This spring, Annapolis Town Center welcomed Green & Bean Boutique, a slow-luxury shop for all your eco-friendly gifts and home goods. “Intentional” is the word we’d use when describing this curation of products. Ali Mulaga filled her store with brands that resonate with modern design and strong, sustainable integrity, providing that rare blend of products that look and do good.

How Green & Bean was created?
I’ve been making candles out of repurposed bottles and essential oils for the past couple of years and wanted to move away from the market space and into a brick-and-mortar, but I wanted to carry more than just candles. I still wanted to keep that same ethos of sustainability and eco-consciousness, so when I started looking around for products to sell, I was looking for brands that matched those values rather than specific product types. We knew what we wanted to do and what we wanted the space to become, and the opportunity to open in Annapolis came up.

How do you source Green & Bean products?
I have criteria in mind: The items must be beautiful, ethically sourced, and eco-conscious. It doesn’t really matter what the product is; it could be anything from kid’s stuff to hair accessories, a bag to a greeting card, so long as it matches the ethics of what we hold dear. I want to show a more design-driven side to sustainability. I feel like there’s an aesthetic associated with sustainable goods, and if that doesn’t match your personal style, then you might not really care to delve into the eco-friendly world that much. But from what I see and continue to find are sustainably made items that exist for any person of any style. And often, mindful ethics at the forefront can lead to better design.

What are some of your favorite brands you stock?
We have a vegan leather brand, Allégorie, where everything is made with apples and cactuses instead of animal or PVC leather, which is just plastic. They actually don’t do a lot of wholesale, but I reached out and told them what Green & Bean was about and asked if they would want to sell in the store, and they liked what we were doing enough. Leather literally made from plants is just incredible to me. Anchal is another brand. They’re a nonprofit, and all the money they make goes into financial, educational, and health benefits for the women who work for them in India. The textile goods they make are so beautiful. You can’t tell from looking at their products that they’re driven by sustainability and fair trade like there’s more substance the more you examine it. It’s nice to be able to tell people more about where the things they’re purchasing came from and show how good of an impact these brands can make.

What’s the story behind the name?
Gwyneth Paltrow said that names with a double letter always do better: GOOP is literally just her initials with a double “O” in the middle. I really just like green and everyone associates sustainability with green, right? My friend and I were saying names out loud, and Green & Bean sounded cute, fit the formula, and—green beans, it felt catchy and familiar enough.

We talk a lot about “core” strength, but rarely do we consider our pelvis part of that core. Dr. Samantha DuFlo, PT, DPT, PRPC, is here to set the record straight. The owner and founder of Indigo Physiotherapy, DuFlo’s practice is all about bringing patients closer to whole-body health from the focus of—you guessed it—your pelvis. We asked DuFlo to give us a pelvic floor crash course.

What is the pelvic floor?
I often refer to it as the pelvic diaphragm; it’s not static, like we would think of a floor being. It’s a very integrated part of your deep core musculature that consists of three layers of muscles—superficial, middle, and deep—which work very closely with your breath diaphragm under your rib cage to create stability support, this kind of abdominal corset. These muscles are responsible for controlling your sphincters, sexual appreciation, supporting your hip movement, and providing stability and support to the bladder, uterus or prostate, and the rectum.

What is a typical pelvic physical therapy treatment?
At Indigo Physio, appointments are one-on-one with a doctor of physical therapy. We do a subjective question-answering session about different [aspects of your health], from bowel and bladder [health] to nutrition intake, daily habits, and what you do for sex, to look at the big picture. After that, we do an external evaluation. . . . We are very consent-oriented and very trauma-informed. Treatment is different from person to person.

How do we know we have a weak pelvis?
Whether from pregnancy, from disuse, aging, going through hormonal changes, or abdominal surgeries, weakness can cause poor posture, low back pain, sciatic pain, weakened orgasms, constipation, incontinence, and poor performance in athletics.

What are some of the best exercises for pelvic muscles?
For releasing the pelvic floor, I like a relaxed deep squat while doing deep diaphragmatic breathing. One of my favorite strengthening exercises is relaxing and lying on your back or sitting. Inhale and fill your belly with air, then exhale, blowing out your air completely while thinking about drawing your lower abdominals in and your pelvic floor up.

When is it time to see a specialist?
Think about life changes that happen in your pelvis: you start having sex, you’re preparing to have a baby, you’re postpartum, you’re going through perimenopause or menopause—those are big things that we can take a look at and say, well, this is an integral keystone of your body and we should treat it.

WHAT YOU NEED

DEEP BREATHS: Use the breath to help release or strengthen your muscle tension.

