Savvy Shopper

In the past, LOFT has had a challenging time figuring out where it fits in the fashion landscape. The Midge to Ann Taylor’s Barbie, LOFT was first the lower-priced version of AT, then tried becoming Coldwater Creek’s cooler cousin. (Look, we have capris! In a color other than beige!) The latest incarnation should be far more successful: a J. Crew for the slightly older set. Now open next to Trader Joe’s in Festival at Woodholme, LOFT stocks exactly what you’ve come to expect (weekend goodies like tees, shorts, denim and casual dresses) with less of a focus on inexpensive workwear than in years past (good move). Savvy was particularly impressed with the “style closet” concept, where key trend pieces have been pulled together for easy dressing room access, along with mannequins showing off outfit options that are fresh, fun and fashion forward. (Look for Sav in her wheat and vanilla textured tank tucked into yellow shorts with a braided leather belt and blue summer scarf— adorable!) 1809 Reisterstown Road, 410-484-0220

While some like to blame our country’s economic challenges on mortgage-backed securities, Savvy actually thinks Dockers are the culprit: Ever since businesses allowed every day to be Casual Friday, things have just gone to hell in a handbasket. And she’s quite sure Christopher Schafer would agree. London-trained tailor Schafer is creating bespoke suiting for Baltimore’s best athletes, attorneys and bankers. While some people equate custom with spending a lot, Schafer knows that a perfect fit is more important than the priciest fabric. His suits are surprisingly affordable for the amount of detail and thought he puts in. “The first thing I do is sit down with my clients and find out what they want the clothes to do for them. Where are they going to wear them? What do they want the clothes to say? That all plays into the final design.” Christopher Schafer Clothier also does shirts, ties and a women’s collection as well. Sav, who is constantly tortured by her shirttails coming out every time she moves, can’t wait for her first perfect white blouse. She wants it to say, “I will actually stay tucked in for once…” 1400 Aliceanna St. (by appointment only), 410-404-5131

Three of Savvy’s favorite things? Shoes, candy and anything Patrick Sutton tells her to put in her living room. First came word that Fells Point fave Poppy and Stella (728 S. Broadway) has expanded to make room for even more flirty flats, wonderful wedges and stylish sandals, plus inexpensive jewelry, cute clutches and even darling diaper bags. Also now expanding to bigger quarters is Best of Luck, which has moved a couple of blocks away, next to Phillips Seafood at the Power Plant (601 E. Pratt St.). The new location will stock even more sweet treats as well as offer frozen yogurt and coffees (plus more space for the Best of Luck custom birthday parties, for which they’ve quickly become known). Patrick Sutton Home also is moving just a hop, skip and a jump… around the corner to 700 President St. Trust Sav, adding a decorative mirror or investing in new custom seating will make your house feel fabulously fresher. (Until you can persuade your husband to let Patrick redecorate the whole thing.)