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Photography by Kirsten Beckerman
Morning
Start your day at Market Space with a cup of fresh-brewed coffee at local fave Hard Bean Coffee and Book Sellers. Breathe in the fresh bay air as you let your mind sail away with the boats in the harbor before starting out to explore all the cute stores.
Diva
With a name like Diva, this boutique seems the perfect starting point for your Annapolis spree. The sleek fashion-forward interior, with lots of glass and high ceilings, sets the tone for this first stop. Shoes, bags, lingerie and jewelry accessorize with great clothing lines like Taverniti Jeans, Bensoni (designed by Ben Clyburn, son of Maryland Chief Judge Ben C. Clyburn, and his biz partner Soni Un), Black Hal, Cosabella, Christopher Deane, Robert Graham, Alvin Valley, Mac and Joe. Even the most jaded shopper won’t be able to resist the temptation to give in to her inner diva. 30 Market Space, 410.280.9195
Zachary’s
Before heading to the west end, visit this un-hidden treasure trove of jewelry. After a devastating fire in 2005, the shop has since rebuilt and renovated with sparkling results. The grand selection of baubles and bangles includes classic and innovative jewelry from designers Scott Kay, Memoire, Charriol and many other internationally renowned companies. Fill out your charm bracelet with a sterling silver crab charm designed just for Zachary’s as a memento of your visit that won’t pinch too hard on your wallet. 100 Main Street, 410.266.5555
Take a long leisurely stroll or hop in a cab and head up Main Street to West Street.
Astrid
Chic and hip, this is a great place to pick up a funky little outfit for a casual day with the family or a night out with the girls. The collection of yummy sweaters and pretty blouses from designers like Ella Moss, Rebecca Taylor, BCBG are ideal toppers for the designer assortment of great denim from Seven, Citizen and Jane. 175 West Street, 410.626.9726
Lilac Bijoux
Friends Fern Elliott and Beth Ingham opened this quaint yet hip jewelry store in 2005. Lela Reis, Fern’s mother, designs custom beaded jewelry in the back where the lilac walls are covered with gorgeous beads from which to choose for your own designs. The pair also sell well-priced costume and semi-precious jewelry and have sprinkled in accessories like handbags, Havaianas and more. You’ll have to buy something, or at least come back again. 145 Main Street, 410.263.3309
Paws Pet Boutique
Paws has everything from hand painted cat and dog bowls to life jackets and its own canine “barkery.” The large collection of pet leashes and beds is unmatched. Michele Kownacki, who opened the shop in 1999, also tirelessly fundraises for many different causes at the store. Almost every month she hosts new events like “Canine and Cocktails for a Cause,” or “Yappy Hours.” “Bark and Brunch,” for local pets and their owners, raises money for the local SPCA. 64 State Street, 410.263.8653
Laurance Clothier
Located in an historic 1898 building, Laurence Clothier opened 38 years ago. Owner Larry Vincent set out to create a store “that reflected the truly unique Annapolis way of life, hence our quirky combination of east coast maritime, casual corporate, weekend and outdoor sportswear.” The store has a great selection of needlepoint belts and key rings, as well as other small accessories such as shaving kits, cuff-links and more. With brands like Barbour, Ralph Lauren, Vineyard Vines, Cutter and Buck and Tommy Bahama, there truly is something for everyone. 232 Main Street, 410 263-1175
Noon
Lunch at Lemongrass
Take a break and refuel at this quaint Asian bistro just a few doors down from Astrid. Thai dishes like pad Thai, hot and sour lemongrass soup or spicy duck curry are sure to please. And if the weather’s right, have a seat in the outdoor patio. It’s the perfect pit stop to refuel and restart your shopping engines! 167 West Street, 410.280.0086
Afternoon
After lunch, head back through town to Maryland Avenue, a jackpot of cute boutiques and darling shops just off the circle from the State House.
Sitting Pretty
With a classic, clean style tinged with a bit of whimsy, this shop has everything from jeans and T-shirts to cocktail dresses, designer outerwear and accessories from designers like Elizabeth McKay, Milly, Tory Burch, Andrea Becker, Ellie Tahari and Kate Spade. A framed sign on the wall says it all: “No clothes are ‘to die for.’ Some, however, are worth living for.” 35 Maryland Avenue, 410.725.9313
Madeleine Boutique
Shift your thinking from big to small and step into Madeleine Boutique to get some grand purchases for les petites (infant-12). The darling boutique carries high-end European lines like Lili Gaufrette, Floriane, Petit Bateau, Catimini, Marese and Clayeux, plus all the oh-so-necessary accessories for play, bed, bath and dinner times. You know only the best will do for your little angels—and Madeleine agrees! 50 Maryland Ave. #2, 410.280.1530
Bailey’s
Hardwood floors and worn leather riding boots displayed as art evoke an air of preppy-cum-Ralph Lauren. With designers like Julie Haus, Prairie NY, Sarah Brennan, Dakota Martin, Tag Jeans, J. McLaughlin, Shoshanna and Laundry, the collection at Bailey’s reinterprets the classic preppy wardrobe with a modern edge. 62 Maryland Ave., 410.280.8845
Vie Necessary Luxuries
Dressing your home can be as much fun as dressing yourself, when you know where to shop. And luckily for you, in Annapolis, designer Alex Clymer has created the perfect boutique for home accessorizing. In addition to bigger items like furniture, mirrors and chandeliers, search for perfect accent pieces and decorative adornments to take home. Decadent wares like aromatic candles, sumptuous silk pillows and shell-encrusted frames make luxurious gifts –for someone else or yourself. 86 Maryland Ave., 410.269.6100, 410.263.0992