CHECK-IN: Work with a pelvic physical therapist for any changes from pregnancy or surgery, or in your digestion.

EDUCATE: Talk with a specialist about how you can maintain care of your pelvic “diaphragm.”

At Bottle of Bread, Morissa Rothman-Pierce has curated a to-die-for collection. While vintage fashion for women and men takes center stage, the shop’s wares are rounded out by a thoughtful selection of handmade items for the home and body.

Whether you’re looking for a showstopping dress for your next event, classic denim for hot summer days, or the finishing pieces to pull it all together, Rothman-Pierce has got you covered.

We were able to catch up with the most stylish woman in Baltimore and talk about her origins, how far she’s come in ten years in business, and the Baltimore Vintage Expo.

What is Bottle of Bread’s origin story?
I started selling vintage when I was 16 years old. My best friend’s mother owned a vintage shop in the ’80s, so when we were kids, we’d play dress up. I’ve just always loved it. I started buying and selling on Etsy in 2008, so it’s been ten years.

I had always wanted to open up a shop, and when I graduated college, I just did it. My first shop was in Fells Point—it was super tiny, but it allowed me to grow. I moved up here to Mt. Vernon in a storefront across the street, and then moved to the current space about two years ago.

What do you love about where you are now?
I’m a freak for natural light, and this space has these two giant bay windows. Plus, I’m on the sunny side of the street, so it’s a double whammy of gorgeous light. The space is a lot larger, and it’s a really cool old building. Tin ceilings, the whole thing.

What’s the best thing about running a small business in Baltimore?
It’s really cool to be a part of a city that is up and coming in a lot of ways. There’s a lot of support, and everything is owned by young people. So many people I know own businesses, nonprofits, venues, everything. It’s empowering to be around a bunch of young people who are doing the damn thing.

What are some of your biggest style inspirations?
I love old Western wear. And I love all the androgynous style of the ’30s and ’40s, like great tailored suits worn by women. Marlene Dietrich and Patti Smith both have that masculine woman sort of style I really love.

How do you source the vintage in your shop?
I handpick everything. I do a lot of house calls, I do in-store buys, and I shop when I travel. I actually just got back from a trip to Memphis, Tennessee, and shopped along the way.

You have such a unique collection of items for the home and body, as well as vintage. What is your criteria like for adding new products to the shop?
My only criteria is that I have to like it. There’s an old school and a new school when it comes to vintage. Old school are those wild spots where you walk in and there’s clothes, ceiling to floor, all time periods and styles.

There are a lot of places around here like that, and as much as I respect that and it’s totally rad, what I do is different. It’s curated. There are plenty of things I know I could sell the heck out of, but I don’t carry them. I’m pretty specific, and I think that that shows in what I have. It’s not for everyone, but I think people enjoy that it’s not a hodgepodge.

How did the Baltimore Vintage Expo come to be?
The Baltimore Vintage Expo is an event I put on along with the women who own Milk & Ice Vintage, Kate and Angie. We felt there was no good, purely vintage show in Baltimore, and the idea behind it was sort of a “by the people, for the people” event. We’ve all done so many shows over the years, and there’s always some issue, like when the organizers aren’t ready for you, or the space is a foot shorter than they told you it would be.

So we decided to put together an event run by the vendors, and it’s been great. Kate and Angie and I all run the show, as well as have our own booths with our stuff for sale. We encourage our vendors to bring the best of the best, so there’s a lot of really amazing stuff. Designer vintage, cool older stuff.

Is there anything new this year to look out for at the Expo?
Last year, we had denim repair by Kristi of Fischer Clothing Company, and she’ll be back this year. You can bring your jeans that are thrashed, and she’ll fix them up on site. We also have the Bushelers of Baltimore, super professional tailors, doing onsite tailoring.

Vintage is so often a one-of-a-kind, amazing piece, but that maybe doesn’t fit so well, so you can get those pieces perfectly fit to you on the spot. Arvay Adams of This Sporting Life will be there as well, doing custom chain stitching. You can come find an amazing vintage piece, get it tailored perfectly to you, and then have it customized. It’s a one-stop shop!

Also, this year we have early bird tickets available for purchase for people who want to get in and shop 9-11 a.m., before it’s open to the public for free.

What trends do you see being big for summer 2018?
The minimalist thing has been really big recently—long, flowy linen and silk dresses. I also see psychedelic ’60s prints coming back, which is great because I love that psychedelic stuff. Denim, always, I mean cutoffs will always be in style. Also patchwork is coming back, especially that really ’60s madras patchwork plaid.

