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Ali knows best
Do entrepreneurial lovebirds, Ali Schuch and Nick Johnson, have secret plans to own all downtown shop-scape one day soon? That would actually be okay with us. They open imaginative shops full of awesome merchandise we’ve never seen before. Driftwood, an eclectic boutique celebrating music, art and fashion, is Ali’s fourth shop—in happy company with the Corduroy Button and the Fells Point Surf Company’s two branches. (Nick owns The Big Iguana, Su Casa, PAD and Dudley + Max.) Ali commits to her complex vision for Driftwood, stocking laidback urban clothing for girls and guys, books, soaps, and cool accessories, like Initium sunglasses, a rock star must. She carries Free People for women—the zip-up jacket embroidered in wild birds is swell ($128)—Local Celebrity T-shirts, with captions like, “I’m cool like the other side of the pillow,” Ezekiel, Ambiguous, and 7 Diamonds button-down shirts for him, and Hudson jeans (Naomi Campbell’s favorite—$150-220), as well as denim by Obey and RVCA ($90-100). Men’s shirts come embroidered in birds, too, so everybody’s equal. Marvy cardigans are on the way for Christmas. Plus, check it: Ali likes to hang local art in the sunny waterfront shop. 1500 Thames St., 410.276.3030
Tee-hee t-shirts
Swear you’re over the ironic T-shirt craze? Stop by Aparadox, Tom Doxanas’s small wonderland of hilarious shirts for a total refresher course sure to make you chuckle. Tom and his hyper-creative staff, including artist Ryn Dorsey, design and create knockout messages on cotton. Half of their shirts poke good-natured fun at B’more. “I put the sex in Essex” might be our favorite, but the “Dundalk” T with a lifelike sketch of a water treatment plant is a close second—oh, wait, “Baltimore, the city that reeds,” is inspiring, too. Tom, a former record company/movie industry employ, also buys Free People, E.C. Star, Stop Staring, a line of 40s-inspired, curve-enhancing dresses in bold colors ($125), and Nick and Mo—perfect for Christmas, the Nick and Mo distressed tweed blazer is menswear patchwork tailored saucy for her ($74.95). The men’s selection is small but hip—Brown Sound stitches a handsome tweed coat with arty attitude ($159.95). T-shirts are $15-18. 508 1/2 York Road, 410.682.6820
Please come…to my paper store
Invite yourself inside Rachelle Harper’s perfect little paper shop and invitation design firm. Her impressive work samples make us want to throw a bash just so we can have Rachelle design the gorgeous invitations. The Hampden newbie sells an extensive selection of beautiful patterned papers, stampers and embossers, gift bags, tiny boxes (some shaped just like cheesecake), ribbon, buttons, and still more. Buy up supplies and make your own invitations or announcements, if you’re feeling artistic. Another tempting option: Meet with Rachelle or one of her designers for inky groupthink. Your designer will create four samples for you to choose from free of charge. Wedding invitation prices: $750-$1050; baby announcements run $350-$500. Chelle Paperie designs for all occasions at any quantity—no minimum orders. We love their brilliant bridesmaid calendars for friendly b-maid management. Their “imprintables” are smart, too—invitations you can print in two snaps for a party tonight. 851 W. 36th St., 410.366.6333
Miracles do happen!
This lifesaver of a boutique displays frilly fabrics and dress samples perfect for bridesmaids, the Cotillon, fundraisers and, for girls, holidays and dancing class. Baltimore local Mia Isse—-she attended Dulaney Valley High and Loyola College—-opened the one-stop shop in September, and we’re so glad she did. She sells adorable dresses that can be bought off the rack as well—and don’t forget snazzy shoes, jewelry, and handbags—plus gifts and lingerie. Garnish is a godsend for time-crunched party participants. Another perk: Any of the dress silhouettes seen hanging can be customized in terms of length and trim. Dress price points: $200-$400. Mia also carries a small selection of bridal gowns—she favors alternative gowns for second weddings and destination weddings (all priced under $1,000). Hey, she can even hook you up with invitations! 5724 Falls Road, Baltimore, MD 21209, 410.464.0601