Lately, it seems like every day is Casual Friday. Which gave Angela Tandy, owner and founder of Sassanova boutique, an idea: to create Nova Man, the menswear equivalent of her trendy shop.

“With an increasingly casual business model becoming more of the status quo, we felt like the male consumer was primed and deserving of a stylish yet relaxed wardrobe to take him from work mode to weekend without missing a beat,” Tandy says. The new store will join Sassanova’s Green Spring Station location and officially open its doors on June 1.

Styling women in the latest trends since 2003, Sassanova boutique, which also has shops in Harbor East and Bethesda, has made itself a go-to for all things elevated and chic. It managed to survive, even thrive during the COVID-19 pandemic, but not all stores were so lucky—several closed their doors. But when one door closes, another opens. For Sassanova, a vacancy in Green Spring Station was the perfect space and the right time to try something new. “[Green Spring] attracts customers from all over Baltimore County and Baltimore City; it’s a unicorn of retail space,” says Tandy.

So who is the Nova Man? If Sassanova is the woman who does it all, you can bet that Nova Man is right there next to her. “He’s juggling it all, work, family, travel, kids, and all the wonderful and chaotic layers of our modern life,” says Tandy. “The concept and inspiration behind Nova Man is to fill a void for casual, modern menswear that is more representative of how men today want to dress.”

The store itself emits an air of sophistication and industrial cool, with a dash of that panache we know and love from the other Sassanova boutiques. Rich navy-blue walls and custom-fit shelves made of live edge wood complement the leather belts and soft-tailored sport coats that steadily rotate from both established labels and up-and-coming brands such as Brax, AG, Mizzen+Main, and Scott Barber. Stylish men of Baltimore, your time has come!

As shops around the city remain closed, many have struggled to sustain business in the interim, causing them to shift their models. Some have created full-fledged online stores, while others have developed curbside delivery options. And the shoppers? Well, chances are you’re one of them. We all miss our regular hangouts, getting brunch with friends, and maybe checking the latest inventory at our favorite shops on the way home.

Among the creative solutions that local boutiques have come up with are care packages. (Or self-care packages depending on who you’re shopping for.) Whether ordering a box of hair supplies or a basket of home décor treasures, here are a few options to support Baltimore’s small shops while keeping calm at home.

For The Pick-Me-Up

A sweet mix of stuck-at-home goodies, the “limelight” package from Hunting Ground is a box packed with all of your self-care needs. They’re free to ship and the contents bundle price of $88 comes to 20 percent-off retail costs.

For The Hair Care Refresh

Just because your salon is closed, doesn’t mean you have to forgo regular upkeep. Thanks to Ash & Oak salon, hair care kits are being made to help you keep your locks at bay in the meantime. Smaller kits range from $56-$75, while larger “quarantine kits” have been offered for limited times.

For The Manicure Mayhem

The horrors of broken nails, chipped gel, and overgrown manicured polish are no joke. If you’re missing your manicurist, fear not—Melly Mani is delivering gel/dip removal kits. You’ll receive a box of all the necessary tools, as well as some polish to maintain your nails from home.

For The Distraction

Isolating at home gets old. To keep yourself occupied, or cheer yourself up, check out the “quarantine kit” items at Brightside Boutique. Various items include home organization, greeting cards, and cocktail mixes. Whatever you’re needing to get you through these lonely times, they’ve got you covered.

For The Local Supporter

Show some love to Baltimore makers with the help of The Codex Club. Stock up on candles by Knit Soy Metal or refresh your home with some handmade wood pieces by Jon’s Design Company. If you’re interested in building your own kit, just reach out to the shop through social media.

For The Ones You Miss

Canton gift shop Best Day Ever is offering an assortment of items for all the special people in your life. Send a friend a birthday care package, or one to your child’s favorite teacher. They’re simple gestures to tell those you miss that you’re thinking of them.

Step aside, diamonds! Sparkling blue and dazzling purple gems are sweeping jewelry stands across the nation. Rough-cut and bright, geode jewels are all the rage.

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.

Attn: Ladies of Baltimore County. You will be soon getting a new very stylish neighbor. Women’s contemporary boutique Sassanova will be joining the already impressive list of local retailers at Green Spring Station this spring.

The store, which will be taking over the current Becket Hitch space (not to worry, Becket Hitch will be moving into the old Trillium location) is set to begin its buildout in March. Owner Angela Tandy has been working diligently with local architect Dawn Sangley of Spry Design to create the perfect space for her customers.

“We’ve done lots of pop-up shops in the county and were always asked when we would open a store here,” says Tandy. “I am just so excited to be at Green Spring Station and to be surrounded by all of these other amazing independent local retailers.”

Tandy bought Sassanova from its previous owners in 2015, and since has added more apparel and accessories to the vast shoe selection, for which the store was known. This will be the store’s third location, with other stores in Harbor East and Bethesda, and will carry all of your favorite styles from brands like Shoshanna, Trina Turk, Frame, and Amanda Uprichard.

Follow Sassanova on Instagram for more info on the store opening.