And people will be able to find all those things at the Vintage Expo on May 19?
Heck yeah, they will! Right now, all the vendors are hoarding our best stuff specifically for the Expo, so we are going to be bringing out all the spring and summer trends.

Our top picks:

Since coming together in 2009, Best Coast has frequented our playlists with their dreamy, lo-fi California indie pop melodies and relatable lyrics. Along the way, the band’s songwriter, guitarist, and lead singer Bethany Cosentino has made a name for herself not only musically, but as a sartorial obsession to her fans and beyond for her impeccable style on and off stage.

With a show at the Ottobar on September 12 and a North American tour on the horizon with Paramore, we talk to Cosentino about her personal style, what it’s like to pack for tour, and how she has evolved over the last decade.

How would you describe your day-to-day style?
Functional, sexy, and casual. At any given moment I could nap in my daily outfits, but there’s always a little skin showing.

Packing for a tour seems like a daunting task. How do you go about editing what you bring? 
I used to try and bring enough stuff so that I never had to wear the same outfit onstage twice, but that got way too complicated. I try and bring a bunch of different tops and a few set bottoms. I usually wear the same pair of boots onstage—gold Saint Laurent boots—and then I always bring casual shoes for days off on top of running shoes for when I workout. 

Who is your style icon?
Debbie Harry, Rihanna, Stevie Nicks, Cher in the ’70s.    

Do you have a favorite or least favorite trend that is popular right now?
My current favorites are jumpsuits, high waisted wide-leg pants, athleisure—because I’m lazy sometimes—and pantsuits. My least favorite trends are jeans that have like half the leg cut open intentionally and pom-pom earrings.

When you are on tour and traveling, do you ever get the opportunity to shop? Any favorite stores you’ve discovered?
Portland, Maine is one of my favorite cities we’ve ever played in. I walked around all day and found so many cute vintage shops and an amazing crystal store where I got a great Tarot reading. 

What is your favorite article of clothing and why?
A vintage 1976 Joni Mitchell tour letterman jacket. My mom got it for me off eBay for my birthday about five years ago. It’s so old and incredible. People have offered to buy it off my back, but I could absolutely never part with it. 

How has your style evolved over the last 10 years?
I’ve become more confident and I think my style shows that. I was 20 years old then and my style was so confusing. I look back on photos now and I’m like, ‘What was I thinking?’ My style was like very ’80s, but the bad era of ’80s fashion. 

As a woman in the entertainment industry who deals with unfortunate criticism, what’s your advice for people to stay true to themselves and not care about what others think when it comes to style?
Just remember that your opinion of yourself is the one that truly matters. People will always criticize you—regardless of who you are and what field you’re in. As long as you’re confident and comfortable, that’s what matters. 

After many years in the dark depths of Fashion Past, the bow tie has been resurrected. With more men taking more pride in their appearance and the overall fit of their clothing, the bow tie has reappeared on everyone from traditional fiftysomething businessmen to trendy twentysomething hipsters.

Preppy Plaid
“Plaid Bow Tie” ($59) at Carolina Moon Designs.

Super Stripes
True Forum blue and brown stripes bow tie ($49) at The QG

The Force Awakens
Star Wars: The Force Awakens bow tie ($26) at Dandynamic

Pink Panther
Pink and blue bow tie ($26) at Dandynamic

Coming Up Daisies
Carolina Moon Designs gray bow tie with floral print ($59) at Carolina Moon Designs

Little Dipper
Zodiac constellations bow tie ($26) at Dandynamic

Crab Imperial
Maryland crab bow tie ($26) at Dandynamic

Lime Time
Christopher Schafer green bow tie with pink, blue, and white stripes ($50) at Christopher Schafer Clothier

Orange Crush
Drake’s London hand-made orange bow tie with blue dots ($150) at Samuel Parker Clothier

Puppy Love
Christopher Schafer silver bow tie with dog pattern ($50) at Christopher Schafer Clothier

Pattern-mixing is one of the most intimidating fashion risks we take. Polka dots with animal prints? Stripes with florals? Will this make us look chic or . . . insane? There are many ways to mix your favorite printed pieces. The key is to start simple and go bolder as you gain confidence.

Beginner: Monochromatic print + bold print.
Pair a monochromatic print like a check or a polka dot with a brighter print of your choice. Easiest way to do this is to think of an outfit you’ve worn and take away the solid colored piece and replace it with a printed piece of the same color.

Intermediate: Bold print + bold print with unifying colors.
Pair daring prints that share colors for a bit of an edgier mix. Be sure to match colors first, and not to focus on the actual print itself.

