A World of Good
If there’s anything Savvy loves more than shopping, it’s shopping local. And Waverly’s new Mondo Deco has walls and shelves full of art from Baltimore-based creators: bright watercolor scenes from Rod Cook, otherworldly black-and-white rowhouses from Amanda Burnham and upcycled mosaic pieces from owner Leigh Kramer, among others. Everything that’s not local is sourced from SERV and other fair-trade co-ops. “What we offer is definitely unique for this part of Baltimore,” Kramer says. “We’re part of a new direction for Waverly. Our customers can come in for everything from cool greeting cards and candy to home décor pieces … it’s kind of an experiment.” 3433 Greenmount Ave. 410-914-8343. shopmondodeco.com
Sew Cool
Athleisure is among Savvy’s top favorite trends. After all, what could be better than looking stylish in sweats? Enter Erin Draper, a local fashion designer whose sporty-chic pieces are taking Charm City by storm. At only 26, the aptly named Parsons graduate is particularly impressive, churning out affordable handmade pieces full-time in her Patterson Park studio. Her 48-piece line is a modish take on active wear, focusing on comfort, curved lines and the combination of super-soft fabrics and subtle colors and often featuring eye-catching asymmetry inspired by “an artistic sensibility” (Draper’s also a visual artist). The best part? Her tops, dresses, jackets and leggings are named after Baltimore streets—Savvy’s itching to get her hands on the “Aliceanna,” a silk-and-jersey draped cardigan. Catch her work at local craft festivals or on her website. erindraper.com.
Strike It Rich
Green. Glitter. Thigh-highs. Savvy could hardly believe her eyes when she wandered into Towson Town’s newish Strike, an unassuming storefront with a treasure trove within. Full disclosure: She’s not yet sure if her love is ironic. The selection of thigh-highs alone is enough to trigger an existential crisis—boots range from simple suede to see-through plastic, faux fur to filigree, and they’re just outrageous enough to make a statement. As one walks farther into the store, glitzy mirrored sneakers meet peep-toe pumps, bold caged booties and surprisingly conservative—and ultra-affordable—heels, in just about every color imaginable. Would Savvy sport these shoes outside of the club? She can’t be sure … but they’re the kind of closet candy she just can’t resist. 825 Dulaney Valley Road, Towson. 410-825-2222
Embrace the Cycle
Savvy savors good cardio—and there’s nothing better than a long, luxurious bike ride. So she was thrilled to hear that her favorite Baltimore bike store, Race Pace, is expanding again. The all-purpose cycle shop already has five locations, and spring brings two new spots: Charles Village and Towson. According to a friendly gearhead at the Fed Hill location, the expansion hopes to cater to students in the city and to a new crop of biking babes in suburbia while offer the same mechanical services and merchandise as always. Thank goodness—Savvy’s been salivating over that adorable Old Bay cycling shirt for weeks. 730 Dulaney Valley Road, Charles Village. racepacebicycles.com