You may have noticed a lot of zoo-inspired prints at your favorite shops this season. It seems we’ve said goodbye to the ever-popular floral prints and opted instead for bold animal prints in natural—and not so natural—colorways. From leopard to snake, there are many ways to incorporate this statement-making trend into your wardrobe.

Row 1: “Less Monday More Coffee” mug ($15) at Brightside Boutique. Violet and Brooks hair clips ($16) at Punch!. Desperately Seeking Bowie ($16.95) at Trohv. Voluspa Persimmon and Copal candle ($28) at South Moon Under. Voluspa rose petal ice cream candle ($13) at Anthropologie. Studio Oh! animal water bottle ($35) at Su Casa.

Row two: Lavender Stardust Face Body Hair roll on shimmer ($10) at South Moon Under. Thacker Le Pouch suede blush crossbody ($138) at Sassanova. Slant Collections “Hot stuff” lunch taker ($16.95) at Punch!. “Girlgang” straw ($10) at Punch!. Votive Holder ($17) at Poppy and Stella. Rosé All Day baseball hat ($28) at Brightside Boutique.

Row three: “You are Magic” card ($5) at Poppy and Stella. Toucan shot glass ($6.50) at Punch!. Illume candle ($28) at Su Casa. Quay Australia x Desi Perkins sunglasses ($65) at Brightside Boutique. Fringe Necklace ($16.95) at Punch!.

Row four: Corso Como suede flats ($119) at Poppy and Stella. Mignonne Gavigan flamingo earrings ($325) at Sassanova. Austin Apothecary illuminating body oil ($18) at Doubledutch Boutique. Three Potato Four change holder ($6.50) at Trohv.

If you’ve started to notice hints of yellow lining the walls and shelves of your favorite stores, you’re not crazy, it’s full-on happening.

This bright and cheery color, which fashion blog Man Repeller dubbed “Gen-Z Yellow” is the new hue filling the closets of the young, hip, and fashion forward—dethroning the once-popular “Millennial Pink” that we have seen everywhere over the past year.

While this sunny shade can be intimidating to most, the trend extends itself to different shades of yellow, such as canary, gold, and mustard, allowing people of all complexions to embrace it.

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!

Dayna Bolden
@daynabolden

The Store: Poppy and Stella. Her Look: All black is so classic and chic. I love the tailored look of the culotte pants paired with the cardigan style blazer. Trend Watch: Sparkly statement jewelry is definitely my favorite trend for the holidays. It can easily take any outfit up a notch. Style Tip: I always like to wear one element that is unexpected. Either layering a scarf, wearing a fun coat, or adding an accessory.  Think outside of the norm!

Alice Joy Thomas
@alicejoythomas

The Store: Sassanova Her Look: This outfit is both cute and comfortable. The dress is flirty and girly, while the boots make it comfy, casual, and add a little edge. Trend Watch: Bring on the velvet! Velvet is a huge holiday trend and I can’t get enough of it. Even crushed velvet is adorable! Style Tip: Comfort is key. If I am not going to be comfortable then what’s the point? No heels that are too high or jeans that are too tight. If you’re uncomfortable it will show.

Ashley Clayton
@neverbeenso

The Store: Brightside Boutique Her Look: I love pairing trends. I’m a huge fan of jumpsuits, so I paired this black jumpsuit with a lumberjack-style kimono to incorporate holiday flare while keeping it casual. Trend Watch: My favorite holiday trend this year is solid metallic. It says holiday glam, rather than yelling it. Style Tip: Style your look around one piece. This will allow you to keep your focus rather than being all over the place with a ton of different options in mind.

Transitioning between seasons can be tough on your closet, especially when the weather feels like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. We put together some outfit options featuring our favorite fall trends to ease you into autumn.

Weekend Wear
Layer a loose-knit sweater with a bomber jacket. Everyone looks cool in a bomber jacket. Rag & Bone bomber jacket ($650) at Ruth Shaw. Willow & Clay sweater ($84) at South Moon Under. AGOLDE Los Angeles high-rise skinny jeans ($158) at South Moon Under. Kate Spade Devoe Street Tinley bag, ($278) at Handbags in the City. Sam Edelman Leya leather slides ($100) at Sassanova.

SFW (Safe For Work)
Embroidery is huge this fall. We paired it with a textured bag and comfy flats. Tory Burch Sadie rug shoulder bag ($498) at Handbags in the City. Restricted Jazzie flat ($50) at Poppy & Stella. Tanya Taylor Caro embroidered dress ($550) at
Ruth Shaw.

Formal Affair
Midi-length dresses are great year-round. Add a fun accessory and you are ready for a night on the town. Azalea dress ($500) at Ruth Shaw. Patti black leather round-toe stilettos ($98) at Poppy & Stella. Milly Bite Me acrylic clutch multi OS ($295) at Sassanova.

