White House Black Market, although now a national chain store, started as a boutique in Baltimore. It only makes sense that they'd have a spot on Harbor East's trendy shopping row. If you're looking for that little black dress for a special occasion, or a white one for that matter, this is the first place where you'd want to stop. White House Black Market has been around since the mid-eighties and as a resident of Harbor East, it maintains its original boutique feel. WHBM sticks to its roots as the premiere stop for chic fashion in hues of either white, ivory, and black, whether its tops and bottoms or jewelry and accessories. Their fashion reps help customers solve style dilemmas, sympathetic to the fact that isn't always as simple as black and white.
Recommended for Harbor East's Best Shopping because: White House Black Market made the list because they keep chic simple in shades of black and white.
Tawanna's expert tip: Whatever you're looking for in a shade of black or white, if it's not in this store, ask the sales associate - they'll more than likely point you in the right direction.
South Moon Under is a fashion forward company that offers an eclectic mix of men's & women's clothing, swimwear, accessories, jewelry and gifts for the home. Their mission is to provide an "ever-evolving, carefully hand picked collection of fashion presented in a fun, comfortable, high-service environment." Their clothing is upscale, consistent with the Harbor East environment as well as other retail shops that share Aliceanna Street with the store, however, the store has a laid back feel. This is one Harbor East clothing store where both fashionistas and more casual shoppers can mingle without either feeling out of place. Walking into this store, you may feel like you're shopping for a trip to the resort.
Recommended for Harbor East's Best Shopping because: This store is one of the more laid back upscale shops in Harbor East but it still maintains its trendy appeal.
Tawanna's expert tip: South Moon Under usually has great sale pieces on its rack if you're looking to save a few dollars.
Urban Chic is owned by a husband and wife duo that understand the needs of the chic and hip Harbor East crowd. This location is their second in the city, offering contemporary clothing for both women and men. Urban Chic is considered a mainstay of the Baltimore fashion community, present at all of the city's top fashion shows, hosting trunk shows, supporting community organizations, and producing a full-scale fashion show/charity benefit for Baltimore's American Visionary Art Museum each Fall. The store has branded itself well, producing an army of loyal followers both obscure and famous. Urban Chic even has a virtual catalog on their FB page with many of their latest fashions.
Recommended for Harbor East's Best Shopping because: The store has their own blog to give customers fashion updates and style tips.
Tawanna's expert tip: Every Thursday in August from 4-8pm is "Happy Hour" where you can save 25% off your purchase while sipping on champagne.
Don't be fooled by the name, Handbags in the City sells more than just women's purses. Between its' four walls you'll also find a complete line of women's merchandise, including clothing, accessories, and of course, handbags. Fashionistas in Harbor East love Handbags in the City and flock to its doors for the latest styles, luxury designs and trendiest pieces. High end lines from designers like Diane von Furstenburg, Michael Kors, Furla, Longchamp and more, fill its shelves. Make no mistake, Handbags in the City isn't for the shopper that's on a budget but sometimes you can find sale item pieces. Special events such as trunk sales and end of the season clear outs are perfect times to buy higher priced items at reduced cost. However, just know that when you step into the store you will be paying for fabulous.
Recommended for Harbor East's Best Shopping because: Handbags in the City sells some of the most beautiful luxury designer pieces in Baltimore.
Tawanna's expert tip: You can check out their latest selection and see some of their sale items on their Facebook page.
Amaryllis not only offers unique handcrafted jewelry but they also sell one of a kind pieces in addition to handcrafted pottery and cuff links for men. The store has been in operation since 1985 and has been a winner of Baltimore's Best, demonstrating that it has both staying power and star power. Their pieces are not only unique but also affordable and made by local, national, and international artists. You'll even find pieces from new artists in its inventory. There's no need to wonder what they have in store, you can satisfy your curiosity by looking online at their Facebook page before you even walk through the door. Some days you may even find something as unique as a live harpist serenading this beautiful retail space.
Recommended for Harbor East's Best Shopping because: Amaryllis offers stunning one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces in addition to their handcrafted inventory.