Expert: Monochromatic print + bold print + bold print with unifying colors.
After you have mastered pairing two patterns with unifying colors, try adding in one more monochromatic pattern. Mix prints of different scales so that it is easy to differentiate where one ends and the others begin. And remember, leopard is a neutral.

Bonus Buy: My wife, Becky, and I have lived here for five years. The rooftop deck and outdoor space were big selling points for us.

Back to Basics: We were drawn to a clean and classic style. We favored a handcrafted design and reclaimed materials that will likely stand the test of time—and three young kids.

Lending a Local Hand: Ann Angelella of design firm Ann Lane helped with the layout. She made the space cozy and divided it up into several areas. We gave her a travel theme. For the rooftop interior area, we have red wallpaper with maps on it, which leads out onto the deck area, and we chose red furniture to coordinate with that. Local design restoration company Frenchmen White built the butcher-block table.

World Travelers: The travel theme runs throughout the house. There is a photo wall near the kids’ rooms with memories of our travels through Europe, Colorado, and the Southwest. We also have great views of the harbor from our deck, which reminds us that our adventures begin at our doorstep. As you approach the deck, the world map wallpaper helps to tie it all together.

Green Thumb: Throughout the deck are flowers, raised garden beds, and topiary boxwoods. We also plant vegetables, like peppers, carrots, beans, and onions. It’s like a science fair project for the kids.

Front-Row Seats: We often do family dinners on the deck while we watch the Downtown Sailing Club races. It’s the ideal spot for fireworks, too. They are practically over your head as the barge is directly in front of us in the harbor.

Fashion trends are constantly evolving, but they’re also greatly inspired by the past. We take a look back at some classic style icons to reinvent their effortless looks with items from a few of our favorite local stores.

>> Icon: Blondie
Album: Eat to the Beat ($6.65) at El Suprimo Records.

Have we ever really gotten over the power of a good leather jacket, sunglasses, and a red lip? Blondie’s eternally cool style was ahead of its time and is still very relevant in today’s fashion scene. Time to invest in these edgy essentials, because no closet is complete without them. Blank NYC Private Practice jacket ($98) at Brightside Boutique. Kitti sunglasses ($40) at Blushing Gypsy.

<< Icon: Jimi Hendrix
Album: Miami Pop Festival ($19.99) at The Sound Garden.

It’s been a while since the days of psychedelic prints and Western hats, but this fall, they’re having another fashion moment. Nearly 45 years after his untimely death, Jimi Hendrix’s eclectic style of scarves, pattern mixing, and a few undone buttons is back and better than ever. Walnut 2204 Weekender hat ($229) at Hats in the Belfry. Purple silk paisley pocket square ($50) at Christopher Schafer Clothier.

<< Icon: The Beatles
Album: Beatles for Sale ($17.99) at The Sound Garden.

As classic as they come, The Beatles donned their clean-cut look in perfectly tailored suits and so-called Beatles boots throughout the 1960s. Today, we are still loving trim suits, crisp button-downs, and skinny ties. Frank Leonard white button-down ($155) at Samuel Parker Clothier. Lifetime Alex tie ($32) at Hunting Ground.

Eyes

Covergirl Bombshell Volume by LashBlast Mascara
Why: Volume and intensity come together in this mascara. Side one allows you to volumize, while side two intensifies and seals for an all-day finish. ($8.99) at Target.

Skin

Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream
Why: This lightweight moisturizer is formulated with Fresh’s Super 7 Complex; it defends against wrinkles, improves elasticity, and seals in moisture for that 24/7 glow. ($65) at Sephora.

Lips

Cynthia Rowley Beauty Creamy Lip Stain in Heartthrob
Why: Perfect for everyday wear, this stain from Cynthia Rowley, offered exclusively through Birchbox, is the perfect amount of hue without being sticky. It combines moisture with the ultra-long wear of a stain. ($20) at Birchbox.

Brows

Anastasia Dipbrow
Why: Brows take a lot of maintenance, so that’s why we love this all-in-one product from Anastasia Beverly Hills. This waterproof pomade provides pigment, sculpture, and shading magic all day long. ($18) at Ulta.

Hair

Tresemmé Fresh Start Volumizing Dry Shampoo
Why: Second-day hair has never looked better than with the help of this dry shampoo. Made with mineral clay and citrus, it revives limp hair by removing excess oil and adding volume and texture. ($4.99) at Target.

Bag

LuRu Home Snow Cone Pouch. ($22) In Watermelon Sugar.