1. Puravida Drift clutch ($30) at Fells Point Surf Co. 2. Jane Austen Classic Novels ($18.95) at Anthropologie. 3. Dolce Vita Coral Stella sandals ($60) at Sassanova. 4. Spitfire Astro polarized sunglasses ($59) at Brightside Boutique. 5. S’well Birchwood water bottle ($35) at Trohv. 6. Olivine Love & Salt spray ($12) at South Moon Under. 7. Hudson Jeans Croxley denim shorts ($99) at South Moon Under. 8. Kate Spade Bolsa Chica polka dot bustier and hipster bikini ($159.50) at South Moon Under. 9. Sun Bum sunscreen lotion ($12) at Fells Point Surf Co.

The Grandstand

When prepping your look for the grandstand, just remember two things: bright colors and big hats. You can’t go wrong with a fun floral print cocktail dress and a nice pair of nude heels. Keep in mind you’ll probably be doing a lot of walking so choose your most comfortable pair. A hat is not a must but it’s a great excuse to wear a not-so-common statement piece. Here’s what we picked:

Milly Chloe V-neck dress ($375) at Sassanova. C.C. Exclusives Spring Derby hat ($65) at Sassanova. Kendra Scott Harlow necklace ($195) at Punch. Michael Kors straw clutch ($195) at Handbags in the City. Loeffler Randall Piper Wheat wedges ($350) at Sassanova.

The Infield

Think cute and comfortable when it comes to dressing for the infield. Try to choose a flat shoes, or if you are leaning toward a heel, go with a wedge—the grass is not a great place for stilettos. Just because you’re not in the grandstand doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with your outfit. A patterned romper or sundress is perfect paired with a crossbody bag for this all-day event. Here is what we picked:

Abbeline patterned romper ($98) at South Moon Under. Spitfire Teddy Boy #2 sunglasses ($39) at Brightside. Street Level crossbody bag ($48) at Brightside. Leaf Scoop Pendant necklace ($16) at Punch. Converse low-tops ($55) at South Moon Under.

It’s time for spring-cleaning, so why not start with your shoe collection? This season is all about style and comfort. From chunky platforms to dainty flats, we’ve gathered the trendiest new styles from some of our favorite local stores.

1. Restricted “Glory” flat ($49.95) at South Moon Under. 2. Eric Michael “Sadie” platform ($132) at Poppy and Stella. 3. Vince Camuto “Tad” in python ($250) at Sassanova. 4. OTBT “Nadia” low platform gladiator ($139.99) at Ma Petite Shoe. 5. Nicole “Maci” wedge sandal ($99.99) at Ma Petite Shoe. 6. Steve Madden “Hilltop” boot in cognac ($99.95) at South Moon Under. 7. Lucky Brand “Emmie” flat ($59) at Poppy and Stella. 8. Dolce Vita “Mazarine” fringe boot ($179) at Poppy and Stella.

Nanette Lepore Mallorca Mosaic halter ($146.50) at South Moon Under.

Huit Sweet Mermaid one-piece ($126) at Bare Necessities.

DKNY neon coral mesh one shoulder one-piece ($104.50) at South Moon Under.

Gideon Oberson black-and-white floral halter one-piece ($174) at Bare Necessities.

Kenneth Cole Reaction aqua printed one-piece ($100) at South Moon Under.

Seafolly black-and-white chevron halter one-piece ($145) at Bare Necessities.

Echo Design beach purple Malibu dot low-back one-piece ($128) at Sassanova.

Aqua green-blue tie-dye one-piece ($39.99) at Target.

Karla Colletto cobalt blue draped-front one-piece ($285) at Bare Necessities.

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

Once upon a time, leather was considered a harsh, difficult look to pull off. (Think skintight leather pants and severe moto jackets.) Now, with endless options, leather has become easy-to-wear, and appropriate for almost any occasion.

“It’s easy to take from day to night,” says Melissa Becker, owner of Alice Jane Boutique. “A good example is a leather tank. For daytime, wear it with a distressed skinny jean and a bootie. And at night, pair it with slacks or a dressier jean and a high heel.”

And if you’re still not brave enough to embrace a full-on leather garment, try something with just a splash of the fabric.

“Leather detailing is huge,” says Angela Tandy, owner of Harbor East’s Sassanova. “You’re seeing leather trim on a skirt or blouse, or leather patches on a sweater.”

The look, which blends edgy with elegant, has even been known to pop up on cocktail dresses.

“That’s the great thing about leather, it can be so versatile,” Tandy continues. “You can wear the DF dress, [above], to a wedding with gorgeous strappy heels for an elegant look or, for a fun night out, pair it with a great knee-high leather boot and black tights for something just as amazing.”

It’s important to note that you can be trendy without breaking the bank, too: Enter the increasingly popular faux or “vegan” leather.

“People can actually afford it, and they like it,” notes Priya Rayadurg, co-owner of Cloud 9 Clothing. “Years ago, it looked kind of cheap and shiny. Now, a lot of people can’t tell what’s vegan and what’s leather.”

We usually think of adding a little bling to our clothing—jackets, shirts, and the like—to provide that finishing wow factor. But this season, make a bold statement with shoes garnished with shiny buckles, studs, and other glitzy embellishments. Loeffler Randall Fenton black-and-gold boot ($490) at Sassanova, 805 Aliceanna St., 410-244-1114.