Tawanna's expert tip: If you sign up for their store mailing list, you'll get 25% off a full price item during the month of your birthday.
Just about everyone knows the J. Crew brand. The Harbor East stores balances out the urban chic vibe you'll find in the fashion scene of the neighborhood by offering more classic go-to pieces for both men and women. Work clothes and casual clothes at J.Crew are both well crafted and affordable, providing and everyday look that fashionistas can enjoy on their day off. Ordinary souls appreciate the simplicity of their timeless deigns whether their pieces are for work or weekend wear. J. Crew carries classic adult and children's clothing in addition to hats, bags, jewelry, shoes, and other accessories.
Recommended for Harbor East's Best Shopping because: Customers can work with a stylist at one of the store's style sessions.
Tawanna's expert tip: The store has style sessions that customers can sign up for where they'll see the upcoming collection.
Anthropolgie is known for its unique global clothing from designers all over the world. Their presence in Harbor East makes sense with the vibe of the neighborhood, fitting in with the urban chic characteristics of Harbor East. Although Anthropologie isn't a boutique store, it feels like one. You'll find clothing, jewelry and accessories here, constantly changing and always staying fresh. Products in Anthropologie are selected not only for their style but also for a focus on design and craftsmanship. It's a store that's exciting enough for fashionistas yet still has much to offer the more laid back shopper looking for subtle accents to their everyday wardrobe.
Recommended for Harbor East's Best Shopping because: Anthropologie offers an eclectic mix of clothing and accessories.
Tawanna's expert tip: The best times to shop to avoid the crowd are weekday before noon, and just after 2pm but before happy hour.
Lululemon is a well-known yoga clothing store for yogis and other serious fitness fans. The store offers technical clothing for yoga, running, and overall working out. Prices in Lululemon are a little higher than what you'll find for workout gear in standard sporting goods stores because of their high quality materials, original and innovative styles, and technical details. You'll find everything from sports bras, to tops, crop pants, headwear, socks, underwear, jackets, to hoodies, skirts, dresses, and more. Men aren't left out of the equation wither. Lululemon also carries jackets, hoodies, shorts, tops, and pants for them, whether they're avid yogis or avid runners. The store also provides information about local yoga classes and other community news relevant to their customers.
Recommended for Harbor East's Best Shopping because: Lululemon Athletica made the list because its a fashion forward athletic wear store just as chic as the regular clothing stores in Harbor East.
Tawanna's expert tip: Head to the back of the store for their "we made too much" and sale items.
Loafers and Laces: It's hard for men to find stores all their own that focuses specifically on their fashion needs but Loafers and Laces solves that problem. This Harbor East retailer specializes in fine mens' shoes and accessories. The store carries hand-made designer shoes from the likes of Martin Dingman, Wolverine Fashion, and Alden of England. Unique to the store is its inventory of designer shoes, all crafted in the United States. A men's specialty store in its own right, Loafers and Laces focuses on the lost art of customer service. Men can also find clothing, cologne, belts, and other accessories, specifically for them.
Recommended for Harbor East's Best Shopping because: Loafers and Laces made the list for their specific attention to men's fashion needs.
Tawanna's expert tip: The store provides free delivery on all special orders and returns.
Sassanova is the go-to place in Harbor East for chic shoes and accessories. A star in its own right, Sassanova has won best of Baltimore for three consecutive years. Fashionistas love the store for its selection of well-known designers like Kate Spade but also for inconspicuous (but still fabulous) designers like Calypso St. Barth. You can also find clothing pieces, bags,jewelry and accessories at Sassanova, making it a potential one-stop shopping experience. If you're not sure what Sassanova has to offer and want to check their inventory out before you stop by, you can always do some window shopping on their Facebook page but if you're in the neighborhood, you might as well stop by to see just how much the store has to offer.
Recommended for Harbor East's Best Shopping because: Sassanova has styles that you won't find at your average shoe store.
Tawanna's expert tip: Sassanova conveniently posts pictures of new arrivals on their Facebook page.