Red Prairie Press Baltimore neighborhoods map tee ($32) at Doubledutch Boutique.

---

Maptote makeup tote ($29) at Katwalk Boutique.

---

Elan tie-dye maxi dress ($74) at Brightside Boutique.

Street Level canvas convertible tote ($50.95) at Doubledutch Boutique.

---

Splendid easy tank ($96) at Panache.

---

7 for All Mankind Illusion jean ($189) at Jean Pool.

Splendid poppy sleeveless tank ($86) at Babe. (a Boutique).

---

Tory Burch yellow large tote ($450) at Handbags in the City.

---

Whoop painted beads necklace ($47) at Doubledutch Boutique.

---

Bernardo cobalt moon jelly flip-flop ($68) at The Girl Next Door.

Tory Burch blue mini bucket bag ($495) at Handbags in the City.

---

Yarnz leather lemon clutch ($190) at The Girl Next Door.

---

Splendid cobalt lounge shorts ($78) at Babe. (a Boutique).

---

Jeffrey Campbell red suede rodillo low wedge sandal ($144) at Poppy and Stella.

Perfect for summer, this fun statement romper can be worn day-to-night, and doesn’t need much accessorizing. Don’t be fooled—although striped, the fuller cut is especially flattering for curvier figures. Annie Griffin Blakely romper ($286) at JG Sassy.

---

Dare to be bold in this eclectic summery print. The flowing, looser-fitting kimono cut provides a bit more coverage and gives off a boho vibe. And although it’s perfect for a beach vacation, we can’t imagine anywhere you wouldn’t want to wear this piece. Ella Moss Blossom jumpsuit ($248) at Babe. (a boutique).

This romper is on-trend with the popular chambray look, and makes the (sometimes daunting) denim-on-denim feel easy-to-achieve. The belted waist creates a more structured silhouette. This laid-back look is perfect for a casual summer day, so throw it on over a bathing suit and hit the beach! Free People chambray drapey shortall ($148) at Cloud 9 Clothing.

---

With an asymmetrical skirt in the front and shorts in the back, you’ll be stylish and comfortable in this form-fitting skort romper. Complete the look with a statement necklace and heels for a night out. RD Style fuchsia skort romper ($70) at Babe. (a boutique).

HOME SWEET HOME: The Lenore was the first apartment building my husband, Daniel, and I looked at once we decided to live next to work. It was very different coming from a three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom house with a garage to this space, for sure. This is about one-third of our furniture from our old house in Greektown.

CHAIRISH: The egg chair was the first piece of furniture I bought as an adult. It was my childhood dream to always have one, and that was the one thing that my parents would not get me.

MIX AND MATCH: When we travel, we tend to buy things from markets and look for something authentic and vintage, like textiles from Egypt, and mix in fashion inspirations like the Fendi and Prada pieces.

SNEAKER HEAD: My shoe obsession started in 2006 when I moved to Boston to go to college, and I discovered a store called Bodega. Daniel and I wear the same exact size, so that makes everything super easy. I probably have ten pairs that I’ve designed—I’m going to keep those forever, along with my Jeremy Scott ones.

CUSTOM-MADE: Every time we move, I build a new shoe wall. Being an accountant and finance nerd, I do a whole equation based on how many high tops and low tops I have and how many shelves are needed with the square space of the wall.

ART SMART: We have a Michael Owen LOVE mural piece that was our wedding gift. The rest of the artworks are original pieces as well, from the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Costa Rica, and Boston. A couple of pieces are from art shows we had at the store that I really believed in. I design everything before I sign or buy, so if I know my art won’t fit the way I want it to, I won’t live there. As long as the art fits, you can always get new furniture—because I’ll never get rid of the art.

To help us channel the “I just woke up this way” look (think dewy skin and soft hair), we asked Linthicum-based hair and makeup stylist Audrey Bethards—whose styling has appeared on the pages of
Teen Vogue and on the runway for Louis Vuitton—for advice for the coming season.

What are some casual, quick hair-styling trends?
For this spring-summer season, softness is the key, from beautiful and romantic braids to girly ponytails, high messy buns, and French twists. Keep it simple and carefree.

What’s the next big thing in hair color?
Balayage is a less dramatic, more subtle form of the ombre trend. It requires less lift of color (lightening of the hair), which will create less damage.. It’s a wonderful option for a very modern, soft, and delicate look.

Any tips for natural-looking hair color?
Don’t go more than two shades lighter or darker than your natural color to avoid a drastic change in your appearance and the hassle of retouching new growth. To add dimension, it’s always good to add slightly different tones of the same hair color, like very subtle highlights or low-lights.

