I headed over to Fells Point this morning to check out the newly expanded Corduroy Button. They moved across the street to the old Big Iguana space at 1625 Thames Street. And much like my husband predicted—see my May 18th entry—they have expanded their clothing lines and added furniture. (I HEART the gray Oeuf crib.) There is also talk of adding strollers too. There are great Bity Baby onesies that say witty things like Whino, Sloppy Kisser, and I’m With the Band. Other great onesie lines: lollybean, Jasper Hearts Wren, and Manny + Simon. The store also has Muu and Spot on Square. Plus, old favorites Skip Hop and Hooter Hiders. �

So, here’s how is went down according to AVAM’s Pete Hilsee: 

The American Visionary Art Museum tribute windows at Bergdorf Goodman (Fifth Avenue and 58th Street) came about as collaboration between AVAM Board Chairman Chris Byrne and Bergdorf CEO Jim Gold. Longtime friends, Byrne suggested AVAM as a possible feature for the exclusive retailer. Unfamiliar with the museum’s unique mission and the raw creativity embodied by its collection, the Bergdorf design team made a trip to AVAM in fall of ‘08. After touring the campus and seeing selections from AVAM’s permanent collection, the team was enthralled and the project grew from in-store display to a mega-installation in the award-winning 5th Avenue windows. Bergdorf’s renowned window design team curated selections from AVAM’s collection and produced 11 windows along 5th Avenue and 58th Street juxtaposing high fashion with visionary art. AVAM’s own extremely fashionable “Fifi” the Pink Poodle was provided a glamorous, special place within the 1st floor Luxury Goods department.

Artwork includes AVAM’s outsized sculpture of Baltimore’s own “Divine” by Andrew Logan; Untitled works (the cocoon-like yarn sculptures) by Judith Scott; a mega-installation of the bottle-cap sculptures by museum-favorite, Mr. Imagination (who was in attendance at the June 26 debut and presented BG CEO Jim Gold with a bottle-cap staff); whirligigs by Vollis Simpson (creator of the 55 foot-tall whirligig outside of AVAM’s main entrance); the giant chess pieces by Lyle Estill; sequined taxidermy heads-on-bikes by Baltimore City school kids created as part of our Kinetic Sculpture Race; and a baby version of “Fifi” the pink poodle, by our Director of Design, Theresa Segreti.

The installation runs through July 20th. All photos courtesy of AVAM.

A Q&A with Babe A Boutique owner Lisa Ponzoli, 30.

When did you open the store?October 2007.

How did you end up in Federal Hill?A friend lived here and I knew there was a lack of shopping in this area. With so many professional girls here I saw a need.

How did you get into the business and what were you doing before you opened Babe? [Fashion] is just the only thing that I like. I’ve been sewing since high school. (Lisa previously worked as a buyer’s assistant for Nordstrom.)

Who is your typical client? 28 year-old professional women.

What are people’s reactions to your shop? There have been good reactions. The prices are good and there’s nothing over $200. I have very loyal clientele and they know there’s always new stuff.

Who has given you the most inspiration since opening the shop? My customers are my inspiration. The customer is the priority. I don’t buy for myself I buy for them. I always keep it fresh in here.

What has been one of the toughest challenges as a shop owner? Promoting [Babe] to new people, and advertising is so expensive.

What are some of the lines you carry? BCBGeneration is a solid line at a moderate price point and no one really carries it. (Around $100). Hudson is the best-selling denim line and Rich & Skinny is a proven performer. Taxi CDC is recycled wear and all one of a kind, it’s a fun line.

What is unique about your store?The price points and I get new merchandise so often. I pride myself on service and styling help. If you need something we’re going to find it.

—Michelle Menner

The old Dangerously Delicious shop in Canton (finally) has a new tenant. Baltimore Contained is a place for urban gardeners who are creating green space on a balcony, deck or courtyard. There are lots of great services (like garden coaching!), plus products and tips. It’s true, city gardening is like nothing else. Even getting the hose out of the shed (or wherever) can be tedious. We also have to worry about the dogs, the drunks, and the occasional haphazardly thrown garbage can. I’ve given up on my roof deck but would like to plant something in my backyard that might make it to July … I’ll have to stop by. —JED

So, each year J SHOES teams up with Maryland Institute College of Art’s fiber department students for a “half pair collaboration.” Students selected five half pairs (single sample shoes) to develop a piece that related to the recession. Students were instructed to use only the materials found on the shoes themselves and adhering products (thread, glue, etc.) Awards were given out for most creative, most transformed, and most inspirational. Here are two of my favorites. —JED

Walked around Fells Point on Saturday checking out some new shops, some old favorites, and some froyo. (Still trying to decide on a pair of flats—with a giant buckle—from Poppy & Stella.) Ran into Alison Schuch at Big Iguana where everything was 50% off. They are reinventing the space … but she was mum on the concept. My guesses/hopes were a card store or a book store—two things that are sorely lacking in SE Baltimore—but she said neither were correct. My husband think it’s going to be a baby furniture/accessories store—which would be a nice sister store for baby boutique Corduroy Button. I think the space is to small. Any other guesses? —JED

Home & Garden Television is looking for recently renovated great rooms (within the past three years) to feature on Bang For Your Buck. Each episode tours three remodels at similar price points with a real estate expert and design expert who offer honest assessments as to the impact on the home’s value. So, if you’re willing to learn the bad (or good) news on cable television—send photos to: Brooke Schledewitz @ bschledewitz@highnoonentertainment.com. And let me know if you are selected. —JED

Just got word that Karen Graveline’s Home on the Harbor shop will be featured on the Style Network’s Clean House. The episode airs next Wednesday (May 27th) at 9 PM. The show features host Niecy Nash helping families declutter. However, this is a very special episode: “Clean House: Search for the Messiest Home in the Country” and features the Baltimore Buechlers, who according to the web site: “have been married for six months, but Jiffy will not move in until Jim and his kids clean up their act. Is there any way Niecy & Co. can help these lovebirds build a nest together at last?” I guess we’ll all have to tune in.

I’m looking for some new throw pillows to freshen up my (black) couch. They need to withstand a toddler who will jump on them/throw them on the floor/build a fort with them. I spotted these at Crate & Barrel this week. They don’t really go with my color scheme …but are they play space chic? Any other suggestions?

Hard to believe Whimsy | Reason is a year old! One of our favorite his and her boutiques has already become a destination spot in Federal Hill and has wowed us with some really great pieces (and amazing customer service) this year. Owner Jennifer Solomon asked me to pass along this invitation …