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Skincado Expands to Baltimore: One of Washington, DC’s top organic beauty brands has finally made it’s way to Baltimore. Owner Sara D’Amelio began her beauty journey back in 2013 after revolutionizing her beauty routine to include only natural ingredients and training as a holistic esthetician. In 2018, she brought organic beauty to DC with Skincando. This year, she announced her plans to join Baltimore’s beauty scene, exclusively selling her products at Mint & Major.

Brightside Opens New Location: This just in: one of Baltimore’s beloved boutiques is branching out. Brightside Boutique’s humble beginnings as a small shop in Federal Hill is now a nostalgic memory. The boutique then expanded to Fells Point in 2014, Hampden in 2017, Annapolis in 2018, and now, in March 2020, a fifth location will open in the Shaw neighborhood of Washington, D.C. “Shaw is one of the last neighborhoods in D.C. that has a local, neighborhood feel to it,” says Rachel Cooper, Brightside’s director of operations. “It’s home to so many up-and-coming breweries and restaurants with emerging chefs, craft-cocktail bars, and amazing venues like the 9:30 Club and Howard Theatre. We’re really excited to be a part of it.” Stay tuned for more from Brightside Boutique’s own brand Brightside The Label, as well as upcoming events.

EVENTS

Boxing & Beauty Event @ Knockout Fitness: Need an reason to workout and an excuse to splurge on beauty products? This might be the collaboration you’ve been dreaming of. Knockout Fitness is hosting Boxing & Beauty, an event that offers a one-hour workout followed by an afternoon of all things beauty and style. Shop for spring essentials with Arrow Clothing, experience The Loft’s newest Nanofusion treatment, and even try botox from Belcara Health. And if this isn’t enough, there’s also going to be makeup demos and styling from Manty Makeup and Corbin Salon. Perhaps the best part? It’s the day after Valentine’s day—a perfect way to treat yourself.

Self-Care Sundays @ The Loft: One thing we love about The Loft? There’s always something new going on. This time it’s a can’t miss weekend series: Self-Care Sundays. One the first Sunday of every month, customers can indulge in champagne, light bites, and 20 percent-off all skincare services. Though known for her stellar lash and brow treatments, owner Natalie Sams has been a licensed esthetician for more than 15 years and has introduced some of the hottest skincare treatments out there—including hydrafacials, dermaplaning, and nanofusion. If doing more for yourself is among your New Year’s resolutions, this is your chance.

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Bishme Announces Move + Gala: It’s a bittersweet goodbye saying farewell to local designer Bishme Cromartie. After watching his designs lead him to the final four of Project Runway to kicking off his label here in Baltimore, it’s with sadness but even greater excitement that Cromartie has announced his relocation to Los Angeles. “I’ve had the pleasure of constructing a lot of magic while working out of my hometown and my work will forever have a piece of Bmore in it,” Cromartie posted onInstagram. As a last hurrah, fans will have a chance to celebrate the designer and say “Bon Voyage” at The Bč Exhibition Gala on February 8.

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Mint+Major: At long last, online beauty and accessories shop Mint+Major has settled down (temporarily) among several other Baltimore favorites in The Shops at Kenilworth. Owner Melissa Bona announced the big news after an unfortunate turn of events transpired with her planned location in Fells Point. But, boy, are we glad Kenilworth came to the rescue. Bona’s experience in retail buying led her to open her own boutique, stocking on-trend and affordable merchandise from the best of the best in jewelry and beauty. So, if you’re looking for some new fall bling—or desperately need a moisturizing face mask—check out Mint+Major’s new digs. Be sure to save the date: Mint + Major’s Kenilworth launch party on September 12th from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. will celebrate with a signature cocktail and new fall arrivals.

Knockout Fitness Towson: Baltimore County residents, rejoice! Federal Hill’s Knockout Fitness comes to Towson this September. “We noticed there was a lack of specialty gyms in Baltimore County, so we have had our eye on Towson for a while,” co-owner Chris Nissley said in a press release. Specializing in boxing, this studio is also a hub for group fitness classes, boot camp programs, and personal training. After almost seven years in Federal Hill, this seems like a welcome expansion for Baltimore’s fitness community.

Floral Fêtes Green Spring Station: Big news! Owings Mills’ own Victoria Clausen Floral Events has planted roots in Green Spring Station with the opening of its sister shop, Floral Fêtes. Nooked in the corner of the courtyard, the spot features an abundance of elegant floral arrangements scattered about. But, that’s not all this shop is bringing. Expect to find lovely gifts and treasures made by Baltimore artists—the perfect complement to a fresh bouquet.

Match Made: If Hampden’s 36th Street is your shopping destination, it’s likely you’re already aware of Match Made Stores. However, for fashion-lovers outside of the city hub, prepare your wallets. For all things ultra-trendy and fashion-forward, Match Made is a go-to shop and now they’re headed for a new storefront within The Shops at Kenilworth. Join the store for a warm welcome on September 5 from 6-9 p.m., where you can sip drinks, shop new trends, and get a free manicure by MellyMani.

Codex Club: The Shops at Kenilworth isn’t the only growing shopping destination. Remington is a close second—especially now that Codex Club is bringing its one-stop shop to Baltimore. Owner Andrea Chen’s background in graphic design lends her a creative eye for all things stationary and gifting. But, that’s not all Codex Club offers: classic wardrobe pieces such as denim jackets and layered necklaces are aplenty. Stop by the new location on Remington Avenue—the winner of the recent Remington Storefront Challenge—on September 7th from 10 to 11 a.m. to celebrate opening with eats from neighborhood favorites. (Think treats like delicious cupcakes from Charm City Cakes and gourmet ice cream cones from Little Baby’s Ice Cream.)

FALL FASHION EVENTS

9/1: The River Oshun 1st Anniversary
Last year, Oshun Afrique opened her holistic natural salon in Mt. Vernon. Since then, The River Oshun has been a hot spot for styling beautiful locs and natural hair. Gather with the team of stylists as they celebrate their first anniversary with small bites, drinks, and local music by DJ Ducky Dynamo.

9/13: Green Spring Station Fall Fête
New renovations, new stores, and new fall merchandise—what’s not to celebrate? Green Spring Station throws Fall Fête 3 this September. At the annual event you won’t want to miss, enjoy a runway fashion show featuring the latest from the Green Spring boutiques and yummy eats from its restaurants.

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Hello Addie: Goodbyes are never easy. After a year in Federal Hill, Hello Addie announced its closing. Quickly becoming a neighborhood favorite, owner Alex Dekowski had set out on a mission to create a fashion boutique that appealed to all women, and she sure did deliver. But, as all good things must, Hello Addie’s time has come to an end as Dekowski takes her creative spirit to a new adventure.

Punch!: Federal Hill also will also bid farewell to Punch! Boutique this fall. Known for flirty skirts and sparkling jewels, Punch made itself a go-to destination for all things feminine and fun. Luckily, it’s not the complete end for this vibrant shop. Closing their Fed Hill spot just means a new venture in Washington, DC. To make this bitter news a little sweeter, owner Cydney Vigliotti announced that Punch will be returning for pop-up events in Baltimore, and that she is launching her own line of clothing. So, after four years, we’d say it was a good run in Fed Hill—but we’re excited to see what’s next.