How can we achieve great skin for the natural makeup look?
The key to glowing and radiant skin is to cleanse, exfoliate, and hydrate. Skin renews itself constantly, and it is essential to remove any impurities and makeup, then exfoliate the dead skin cells that lie on top of our skin that make it look dull, lifeless, and dry. Moisturizing your skin is extremely important. You will need to clean your skin and use a good moisturizer in the morning and, yes, before you go to sleep. And stay hydrated.

How can we reduce any harmful effects of makeup on the complexion?
In addition to moisturizing, do not apply powder on top of oily skin. Remove excess oil from your skin with blotting sheets before you apply any facial powder. And after washing your face at night, use a facial toner to remove any traces of soap and makeup remover. This will balance the pH of your skin, help activate your blood circulation, and prepare your skin to receive a moisturizer.

---

What You’ll Need

Try these products for glowing skin and hair.

Clarity

Incorporate a facial toner or clarifying shampoo into your routine.

Shine
This season’s styles are soft and wispy, so embrace flyaways.

Cream
Try a wax-based product for foundation, cheeks, and lips.

After the birth of her third child, Lisa Quigley struggled to get back into shape. “The normal routine of jumping on the treadmill or lifting some weights just wasn’t working,” says the runner from Havre de Grace. In search of variety, she tried group fitness and loved it, but found the times inconvenient, the classes often full, and attending too expensive.

That was when she came up with the idea for Real Flexi, a monthly membership plan that allows users to pay a flat rate and reserve space in classes at various gyms around town. “Currently, we offer 250 classes a week at numerous locations in Baltimore and Harford County. By the end of the year I estimate thousands of classes including the beltway areas—like Timonium and Columbia—and Ocean City and Delaware,” she says.

Just a few months after Real Flexi launched in November 2014, ClassPass arrived in Baltimore with a similar membership model. “The boutique fitness space is really blowing up in Baltimore,” says ClassPass CEO and co-founder Payal Kadakia, noting that clients love the convenience and variety of classes.

Both programs do have similar challenges, though: Popular classes can sell out, and some find the monthly fee hefty—$99 for ClassPass and $69 and up for Real Flexi—especially since most people are taking boutique classes in addition to their regular gym membership. Real Flexi addresses that problem by including studios with traditional gym equipment, where you can workout as part of your class allotment.

For studios, the benefits of membership (fuller classes, new clients) outweigh the drawbacks (both companies take a percentage of the cut). By signing on as a ClassPass partner studio, Rick Zambrano, owner of REV Cycle Studio in Locust Point, hopes to gain exposure to a broader audience. “People now want the flexibility of being able to take a variety of classes and enjoy several different types of workouts as opposed to going to the [big] box gym down the street.”

Nothing screams spring more than a charming floral dress in the perfect feminine silhouette that can be worn to your many blooming affairs.

A People United

Sells tribal-influenced products that are handcrafted by women in underdeveloped countries, like Nepal. The store gives back by donating profits to help support schools for children in Nepal.
516 N. Charles St., #100, 410-727-4471

---

Antique Row Stalls

A 10,000-square-foot antique and art gallery, with items including furniture, lighting, and decorative art like paintings and sculptures.
809 N. Howard St., 410-728-6363

---

For Rent Shoes

Offers urban street-wear-inspired pieces, including a large variety of sneakers, hats, casual clothing items, and other accessories for men and women.
515 Cathedral St., 443-873-9928

Gian Marco Menswear

Specializes in men’s European designs from dressy sport coats and classic button-downs to cuff links and bow ties.
517 N. Charles St., #1, 410-347-7974

---

Linden Heights Ave

Combining retail and art, the store sells an eclectic mix of gently used clothing as well as VHS movies and vinyl records.
810 N. Calvert St., 404-428-1942

---

No Pins Framing and Presentation

A professional framing store that also offers artistic restoration and supplies.
10 W. Eager St., Ste. 101, 443-224-3171

Noveau Home and Interior Design

The home-goods store and interior-design firm moved back to its roots in Mt. Vernon in January. It also revamped its image, now fusing modern glamour with reclaimed vintage style.
10 W. Eager St., 410-962-8248

---

Paris West Optical

High-end optical boutique that provides complete eye exams and stylish eyewear.
521 N. Charles St., 410-528-1877

---

reUP Home

Designs furniture and artwork, using recycled and upcycled products, converting trash into treasures.
519 N. Charles St., 443-682-1179

