Is there something in the water at Green Spring Station? Their stores keep multiplying. First, children’s shop Wee Chic opened a young adult counterpart, Girlhero. Then women’s boutique Sassanova opened a men’s shop, Nova Man. And now, this October, home goods shop Becket Hitch opened a womenswear clothing store, BH&Co—because, well, of course they did.

“In 2019, we really expanded apparel, and it continued to build on itself,” says Becket Hitch owner Kohli Flick, pictured above. “I was playing around with the idea of splitting up [home and apparel], and when this space became available it just felt like the right time and right place, too.”

The right place, indeed. BH&Co is located right around the corner from Becket Hitch. “I think it’s such a great environment,” said Flick. And yes, the growing synergy among the stores in Green Spring Station made the launch that much more appealing. “The community of supportive, strong female business owners, coupled with fantastic customers, many of whom I call my friends, make it the best place to expand the company.”

Quality, versatility, comfort, and seasonality are at the forefront of BH&Co.

“We’re working with brands that are not really fast fashion—a lot of the lines are produced in the United States and, if not, they’re paying attention to the factories they’re working with and how items are being produced,” said Flick. “That’s kind of where we’ve always been, just expanding on that.”

Just in time for the holiday season, the shop is stocked with fashion finds Flick and her team have been curating since spring of this year. Expect to see more of what you love from Clare V and Adina Reyter, alongside brands like Emerson Fry and Oliphant—a tasteful balance of casual and elegant to take you from day to night, season to season, without the fear of falling off trend.

After nearly a decade of Becket Hitch, for Flick, this feels the same but different—a deep dive into something she’s only dipped her toes into for the last five years: “I’m excited for the growth, a new adventure, and to get everyone’s feedback on the brand I’ve been working on, and hope they love it as much as I do.”

Sure, spending the day at the spa can be a heavenly retreat, but rejuvenation doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank or even leaving your home. After all, why can’t every day be a spa day? By adding just a few tools and treatments to your beauty routine, you can achieve those luxury spa results on your own.

GUA SHA: If you’ve been to any skincare store lately, you likely have noticed this smooth curved gemstone taking over shelves. Gua sha is a traditional Chinese medicine treatment that has made its way into mainstream beauty routines. The use is simple. With gentle up and outward strokes across the facial muscles, you use the edge of the stone to flush the lymphatic system, resulting in de-puffed and calmed skin.
Try: Becket Hitch, 2360 W Joppa Road, Lutherville-Timonium, 410-296-4818.

DRY BRUSH: Nothing says full-body reset like exfoliation. Gentle enough so as not to cause damage but rough enough to clear pores and rough spots of dead skin, sisal fiber brushes and rags are a beauty tool must-have. Not only does dry brushing give your skin a clean slate, but the abrasion is said to trigger a full-body detox through stimulated blood circulation and lymphatic drainage.
Try: Shea Radiance, shearadiance.com.

HAIR SERUM: While hair and scalp serums might not be part of your everyday routine, taking the time to do this deep treatment can be crucial to your hair health. Ingredients such as argan and jojoba oils are excellent at keeping the hair moisturized and sleek; essential oils such as calophyllum have calming and conditioning properties that help maintain a healthy scalp.
Try: SoBotanical, 48 East Cross Street, 410-234-0333.

INCENSE: The first step in recreating a spa-like atmosphere at home is setting the mood. Incense is an aromatherapy tool. Made with essential oils, you can select blends that evoke a sense of calm or some- thing more refreshing. Burning incense is quick and easy—perfect to include in your morning or nighttime routine.
Try: Tortuga, 4717-A Harford Road, 410-291-9091.

Clockwise from back left: The Original Handwarmer Mug by Clay in Motion ($25) at 2910 on the Square. Kate Rowe Creations speckled tumbler ($30) at etsy.com/shop/KateRoweCreations. Limatus terra cotta tumbler by Guten Co. ($40) at Tortuga. HONEY+HANK 50-states leopard napkins ($44 for four) and handmade cutting board ($42) at Becket Hitch. Bmore Kind Julia E. Dean mug ($42) at Found Studio Shop. PinkKiss Pottery cactus mug ($48) at Found Studio Shop. Ceramic hedgehog pinch pot ($6.50) at Becket Hitch. Ceramic hand-carved yellow mug ($35) at Kate Rowe Creations. Bumble bee gold spoon ($6.50) at Becket Hitch.

