Japanese imports and has a back alley Harajuku feel. Rare robot toys and futuristic dollhouse furniture stock the shelves along with Nike sneakers done up in 10 kinds of plaid, skateboards, and pop-colorful guy’s clothing by David Sharif, Lowrider, and others. Oliver’s own men’s line is standout—and pretty—consisting of muted fabrics, patterned button-down shirts with a vintage feel, and long, long shorts. Everything in the store is one of a kind. He says he hears about a limited item he likes, he grabs it—soon it’s gone. 1010 Morton St. Baltimore (410) 244-8961 http://www.shopgentei.com

Vintage goldmine

Twenty-one-year-old Alana Madill is a wunderkind when it comes to clothes buying and vintage hunting—her close friends help her shop online and out of state and she hangs amazing items at Catapult. After high school Alana put in four years as a sales assistant at the Shine Collective. She recently teamed up with Jason Urick at Once/Twice Sound. The two divide the Charles Street shop with his records and her clothes, old and new. A vintage cream sundress with diamond cutouts and soft gold threading sells for $90. Colorful used purses are tagged under $50. Alana buys Wooden Mustache, Kinked, Ecoganik, and other fun labels, whatever catches her well-trained eye. Summer hit: The Wooden Mustache flocked linen pleated skirt goes for $130. 519 N. Charles St. Baltimore (410) 244-7373

“Model” notepaper

Dear Kate, Vera, and Jonathan: Just a quick note is to say thanks for putting your inspired design sense into unique lines of stationery. It’s not always easy to find unusual writing paper and invitations, and you’re just the artistic types to fix that. —PD

Vera Wang—queen of the bridal game—creates wedding invitations and albums through William Arthur that are very reminiscent of her soft subtle gowns. In coming months, she’ll unveil her first line of personal writing paper. An insider at William Arthur tells us the premiere collection is inspired more by her ready-to-wear clothing—it has more color, more edge. Kate Spade, cutie pie mastermind behind vintage-y pencil cases and leather goods, just signed with Crane to design stationery (shown, right). Hannah at The Pleasure of Your Company calls it whimsical. Look for paper that doubles as a charming calling card with quotes at the top of the page, owner’s name printed at bottom. Jonathan Adler’s ultra graphic line consists of boxed notes, stationery, and photo albums. Think squares, circles—geometry. Hannah says, “It really looks like it’s designed by a man.” Green Spring Station, 2300 Joppa Rd. Lutherville (410) 821-6369

Boh, Oh, boh

Whether you’re brand-new in town or Baltimore-born, if you call yourself a proud Baltimorean, you need to boast Mr. Boh. Natty Boh Gear, a new store and online business based in Fells Point, is your link to all things, well, Boh. And by that we mean tank tops and T-shirts with the round guy’s mustachioed face imprinted, National Bohemian beer mugs with his mug, a Boh boat flag, a Natty Boh stress crab for tense games, Boh bottle openers, baseball caps, a beanie, and the list goes on. This is a fun spot for tourists and a funny gift shop for the beer fans in your life. One cute tee features Mr. Boh with a beehive hairdo; it reads, “Welcome to Bohtimore, Hon!” Tees are priced under $20. (Please collect Boh gear responsibly.) 1624 Thames St. Baltimore (410) 296-GEAR http://www.nattybohgear.com