Strongbox

Offers a unique collection of modern and vintage pieces, including abstract art, home décor, and accessories like bow ties and hats.
802 St Paul St., 717-525-3682

---

The Doll House Boutique

Serves as a place for shoppers to score on clothes made by local designers. The store also offers stylists and custom dresses.
525 N. Charles St., 443-874-7900

---

The Zone

Vintage and consignment shop offers an array of clothing and accessories, such as neon wigs and fur coats. This is the go-to store for vintage styles from the ’60s to the ’90s.
813 N. Charles St., 410-539-2817

City Cafe
The perfect place to re-caffeinate or grab lunch between shopping destinations.
1001 Cathedral St., 410-539-4252

Dooby’s
A Baltimore favorite for that midday coffee, grub, or pastry craving.
802 N. Charles St., 410-609-3162

Milk & Honey Market
Offers local farm-to-table items in its full service cafe with a separate organic grocery section.
816 Cathedral St., 410-685-6455

The Bun Shop

A cozy cafe with the best culturally-influenced buns in town.
239 W. Read St., 410-989-2033

The advanced technology of fitness trackers will help boost your healthy lifestyle. We rounded up a few of our favorites (clockwise from top), so you’ll be sure to find your perfect fit(ness).

Garmin Vívofit
Where to Buy: Charm City Run
Price: $129.99
Why we love it: Vívofit follows your progress 24/7, calculating your total sleep hours along with periods of movement and restful sleep. Along with tracking your activity, Vívofit tracks your inactivity with a red bar that appears on the screen after one hour of no movement. Record your heart rate and other personal stats in Garmin Connect, the free online fitness community that syncs with your Vívofit. Also, it comes in a variety of colors and patterns, some designed by Jonathan Adler.

Fitbit Flex
Where to Buy: City Sports
Price: $99.99
Why we Love it: Fitbit Flex wireless fitness wristband tracks daily activity, including steps taken, calories burned, and sleep quality. The flex also syncs stats wirelessly to your smartphone or computer. Use the band of lights on the wristband to set your goals and watch your progress.

Garmin Vívosmart
Where to Buy: Charm City Run
Price: $169.99
Why we Love it: Vívosmart gets its name for a reason. The advanced technology offers iPhone-like benefits. You can use the “Find my Phone” feature and receive text messages, e-mails, and other notifications that appear on the display screen. If your favorite workouts involve water, Vívosmart is water-resistant and tracks your activity for up to 50 meters.

Timex Move x20
Where to Buy: Falls Road Running Store
Price: $99.95
Why we love it: The Move x20 times your workouts and calculates your pace in real-time. It allows you to stay connected to the world without missing a workout by keeping track of calls and texts right on your wrist. The Move x20 syncs to the free Timex app on your smartphone, where you can set and achieve your goals. Use the weather alert feature to check temperature and other conditions. The tracking doesn’t end when your workout does—you can maintain a healthy lifestyle even while you sleep with vibration alerts that gently wake you up after your optimal amount of rest.

1. Alpha Beta sweatpants ($38) at Hunting Ground. 2. Tretorn Gunnar boots ($95) at The QG. 3. Shirt ($40) at Southern Proper. 4. Duke Cannon Supply Co. shampoo and conditioner ($12) and 5. Townsend Bay Soap Company soap ($9.95) both at Sixteen Tons. 6. Herschel Supply Co. dopp kit ($35) at South Moon Under. 7. Penfield Kasson parka ($218) at Hunting Ground. 8. Nixon watch ($95) and 9. Penguin reversible henley ($69.50) both at South Moon Under. 10. Red’s Outfitters sunglasses ($135) at Southern Proper. 11. Attica Jailhouse cap ($40) from Sixteen Tons. 12. Man of the World Collector’s Edition A Nomadic Happening No. 6 ($20) at Samuel Parker Clothier. 13. Bison wallet ($110) at Hunting Ground. 14. Penguin bathing suit ($69) at The QG.

It’s that time of year when everything outside seems to be coming to life again. But what about your closet? Does it still have the winter blues? Easily brighten up your wardrobe by accessorizing with vibrant pops of color paired with textured materials. It’ll give your closet a fun and fresh feel.

1. Wood ring ($88) at Jones and Jones. 2. Charles by Charles David Abacus leather wedges ($150) at The Little Shoebox. 3. Shaw Lux Shaw-London scarf ($148) at Trillium. 4. Kate Spade metallic Markey sandals ($175) at The Little Shoebox. 5. Parcel and Journey beaded cuff bracelet ($70) at Jean Pool. 6. Prada sunglasses ($285) at Handbags in the City. 7. White cork wallet ($78) at The Little Shoebox. 8. Pink wooden block ring ($14) at Poppy and Stella. 9. Natural hat ($55) at Ruth Shaw. 10. Turquoise earrings ($145) at Jones and Jones. 11. Oriley beige and navy paisley perforated ankle booties ($210) at Poppy and Stella. 12. The Birds & the Beads multi-color beaded bracelets with skulls ($45) at Jean Pool.