Whether stashing away pillows or disguising plain planter pots, baskets are a stylish and clever solution to storage woes.

With the mandated stay-at-home orders still in place, it looks like Mother’s Day is going to be a little different this year. But that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate your loved ones from afar.

In fact, local shops have come up with thoughtful presents to make contactless gifting easy. We’ve put together a handy gift guide to help you celebrate the important women in your life while supporting local businesses. These shops offer online ordering for delivery or contact-free curbside pickup, making for a seamless transaction while still practicing safe social distancing.

B. Willow

The storefront might be closed, but that hasn’t stopped B.Willow from staying true to its Mother’s Day tradition. Owner Liz Vayda has packaged two options: a seasonal bouquet or tropical potted plant—both of which come with a dried-flower card and a half-dozen rose shortbread cookies from Bramble Baking Co. Curbside pickup is available Monday-Friday from 3 p.m.-6 p.m. and local delivery with a minimum order of $50 is available on Monday, and Wednesday-Friday.

Becket Hitch

We all know these times are stressful, so why not gift mom a calming, self-care package? Becket Hitch’s Old Whaling Bath Co. Kits include body butter, salt scrub, and a bath bomb in an array of scents like coastal calm, magnolia, and “Sea La Vie.” To top it off, add an all-natural sea sponge, candle, or pajama set from their extensive Mother’s Day gift section. Free delivery is available within 10 miles of the Baltimore County shop.

Brightside Boutique

Offering gift packages for the new mom, the young mom, and the best-friend mom, Brightside Boutique has options for ladies in any stage of motherhood. The various boxes include products such as mugs, candles, lotion, and trinket trays. To make the gift even more special, they are offering handwritten notes so you can leave a loving message to your gift recipient. Shipping is free when you spend more than $50.

CF Interiors

The interior design experts of CF Interiors have gone into full mask-making mode so you can give a timely package that includes two adult tailored face masks, a Dog Lover notepad, and a candle. Local delivery is available in the Baltimore-Metropolitan area, as well as curbside pickup. Call 410-583-8086 or email info@cfinteriors.org to place an order.

Hon’s Honey x Wight Tea Company

The “Healing Hive” partnered with Wight Tea Company this year to bring a wellness-inspired gift package for all moms who enjoy their tea time. The package includes locally-sourced, handcrafted honey and tea, a mug, and a tote. Not only will you be making mom happy, but you’ll be supporting a women-run social enterprise that gives at-risk women steady, reliable work and hope for their future.

Trohv

Build your own Mother’s Day gift package with a few of Trohv’s mom-inspired products. From witty cards and trinkets, to a prayer candle dedicated to Saint Exhaustia—the Patron Saint of Tired Moms—Trohv’s gifts are sure to make your mom laugh. If you can’t find what you’re looking for on their online store, send a direct message on Instagram or contact hellobmore@trohvshop.com to place your order.

Take in the outdoors while the sun is still warm and the days are long; it’s the perfect time to unwind with a picnic.

With a history dating back to the late ’70s, Green Spring Station has long been a staple for Baltimore shoppers looking to buy local without having to move their cars. Tucked away on Falls Road, the open-air collection of independent retailers will be embracing some welcome changes this spring with new boutiques, expanded spaces, and structural upgrades.

“It’s been a long evolution,” says Ted Peddy, owner of Green Spring Station. “But we’ve always tried to stay ahead of the curve and keep the shops vibrant, supported, and looking good.”

The station and its owners will remain true to their mission of putting upscale women’s fashion at the forefront with their
latest tenant, contemporary women’s boutique Sassanova, which will open its third location there later this spring.

“We are so excited to have them as a part of our mix here,” says Peddy. “Sassanova offers a great selection of upscale women’s fashion that I think will be very well- received by our customers.”

