Janelle Diamond's picture
October, 1st 2009

From California With Love

mandarin_full.jpg

While it might be difficult to imagine starting a new business venture in the midst of an economic crisis—Gold & Citrus has grown thanks to two entrepreneurs with roots in Baltimore.

The jewelery company is the brainchild of MICA alumni Richard Combs and Sara Rossbach. Based in downtown San Francisco, Rossbach describes their jewelry as "about luxury, fun and versatility. The pieces can be worn with anything from jeans and a t-shirt to a cocktail dress, and some take the concept of versatility even a step further and can be worn in multiple positions."

So why begin a business now, of all times? “Living and working in San Francisco, there is just this entrepreneurial spirit in the air that we have grabbed onto,” explains Combs.

According to Rossbach, it was only a matter of time. “Through high school and college it felt like we were always coming up with new business plans. Everything from screen-printing t-shirts, to buying old lamps and things from thrift stores and refurbishing them."

And what better way to stimulate the economy than investing in it? “Looking back...

3:02 pm Tags: Uncategorized
Janelle Diamond's picture
September, 30th 2009

Junior League of Baltimore's Boutique Warehouse Sale

WHAT: The Junior League of Baltimore will host Baltimore area’s premiere boutiques for the semi-annual Boutique Warehouse Sale in their brand new headquarters located in the heart of the Govans neighborhood. Sales will include end of season merchandise marked down to impress every recessionista. Proceeds are used to fund projects of the Junior League of Baltimore and further our mission. Junior League of Baltimore community programs provide members with opportunities to mentor women at risk, work with elementary schools to increase parental engagement, educate children on nutrition though our annual Kids in the Kitchen event, and bring the Larks choral group to Senior Care Centers, churches and organizations.

WHEN: October 3rd, 10th, and 17th 2009 10 am- 5 pm. Special Preview 8-11 am on October 3rd.

WHERE: Junior League of Baltimore, 5902 York Road Baltimore, MD

12:43 pm Tags: Uncategorized
Janelle Diamond's picture
September, 16th 2009

These Boots Were Made for Walking (by me!)

our_story.jpg

There is a little boot shop called A. M. Kroop and Sons in historic Laurel that is, in my opinion, a hidden gem. At this shop Randy Kroop, the current owner, makes custom leather riding boots and dress shoes by hand. She’s a friend of my family, so she took me on as a quasi-apprentice, and I’ve been working there every Monday in exchange for a pair of boots.

Working at the shop is one of the coolest jobs I’ve ever had (except for interning at Baltimore Magazine, of course.) Every Monday when I go to work I feel like I’m stepping into the early 1900’s. Randy’s grandfather started the business in 1907, and the process he used when he started making shoes is still used today. Many of the machines are also original, and few of them are less than 70 years old. All of the old tools line the shelves and work desks, and the back wall is covered with wooden lasts.

...

11:18 am Tags: Uncategorized
Janelle Diamond's picture
August, 12th 2009

Hello Craft Field Trip

bfwarehouse.jpg

On August 22nd, Hello Craft will be kicking off the first of its Field Trips at Baltimore’s own Biggs and Featherbelle (www.biggsandfeather.com). Hello Craft is a non-profit trade association for indie crafters, says Kimberly Dorn, executive director. For $30/person, Biggs and Featherbelle co-owners Kelly and Kasey Evick will give a tour of their Hampden warehouse and studio, teach the different stages of soap making, and let attendees create their own body scrubs. The sisters will also answer any questions about how to turn a craft interest into a thriving business like their own. “We wanted to create a fun, exciting, and crafty product in the natural care industry,” Kasey says. “All of our ingredients are purposeful, beneficial and therapeutic.” There are two Field Trips sessions available at 10 am and 2 pm. At 6pm, all are invited to Hampden’s 13.5% Wine Bar to talk shop and unwind. Register at hellocraft.com....