BALANCING ACT: I love antiques, however I also have an appreciation for modern art and décor. In all of my rooms, the goal has been to find a good balance between the two, and I think we have done this in the dining room as well.

CHANGE IS GOOD: We love hosting dinner for family and friends so we started the room redo with a larger dining room table and went from there.

TIPS FROM THE PROS: Liz [Dickson of Millbrook Circle Interior Design] has been a family friend and has helped me decorate almost every room in the house. She encouraged me to try something new and told me that lightening the walls would make the room feel much larger. We started with wallpapers and found the gray textured paper that I thought was so modern and fun.

A PERFECT PAIRING: The old chandelier and sconces were brass and so obviously were not going to work with décor that was a bit more modern or our new color scheme. We thought chrome looked modern with the gray fabrics and wallpaper, and we liked the contrast of the shiny chrome with the matte of the paper.

SOFT SURROUNDINGS: The table came from Cornerstone Antiques, as did the six Federal-style side chairs. The end chairs are custom upholstered Parsons chairs. I wanted a more substantial chair to anchor the ends of the table and something upholstered to add softness in the room.

SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW: The pewter on the shelves was my grandmother’s—she collected pewter and clocks. The china is very new. I waited until much later in life to buy china and now have something I will like for many years.

When Andrea Martin became pregnant with her son in 2012, the chair at her then-desk job made her back ache.

“I had heard of other pregnant women switching to an exercise ball, so I gave it a try,” says Martin. “Not only did it help keep me comfortable, it was fun to sit on.”

Once banished to the gym, exercise balls are popping up in place of chairs in cubicles, with the promise of a more engaged core.

“Sitting at a desk affects the neck, upper back, and shoulders,” says Dr. Ray Moore of Physical Therapy First in Roland Park.

Over the course of a workday, it’s natural to fall into a “slump” posture, with a rounded back and protracted shoulders. That’s where, according to some experts, the ball comes in.

“It really allows you to choose the position your spine is in while you’re at your desk,” says physical therapist Lizzie Cavanaugh Bellinger of Spine and Sports Rehabilitation Center in Timonium. “Most office chairs choose your spine position for you by supporting you into a very specific posture.”

Although it may not be practical for an entire eight-hour workday due to muscle fatigue, it can be beneficial in shorter periods, says Bellinger.

While the ball and standard chair come out neck-and-neck in clinical studies, users like Martin swear they can feel the difference. “I wouldn’t go back to a traditional desk chair,” she says. “I credit the ball with helping me get my core back in shape after having my son.”

It’s not all hearts and candy. Buying Valentine’s Day gifts can be a minefield. What if the gift is too intimate? What if it’s not intimate enough?

The key, our experts say, is avoiding the generic and making the gift fun and thoughtful. If the relationship is still pretty green, Alli Baldwin, marketing manager of Poppy and Stella in Fells Point, suggests keeping it simple.

“People in new relationships may not know enough detail about sizing to shop for clothing or shoes, so we recommend accessories. Scarves, hats, jewelry, or candles are all great choices that can be personal, but are safe as you’re still getting to know someone,” says Baldwin.

Once you’ve been dating that special someone for a while, add a touch of personalization.

“A thoughtful card and a set of personalized stationery, or a nice frame with a picture of the couple together always makes a great gift,” states Louise Wright, co-owner of Simply Noted in Ruxton.

When it comes to buying a gift for a spouse, let their gifts to you be a guide, says Paul Foreman, owner of Harbor East’s Loafers & Laces.

“Consider the gifts this person has given you in the past—people typically give to others what they actually like,” he notes. “Once you know what types of gifts this person likes, it’s a lot easier to give a more meaningful and creative gift.”

[Above images clockwise, from top left: Gilah Press + Design cards ($5/each) at Simply Noted. Blanket scarf ($38) at Poppy and Stella. Gilah Press + Design cards ($5/each) at Simply Noted. Lisa B. merino-wool-and-cashmere socks ($35) and Bills Khakis lined deerskin driving gloves ($125) at Loafers & Laces. Illume mercury glass candle ($16) and Fossil Sydney zip clutch ($65) at Poppy and Stella.]