The new store will be taking over the location of go-to gift favorite Becket Hitch, which in turn will expand into the former Trillium space. In addition to fresh shopping picks, Green Spring Station is also working on a more accessible parking lot, as well as cosmetic updates to the facade of their building.

Make sure to follow Green Spring Station on Instagram for the latest on the renovations and news about spring shopping events.

Let your closet truly blossom this season as we move away from predictable pastels and toward more neutral tones. Combining classic florals with bold snakeskin prints and subtle gold accents, this trend welcomes growth with a new spin on spring fashion.

Ruby Shoo amaris russet shoe ($90) at Ma Petite Shoe. Summer wallet ($12.95) at Doubledutch. Jasmin Precieux hand cream ($17) at Curiosity. Sascha Macrame bucket tote ($56) at Trohv. Floral socks ($17) at Ma Petite Shoe. Lovoda ponytail holder ($8.95) at Doubledutch. Rifle Paper Co. x Corkcicle tumbler ($33) at Becket Hitch. Yochi bee pearl bracelet ($75) at Sassanova. Loup Simone Jean ($150) at Hunting Ground. Astoria snake boots ($90) at South Moon Under. Jangles 3 angles cement planter ($35) at Doubledutch. Rifle Paper Co. recipe box ($38) at Becket Hitch. Rails kate shirt blush butterflies ($198) at Sassanova. Chronicle Books Terrarium ($24.95) at Brightside Boutique. Succulent garden metal catchall ($12) at Su Casa.

1. Multi-color burst earrings ($195) at Sassanova. 

2. Magenta long tassel earrings ($58) at Becket Hitch. 

3. Layered multi-color tassel earrings ($52) at Sassanova. 

4. Rose gold wing earrings ($225) at Sassanova. 

5. Orange ball drop earrings ($18) at Brightside Boutique. 

6. Gold wood block earrings ($14) at Poppy and Stella. 

7. Aztec round beaded earrings ($14) at Poppy and Stella. 

8. Blue round tassel earrings ($18) at Brightside Boutique. 

9. Pink and and grey pom earrings ($18) at Brightside Boutique. 

10. Bright orange fringe earrings ($38) at Becket Hitch. 

11. Jeweled pink tassel earrings ($16.95) at Punch! 

12. Rose gold painted earrings ($74) at Trohv. 

13. Gold tassel earrings ($9.95) at Punch! 

14. Gold circle tassel earrings ($14) at Punch!

Rose gold is the soft, glowing obsession that just won’t go away. From tech gadgets and office supplies to clothing, accessories, and even hair dye, this hue will continue to add warmth to our day-to-day lives for months to come.

Printed and punny mugs have taken over the shelves of our favorite boutiques and gift shops. If these don’t make you want to purge your overcrowded kitchen cabinet, nothing will.

Clockwise from top left: Where the Wild Things Are mug ($9.99) at The Sound Garden. Ban.do BFF mug ($14) at Brightside Boutique. “Too Legit to Quit” coffee mug ($18) at Becket Hitch. Jac Vanek Personally Victimized mug ($19) at Brightside Boutique. Seltzer Goods cacti mug ($16) at Brightside Boutique. “Just Add Coffee” mug ($14) at Brightside Boutique. Rainbow mug ($9.99) at The Sound Garden. Laura Zindel raven mug ($45) at Mud and Metal.

Large sansevieria plant ($33) and large white planter ($25) at Green Fields Nursery & Landscaping. 

Cedar and cotton tiny wicker chair ($8) at B. Willow. Snake plant ($16) at Green Fields Nursery & Landscaping. 

Vermont wood candle cloche ($86) at Becket Hitch. 3 Angles planter ($15) and capitata yellow air plant ($16) at B. Willow. 

Large ($85) and medium ($65) gold candlesticks at Becket Hitch. 

Porcelain tooth ($24) at B. Willow. 

Barrel cactus ($20) at Green Fields Nursery & Landscaping. 

Medium pyrite ($26) and bone-inlayed box ($102) at Trohv. Gold pyramid (set of three/$189) at Nouveau Home and Interior Design. 

