On my way to AIGA Baltimore's Ink & Pixels Student Design Conference this weekend I passed by a store-front with two dress-forms adorned with brightly colored necklaces. Driving around Baltimore I find it rare to see really cool retail spaces so it totally caught my eye. I drove by quickly trying not to be late but made a mental note of the intersection so I could GPS my way back later. And later I did.
Coming from neighborhood browsing I made my way back to the Howard St. and West Monument intersection hoping that this place would be open and open to the public, because at a closer look it appeared to be a studio versus a boutique.
Upon entering the space I learned that this was a weekly pop-up shop created by Melise Johnson, the owner of OAK & ABBEY, which is a Baltimore-based fashion accessory retailer. Every Saturday Melise sets up shop at The Paper Supply Co. (a studio space owned by her photographer husband) selling colorfully unique accessories designed and made by women.
For me it was such a great encounter because as I am making plans to move to Baltimore I am always on the look out for meeting cool and interesting folk.
Meeting Melise, her husband, and beautiful children and chatting about the creative energy bubbling in Baltimore was reassurance that there are indeed stylish things happening in the Charm City. I haven't seen an abundance of boutiques and independent spaces in Bmore (although I'm sure they are there) so seeing this pop-up shop was such a breath of fresh air.
Melise has a good curatorial eye for pieces that are fun, rich with color (as you know I love), textures and materials. I purchased a pair of neon pink earrings that I've already worn three times since Saturday. I will definitely visit again to pick up some bangles or statement necklace.
If you live in the Baltimore area and love fun jewelry be sure to make your way over to Oak & Abbey's "The Saturday Social" every Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm.
The Paper Supply Co
700 N. Howard Street
every Saturday
10 am - 6 pm