4:03 pm Tags: Uncategorized
Janelle Diamond's picture
August, 4th 2009

Rehoboth Beach Shops

beach.jpg I'm just back from a week away (sigh)—spent at Rehoboth Beach with my family. I love Rehoboth because it still feel quaint (despite the Starbucks, Five Guys & Dunkin Donuts) and there is no need to get in your car—everything you could possibly want is right there. The shops get better and better every year—and I was pleasantly surprised to see so many new ones and that some of my old favorites still doing well. If you are heading to Rehoboth at all this summer (or any of the nearby beaches) ... stop by: vintagey Coco & Company, now taking up the old Tempest Fugit space, Bella Luna (probably my favorite shop) and their new green store Treehouse—filled with sustainable luxuries and the great tee line Little Fluffy. Sandwiched between them is the best coffee place in Rehoboth—...

1:26 pm Tags: Uncategorized
Janelle Diamond's picture
July, 22nd 2009

A Q&A with Amaryllis

allie-and-ann-marie-photo.jpg

A Q&A with Amaryllis (612 S. Exeter St., 410-576-7622) owners Ann Marie Fiume and Allison Wolf.

How long has the story been open?

Allie: Amaryllis opened originally at Owings Mills Mall in 1986 by my mom, Saralee. She moved to The Gallery in 1987 when it opened. Ann Marie was her manager and I worked for her part time. We purchased the store from her in the summer of 2000. After 22 years in The Gallery, our lease was up and we moved to Harbor East in February of this year.

What is your trick to being so successful?

Ann Marie: Amaryllis is a household name from locals to tourists. I think if we were just high end or just low end, I don’t know if we would have the mix of people and the mix of customer base. Also, from doing this 13-plus years, you get to know who you are buying for, even though it changes.

Allie: Also, our merchandising, the way people can look. I think our sales approach, which is fun, friendly,...

11:12 am Tags: Uncategorized
Janelle Diamond's picture
July, 20th 2009

Velocipede Bike Project

vbp_template_top_left.gif

I know we've written about them before—but I was reminded this week about Baltimore's community bike shop Velocipede Bike Project. On Thursday (because of all the street closures for Artscape) I ended up walking by the shop on my way to the Charles. (Go see Food, Inc.) It's a collectively run non-profit that collects donated, second-hand, and landfill-bound bikes to help provide transportation for people of low and moderate incomes, encourage healthy lifestyles, and decrease dependence on unsustainable fossil fuels. On Saturday, while wandering around Artscape, we realized one of our stroller tires was very low—and so we knocked on the door on the shop. They very nicely, manually pumped it back up. It's a worthy project, and one worth...

9:16 am Tags: Uncategorized
Janelle Diamond's picture
July, 16th 2009

Fall Fashion Shoot Sneak Peek

Yesterday we shot our fall fashion spread for the September issue of the magazine at Notre Dame Preparatory School. Our model Kathy looked like a cross between Heidi Klum and Amy Adams. I promise our photographer David Colwell's pictures are much better than these (taken by myself and my intern Maddie) ... but it's just a taste ...  and you'll just have to pick up the September issue to see the real deal.

img_8094.JPGimg_8082.JPGimg_8066.JPGimg_8055.JPGimg_8040.JPG

3:01 pm Tags: Uncategorized
Janelle Diamond's picture
July, 8th 2009

Crowns

crown_black.jpgcrown_white.jpg

I'm a huge fan of Ellie Bellie Kids. I've bought the tutus and superhero capes for some friend's kids as gifts. EBK will even monogram the back of the capes—with whatever letter you'd like. I have yet to find a more personalized, original, handmade gift made locally. So, I was thrilled to see they've added to their classic play items. A crown! The five point crown features classic illustrations and is made from cotton twill and has a velcro closure for optimum fitting. This time I think I might get it for my own kids. —JED

3:57 pm Tags: Uncategorized
Janelle Diamond's picture
July, 8th 2009

Summer Picks

My intern picks her four summer must have's:

Bold Colors: I love to stand out in a crowd, and what a better way than bold colors! It is easy to find neon and bright color pieces right now and it adds a fun feel to any outfit.

Linen: One of my favorite things about summer is bringing my linen pants out from the back of my closet. I love the refreshing look of white linen pants and they are a great weight for the hot summer days!

Maxi Length Dresses: I can't live without my long dresses. Not only are they comfortable, but they are so chic! Whether you are running errands or going out on the town Maxi dresses are a must!

Belts: Thick, thin, high-waisted, I love them all! A belt can really help to complete an outfit and are a great way to change the fit of a blousy shirt or dress.

—Toni Paterakis

3:48 pm Tags: Uncategorized