White Mason jar ($25) at Becket Hitch. Dumb cane plant ($3) at Green Fields Nursery & Landscaping.

Barrel cactus ($19.95) at Green Fields Nursery & Landscaping. 

Banquet cacti print ($52) at Trohv. 

Vintage bottle covers ($10/each) at Wishbone Reserve. 

Spider plant ($20) at B. Willow. 

Black planter ($10) and small sansevieria plant ($16) at Green Fields Nursery & Landscaping. Station North Tool Library wooden planter ($8/each), harrisii air plant ($5), and punctulata air plant ($8) at B. Willow. Arthur Umanoff midcentury bar ($550) at Wishbone Reserve. 

1. Cider Made Simple book ($19.95) at Su Casa. 2. All-natural beer soap ($7) at Nepenthe Homebrew. 3. “Union” T-shirt ($20) at Union Craft Brewing. 4. Williams Sonoma craft beer barbecue sauce set ($29.95) at Williams Sonoma. 5. Foster & Rye beer tasting field notebook ($7) at Su Casa. 6. Sideshow Press plaid wooden coasters ($14) at Trohv. Counter Couture bison coasters ($13.50) at Trohv. 7. Soberdough brew bread mix ($10) at Su Casa. 8. The Beer Deck playing cards ($17) at Becket Hitch. 9. The Original Retro Brand “Drinking About You” T-shirt ($48) at The Girl Next Door. 10. Max’s Waxhouse Trappist Belgian Ale candle ($15) at Max’s Taphouse. 11. Unpossible Cuts beer mug earrings ($12) at Trohv. 12. Novelty bulldog wall-mounted bottle opener ($16.95) at Williams Sonoma. 13. Liquid Education: Beer book ($14.95) at Trohv.

Animals ecofriendly backpack ($37) at Trohv.

---

WAFF creative journal kit ($30) at Wee Chic.

---

Letters to My Future Self ($14.95) at Becket Hitch.

---

Zoo Lunchie ($14) at GreenBerries.

Original Prankster tank ($15) at Wire and Honey.

---

ban.do Gel Yeah pens ($13) at Becket Hitch.

---

Say Something pouch ($10) at Wee Chic.

---

Mustard Cosmo puzzle eraser ($8) at Wee Chic.

Upgrade your tablescape with personalized marble tiles.

Don’t fret if you don’t have enough seating on hand for all of your guests: Scatter outdoor poufs and lay small rugs for a laid-back lounge area.

1. Izola One For All/All For One pocket knife ($21) at Trohv. 2. Yellow, vintage, made-in-the-USA bandanna ($10) at Hunting Ground. Dyer and Jenkins Shelter Spray ($22) at Trohv. 3. Now Designs Adventure Awaits thermos ($28) at Trohv. 4. Pocket Guide to Animals/Tracks with Andy Diamond ($12.95) at REI. 5. REI Backpacker Weekend first-aid kit ($24.50) at REI. 6. Patagonia Arbor Pack 26L backpack ($99) at REI. 7. Now Designs Adventure Awaits pencil tin ($18) at Becket Hitch. 8. Kind bar ($1.99) at Whole Foods Market. 9. Chronicle Books Thoreau cards ($14.95) at Trohv. 10. Brainstorm Appalachian Trail print ($47) at Trohv. 11. Sunnylife Classic LED lantern ($30) at Becket Hitch. 12. Nikon Nikkormat 35mm camera ($125) at Charlotte Elliott.

If you’re more into the idea of the great outdoors than the buggy, dirty reality, then glamping is for you. We’re talking a staycation that’s easy to set up in the comfort of your own backyard, which means you can keep all your luxurious indulgences at your fingertips. And, just think, while you’re seriously not roughing it, there’s indoor plumbing only steps away. Grab your warmest blankets, grill essentials, and that book you’ve been dying to read, and treat yourself to a five-star camping trip in your own backyard. The best part? Wi-Fi!

