BREAK THE CYCLE
Sweating is not Savvy’s style, but she knows a fierce physique is key to rock her LBD. What she won’t settle for? Hideous workout clothes. Enter Sassy Cyclist, a Baltimore-based collection of women’s cycling jerseys founded by Becky Redett, 51. “I have a group of friends I ride with, and we realized we weren’t happy with the jerseys that were available to us,” Redett says. “So I decided to create a pattern with all the features we felt were missing.” Among them: softer fabric (as opposed to plain polyester), a more “female-friendly” fit, additional length in the back and a reflective stripe. The prints are pretty, too—Redett got the designs from an artist in New York, though everything is Baltimore-made. sassycyclist.com
CHAINS OF LOVE
Swoon: A brand-new H&M opened at the Francis Scott Key Mall in Frederick in August, and Savvy is pleased as punch to report that the mega-boutique features the affordable and well-designed brand’s men’s, women’s, plus-size, kids’ and infants’ collections—because in a pinch, H&M makes an easy/elegant place for gift shopping for all. And if anyone ever objects to her chain-shopping ways, she’s glad to note that the sustainability-conscious company was named a U.S. EPA Green Power Leadership Award winner last year. Meanwhile, West Elm furniture is brag-worthy as well. In August, they opened a Baltimore location featuring wares from Baltimore makers Dylan Design Co., Forty Third Place, Radica Textiles, Waxing Kara and others. Sweet. H&M, 5500 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick, Md., hm.com/us/ West Elm, 1301 Dock St., westelm.com
FLY GIRL
Savvy never passes up an opportunity to go shopping, even if that means factoring in a few extra hours pre-flight at BWI. Nothing can beat duty-free vodka, of course, but she was delighted to find a few new storefronts during her latest trip to the Airmall. A trip to the newly opened Victoria’s Secret Beauty yielded a sexy little something and a spritz of Coconut Passion—perfect for fending off plane-smell and setting the scene for her impending journey to Jamaica. And while her carry-on was already pretty packed, she did make some room for an irresistible pair of Chinese Laundry pumps from boutique Marshall Rousso, now at a new location. Her last stop? Sock It to You, a novelty sock shop. Needless to say, she walked out empty-handed … though she was a little tempted by the “I Heart My Bichon” mid-calfs. Baltimore-Washington International Airport, airmallusa.com
MILK IT
They say everything old is new again, and though Savvy wouldn’t dream of revealing her age, she’s willing to admit that she’s seen a trend or two come back. Such was the case at Milk & Ice Vintage, a carefully curated boutique on the Avenue in Hampden. Owned by longtime friends Kate Thomas and Angie Gavin, Milk & Ice features an assortment of clothing and housewares right out of an Instagram filter, from 1920s gowns to ‘80s tees and so-called “mom jeans.” Much of the sartorial selection would better befit the 20-something hipster crowd than a woman of a certain age, but there were certainly some fabulous pieces with more universal appeal: gorgeous well-worn leather jackets and quartz costume rings, to name a few. 833 W 36th St., (410) 889-1009, facebook. com/milkandicevintage
