Fiorito

A great new concept in an area in need of a shot of retail. Co-owners of Fiorito, Angela Riemer and Jean Fiorito, make handbags, totes and evening bags, (pictured, $55) according to customer specifications. Choose from a selection of over 20 bag designs and dozens of fabrics. The mother-daughter team do the work on-site and the bags are typically ready in a matter of weeks. The store alone is adorable and worth a visit. 2500 Fait Street, Canton, 410-522-0090

Brasserie Tatin

Marc Dettori and husband and wife team Gayle Brier and Gerard Billebault, owners of the French bakery/café Bonjour, have transformed former French restaurant Jeannier into a sophisticated yet comfy eatery, Brasserie Tatin. Despite its name, Chef Rodolfo Domacasse, formerly of Linwoods, offers brick oven pizzas along with French classics like roasted chicken and duck confit. The kid-friendly menu, grown-up décor, impressive wine list and master pastry chef Billebault’s luscious desserts make it versatile for family outings or a dinner date. Entrees start at $18. 105 West 39th Street, Baltimore, 443-278-9110

Synchronicity

The Pikesville women’s clothing store, Synchronicity, revamped its look in August to focus on dressy clothes and broadened its selection to include tweens and teens. New lines include ABS by Allen Schwartz (the premier knock-off artist of celebrity gowns), Dina Bar-El and Elie Tahari (shown at right) among others. Committed to making every woman feel beautiful, owner Karen Mazer carries girls’size 7 to women’s size 26W. Daughters will love styles by Betsey Johnson, English Roses by Madonna and Jessica McClintock. Mothers will love Mazer’s conservative approach: “I won’t put any girls in a dress I wouldn’t let my own daughter wear.” Evening bags and jewelry from Lulu Guinness, Mary Frances and Michal Negrin also stand out. Hooks Village, 25 Hooks Lane, Pikesville, 410-486-8866

Bijoux

Former Heirloom Jewels manager Renee Wilson put this new store, Bijoux, in the gatehouse formerly occupied by Dahne and Weinstein at Green Spring Station. A lover of antique and estate jewelry, she features spectacular pieces she finds from across the country. She also employs jeweler and platinum specialist Richard Hoff to design custom pieces. Renee will not carry jewelry lines, preferring to hand-pick special pieces like a faux gold and pearl vintage Mish necklace and the gold shoe cuff links by Lauren Schott, shown at left, $575. 10749 Falls Road, Lutherville, 410-823-5545

Bosom Buddy Bags

Handbag designers Karin Chriss and Andrea Stieff have been taking their wares on the road since they started their business in 2003. Now they’re settling down for the holidays with regular hours and private parties at their Falls Road workshop, where they have added gifts and holiday decorations to the selection as well. They’ll be open from November 25th through Dec.23, Wednesday through Saturday, 10-5. Other times they will host private two-hour shopping parties. Sip cocktails or tea with 10 or more any evening, Sunday afternoons or Monday and Tuesday, all day. 6247 Falls Road, Suite P, 410-823-3669

Water Water Everywhere

Michael Kors dives into swimwear with a resort line debuting at Water, Water Everywhere, Towson, December 2. The line, its signature suit shown below, for $158, includes pieces from both Michael by Michael Kors and the higher-end Michael Kors Collection. The designer has paid special attention to fit, stealing inspiration from the women’s undergarment industry, somehow achieving comfortable wearability as well. New York and Palm Beach fired Kors’ imagination—lines reflect the glamour girl poolside icon and the preppy beachcomber style. A few suits hit stores now; spring arrival is expected mid-March. Towson Town Center, 825 Dulaney Valley Road, Towson, 410-821-9287