Plus! Egan throw ($94) at Curiosity. Nito shaped tray ($79.95) at Williams-Sonoma. Mason jar ($12) at Trohv. Copper charger ($69.95) at Williams-Sonoma. Poofs ($49) at Ten Thousand Villages. Blue rug ($39) at Ten Thousand Villages. Two wire jars ($9.75) at Trohv. GSI outdoors enamelware coffee pot ($24.95) at REI. Striped pillows ($29) at Nouveau. Gray velvet pillows ($45) at Su Casa. Mad Mats outdoor rug ($55-135) at Mud and Metal. Hang Time low table ($65) at REI. Sacred sari throw ($79) at Ten Thousand Villages. Nito beverage-dispenser base ($49.95) at Williams-Sonoma. Gathered square pillow in port ($89) at Arhaus. Barebones forest lantern ($79.95) at REI. Floral arrangements by Crimson & Clover Floral Design.

Though I had absolutely no control over the timing, having a fall baby has provided a fantastic gestational fashion calendar. It was still cold out when I needed to hide my bump in the nascent pregnancy days, and with the help of belly bands, I cruised into the second trimester still wearing my favorite jeans. As soon as we went public with the news and the temperature promised not to go below 75 for a while, I ditched pants entirely and have spent the summer in dresses and skirts.

Initially, I was intimidated by maternity fashion. It’s a drop in the bucket, time-wise, which makes it difficult to figure out how to spend your clothing budget. But it’s also a really important time, during which your body becomes a science experiment and feeling pretty is both impossible and crucial for your mental health—so you’ve got to make something work.

Late in my first trimester, I tried on almost every dress I own, and with very little exception, I realized I’d spent the past few years accidentally padding my wardrobe with bump-friendly options. My clothes were loose and flowy to begin with, or had enough stretch to both accommodate and accentuate my growing midsection. It’s only in the past week or so that I’ve had to retire a few of my favorite non-maternity options, which is incredible considering I’m due next month and I’ve gained every bit of the recommended weight. I highly recommend taking inventory of what you’ve got; I realize not everyone will find that they’ve been walking around for years dressed like a pregnant person, but I promise you’ll see a few of your outfits in a new light.

Once you’ve assessed your closet situation, invest in a few basics. I purchased the “bundle” from Storq, and it has been become integral to my maternity wardrobe. They send leggings, a tank, a short sleeve dress, and a high-waisted skirt and I’ve been able to style each piece with components of my pre-pregnancy wardrobe. The skirt has become my favorite option because somehow, almost every shirt I own still looks good with it. Button downs get tied off above my waistline, flowier tops are a little snug but hang nicely over my bump, and adding a jean or leather jacket to the look makes me feel more like an adult and less like a baby-stuffed parade float.

For shoppers willing to stalk a good deal, Asos is a pregnant lady’s shopping mecca. Their maternity selection is massive and on-trend, and while overall I think they are reasonably-priced, their site-wide sales are worth waiting for. I’m being as patient as possible to for the next sale to see the prices on this sweater, this swing dress, and this coat, which will all carry nicely into my post-birth clothing collection.

For those of you who don’t love online shopping, try your luck at the Free People and Anthropologie sale racks. Their clothes tend toward the looser, more ethereal end of the fashion spectrum, which is perfect for your expanding torso. I snatched up a few flowy dresses (all for under $40) and, now that my bump has lifted the front hems a little too high for bare leg comfort, I’m excited to transition them into fall with tights and boots. Look for dresses that either have an empire waist or no waist (like a shift dress) or go a size up and purchase something formfitting but with a forgiving spandex-to-regular-fabric ratio.

Pregnancy has also taught me to embrace accessorizing. I spent seven years at an all-girls, Catholic school that adhered to a strict uniform code, and the experience left me wary of sparkly self-expression. (On my first day of college, I remember waiting for the professor to give detention to the girl next to me wearing huge hoop earrings and chewing gum.) Pregnancy has released those fears, however, and now I am super appreciative of the mileage a good necklace can give a simple dress or pair of jeans. Accessories have the added bonus of being just as effective and useful during pregnancy as after, so I deeply encourage using that rationalization while you’re shopping. Try Becket Hitch for clutches, South Moon Under for bold necklaces, and ForRent for comfortable but cool lady sneakers.

And finally, don’t be afraid to borrow. Pregnant people and new moms have so much stuff, and giving second lives to clothes and outgrown baby items is a relief. Take lunch over to your fashionable mom friend and let her reminisce about her pregnancy while you raid her closet. It’ll be good for your wallet and her new mama soul.

From left to right: Klean Kanteen aqua water bottle ($17.99) at City Sports; S’well gold water bottle ($35) at Becket Hitch; Ello pink silicone water bottle ($14.99) at Target; Under Armour Elevate Tritan flip-top water bottle ($16.99) at City Sports; Pure Focus
water bottle ($28) at Lululemon.

—Photography by David Colwell

1. Chocomize bar ($5.99) at Graul’s Market.
2. Sweeteeth bar ($10) at Becket Hitch.
3. Zoe’s Chocolate Co. bar ($6.99) at Graul’s Market.
4. Divine Chocolate bar ($4) at Ten Thousand Villages.
5. Droga Chocolates Money on Honey caramels ($19/box of 9) at Trohv.
6. Mast Brothers bar ($10) at Becket Hitch.
7. Seattle Chocolates Total Toffee bar ($3.69) at Ma Petite Shoe.
8. Dear Coco Chesapeake bar ($10.49) at Ma Petite Shoe.
9. Great Bean Bliss bar ($9.99) at Ma Petite Shoe.
10. Sweeteeth bar ($7) at Becket Hitch.
11. Green & Black’s bar ($4.79) at Graul’s Market.
12. Mast Brothers bar ($10) at Becket Hitch.
13. Divine Chocolate bar ($4) at Ten Thousand Villages.
14. Equal Exchange Chocolates Panama bar ($4.50) at Ten Thousand Villages.
15. and 16. Jcoco bars ($7.99/each) at Ma Petite Shoe.
17. Zoe’s Chocolate Co. bar ($6.99) at Graul’s Market.
18. Droga Chocolates Money on Honey caramels ($19/box of 9) at Trohv.
19. Fruition bar ($11.99) at Ma Petite Shoe.
20. and 21. Majani bars ($8.50-$9.50/each) at Curiosity.

Showing up with a bottle of wine is never a bad idea, but if you’re looking to say “thank you” to your host or hostess for the wonderful evening with a gift that will last past the night, here are a few ideas.

The 35-year-old Green Spring Station seems to be aging quite well, thank you, embracing new ideas and stores, like Wee Chic’s recent move/expansion and the introduction of trendy gift and home store Becket Hitch. 

“While we continue to service a mature market, we also are actively inviting a younger person to the Station,” says Tom Peddy, co-owner of Foxleigh Enterprises, the family-run development entity that manages Green Spring Station. “The new stores we are adding are specifically targeting a younger, fashion-conscious market.” 

Kohli Flick, owner of Becket Hitch, which opened in April, says that the Station has always been on her radar. “When I was looking for retail space, I wanted an established shopping center, a sense of community. It’s an exciting time to be here,” she says. 

The Station rarely has openings for new stores, so when it happens, Peddy looks for “youthful enthusiasm with experience,” and saw that in Flick. “Many of our stores are [run by] first-time owners, but they all came to us with a vision,” he says. “Kohli Flick had been a buyer for a successful store [Hampden’s Trohv], and it was her turn for ownership.”

“The Peddys have been big supporters from the beginning, and when this space came up, they were really encouraging,” says Bridget Stickline, owner of Wee Chic. “We are really excited about the move—we’re trying to do something that no one else is doing.” 

Stickline explains that the larger space will allow for more clothing, as well as the introduction of kids’ furniture, a “candy bar,” and “The Room,” which holds parenting-themed events and classes. “This is a lot of change at once for Green Spring,” Stickline says, “but it’s all very positive change.”

This handmade Sailing Ship Kite is made from bamboo and nylon in collaboration with Balinese artists. The multifunctional piece can serve as a décor item (like a mobile, hanging from the ceiling) or as an actual kite. (Let the wind lift it away.) Sailing Ship Kite by Haptic Lab ($44-45) at Becket Hitch and The Store, Ltd.